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We may dream of a white Christmas, but very few dream of getting snowed in after the holidays are over. However, the weather doesn’t always ask for our opinion, and this January we’ve seen winter storms rip through the States from the Great Lakes to New York to Texas leaving chaos behind.
Thousands of flights were delayed or canceled, travelers were stranded, and you may have even seen staples like bread, milk, and eggs inconveniently vanish from your grocery store’s shelves.
So why brave the freezing cold when you could be in your swimsuit making “snow” angels on a sandy white beach instead?
If you are ready to cut this cold season short, you can pack a bag and find a spot on a southbound flight to a place where it’s warm year-round.
In fact, many snowbirds have decided to do just that and ride out the end of winter in this trendy, tropical destination–the Dominican Republic.
The Trendy Winter Getaway for 2024: The Dominican Republic
This Caribbean island has seen a tremendous amount of growth post-Covid. In 2023 alone, the Dominican Republic reached over 10 million visitors.
The beachy destination is off to a strong start again this year, leading the way with one of the highest margins of tourist growth in Latin America. Bookings in the Dominican Republic for March are already up 16% from last year.
So why is this tropical destination the trendiest winter getaway right now? Let’s take a virtual visit to the sunny Dominican Republic.
Pristine Beaches and Luxurious All-Inclusive Resorts
The beauty of the Dominican Republic goes beyond its white sand beaches and cerulean blue waves. On this island, you can enjoy luxury at a reasonable price.
Punta Cana is full of five-star all-inclusive resorts where you can eat delicious food, enjoy a spa day at a wellness center, or lounge in the sun for as long as you want. There are many family-friendly hotels to choose from. Or you can enjoy an adults-only experience at your resort of choice.
Tourism is booming at this sunny destination and brand new hotels and resorts are set to open this year. One of the newest adults-only resorts in the Dominican Republic is Hyatt Hotel’s Secrets Tides Punta Cana. This inclusive all-suite hotel is currently accepting bookings for your next romantic getaway.
Diversity, Food, and Culture
Although the white sand beaches are its main attraction, the Dominican Republic has a surprisingly varied landscape including beautiful rainforests, mountains, and deserts.
It also boasts a diverse culture blending elements of Spanish, African, French, and Taino culture.
The Dominican Republic’s diversity is reflected in Merengue music, traditional dances, and unique cuisine. One of its most iconic dishes is la Bandera Dominicana.
This dish subtly represents the Dominican Flag with its white rice, red, black, or white bean stew, and meat. You can chase down this meal with a Cuba Libre cocktail or a world-famous Dominican Rum.
Safe for Tourists
The Dominican Republic is a perfect place to enjoy unlimited food and drinks at a resort and relax to the sound of waves.
It is also considered a safe spot for solo travelers. The level of crime is considerably lower than in many other Latin American destinations, with fewer violent crimes.
However, some tourists have experienced petty theft and pickpocketing in crowded metropolitan areas. So, when you leave your resort, keep your phone and wallet close to your person to avoid an incident.
Visa-free Access for U.S. Citizens
While Brazil will require U.S. citizens to enter with a visa beginning in April, a simple passport is all you need to enter the Dominican Republic.
You can visit the Dominican Republic for up to 30 days visa-free as long as you have a round-trip ticket. However, cruise passengers who plan to stay on the island for more than 24 hours will need to obtain a tourist card.
This balmy Caribbean destination is also popular with digital nomads. The vibrant city of Santo Domingo especially attracts many remote workers. With sunny weather, good food, a decent exchange rate for the dollar, and excellent 4G coverage, it’s easy to see why.
If you need more time to soak up this tropical island’s beauty, you can check the Dominican Republic embassy website to extend your tourist visa past the 30-day limit.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com