Travelling from the US to Dominican Republic - Any info helpful !

See this: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1103.html

Most all of the resorts in the DR are in gated communities. They will need passports if I am not mistaken. I am certain that the persons chaperoning will see to it they are in 'safe' areas. You would be better off asking this question on Fodor's or possibly TripAdvisor as they are more able to answer those question rather than a VI forum. It is not that close to here or a place frequented by those of us on here. I myself have only been there once. Stayed in a gated resort which I did not enjoy. Best day was the last day when I went out and explored before heading to the airport. Did not feel unsafe.

WOO VERMONT!! Hot and humid here this week. But way too much rain.

The last time I was there the passport was not required and a birth certificate was accepted. Common travel practices since 9/11 do recommend traveling WITH a passport. I had to pay a $20 "Tourist Visa Fee".

Things to do? Typical Caribbean Island activities... Anything that has to do with the ocean, plenty of trails to enjoy riding a horse, a lot of Taino Indian sites, dancing, partying 24/7... etc. You should refer to any of the tourism sites they have. There are plenty and lots of information.

As far as safety goes and places to go, said tourism websites will offer quite a bit of information. Also the hotel will likely give you warnings of what not to do... When I went to Punta Cana you were safe inside the hotel and they made it clear not to venture by yourself outside the boundaries... Common sense prevails. Don't go to an ATM at night unless you have plenty of chaperones.. For males, do not carry a wallet in your back pocket... for females it is not recommended to carry a purse... Ride only on approved taxi drivers (the hotel will help on that), or use the transport services provided... If you rent a car, don't ever leave anything of value on plain view... As a side note, I never rented a car because driving there is quite a challenge with NASCAR type tailgating, and on all of my 4 trips (Punta Cana (twice), San Pedro de Macoris, Juan Dolio) I saw car wrecks, bad ones with rollovers (yikes)...

For the record, I never had any safety issues, never felt threatened, and lots of fun! Pick a place, call for the reservation, and ASK all you want!

That's my 2 cents... if not I can go on and on...

If she's going with her class, aren't the trip organizers providing information for them?

If your friend is traveling from the US to the DR and back by air she will need a valid passport to re-enter the US.

Going to speak with her today about trip details. Do not know if she is organizing it, or a travel agent.
Again, all your info is appreciated!