At first glance, the Punta Cana Princess Resort seemed to be a great fit for a much-needed family vacation. It appeared to have decent reviews, the photos looked great, and the price was right. Of course, there were negative reviews circulating the internet, but I didn’t take them too seriously. A decision I now regret.

My experience with the Punta Cana Princess All-Inclusive Spa & Resort was mind-blowingly awful. When I say that their guest services staff offers zero assistance, I swear I’m not exaggerating. Even all of my Airbnb hosts have been less useless than these people were. Here’s what happened…

We’d been at the resort for less than 24-hours when I had cash stolen from my room.

It wasn’t a significant amount of money, but it was enough to piss me off. I’d gone back to my room to apply more sunscreen when I noticed that my the front zipper of my backpack was open. My bag had obviously been gone through, which was confirmed when I counted my money and noticed there were a few twenties missing.

I immediately confronted two housekeepers who were cleaning the next room.

One of the women ignored me completely, while the other attempted to communicate with me. Between her broken English and my crappy Spanish, she ended up calling a woman who worked at guest services who was bilingual, Hilda. I explained to Hilda what happened, and she asked that I go see her in the lobby.

The next two hours of my vacation were wasted filling out reports and waiting on security.

After giving them a play by play of what happened, they told me they’d be doing an investigation, and it would take 24-hours. Hilda explained that I could file a police report if I’d like, but I decided to wait and see how the resort handled it. Another decision I regret. I asked her if this was a common problem at the resort and she told me about an incident that had happened two months prior. These facts will play a part later in the story.

So, I was finally able to get back to my vacation.

A little shaken up and feeling incredibly violated, I went straight to the bar and got myself a well-deserved drink. The following day, I had to waste even more time on the issue and meet Hilda in the lobby to learn what their security team discovered. Here I am thinking that regardless of what they find during their investigation, they’ll return my money and give me a free massage for my inconvenience. But I was very wrong.

Instead of an investigation report, I was accused of making it all up.

Then they blamed my mother, saying she probably stole my money. Or one of my cousins must have because I let them into our room for 5 minutes that morning to change into their bathing suits. See, they had just arrived, and their rooms that they were assured would be ready were not. They got all of this from a report of the keycard entrances during our stay. There was no video footage or anything substantial.

Then they told me that I probably spent the money and forgot.

Lord knows what I could have spent it on since I was at an all-inclusive resort. That’s why I kept my money in my room in the first place. But I didn’t keep it in the safe they said. The safe that they probably all have a skeleton key to. No matter what I said, it was all my fault.

Then Hilda lied to me. She said that they’d never had a situation like this at the resort before.

Perhaps she had forgotten that only the day before she had told me all about a similar situation that happened just two months earlier. A quick glance at a few negative reviews of the Punta Cana Princess and I learned that not only had this happened at the resort before, but it was pretty common. So, I decided to file a police report.

They wouldn’t let me call the police.

The woman at the front desk first claimed that she didn’t know the number for the cops. Then she said her phone was broken. My sister, who speaks Spanish fluently, finally got Hilda to let us call the police. They never showed up, of course. Not that they would have done much if they had.

I figured out that there was some kind of scheme going on at the resort.

Every morning before we left the room, we would lock the doors to the porch. Then every afternoon when we came back, they’d be magically unlocked. Since we were on the first floor, I had a feeling that the housekeepers would unlock them intentionally. It would allow anyone to enter the room through the porch doors and have their way with our belongings. Any employee who worked their long enough would know this wouldn’t show up on the keycard report, which is apparently the only security measures they have in place.

To make matters worse, later that night I got food poisoning.

I’ve never been so sick in my entire life. I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say that a week and a half later I’m still recovering. And it wasn’t just me. Of the seven people I was traveling with including myself, four of us got food poisoning. It hardly turned out to be the relaxing vacation I was hoping for.

I even attempted to resolve the issue by leaving them a negative review.

Since this is how people resolve their problems these days, I decided to give it a try. However, as you can see from their response to my review, they just don’t care. I guess they make enough money off the schmucks like us who didn’t know any better before booking. It really doesn’t make much of a difference to them if we never go back. And any negative review I leave can probably be negated by purchasing a few 5-star reviews.

I’ve learned my lesson. From now on, I’m going to take the negative reviews far more seriously!

Planning your next vacation? Aside from looking at resort reviews and staying far away from the Punta Cana Princess Resort, you should also follow these tips to help you weigh the pros and cons of both all-inclusive and all-exclusive resorts!

Looking to book your next tropical getaway? Then you’re likely debating whether or not to spend the extra cash up front for an all-inclusive resort. Unless you’ve experienced both in the past, this can be a tough decision to make. Here are a few things to consider before choosing a resort.

How Much You Plan To Eat

If you like to eat, an all-inclusive resort will likely provide you with an all-you-can-eat buffet and a number of restaurants to choose from for dinner. This is the best choice for those who prefer quantity over quality. It’s not uncommon for tourists to get sick of the food they offer though, as the buffets tend to be a poor attempt at American food and will offer the same menu each day.

If you’re a foodie and prefer to munch on the local cuisine when you’re traveling, then an all-inclusive resort might not be the best for you. Especially if you plan to be away from the resort exploring most days. Of course, opting for an all-inclusive option doesn’t mean you have to eat at the resort every night. You’re free to come and go as you please.

How Much You Usually Drink

One of the biggest perks of all-inclusive resorts is the ability to drink as much booze as you want. This might be all you need to hear to make your decision, as you’ll likely end up saving money in the long run if you’re a big partier. Even just having a few drinks by the pool during the day and then some with dinner could rack up a $100 bill each day, especially if the cocktails are pricey.

If you don’t plan on partying hard or drinking much at all, you might want to skip the added cost of an all-inclusive vacation. It might not be worth it, even considering the included meals. Don’t forget though, even if you don’t drink alcohol that you will still need to pay for soda and juices if you choose an all-exclusive resort.

Your Plans To Stay At The Resort

Everyone travels differently. Some look for a resort that has everything they can possibly want in one convenient location, as they have no desire to explore the island. This is especially common in areas that are known for being dangerous or unsuitable for tourists. If this is the case for you and your travel companions, then you should definitely look into an all-inclusive resort. Aside from drinks and food, they’ll offer watersports, activities, a number of bars, clubs, and so much more.

On the other side of things, other kinds of travelers are more adventure seekers. If you will likely leave the hotel to go on tours and excursions most days, then you wouldn’t be enjoying the perks of an all-inclusive resort. Save your money for exploring and stay somewhere cheaper.

Your Budget

While an all-inclusive option might cost more up front, it can end up saving you money if you plan on staying at the resort most of your time away. The best way to decide between an all-inclusive and an all-exclusive is to do some digging into your last all-exclusive vacation. Take a look at your credit card statements and ATM withdrawals, and add up what you spent on meals, drinks, and non-motorized water sports. Was it more than $200 per person? That’s typically the difference in cost between the two options. Doing this will give you a better idea of your spending habits and can help you determine whether all-inclusive or all-exclusive is best for you.

Traveling to the Dominican Republic? Check out this list of things to know before you travel!

In just a few short weeks, I will be laying on the beaches of sunny Punta Cana at some snazzy resort with a book in one hand and some sort of fruity cocktail in the other. In preparation, I’ve been Googling nonstop about everything from tipping customs to local party spots and I’ve come to realize that the Dominican Republic has slightly different customs from other tropical countries I’ve been to. So, without further delay, here are a few things I’ve come across that I feel everyone should know before traveling to Punta Cana.

1. You’ll Need Your Passport

Unlike Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, you will definitely need a valid passport to get through customs upon landing in the Dominican Republic. So if you’re planning a trip to the DR anytime soon, make sure your passport hasn’t expired and that you have at least two blank pages remaining.

2. There’s An Airport Visitor Fee

Unlike any other airport I’ve been to, there’s a fee upon landing in the Dominican Republic. Instead of a visa, you will be presented with a 30-day tourist card. There’s a US$10 cash fee for the card, so you should definitely hit up an ATM before heading on your vacation.

3. Check That The Departure Tax Is Included

By law, everyone departing the Dominican Republic must pay a US$20 departure tax fee. This is also a cash-only transaction and is usually included in the cost of your airfare. You can check with your airline to see if it’s covered or just carry an extra $20 in your pocket just in case.

4. American Currency Is Just Fine

Unless you plan on venturing out into non-touristy areas, the US dollar will more than get the job done. Whether you’re buying a drink or tipping a waiter, there’s no need to convert your cash into pesos. You might have trouble breaking large bills though, so you will definitely want to travel with small bills.

5. Tipping Is Appreciated

Just like here in the states, service workers are paid low wages and often survive on their tips. On average, it’s recommended to give a 10-20 percent tip to your waiters and cab drivers, even if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort. A tip on the first day of your vacation is the perfect way to ensure you receive great service throughout your stay.

6. Don’t Rely On Uber

Apps like Uber and Lyft are convenient but aren’t readily available in the Dominican Republic just yet. For this reason, you’ll need to use cabs to get around which can be expensive. It’s best to split the cab fee with a group whenever you can, especially when traveling from the airport to your resort. Often it’s cheaper to arrange airport transportation with the hotel or resort you’re staying in. This will also ensure you avoid the chaos of finding a reasonably priced taxi in the crowd.

7. The Water Is Safe

Most of the resorts and hotels in the Dominican Republic only serve filtered water and ice, making it more than safe to drink. You might want to ask just to be safe though, especially if you step away from the resort.

Stay tuned for more on Punta Cana upon my arrival! If you’re using a budget airline and need to figure out how to fit a week’s worth of clothes into a backpack, check out these tips!

These days, some airlines are saving money by charging us an additional fee for bringing a carry-on or checking our luggage. Obviously, this is less than ideal. For those of us who often travel on a budget, we can’t really afford this added expense which can add up to $50 or more for merely bringing your luggage. So if you’ve booked a flight and they’re telling you that you can only bring a “personal item” unless you want to pay more, then here are a few tips for you.

Use A Backpack

Your bag is probably going to weigh quite a bit, so using any type of luggage that rests on one shoulder would be a huge mistake, one that I must admit I’ve made in the past. I ended up spending most of my time traveling nursing some serious back and neck pain. Airlines have strict policies about the size of your personal item, but I’ve never actually seen them enforced. An adult backpack works perfectly, and if you prefer, you can also find a backpack with wheels. As long as your backpack can mostly fit under the seat in front of you, then you’ll be just fine. 

Roll Your Clothes

Rolling your clothes can save a significant amount of space in your backpack, especially if you’re packing jeans or dresses which can sometimes be bulky. This technique will also prevent your clothes from wrinkling too much, or at least as much as they would by simply stuffing them inside your bag. If you find that after rolling something it’s still too thick, then you might want to leave it at home. 

Pack Light

If you can make it through your trip on just one pair of shoes and a few outfits, then do it! Who says you can’t wear the same bra the whole time or wear the same pair of shorts two or three times? If you’re going to an island, you’ll be spending most of your time in a bathing suit anyway, so there’s no need to pack a ton of clothes. A backpack also allows you to hang some things off your backpack straps such as a pair of sandals, a water bottle, or a travel pillow. Packing light is key!

Wear Layers On The Plane

Even in the middle of the summer heat, you should wear layers to the airport. The plane will be freezing, so wearing several shirts and a sweatshirt or jacket shouldn’t be too uncomfortable. Even if you don’t end up wearing it, you’ll be able to carry it around without a problem. If you really need to bring more than one pair of shoes, wear the clunkiest ones on the plane and save the flipflops for your backpack in order to save room.

Buy Toiletries When You Arrive

Toiletries can take up a lot of room when you’re traveling with a backpack. If you’re staying in a hotel or an Airbnb, then you’ll likely find that some of the things you need are already in your room. Items like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and sunscreen can always be purchased once you arrive. Yes, they’ll likely be pricey, but not as expensive as it would have been to check your bag. If you’re traveling with others, you can cut this price significantly by purchasing toiletries that can be shared. So, if it can’t fit in your backpack, then leave it home and buy it when you arrive.

Don’t let these airlines convince you that you need to pay more just to bring your luggage on board. Follow these tips, and I assure you that you’ll be able to pack a weeks worth of stuff in just a backpack!

Traveling with a furry friend? Check out this guide to choosing the right travel dog carrier for you and your pooch!

I love my dog, probably more than anyone else, but traveling with her can definitely be stressful. Chelsea, who’s a mix between a shar-pei and a pug, gets massive anxiety in the car. Even hearing the word “car” makes her legs start to shake, so you can imagine how apprehensive I was about taking her on a plane for the first time. But there was no way I was going to leave her at home or stick her in a dog kennel, so I began my investigation.

While looking for a dog travel bag, I wanted to make sure that I got more than just an airline approved dog carrier. I wanted to invest in a bag that would be useful on the road as well. My biggest challenge during my research was finding an appropriate dog carrier bag for a dog who’s nearly 30 pounds. Here were the top contenders:

What drew me to this dog travel bag at first was the fact that it was expandable in four directions, and it appears to offer a lot of ventilation. I can picture myself placing this bag near my feet on an airplane and opening up the expandable areas with ease. As I dug deeper, however, I learned that this bag only carries dogs up to 18 pounds. Chelsea is small, but her barrel belly makes her heavier than she looks and this bag just wouldn’t do it for us.

It didn’t take me long to realize that a dog carrier with just a simple strap wasn’t going to work for me and that I needed something with wheels. Aside from not having to carry my 27-pound dog around the airport along with all of my luggage, I liked the open style of the Snoozer Wheel Around Pet Travel Carrier. I felt Chelsea would have less anxiety if she could pop her head up when she wanted to. Plus, all of the zipper compartments would give me a convenient spot to stuff her treats. Ultimately, I decided not to go with this one. I didn’t see how it could be useful when she and I are on the road as it doesn’t convert to a car seat.

The Pet Gear I-GO2 Roller Backpack Dog Travel Bag was my second choice. It had everything I was looking for as it has wheels which make it great for airports, straps that convert it into a car seat, as well as the ability to put it on like a backpack. I ultimately decided to go a different way because the larger size I would need for Chelsea seemed a bit bulky. It comes in multiple sizes though, and the others were far less cumbersome. 

In the end, I chose the K9 Sport Sack AIR dog travel bag, and so far it’s the perfect bag for Chelsea and me! While it doesn’t have wheels, it allows me to follow airline requirements without buying a dog carrier specifically for flying. I can take her hiking with me or on the subway without issue. What really drew me to this particular dog travel bag is the fact that if Chelsea wants to walk through the airport or outside, it still keeps both of my hands available. With a bag on wheels, if she wants to stretch her legs after a long flight, I’d have to drag her carrier behind me along with my luggage, which is hardly ideal. This bag gives me the most versatility, which is exactly what I was aiming for! 

Chelsea loves her new travel bag and can’t wait for our next trip. Follow her at #ChelseaTheSharpug on Instagram for more adorable photos, and see where we’re off to next!

Need help choosing the best carry-on luggage?
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