The Ultimate Packing List for a Dominican Republic Vacation
Tropical vibes, over 1,000 miles of sun-soaked coastline and a huge line-up of all inclusive resorts make the Dominican Republic a top choice for a laid-back vacation. Packing the right items will ensure your trip is as stress-free as possible!
Read on to find out what to pack for all inclusive Dominican Republic vacations.
Why is the Dominican Republic a Great Travel Destination?
There’s a reason why beach lovers flock to the Dominican Republic in numbers – the country’s home to over 200 beaches, ranging from the resort-dotted coastline of Punta Cana to the bright white shores of Samana, which are ranked among the best in the world.
Turn your attention inland, and you’ll find lush rainforests, crystal-clear rivers and ancient caves. Here, adventure seekers can have a go at everything from zip-lining to white water rafting. Add fantastic food and friendly locals into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for the perfect Dominican Republic vacation!
Things to Do in the Dominican Republic
With so many activities to choose from in the Dominican Republic, it can be tricky to know what to pack. Here’s a taster of what you could be getting up to…
Snorkeling: The country’s Caribbean coast offers some of the best conditions for snorkeling – the sea here is calm and crystal clear. Dip beneath the surface and you can set eyes on vibrant reefs and lots of sea life, including angelfish and starfish.
Zip-lining: There’s no better way to take in the Dominican Republic’s scenery than from a zipline above its lush green forest. The longest run in the country can be found in Samana, and you can also get in on the action in Puerto Plata and Punta Cana.
Sunbathing: Punta Cana’s all inclusive resorts offer some of the best sunbathing opportunities around – lounger-lined pools sit just steps away from palm-speckled sands.
Visit La Romana: Once a major sugar-producing region, La Romana is a luxurious corner of the Dominican Republic now best known for its world-renowned golf courses and stunning beaches. It’s also just a short distance from Bayahibe, where you can hop on a boat to explore the islands of Saona and Catalina.
Explore Santo Domingo: Culture seekers can get their history fix in Santo Domingo, the country’s vibrant capital. From the UNESCO-listed Colonial City to the largest botanical gardens in the Caribbean, there’s plenty to get stuck into here!
Travel Documents and Requirements for the Dominican Republic
US and Canadian citizens don’t need a visa to go to the Dominican Republic on vacation, as long as you don’t plan to stay for more than 30 days. You’ll just need a passport that is valid for the duration of your stay, with at least one page free for an entry stamp. A $10 tourist card fee is payable by all visitors, but this is incorporated into your flight cost, so you don’t need to worry about it. You’ll also need to obtain an e-ticket to enter and exit the country – this is free, and it’s best to do it online before you travel.
Don’t forget to take out comprehensive travel insurance, too. This will keep you covered in the unlikely event that you need medical treatment while you’re away, as most hospitals and doctors in the Dominican Republic do not accept US health insurance.
For the latest updates, we always recommend checking the travel information for US citizens and Canadian citizens before you go.
Weather in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic enjoys a tropical climate all year round, so you’ll want to pack lightweight clothes, swimwear and plenty of sun protection. Average daily highs are around 84°F to 90°F (29°C to 32°C), with lows usually no lower than 68°F (20°C), which means you can safely leave coats and sweaters at home.
The rainy season lasts from May to November, but rain showers are usually short-lasting, and everything dries up quickly under the hot sun! Hurricanes are most likely to happen between June and November, but the chances of experiencing one are slim, and resorts are all geared up to deal with them.
What to Pack for an All Inclusive Resort in the Dominican Republic
If you’re staying at an all inclusive resort, your days will be filled with dips in the pool, strolls along the beach, laid-back lunches, nice evening meals and maybe one or two excursions. Here’s a short checklist of a few must-bring items:
- Swimwear: Bring at least two sets so you’ve got one to wear while one dries.
- Casual daytime clothes: You’ll need beach cover-ups, shorts and light dresses for the daytime, plus comfy shoes if you plan on doing any excursions.
- Evening clothes: Pack one or two dressier options for when you visit the resort’s à la carte restaurants or for things like gala evenings.
- Day bag: Choose one big enough for all your poolside or day trip essentials.
- Sun protection: Bring plenty of reef-safe sun protection, ideally SPF 50, plus sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Cash: It’s a good idea to bring a few dollar bills for tipping and some cash for shopping at your resort – US Dollars are widely accepted, which makes things nice and easy.
Clothes, Footwear and Accessories
Beachwear
As well as your swimsuits, you’ll want to bring one or two lightweight cover-ups and a pair of sandals for your lazy days – they’re essential for when you’re walking around the resort or having an al fresco lunch. Water shoes can be helpful for dips in the sea, too, as there are sometimes rocks or patches of seaweed in the water that can be slippery.
Evening Outfits
It’s a good idea to pack a couple of nicer outfits, like long pants and dresses, in case you want to enjoy a night out at one of the fine dining restaurants at your resort. Don’t forget shoes, an evening bag, and any accessories like belts to finish off your outfits. We recommend checking your resort’s dress code before you go, as some restaurants might be stricter on what you can wear.
Daytime Outfits
If you plan on heading into town or going on excursions, don’t forget to pack comfy shoes like sneakers and casual clothes like shorts and t-shirts. You’ll want similar clothes for your travel days, too.
Toiletries
Here’s a list of toiletries you might want to bring with you, but don’t worry if you forget something – most resorts provide the basics!
- Travel-size shampoo, conditioner and body wash
- Face wash, moisturizer and skincare
- A toothbrush and toothpaste
- A razor and shaving foam
Sun Protection
The Caribbean sun is intense, and the reflective clear water can increase the strength of the sun’s rays by a whopping 50%, so packing plenty of sun protection is essential! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sunscreen – eco-friendly or reef-safe versions are recommended if you plan on swimming in the sea
- After sun lotion
- Sunglasses
- Hats – including a wide-brimmed one to keep the sun off your face and neck
- Lip balm with SPF
- A rash guard – if you’re prone to burning and want to spend a lot of time in the sea
Tech and Entertainment
Don’t forget these tech essentials to keep you entertained while you’re traveling and lounging by the pool:
- Your phone and phone charger
- A power bank for travel days and long day trips
- Headphones
- A waterproof phone case, so you can keep your phone with you while you swim
- A Kindle, if reading’s your thing
Medications and Other Essential Items
Whilst you can buy most everyday medicines in the Dominican Republic, it’s not always easy to get to a pharmacy, so it’s a good idea to bring some basic things with you. Here’s our list of essentials:
- Any prescription medications – it’s best to keep these in their original packaging and bring your prescription with you
- Basic first aid items like band aids and antiseptic cream
- Bug repellent spray or bands
- Motion sickness pills – enough for flights and any boat trips you plan to take
- Basic painkillers
- Anti-diarrhea pills
- A reusable water bottle
- Snacks for your journey and day trips
- A travel pillow
- Your travel documents – including your passport, copies of your passport and details of your travel insurance
Kids’ Essentials
If you’re traveling with little ones, there are a few extra things you’ll need to think about. Here’s our list, but don’t worry if you forget something – most family friendly resorts will be able to help you out with the basics!
- Diapers and swim diapers
- Wipes
- Pacifiers
- Snacks
- Bottles and a travel sterilizer, if needed
- Toys and games – including something to do on the plane
- Floaties
- Child-safe sunscreen
What Not to Pack for the Dominican Republic
It’s easy to throw all your summer clothes into your suitcase, and we’re all guilty of packing way more than we need, ‘just in case’. But if you’re not careful, you can easily find yourself with overweight luggage or no room for souvenirs! Plus, some things aren’t allowed in the Dominican Republic, so it’s wise to double-check what not to pack. Here are a few things we recommend leaving at home:
- Heavy or bulky clothing: It’s hot and humid year-round, so leave coats, big sweaters and thick jackets behind. They’ll just take up much-needed room in your case!
- Towels: Most resorts provide beach and pool towels free of charge, so there’s no need to bring your own. Double-check this before you go, though.
- Excessive valuables: While the tourist areas of the Dominican Republic are among some of the safest in the Caribbean, carrying lots of valuables can make you a target for theft. It’s best to leave designer bags, expensive jewelry and large amounts of cash at home.
- Too many shoes: If you’re just planning on beach days, the odd night out and a couple of day trips, two or three versatile pairs of shoes will be all you need.
- Single-use plastic bags and bottles: Some parts of the Dominican Republic have restrictions on single-use plastics, so you may want to bring reusable versions instead. You’ll be doing the environment a favor at the same time.
- Medications not allowed by customs: Some medications that may be common in the US or Canada are banned in the Dominican Republic. Check for restrictions on anything you plan to bring, especially on certain painkillers or controlled substances.
- Drones: The Dominican Republic has specific drone regulations. If you want to bring a drone to capture the gorgeous landscape from the sky, you should check if a permit is required, otherwise, you run the risk of it being confiscated!
If you’re unsure about bringing something, remember it’s best to pack light if you can. Most resorts have on-site shops for your everyday essentials, and there will probably be a laundry service on hand if you need it.
Start Planning Your Vacation to the Dominican Republic today!
Now that you know what to pack for your vacation to the Dominican Republic, you can have a more relaxed and enjoyable trip. Use our handy checklist to make sure you don’t forget any essentials or pack anything you don’t need.
Ready to jet off on your next all inclusive trip to this tropical Caribbean paradise? Book online with All Inclusive Outlet!
