Figure out the budget and logistics. There are limitless options from all-inclusive resorts, where you pay a flat rate for lodging, food and entertainment to renting a house or even staying with a Dominican family. Decide how much money you can afford and the type of experience you want.
Choose how to book a place. Unless you are fluent in Spanish, speaking with a travel agent or booking online are the easiest methods to secure a place to stay.
Choose where to go. The towns of Puerto Plata, Casa de Campo and Punta Cana are best known for all-inclusive hotels that include transportation. Santo Domingo, the capital, is best seen through resort tours. Jarabacoa takes you on a hike through Pico Duarte, and Samana offers an array of bed-and-breakfasts.
Learn about transportation. Transportation is included in all-inclusive resort packages if you tell them your flight information. Otherwise, taxis to and from airports usually cost $10 U.S. Public buses, called guaguas, or public cars are a unique way to experience the culture while getting to your destination. Be prepared to hold a chicken or a small child if using public transportation.
Decide on activities. Many of the all-inclusive hotels help you book daily itineraries through their package options. These comprehensive plans include food, transportation, sightseeing stops and Spanish translation. Consult with your hotel for the various options.
Examples include adventure travel to the 27 Waterfalls in Rio Damajagua or El Limon Waterfall in Samana, whale-watching in Samana and cultural immersion in Punta Cana. You can discuss these options with the hotel concierge or your booking agent.
Research activities you can do on your own, such as a Samana day trip, cigar factory tours in Santiago or shopping.
Research what you will need to bring for each day trip.
Once you know where you will be going and what you will be doing, it's time to pack. The weather is usually warm and in the 80s, so be sure to pack light clothing. You will want to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, water-resistant clothing, an umbrella, a swimsuit and clothes for dancing at the discoteque.
Practice your Spanish. Now is the time to practice new vocabulary words in Spanish. Impress your hotel concierge with, "Como 'tu 'ta," the Dominican equivalent to "How are you," or "Donde 'ta la comida?" (Where is the food?)
Practice playing dominoes, one of the most popular activities in the Dominican Republic. Learn the various rules and tricks online, or from an experienced friend or relative.
Practice dancing bachata, merengue and reggaeton. These genres of music are common at the Dominican discoteques. Listen online to music until you feel the rhythm of the Caribbean.
Consult your doctor or health department for any immunizations you may need. You might have to update your tetanus, Hepatitis B or MMR immunizations. This can be a painful yet necessary step.
