If you’ve heard about the Dominican Republic, you probably know it’s among the most popular travelling destinations in the Caribbean. So, for that reason, I’ve summed up everything you should know before travelling to the Dominican Republic. So you can make the most out of your retreat to this island paradise.
One of the things the Dominican Republic is most notable for is its wide offer of all-inclusive resorts and hotels. And there’s a good reason for it!
Alongside other incredible landscapes, the Dominican Republic has some of the most beautiful warm-water Caribbean beaches. It also boasts a lively culture and friendly, colorful people… The kindest people I’ve ever known, to be honest. Now, lets dive a little deeper and bring you everything you should know before travelling to the Dominican Republic. Let’s begin!
Read all about all the natural wonders, here
Tips for travelling to the Dominican Republic
Amidst the Caribbean Sea (and sharing the island of Hispaniola with neighboring Haiti), the Dominican Republic is an idyllic setting of verdant rainforests, mountain peaks, and beach-bordered colorful cities. First inhabited by the Taíno people (approximately since the 7th century), it was also here where Christopher Columbus established the first European settlement in the Americas in 1492.
This is a guide to everything you need to know before travelling to the Dominican Republic. So, why don’t we begin with transportation…
How can you reach and explore this beautiful island?
You can arrive in the Dominican Republic from anywhere through one of its international airports (6 in total). Once there, you can get around either by public transportation or by renting one of the many cars, bicycles, and scooter options available… Dominicans make sure their transport infrastructure – and their entire infrastructure, actually- is tourist friendly.
♥ Be aware! You can find people in the airports trying to fool tourists into paying higher prices for the service. Make sure you always travel with certified cab companies.
Entry requirements and COVID-19
- Knowing it was among the first countries to reopen its borders in 2020 is one of the main tips for travelling to the Dominican Republic.
- Dominican authorities don’t require proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to allow entrance to the country.
- This ease of entrance during the pandemic has been one of the Dominican Republic’s main appeals as a traveling destination.
Popular places to visit
Santo Domingo
The city of Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic’s capital, is a fascinating location with plenty of sites to explore. Visiting Santo Domingo’s colonial landmarks is a must. But, you can also visit its many museums, go on a shopping tour, or enjoy a passionate baseball game. Go for a nightly stroll by the waterfront in the Malecón, where there’re many live music bars and cafés. Also, it’d be a shame to miss the chance of visiting a traditional “merengue” club. The way Dominicans dance is definitely a show worth seeing… And you may even learn some moves!
Finally, a mere 2-hour drive from Santo Domingo is the town of Concepción de la Vega. Renowned worldwide for being home to the Dominican Republic’s liveliest carnival.
» Read more about everything you need to know before visiting Santo Domingo
Southeast Coast
While most people enjoy the capital, many other visitors go straight to a beach resort. For such visitors, the Dominican Republic’s southeast coast is one of the best options. At this end of the island are the cities of Bávaro and Punta Cana, both with excellent all-inclusive resorts and hotel complexes. This end of the island is also known worldwide for it’s paradisiac, white-sand beaches and superb golf courses. And it’s my favorite part of the island too!
Among the best allocations, I would choose the Paradisus Hotels, with different luxury ranges. The Bavaro hotel chain which is one of the most popular for young people. And the HardRock Hotel and Casino, an excellent mix between luxury an fun, where you can find the Oro discotheque, one of the best in the Caribbean. In Punta Cana you can also find famous nightclubs like CocoBongo, one of the most authentic and popular nightclubs in Latin America, with different types of shows every night.
♥ Love zip lining and want to visit cenotes? Read all about the 10x best things to do
Southwest Coast
If you prefer a more relaxed vacation. We recommend visiting the Barahona Peninsula on the southwest end of the island. This is home to the Jaragua National Park, where you can discover and lay back on one of its many secluded beaches.
♥ Read more about the South and East Coast
North Coast
Likewise, the island’s North coast has plenty of options. Here is Puerto Plata, a dreamy beach settlement mixed with Victorian-era architecture.
Near there is the Playa Dorada beach complex, with many hotels, bars, restaurants and swimming pools. Or the beaches in Cabarete, perfect for kite-surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts.
Going further along the northern coastline, you find Samaná Peninsula and its palm-bordered Playa Rincón. Or Silver Bank, where you can watch (and swim with) the majestic humpback whales.
Best time of the year to travel to the Dominican Republic
Warm, tropical weather (23°-30°C), excellent accommodations and almost year-round sunshine is what will appeal to you for sure when choosing the Dominican Republic as your next vacation spot. Nonetheless, there’s always a season that suits you best. So here’s everything you need to know before travelling to the Dominican Republic in regards to the weather.
In the Caribbean, there are only wet and dry seasons. This makes the period of December-March perfect for a sunny, rain-free vacation.
Keep in mind, though, that the Dominican Republic gets really busy during the Christmas season. So, avoid visiting on key holidays if you’d like a more relaxed getaway.
If you’re a wildlife lover, try visiting from January to March. This way, you can watch the North Atlantic humpback whales go through this part of the Caribbean.
Avoid the period of May-October as it’s the Caribbean rainy season. Aside from bringing heightened humidity, June-November is also the monsoon season… This means tons of hurricanes and tropical storms! So, if adventure is your thing and you’re planning a Caribbean getaway. Here, you have everything you need to know about travelling to the Dominican Republic.
As you can see, whether you’re a high-adventurer, extreme sports lover, or if you’d rather like a beautiful beach spot to relax. The Dominican Republic has it all.
What do you think of these tips? Do you know any other vacation spot in the Dominican Republic we could add to our list? Feel free to let us know in the comments section, and until our next luxury travel blogger adventure, take care!
» Need more tips? In the meantime we’ve written a part (II)
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