Post: #1

I know the forum is inundated with threads by random dudes asking "should I got to the Philippines or Colombia" or "Japan vs. Thailand" or whatever, I apologize for adding another thread like this....

However, I am torn today, I have been planning on going to Brazil this winter, probably in early January, and started looking at flights out of D.C. Just for shits and giggles I thought I'd compare costs of flights to Colombia and the D.R.

This is where I start having second thoughts, I found a ridiculously cheap 1-way flight from D.C. to Santo Domino, D.R., that had me rubbing my eyes and doing a double take. This has got to be one of the cheapest international flights I've ever seen and I almost bought the ticket on the spot.

I know a lot has been said about the D.R. on here, but to be honest the country doesn't really interest me too much, although it does seem to have beautiful women and beautiful beaches, which are two things I'd like on a vacation.

However, Brazil has those two things and a lot more stuff that I loved, and I pretty much know I'll have a blast if I go there. My thought process has been this, I have one year left on my Brazil tourist VISA, the world cup and olympics are coming up which are only going to make the country more expensive in the future.

But... Brazil is already expensive as fuck right now, one way tickets there are taxed as fuck and the cheapest round trip there are about $1,100 from D.C. and about 13 hours travel time. If I buy the ticket to D.R., even if my return flight costs a great deal more, it would still probably only come out to be 1/3 the cost of the airfare to Brazil, plus it will only take half as long to get there.

The older I get the more flight/travel time wears on me, if I know I can get to a destination like Mexico in 3-4 hours, that sounds a lot more appealing than 20 hours to Thailand or Philippines.

So basically I got two voices in my head, both telling me two different things, I'm at a standstill today, I was going to order this ticket first thing when I woke up this morning, but I've held off and that's why I'm seeking out some other peoples' opinions on here.

While I haven't much done research on here, form everything I'm reading on RVF it sounds like the D.R. is really cheap, can't remember which thread it was, but one dude was talking about a 3 bedroom apartment right by the beach for some ridiculously cheap amount.

Originally I thought if I went to Brazil for 6 weeks I could expect to spend a minimum of 6 grand with airfare (probably more like 7-8 K), but now I'm thinking that in the D.R. I could live as well, but for half the cost, plus the obviously shorter flight time. I'm also kind of rationalizing that I really could use to save that money, or be able to spend that money on some other cool stuff I want.

Any how, I know this really boils down to what I want and what I'm into, but I always like to hear people's opinions. Is there anyone who has spent time in both countries and can give me a comparison of them, or tell me which one they like better and why? Even if you say like Brazil better, do you still think it would be worth me considering this D.R. trip?

Feeback of any kind will be appreciated! This flight is so cheap, I am thinking of pulling the trigger ASAP because I am worried that the price may go up soon. Also, I may considering buying the ticket and just eating the loss, if I decide to go to Brazil or else where, because it's so cheap.

Post: #2

I've been proving tickets for a winter trip and I'm seeing the highest fairs that I've ever seen. We're talking almost 2 grand for SE Asia; approaching $1500 for South America; and almost a grand for Central America.

It's absurd.

Post: #3

I have not been to either country but..

I wanted to go to Panama/Colombia for Carnival in 2014. I was looking at tickets before I found a flight to Europe for 400 (including taxes, baggage, etc) for early summer. No way I could pass that up so I booked it.

Are there enough activities to do in DR vs Brazil?
What about cost of flying around once inside Brazil?

Also if your flight happens to be with AA the booking wont end until 11:59pm Oct 1st. If not then there are flights for mid 350s from Washington to Santo Domingo for jan-feb if you are flexible with your dates.

Post: #4

There's a good argument for both locations. You can stay twice as long in the DR. But you can go there for a 3 day weekend anytime you want because it's so cheap. Brazil is more expensive(relatively speaking) but the women are legendary compared to DR. I say go to Brazil and tear it up.

Post: #5

OP,

You've been to Brazil, yes? Where have you been? Where do you want to go this time around?

Post: #6

(09-18-2013 02:49 PM)Parlay44 Wrote:  Brazil is more expensive(relatively speaking) but the women are legendary compared to DR.

In what way(s) would you say Brazilian women are legendary compared to Dominican women?

Post: #7

Buddy pass it. If you got the time then do it. My buddy got back from Brazil last week. He cut it pretty close on the flight coming back but he made both flights first/business class on the international legs. With Delta the taxes were 550 and he paid 150 for the pass.

Brothas in Rio was saying United taxes are less than 200 dollars. They didnt want to give up the connect though. Greedy assholes haha.

I think Scotian is a flight specialist. Internationalswagger is also one. I have picked up one from him before. I have another hook up if you need it.

Post: #8

(09-18-2013 03:21 PM)Soma Wrote:  

(09-18-2013 02:49 PM)Parlay44 Wrote:  Brazil is more expensive(relatively speaking) but the women are legendary compared to DR.

In what way(s) would you say Brazilian women are legendary compared to Dominican women?

I'm not trashing DR girls. But it's a small island compared to how huge Brazil is.
Brazilian women get much more press for being sexy and beautiful.

Have you seen this video about American black men in Brazil? They rave about the women there.

Post: #9

(09-18-2013 03:15 PM)MaleDefined Wrote:  OP,

You've been to Brazil, yes? Where have you been? Where do you want to go this time around?

I spent about 3 1/2 weeks in Brazil, only in the state of Rio de Janeiro, most time was spent in the city, but also did side trips to Ilha Grande, Paraty/Trindade, it was an awesome trip, probably one of the best I've done traveling as an adult.

If I go back to Brazil, I think I will hit Rio again, as well as Paraty/Trinidade since I really liked those spots as well. From Rio I would plan to fly to Salavador and from Salvador do trips to the national park Chapada Diamantina (Lencois), and visit the island of Morro de Sao Paulo. In total I would plan for about 6 weeks.

I have no idea how much airfare from Rio to Salvador costs, but that's another concern. In some ways I feel it's good to go to Brazil before it gets even more expensive, but it's not like it's cheap right now at all.

I don't have any kind of hook up on flights through credit cards, "buddy pass", or flight attendant connect, so basically I'm going to have to pay full price through the usual airfare sites.

I appreciate the replies, but still haven't gotten much more insight into the decision, although I thought more about it over lunch, and the cost of the D.R. is starting to really look appealing. I probably shouldn't rush the decision, but I'm worried that the price will jump, so I may end up acting to buy that ticket in the next 72 hours.

Oh yeah and to Parlay as to being able to go to the D.R. anytime for a 3 day weekend, that's not really an option for me, since I live on the west coast and only plan to visit family in D.C. around the end of Dec. If you live close to NYC, flights from JFK to D.R. are insanely cheap and non-stop, so definitely a good option for those in that situation.

Post: #10

January is summer in Brazil. The country is in holiday mode. Pre-Carnaval in Rio (samba school rehearsals) is in full swing.

January in the Caribbean is winter. Even if you get a cheap house right near the beach, will you even feel like spending time on the beach?

I don't see the sense behind your prediction that Brazil will get even more expensive in the future. If anything, it will get cheaper after 2016 once all time-sensitive infrastructure investments are completed. Also, a lot depends on the fortunes of Brazil's major export industries, which nobody can predict.

Post: #11

(09-18-2013 04:47 PM)Tigre Wrote:  January is summer in Brazil. The country is in holiday mode. Pre-Carnaval in Rio (samba school rehearsals) is in full swing.

January in the Caribbean is winter. Even if you get a cheap house right near the beach, will you even feel like spending time on the beach?

I don't see the sense behind your prediction that Brazil will get even more expensive in the future. If anything, it will get cheaper after 2016 once all time-sensitive infrastructure investments are completed. Also, a lot depends on the fortunes of Brazil's major export industries, which nobody can predict.

Anyone know what the weather is like in D.R. in January? I know it's winter, but I really doubt that it gets that cold there, I'd imagine that it's still hot enough to go to the beach and take a nice swim, and the water shouldn't be that cold right? I did a quick google search and found a site that says the average temperatures are between 70 and 85 degrees, that sounds pretty ideal to me, not too hot, anything above 80 and it starts to feel really hot to me. Also, what's up with the rain that time of year, when is "rainy season" there?

Post: #12

(09-18-2013 04:47 PM)Tigre Wrote:  January is summer in Brazil. The country is in holiday mode. Pre-Carnaval in Rio (samba school rehearsals) is in full swing.

January in the Caribbean is winter. Even if you get a cheap house right near the beach, will you even feel like spending time on the beach?

I don't see the sense behind your prediction that Brazil will get even more expensive in the future. If anything, it will get cheaper after 2016 once all time-sensitive infrastructure investments are completed. Also, a lot depends on the fortunes of Brazil's major export industries, which nobody can predict.

You make it sound like its a cold winter. The average January temperature in the DR is like 86 degrees.

Post: #13

(09-18-2013 04:47 PM)Tigre Wrote:  January is summer in Brazil. The country is in holiday mode. Pre-Carnaval in Rio (samba school rehearsals) is in full swing.

January in the Caribbean is winter. Even if you get a cheap house right near the beach, will you even feel like spending time on the beach?

I don't see the sense behind your prediction that Brazil will get even more expensive in the future. If anything, it will get cheaper after 2016 once all time-sensitive infrastructure investments are completed. Also, a lot depends on the fortunes of Brazil's major export industries, which nobody can predict.

You make it sound like its a cold winter. The average January temperature in the DR is like 80 degrees.

Post: #14

Man, DR vs. Brazil is a great dilemma to have.

Since you've already done Brazil, the decision is now a whole lot easier.

I say go to DR. You will get more bang for the buck.

DR has more fly girls than you'll know what to do with. It's also a cheap place in general and the culture is easier to navigate.

You will feel a whole lot better knowing you won't have to stress over finances and can splurge here and there. You'll have a ball. The island is beautiful and there's a ton of beaches you can check out. The girls there are much better than the ones in the States. No comparison.

Brazil is also nice but it's much farther and the culture is tougher to navigate. Portuguese is not easy to pick up on the fly.

Post: #15

I would love to read a DR report from OGNorcal.

Post: #16

(09-18-2013 01:56 PM)j r Wrote:  I've been proving tickets for a winter trip and I'm seeing the highest fairs that I've ever seen. We're talking almost 2 grand for SE Asia; approaching $1500 for South America; and almost a grand for Central America.

It's absurd.

What city are you based out of? Are you looking to travel from mid-Dec to New Year's or after New Years?

Flights from my city to Asia around Christmas/NYE are an arm and a leg. I have an American Airlines buddy who owes me a favor as I can't get any seats for this free voucher out to Asia period during that time for 10 odd days. Sucks. This is from Dallas/Ft. Worth to Asia btw.

Post: #17

(09-18-2013 06:28 PM)yb13 Wrote:  

(09-18-2013 01:56 PM)j r Wrote:  I've been proving tickets for a winter trip and I'm seeing the highest fairs that I've ever seen. We're talking almost 2 grand for SE Asia; approaching $1500 for South America; and almost a grand for Central America.

It's absurd.

I have an American Airlines buddy who owes me a favor as I can't get any seats for this free voucher out to Asia period during that time for 10 odd days. Sucks. This is from Dallas/Ft. Worth to Asia btw.

DFW is an American hub right? Direct flights to Asia out of there, no?

Post: #18

(09-18-2013 06:31 PM)Hencredible Casanova Wrote:  

(09-18-2013 06:28 PM)yb13 Wrote:  

(09-18-2013 01:56 PM)j r Wrote:  I've been proving tickets for a winter trip and I'm seeing the highest fairs that I've ever seen. We're talking almost 2 grand for SE Asia; approaching $1500 for South America; and almost a grand for Central America.

It's absurd.

I have an American Airlines buddy who owes me a favor as I can't get any seats for this free voucher out to Asia period during that time for 10 odd days. Sucks. This is from Dallas/Ft. Worth to Asia btw.

DFW is an American hub right? Direct flights to Asia out of there, no?

Only Tokyo and Seoul for direct flights. Flights to SE Asia or China have connections in Tokyo or Cali cities.

DFW is THE main American hub yet flights to Asia so $$$$. Even cheaper going from JFK out there. Besides California, JFK, or ORD in Chicago...flights to Europe/Latin America always in much more abundance opposed to Asia.

Since I've delayed my move to Brazil yet again until mid-May...I have 7-11 days to blow on vacation during that time with this free standby voucher. I was thinking Bangkok/Hong Kong but likely not enough seats.

Candidates are:
Vitoria/Guarapari, Espirito Santo
Floripa/Balneariu Camboriu, Santa Catarina
Bucharest, Romania
Seoul (if there are enough seats)

Post: #19

@ OG Nor Cal, never been to DR..would love to go..but it might be cheaper with the same quality if not higher than Bahia state. I've always personally believed the Mulatta chicks from Spanish speaking countries like PR, DR, Cuba, and Panama were hotter than the ones in Brazil...though Belo Horizonte proved me wrong in one respect during my last visit.

Potential costs of Salvador, Bahia (never been..but forecast guesstimates) -
Flight from DC to Rio GIG - 1190 (as you mentioned)
Flight from Rio GIG to Salvador RT - 2-250
Lodging for 42 days/6 weeks (if spending 30 per night avg) - 1260

That leaves you at $2700.00 before food, drinking, and other nature excursions. I personally think you can get by on 4-5K total in Brazil for 6 weeks if you're mainly enjoying culture & the trail instead of chasing tail...while eating/drinking cheap

DR might be a better value for 6 weeks tho, haha.

Post: #20

(09-18-2013 06:41 PM)yb13 Wrote:  Vitoria/Guarapari, Espirito Santo
Floripa/Balneariu Camboriu, Santa Catarina
Bucharest, Romania
Seoul (if there are enough seats)

Of these options, I'd do Floripa during US winter.

Post: #21

Since you guys mentioned Brazil, I thought I'd fire off a question. My visa is going to be renewed soon, as I haven't done it in 5 years. Based on where my home state is, I've got to do it through the Houston consulate. Looks like now they've got some bullshit bureaucratic rule that you have to use one of their pre-selected "visa agencies" and pay them a commission for something you could do yourself. Basically it adds another $75 onto your costs for no real reason. What a racket.

Anyone have any recommendations for a Brazilian consulate-approved visa agency in the Houston area?

Another comment: I've got a friend in Brazil who tipped me off that, due to Brazil's anger at the US's monitoring of their gov't communications, they may be getting ready to make visas more expensive. This sounds like just a rumor, but does anyone know if this is backed up by reliable intel?

Post: #22

(09-18-2013 07:10 PM)Quintus Curtius Wrote:  Since you guys mentioned Brazil, I thought I'd fire off a question. My visa is going to be renewed soon, as I haven't done it in 5 years. Based on where my home state is, I've got to do it through the Houston consulate. Looks like now they've got some bullshit bureaucratic rule that you have to use one of their pre-selected "visa agencies" and pay them a commission for something you could do yourself. Basically it adds another $75 onto your costs for no real reason. What a racket.

Anyone have any recommendations for a Brazilian consulate-approved visa agency in the Houston area?

Another comment: I've got a friend in Brazil who tipped me off that, due to Brazil's anger at the US's monitoring of their gov't communications, they may be getting ready to make visas more expensive. This sounds like just a rumor, but does anyone know if this is backed up by reliable intel?

I think the only way you can renew at consulate is if you are physically in Houston visiting the consulate in person. If you're 4-5+ hours away like myself, might be better off to mail stuff to an agency opposed to spending on a hotel/gas.

I actually went through a private agency in NYC last time as I was there for a good 1.5 weeks for work.

Post: #23

I live in the DR and never been to Brazil. I think it all depends on how much money you want to spend. I think Brazil probably has hotter women and is more fun in general, but a lot more expensive than the DR.

Post: #24

(09-18-2013 07:10 PM)Quintus Curtius Wrote:  Since you guys mentioned Brazil, I thought I'd fire off a question. My visa is going to be renewed soon, as I haven't done it in 5 years.
Another comment: I've got a friend in Brazil who tipped me off that, due to Brazil's anger at the US's monitoring of their gov't communications, they may be getting ready to make visas more expensive. This sounds like just a rumor, but does anyone know if this is backed up by reliable intel?

Funny. I'm in the same boat. Got my first Brazil visa in October 2008. Five years is up next month. I was going to wait for Brazil's president visit Obama at the WH next month which was going to be the only foreign state visit hosted by the White House this year (with the full pomp and ceremony) and the first state visit from a Brazilian president since 1995.

One of the issues they were set to discuss was easing visa restrictions and quite possibly doing away with the fee altogether. The US and Brazil used to not have visa fees when traveling between both countries until after 9/11 when the Bush administration - knowing that the Brazilian passport is the most sought after by terrorists since anyone can pass for Brazilian - decided to initiate the fee. Then Brazil simply did the same to Americans in return.

But now that the Snowden leaks have revealed that our spying agencies were monitoring the emails and texts btwn the Brazilian president and her top advisers, the Brazilian govt is heated.

So now the state visit will be postponed until a later time as the Brazilian president phoned Obama on Monday to let him know.

http://en.mercopress.com/2013/09/18/rous...llegations

Post: #25

Good breakdown but a warning: 30$/night idnt going to fly very high in Rio or Salvador specially in Jan-Feb which is PRIME season right before carnaval. Even a bed in a dorm at a hostel may go for more than that. I would double that at the bare minimum as far as daily accom budget.

Another thing is the huge distances in Brasil. GIG to SAL in a prime period like carnaval is going to cost a lot more than 250$. My guess would be double if not more. Brasil is not cheap specially in their summer!

Can Brasil still be done on the cheap? Yeah but it sure wont be fun as youd be watching prices everytime and everywhere. All in all, the DR may be the best option in all aspects for you OG. For anyone on a limited budget, a great time to go Brasil is during the low season that is aug to nov and april to june. A great time to go IMO would be after the world cup say towards end of aug next year.

(09-18-2013 06:47 PM)yb13 Wrote:  @ OG Nor Cal, never been to DR..would love to go..but it might be cheaper with the same quality if not higher than Bahia state. I've always personally believed the Mulatta chicks from Spanish speaking countries like PR, DR, Cuba, and Panama were hotter than the ones in Brazil...though Belo Horizonte proved me wrong in one respect during my last visit.

Potential costs of Salvador, Bahia (never been..but forecast guesstimates) -
Flight from DC to Rio GIG - 1190 (as you mentioned)
Flight from Rio GIG to Salvador RT - 2-250
Lodging for 42 days/6 weeks (if spending 30 per night avg) - 1260

That leaves you at $2700.00 before food, drinking, and other nature excursions. I personally think you can get by on 4-5K total in Brazil for 6 weeks if you're mainly enjoying culture & the trail instead of chasing tail...while eating/drinking cheap

DR might be a better value for 6 weeks tho, haha.