Lifestyles Resort Puerto Plata

UK to Dominican Republic Travel Tips

The Dominican Republic is one of the most important Caribbean islands and one of the preferred holiday destinations for many UK holidaymakers. According to the Dominican authorities, more than 200,000 British tourists visit this Caribbean nation each year, and it is not difficult to understand why.

Although relatively small in size, this island offers a variety of attractions that go beyond its beaches and nightlife. The Dominican Republic is home to no less than 14 national parks and to numerous historical towns and villages that will delight the visitor with their rich heritage. The island’s capital, Santo Domingo, is a designated UNESCO site thanks to its well preserved examples of colonial architecture. There are 26 golf courses located in some of the island’s most stunning locations, and as a result, the Dominican Republic is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts from all over the world.

And of course, there is the beach life. The coastal towns of Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and La Romana are home to miles of beaches of breathtaking beauty, which are often the backdrop for weddings, honeymoons, and other special occasions. The popular resorts of the coast also make for a great base from which it is possible to explore other destinations, like the coffee growing mountains of the interior and other less well-known fishing villages on the island’s eastern coast.

However, being 9 hours away from the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic still remains a long haul destination, and as such, booking a holiday to this Caribbean island can be an expense that turns out heavy on the pocket. If you are planning the holiday of a lifetime in the Dominican Republic and want to know how to go about finding the best deals to the island, this article will tell you everything there is to know about it.

Tips for finding the best deals from the UK to the Dominican Republic

• Use specialized sites – Although some people prefer to book their holidays with high street travel agents, some of the best holiday deals can be found by booking through specialized travel sites. Websites like Holiday Hypermarket allow UK holidaymakers to browse through a large range of holiday options from the convenience of their homes. When booking with a specialized travel company, you can also benefit from the extensive knowledge of the staff who can advise you on alternative destinations according to your preferences and budget.
• Be flexible on dates– Because of its location on the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic offers its visitors excellent warm weather all-year-round. There simply is no such a thing as a bad time to visit the island, although being flexible on dates of travel can help tourists reduce costs. The high season runs approximately between January and April, and during those months it is not unusual to find holiday prices that exceed the £1,000 mark. However, booking outside the peak season or being flexible on departure dates can result in savings of more than £300 per person, so it is worth exploring alternative dates when planning your trip. Being flexible on dates can also help you get better deals on accommodation, as hotel rates are significantly lower between May and August.
• Be flexible on the destination– Most travelers arrive in the Dominican Republic through one of the two busiest airports in the country: Punta Cana or Puerto Plata. However, being flexible in terms of point of entry could result in considerable savings when booking a holiday to the Dominican Republic. Alternative options include arriving in Santo Domingo, the island’s cosmopolitan capital, Santiago, La Romana, or in Samana, a coastal town located on the east coast.
• Be ready to grab a last minute bargain– Travelers can take advantage of the low season or other slow periods, when airlines and hotels try to sell any vacant plane seats or hotel rooms at discounted prices. Some specialized travel sites offer unbeatable deals on last minute holidays, which can help you save more than 70 per cent on regular fares. And remember that a last minute holiday does not mean you have to leave tomorrow, as discounts can be found booking up to 8 weeks in advance.
• All inclusive holiday deals – Hotels and resorts in the Dominican Republic charge a 25% tax on top of accommodation rates. To avoid or reduce additional costs like these, you can book an all inclusive holiday through a travel agent that specializes in all inclusive deals to the Dominican Republic. These deals are perfect for those who need a break from the daily grind, as everything is taken care of, allowing guests to simply enjoy, relax, and recharge their batteries.