Day trip to Haiti – General Travel Questions Dominican Republic – Debbie's Carribean Reviews Forums

jen4018 2008-05-26 03:47:52 UTC #1

Hi,

My husband and I are traveling to Puerto Plate July 31-Aug 6. I have looked at Mels Tours and Isaira Tours. Both offer day trips to Haiti. Has anyone been on one? What was it like? Do you reccomend it? Thanks for any input!

escapewinter 2008-05-26 10:14:43 UTC #2

Given the dangers omni present in Haiti it would not be a good idea to go, even on a tour. The Canadian government, for one, has travel advisories NOT to go there.

caribegal 2008-05-26 12:07:18 UTC #3

I agree with “escape winter,” do not even think about visiting Haiti. Too much unrest. Not sure of the story in the news right now, but a Canadian “aid” worker just was kidnapped there. Now she was found just a couple of days ago, and don’t know the whole story, but it is a very scary one I am sure.
We sponsor a little guy who resides in Haiti and would just love to go and see him when we are in Dominican, but we don’t dare, not yet anyway.

mikefisher 2008-05-26 20:07:38 UTC #5

Mliboo shows a link which says it clear: don’t even think about that tour. a TA offering that kind of excursions should get avoided with all it’s excursion offers, Haiti is one of the most unstable countries you could visit on this planet. have fun

Mike

bobfromcanada 2008-05-26 22:58:20 UTC #6

… I have looked at Mels Tours and Isaira Tours. Both offer day trips to Haiti.

I’d be really surprised if Isaira Tours goes to Haiti. I do see mention of a Haitian Village on one of the tours, but I believe it is a Haitian community in the Dominican Republic.
Why not ask Martin directly?

amanda 2008-05-27 15:36:38 UTC #7

I had a quick look at my old brochure from Martin and I think it’s as you say Bob, a trip through a village of people from Haiti, NOT to Haiti itself.

I have been to the DR many times and even my friends from Haiti do not want anyone to travel in Haiti, it really is not a good place, lots of poverty and lots of ‘fools’ with guns. While the idea of seeing how the other half of the island lives I value my life and my health more. Just my thought on the matter.

Cheers Amandalou :-*

system 2008-05-27 21:00:28 UTC #8

As Bob said according to the the Isaira Tours brochure, the trip does not go into Haiti but very close to the border. Out of curiosity, I e-mailed Mels Tours and the person who responded stated that Haiti One Day Hispaniola Explorer trip actually does cross the border about one mile into Haiti.

That being said, there is a lot of political unrest in Haiti and the Canadian governement is advising against all non essential travel to the country.

http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=117000

rgorman 2008-05-30 13:39:32 UTC #9

Seems to be two different Haiti’s- A few cruise lines make stops in Haiti, and people really seem to enjoy it. Beautiful beaches, people are friendly, etc…

Then there is the Haiti in turmoil and unrest that people are told to avoid at all costs.

Here’s an article about Labadee, Haiti.

The Christian Science Monitor – 25 Jan 06

The Christian Science Monitor is an international news organization that delivers thoughtful, global coverage via its website, weekly magazine, daily news briefing, and email newsletters.

gregg 2008-05-30 19:06:28 UTC #10

[quote=@rgorman]Seems to be two different Haiti’s- A few cruise lines make stops in Haiti, and people really seem to enjoy it. Beautiful beaches, people are friendly, etc…

Then there is the Haiti in turmoil and unrest that people are told to avoid at all costs.

Here’s an article about Labadee, Haiti.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0125/p01s02-woam.html[/quote]

Labadee is an area on the north coast of Haiti which is privately managed by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for their passengers. It is as much like the real Haiti as saying that an all inclusive resort represents the real DR.

NOT EVEN CLOSE.

Gregg

rgorman 2008-05-30 19:50:51 UTC #11

My point exactly- 2 different Haiti’s

gregg 2008-05-31 04:58:38 UTC #12

My point exactly- 2 different Haiti’s

I would phrase it differently…

One Haiti – one Fantasy Island.

Gregg

nsfamily 2008-06-03 19:19:16 UTC #13

Gregg, I totally agree! I have family who did a cruise that stopped at Labadee, they said that Haitis not bad at all....I tried to explain to them that Labadee is not what Haiti is really like but they think its just great…