Punta Cana: Why it might be the best Caribbean destination for you

One of the hassles of planning a Caribbean vacation is trying to figure out how to get the best flight that is also priced reasonably. Luckily, Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) offers direct flights from major cities all over the world. Some examples include Miami, Atlanta, New York and Toronto.

If you’re flying over from Europe, the same holds true for your flights, some examples being Paris, Moscow, and London.

There are plenty of options available, from small resorts to all inclusives that offer different amenities and prices helping to make the process of finding a good place to rest your head at night a little easier. These resorts are also very family friendly, so don’t be shy about bringing everyone along with you.

No matter what your budget is, you’ll find one or more resorts to choose from, each being within a close distance to the beach, if not already on it.

There are 10 different beaches to choose from in the region, all with beautiful white or golden yellow sand. Some of the beaches are short, while others stretch miles long.

But that’s not all, several of the beaches are rated as some of the world’s best by the European Blue Flag organization, an agency known for its strict water quality and environmental standards.

In fact, the Dominic Republic has more Blue Flag beaches than any other Caribbean island.

Many Caribbean destinations offer tours of one kind or another, but none can compare to Punta Cana’s exciting day tours. Instead of just doing one activity for an hour or so, you’ll get the chance to really explore the region, both from the ground and air making for a full day event.

These tours are great for solo travelers, couples and families and include a horseback ride, truck safari, an island trip and dip in Salt del Limon, the most sought after waterfall in the Dominican Republic.

During the right season, there is also a tour that gives you the chance to watch the whale migration from the air.

If you’re looking for a great nightlife scene after a day out in the water or tour, then you’ve come to the right place. Most resorts house multiple bars and clubs within them, so if you’re not wanting to leave the compound, there’s no need to.

If you do decide to venture out, the choices are endless. From clubs that act like it’s spring break year round to quiet bars that are perfect for a few drinks before heading in for the night, there’s an option for everyone. Recently, within the last few years, discos and salsa dancing clubs have also emerged.

Shopping in Punta Cana, simply put, is an adventure. From shops right on the beach to both local and international malls, you’ll find it all.

You can look for a good deal along the beach where you can find a wide variety of different stores selling things like Dominican cigars, items made with the native Dominican larimar, a semiprecious blue stone, as well as colorful paintings on rum bottles and wood carvings. You can even visit the cigar factory where you can have a cigar made especially for you.

If none of that is of interest and instead you’re interested in high ticket shopping, you can stop at the Palma Real Shopping Village where you can find various jewelry stores, banks, restaurants and a gift shops. The building also has beautiful Spanish architecture, a fountain in the middle of the building restaurants and a movie theater.

Photos by Flickr users Francisco Osorio, Paul Gillin, Ted Murphy and Ben Kucinski.