Dominican Republic Travel Guide

Overview

The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean paradise packed with ‘bucket list’ experiences from Punta Cana’s postcard perfect shores to the historic Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or culture, this guide covers everything: safety, best time to visit, and hidden gems like Jarabacoa and Los Haitises National Park.

Quick Facts About the Dominican Republic

Flight Information for the Dominican Republic

As a tourist, your main airports will be:

• Top airports: Punta Cana (PUJ), Santo Domingo (SDQ), Santiago (STI).
• Tip: Use Skyscanner for deals on flights to the Dominican Republic.
• Santo Domingo (SDQ) Best for city exploration and history.
• Punta Cana (PUJ) Most international flights land here, great for beach vacations.
• Santiago (STI) Useful for the north/central regions.

You’ll find direct flights from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and other Latin American countries. Smaller airports like La Romana (LRM) and Puerto Plata (POP) also serve resort areas. For the best deals, check Skyscanner or Google Flights.

Safety Information You Should Know Before Visiting

The Dominican Republic is generally safe for tourists, especially in resort areas. Generally safe in resorts; petty theft risks in cities. Use licensed taxis (Uber in Santo Domingo). Avoid walking alone at night in less touristy parts of Santo Domingo.
Another thing to note: Tourist scams (like overcharging taxis) can occur, so always agree on prices beforehand. Stick to licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps when possible.

Climate

The DR has a tropical climate, meaning it’s warm all year but with distinct wet/dry seasons:

• Best time to visit: December to April (sunny, low humidity, little rain).
• Rainy season: May to October (short, heavy showers, but still warm).
• Hurricane season: June to November (highest risk Aug-Oct, though major hits are rare).

I visited in February, and the weather was perfectly sunny with a nice ocean breeze. Coastal areas are breezier, while inland (like Jarabacoa) can be cooler.

Budget

The Dominican Republic is affordable, though pricier than some other Latin American destinations. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Budget hostels: Approx $10 – $20 USD per night
• Mid-range hotels: Approx $50 – $100 USD per night
• Luxury resorts: Approx $200+ USD per night
• Local meals: Approx $5 – $15 USD
• Transport: Approx Buses Approx (cheap, ~$2-5), taxis (negotiate fares), Uber (in Santo Domingo)

Pro tip: Outside resorts, cash (pesos) is king; many places don’t take cards.

Other Essential Travel Tips

• Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Stick to bottled water.
• Spanish helps while many in tourist areas speak English, learning basics like hola and cuánto cuesta goes a long way.
• Beach vendors can be pushy and polite no, gracias usually works.
• Public transport is chaotic but cheap guaguas (local buses) are an adventure!

Final Thoughts

The Dominican Republic is more than just all-inclusive resorts it’s got stunning nature, rich history, and lively culture. Whether you’re here for the beaches, the adventure, or the colonial charm, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions