Dominican Republic
Focus on lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking synthetics. These materials aid sweat management and skin comfort in humid conditions. Opt for light colors, which reflect sunlight.
Casual beach attire is acceptable within resorts and on beaches. When visiting local towns or religious sites, dress more modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Upscale resort restaurants may have a "smart casual" dress code.
Comfortable sandals/Flip-flops for beach, pool, and casual resort walking.
Supportive Walking shoes or sneakers for exploring towns and museums.
Water shoes with good grip or sturdy sandals (Keen Newport H2 Sandals) for Damajagua Waterfalls.
Keeping your travel documents organized and secure simplifies your journey and prevents major disruptions. Make copies and keep them separate from originals.
The standard voltage in the Dominican Republic is 110V/120V (60 Hz), using Type A and B plugs (same as US/Canada). If you are traveling from Europe or other regions, a Universal travel adapter will be necessary. Most modern devices are dual-voltage and only need a plug adapter. For mobile phones, most unlocked GSM phones will function. Local SIM cards are available from Claro, Altice, and Viva; bring your passport for registration. Consider a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing, or an eSIM from Airalo for data.
Your Smartphone camera often suffices for casual photos. For serious photography, a DSLR or mirrorless camera is a choice (B&H Photo for gear). For water activities, a Waterproof camera like GoPro HERO12 Black or a Waterproof case for your phone is highly recommended. Carry extra batteries and memory cards. Recommended apps for navigation (Google Translate offline maps), translation (Google Translate with Spanish pack), and communication (WhatsApp) enhance your trip.
Utilize Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud to back up photos and important documents regularly. This safeguards your memories and data.
Consider carrying a small USB drive with copies of critical documents as a physical backup.
Download essential information (e.g., reservations, contacts) to your device for offline access.
A well-stocked Personal first aid kit and necessary health items contribute to comfort and well-being. Consider the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 as a base for a Compact travel first aid kit.
The Caribbean sun is intense. Use high-SPF (30+) Broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply frequently. Pack a Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses. Given mosquito-borne illnesses, use an Insect repellent containing DEET (30-50%) or picaridin (20%). Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent is effective. Apply generously, especially at dawn and dusk. While bottled water is recommended, a Personal water filter bottle like LifeStraw Go may be useful.
For Damajagua Waterfalls, you need closed-toe water shoes that offer good grip and protection. Quick-drying shorts and a t-shirt are ideal. Helmets and life jackets are provided by tour operators. Renting equipment locally is an option.
While equipment is often included with tours, bringing your own Snorkel mask and fins ensures a better fit and hygiene. A dive skin or rash guard offers sun protection and helps prevent minor scrapes. Renting heavy or bulky gear saves luggage space.
If you plan on kitesurfing or windsurfing in nearby Cabarete, a rash guard protects your skin from the sun and board. Board shorts are also suitable. Rental shops for boards and sails are abundant in Cabarete, so bringing your own heavy gear is unnecessary.
For long flights or bus rides, comfort items like a Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Noise-canceling headphones ease resting. Use TSA-approved locks for checked bags. A Money belt or neck wallet (Alpha Keeper RFID) discreetly carries valuables. Consider RFID protection for cards and passports.
A Reusable water bottle (Hydro Flask) helps reduce plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag serves for groceries or beach items. For eco-conscious travelers, Reusable utensils/straws minimize single-use plastic. A Small backpack or Daypack (Osprey Daylite Plus) is ideal for excursions. A mesh bag is useful for wet swimwear. Items like high-quality insect repellent or specific toiletries may be harder to find locally.
Choose reef-safe options to protect marine life.
Minimize single-use plastic waste from food vendors.
Power devices using renewable energy, especially off-grid.
Opt for solid shampoos/soaps and minimal packaging.
Roll your clothes to save space and minimize wrinkles. Use packing cubes to organize different categories of items.
Place heavier items at the bottom of your luggage. Distribute weight evenly across multiple bags if traveling with companions. Always leave a little extra space for souvenirs!
