Dominican Republic..... Have been five times, zero issues. Also got married there. Have been to Jamaica, Mexico, Costa Rica, and DR (Tropical trips). Screw Mexico, no matter how hard I tried to avoid the water, I always got sick, with my last trip (Went many times) resulting in loss of 10+ lbs, and sick for over a month when I got home (Thought I would die there I was so sick). These days with the cartel crap, I have no idea why anyone goes there, other than blind ignorance. Jamaica (went twice) is very poor, and has definite safety issues. There is that slime issue in the water, begger central, and the people could care less if you lived or died. I had to fight off a crack head that wanted my sneakers, next to Dunn River. Costa Rica is AWESOME, if I could, I'd move there now, but its not cheap. I know the DR had issues a few months ago, other than some freak pesticide issue, or fake booze (see Mexico), maybe it was just a real bad coincidence. DR is cheap, never had a safety issue, and friendly as hell. Liked the RIU properties the best, book a higher class one so you can use the others nearby. Awesome food, booze, and people. I'd return to the DR any day. I have heard Aruba is great, and very safe as well, just a tad higher with price. (I have not done any tropical travel in a few years due to the kid, but will pick it back up soon.
Make sure you read the reviews on Tripadvisor.com, but remember everyone has an opinion, read between the lines.
cheapcaribbean.com is good, also try the main sites. Expedia, Priceline, etc
