A lot has been said, written, and even sung about the beauty of the Caribbean, but while the region, as a whole, has consistently been one of the most coveted destinations on Earth, specific countries have rarely managed to outshine the rest of their neighbors – that is until now.
Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of Caribbean hubs that set new all-time records this past year, but none of them grew as much or at the same unbelievable pace as the Dominican Republic.
If you’ve been keeping up to date with the latest travel news, chances are you’ve been flooded with updates about the country’s tourism achievements, but what you’ve read doesn’t even start to cover just how big the Dominican Republic is becoming in the international travel scene.
Over 10 million visitors entered the country’s borders this past year, not only setting a brand-new standard for Caribbean tourism but also giving the local government an even more ambitious goal – 11 million tourists in 2024.
In the midst of all this, it’s impossible not to ask why people have fallen so deeply in love with the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic Has Never Been So Accessible
As dreamy as the Dominican Republic is, you’d think it was some faraway land that takes hours of tiring flights and thousands of dollars to reach; however, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
These past few years alone, many of North America’s most influential airlines have expanded their Dominican network, and flights from most U.S. destinations don’t last longer than 3 or 4 hours.
Three of the Caribbean nation’s biggest airports, in particular – Punta Cana International Airport, Las Américas International Airport, and Cibao International Airport – are seeing traffic increase at unprecedented rates.
Some Of The Caribbean’s Most Gorgeous Beaches
The main attraction drawing tourists to the Dominican Republic is, of course, the pristine coastline.
Here, the beaches are like something you’d see on a postcard – from the powdery white sands of Punta Cana to the more secluded coves of Samaná, travelers are bound to find a beach that’ll leave them a little short of breath.
If you don’t know where to head off to first, consider adding Bavaro Beach and Playa Grande to your must-see list as well.
A Treasure Trove Of Cultural And Historical Attractions
Beyond its jaw-dropping views, the Dominican Republic promises travelers a culturally immersive experience, which is more than what can be said for most pretty beach destinations across the world.
Attractions like the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, Alcázar de Colón, and Fortaleza de San Felipe all contribute to the country’s reputation as a well-rounded destination, which has ultimately helped set it apart from other places of its kind.
World-Class Resorts And Hotels
While sightseers will have a blast in the Dominican Republic – no doubt about that – there’s no shame in wanting to just sit back, relax, and get pampered, either.
And that’s exactly what the many all-inclusive resorts scattered across the country promise.
Places like Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa and Eden Roc Cap Cana have redefined the term “luxury” as we know it, offering some of the most indulgent packages you’ll ever come across in your life.
You Can Make Your Trip As Luxurious Or Budget-Friendly As You Want
If a $500-a-night all-inclusive package isn’t in the budget for you right now (I know it isn’t for me), don’t worry.
The great thing about visiting a country as stunningly diverse as the Dominican Republic is that you can make your trip as luxurious or affordable as you want.
Travelers on a tighter budget will be happy to learn that some amazing, highly-rated, centrally-located hotels can be found for as little as $40-$45 a night, whereas a cheap meal for one won’t set you back more than $7.
Plenty To Do All Year Long
The Dominican Republic isn’t just a place where you can marvel at the natural views or enjoy a long Spa day (as amazing as that sounds).
Whether you’re eager to partake in some traditional events or more excited to explore the iconic nightlife scene, your itinerary is guaranteed to be filled to the brim.
You’ll Eat Like Royalty
I couldn’t let you go without mentioning how mind-blowingly good the food is here, especially if you opt for more off-the-beaten-path eateries like Delicias, Kat’s Korner, or Onno’s.
Seeing as this is a Caribbean nation with heavy Spanish and African influences, you’d expect the food to be good, but you have no idea just how much dishes like mangu, sancocho, and tostones will exceed even your wildest expectations.
Credit: Source link
