The Dominican Republic is one of the trendiest destinations in the world right now, setting a new tourism record with 10 million visitors in 2023.

It’s not hard to see why this stunning Caribbean destination is super popular with travelers. It has gorgeous beaches, it’s just a short flight away from the United States, and it’s among the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean.

There’s one destination in particular that is the most popular: Punta Cana.

This beach hotspot accounts for nearly 60% of all tourists in the Dominican Republic, making it the most popular destination in the Caribbean right now.

Here’s why so many travelers are loving Punta Cana right now:

Resort in Punta Cana

Lots Of Affordable Nonstop Flights

Getting to Punta Cana for a tropical vacation could not be easier.

There are tons of nonstop flights from cities across the United States and Canada directly to Punta Cana. Punta Cana is just a few hours away from many U.S. cities by plane.

There are nearly 20 cities in the United States with nonstop flights to Punta Cana this winter and a similar number of Canadian cities. This makes Punta Cana one of the best-connected Caribbean destinations for North American travelers.

Island in the tropics. Happy walking girl enjoying tropical sandy beach, Dominican Republic

Airlines like Delta, JetBlue, and American Airlines have been ramping up flights to Punta Cana by introducing new routes and expanding existing services this winter to keep up with demand.

You can often find flights to Punta Cana for under $500 round-trip, although since it is a popular vacation destination, prices can be elevated during peak travel times.

In this case, it’s usually cheaper to fly to another city in the Dominican Republic like Santo Domingo.

Punta Cana Beach Palm Trees

Great Options For All-Inclusive Resorts

While there’s something for every type of traveler in Punta Cana, the most popular type of accommodation is all-inclusive resorts.

All-inclusive resorts are perfect for travelers who are looking for a relaxing, hassle-free vacation. You pay one price, and it includes your room, all meals and snacks, all drinks, many activities, and in some resorts, other perks like free airport transportation.

Aerial view of live aqua punta cana

There are dozens of all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, and you can often find great deals on these resorts for less than $300 per night.

New resorts are constantly opening — for example, this spring, Hyatt opened the 520-room Dreams Flora, a new luxury all-inclusive resort.

The best time to travel to Punta Cana for good deals on resorts (and flights) is in the off-season, which tends to be from May through early November.

beach hut on a pier in punta cana dominican republic

Stunning Beaches And More

It’s no surprise that one of the things travelers love most about Punta Cana is the beaches.

The beaches of Punta Cana are among the best in the Caribbean, with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters. Whether you just want to relax on the beach with a drink in your hand or try activities like snorkeling or parasailing, Punta Cana is the perfect place for it.

There’s also a lot more to do in Punta Cana than just spend time on the beach.

people on a roller coaster

Popular day trips from Punta Cana include ATV tours around the country’s rugged interior and visiting freshwater swimming holes. There’s also a new theme park that recently opened near Punta Cana. You can also take a catamaran cruise or a scenic sunset sail.

And while dates haven’t been confirmed yet, it will be possible in the near future to travel from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo by high-speed train. The Dominican Republic’s capital city is a fascinating destination for culture and history, but it’s currently about a 2.5-hour drive from Punta Cana.

The new tourist train will make it much easier to plan a day trip to Santo Domingo during your Punta Cana vacation.

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