Excursion vs. OOT bags

[MrsTrussell2B]

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Originally Posted by ethrondson We are putting together little OOT bags for our guests in Punta Cana. After reading this thread, I told my Mom about it and that some people are doing excursions instead. We got to talking and have decided that we may do the OOT bags as well as an excursion. The only thing was that we would have to find something that everyone wanted to do, that no one that has been there has already done, and something that was affordable for us to foot the bill. Then we decided that we are going to look into renting vans for a day and we are going to go to 'Altos de Chavon'. It is a little village that a man built for his daughters birthday and it resembles a european city. It has become an artist community, but it looks beautiful. We heard about this and were told to go check it out, and so far everyone that we have talked to is interest in going. The only cost for us would then be the vans and it is not going to hurt the bank account doing it. Thanks everyone for the idea of an excursion!!!

Thank you this is a great idea! I had given up on the idea because I couldn't find anything that we could afford to do. If you book the vans would you please share the company name and price if you don't mind

[MrsTrussell2B]

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Originally Posted by froggie1013 I'm doing an excursion, not sure about OOT bags though. It seems like people drop a lot of money into those bags (those little items add up quickly!). We're chartering a catamarran for an afternoon. I think it's $600 for 50 people. They get you with the food and drinks though. Since we're staying at a villa that includes chef service, I'm going to have the chef make up some lunch and rum punch to take with us on the boat.

You are right the OOT bags can get really expensive. That's why I went with paper bags (13 bags for $5.00) and they are not too big. So they will only have personalized water, a CD of songs, fans, snacks, aspirin, and pepto. I set a limit of $10 per bag. Because I need to cut cost and I don't want to overload people with stuff

[evtalbot]

It sounds like you can find some inexpensive excursions if you look outside of your resort. I'm sure guests would love a welcome bag, but they will remember an amazing experience more than anything! It is also a great way to bring your group together, especially if some of your guests don't know each other. Good luck!

[foxytv]

I did OOT bags 1 per couple, and one per person for the single folks. Everyone (even the single guys) used the bags and the travel mugs. I highly recommend them.

 

We took 2 extra suitcases (had to pay extra for that luggage) but left the suitcases at the resort so we didn't have extras to tote back.

 

Our guests went on the Saona Island excursion, but they paid for it themselves. We just set it up and negotiated a lower rate (paid for both sets of parents to go though). It was 100% worth it according to each guest. They LOVED it (and so did we!!!)

[MrsTrussell2B]

Foxytv welcome back! Maybe i should let my guests pay for their own excursion.

[Otis1230]

We did bags and we paid for ATv excursion. We had everyone on atvs but 4 people and it was great!! I did bags with mugs, rafts, suntan stuff, flipflops, headache stuff, bug stuff etc but the exursion was a bigger hit!! I took 2 large suitcase with stuff and if I could do again- I would of packed less for the bags because the excursion used. I only saw a few use their mugs and bags

[rodent]

I just packed up all my OOT bag stuff (15 bags worth) and it took less than one medium sized bag. by the time I put in the rafia fans, the wedding related stuff will claim an entire bag. That really isn't bad though. We get to check 4 bags & shouldn't need all 4.

 

With baggage restrictions getting more limited, I might consider skipping OOT bags. If I had to chose one, I'd do the excursion.

[Virg]

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Originally Posted by Morgan I planned easier to pack OOT bags. Also 50 guests only has to be 25 bags (1 per room). I don't think you have to do OOT bags though. I'm not familiar with DR, but I found cheaper excursion options for my guests in RM. I'm chartering a van & taking them to the ruins. It's less than $15 per person for the van & admission into the ruins. Maybe you can find something like that in your area. Another idea I had was to take everyone to a great lagoon for snorkeling & pay for their equipment rental. That would also have been inexpensive.

Morgan!
First of All, CONGRATS on being Member of the month. You are fantastic and have given me a ton of Ideas!! I have to ask with whom you are booking your excursion?? 15$ per person, that is awesome! Can you send me the details. I am planning our wedding for June 30 2009.

Thanks!

[rodent]

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Originally Posted by Virginialedoux Morgan! First of All, CONGRATS on being Member of the month. You are fantastic and have given me a ton of Ideas!! I have to ask with whom you are booking your excursion?? 15$ per person, that is awesome! Can you send me the details. I am planning our wedding for June 30 2009. Thanks!

Sinal Tours recommended by Matt & Sol [email protected]

I'll be writting a detailed review after my wedding next month with their prices, contact details & how the trip turned out. It's just a van & a driver, but it's much cheaper to take a group on a tour this way than to book an excursion through a tour group.

[deleted]

We spent about $1,000 on an excursion and did NOT do OOT bags, and I would totally do it the same over again. We have such fun memories, and we didn't have to lug a bunch of stuff down there. I know there's a variety of opinions on this, just wanted to share mine...don't feel guilty about not doing OOT bags!