Dominican Republic

Traveling the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is still on my list of places I’m building out full guides for, but I wanted to get the basics up here for anyone planning a trip in the meantime. It’s one of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean, and for good reason — long beaches, mountain towns like Jarabacoa, and a nightlife and food scene in Santo Domingo that goes well beyond the resort strips.

A few practical notes on the Dominican Republic: the currency is the Dominican peso, though US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas (just expect change in pesos). Spanish is the official language, and while resort staff often speak English, it’s worth learning a few basic phrases if you’re heading outside the all-inclusive zones. Tap water isn’t reliably safe to drink, so stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your trip.

Hurricane season runs June through November, so if you’re traveling during those months, keep an eye on the forecast and check the U.S. State Department’s Dominican Republic travel page for current advisories before you book. Outside of hurricane season, the weather stays warm and fairly consistent year-round, which is a big part of the appeal.

Most first-time visitors to the Dominican Republic base themselves in Punta Cana, and it’s an easy, reliable choice with some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. But it’s worth knowing there’s a lot more to the country if you have the time — Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial is one of the oldest European settlements in the Americas, the Samaná Peninsula has whale watching in season, and the mountain town of Jarabacoa is a completely different, cooler climate than the coast. Even a short day trip out of the resort zone can completely change your perspective on the country.

Getting around the Dominican Republic independently takes a bit more planning than a resort stay — taxis and organized tours are the norm for visitors, since public buses can be slow and aren’t always well marked for non-Spanish speakers. If you’re comfortable driving, rental cars open up more flexibility, but be prepared for a more assertive driving style than you might be used to.

One more thing worth knowing about the Dominican Republic before you go: tipping around 10% is customary at restaurants even when a service charge is already added, and bartering is common in markets and with street vendors but not expected in shops or resorts. Packing-wise, lightweight breathable fabrics work best year-round, with a light rain jacket for the occasional afternoon shower. It’s a small kit that makes the shift between beach days and mountain towns much more comfortable.

We’ll be adding proper trip guides and stories from the Dominican Republic as they happen — for now, keep an eye on this page, and let us know in the comments if there’s a specific region or resort area you’d like us to cover first. We’re excited to share more soon.