re: Punta Cana, DR, anyone been?

skip PC. Fly into La Romana (on S/SE coast) and stay at Bayahibe. Reasonable all inclusive's (Iberostar and others), warmer, clearer water this time of year than PC. More EU than USA but less crowds overall. Unless you know the area or are with someone who does, stick to the hotel compounds and beaches pretty much anywhere in DR. Daytime isn't too bad to get out in town for tourists in Bayahibe but most resorts have everything you could want on premises or nearby.

if you're an OT baller, pull your yacht into Casa De Campo and shoot some skeet. I may be there in a couple of weeks depending upon the boat owner.