Planning a Trip to the Dominican Republic?

This year I took my first trip to Dominican Republic. It was a family trip with my parent, sister and her 2 kids. While planning the trip I've come up with the top tips I would give someone who was planning a trip.

The Resorts:

Picking the best resort for you is an important decision. I personally prefer large resorts with lots of activities.  The following resorts are my top 4, based on price, location and child friendliness.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana

Melia Caribe Tropical

Iberostar Punta Cana

Dreams Punta Cana Resort and Spa

Most of the resorts are not in Punta Cana but line the coast in Bavaro, about a half hour drive from the airport. Dreams in in Uvero Alto, which is an extra 10 minute drive. 

Attractions near the Resorts:

Manati Park

A little zoo for the kids. They have swimming with dolphins, but it has bad reviews. If your going to go skip that part.

Coco Bongo 

For the adults, this is a large dance club they promote in all the resorts. 

Acuagames

Close to Dreams in Uvero Alto. We visited this water park with my nieces and they loved it. It has big slides for the older kids as well and areas for young children. 

Macao Beach

  Postcard perfect. This beach is public and open to the locals.

Excursions:

I didn't book our excursions at the resort, instead I booked them ahead of time on viator. It was easy to do and they picked us up at the resort.

Fun Fun Cave

This was my favourite part of the trip. It was a long drive, 3 1/2 hours, but totally worth it. They feed you wonderful home cooked meals twice, once before and after. The hike was beautiful and the cave was huge. You get to spend lots of time inside exploring and swimming in the water. The guides were funny and entertaining.

Santo Domingo

I didn't find the trip as interesting as I hoped. The first church in America's was something I would recommend seeing. The country has a very interesting history and I enjoyed listening to the guide retell it. 

Three Eyes National Park

A beautiful cavern with three lagoons. The water was an amazing blue, not something you want to miss. There is also a pool that was once used for fertility by the native population. Try touching it and see if it works :)

If I was going to go again, I would pick a different resort then what I stayed at. My parents booked Sirenis, and I didn't like it. The grounds were nice, and the had great pools, but I there wasn't anything to do, and I found myself bored most of the time there.

If I was going again I would stay at Hard Rock. Its the biggest resort in the Dominion and that is more my style.

Wherever you choose to stay, I hope you have a great trip!