My girlfriend (in my avatar) has gone to DR twice, once to the capital and last August ('10) to Punta Cana. It's insanely hot there. Bring plenty of sunscreen, sunblock hat, whatever to keep you from getting burnt right away. Work on the tan gradually if you plan to get one, otherwise you will be red like a lobster. She still has a tan line now a year an half later. Only drink from sealed water bottles but in reality when you have drinks they make it with ice (local water) so its a gamble, just bring a box of Alka Seltzer (its expensive there). The food is good depending on where you eat from. Personally, she preferred the local fare then their American version of our food. Also, resorts tend to be cheap with the liquor so tell them to make it stronger for you. Make sure that if you booked a resort, that there are other resorts surrounding it so you can walk to them. Last year she stayed at the Moon Resort and well she felt almost "trapped" because the hotel guests weren't allowed to go to the left or right of the beach front hotel compound for fear of their safety.
Bring:
Sunblock
Alka Seltzer
Aloe Vera Gel Bottle
Tylenol/Motrin
Camera (she took over 1,000 pictures)
Flip flops (the sand gets super hot!)
Don't bring:
A lot of clothes - You will be in your swimsuit majority of the time
Overall, you are going to love it. The beach of Punta Cana is so picturesque you will never want to leave. Oh and try to catch a sunrise, it's truly unbelievable!
I would post pictures up of her but most are topless and I know what Ira would do if he saw them
Let me know which resort you go to. In any case, I hope you & your family & friends have a great time! Memories in the making!
Oh yeah, one more thing! When you land in Punta Cana and you get off the plane and walk into the terminal try to stay together as a group. You will be greeted by girls dressed up in costumes and they will take your picture. But you wont get that picture that day, you will be able to see and purchase it when you depart Punta Cana airport.
Any more questions, let us know.
Enjoy!
Jr & Tati
I think i will bring a digital mix maker, it's got amazing sound, wicked blue LED's and i love how i can put tons of music on a memory card...i hate to say it but it's one of my favorite boxes 
