Guest post courtesy of Liza Cornfield:
On the first of many family trips to Punta Cana, we decided to take a break from the pool and our moms found some men to take the four of us kids (aged 6-10) on a horseback riding adventure down on the beach. Shortly after we trotted away, our moms realized the men had no relation to our resort, nor did they speak any English. We did eventually return, but they were reasonably terrified for the hour that we were gone with complete strangers in a foreign country.
Pro tip: If you are going to do an excursion, book it through a known company or with the help of a professional.