Dominican Republic or Sri Lanka – where is it better to relax in 2021
Holidays by the sea break records of popularity. Tourists who have the opportunity to go to the warm waters of exotic countries approach the choice of a place for their vacation with special trepidation. Such places are considered especially popular among Russians, who quickly get tired of cold winters and want to soak up the warm rays of the sun for at least a few days. But how do you choose the best place to stay? How to understand the advantages of each of the exotic countries and not miscalculate? 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, we will try to find out which of them will have a bright and complete vacation.
Where is it cheaper to travel on your own?
Getting to the Dominican Republic is cheaper with a package tour than buying 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 for 5 days. The inexpensive price of the trip is due to the rainy season during this period, but they go no more than 20 minutes, which means you should not be afraid of a spoiled vacation.
If you still decide to build your own route, then it is better to order 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, as these are charter flights and they are fickle. Flight time takes an average of 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 be delayed another 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. The average ticket price at the peak of the tourist season (in winter) varies within 30,000 rubles. The cheapest flights are observed in spring and summer – 24,711 rubles, in autumn this amount reaches 35,000 rubles.
The best time to relax
In the 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 is 25 degrees. During this period, there is also a considerable number of local holidays and festivities. From the end of February, you can admire the whales, in which the time of “marriage games” comes.
The low season, from May to September, is accompanied by hurricanes and typhoons, in the sun the thermometer shows 31 degrees, it rains more often. But the weather on the island is very changeable: if 2 hours ago the winds raged on the beach, and the downpour knocked you down, then after a while there will be no trace of these troubles. It is enough just to look at the weather forecast and choose favorable days.
View prices for tours to the Dominican Republic
Sri Lanka also has two distinct seasons – dry and wet. They come to the island at different times: 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 the perfect weather is set just in time for the 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 walk all over the country, strong waves form, and only surfers will like such a vacation.
View prices for tours to Sri Lanka
Rain season
Downpours begin to “flood” the Dominican Republic in early May and end in September. But during this period, the heat is well tolerated – 29 degrees of heat do not debilitate the tourists, and the gusty wind creates a pleasant coolness. Short-term showers occur mainly in the evening and at night, and during the day it is quite possible to catch a few hours of sunshine. And only in September there is a risk of spending most of the time in a hotel room, as in November, when devastating hurricanes come to the island. The remaining months of the rainy season are quite tolerable for recreation and boast decent discounts on the tour. This is a great period for rafting, kayaking and fishing.
The rains in Sri Lanka come in May and October when the seasons change. It is better to exclude these months for recreation, and the travel agencies themselves warn of unpleasant climatic conditions on the island at this time. It rains 4 times a day, swimming is prohibited, as the ocean is very stormy, coastal lines are flooded. Other months do not have sharp temperature changes, showers last only 20-30 minutes, and after them the heat and stuffiness subside.
Popular resorts
Every corner of the Dominican Republic is unique and unrepeatable in its own way. There are several most popular resorts that tourists choose depending on the purpose of the trip. 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, discos are held on the coast, bars and casinos open.
Paradise landscapes, palm trees and pearly white sand await you on Punta Cana, La Romana and Saona Island. In the first case, this is a universal vacation for couples with children, as well as for young people who are thirsty for entertainment. Newlyweds choose La Romana, and on about. Saona is home to endangered animal and plant species. Fishing and scuba diving are 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 programs are concentrated in Puerto Plata.
As we have already found out, the tourist season in Sri Lanka on the western and eastern coasts takes place at different times. In the west, the following places are distinguished: Negombo, Bentota and Hikkaduwa. Negombo is compared to Rome because of 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 is a family resort. Buddhist temples, gardens and safaris – this is more than enough on Bentota. Hikkaduwa is called the capital of diving with its beautiful reefs, sunken ships and water sports schools.
On the east coast – this 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 desert Passikuda, where they go for snorkeling, boating, flying on a seaplane. 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 peace all around.
Entertainment
The first thing tourists want to do in the Dominican Republic is to plunge into the underwater world of the Caribbean Sea. The most beautiful reefs and unusual marine animals (manatees) are located off the coast of Puerto Plata, La Romana and about. Saona. The local inhabitants are so accustomed to people that they are not afraid to eat from their hands. Then, active types of recreation follow in popularity – windsurfing, kitesurfing, rafting. Cabarete has a lot of training clubs and special equipment.
For rafting, it is recommended to visit Jarabacoa, which is rich in steep rivers with sharp drops and waterfalls. Exotic species of fish are hunted near the town of Cotui, where they offer whole 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 tours are organized for several days. And finally, a journey through the caves with rock paintings of ancient ancestors.
Most of Sri Lanka consists of attractions that are under the protection of UNESCO. If you are interested in the historical culture of the Sri Lankans, then it is better to start with Colombo, which is full of museums, palaces and temples. Not far from the city of Khabarana, in the thickets of 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 has 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 periodically, but they are small and safe for humans.
Excursions
The excursion program in the Dominican Republic should start with the Jaragua National Park ($50). It stretches for 1400 km and is conditionally divided into 3 zones. People do not live here, and its territory is carefully guarded, which made it possible to observe nature in its original form: two-meter turtles, colonies of pink flamingos, iguanas and rodents calmly wander between palm groves and red sands. The next point should be the colorful City of Artists in La Romana ($ 100), which represents the medieval era: limestone houses, narrow cobbled 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 worth seeing. 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 ($100), which offers a jeep safari through the jungle in the morning, travel on a ship captured by pirates, and in the evening a visit to a ranch where national cuisine and alcoholic drinks are offered. Each of the above programs takes almost a day and includes several objects to visit.
Dozens of excursions are organized by Sri Lanka: sightseeing, culinary, educational. If you are interested in impenetrable rainforests, then the best option is a tour of Sinharai ($ 80), which is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. A two-day tour to Kandy ($230) includes a visit to an elephant orphanage, a tea plantation and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Or you can purposefully go to the elephants in the Udawalawa National Park ($ 120) for the whole day. In addition to them, there are buffaloes, deer, leopards, monkeys and other animals. But there are the most elephants here – about 400 individuals.
The Rice and Curry Culinary Tour ($40) will introduce you to one of the Sinhalese families who will take you to the market of exotic products, and then teach you how to cook traditional dishes. An interesting option is offered by the excursion “Climbing Adam's Peak” ($ 80) – a belief about Adam is associated with one of the highest mountains in Sri Lanka. According to some versions, it was here that he found himself for the first time after being expelled from paradise. The path will be long at night, and by morning you will meet dawn on the peak of the mountain – a magnificent sight.
Hotels
Popular hotels in Dominican Republic:
Luxury bungalow hotel on the coast of Rio San Juan overlooking the pool and excellent service, including buffet breakfast. In the evenings, parties are held on site, and there are many entertainments for young people in the area.
See prices for tours in Bahia Principe Grand San Juan
A 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 price of the hotel and offer Brazilian and Mexican cuisine. A variety of leisure activities are offered for adults and children.
View prices for tours at Be Live Collection Marien
It is located on Maimon Bay and overlooks the ocean and palm trees from the rooms. Includes continental breakfast and massage treatments. Nearby is a children's water park.
View prices for tours in Playabachata Resort
A cozy complex in the midst of a rainforest for families and romantic getaways located on the coast of Bayahibe and offers high-quality service, several cuisine options and evening entertainment. Half an hour away – the City of Artists and several national parks.
View prices for tours in Be Live Collection Canoa
This family-run inn on the coast of Punta Cana is decorated in a contemporary style and offers evening entertainment with live music, snorkeling and kayaking, overlooking the gardens and the sea.
See prices for tours in Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana
Popular hotels in Sri Lanka:
Located in a 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.
View prices for tours in Saman Villas
Spa complex on the banks of the Mirissa with a large selection of wellness treatments. Nearby are numerous water activities and organized whale watching trips. View – palm trees.
Family hotel in Bentota by the sea with playrooms for children and Mediterranean cuisine. A 15-minute drive away is the turtle sanctuary.
See tour prices at Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka
Near Unawatuna, close to Lake Koggala, this hotel features ocean views and modern-style rooms with private balconies. There are several attractions in the area.
See prices for tours in Thaproban Beach House
In Tangalla, on a secluded wild beach, there is a small and inexpensive cozy complex with a swimming pool a step away from the sea and rooms with a private terrace. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, bicycle rentals and Asian cuisine.
Service
The Dominican Republic lives off tourism, so the main task of this people is to organize recreation at the highest level. Products can be ordered free of charge at home, and in stores large purchases will be helped to carry to the car or delivered immediately to the 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 use of water sports equipment. Everywhere there are swimming pools, golf courses, playrooms for children, tennis courts, hairdressers, spas and massage rooms.
The Sri Lankans are no less friendly than the Dominicans, but the level of service is noticeably worse. You can get European service only in a four-star hotel. Anything below this price range can ruin your holiday: lazy or inexperienced young staff, dirty rooms, old furniture, broken appliances.
Unsanitary conditions reign on the streets, so prudent tourists do not forget about napkins, water (you can’t drink from the tap), bought in a store, and mosquito repellents. In restaurants, you can ask to make food less spicy or even cook it to your taste.
Holiday 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 by direct flight from Moscow on the All-Inclusive system 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. The price of a package tour drops by 40% in September, and by 20% in May, but during the New Year holidays, prices increase by 15%.
The choice in favor of an independent trip will be a mistake, because if you add the amount charged for the 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 holidays 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 you can buy them for a promotion for 20,000 rubles in both directions. Therefore, in this case, it makes sense to plan an independent vacation: food and a hotel will not take a lot of money, but you can visit several hotels and visit different beaches.
All inclusive or breakfast
You can't 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, alcoholic drinks and snacks are served around the clock in the hotel bars. If you do not plan to return for dinner, sandwiches and drinks will be wrapped up for you. Caribbean dishes are familiar to Russians and there will be no surprises – these are grilled meat, fish steaks, seafood, vegetable salads and a lot of fruits.
Sri Lanka is a completely different story. Meals are served in the form of a buffet at the time set by the hotel. Asian dishes are very spicy and oily, with curries added to almost every menu item. It is difficult to eat this every day, and there are not so many hotels offering three meals a day. Food on the island is cheap, so you can save a few thousand if you choose only breakfast. Usually fresh food is served in the morning – eggs, tortillas, vegetable salad, tea or coffee. And there are a lot of restaurants on the island for every taste and budget.
Beaches
Despite the endless variety of beaches in the Dominican Republic, there are several whose positions have been holding in the ranking of the best for several years. Bavaro is the beach with the most developed infrastructure on its coast. Here you will find everything. Arena Gorda is, on the contrary, far from hotels and noisy bars, which explains its impeccable cleanliness. Boca Chica is distinguished from others by its crystal clear sea with an emerald hue.
The beach of Saona Island is beautiful and peaceful – there are few people and entertainment here, those who want to escape from the bustle of the world will like it. Dorada is an elite level beach, spacious and calm, here they offer medical 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 the release of the fishermen for the catch on the coast, and by 8 o'clock the rest of the people are also pulling up. More suitable as one of the points of the excursion program. Mount Lavinia is better off the list – a lot of garbage, not intended for foreigners demanding cleanliness. Perfect service awaits you at 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, a favorite place for surfers due to the big waves. Unawatuna is beautiful, comfortable, but crowded. Mirissa arranges a romantic atmosphere for the newlyweds at night, they bring tables, candles, snacks and wine to the coast. On each of the beaches, exotic fruits are sold, monitor lizards and herons scurry about, and abundant green tropical vegetation.
Vacation with children
Little tourists in the Dominican Republic are thought of 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. Upon check-in, playpens and high chairs, a children's menu are offered. 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 tiresome flights, most parents stay here.
The best hotels where they can take care of a child are called Melia Tropical Caribbean, Grand Palladium Punta Canaand 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 marine animals, swimming with dolphins, feeding tigers, diving in a tropical aquarium, shows with sharks and birds, meals in one of the restaurants.
Children in Sri Lanka are treated very kindly, the staff tries to please them and entertain them. Centara Ceysands Resort, Riu Sri Lanka and Club Palm Bay Hotel are the best in serving couples with a child. In the evenings, exciting shows are held, and the hotel staff and animators always look after the children.
These hotels are also good because this is a popular place among Russians, which means that the child will have the opportunity to find a friend during the games who will understand him. Almost every city in Sri Lanka has reserves with turtles, elephants, crocodiles and tigers, whose cubs can be looked 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, the prices of goods and products are very high. Food and clothing are imported to this country and this explains their high price, but fruits and vegetables are sold almost for free (0.5$/kg). Chocolate here is tasteless, but cocoa with an unusual flavor is a must-try ($4/250g), as well as 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 jar), creams ($8-10), mosquito repellant medicines and ointments – all sold in Carol and MELO pharmacies. Jewelry from larimar, blue amber, coral, shark amulets (from $12) are purchased at Amabr Tres and L`lle Au Tresor. As souvenirs, you can stop at cigars (from $2 to $10 apiece), faceless dolls symbolizing tolerance (from $4 apiece), bright paintings ($15) and carpets ($30). All this is sold cheaply at the large network market “El Mercado Modelo”.
For the purchase of clothes and accessories, you should go to the markets of Sri Lanka. Silk items, bags and cosmetic bags in batik technique ($30-60 per item) and leather goods (from $20) are very popular among tourists. You can also buy a local T-shirt as a gift, they are bright and unusual for our people, and are inexpensive ($5-6). For shopaholics, low prices for clothes of world famous brands such as Hugo Boss, Levis, Calvin Klein, etc. will be a discovery – the slightest flaw makes manufacturers send these things to Sri Lanka with a discount of up to 80%.
Conclusion
If we talk about the best time to relax, then guessing the “mood of nature” is more likely in the case of the Dominican Republic than with 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 causes its high flight prices, 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 sunbeds and other amenities, while Sri Lanka does not particularly follow the equipment of coastal areas.
The sea in the first case is also cleaner and calmer. But as for the cultural life on the islands, Sri Lanka is a clear winner: mountains, caves, temples, waterfalls, entertainment complexes, dozens of excursions, which the Dominican Republic cannot boast of. Thus, we can conclude that Sri Lanka is intended for experienced tourists who are hungry for adventure and educational leisure. The Dominican Republic is an ideal place for people who need complete relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the city in comfort.