right you are...sitting on the beach with a cold drink...is a good thing!

and as you know there is never a dull moment with Olivia leading the activities if you decide not to leave the resort...but i don't think that there will be any problems with the excursions if you do decide to go!!

 

We too have traveled all over and have been in many countries with a strong military presence; just never on the beaches of the resorts, nor have we ever been told that excursions off site were not recommended/advised. Not fearful or worried in regards to safety; just don't want to get there and be told we shouldn't go anywhere....not that sitting at the resort with a cold drink in my hand would be a bad thing :p

I happen to agree with sled, when you're are used to traveling all over seeing the presence of military doesn't bother you at all...they are there to protect us and they never interfered with our vacation, we still had a great time.  Yes, you need to talk with someone @ Olivia so your fears could be put to rest...I am sure Olivia wouldn't put us in harms way.

 

We were just there last year with Olivia…yes there was some military presence but no more than I've seen in Mexico and other Caribbean places…I guess when you're use to seeing them you just don't pay much mind and they have never made me feel uncomfortable.

Excursions were fine and going to Casinos and off resort restaurants…we had no problems.  

jaedesmom is correct in saying that Olivia would not put us in harm's way…and yes do give them a call!

We just returned from the cruise to Russia and many people were fearing going there…yet the place was great and so were the people…very large military and police presence…but there were no problems at all…we had a great time!

When we visited Punta Cana a few years back we saw military presence but no different than what we've seen in Puerto Vallarta. We did excursions with no problem. However we walked out if the resort to walk to a casino a couple miles away and did not feel that comfortable.  Checked travel alerts and did not see anything issued from the US. 

I haven't heard these things but give Olivia a call and express your fears. This company checks out all details and would not knowingly put us in harms way. I have always seen the military presence in Mexico, so to me this is not new. Given the present problems in certain parts of the country, I for one like the idea that the Government is proactive with the tourist as well as local population. Just saying.

I recently heard from several people who have recently been to Punta Cana that they would not recommend going there because of the high level of military presence there; and not just at the airport. One friend said that there were military personnel with automatic weapons patrolling the beach (which made them very uncomfortable) and that the resort they were at did not recommend leaving their property or going on excursions off grounds??? Has anyone else heard these types of things??? I probably wouldn't of put much thought into this except I have heard it from 3 separate people who went at different times throughout the past year....as recently as a few months ago.