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The Dominican Republic is the second largest Caribbean country with a level of diversity
that is second to none.
It's close enough to the United States to be a quick plane ride away for many and is
a manageable 8-hour flight from many European cities.
The Dominican Republic offers 1,000 miles of coastline, a quarter of that coastline
having gorgeous beaches and plenty of other tourist attractions.
It's a place of beauty and relaxation that should not be missed if you're planning a
trip to the Caribbean.
As you plan for any travel, you should include some research into the local culture, practices,
and traditions.
You can do several things before and during your trip to make sure it is as enjoyable
as possible.
So, where to start when figuring out the do's and don'ts of the Dominican Republic?
I have lived for 11 years in the Dominican Republic, and I will walk you through the
most important considerations when planning your trip.
As always, we'll start with all the things you should absolutely do while traveling to
the Dominican Republic:
Make sure you have an airport transfer arranged.
In the US and much of Europe, traveling to and from your home or accommodations from
the airport is pretty simple.
Rideshare apps, taxis, or public transportation make the job easy.
But you won't find that to be the case in the Dominican Republic.
If your hotel stay includes a transfer, confirm it before you go.
It will save you a lot of hassle trying to track down a ride, especially when many locals
fight for your attention and your money trying to help you.
Go Whale Watching in Samana
Don't miss this opportunity if you are visiting between January to the end of March.
To observe whales in one of the best places in the world to watch humpback whales in their
natural mating grounds while they are singing and jump out of the water to impress the nearby
females, this is a spectacular experience you must do at least once in your life, this
is a great full day family excursion to the Marine Sanctuary in Samana Bay.
Visit the beaches.
If you're in the Caribbean, you're probably expecting to enjoy some beach time at least
once.
And the Dominican Republic has some incredible options.
Many resorts have private beaches, but there are also sprawling public beaches and even
more remote and undeveloped beaches like Playa Rincon in the Samana Peninsula.
Another must-visit is Cayo Levantado, also called Bacardi island, and Saona Island with
its endless virgin white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters.
Get high.
No, not that kind of high.
We mean above sea level.
While the beaches offer relaxation and calm, going inland will provide new opportunities
for those who like to hike or partake in adventure sports.
Jarabacoa is home to El Pico Duarte, the highest mountain in the Caribbean, and a hike to the
peak will afford you with spectacular 360-degree views of the landscape.
You can find horseback riding and white water rafting opportunities or tour one of the country's
illustrious coffee fields.
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Check out the lesser-known Monte Cristi.
This off-the-beaten-path region is a quiet haven with primarily locals and local tourists.
You won't find crowds of expatriates or family vacationers here.
The impressive beaches here nestle against stark mountain landscapes, making for some
of the most unique beaches in the world.
Visit Cayo Arena and snorkel in shallow turquoise waters with tropical fish.
This paradise has some of the most abundant marine life in the Dominican Republic, and
the fish are not shy.
They will be swimming around your feet as soon you enter the waters.
Visit during Carnaval at least once.
You can't plan every trip around cultural events, but Carnaval is undoubtedly one to
prioritize at least once when you visit the Dominican Republic.
Taking place throughout February and sometimes spilling over into March, this event is celebrated
in nearly every city and town in the Dominican Republic.
The colorful festival includes characters like the Diablo Cojuelo, or limping devil,
or Roba la Gallina, who satirically represent people who used to steal chickens from neighboring
farms.
Keep distance in mind when planning excursions.
Resorts are quick to offer a wide array of excursions and adventures designed to fill
your days.
But you might not realize how far away some of these activities are.
For example, if you're looking to explore the waterfalls of the Dominican Republic,
don't expect you'll be able to get out and back quickly - it could be at least a few
hours each way.
Exploring this island is lovely and shouldn't be skipped.
Just be mindful when planning so you don't over-extend yourself on any given day.
Now we'll transition into the things you shouldn't do.
Whether overrated tourist attractions or cultural differences can help you avoid embarrassment
or offense, this list will keep you on the right track.
Don't just stay within your resort.
If you're staying at one of the many all-inclusive resorts, chances are there are enough amenities
that you could imagine never leaving.
But that would be a mistake, especially if you're a first-time visitor.
Each area has its own distinct history, and you won't find waterfalls or colonial architecture
at your resort's swim-up bar.
Buying or consuming Drugs in the Dominican Republic
Don't try to buy or consume Drugs in the DR.
If you are offered Drugs on the beach of your resort or in the Disco, kindly decline that
offer, or you can earn a paid state vacation in Jail for six months minimum up to 2 years
for simple possession of a joint or being under de influence of drugs.
The Dominican Republic has severe penalties for all drug offenses, so think again.
The jails here are not up to your country's standards.
Don't turn your Punta Cana All-inclusive Resort Vacation into a Nightmare.
Don't underestimate equatorial sunlight.
Sunny days are one of the primary reasons to visit anywhere in the Caribbean.
But it's also incredibly easy to get a gnarly sunburn as a result.
Hanging out in the water or on the light-colored beaches reflects some of the sun's rays, making
it easier and faster to acquire a harsh sunburn.
You'll want to apply sunscreen early - and often - to avoid getting a painful burn.
Don't expect punctuality.
Time moves a little differently in much of the Caribbean, and the Dominican Republic
is no exception.
The relaxed attitude in this region of the world makes for an incredibly laid-back atmosphere,
but it comes with tradeoffs.
Don't expect anyone to show up at a designated time.
Even when hiring tour guides or contractors, it's a toss-up whether they'll show up on
time.
Don't drink the tap water.
This has become more commonly understood, but tap water in the Dominican Republic is
not potable.
While it's frowned upon in most first-world countries to drink repeatedly from water bottles
that add trash to our global systems, it's necessary for the Dominican Republic.
Bottled water is widely available, and no one will be surprised if you double-check
that your restaurant serves bottled water.
Extra points of consideration should include iced or 'slushie' style drinks, where the
ice might not be from a safe source.
Similarly, those with sensitive stomachs should consider using bottled water to rinse their
mouth and toothbrush when brushing their teeth.
Showering in the local water is safe, of course, but best not to gargle and spit with that
water while you're there.
Avoid walking alone at night.
While the Dominican Republic is mainly safe, it's always best to exercise some additional
caution when traveling alone, particularly if you're a woman.
Crowded and chaotic areas increase the chances of getting mugged or harassed, and some areas
of the capital city of Santo Domingo have higher rates of theft, muggings, and even
murder.
Don't get scammed by taxis and UBER.
Uber and other rideshare apps are present.
You may have forgotten that taxis are another option for transportation.
Make sure that taxi drivers always agree on a price with you first before starting the
ride so you can avoid being over-charged.
You can also discuss the route you'd like to take, so drivers don't take the 'scenic
route' and increase the fares.
With UBER, never agree to pay the driver outside of the app.
Some sneaky drivers will try to scam you by asking you to cancel the trip and pay them
less outside the app, which will end up you paying twice the ride and a cancelation fee.
Don't expect all the luxuries of a first-world country.
The Dominican Republic might be a robust country that caters to tourists, but that doesn't
mean that the entire country has entered the 'first-world.'
The region has seen real struggles and is still developing in many areas.
This might require patience and understanding when navigating.
Similarly, you shouldn't expect everyone speaks English fluently.
While those who work in the resorts or manage tourism hubs will likely speak English and
possibly other European languages, most prefer to communicate in Spanish.
Knowing a few phrases and keywords is polite to help convey your needs when interacting
with the locals.
Don't pay for everything in pesos.
The local currency is essential to any economy, and the Dominican Republic is no different.
But it is so inundated with US and European travelers that many vendors, especially the
larger hotels and restaurants, will accept cash or credit cards.
Keep your pesos in smaller amounts, saving them for vendors that can't accept alternate
payments.
You may also pay for something with dollars or euros but receive change in pesos.
This is normal.
Using pesos always means you'll constantly be on the lookout for places to withdraw or
exchange funds.
It also increases the likelihood that you head home with a ton of foreign money.
Some banks won't exchange coins, and others still won't accept bills that have been scribbled
on or badly damaged, which is very common here.
That's it for today's list!
Do you have any travel tips you suggest tourists use when visiting the Dominican Republic?
What's your favorite city or town to visit while on the island nation?
Let us know in the comments below!
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