Ahh…the calm warm azure waters of the Caribbean Sea…the frosty cold tropical drink by poolside…palm trees swaying in the tropical trade winds…they all evoke a relaxing escape from everyday life; and the Dominican Republic comes to mind for many people as the destination that foots the bill…
5 Reasons to Go to the Dominican Republic Now
…and some of the reasons which tend to keep people away — now including a recent new potential threat — may very well be the reasons why you should consider packing your bags and heading down to the Dominican Republic now.
1. Resorts are Not as Busy at This Time of Year
May through November is considered the slow season in the Dominican Republic — although a spike may occur during July and August due to families with children who are off from school for summer vacation. One reason is because people in the northern hemisphere tend to not want to escape the heat and humidity for a place known for its — well — heat and humidity…
…but many resort properties await guests in the Dominican Republic all year round. Issues may occur during the slow season — such as possible renovations which may temporarily close a part of the resort property; and a fraction of the restaurants may remain open as others close due to significantly fewer guests.
2. Hurricane Season Begins June 1 Annually
Every year, hurricane season starts on June 1; and yes, a hurricane forming prior to that date is indeed possible and has occurred.
Although Hurricane Maria did affect the Dominican Republic in September of 2017 and Hurricane Irma posed a formidable threat just prior to Maria, the last hurricane to directly impact the Caribbean nation was Hurricane George back in 1998, which is 21 years ago.
In June and approximately the first half of July, hurricanes typically form in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean because the water is warmer than in the Atlantic Ocean; and hurricanes need warm water to form and survive. While a hurricane forming near the Dominican Republic and impacting it is indeed possible, the chances of that happening are rare.
Yes, keep an eye on the weather reports if you decide to head over to the Dominican Republic during the hurricane season — and remember that despite the historic infrequency, the best chances of a hurricane impacting the country is between early August through the middle of October.
3. Much of the Dominican Republic is Still Safe Despite Recent News
This is ironically the main reason why you should consider visiting the Dominican Republic. The media has a tendency to potentially blow an issue out of proportion once it focuses on it. In this case, at least nine people have inexplicably died recently at several resort properties in the Dominican Republic, with reports of dozens more who became ill. As a result, people have been having second thoughts about the trips they booked to the Dominican Republic, fearing that they may become the next victims.
Yes, the deaths should be investigated and the sources should be identified, and every effort should be given all available resources possible to prevent another death from occurring, consider that thousands of visitors are vacationing in the Dominican Republic on any given day — and nothing has happened to them.
You stand a substantially better chance of being killed in a car accident on your way to the airport than mysteriously dying in the Dominican Republic.
4. Favorable Exchange Rate
At 50.62 Dominican pesos to the United States dollar as of Thursday, June 20, 2019, the exchange rate is the most favorable since Friday, February 6, 2004 — greater than 15 years ago — and that means that American citizens get more for their money. The euro and other currencies have enjoyed a similarly favorable exchange rate. The Dominican Republic should be considered if you want to travel on a reasonably inexpensive budget.
5. The People are Friendly and Helpful
A simple ¡hola! goes a long way in the Dominican Republic, where the people are generally more than happy to ensure that you and other visitors are welcomed warmly to their country. They will usually do what they can to help you if you have a question, a problem or an issue.
Summary
How do I know all of this? I checked into the Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort in the Dominican Republic earlier this month; and I intend to impart my experience in a future article. At the time this article was written, you can book a reservation at this resort property at only $141.00 per night, which includes all taxes, fees and gratuities — and by my experience, you will receive your money’s worth. You will not be hit with that mandatory resort fee garbage at this resort property…
…and when I arrived, I felt at times like I had the entire resort property to myself. The place was that empty. That was the main impetus which prompted me to write this article. Why can’t you come on down and enjoy a similar experience at any resort property which you choose?
Although that does not mean I am an expert — I generally eschew using that term for the reasons cited here — but I am simply imparting my recent experience in the Dominican Republic; and the reasons are rather similar to 6 reasons why I suggested that you consider traveling to Egypt four years ago…
…so if you are thinking of traveling to the Dominican Republic — or already have plans to go — now could be an opportunity for you to go ahead with those plans.
All photographs ©2019 by Brian Cohen.
