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 a holiday only from December to April, but you can also find good weather in July and August. We are now talking about the western and southern coasts of the island. Although the east of Sri Lanka enjoys good weather between May and September, 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 reach this country on direct charter flights 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 its own 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 the best destination 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 absolutely want to relax on a beautiful white sand beach and swim 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, plenty 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 good 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 a good 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.
Vacations at sea in exotic countries have long attracted tourists, especially Russians who are tired of cold winters and summer days with cloudy weather. Sometimes you really miss the warmth and sunshine; a vacation in the Dominican Republic, Goa or Sri Lanka can give you all this. Such diversity leaves vacationers with a difficult choice: Sri Lanka or Dominican Republic, Goa or Sri Lanka, or maybe Goa or Dominican Republic?
The choice depends on your financial capabilities, as well as preferences and wishes for the type of vacation. To simplify the task, let's compare all these directions.
Holidays in the Dominican Republic
A place in the Caribbean, which is famous for its fiery Latin American dances, delicious cuisine, coffee, rum, cigars and cocoa. Much attention of tourists is attracted by the way of life, unique architecture and ancient history. Natural attractions have already become very famous all over the world. Many ancient caves and waterfalls simply cannot leave ecotourism lovers indifferent.
Almost the entire coast of the country is a continuous long beach. In most areas, the coast is strewn with snow-white sand, only in some areas the sand is golden in color. Vacationers appreciate the beautiful nature, soft beaches and thousands of coconut palms creating picturesque panoramas.
Holidays in Sri Lanka
A holiday in Sri Lanka near the warm Indian Ocean is filled with European comfort and Asian exoticism. Tourists here appreciate the helpfulness of hotel staff, who try to fulfill the whims of every visitor. “The vacationer is always right!” - this is exactly the motto that is typical for local hotels.
Sri Lanka or the Dominican Republic – where can your holiday be more varied? This is the question asked by tourists who choose where to go. Both of these countries offer many interesting excursions and a wide selection of active recreation options. Ancient history, unique architecture, beautiful nature and exoticism - all this cannot be overestimated.
Recently, family holidays with children have also become popular in Sri Lanka. Many hotels are aimed specifically at this category of tourists; they have a special children's menu, cribs, and high chairs. The staff takes special responsibility to thoroughly clean the rooms.
Holidays in Goa
Goa is a state in southwest India and its most important resort, which is unlike the rest of the country. There are 40 beaches along the 110 km long coastline. Fort Aguada divides the state into two parts: southern and northern.
In South Goa there are expensive hotels where rich Indians and Europeans like to relax. North Goa, on the contrary, is democratic and inexpensive, but very noisy; young people like to relax here. Thanks to attractive prices for accommodation and food, holidays in Goa have gained popularity recently.
Holidays in India mean visiting numerous picturesque places, sightseeing and gaining new knowledge. A trip to this country on vacation is suitable for those who want to combine an exotic vacation with an intellectual one. India is a country with a rich history and distinctive culture. Here everyone will find entertainment and a type of recreation to suit their taste: beach, excursion, healing.
Sri Lanka, Goa, Dominican Republic – where to go on vacation
The choice between Sri Lanka, Goa or the Dominican Republic can be simplified if you compare all three destinations in more detail.
- Flight.
A longer flight is to the Dominican Republic (12-13 hours), but there are also direct flights, as well as to Sri Lanka (about 14 hours), since the flight has a connection. The journey to Goa will take about 6 hours.
- Visa.
Russians do not need a visa to the DR, unlike other destinations presented.
- Climate.
The air temperature in Goa is +21-32 °C. In the Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka it stays at + 28-31 °C all year round. In the mountainous areas of Sri Lanka, the air temperature drops to + 10 °C.
- Safety.
Tourist areas in the DR are absolutely safe for vacationers. You should not drink tap water; you should use a special protective cream in the sun, and repellents should be used in the evening and during excursions. The same recommendations apply to other areas.
Monkeys in Sri Lanka walk everywhere and climb into the open windows of houses and hotels.
In Sri Lanka, you should be wary of monkeys, which are quite intrusive. They can snatch not only food from your hands, but also valuables: a camera, a video camera and others. Before leaving the room, you must close all the windows and doors, otherwise the monkeys can get inside and cause a real pogrom. During the full moon, drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited everywhere in the country, without exception.
- Hotels.
Dominican Republic hotels have spacious areas and are literally surrounded by greenery. Almost all of them operate on an all-inclusive basis. The level of service is excellent, regardless of the star rating.
In Sri Lanka, hotels are small and located on the shore. 5* hotels have a high quality of service, while 4* hotels have an order of magnitude worse, so sometimes you need to tip.
- Kitchen.
The cuisine of all these resorts primarily uses seafood. In restaurants you can order dishes from various cuisines from around the world.
- Entertainment, excursions.
In terms of excursions, Sri Lanka is superior to Goa and the Dominican Republic. The small island is home to 9 UNESCO sites, as well as numerous historical relics of world significance.
In the Dominican Republic you can go on unique and very interesting natural excursions to caves, waterfalls and national parks.
Water activities, particularly diving, are more popular in the Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka.
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
I flew to Sri Lanka with 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, cool 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.
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 negative aspects here: long flights and passive nightlife 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. Everywhere there is fine 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
The Maldives is considered one of the best exotic destinations. There are 1,190 small islands, all of which are famous for their blue lagoons, sandy beaches and unique vegetation.
Holidays in the Maldives can truly seem like paradise: silence and tranquility, beautiful nature, rich underwater world. The Maldives offer not only a beautiful holiday, but also a comfortable one. There are good hotels and a high level of 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. Staying 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.
What could be better than a vacation in distant and tropical countries on the ocean coast?! I really love exotic islands and hot countries. I think it's time to talk about which countries have the most interesting holidays. 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 the beauty of the 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. Probably, I have already “outgrown” the age of romance, or am not yet so tired of the rhythm of the big city to appreciate all the charm of the Maldives.)
Dominican Republic
Beach holiday Dominican Republic is beyond praise: the turquoise ocean and snow-white beaches! The Atlantic Ocean was quite calm during our holiday 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!
