5 Things You Didn’t Know About​ Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

My recent trip to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic was great! I traveled with one of my best friends (Kaye Singleton) and my 2-year-old. We decided to take a quick getaway to celebrate Kaye’s birthday. I was running so late the day we left that I almost my flight. . . Watch our video below to see what happened and explore Puerto Plata with us. This was my first time in the Dominican Republic (The DR). As you know, traveling with kids can be challenging at times so I’m going to give 5 easy ways to make your trip to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic a great one!

Be sure to verify how long the drive is to your hotel from the airport in Puerto Plata (POP).

We did not realize how far our hotel was until after we were enroute. It was about a 30-45 minute drive from Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata. You may want to consider choosing a flight that arrives in the morning or afternoon. We took a taxi. There is no Uber/Lyft in the DR. The drive wasn’t too bad but I definitely preferred arriving into Puerto Plata in the afternoon instead of at night. Also, some parts of the road is unpaved and there can be a lot of traffic. Consider this when choosing which transportation option will work better for you.

Consider staying at an all-inclusive resort when staying in Puerto Plata.

Another first for me . . . An all-inclusive resort is great if you are looking to relax and not worry about anything else. An all inclusive resort makes your stay so much enjoyable since everything you need is there at the resort. If you are looking to venture out from the resort, you can but you don’t have to if you choose not to. I recommend choosing a 4 or 5 star all-inclusive resort. The better the resort, the better quality you will get with the amenities & food options. Note: The alcoholic beverages are usually cheap liquor (regardless of the resort).

Buffet or Reservations. . . That is the question.

When staying at an all-inclusive resort you will have the option to eat at the buffet or make dinner reservations. The buffet is usually offered during certain hours 3 times a day. There are also lite bites/snacks offered in between breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are not looking to eat at the buffet then you will want to make reservations. Making reservations may require you make them the day before and be at the resort during certain hours in order to check availability and book.

There are tour companies that offer different tours based on your budget and adventure needs.

There are usually many different tour options that are available to anyone looking to explore the island. The cost for these tours vary and they usually offer different packages. I had my 2-year-old so there were only so much that I could do . . . We chose to do a personal city tour and paid $50USD per adult. We didn’t want a city tour that was given on a charter bus so we didn’t go through the tour company at the resort. Ask lots of questions about what each tour offers when booking with a tour company. It was hot and humid so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. I ordered the neon maxi skirt that I wore for our city tour from Amazon two days before we left (with prime shipping). I’m so glad that I had it cause it was loose and very comfortable.

Tip$, Tip$, Tip$

It seemed like EVRYWHERE you turn in Puerto Plata, there is someone looking for a tip. . . So be prepared! Now, of course tipping is not required but sometimes (not all the time) it’s nice to – depending on what it’s for. Be sure you are careful when you are exploring the island (outside of the resort). Some of the natives will help you with something (in any kind of way) and then turn around and ask for tips.

Puerto Plata is a great place to visit to get a little R&R!

If you find these tips useful and/or have any questions please leave a comment below.

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Safe Travels!