Occasionally, you will see a forum post informing about a Malaria alert or warning from PHAC or CDC. Malaria is endemic to Hispanola, especially the western side (Haiti) and is transmitted by mosquito's. Please do not rely on advice from anyone on these forums. Consult your physician for advice.

The best way to ensure a great vacation is not to overindulge. Even though all food at the resorts is safe to eat, (yes, even the lettuce, raw fruit, and salads), imagine being at home for a week during a really hot and humid week in July. Now do nothing but lie in the hot sun without sunscreen, drink lots of alcohol, eat an enormous amount of food, especially fresh fruit, and wash everything down with water from the local creek. You're gonna get sick!!! And if you do this here you will also get sick. Please do everything in moderation and you should be OK.

The hotels use only purified water for cooking and ice - if they don't they will tell you otherwise. Most hotels have strict quality control procedures in place regarding food and drink and the cleanliness of the resort. If you travel outside the resort, drink only bottled water and drinks with no ice in them. The bottom line here is if you are not sure of something do not eat or drink it...don't take chances!!

Yes, they have bars - usually several - in the lobby, at the beach and by the pool. Just ask for a drink and you shall receive. If you don't want alcohol in your drink be sure to say "sin (no) alcohol". The beer is local (Presidente) as is the liquor (Normandy or Columbus) in most resorts – some 5 star resorts do have International brands of liquor available. And, of course all those tropical drinks are available - Banana Mama - Strawberry Daquiri’s - Pina Coladas … remember that a lot of the tropical drinks contain coconut milk – a natural laxative!

If you do get sick, Immodium, Alka-Seltzer/Pepto-Bismal/Tums, and Tylenol will take care of most problems. Don't forget to take them with you - it will be expensive to purchase them there!