Dominican Republic, Goa or Sri Lanka – what to choose. View full version Sri Lanka Dominican Republic which is better

Sri Lanka is recommended to be visited by those people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle, closer to the sea and nature. Sri Lanka is a fairly calm and measured country, whose residents are not in a hurry and enjoy life, including the staff in hotels, except for the top ones - the most prestigious establishments in Sri Lanka.

Mostly, the attractions in Sri Lanka are natural. As for entertainment, here they are mainly of the natural type, for example, diving. Noisy discos until the morning and partying are not popular here, but fishing, picnics in nature or barbecues on the beach are the best options for spending time on this island.

The main disadvantage of Sri Lanka is that the flight to get here is quite long and difficult.

In general, it is not very difficult to determine who might like Sri Lanka. Firstly, this is a person who loves to travel and explore the world. Secondly, this is a person who is interested in history and world culture, or an extreme sports enthusiast who loves diving and surfing.

Sri Lanka is popular for its tea, because Ceylon, where it is grown, supplies most of the world with this drink. There are also some negative sides: long flight and passive night life at resorts, lack of entertainment.

Holidays in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is an exotic land that is famous for its fiery Latin American dances. The Dominican Republic is a magnificent Latin American culture with an interesting way of life, unique architecture and an ancient intriguing history. Almost the entire coast of the Dominican Republic is one continuous beach. Resorts: Playa Bavaro, Playa Dorada or Puerto Plata. Small everywhere White sand, clean warm water and friendly service. The Dominican Republic occupies two-thirds of the island of Haiti and is located in the center of the Caribbean archipelago. The Dominican Republic is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the north and the Caribbean Sea in the south.

Numerous boutiques and souvenir shops offer their services to tourists, where you can purchase various products made of amber, wood, bone, and ceramics. The most popular souvenir here is strong rum. The Dominican Republic has large commercial centers where you can buy clothes, shoes, and light industrial products at affordable prices.

Holidays in the Maldives

Maldives considered one of the best exotic places. There are 1190 small islands, and all of them are famous blue lagoons, sandy beaches and unique vegetation.

A holiday in the Maldives can truly seem like paradise: silence and tranquility, beautiful nature, rich undersea world. The Maldives not only offers beautiful vacation, but also comfortable. Here good hotels And high level service.

Prices in the Maldives are not cheap, so holidays here can often be afforded by representatives of that group of travelers who have a high level of income. A stay on these exotic islands will certainly appeal to both extreme sports enthusiasts and ordinary people.

The Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka and the Maldives are wonderful and truly impressive islands, rich in unique nature and beautiful coastlines.

13.12.2009, 17:47

I'm trying to plan a trail. vacation (in November, damn it). It’s more or less clear about the Dominican Republic.
Tell us more about SHL:091:.
Well anyway... :)

15.12.2009, 00:09

Hello!
I was in Sri Lanka last year, and 2 weeks ago I returned from the Dominican Republic.
I really liked Sri Lanka, but I wouldn’t go there with a child and a pregnant woman. A pregnant woman was on vacation in the Dominican Republic for 16-18 weeks.
Sri Lanka is rich in architecture, you have to go on excursions everywhere, otherwise it’s boring. I didn't see anyone with children. In the Dominican Republic, on the contrary, there is nothing special to see, but the level of service is good. There is everything for kids)!
If you have any questions, write, I will answer, I’ll tell you everything!

15.12.2009, 14:11

I'll wait and listen...

Or can you recommend which hotels are most convenient and interesting for 2-year-old children? and how long is the flight?

Landlord

15.12.2009, 17:10

flew to Sri Lanka Qatar Airways(from Moscow to Doha 4 hours and from Doha to Colombo 4.5 hours), in Sri Lanka there were traffic jams (the distance is measured not in km, but in hours), spicy cuisine and strong humidity. Indian Ocean super + 27 all year round, interesting excursions, funny flying dogs at night

15.12.2009, 21:55

16.12.2009, 00:16

I flew to ShL from St. Petersburg with a transfer in Sharjah (UAE), in the UAE at the airport we waited 8 hours for the flight, which is also extremely inconvenient for traveling with a baby.

I would choose the Dominican Republic. Moreover, there are huge family hotels there for 1500-2000 people, with an average of 800-1000 rooms. There are a lot of things for kids - playgrounds, special highchairs for feeding, nannies, huge children's pools, etc.

Flight to SL - 5-6 hours to Sharjah, 8 hours at the airport, 5-6 hours by local Arab airlines from Sharjah to Colombo.
Flight to the Dominican Republic: St. Petersburg - Punta Cana from 10.30 to 12 hours. But no transfers. It is better to take premium if you are with a child.

What could be better than a vacation in distant and tropical countries on the ocean coast?! I love you very much exotic islands and hot countries. I think it's time to talk about which countries have the most interesting vacation. Interesting?! Then it's all up to me!

Where is the best place to relax: Dominican Republic, Maldives or Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Ceylon Island beautiful. Peak season runs from November to March. But there are many vacationers all year round. Hotels quite modest compared to neighboring Thailand, but beautiful local nature compensates for everything. suitable for a relaxing family vacation. By the way, prices on the island are very affordable. And here, beach holiday I was a little disappointed on the island. The fact is that Indian Ocean, which washed Ceylon often restless. During our two week vacation was posted almost daily"Red flag", saying that Swimming in the ocean is prohibited. Otherwise the island is magnificent.


Maldives

Just hearing the word “Maldives” brings to mind a picture of a beautiful, tropical island. The Maldives archipelago includes many islands, but the most “favorite” among tourists are:


Holidays on these islands perfectfor newlyweds or for couples who are just beginning their romantic relationship. The Maldives has all the conditions to enjoy privacy and tranquility and relax from the bustle of the city, in the company of a loved one. I like more active holidays. Having stepped away from the splendor of the islands and having done a few scuba dives, I got a little bored. The holiday was good, but I won’t go again. I guess I’ve already “outgrown” the age of romance, or I’m not so tired of the rhythm yet big city to appreciate all the beauty of the Maldives.)

Dominican Republic

Beach holiday in the Dominican Republic is beyond praise: the turquoise ocean and snow-white beaches! Atlantic Ocean During our holiday it was quite calm and we were able to swim a lot! All hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis.. But you shouldn’t get bored on the beach or overeat at the buffet, especially since throughout the day the animation team entertains the guests hotel: competitions, quizzes, games for every taste. And in the evening there will be a disco for everyone!



I tried to talk more or less objectively about each country. They are all beautiful in their own way. Well, the decision which one to visit first is up to you!

Holidays by the sea are breaking popularity records. Tourists who have the opportunity to go to warm waters exotic countries They approach the choice of a place to spend their vacation with special trepidation. Such places are considered especially popular among Russians who quickly get tired of cold winters and want to bask in the warm rays of the sun for at least a few days. But how to choose the best place to relax? How to understand the advantages of each exotic country and not make a mistake? Experience, knowledge and our article will help you with this, in which we will try to compare two popular resorts - the Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka, and try to find out which of them will have a bright and fulfilling vacation.

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Getting to the Dominican Republic is cheaper with a package tour than buying air tickets on your own. The tour includes meals, accommodation, insurance and flights. The cost of such an offer from April to September will be 70,000 - 80,000 rubles for two people for 5 days. The inexpensive price of the trip is explained by the rainy season during this period, but they take no more than 20 minutes, which means there is no need to worry about ruining your vacation.

If you decide to build your own route yourself, then it is better to book tickets 40 days before departure, when their cost will decrease by 20%. Direct flights can cost from 35,000 to 70,000 rubles, with a transfer in New York - 23,200 rubles, in London - even cheaper. But catching such tickets is a great success, since these are charter flights and they are fickle. Flight time takes on average 12 hours.

The flight to Sri Lanka depends on the route - either you find a direct flight and arrive in Colombo in 9 hours, or you can stay an additional 3 hours if you fly with a transfer in Dubai. The most expensive and longest flights are offered by Finnish Airlines with two transfers in Helsinki and Bangkok. average price tickets during the peak tourist season (winter) vary between 30,000 rubles. The cheapest flights are observed in spring and summer - 24,711 rubles, in the fall this amount reaches 35,000 rubles.

Best time to relax

IN high season, from November to April, tourists who prefer a beach holiday go to the Dominican Republic. There is almost no precipitation at this time, the comfortable air temperature is 29 degrees, and the water temperature is 25 degrees. During this period there is also a considerable amount local holidays and festivities. From the end of February you can admire the whales, which are in the process of mating.

The low season, from May to September, is accompanied by hurricanes and typhoons; in the sun the thermometer shows 31 degrees, and it rains more often. But the weather on the island is very changeable: if 2 hours ago the winds were raging on the beach and the rain was knocking you off your feet, then after a while there will be no trace of these troubles. You just need to look at the weather forecast and choose favorable days.


Sri Lanka also has two distinct seasons - dry and wet. They come to the island different time: from May to October, monsoons and rains “live” in the southwest of Sri Lanka, and from October to April they move to the northeast. In the south are the most popular resorts where beautiful weather just for a period winter holidays in Russia. From December to February the temperature is no more than 30 degrees. In the summer, the eastern part of the island is great for sightseeing and some more sunbathing. But in October and November, strong winds blow throughout the country, strong waves form, and only surfers will like such a vacation.

Rain season

Showers begin to flood the Dominican Republic in early May and end in September. But during this period the heat is well tolerated - 29 degrees Celsius does not have a debilitating effect on tourists, and the gusty wind creates a pleasant coolness. Short showers occur mainly in the evening and at night, and during the day it is quite possible to catch a few sundial. And only in September there is a risk of spending most of the time in a hotel room, as in November, when people come to the island destructive hurricanes. The remaining months of the rainy season are quite bearable for relaxation and can boast decent discounts on tours. This is a great time for rafting, kayaking and fishing.

Rains come to Sri Lanka in May and October, when the seasons change. It is better to exclude these months for holidays, and travel agencies themselves warn about unpleasant climatic conditions on the island at this time. It rains 4 times a day, swimming is prohibited, as the ocean is very stormy and the coastal lines are flooded. Other months do not have sudden changes in temperature, showers last only 20-30 minutes, and after them the heat and stuffiness subside.

Popular resorts

Each corner of the Dominican Republic is unique and inimitable in its own way. There are several most popular resorts, which tourists choose depending on the purpose of travel. Santo Domingo is notable for its historical sights and cockfights; people go to Boca Chica for active youth recreation. Water sports are developed here, and at night foam parties and discos are held on the coast, bars and casinos open.

Paradise landscapes, palm trees and pearly white sand await you in Punta Cana, La Romana and Saona Island. In the first case, this is a universal holiday for both couples with children and young people hungry for entertainment. La Romana is chosen by newlyweds, and on Fr. Saona contains endangered species of animals and plants. Fishing and underwater dive best developed in the village of Juan Dolio, the architecture and history of this country is revealed in San Pedro de Macoris, and most of the excursion points are concentrated in Puerto Plata.


As we have already found out, tourist season in Sri Lanka on the west and east coasts it takes place at different times. In the west, the following places are distinguished: Negombo, Bentota and Hikkaduwa. Negombo has been compared to Rome due to the many sculptures, ornaments and stained glass windows that adorn the buildings of this city. In addition, there is a nature reserve and clean beaches- This family resort. Buddhist temples, gardens and safaris - this is enough in abundance on Bentota. Hikkaduwa is called the capital of diving with its beautiful reefs, sunken ships and water sports schools.

On east coast is the original Arugam Bay with small two-story hotels and a shallow sea, the developing quiet Hambantota with national parks and fruit plantations, and the deserted Passikuda, where people go for snorkeling, boating, and seaplane flights. But business in the eastern part of Sri Lanka is less developed than in the west: there are few restaurants, shops and amenities, but there is silence and tranquility all around.

Entertainment

The first thing tourists want to do in the Dominican Republic is to plunge into the underwater world Caribbean Sea. The most beautiful reefs and unusual marine animals (manatees) are located off the coast of Puerto Plata, La Romana and the island. Saona. The local inhabitants are so accustomed to people that they are not afraid to eat from their hands. Then in popularity come active species recreation - windsurfing, kitesurfing, rafting. Cabarete has a lot of educational clubs and special equipment.

For rafting, it is recommended to visit Jarabacoa, which is rich in steep rivers with sharp drops and waterfalls. Exotic fish species are hunted near the town of Cotui, where they offer entire tours accompanied by an experienced captain who knows the fishing spots surrounded by hills and slopes. In winter you can watch the migration of whales, in whose company you can even swim. Group excursions are organized for several days. And finally, a journey through caves with rock paintings of ancient ancestors.

Most of Sri Lanka consists of attractions that are under UNESCO protection. If you are interested historical culture Sri Lankans, it is better to start with Colombo, which is full of museums, palaces and temples. Not far from the city of Habarana, in the jungle, there is the majestic Mount Sigiriya with the stone paws of a predator, and in Kandy you can visit the ancient residence of the last kings of Sri Lanka.

People go to Ratnapura for precious stones and products made from them, and Dambulla is home to the largest collection of Buddhist statues. Almost all resorts in Sri Lanka offer tourists diving with underwater grottoes, ships and even predatory inhabitants in their vicinity - reef sharks swim here from time to time, but they are small and safe for humans.

Excursions

The excursion program in the Dominican Republic should begin with the Jaragua National Park ($50). It extends for 1400 km and is divided into 3 zones. No people live here, and its territory is carefully protected, which made it possible to observe nature in its original form: two-meter turtles, colonies of pink flamingos, iguanas and rodents calmly wander between palm groves and red sands. The next point should be colorful city artists in La Romana ($100), which represents the medieval era: limestone houses, narrow cobblestone streets, small churches, craft workshops, shops and restaurants are made in the same style and give a romantic atmosphere to this village.

A whole complex of waterfalls concentrated in one place is located in Jarabacoa - an amazing sight worthy of viewing. And if you have a few extra hours, then it’s better to immediately go on a tour of 27 waterfalls near Punta Cana, where you can also swim ($150). On the Samana Peninsula, you should definitely visit the pirate park in the village ($100), which offers a jeep safari through the jungle in the morning, travel on a ship captured by pirates, and in the evening a visit to a ranch where it offers National cuisine and alcoholic drinks. Each of the above programs takes almost a day and includes several sites to visit.


Dozens of excursions are organized by Sri Lanka: sightseeing, culinary, educational. If you are interested in impenetrable tropical forests, then the best option considered a tour of Sinharai ($80), listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Two-day tour to Kandy ($230) includes visits to the elephant nursery, tea plantation and Royal botanical garden. Or you can purposefully go to the elephants in national park Udawalava ($120) for the whole day. Besides them there are buffalos, deer, leopards, monkeys and other animals. But there are the most elephants here – about 400 individuals.

The Rice and Curry Culinary Tour ($40) introduces you to one of the Sinhalese families who will take you to an exotic food market and then teach you how to cook traditional dishes. An interesting option is offered by the excursion “Climbing Adam’s Peak” ($80) - with one of the most high mountains In Sri Lanka there is a belief about Adam. According to some versions, it was here that he found himself for the first time after being expelled from paradise. The journey will last through the night, and by morning you will see the dawn at the peak of the mountain - a magnificent sight.

Hotels

Popular hotels in the Dominican Republic:

  • Grand Bahia Principe San Juan 5*

Luxurious bungalow hotel on the Rio San Juan coast with pool views and excellent service including a buffet breakfast. In the evenings there are parties on site and there is plenty of entertainment for young people in the area.

Grand Bahia Principe San Juan

Rio San Juan

It features a casino, open pool, terrace

227 reviews

Booked 8 times today

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  • Be Live Collection Marien – All Inclusive 5*

Resort complex on the coast of Playa Dorada with cozy, clean rooms and views of the sea, mountains and garden. Three meals a day are included in the hotel price and offer Brazilian and Mexican cuisine. A variety of leisure activities are offered for adults and children.

Be Live Collection Marien - All Inclusive

San Felipe de Puerto Plata

Located on the first line of Playa Dorada beach

1044 reviews

Booked 11 times today

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  • Playabachata Resort 5*

The resort is located on Maimon Bay and features views of the ocean and palm trees from its rooms. Includes continental breakfast and massage treatments. There is a children's water park nearby.

Playabachata Resort

San Felipe de Puerto Plata

4 km from Ocean World water park

940 reviews

Booked 11 times today

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Cozy hotel in the middle tropical forest for family and romantic holidays, located on the coast of Bayahibe and offering high-quality service, several cuisine options and evening entertainment. Half an hour away is the City of Artists and several national parks.

Be Live Collection Canoa - All Inclusive

It features scenic swimming pools, a garden and a spa.

739 reviews

Booked 8 times today

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This family-run hotel off the coast of Punta Cana overlooks the gardens and sea and offers entertainment programs in the evenings with live music, snorkeling and kayaking.

Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana

Punta Cana

With its own casino and outdoor swimming pool in the form of a natural body of water

289 reviews

Booked 8 times today

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Popular hotels in Sri Lanka:

  • Saman Villas 5*

Quiet hotel in fishing village off the coast of Bentota, surrounded by tropical gardens and coconut plantations, it offers cozy rooms with an outdoor bathroom and international cuisine for breakfast.

Located right on the ocean on the golden sands of Bentota

115 reviews

Booked 6 times today

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  • Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa 5*

A spa complex on the shores of Mirissa with a large selection of wellness treatments. Numerous water activities and whale watching trips are available nearby. View of palm thickets.

Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa

Located next to the beach in South Mirissa area

247 reviews

Booked 6 times today

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  • Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka 5*

Family hotel in Bentota on the seafront with playrooms for children and Mediterranean cuisine. A turtle sanctuary is a 15-minute drive away.

Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka

Features an outdoor pool and fitness center

703 reviews

Booked 6 times today

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  • Thaproban Beach House 4*

Near Unawatuna, close to Lake Koggala, this hotel features ocean views and modern-style rooms with private balconies. There are several attractions in the surrounding area.

Thaproban Beach House

Unawatuna

Features 2 restaurants and ocean view rooms

646 reviews

Booked 7 times today

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In Tangalla, on a secluded wild beach, there is a small and inexpensive cozy hotel with a swimming pool a step away from the sea and rooms with a private terrace. Various types are offered here active rest, bike rental and Asian cuisine.

Ananya Beach Resort

Tangalla

It offers private beach and free bike rental

446 reviews

Booked 9 times today

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Service

The Dominican Republic lives off tourism, so main task This people is organizing recreation at the highest level. You can order groceries free of charge to your home, and in stores they will help you carry large purchases to your car or deliver them directly to your address. Waiters and maids are always friendly, for which it is customary to thank them with a tip of $1-2.

Almost all hotels provide free soft drinks and the use of equipment for aquatic species sports Everywhere there are swimming pools, golf courses, playrooms for children, tennis courts, hairdressers, spas and massage rooms.

Sri Lankans are no less friendly than Dominicans, but the level of service is noticeably worse. You can only get European service in a four-star hotel. Anything below this price category can ruin your vacation: lazy or inexperienced young employees, dirty rooms, old furniture, non-working equipment.

The streets are unsanitary, so prudent tourists do not forget about napkins, water (you can’t drink from the tap) bought in a store, and mosquito repellent. In restaurants, you can ask for food to be made less spicy or even cooked to your liking.

Vacation prices

The cost of a tour to the Dominican Republic directly depends on the time of year: from November to April, a ten-day trip for two people on a direct flight from Moscow on an all-inclusive basis in a three-star hotel will cost 160,000 rubles, in a four-star hotel – 180,000 rubles, in a five-star hotel – 200,000 rubles. Price package tour falls by 40% in September, and by 20% in May, but during New Year's holidays prices increase by 15%.

Choice in favor independent trip will be erroneous, since if you add the amount charged for hotel and food (60,000 rubles) to the average ticket price of 90,000 rubles (round trip), then in the end you will save about 10,000 rubles, but the quality of accommodation and food will be low. This means that it is more profitable to take package tours.

The price of a ten-day tour to Sri Lanka for two people during the holiday period starts from 70,000 rubles. The most expensive trips will be in December, January and April. In April, the price can generally reach 90,000 rubles. And at the end of January the price drops to 50%. The cost of tickets does not exceed 30,000 rubles, and sometimes with a promotion you can buy them for 20,000 rubles in both directions. Therefore, in this case, plan independent holiday makes sense: food and hotel will not take a lot of money, but you can visit several hotels and visit different beaches.

All inclusive or breakfast

You won’t be able to save money on food in the Dominican Republic. Restaurants and cafes offer European cuisine at high prices. It is for this reason that 80% of hotels operate on the “All inclusive” system - this will significantly reduce the cost of the tour, and in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner, the hotel bars serve alcoholic drinks and snacks around the clock. If you don't plan to return for lunch, sandwiches and drinks will be packed for you. Caribbean cuisine is familiar to Russians and there will be no surprises - grilled meat, fish steaks, seafood, vegetable salads and a lot of fruit.

Sri Lanka is a completely different story. Food is served in the form buffet at the time set by the hotel. Asian dishes are very spicy and rich, with curry added to almost every item on the menu. It’s difficult to eat something like this every day, and there aren’t that many hotels offering three meals a day. Groceries are cheap on the island, so you can save several thousand if you only choose breakfast. Usually in the morning they serve bland food - eggs, flatbread, vegetable salad, tea or coffee. And there are plenty of restaurants on the island to suit every taste and budget.

Beaches

Despite the endless variety of beaches in the Dominican Republic, there are several whose positions have been in the ranking of the best for several years. Bavaro - the beach with the most developed infrastructure on its coast. Here you will find everything. Arena Gorda is located, on the contrary, away from hotels and noisy bars, which explains its impeccable cleanliness. Boca Chica is distinguished from others by its crystal clear sea with an emerald tint.

The beach of Saona Island is beautiful and peaceful - there are few people and entertainment here, it will appeal to those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the world. Dorada is an elite-level beach, spacious and calm, offering therapeutic procedures right on the coast. All beaches have international awards confirming the quality of water and sand.

The beaches of Sri Lanka can satisfy the needs of any tourist. Negombo is a colorful place that reflects local life. The morning here begins with fishermen going to the coast to collect their catch, and by 8 o’clock the rest of the people arrive. Would be more suitable as one of the items excursion program. It is better to cross Mount Lavinia off the list - a lot of garbage, not intended for foreigners who are demanding of cleanliness. The ideal service awaits you in Wadduwa - quiet, beautiful and luxurious.

Bentota is literally overflowing with various entertainment and services, a universal beach for everyone. Youth Hikkaduwa is cheerful and exuberant, favorite place for surfers in mind big waves. Unawatuna is beautiful, comfortable, but crowded. Mirissa arranges a romantic atmosphere for the newlyweds at night, bringing tables, candles, snacks and wine to the coast. On each of the beaches they sell Exotic fruits, monitor lizards and herons scurry about, abundant green tropical vegetation.

Vacation with children

They think about little tourists in the Dominican Republic more than in any other resort. 80% of hotels offer, if not free accommodation for them, then decent discounts, as well as playgrounds and small water parks on their territory. When you check into your room, you are offered playpens, high chairs, and a children's menu. With a child, it is most convenient in Punta Cana, since a direct flight from Moscow arrives in this city. To avoid subsequent transfers and tiring flights, most parents stay here.

The best hotels where they can take care of a child are called Resort Allegro Playa Dorada. There are medical centers and a lot of entertainment with animators for children and adults. And if hotel entertainment gets boring, you can go to the Ocean World park. For $70, a ticket includes communication with sea animals, swimming with dolphins, feeding tigers, diving in a tropical aquarium, performances with sharks and birds, and meals in one of the restaurants.

Children in Sri Lanka are treated very kindly, the staff tries to win them over and entertain them. , Riu Sri Lanka and Club Palm Bay Hotel performed better than others in serving couples with children. In the evenings there are exciting shows, and hotel staff and animators always keep an eye on the children.

These hotels are also good because they popular place among Russians, which means the child will have the opportunity to find a playmate who will understand him. Almost every city in Sri Lanka has sanctuaries with turtles, elephants, crocodiles and tigers, whose cubs you can look after.

Shopping

Our compatriots who visited the Dominican Republic complain that shopping here leaves much to be desired. Compared to the general standard of living, prices for goods and products are very high. This country gets food and clothing through imports and this explains their high price, but fruits and vegetables are sold almost for nothing (0.5 $/kg). Chocolate here is not tasty, but cocoa with an unusual flavor is a must-try ($4/250g), as is Caribbean coffee ($10/450g), and, of course, Caribbean rum ($20-40). It is more profitable to buy food and drinks in supermarkets.

Girls usually bring coconut oil ($6 per bottle), natural scrubs ($5 per bottle), creams ($8-10), medicines and ointments for mosquitoes - all this is sold in Carol and MELO pharmacies. Jewelry made from larimar, blue amber, coral, and shark amulets (from $12) can be purchased at Amabr Tres and L'lle Au Tresor. As souvenirs, you can choose cigars ($2 to $10 each), faceless dolls symbolizing tolerance (from $4 each), bright paintings ($15) and carpets ($30). All this is sold cheaply at the large network market “El Mercado Modelo”.

To purchase clothes and accessories, you should go to the markets of Sri Lanka. Silk items, bags and cosmetic bags made using batik technique ($30-60 per item) and leather items (from $20) are very popular among tourists. You can also buy a locally made T-shirt as a gift; they are bright and unusual for our people, and are inexpensive ($5-6). Will be a revelation for shopaholics low prices for clothes from world famous brands such as Hugo Boss, Levis, Calvin Klein, etc. - the slightest defect forces manufacturers to send these items to Sri Lanka at a discount of up to 80%.

Jewelry with sapphires is offered here for much cheaper ($100 per carat). Aloe-based skincare cosmetics, universal and effective medicines for “everything” and oils are sold on every corner. These things can be bought in individual stores and markets, but it is better to go to huge shopping centers, where there are fixed reasonable prices and no deception - “Majestic City”, “Liberty Plaza”, “Laksala Emporium”, “Sri Lanka Gem & Jewelry Exchange”.

Conclusion

If we talk about the best time to relax, then the chances of guessing the “mood of nature” are greater in the case of the Dominican Republic than in Sri Lanka. But then the question becomes about the price of the tour, both independent and packaged. In both cases, the Dominican Republic “loses.” Firstly, it is located further than Sri Lanka, which makes it high prices for a flight, and secondly, the focus on European service has brought this country to a high level, requiring considerable financial costs. Sri Lanka is definitely cheaper. Things are better with the beaches of the Dominican Republic - they are equipped with sun loungers and other amenities, while Sri Lanka does not particularly monitor the equipment of coastal zones.

Despite the fact that Sri Lanka and the Dominican Republic are located in different parts of the planet, many tourists choose a holiday destination between these two countries. Where is it better to relax: in Sri Lanka or in the Dominican Republic? It is not difficult to answer this question, since these countries have practically nothing in common. If you can figure out how you want to spend your holiday, then it will be easy for you to choose between these two countries. After reading this article, the conclusion will suggest itself.

Weather

Sri Lanka offers good conditions for holidays only from December to April, but you can also find good weather in July and August. We are now talking about Western and south coasts islands. Although in the east of Sri Lanka between May and September it is good weather However, this area of ​​the island is not yet as popular as the west and south.
The Dominican Republic has good weather all year round, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is slightly cooler here in winter than in summer. Secondly, the country experiences hurricane season from June to November, peaking in August and September. This does not mean that there will definitely be a hurricane, but there is still a possibility of such an event. But, I repeat, you can vacation in the Dominican Republic in any month of the year.

Tours

Most tourists going on holiday to the Dominican Republic get to this country by direct charter flights, which are offered by several airlines. Despite the fact that we are talking about charters, the cost of air tickets for them is quite high (after all, the Dominican Republic is located much further from Russia than Sri Lanka). In addition, there are no very cheap hotels in the Dominican Republic (or rather, they exist, but Russian tour operators do not offer tours to such hotels). All this leads to the fact that tours to the Dominican Republic are generally more expensive than tours to Sri Lanka. However, it is worth mentioning that in the Dominican Republic, even in the cheapest hotel you will have an all-inclusive food concept. This means you don't have to spend money on food.
It is worth adding that a flight from Moscow or St. Petersburg to the Dominican Republic takes about 12 hours (11 hours for a return flight).
Tourists travel to Sri Lanka mainly by connecting flights. The total flight duration from Moscow is on average 9.5 hours, but when flying from other cities it can be a little less or a little longer.

Hotels

In the Dominican Republic, almost all hotels operate exclusively on an all-inclusive basis. In Sri Lanka, many hotels offer this concept, but it is usually not the only food concept, but one of several. This may lead to some minor inconveniences (for example, having to constantly sign for checks). In addition, such hotels do not always have animation and some other entertainment that is available in almost any hotel in the Dominican Republic. Another difference is that any all inclusive hotel in the Dominican Republic has private beach with sun loungers, whereas in Sri Lanka you will not see sun loungers on the beach near the hotel. So the Dominican Republic is definitely best place for fans of all-inclusive hotels.
There are many budget hotels in Sri Lanka offering breakfast only and breakfast and dinner meal plans. Although such hotels are very boring to relax in, they can serve as a good base for excursions. If you are not one of those people who like to relax on hotel grounds, but want to visit different places and see something new, these hotels are perfect for you. At least you won't overpay for an all-inclusive you don't need.

Excursions

In this regard, the Dominican Republic loses greatly to Sri Lanka, no matter what anyone says. No matter how much I love the Dominican Republic, I admit that in this country there are practically no attractions that can be compared in scale to the attractions of Sri Lanka. Yes, there is Saona Island, Mount Redonda, El Limon waterfall, breathtaking caves... But still, this is not Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Adam's Peak, Sigiriya. Yes, the Dominican Republic has several national parks, but can they compare to the national parks of Sri Lanka where you can see elephants, leopards, crocodiles and many other wild animals?
However, the Dominican Republic has a good selection of adventure excursions and short half-day excursions. You can go on these excursions with children. By the way, there is also a lot of interesting things for children here. Manatee Park, for example.

Beaches

Of course, the beaches in the Dominican Republic are much better than in Sri Lanka. Bavaro beach is considered one of the best beaches in the world. But other beaches of the Dominican Republic are not particularly inferior to Bavaro in terms of beauty and cleanliness. However, many of the beaches here are great for children, as they do not have the strong waves that many beaches in Sri Lanka have.
In general, if you definitely want to relax on beautiful beach with white sand and swimming in the clear and calm waters of the ocean, then the Dominican Republic will be the best option for you.

Vacation with children

In this regard, the Dominican Republic is also a more preferable option. Nice beaches with white sand and calm waters, wonderful hotels with children's clubs, a lot of entertainment, including water parks and zoos, the absence of dangerous animals - all this makes the Dominican Republic an ideal place for families with children. You can add to all this the excellent attitude of Dominicans towards children.
Of course, no one will forbid you to fly to Sri Lanka with your child, but think carefully, can you and your child have a wonderful holiday on this island?

For young people

The Dominican Republic is also a more preferred holiday destination for young people. Here, every hotel has its own animation team, which entertains people from morning to night. You can play different games, take part in competitions, or just sit in a bar. Many hotels have their own discos, which attract a lot of people. There are often evening shows in the evenings, and hotels often host different parties (foam party, beach party, etc.). At the same time, outside the hotels there is also a lot of entertainment for young people and modern nightclubs. Sri Lanka doesn't have all this variety to offer, but some areas of the island offer some great fun at night.

What to choose

To summarize, we can say that the Dominican Republic is suitable for those tourists who want to relax on nice beach, equipped with sun loungers and owned by the hotel. This country is also perfect for tourists with children and young people. Don’t forget that you can vacation in the Dominican Republic all year round, since there is no rainy season here.
Sri Lanka, in turn, should appeal more to those tourists who are mainly interested in various attractions and wildlife.

 

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