Tag: Republic

US Embassy Issues New Travel Alert For Dominican Republic
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There’s a reason the Dominican Republic breaks tourism records year after year — it’s one of the most beautiful paradises in close reach to Americans ready to live it up on Spring Break, burn through PTO come summertime, and escape the dwindling temps during fall and winter.

That said, the U.S. Embassy has just issued a new travel alert for the Dominican Republic, and the reason may not be what you expect…

Boasting captivating culture, world-class resorts, pristine white-sand beaches, and underrated cuisine, there are few places to kick back or turn up at your leisure than the D.R.

The entire crew at Travel Off Path ventures off to the Dominican Republic any chance we get, whether it be following the crowds to Punta Cana or checking out the latest up-and-comers, such as Miches.

However, there’s also an aspect of this Caribbean hotspot that travelers need to know before setting their minds to “Vacation Mode”, and it’s become significant enough to trigger a new travel alert straight from the US Embassy.

Peeling Back The Layer Of Underlying Issues

Let’s not pretend the US isn’t full of its own problems. In the same breath, let’s also not overlook the safety concerns of traveling abroad to quite literally anywhere, as accidents can happen anywhere at any time.

While it’s true that a vast majority of tourists make it back home unscathed no matter the destination, the US Embassy felt it was necessary to issue a new travel alert regarding the importance of obtaining travel insurance to better protect yourself on your trip — and there have certainly been horror stories coming out of the D.R. in recent years.

I think it’s safe to say we’re all sick of talking about the dark days of the pandemic, right?

However, around this time, there were numerous reports of strange illnesses (and even deaths) at luxe resorts, though it was later determined no foul play occurred.

Regardless of circumstance, these situations are impossible to predict, making insurance-free travel a roll of the dice.

There’s also the aspect of the Dominican’s driving hazards. In fact, one insurance company ‘across the pond’ claims their data shows “the Dominican Republic has the highest road fatality rate in the world, with nearly 67 deaths per 100,000 people”.

Infrastructure can be lacking in some areas, including major cities like Santo Domingo and Santiago.

Not to mention, there are oftentimes shortages of emergency personnel, and the main reason for the US State Department’s Level 2 advisory is due to ‘violent crime’.

All of these factors tallied up mean one thing — travel insurance is a must for your Dominican vacay.

Better safe than sorry, no?

Popular comedian Sam Morril once said about his dating life, “I’m like the Dominican Republic, I’m great for like 5 days, and then they’re like, ‘Oh, you have some problems that I was not aware of’”.

Ouch. The truth hurts sometimes, but he’s got a valid point.

While you can’t help his Hinge matches, you can ensure (err, insure?) you’re protected if you-know-what were to hit the fan.

As The Dominican Surges, More Travelers Explore Beyond Punta Cana

As a first-time visitor to Punta Cana last summer, I gotta say it’s hard to imagine this popular resort town not feeling like a safe haven.

With a fruitful expat community and modern amenities, chances are you won’t encounter any danger here beyond an upset stomach (always pack Pepto!).

However, what’s become increasingly obvious in recent years is how travelers are scratching their wanderlust itch, venturing into new territory — and this is where some risk comes into play.

Say you want to check out one of the D.R.’s new vacation hotspots, Samana. That’s a 4-hour shuttle ride from Santo Domingo, much of which consists of winding roads through “no man’s land”.

When you arrive, there are plenty of outdoor activities, such as waterfall hikes. Slip on a wet rock without insurance? That’s a big oops!

Why The US Embassy Is Urging Americans to Obtain Insurance

One hugely important reason the Embassy is urging American travelers to obtain insurance is the simple fact that Dominican medical care requires upfront payment (even in emergencies).

A car wreck or slip n’ fall would be a bad time to write an I.O.U.

Here are some common coverages for travel insurance:
- Hospital visit coverage
- Cancelled flights
- Lost luggage
- Medical evacuation
Many plans offer 24/7 assistance in English, making the tedious process much less of a headache.

The bottom line is the Dominican Republic can be an excellent place to vacation, but it’s important to know the risks.

The reality is you may never use your policy, but when you do, having the right coverage can quite literally be a lifesaver.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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September 4, 2025
7 Reasons Why Travelers Are Visiting The Dominican Republic In Record Numbers
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May was a record-setting month for the Dominican Republic. With over 600,000 visitors flocking to this Caribbean paradise last month alone, those who haven’t been might wonder, “what is so attractive about this place?“.

Despite back-and-forth travel warnings from both the United States and Canada, westerners continue to flock here for their dream vacation.

The Dominican Republic has become one of the most popular getaways for a variety of reasons that leaves travelers coming back for more.

Tourism records continue to be broken, and there is no sign of slowing down any time soon.

Here are 7 reasons why travelers are visiting the Dominican Republic in record numbers:

Easy Access To Paradise

The Dominican Republic is one of the easiest Caribbean nations to reach in a reasonable time by flight.

Whether travelers are departing from the East Coast, midwest, southern states, or even certain Canadian cities, a dreamy beach vacation can be within only 3 to 4 hours away.

Many major airlines will fly to one of 3 major airports:
- Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
- Las Américas International Airport (SDQ)
- Cibao International Airport (STI)
Increasingly Popular Cruise Hotspot

May was another astonishing month for cruise passengers with over 130,000 visitors arriving by way of sea.

That figure nearly tripled prior expectations! This is not a complete surprise, however, as the country has poured big money into investing in the cruise industry with extensive upgrades to terminals.

There is also the upcoming project in the southern region of Pedernales near Haiti, which is a relatively undiscovered gem for this country.

While Puerta Plata does have a small airport to fly into, this scenic beach town on the north side of the country is the biggest cruise hub of the Dominican.

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Punta Cana: The Number One Destination In The Dominican

Roughly 80% of Americans who travel to the Dominican go to Punta Cana. This town offers so much to travelers; it’s easy to see why this is the number one destination.

From its pristine white-sand beaches to immaculate all-inclusive resorts along its stunning shoreline, there is a place for everyone to enjoy their Caribbean escape.

In fact, nearly 60% of international visitors stayed in Punta Cana last month. Word is out how amazing and luxurious this resort hotspot can be, but it’s still a delightful place to spend your vacation.

All-Inclusives Everywhere

While Punta Cana is the best place to find all-inclusive resorts, there are more spread out across the country.

You won’t find super ritzy places in the major cities, although they are worth spending some time in to see the historic culture of this country.

There are many other popular beach towns besides Punta Cana. They’re not as difficult to reach as one might think simply by looking at a map.

Puerta Plata is easily accessible by cruise or a shuttle from STI airport, where guests will marvel at the tranquility of some of the nation’s prettiest coastlines.

Others, such as Samana and La Romana, offer luxurious resorts surrounded by beautiful nature.

A Family-Friendly Getaway

While there are certainly adult-only resorts available, the Dominican Republic is an excellent choice to bring the whole family.

Many resorts offer fun entertainment to keep the kids occupied and world-class pools to spend the day.

Earlier this year, Punta Cana opened a new theme park too, with a neighboring all-inclusive resort making it even easier for the whole crew.

Safety

Even though there is a current Level 2 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department, that doesn’t necessarily mean travelers should alter their plans.

While the major cities due experience unpredictable acts of crime from time to time, these unfortunate situations can happen anywhere.

In fact, Canada issued a travel advisory for the United States. Crime can happen at the most random times, but the Dominican Republic’s economy thrives on tourism.

In highly popular resort areas, extra steps have been taken to ensure the safety and security of guests where rare criminal acts occur.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Destinations

While most travelers flock to the more well-known areas, there are many places still waiting to be discovered.

Many come to the Dominican Republic to relax at the gorgeous beaches, but there are many less-populated areas worth the trek to spend time in lush nature and waterfalls, such as Samaná.

The cruise port expecting to open in December will help travelers explore Pedernales, but there are others, such as Miches.

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June 12, 2023
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Historic City In The Dominican Republic

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The Dominican Republic has long been a popular vacation spot, and this year more than ever, tourists are flocking to this island nation in the Caribbean.

In February 2023 alone, over 600 thousand tourists arrived by air, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

With more flights being added from the U.S., travelers will keep coming to this stunningly beautiful tropical island, and for good reason.

While the beaches are obviously the draw here (as they should be), there are places inland worth a look at as well.

One such place is the vibrant and historic capital city of Santo Domingo.

Here’s Why You Really Shouldn’t Miss Out On Exploring This Gem:

Just A Capital City?

Founded in 1496 by Christopher Columbus’s younger brother, Bartholomew, Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European city in all of the Americas. Here you will find the largest metropolitan city in the whole Caribbean and a colonial city that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A 2010 American Capital of Culture, Santo Domingo should be more than just your point of entry to this country. There are many reasons you should spend a couple of nights here before or after heading to the beaches, from history, nightlife, culture, food and drinks, and rooftop pools.

Reaching the beach areas from Santo Domingo is easy by car, and public buses are cheap and comfortable as well. Santo Domingo has UBER, so getting around the city shouldn’t be an issue, and there are areas to stick to and areas that are not suggested for tourists.

Note: Santo Domingo is a huge sprawling metropolis, and new areas are sprouting up over time. This article will focus on the main tourist draw of the Zona Colonial.

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Where To Stay

The best place to stay in Santo Domingo for tourists is the Zona Colonial or Colonial Zone. This is where you will feel the safest, be within an easy walk to many of the main sites, and be able to pop back to your accommodation for an afternoon cool down before heading back out for some fantastic nightlife.

Santo Domingo gets hot, as one might expect, and wandering the cobblestone streets all day will defiantly wear you down if visiting in the warmer months, so don’t overdo it. Luckily, there are many accommodation options with pools, perfect for an afternoon cool down.

Zona Colonial is not all that large, but luckily there are numerous rentals and boutique hotels here. Be careful when choosing where to stay, as some properties list themselves as being just outside the Colonial Quarter, and a few of these areas are not places to walk around at night.

Note: I am not saying they are ‘dangerous’ per se, but that they might not make the average traveler feel as comfortable as a more central location.

If possible, stay IN the Colonial Zone, not ‘nearby’. The best tip for this is to read the reviews before booking, specifically look for mentions of “safe, walking, night,” etc. Tales from actual travelers will give you a much better picture of the area than the property description in most cases.

There are other areas of this large city that some travelers prefer to stay, such as Zona Universitaria, Gazcue, or the Malecon area, but honestly, if you are here to see the Zona Colonial, it’s best to stay here and save travel time.

There are also some urban beach areas here you might choose, but it’s likely that you will be heading to one of the more famous beach areas, so it’s better to wait for those.

What To See and Do

The best way to experience the colonial quarter of Santo Domingo is simply to wander and take it all in. However, unless you are glued to a guidebook, it’s best to join one of the city’s many walking tours. With a guide, you can hear the history and get a feel for the real heartbeat of this area.

Depending on when you visit, you will likely see A LOT of tour groups, most of the coming from cruise ships. Luckily they don’t seem to stay long and congest the streets, and shouldn’t interrupt your sightseeing too much.

There is also a small tourist train that put-puts its way around some of the streets with a recorded audio description of the sights. This is a cheap and fun way to see a bit without breaking a sweat.

TIP- take this little train to scout out nice photo spots that you can circle back for golden hour.

The many restaurants and bars in the colonial zone leave you spoiled for choice here, and there is something for everyone’s budget and tastes. Ranging from rooftops, historic buildings, and newer developments, you can find Dominican food and anything else you might want. One personal favorite for a killer view is Sugarcane La Casa Del Ron, where you can sip and overlook the first church in the Americas.

For beer lovers, there are also a few very cool breweries scattered in colorful old houses in the Zona Colonial. So, be sure to seek those out if you are here to sample some of the Dominican Republic’s craft beers. For some great gram-worthy pics, La Cacata Brewing is a vibrant little place serving awesome ales.

If you can tear yourself away from the food and drinks, there are many cultural things to see and do here as well.

Parks such as Independence and Columbus are worth a visit, as are the many museums and historic sites to explore.

Museum of the Royal Houses, Museo del Larimar, the Amber World Museum, and Alcazar de Colon are all popular options.

Santo Domingo also has the Caribbean’s first urban cable car, and while its main purpose is to make the daily lives of residents easier, tourists are welcome to enjoy it as well.

Take the clean and efficient subway or an Uber to reach the station and enjoy a birds of view of the real Santo Domingo, far from the glitzy tourist shop-lined streets of the Zona Colonial.

Can’t Miss

It’s a shame how many people miss out on Santo Domingo when coming to the Dominican Republic, and it’s even more of a shame that people come to Santo Domingo and miss out on one of its best-kept secrets.

Literally IN the city lies a small but stunning cave system that you can visit for next to nothing, and while you cannot swim in the blue waters, the views rival any cenote that you might find in Mexico.

The Tres Ojos (Three Eyes) National Park is a must-see when visiting Santo Domingo and makes an easy stop on the way to the airport if you can arrange with your driver to wait about 30 minutes for you. The cost for entry is about $2, and you climb down and experience the pools and caves surrounding you.

While not very large, this place is fantastic, and you feel a million miles from the highway that actually runs right next to the park.

To reach the most photogenic spot, bring a couple of extra dollars with you. I won’t spoil the surprise, but let’s just say there are ropes and a floating raft involved.

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March 23, 2023
The Dominican Republic Sets All-Time Tourist Arrival Record: Here’s Where Travelers Are Headed

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The Dominican Republic’s tourism industry is off to an incredible start this year. The country is smashing tourist numbers month over month, proving more visitors than ever are choosing the Dominican Republic as a vacation destination. With a beautiful and diverse landscape, an endless choice of activities, and welcoming people, it is easy to see why so many tourists visit each year.

Breaking Records By Air And By Sea

Last month alone, combined visitor arrivals by air and sea were just shy of 1 million. 661,088 tourists arrived by air during February, a 17% increase from 2022, and a 9% increase from pre-pandemic 2019. Even more extraordinary is the growth in cruise passenger arrivals.

This February, over 250,000 visitors arrived by cruise ship, representing more than double the number of cruise arrivals from 2019, and triple that of the same period last year.

Add to these impressive numbers the fact that this past January also saw record tourist arrivals. That all means that in the first two months of 2023, over 1.8 million tourists visited the Dominican Republic. With no signs of slowing, it seems the nation is well on its way to its ambitious goal of reaching 10 million visitors by the end of the year.

Why Tourists Love The Dominican Republic

The majority of the Dominican Republic’s visitors hail from the United States, Canada, and Colombia. They come seeking something special that can only be found here. A unique mix of culture, natural beauty, and relaxation that is easily accessible. The Dominican Republic has all that and more.

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With over 100 all-inclusive resorts, relaxing and enjoying the pristine beaches is easy. In fact, many of the top resorts in the Caribbean are in the Dominican Republic. The diversity of the nation’s vast natural environment means that visitors can enjoy mountains, caves, lakes, and waterfalls, as well as the pristine beaches and offshore islands the country is famous for.

Additionally, visitors love to experience the Dominican culture – one that is welcoming and rich in music, food, and traditions.

Where Are All These Visitors Headed?

The majority of visitors head straight to La Altagracia Province – home to Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic’s golden child for tourism, and many of the top resorts. This beautiful region is where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean and where incredible beaches are just waiting to be enjoyed.

67% of foreigners stayed in the resort towns of Punta Cana, Bávaro, and Bayahibe. But, as regular Travel Off Path readers will know, there is more to the Dominican Republic than just Punta Cana.

The second most touristed destination is the capital region – Santo Domingo and the surrounding area. Santo Domingo is a vibrant city and UNESCO World Heritage site, as it was the first permanent establishment of the “New World”, and is home to some of the oldest institutions in the Americas.

Visitors love Santo Domingo for its diversity of offerings – you can see Colonial architecture, visit Boca Chica’s tropical beaches, explore sunken cenotes in the middle of the city, and enjoy funky clubs with delicious food. 8% of foreigners stayed in Santo Domingo Province.

8% of international visitors also stayed in Puerto Plata Province. Puerto Plata was the original tourist hotspot in the Dominican Republic and is still loved for its breathtaking landscape that includes the coast, mountains, rivers, and of course – beautiful beaches.

The area’s most popular attraction is the 27 Charcos of Damajagua, a complex of 27 waterfalls along the Damajagua river that can be explored on foot with a local guide.

The remaining destinations that have been pulling in international tourists are La Romana, where the renowned Casa de Campo resort is located (4%), Samaná, the northeastern coastal region where visitors enjoy wild beaches and rainforests welcomed 3% of visitors, and finally, 2% of tourists headed for the cosmopolitan city of Santiago de los Caballeros which is full of fascinating museums and cultural sites, and home to some of the best food and nightlife in the Dominican Republic.

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March 10, 2023
5 All-Inclusive Resorts In The Dominican Republic For Under $150 Per Night

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The Dominican Republic is a hotspot for travelers to escape the winter weather and catch some rays at the beach. Even though Spring is quickly approaching, there are still some amazing affordable deals to check out this month! Right now, there are 5 all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic for under $150 per night!

Every hotel deal listed below was found here for February 23 through March 1, 2023, but similar deals can be found during other times of the year as well.

Gran Ventana Beach Resort

Welcome to Puerto Plata, a gorgeous beach town just an hour’s drive from the nearest major city of Santiago.

@josetliranzo HOTEL GRAN VENTANA BEACH RESORT, PUERTO PLATA. Resérvalo con nosotros #onmywayrd #granventanaresort #puertoplata #traveler ♬ Ojalá Que Llueva Café – Juan Luis Guerra

Here at the Gran Ventana, travelers have been enthralled with the hospitality they receive, where they feel welcomed like family. Especially the bartenders. One traveler, in particular, couldn’t get enough of their Miami Vice cocktails. Word of mouth has it there is a secret menu if you can find a bartender named Jackie. Ask for “the Jackie special,” and you won’t regret it!

The overall cleanliness and calmness of the resort are two other key elements that made this a “perfect vacation,” as one guest noted. Not to mention the close access to the D.R.’s world-famous beaches. This resort is set on Playa Dorada, where there are long stretches of sand and blue water, calm enough to enjoy a relaxing swim.

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@megacasasrd Vacaciones 2022…Gran Ventana Beach Resort#MegaCasasRD #BienesRaicesRD #Espaillat #Moca🇩🇴 #Mocacity #Mocanos54 #MocaRD #PlayaRD #Tiktoker_Mocanos #TiktokMoca #RealEstateRD ♬ Del Mar – Solo Version – Ozuna

All of this can be had as low as $77 per night!

Whala! Bavaro!

Located in the touristy beach town of Punta Cana is an all-inclusive resort with all the bells and whistles. Easily accessible from the Punta Cana airport, tourists can be in Vacation Mode in no time!

@whalahotels A day in whala!bavaro, Dominican Republic🏝️ #whalahotels #hotel #holydays #whala #resort #puntacana #republicadominicana ♬ sonido original – whala!hotels

This stunning resort is located at one of D.R.’s most exclusive beaches, Bavaro Beach. Those looking for the ultimate relaxing getaway should strongly consider staying here, as recent guests have left raving reviews.

Those who stay here should expect a rooftop terrace with immaculate views of the ocean, along with a great selection of restaurants to choose from. There is also a rooftop pool with views of the beautiful white sandy beach.

@wendy.miami Whala! Bavaro All inclusive Resort infinity pool beach views are priceless views for me 💗 #whalabavaro #dominicanrepublic #dr🇩🇴 #santodomingo #thingstodo #placestogo #vacations #vacaciones #resorts #allinclusive #puntacana #bavaropuntacana ♬ original sound – wendy

Guests also felt comfortable in their spacious rooms with big-screen TVs and noted safety was visibly important to the hotel staff, who were jovial and welcoming.

At a low price of $92 per night, this place is an absolute steal!

PlayaBachata Spa & Resort

This lovely hotel is also in the quaint town of Puerto Plata. A large resort holding just under 1000 rooms has all the amenities vacationers could imagine.

@playabachatasparesort Welcome to #playabachatasparesort ☀️🌴 #senatorhr #allinclusiveresort #dominicanrepublic #puertoplata ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) – CKay

Set on the beach and surrounded by lush greenery, those who come here can expect a relaxing getaway. Many guests have left glowing reviews mentioning how much they loved the entertainment. In particular, Frijolito put on a fun show and made everyone feel like they were part of the family.

The resort provides a ton of options to enjoy being outside for the day, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and bike rentals to explore the area in the cool breeze.

Guests can stay at PlayaBachata for as low as $116 per night!

Ocean Blue Sands Golf & Beach Resort

Also known as Ocean Blue and Sand, this picturesque resort is located in Punta Cana on Bavaro Beach. Besides the beach and wonderful hospitality, many golfers make this their go-to destination because of the nearby White Sands course.

@dominicantours26

📍ocean blue & sand resort , punta cana , you need vacations ? come and book with us now 🌴🏝

♬ original sound – dominican tours

There is also a casino and a pair of luxurious pools for guests to enjoy. With multiple restaurants to choose from, the Steakhouse is the main attraction, where multiple guests claim the steak was “cooked to perfection.”

@antheatmm #puntacana #oceanblueandsandresort #vacation ♬ son original – Anthea dream producer

Those who have stayed recently have bragged about the cleanliness of the entire hotel grounds, along with the easy access to the “best beach ever.”

The lowest price seen for this resort is just $125 per night!

Riu Republica

Riu is a hotel brand associated with the best of the best. According to recent travelers, this place meets the mark!

@rhetoreecal Riu Republica is an Adults Only All inclusive resort located in Punta Cana. The resort has WiFi, 8 swimming pools, mini bars in each room, water park, a gym, spa and much more. The resort has nightly entertainment and a club. Pros: Check In took about 20 mins but the overall process was simple because we checked in online. Staff is absolutely kind and accommodating and prioritizes cleanliness. Cons: Ran out of beach towels by noon so grab them early. Didn’t always have small face towels (but I always pack my own). Side notes: pack a light jacket for the cool evenings. Getting a taxi is super easy from the resort roughly $15-$20 to get to popular areas. #puntacana #dominicanrepublic #riurepublica #puntacanaDR #riuhotels ♬ break my soul x just fine – amorphous

This adults-only hotel is also located in Punta Cana on the scenic Arena Gorda beach. Recommended for all types of travelers, it’s hard to imagine being disappointed with the natural beauty surrounding the resort and the endless food options in the all-inclusive package.

The hotel is open 24 hours per day, and guests have enjoyed late nights at the many bars to choose from. Apparently, the bartenders have a heavy hand since there are great reviews of the added tequila shots!

@itsthecanqueen do we want a complete party review 🤔? TB to the best trip at Riu Republica ft the littest pool parties 😍 #riurepublica #dominicanrepublic #dr #travel #traveltiktok #party #partygirl #fypシ ♬ son original – Awa Diagne 🌿👸🏾

Given this resort is for adults, there is more of a party atmosphere. But guests claim the staff does everything in their power to ensure everyone has a positive experience.

This beautiful resort is as low as $138 per night!

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February 16, 2023
Top 3 Places To Visit In The Dominican Republic Other Than Punta Cana

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The Dominican Republic has long been a favorite among American travelers, and this year is no exception. The country’s diverse cultures and rich history, coupled with its stunning natural beauty and prime location in the Caribbean, all combine to make it a top destination for anyone looking for sun and sea.

Out of the 8.5 million who visited last year alone, most flock to Punta Cana, and for good reason. Yes, Punta Cana is indisputably beautiful, and its location at the crossing point between the Caribbean and the Atlantic brings with it some truly postcard-esque beaches. While Punta Cana’s beauty is a major selling point for tourists choosing to come to the Dominican Republic, there is so much more to the island to explore.

Here are 3 top places to visit in the Dominican Republic, other than Punta Cana:

Cabarete

If it’s action you are seeking, Cabarete is the place for you. This smaller beachside town is located about an hour from the popular Puerto Plata, a common starting point for visitors arriving from both cruise ships and international flights. Cabarete beach is technically a bay, and the waters are kept calm due to a coral reef protecting them from the open ocean.

Calm as they might seem, Cabarete is notoriously breezy, helping it to secure its spot as one of the most famous water sports hotspots in Latin America. The beaches here are world-famous for kiteboarding and windsurfing.

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Cabarete has a surf town vibe, yet not one that has been overtaken by foreigners completely. The locals here are colorful and eclectic, and everyone lives alongside each other with little problems.

The nightlife in Cabarete is also quite notorious, and you can dance the night away at the many beachside bars.

Bahia de Las Aguilas

Those who are adventurous enough to venture to the Dominican Republic’s wild and undeveloped west coast will be rewarded with Bahia de Las Aguilas. Widely considered amongst the Dominicans as the most beautiful beach in the country, Bahia de Las Aguilas is part of the Jaragua National Park. This natural paradise has kept commercialization at bay, and nature is preserved by not allowing hotels, shops, or restaurants.

The beach here is fine white sand and reaches almost five miles. To reach Bahia de Las Aguilas, you must come by boat or 4×4 vehicle, and once you have arrived, you can enjoy a unique ecosystem and spot various endangered species. This largest protected natural area in the Caribbean is definitely worth a visit, if not solely for the adventure of reaching it.

Las Terrenas

This former unknown fishing village has enjoyed a tourism boom in recent years, with many choosing to explore this northern area of the island. The numerous beaches here range from completely natural to a bit rugged, with not one major hotel to be found. Beaches such as Playa Bonita or Playa Coson are favorites among the locals and tourists, and most of the area’s coastline needs to be accessed by ATV.

You will not have to fight anyone for space on the beach nor pay for access anywhere. There is also no shortage of beach bars and seafood houses to enjoy. Las Terrenas is also famous for its surreal crystal-clear waters and powder white sand. If you are looking for a natural coastline unspoiled by massive resorts yet still with a town full of amenities, then Las Terrenas is your kind of place.

Bonus:

Looking for a cool spot to check out away from the beach? Just outside the vibrant capital city of Santo Domingo, you can find Los Tres Ojos (Three Eyes) National Park. This open-air limestone cave system with a series of crystal clear lakes looks something like a Mexican cenote. To visit, you can take a taxi or local bus, and costing less than 5 USD to enter. This place is a bargain.

Movies such as Jurassic Park 3 and Tarzan have shot scenes here, and you can see why. An easy afternoon away from the city, Tres Ojos will provide the backdrop for some stunning vacation snaps.

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February 7, 2023
5 New Flights To The Dominican Republic Are Launching From The U.S. And Canada
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Now that most of the Caribbean has reopened, the Dominican Republic (DR) is eager to welcome visitors. In response to the surging demand, low cost carriers are launching a total of five new flight flights to the insular nation in the high season from the U.S. and Canada, making it a lot easier for North Americans to escape the cold winter months.

The DR had always been a beach hotspot in the years preceding the health crisis, but it truly found its fame and made a name for itself in the post-pandemic era, after a a record number of tourist arrivals was recorded. To put it simply, it is hotter than ever before and we can expect flight frequencies to increase further.

So far, this is all we know about the new flight routes:

Frontier, Swoop And Air Century Adding DR Flights This Winter

Both the U.S. Frontier and Canada’s Swoop were the main beneficiaries of an agreement struck between the DR’s Civil Aeronautics Board, shortened to JAC in Spanish, and five other airlines, allowing for the inauguration of new flights to the island. Besides the popular North American operators, Condor, Neos and Air Century nabbed a slice of the market.

In total, the deal has green-lit a 13 new international routes into the Dominican Republic, due to start between November 2022 and January 2023. Naturally, we will focus mostly on Frontier and Swoop only, as they will serve the North American market exclusively, though the Dominican-based Air Century has been allotted U.S. flights as well.

Let’s Start With Frontier

Frontier already offers an air bridge between a number of cities and Punta Cana, the DR’s leading beach destination, namely:
- Chicago (Chicago O’Hare)
- Cleveland (Cleveland Hopkins International)
- Miami International
- Orlando International
- Philadelphia International
Additionally, seasonal flights depart to Punta Cana from Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson), St. Louis Lambert International, and outside of the mainland U.S., Puerto Rico. Having established a strong presence in the island’s easternmost tip, the carrier’s top executives have now set their eyes on Santo Domingo, the fast-developing capital.

More specifically, they have requested that the DR authorities modify their ‘Operating Permit’, which would allow them to expand service to Santo Domingo, adding a brand new route from Tampa International (TPA). Moreover, the Florida hub could be getting its own Punta Cana flights, should Frontier’s request get approved.

These routes will launch on November 5, 2022, once the Airbus A320neo with a 186-seat capacity takes to the skies. They are the latest major announcement coming from Frontier regarding winter travel, as up until now, the company seemed to focus on domestic routes – Phoenix, for instance, is set to host ten new flights to other U.S. hubs.

Air Century Looks For A Place In The American Market

While it surely isn’t as popular, at least in the American market, the DR’s own Air Century is introducing seven new international flights from the island – two of those are Tampa and Miami-bound. Pretty soon, Tampa residents will be able to choose whether their airline of preference, be it American or Dominican.

Whether a new fare war is about to start remains to be seen, though one thing is for certain: it’s the customers who will come out as winners either way. As for Miami, Air Century is planning to initiate service from the Southern Californian city to the aforementioned Punta Cana and Santo Domingo – exact schedules and frequency are yet to be outlined.

Hamilton To Punta Cana Flights Debuting Soon

Lastly, Canada’s Swoop has reasons to celebrate after obtaining authorization to fly the Hamilton International (YHM)-Punta Cana route. Official details include:
- Operations will begin between January 11 and April 26, 2023
- Flight frequency is once a week, every Wednesday
- Tickets could be as cheap as CAN$199 one-way at the lowest fare level
Regarding the third item, price estimates have not been released yet, but we can assume they won’t be much more expensive than the ones we’ve seen for Toronto-Punta Cana, or CAN$199 on select dates. It is Swoop’s only other DR product, and a route where the carrier has deployed a 737-800 with a seating capacity of 174 – 162 Economy and 12 Business.

This gives us some indication as to where we’re headed with the future Hamilton flights.

The Five New Routes

In sum, the new five routes to the Dominican Republic from the U.S. and Canada are:
- Tampa-Santo Domingo (Frontier)
- Tampa-Punta Cana (Frontier, Air Century)
- Miami-Santo Domingo (Air Century)
- Miami-Punta Cana (Air Century)
- Hamilton, Canada-Punta Cana (Swoop)
Elsewhere, Dusseldorf International in Germany is getting its own La Romana flights, complementing an existing-service to Puerto Plata and Punta Cana; Italy’s Neos, on the other hand, is flying to the DR from Rome Fiumicino and Verona International – again, to La Romana, Europe’s favorite entry point into the Caribbean gem.

The JAC has also confirmed availability for a whopping 61 new international routes, proving the Dominican Republic is growing rapidly as a destination. As of now, no airlines have claimed those.

Read More:

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

Hurricane Warning Issued For Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

This Low Cost Airline Has Just Added Over 20 Weekly Flights Between The U.S. And The Dominican Republic

New All-Inclusive Resort And Entertainment Experience Coming To The Dominican Republic

Marriott’s First Luxury All-Inclusive Resort Debuts In Dominican Republic

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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September 20, 2022
Dominican Republic Sets New Tourism Record And Now Has Over 100 All Inclusive Resorts

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Following the trend of several other sunny destinations, the Dominican Republic has just set another all-time tourism record. In August of this year, the Dominican Republic welcomed over 620,000 tourists, shattering its previous 2019 record. World-renowned beaches spotted with luxury all inclusives keep visitors coming back to this Caribbean gem year after year.

How Much Has Tourism Grown?

The Dominican Republic – especially Punta Cana – is becoming a staple on every tropical traveler’s wish list. New resorts are constantly springing up, and visitor counts continue to outpace previous years. The last year before the pandemic, 2019, was the country’s biggest year ever for tourism. However, 2022 has consistently been bigger. Air arrivals from January through August 2019 amounted to 4,664,036 visitors. This year saw an increase of about 5.15%, with total air arrivals for the same months amounting to 4,904,160 visitors.

Who Is Visiting?

Americans are the biggest market for the Dominican Republic, followed by Canadians. From January to August of this year, about 1.64 million Americans have flown to the Dominican Republic, taking up a 38.4% share of all international air arrivals. In second place is Canada, which has sent just over 384,700 air arrivals to the country. Hotel occupancy rates have been high all year, with an average rate of 72.4% between January and July. July was the most-booked month, with a hotel occupancy rate of 77.4%.

What’s Special About The Dominican Republic?

The Resorts

The Dominican Republic draws many different types of travelers. One of the most popular ways people visit the country is by staying at an all-inclusive resort. Most of the popular resorts are located in Punta Cana, which, like Cancun, is becoming an area known for its incredible beaches and a vast range of all-inclusive resorts. The Dominican Republic is home to over 100 all inclusives, and Punta Cana claims over 70 of them.

Travel Off Path recently looked at Punta Cana all-inclusives from January 14^th through January 21^st to get an idea of average costs for this coming winter. We found that, on average, Punta Cana’s 4-star all-inclusives were $239 per night, and there were 5 properties available for the dates chosen. For 5-star all-inclusives, the average nightly price was $422 per night, and there were 63 properties available. Compared to another all-inclusive hotspot, Cancun, the prices are quite favorable.

The Beaches

Punta Cana’s beaches are not as developed as Cancun’s, but that’s not a criticism. Punta Cana offers a better chance of finding a secluded place along the beach to call your own for an afternoon. The most popular beach is Bavaro Beach, which gives travelers a chance to feel like they are walking right into a postcard due to its appeal to the eye. For travelers taking advantage of an all-inclusive property, there are endless options dotting the beaches in Punta Cana.

The Weather

Many travelers head to the Caribbean every year to escape the cold for a week or two over winter. Indeed, the Dominican Republic is the perfect escape, and the weather in the most popular region, Punta Cana, is ideal in January. The average temperature is 76.6°F (24.8°C), and there are typically only 11 days of rain. Likewise, the ocean is inviting at an average temperature of 80°F (27°C), and the sun dutifully shines over the clear-blue waters each day. It can get a bit humid, with an average humidity of 76%, but with a bit of shade and a cold drink, most travelers would never notice.

Getting There

Most travelers to the Dominican Republic fly into Punta Cana Airport. Presently, Punta Cana does not have quite as many direct flights as Cancun. Still, airlines are noticing Punta Cana’s increase in popularity and have begun offering more nonstop flights. As a result, for a getaway in January, twenty U.S. cities will fly directly to Punta Cana (PUJ). Canadians will have eight cities flying directly to PUJ. For more detailed information on which cities and airlines are flying directly to Punta Cana this winter, read more HERE.

The Dominican Republic is making a name for itself, and this country’s tourism sector will likely continue to grow every year. Punta Cana is a significant draw for tourists interested in visiting the country, but there are even more hotel hotspots in the works. Additionally, travelers interested in visiting can read about how Punta Cana compares to Cancun HERE.

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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September 16, 2022
Dominican Republic Breaks All Time Record For The Most Tourist Arrivals

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The Dominican Republic recently broke its all time record for the highest number of tourist arrivals into the country. The Caribbean nation, which has long since been a favorite destination for travelers from the US and Canada, welcomed a record-breaking number of travelers into the country last month in the wake of the global pandemic.

With the country recently having removed all of its Covid-19 related entry requirements, the record could well be broken again throughout the summer. Here’s a closer look at all of the details of the country’s record-breaking tourism month, plus a recap of recently-added new flight routes to the Dominican Republic that are set to make travel to the country even more accessible.

Record-Breaking Travel – Information For Travelers

Whilst the pandemic might have changed many things about the way we travel, some things have remained the same – and the popularity of the Dominican Republic is one of them. The sixth most popular international destination for Americans in 2019 and recently revealed as the fifth most in-demand destination for Americans this year, the island’s stunning beaches, top hospitality and close proximity to the US has proved irresistible once more for travelers in 2022.

Last month, the Dominican Republic welcomed 626,000 travelers, marking the first time the island had received more than 600,000 travelers in a calendar month and representing a 91% increase compared to April 2021. Most travelers arrived by plane, but a sizable contingent of 129,000 cruise ship passengers also visited the country, with the return of the cruise industry warmly welcomed across the Caribbean after months of inactivity and uncertainty. American travelers were the most popular, representing 40% of all arrivals, but plenty of Canadian travelers have also been taking the trip down south.

The record is looking increasingly like it will be broken again this year. Not only has the Dominican Republic recently removed all of its Covid-19 restrictions – making it more appealing to travelers – but the ongoing renovation of Punta Cana airport will see the country able to cope with the increased demand it is currently facing. Around 60% of April’s arrivals entered through Punta Cana airport, whilst the capital’s Las Américas International Airport welcomed 23% of the country’s visitors.

Huge traveler numbers may spell costly hotel bookings, but with plenty of worthy places to visit in the country, finding the right hotel shouldn’t prove too difficult. More and more destinations in the Dominican Republic are being connected with the US, with Frontier launching new flights from Tampa to Punta Cana and Santo Domingo that will start from the end of June. March also saw American Airlines add flights between Miami and Samaná, whilst the low-cost Canadian airline Swoop also added flights between Toronto and Punta Cana. With these new additions on top of existing flight routes, North American travelers have plenty of options when it comes to visiting the Dominican Republic.

Travelers looking for something different can also visit the Dominican Republic on a range of different cruises. Top cruise companies Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Carnival each include stops in the Dominican Republic on a variety of different cruise options, ranging from 7 nights to ten nights.

Speaking about the record-breaking month, David Callado, the Dominican tourism minister, said:

“The recovery of international travel is a reality. We’ve done it again. The recorded growth in April is an achievement without precedents. It’s the best April in the history of tourism in our country.”

Impressively, the country is welcoming record numbers whilst keeping standards high, with 93% of all travelers stating they would recommend the island to others or visit it again. With such figures reported despite the huge crowds, high hotel rates and packed beaches, the country looks set to enjoy greater traveler numbers for the foreseeable future.

Read More:

Dominican Republic Officially Removes All Entry Requirements

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

Hawaii Faces Overtourism With Maui Planning To Limit Number of Tourists

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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

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May 6, 2022