Maldives or Dominican Republic: where and when is it better to relax

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Those who want to relax on paradise coasts often ask the question: what to choose - the Maldives or the Dominican Republic? It should be noted that these two places have very little in common. And it will not be difficult to decide which is better - the Maldives or the Dominican Republic, if we take into account the individual characteristics of a person.

Which is cheaper

When viewed from the point of view of price, the Dominican Republic definitely wins. Prices for holidays in the Maldives are much higher. The difference is especially visible in the all-inclusive system. And for the same amount you can afford a 5-star hotel in the Dominican Republic and a 4-star hotel in the Maldives. And if we consider budget hotels, then in the latter case, a person will only rent a guest house.

Weather

Prices for holidays in the Maldives are lower from November to April due to the fact that during this period it often rains. The same applies to the Dominican Republic, but in it this is much less pronounced, but in winter it is colder here than in the Maldives. However, someone is quite happy with it.

Flight

For those who wondered how much to fly from Moscow toDominican Republic by direct flight, it should be borne in mind that it will be a long journey. There are flights with transfers, but there are also direct ones. Moreover, there are more of the latter in the Dominican Republic than in the Maldives. Planes fly to the last point only a couple of times a week.

Holiday features

When comparing the Maldives and the Dominican Republic, it must be taken into account that the former are quite a specific place. Hotels are most often located on separate islands. Their atmosphere is extremely calm. And some people get bored in such an environment. But to the question of what to see in the Dominican Republic, what to do in it, there are many answers. There are many animation staff, water parks, golf courses, and casinos are open. And few people are bored here.

Tours

The same is shown in excursions. You can hardly find them in the Maldives, the maximum is trips around the islands and snorkeling. While in the Dominican Republic there are many excursion programs.

When choosing the Maldives or the Dominican Republic, you need to remember that the former are a country consisting of islands. The scenery is beautiful, but a lot of people will go crazy with boredom among them. Here it makes sense to lie quietly on paradise beaches.

General

The beach season of the Maldives and the Dominican Republic has a lot in common - both countries are located near the equator, they are famous for their tropical climate. In addition, their hotels are known - they have excellent service, and the beach season remains open throughout the year. The resorts are also famous for their white sand and clean water. They often come herefor organizing a wedding ceremony, as well as for Russians, a visa is not required.

Geographic differences

Maldives are located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, there are only 1190 of them. They are famous for their beautiful landscapes with blue lagoons and white sand. The local vegetation deserves attention.

The Dominican Republic is located on a separate island between North and South America. It is located to the east of Haiti. From the southern borders, the country is washed by the Caribbean Sea, and from the northern borders by the Atlantic. In addition, the country has several small islands. When choosing the Maldives or the Dominican Republic, you should keep in mind that the flight from Moscow to the last country will take 12 hours.

The temperature in the Maldives is 30 degrees all year round, the water is heated to 26 degrees. When choosing when it is cheaper to relax in the Maldives, you should pay attention to the period from May to October - winds and rains make this time not so popular among tourists. Between November and February the weather is more comfortable.

The Dominican Republic has a warm, humid climate. In winter, the temperature reaches 26 degrees, and in summer - 32 degrees. From May to October there is the most rainfall. At the same time, they are short-lived. The water heats up to 28 degrees.

When choosing the Maldives or the Dominican Republic, it is worth considering that in the first country, tourists are often offered "water bungalows" - houses on stilts over the water. Cabins on yachts are also popular. Andthe price for such happiness is exactly the same as for a hotel room.

What to see

On the big island of the Dominican Republic there are famous restaurants with bars, spas with swimming pools. Hotels here are much larger than in the Maldives. The latter is home to the smallest capital in the world, which is located on an island of 6 square kilometers. And here is the Presidential Palace, the National Museum, several Muslim establishments are open, there is a beach and a street with shops. Those who give preference to the first in the choice of the Maldives or the Dominican Republic are long under the impression of the riches hidden in the waves of the local ocean. We are talking about corals, their inhabitants. This is a unique and mesmerizing sight. As a rule, hotels provide services for immersion and familiarization with these phenomena. For surfers, conditions are also excellent.

And a completely different picture - in the Dominican Republic. Popular sights of the capital - Santo Domingo. The discoverer of these places was Christopher Columbus, and there is a lot of interesting information about him in local museums. They also store medieval artifacts. Nature is also picturesque - there was a place for everything: waterfalls, caves, mountain streams, s alty reservoirs. There are many unique flora and fauna in the bays. Diving, snorkeling and rafting services are also provided. There is a unique opportunity to watch the mating games of whales. This happens from January to May.

Restrictions

The tranquility of the Maldives is due to Muslim culturelocal residents. So, even topless sunbathing is prohibited here. You can not bring alcoholic products, take it outside the hotel. You will need to cover the body from shoulders to knees, getting out into the city. And there is hardly a single resort with an animation program. But in each hotel there are offers for wedding ceremonies, romantic meetings. For this reason, couples often visit the Maldives.

The Dominican Republic in this regard is a completely free country, in which rum flows like a river and entertainment thunders. There are many nightclubs outside the hotels, and world-famous stars perform at some venues. The local population loves to dance and does it whenever possible.

Souvenirs

Those who have visited the Maldives most often return home with handicrafts made from coconut, shells, and wooden products. Shark jaws, coconut oil are popular. They also bring miniature local boats, drums, embroidered clothes.

While in the Dominican Republic they buy coffee, cocoa, cigars. Russians return to their homeland with local drinks - rum, liquors. Lima dolls are also a popular souvenir. The local population sells wooden products, paintings in corporate style.

Currency

In the Maldives, the currency is called the Maldivian Rufiyaa. But as a rule, dollars and credit cards are accepted for payment. There are also bank branches, currency exchange offices. It has become a tradition to include tips in the bill automatically. Otherwise, tips are welcome and it's best to have some change when going to a restaurant. Not nicetip the taxi drivers. The prices here are high and the all inclusive will cost $2,000 for 2 people for 7 days. This is the bare minimum.

In the Dominican Republic everyone pays with the Dominican peso. But in tourist areas they accept dollars and bank cards. But do not count on the fact that the euro will come in handy - quite rarely this currency is accepted for payment.

Here, too, there is a tradition of leaving tips, and in some places they are already included in the restaurant bill. Local fruits and vegetables are sold at low prices, but everything imported will be very expensive. Vouchers to the Dominican Republic have recently lost in price. And tourists who do not have great financial opportunities come here more and more often. So, a 3-star all-inclusive hotel will cost about $ 800 per person. And if you find a better hotel, it could cost $1,500 for two.

Flaws

So, in the Maldives, a tourist may not like the lack of attractions, excursions, as well as the low quality of food. Here the prices are high, and there is no concept of excursion service at all. Two weeks on the islands can seem boring. For children, this can also become torment, because there will be no entertainment for them either. But if a person is purposefully looking for relaxation with solitude with nature, this resort will suit him perfectly. To enjoy the variety of local cuisine, it makes sense to go to the "outback", as tourist cafes are aimed at selling fast food of not the highest quality. Accommodation with flightwill cost a lot. But if a person wants to dive under water, the Maldives is the best choice.

In the Dominican Republic, food will be expensive. This is probably due to increased prices for imported products. However, local delicacies - seafood and fruits - will also be expensive. You will need to look for national dishes, as, as a rule, tourist restaurants sell typical American food. After all, the country is next to the United States. Food quality is low. And even prestigious restaurants serve food from McDonald's, which tourists can taste in large quantities in their homeland. At the same time, the country is famous for its black coffee. According to tourists, his taste is unique. This is one of the most popular gifts that Russians often bring back after a trip to the Dominican Republic.

But as a rule, coffee at home does not turn out as tasty anymore. Therefore, experienced tourists are advised to ask the local population the secrets of its preparation. It willingly tells them. It is recommended to buy real coffee in the market, as imported products come across in stores. When going to the Dominican Republic, it is worth considering the low level of security in the country. It thrives on crime. For this reason, those who plan to walk at night should better pay attention to other resort countries. Theft is very common. In relation to the female, the local population may behave aggressively. It is recommended to go on excursions accompanied by a guide. Don't go alonefor research in the area. It is not recommended to leave children unattended.

Conclusion

So, the Maldivian resorts are best for those who are looking for tranquility and unity with nature on the picturesque islands, who are inspired by diving with the study of coral reefs. Resorts of this kind are popular with families and couples. But if Muslim traditions remain alien to a person, and strict foundations are incomprehensible, it is better to attend to the search for other directions.

Vacations in the Dominican Republic can be afforded by people with different budgets and expectations. There is something to do here for fans of extreme recreation, picturesque landscapes, excursion programs, as well as for those who like to relax without any restrictions and have fun. There are no strict prohibitions here.

For this reason, there is no unequivocal answer to the question of which is better - the Dominican Republic or the Maldives. At different periods of life, the same person will find different answers to it, finding his charms in both the first and second options, depending on his mood.