Everything You Need To Know About Vacationing In The Dominican Republic

With over 1,000 miles of beaches, paradise can truly be found when visiting the Dominican Republic. Millions of people flock to the country each year to not only enjoy the beaches, but to take part in the exciting activities, as well as the best value all-inclusive resorts in all of the Caribbean.

There are several major cities that visitors flock to when visiting the Dominican Republic, all unique from one another.  Santa Domingois the capital city and has numerous historical sights as well as many great restaurants and a bustling nightlife.  La Romana is home to the better beaches and resorts, and Punta Cana is the home of the all-inclusive.  With over 24,000 hotel rooms,Punta Canais the most visited area in the Dominican Republic, with accommodation options to fit virtually any budget.

Traveling to Dominican Republic is a fairly easy task as there are numerous daily flights from all around the world that travel non-stop to one of the Dominican Republic's five major airports. 

Once on the ground, many vacation packages and resorts offer transfers from the hotel or the resort, but if that is not the case, taxis are available.  Taxis prices are fairly consistent, and can cost anywhere from $20-$50 depending on the travel distance.

Rental cars are also available for rent while in the Dominican Republic.  Rental cars can cost about $75 for a basic car, and significantly more for a larger or upgraded ride.  In order to rent a car, renters must be at least 25 years old and have a valid drivers license from their home country.  Also, a deposit of $200 will be collected either through credit card or cash.  If staying at an all-inclusive resort, a car is probably not necessary, because everything needed can pretty much be found on the grounds of the resort. 

The Dominican Republic is one of those places that is busy year-round, in comparison to other Caribbean Islands that have a high season and a low season.  However, for better deals, travel in the late spring and early fall.  Resorts throughout the area tend to sell out quickly, so it is best to make resrevations as early as possible.

There are TONS hotels and resorts in the Dominican Republic so it can be hard to choose just one. All-Inclusive resorts are very popular, and there are many hotels popular hotel chains scattered throughout the country. Iberostar, Secrets, Riu and Club Med are just a few of the exceptional hotel chains on the island, but there are many more. Casa de Campo in La Romana is a favorite amongst travellers as it is the country's most "illustrious" resort. Punta Cana, which is sometimes referred to as the "Cancun" of the Dominican Republic boasts over 24,000 hotels rooms. Virtually able to fit every budget with hotels room costs at all-inclusive resorts reaching as low as $50 a night. For great deals on Dominican Republic vacations. checkout Bookit, Cheap Caribbean, and All-Inclusive Outlet. These website frequently have deals going on that are 50% or more off the regular resort and vacation package price.

The Dominican Republic has over 1,000 miles of white sand beaches, which includes the longest stretch of beach in the Caribbean spanning from Punta Cana to Bavaro.  With so many beaches, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit, but there are a few gems that should not be missed.  The isolated beach Playa Bahaoruco is a quiet beach, away from the hustle and bustle of some of the major areas in the Domican Republic, so it is the perfect spot for a little tranquility.  Punta Cana beach is one of the best beaches on the island and stretches for about 20 miles.  Many hotels are located on this stretch, and have their own sections of the beach.  Day passes can be purchased to enjoy not just the hotel's beaches, but the facilities at a specific hotel as well. 

Historical sights are aplenty in the Dominican Republic, especially in Santo Domingo.  However there are many sights throughout the country to explore.  For maps and other tourism information contact the Dominican Republic Tourist Office, 212-588-1012 or 888-374-6361.

In addition to water sports such as diving, fishing, wind surfing, and kite surfing, there are many other activities to do on land while in the Dominican Republic.

Golfing is a popular past time as some of the best golf courses in the Caribbean can be found. The PuntaCana Resort & Club has an 18 hole golf course designed by P.B. Dye. The White Sands Golf Course was designed by Pepe Gancedo, and is considered to be the Picasso of golf courses. Other popular gold courses include the Barcelo Bavaro Beach Golf & Casino Resort,Casa de Campo, Guvaberry Golf & Country Club,Las Marlins Championship Golf Course,Playa Dorado Golf Club, and Playa Grande Golf Course.

There are several opportunities to enjoy horseback riding at Casa de Campo, the Equestrian Center, Guvaberry Equestrian Center, Rancho Isabella, and Sea Horse Ranch.

Tennis is also very popular, especially at some of the larger resorts. La Terraza Tennis Club, Occidental Tennis Academy, Playa Naco Resort & Spa, PuntaCana Resort & Club, and Sea Horse Ranch are some of the better places to go and play golf. Lessons are available at some of these places, with free to minimal cost to guests, while non-guests must pay a slightly larger fee.

The Dominican Republic a beautiful Caribbean country, appropriate for families, couples, family reunions, weddings, and more.  With the affordability and beauty of the country, a trip to the Dominican Republic should definitely be on the list of places to go in the future, it will be one vacation that will never be forgotten.