Expert: George Derringer - 9/23/2009

Question
We are leaving this Sunday to Puerta Plata for a week. Just wondering is we will have problem with Mosquitos?
We went to Cayo Coco in June and will never go south again mid summer. What do think about this time of year? Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks

Answer
It depends. If you're going to an oceanfront resort, you'll hardly see a mosquito until the sun goes down and the wind dies down about 7 p.m. If you're inland, watch out for early morning and late afternoon because there will be some around. If you're going inland, bring along some DEET-based repellent but be aware of the liquid restrictions on flights from your country. Check with your airline or travel agent on that. (It could be a limit of 4 ounces in a clear bottle or some other definition -- varies by country.) Or just buy some after you arrive. Have a great time! (Unfortunately, you're going to miss the Merengue Festival unless you rush off Sunday night. It will go from Friday through Sunday, on the Malecon, near Fortaleza San Felipe, in downtown Pto. Plata. Your hotel may offer excursions to it -- check with the staff when you check in.)