Travel agents speak on concerns following American deaths in Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has been in the news for several days after several Americans died just days apart. Now a Colorado couple says they, too, had a bad experience while on vacation in the Dominican Republic.

Kaylnn Knull and her boyfriend believed they were on the vacation of their dreams when they visited the Dominican Republic last summer, but it quickly took a turn.

“We were drooling excessively, my eyes would not stop watering. That night, we both woke up soaked in sweat at like 4 in the morning,” Knull said.

Now knowing three Americans have died at the same resort, Knull says she wants the truth exposed.

“I was having the worst intestinal cramping I have ever experienced,” Knull said.

After these stories, we’re asking people in the travel industry what this means for tourists.

“Every year there’s a new place that’s on the radar, especially through travel season. The headline being the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Republic, it kind of puts the radar on things not to go,” said Iesha Brewton, a local travel agent.

She says it’s no secret the stories are scary, but says it doesn’t mean you should go canceling your vacation.

“We never as travel agents want to push a destination on someone but if you fear going, then go with your instincts. But I don’t see anything wrong with going,” Brewton said.

Skyler McKinley, a spokesperson for AAA Colorado, says the country isn’t as dangerous as it may seem.

“The Dominican Republic is about a 2 [out of 10]. If you travel there, you should exercise increased caution. That puts it at the same level as Germany, Italy, the Netherlands: countries you would travel to without hesitation,” said Skyler McKinley with AAA Colorado.

And he says being apprehensive while on vacation isn’t a bad thing.

McKinley says about 2 million people travel to the Dominican Republic every year, most of them without incident.

If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been a target, it’s best to call the U.S. Embassy and report the crime.