Honeymooned in the DR '03 and went back in the mid 2010's a couple more times kid in tow. Resorts are decent, not sure if it's just you/wife or kids? Either way they have options for resorts with onsite water parks - we did a couple of those, I believe it was the Royalton. We did a few excursions as well, riding horses on the beach - got a corny bottle of rum with a picture of us on the label, rode 4 wheelers through the countryside out to the beach and back. Didn't feel unsafe, I will say outside the resort it was VERY poor...2 pieces of roofing leaning together with chickens running around for a "house", etc. Definitely budget friendly and a close bus ride from the airport (Punta Cana) vs say Riviera Maya in Mexico (an hour).
I would 2nd Aruba, especially if you like to dive. There's an old ship, I think from WWII vintage, sunk off the coast in ~90 feet of water that's a popular dive area (usual fish types and some harmless sharks). The water there was clear and plenty of colorful undersea wildlife. Definitely more expensive but one of those "you get what you paid for" type differentials. Safer area, excursion options, downtown is like a Netherlands postcard (building decor/color) with a beach background.
We're looking at a vacation around the Caribbean this Christmas season, the only drawback is trying to figure out what each country requires for CV19 tests, proof of vaccinations, quarantine rules, etc as they're always changing. That and the issue with rebookings on planes due to staffing shortages, and the usual travel "issues" that go along with it.
Best of luck on your decision!
I would 2nd Aruba, especially if you like to dive. There's an old ship, I think from WWII vintage, sunk off the coast in ~90 feet of water that's a popular dive area (usual fish types and some harmless sharks). The water there was clear and plenty of colorful undersea wildlife. Definitely more expensive but one of those "you get what you paid for" type differentials. Safer area, excursion options, downtown is like a Netherlands postcard (building decor/color) with a beach background.
We're looking at a vacation around the Caribbean this Christmas season, the only drawback is trying to figure out what each country requires for CV19 tests, proof of vaccinations, quarantine rules, etc as they're always changing. That and the issue with rebookings on planes due to staffing shortages, and the usual travel "issues" that go along with it.
Best of luck on your decision!