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To no surprise, the Dominican Republic is shattering tourism records left and right. During the dark times of the pandemic, those seeking a safe haven to get away headed to the Dominican for less rules and more fun.
People haven't stopped and deservedly so. This Caribbean paradise is a top notch destination. In particular, more and more Americans are making the D.R. their go-to vacation spot.
Occupancy rates have soared at hotels, and even vacation rentals. Over half of the guests are from the United States.
Just under 800,000 visitors received their Dominican passport stamp in July alone. As summer wraps up, that shouldn't slow down those seeking a beach escape.
While the Dominican may not be known for the fall foliage some vacationers seek out this time of year, it will always be a top beach destination.
These are the 3 most popular destinations in the Dominican right now:
The Secret Is Out On Samaná
Samaná is off-the-beaten-path compared to some other hotspots around the country. However, that hasn't stopped travelers from taking the worthwhile journey to get here.
Overlooking the scenic Samaná Bay, this region has become more popular after a ton of dollars have poured into investments for tourism.
Obviously, it is has paid off. Over 70% of accommodations are booked in this gorgeous region of the Dominican known for its lush surroundings of greenery, rich cultural heritage and natural attractions.
Travelers usually find themselves parked in a beach chair on beautiful Playa Cosón or trekking though the stunning El Limón waterfalls.
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When travelers want a taste of the city life, the lovely capital city of Santa Barbará de Samaná, is a wonderful way to spend the day perusing the streets of vibrant houses and sensational restaurants.
If you time your trip right, you'll have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the arrival of humpback whales in their natural habitat. This typically occurs January through March.
Bávaro Is Iconic
When passengers land in world-famous Punta Cana, they can't wait to make their way to the iconic region of Bávaro. Not only is it iconic in Punta Cuna, but the entire nation.
This area is truly breathtaking with its world-class beaches, luxe all-inclusive resorts, and a wide range of unique experiences for tourists.
This region is welcome to families or those who need some alone time away from the kiddos, especially since Bávaro has a buzzing nightlife scene.
Visitors can spend the day shopping, hitting 18 holes at a prestigious golf course or take part in a variety of water activities, such as snorkeling colorful coral reefs.
There are more than a dozen eye-popping blue lagoons and travelers love spending time outdoors at the Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve.
Punta Cana is the shining star of the D.R., and Bávaro is what pushes this city to worldwide stardom. That's why its not shocking to find out occupancy rates have surpassed 80% this summer.
A Paradise Awaits Between Punta Cana And Santo Domingo
Typically, travelers will fly into Punta Cana or Santo Domingo for their Dominican vacation. But that doesn't mean travelers always stay there.
In between these two cities are neighboring regions that have become mega popular spots for vacationers.
La Romana and Bayahibe have more rooms booked than even Punta Cana! The latest reports claim occupancy rates were 85% full.
One of the country's most sought-after beach destinations is La Romana, home to amazing resorts that will leave you wanting more.
This area is commonly used as a gateway for day-trip escapes to the astounding Isla Catalina and Saona Island, where travelers will discover breathtaking, tranquil beaches.
Others love to explore the Bayahibe region, which has taken on a new identity as a resort hub where nature lovers congregate and love to explore the gorgeous scenery.
No longer just a fishing village, Bayahibe is worth the roughly 25-minute drive to immerse yourself in some of the country's best natural attractions.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.