Family Travel in the Dominican Republic

When families look for places to vacation, they need to consider myriad factors: location, attractions, hotels and resorts, affordability and safety. Fortunately, the Dominican Republic offers all of these options, making this island a natural choice for families in the Caribbean. More than just a simple beach vacation for the whole family (although that is a great choice as well), the Dominican Republic is a place where the young and young at heart can explore new lands and exciting wildlife, learn about new cultures and history, and they won't break the bank while doing it.

The Right Resort

With its wide variety of accommodations, the Dominican Republic prides itself on offering hotels and resorts for every taste, including families. The many all-inclusive resorts across the island are especially popular choices for traveling families. Parents can rest easily at night knowing that they will not be swamped with an enormous check-out bill at the end of their stay; at all-inclusive resorts, most amenities are included, helping parents keep track of their budget. In addition, all-inclusive properties offer a wealth of activities and programs, many of which are designed just for kids. Even beyond the all-inclusive market, families can often find life-long memories staying in more traditional hotels or in a private villa for a more luxurious family getaway.

Families on the Go

When families are not busy enjoying the beaches and amenities at their hotel, they can choose from a wealth of activities and attractions to entertain the day away. For your clients who are animal lovers, suggest a visit to one of the island's animal parks, such as Ocean World in Puerto Plata with its interactive dolphin swims, shark interaction pool, lagoons and beaches, or Manatí Park in Bávaro-Punta Cana with its focus on the natural, animal and historical sides of the Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo also offers a national aquarium as well as a 400-acre zoological park for visitors to enjoy.

Families looking for a bit more action can select from a number of excursions or tours throughout the island. Whether they want to take a leisurely horseback ride through the jungle or along the beach, an exciting whitewater rafting experience, a hike through the mountains, or a whale watching tour, families have their pick of the way they want to play together. Most of these excursions can be arranged through hotel tour operators or concierges.

Classroom Encounters

There is even room for a little learning while on vacation and the Dominican Republic is one of the prettiest classrooms in the world. Every child knows that Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World in 1492, but how many can say they have been to the first island he encountered on his voyages of discovery? Families vacationing in the Dominican Republic can add a bit of history and culture to their stay by taking in some of the local history and culture through visits to the numerous museums and cultural centers. Several museums and attractions, for example, are dedicated to the history and cave-art of the native Taino Indians, while numerous others focus on the role of Columbus in the island's history.