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They did it! For the first time in recorded history, the sun-drenched paradise that is the Dominican Republic has recorded its history 11th million annual visitor in 2024, well over a million more then in 2023.
Needless to say, the increase in arrivals was led by a wide margin Punta Canathe main resort on the easternmost tip of the island and every American’s favorite winter destination, that is if they don’t go to Cancun.
If you’re wondering how Punta Cana continues to build on its popularity year after year, to the point that it may be the number one destination in the Caribbean this winter, here are 6 reasons why:
Cheap flights from America
Excellent flight connectivity plays a big role in Punta Cana’s popularity with Americans: no matter where you live in the United States, you’re probably a short 1-2 hour drive from an airport that offers flights to the resort hotspot.
If that doesn’t apply, your regional airport is certainly connected one of the 20 larger hubs Hosting Punta Cana flights.
These include major airports such as New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Philadelphia (PHL) and Miami (MIA), with airlines such as American Airlines, JetBlue and Frontier, and many more, selling tickets from just $85as seen on Kayaking.
Beautiful beaches
Then there’s the fact that Punta Cana is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
Located next to Playa Bavaro, in the eastern Dominican Republic, it forms the wider Costa del Cocoor Coconut Coast, a stretch of coastline dotted with palm tree-strewn white sand and bordered by gin-colored seas.
The area is literally full of swimming locations that serve a diverse audience:
The quiet Playa Blanca has friendly restaurants, plenty of space to lie in the sun and serene waters; Are you a surfer and water sports enthusiast? Macao Beach is the place to be, with its tubular waves and youthful atmosphere.
If you love Cancun’s Hotel Zone for its vibrant shopping and nightlife, and you want to check out Punta Cana’s version this way: Carretera Cabeza de Toro runs parallel to a well-visited beach and is lined with shops. and seafood restaurants.
Choose your all-inclusive!
It’s not a Caribbean holiday if it doesn’t involve some pampering.
Like other turquoise sea leisure destinations, Punta Cana has a high concentration of luxury resorts with a wide range of prices, whether you are just looking for a place comfortable enough to sleep and within walking distance of the beach or a all inclusive .
For the former, Aventura Villas Los Carales is a great alternative to the more expensive resorts, with overnight rates from $154 for a Deluxe Ocean View Suite, an outdoor pool for all guests, and 9 on-site restaurants.
If all-inclusive is your way to travel, the award-winning Royalton CHIC Punta Cana is a solid choicewith a private beach, 7 on-site restaurants, a lagoon-style pool and spa facilities – not to mention all the endless food and extensive breakfast buffet for $390 a night.
Other 5 great hotels in Punta Cana involve:
Dominican culture
In addition to living in luxury resorts, immersing yourself in Dominican culture is just as attractive to tourists.
Although Punta Cana isn’t necessarily great for sightseeing and serves mainly as a beach destination, there’s nothing stopping you from using it as a base to explore other parts of the island of Hispaniola:
The overlooked capital, Santo Domingo, is a gem from the colonial era and the oldest city founded by Europeans in the Americas, characterized by a UNESCO-listed historic center, 16th-century fortifications and ornate churches.
This day tour of Santo Domingo departing from Punta Cana is the easiest and safest way to discover the historically important city, from $75.
Alternatively, you can visit one monkey sanctuary in the Dominican jungle, but also plantation fields dating back to the period of colonial rule ($95), take one catamaran ferry to the pristine Saona Island ($97), or enjoy a food sampling tour in Punta Cana itself (for only $8).
Great food all around
Although not as popular in America as Mexican or Cuban, Dominican food is just as delicious as their Caribbean counterparts, and Punta Cana has its fair share of great restaurants, both on and off the resort.
Don’t leave without trying it Bandera Dominican (Dominican flag), the national dish, which combines white rice, beans and stewed chicken, beef or pork, sancochothe meat-heavy Caribbean stewand all lemon-sprayed, fresh-caught fish.
Are you going outside your hotel?
Some of the top-rated restaurants in the city are La Tienditaa 4.5 star rated steakhouse, La Jolaa Caribbean-Mediterranean fusion with delicious lobster risotto, and Jellyfish Beach restaurant, famous for their filet mignon.
Punta Cana resorts are safe for tourists
Last but certainly not least, Punta Cana is a low-risk destination for Americans vacationing abroad: between the luxury resorts and their crime-free beaches and the well-guarded downtown area, violent crime consequences for visitors in this part of the island almost unheard of.
That said, don’t let your guard down when you leave your resort: make sure your valuables are kept in a hotel safe, and only pick up your phone to take photos if the area feels safe enough.
Other parts of the Dominican Republic may be less safe than the resort areas of Punta Cana, such as Santo Domingo, where petty crime and even violent crime occurs in higher numbers.
For that reason you are advised to use the official US travel advisory.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
