Are you a first-time visitor or a repeat vacationer of the Dominican Republic. Traveling to a new tropical vacation spot is full of fun, an adventure that will give you wonderful stories to share with all of your friends and family when you get home. When you prepare for your overseas trip, you want to experience the surprise of great adventures, amazing beaches, and a new culture. Here is what you do not want to be surprised with: travel plans, health hazards, currency issues, and/or transportation problems. Here are some practical tips to think about for your next winter vacation destination to the Dominican Republic:
Can you drink the water?
Drinking purified bottled water is recommended and available everywhere in the Dominican Republic. Hotels and restaurants use purified water to clean and cook their food and make ice for their ice machines. Tourists are recommended not to drink the tap water. People with sensitive stomachs are recommended to use bottled water to brush your teeth. Because you are traveling to a different ecological environment away from your body is used to ingesting, the microbes in the water in the Dominican Republic may affect some people very adversely.
When is the best time to visit the Dominican Republic?
Anytime is a great time to visit a tropical paradise like the Dominican Republic. Most people from North America visit during the winter months between December and April. They are seeking a break from the winter cold and snow. Before you take your trip to any Caribbean destination, check out what the weather is going to be like when you are there.
What is the food like?
Dominican food is a wonderful mix of African, European and local cultural influences. Many dishes consist of fish, yucca, rice, chicken, beans and many tropical fruits and vegetables. Don’t be shy about trying something new. There are so many great types of foods to enjoy when you are there. If you are eating out at a restaurant, many of them require you to make reservations ahead of time. So in short: When in the Dominicans, do as the Dominicans do!
Is it safe to go outside of my resort hotel?
Like any tourist destination that you travel to, just use common sense when you are out and about your hotel or resort. It might seem silly, but don’t walk on the beach at night alone. If you want to go for a walk on the beach, stay close to your hotel within sight of other people. In Punta Cana, it is a safe place to visit, and you have the benefit of having extra police present touring the tourist areas. Don’t purposely draw attention to yourself by dressing flashy or leaving personal items lying around. Be aware of your surroundings and travel in-groups to visit the local culture when mingling with the local culture.
The Dominican Republic is a great vacation destination. One of the things that you will notice right away is that the local people live on a different time. They are much more relaxed and easy-going at live life at a little slower pace than what we are used to in the United States. Remember this is a vacation! Just in on that pace with both feet and enjoy the slower pace of life. This will help to recharge your batteries, ease those worries back at home or work. You just may find that after a few days in the Dominican you just might find yourself blending in and not wanting to go back home to the fast paced life you have.