The beautiful sand of a Punta Cana beach is so soft, so perfectly golden that you might think it was synthetic. And in fact, in this easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, it’s possible. By definition, Punta Cana is a manufactured Caribbean getaway, completely catering to the needs of sun-seeking vacationers who like all-inclusive resorts but care little about venturing away from their hotel. But this area is not only popular for its abundant lodging and comprehensive amenities. Punta Cana beckons to jet-setters because it provides so many options (more than 24,000 hotel rooms) for such affordable rates. Many travelers are able to book a week-long trip that includes airfare, lodging, meals and some resort activities, for much less than what the average person would expect.
While this destination isn’t necessarily the most extreme, visitors can get their fill of thrills hiking to Hoyo Azul or taking on challenging golf courses like Punta Espada or La Cana. Overall, this reasonably priced, Caribbean hideout is made for travelers of all ages seeking a relaxing and stress free vacation. Most travelers stick close to the resorts to catch up on R&R at the beach, pool or spa. But, for at least one day, you should venture off the beaten past to get a sense of the Dominican Republic’s history and culture, which is highlighted by tasty local coffees, strong rums and fragrant cigars. Additionally, buggy adventures and boat rides are other ways to explore outside your resort. The official language is Spanish; however, tourism is such a large industry that English-speaking travelers should have no trouble communicating. And though the official currency is the Dominican peso, many of the Punta Cana resorts accept United States dollars, as well as all major credit cards.