Millions of people dream about visiting the Caribbean, but with a recent pandemic and the world seemingly always on the precipice of another major recession, many dreams stay just that. The incredible thing about the Caribbean is that at a baseline, wherever you go it’s going to be perfect beaches, sunny weather, friendly people, delicious food, and immaculate vibes.
Dominican Republic
With that in mind, the cheapest Caribbean island to visit is the Dominican Republic (DR). This isn’t a case of ‘you get what you pay for.’ The DR welcomes the most tourists to the region each year beating out heavyweights such as Jamaica, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. It is the second largest Caribbean island, behind only Cuba, and boasts a varied topography consisting of incredible mountain ranges, lush forests and jungles, mesmerizing ponds, and of course the beaches. The beaches in the DR can go toe-to- toe with any offering from any country in the world.
Why is it affordable…
For under US$1000 a person in the DR, you can secure a four-day adventure with a stay at an all-inclusive hotel. This price point is even inclusive of a round-trip flight. Prices are sure to dip even lower as more direct flight options from more territories are established. Over the last few months routes to Italy, Canada, Germany, the US, and Jamaica have opened promising easier access from all these territories to the island.
Suitable for all budgets
The DR has resorts for all budgets, but as a baseline, you’re getting access to a stellar beach and a home base to explore the rest of the island. Once you’re on the island, you’ll have your pick of activities to choose from. Visit La Zona Colonial to see where Christopher Columbus first landed in the Americas – it’s near-perfect preservation of the area from colonial times and can be a real mind trip as walking through the town feels like stepping into a time machine. Take a trip to Cabarete to enjoy the beach, the shopping, and the evening music events put on by the local acts. If you make the trip during the winter months, this is the prime tourist season, so prices will be hiked up. You can visit Samaná Bay to watch the annual humpback whale migration, when thousands of the majestic water mammals flood the bay doing flips and singing to each other.
The Dominican Republic’s rates and breadth of experiences mean there’s nothing stopping you from planning your dream Caribbean escape. Rates will fluctuate throughout the year, but you’re guaranteed to get the most bang for your buck while making lifelong memories.















