The best time to use this Dominican Republic travel guide is December through April, when the weather is warm, dry, and ideal for beach days and sightseeing.
December–April: Peak season, best weather, higher prices
May–June: Warm, fewer crowds, great value
July–October: Hot and humid with hurricane risk (especially August–September), but also the cheapest time to visit
If you want the sweet spot between weather and crowds, late April and early May are hard to beat.
This Dominican Republic travel guide goes well beyond poolside lounging (though that’s absolutely allowed).
Relax on the Beaches
From Punta Cana’s long, white-sand beaches to the quieter coves around Samaná, beach time here is elite.
Explore Zona Colonial
Santo Domingo’s historic district is the oldest European city in the Americas, filled with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, cafés, and museums.
Take a Waterfall or Jungle Excursion
Think waterfalls, ziplining, river tubing, and mountain views—especially around Puerto Plata and the interior.
Ride the Puerto Plata Cable Car
The only cable car in the Caribbean offers sweeping coastal views and access to hiking trails and viewpoints.
Whale Watching in Samaná (Seasonal)
From January to March, humpback whales migrate through Samaná Bay—one of the best whale-watching spots in the Caribbean.
Most travelers arrive via Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), which offers the most nonstop international flights. Other common entry points include Santo Domingo (SDQ) and Puerto Plata (POP).
Flights from the U.S. are widely available, often under five hours from the East Coast, making this Dominican Republic travel guide especially appealing for shorter trips.
How you get around depends on where you’re staying—and how adventurous you feel.
Resorts & Tours: Transportation is often included
Private Transfers: Easiest and most comfortable option
Rental Cars: Useful for exploring beyond resort areas (driving can be… assertive)
Taxis & Ride Services: Common in tourist areas
For most visitors following this Dominican Republic travel guide, private transfers are the least stressful option.
Outlets: Electrical outlets are the same as the U.S., so no adapter is needed.
Tipping: Gratuities are often included at resorts; elsewhere, a 10% tip is standard and appreciated.
Tap Water: Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, even at resorts.
Most importantly, slow down. The Dominican Republic runs on island time, and that’s part of the charm.
“Outside Terminal 3” is not a pickup location at PHX.
Before your driver pulls in, text them four things: your terminal, north or south side, door number, and inner or outer curb. Grab your bags first, then call them in. Drivers can wait free in the cell phone lot instead of circling. Getting through security is easy; getting picked up is the hard part.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ✈️
Come for the architecture, stay for the view.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross has been built into Sedona’s red rocks since 1956. The outside overlooks get busy, but inside is quiet, with huge windows framing the rocks. It’s free, takes 30-45 minutes, and has a paved, wheelchair-accessible ramp. Make sure to bring water in summer.
Save this for your trip planning!
Order it well done. Trust me.🍑🍕
Peach & Pancetta Pizza at Hideaway House in Sedona: roasted peaches, salty pancetta, ricotta, basil, extra-crispy crust. Split the house salad, grab a prickly pear lemonade, and get a patio table facing the red rocks. Skip the bread if you want room for another slice.
Save this for your Sedona trip✈️
Pack your bags, Denver is not just a mountain layover. RiNo alone can eat a full day between the murals, food, and bars. Skip the concert and hit Red Rocks midday instead, you’ll basically have it to yourself. Golden’s a 30-minute trip if you want a change of pace, and if food drives your travel like it does mine, Denver Central Market and BRUTØ deserve real time on the calendar. Give it three days minimum, four if you’re eating your way through it. Save this.
Stayed at The Maven in Denver’s Dairy Block and the location alone sold me, walking distance to Union Station and most of downtown, string lights right outside at night. The room was spacious and quiet, even had a swing in it. Real talk though, there’s a $28 daily resort fee and parking isn’t cheap, valet ran us $59 a day. Bed was a little firm, but that’s the only complaint I’ve got. Save this before you book.
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
