News
Is Dominican Republic Safe? Travel Advisory 2023

Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, the Dominican Republic is set between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, providing a tropical oasis for travelers to experience some of the world’s best beaches, fabulous resorts, and plenty of recreation and entertainment opportunities.
However, visiting the Dominican Republic is sometimes not all about exploring a tropical paradise. When travelers are not careful, they can fall victim to a violent crime or island scam.
As of February 1, 2023, the U.S. Department of State lists the Dominican Republic as a Level 2 warning, where travelers should exercise increased caution due to violent crime, such as armed robbery, sexual assault, or homicide.
Which Areas of the Dominican Republic are Dangerous for Tourists?
Over the years, a professional tourist police corps, the institution of a 911 system, and many resources available in resort areas have made it safer for tourists to visit most resort areas. Still, it is vital to remain careful when considering travel into urban areas.
High-crime areas in the capital city of Santa Domingo include Arroyo Hondo, Cristo Ray, Gazcue, Naco, and Villa Argrola. These areas are best avoided due to the high theft rate, muggings, and murder.
La Duarte, a street in Santa Domingo, is very crowded and chaotic, making this one of the riskier streets to visit.
Important Safety Tips When Traveling to the Dominican Republic
Here are a few tips to help travelers keep themselves safe when visiting the Dominican Republic:
- Read the Department of State’s warning before planning a trip.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for alerts and to make it easier to locate a traveler in an emergency.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid walking alone, especially at night.
- Do not leave bags unattended, especially at the beach.
- Do not leave drinks unattended.
- If mugged, hand items over; do not risk further injury.
- Avoid displaying signs of wealth.
- Follow the advice of resort and tour guides.
- Stay at your resort unless traveling with a guided tour booked at your resort.
- Prepare a contingency plan in case of an emergency.
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from the Dominican Republic:
April 21 – Dominican Republic breaks records for tourists arrivals in the first quarter
The Dominican Republic has continued its hot start to 2022, setting another record for the first three months of the year.
The Caribbean hotspot attracted 2,076,171 visitors in the first quarter, setting a new record.
According to David Collado, the Dominican Republic’s tourism minister, that was 11% more than the previous high for 2019, including a hot March with 740,324 air arrivals, a 10% increase over 2019.
The Dominican Republic also reported 280,247 cruise passengers in March.
The numbers are “never seen before,” Collado said.
March 17 – The PGA Tour Corales Puntacana Tournament confirms the Dominican Republic as a golf destination.
Grupo Puntacana has announced the 6th edition of the Corales Puntacana Championship PGA Tour event, which will take place at the Corales golf course from March 20 to 26, 2023.
The sporting event includes $3.8 million in prize money good for 300 FedExCup points, the highest in Dominican sports history, with the participation of 120 players from 20 nations and five continents.
“The Corales Puntacana Championship has become a flagship event for Puntacana Resort & Club. It fills us with joy and pride to continue the tradition of celebrating a unique sporting event in the country, which also promotes the Dominican Republic and Punta Cana worldwide as a leading golf destination in the Caribbean,” said Francesca Rainieri, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Grupo Puntacana.
February 20- The International Health And Wellness Tourism Congress returns will be held in Dominican Republic in November
The “VI International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress,” which will take place on November 1 and 2, this year, at the JW Marriott Hotel in Santo Domingo, was announced by Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso, president of the Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS), and Amelia Reyes Mora, president of AF Stategic Communication.
“The activity features important conferences and panels with renowned national and international speakers, aimed at the top players of the sector, such as health centers, dentistry, clinical and pharmaceutical laboratories, hotels, insurers, banks, investment funds, investment, airlines, medical facilitators, government, transportation, legal advisors, accreditors, among others,” said Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso.
“This international congress constitutes a platform for multi-sector integration, innovation, networking, business development, and investment opportunities, and public-private synergies at a local and international level,” expressed Amelia Reyes Mora.
Most Common Tourist Traps and Scams in the Dominican Republic
Millions of tourists visit the Dominican Republic every year. Unfortunately, though the idea is to experience a peaceful beach vacation, many criminals are waiting for an unknowing tourist to fall victim to one of their many scams.
One of the most common scams is the airport taxi scam, where the taxi that takes travelers to their resort from the airport does not turn on the meter and, regardless of the distance, can charge excessive amounts of money for the short drive. It is best to book ground transportation through a travel agency, tour company, or resort.
City taxis work the same way as airport taxis, where they tend to charge too much for the trip and expect the unknowing traveler to pay the fee.
Similarly, the Uber scam is one where the driver claims the app is not working correctly, and the passenger must pay cash for the ride, and the fee far exceeds what the cost through the app would have been.
Finally, the camera scam is where a local will hand a tourist their camera and ask them to take a photo. Then, when the camera is handed back, they drop it, blaming the traveler and insisting they pay for the damages.
The best thing to do in this situation is not to accept anything handed to you, and if something is set in your hand, place it on the ground and continue walking.
FAQs About Safe Travel to Dominican Republic
Is Punta Cana Safe to Visit?
Punta Cana is one of the safest places to visit in the Dominican Republic and is one of the most highly visited areas, with many safe and secure resorts.
Additionally, the presence of the Tourism Police is relatively high in this area of the Dominican Republic.
Is It Safe to Stay at a Resort in the Dominican Republic?
One of the safest places tourists can stay when visiting the Dominican Republic is at their resorts. Most resorts employ private security, and the Tourism Police make frequent visits to the resorts.
When staying at the resort, the risk of falling victim to criminal activity or assault is far lower than when exploring public attractions, nearby neighborhoods, or city centers.
The post Is Dominican Republic Safe? Travel Advisory 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.
———-
By: Viktor Vincej
Title: Is Dominican Republic Safe? Travel Advisory 2023
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/is-dominican-republic-safe-travel-advisory-2023/
Published Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2023 23:00:49 +0000
———
Frequently Asked Questions
How traveling improves your life?
Traveling improves your life by allowing you to step out of your comfort zone, develop problem-solving skills, enhance your creativity, and improve your communication abilities as you interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
Why People Are Travelling?
People are traveling because it satisfies their desire for adventure, offers a respite from daily life, and provides opportunities for personal growth, learning, and cultural exchange.
What is the most important in traveling?
The most important aspect of traveling is to embrace the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn from the people and places you encounter.
Are There Health Benefits of Traveling?
Yes, there are health benefits of traveling, such as reduced stress, increased physical activity, and improved mental well-being. Travel can also strengthen the immune system and promote overall wellness.
What are the main benefits of traveling?
The main benefits of traveling include broadening one’s perspective, learning about new cultures and traditions, gaining new experiences, boosting mental and emotional well-being, and creating lasting memories.
What are the joys of travel?
The joys of travel include the excitement of exploring new destinations, encountering unique cultures, tasting new cuisines, and experiencing the beauty of the natural world.
Statistics
- Researchers found that the people who took the least amount of vacation time (about one vacation every 6 years) were about two and a half times more likely to have a heart attack than people who vacationed once per year. (goodrx.com)
- The study determined that men who take an annual vacation are 30% less likely to die from heart disease, among other findings. (goodwall.io)
- Men who do not take an annual vacation show a 20 percent higher risk of death and 30 percent greater risk of heart disease. (nbcnews.com)
- In one study , researchers found that female people who took vacations twice or more per year were less likely to report symptoms of depression and tension, compared to those who only vacationed once every 2 or 6 years. (goodrx.com)
- In fact, 29 percent of American adults have never been abroad! (nbcnews.com)
External Links
articles.latimes.com
huffingtonpost.com
- The Top 5 Regrets Of The Dying | HuffPost Post 50
- Your Mind on Language: How Bilingualism Boosts Your Brain
journals.sagepub.com
- Waiting for Merlot: Anticipatory Consumption of Experiential and Material Purchases – Amit Kumar, Matthew A. Killingsworth, Thomas Gilovich, 2014
- Waiting for Merlot: Anticipatory Consumption of Experiential and Material Purchases – Amit Kumar, Matthew A. Killingsworth, Thomas Gilovich, 2014
doi.org
nydailynews.com
How To
How to Enhance Your Life Through the Benefits of Travel
To enhance your life through the benefits of travel, make a conscious effort to step out of your comfort zone, learn from new experiences, and develop a deeper understanding of the world. Embrace the personal growth, improved mental health, and increased creativity that come from traveling, and apply these newfound skills and perspectives to your everyday life.
News
This Caribbean Town Is The New Busiest Beach Destination In Mexico

The Secretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico has recently announced that Akumal is the busiest beach destination in Mexico. On the Yucatán Peninsula, Akumal is a coastal resort of Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
It is not only Akumal that has been busy, as there has been a 60.5% hotel occupancy rate across Mexico, according to Secretary of Tourism Miguel Torruco Marqués.
The hotel occupancy rate, which was taken over the first quarter of 2023, is nearly 10 percent higher than in 2022. This is according to the 70 centers monitored by DataTur, which provides tourism statistics information to the Government of Mexico.
Data further show that in this period, an average of 142,685 occupied rooms were registered in beach centers. This is an increase of 14.8% compared to last year’s number of 124,300.
In terms of occupancy rate, the beach center occupancy rate was 71.7%, nine percentage points compared to the same period in 2022.
The total number of tourists in beach centers was nine million during the first three months of 2023, while Mexican cities registered 10.8 million tourists in hotel rooms.
Of the total 19.8 million tourists from January to March 2023, Torruco Marqués highlighted that 13.9 million (or nearly 70% of the total) were nationals.
Torruco Marqués detailed that the busiest beach destinations with the highest occupancy levels in Mexico were:
- Akumal – 87.6%
- Playacar – 86.6% (Playa del Carmen)
- Cabo San Lucas – 84.5%
- New Nayarit – 84.4%
- Puerto Vallarta – 83.6%
- Cancun – 80.5%
Akumal which means “Place of the Turtle” in the Mayan language, is known for its white sands, warm waters, and rich marine life, including turtles of course. Akumal Beach, or Playa Akumal, features turquoise waters where only a certain number of simmers are allowed each day to protect the turtle zone.
Guests should get to the beach early, hire a guide to be able to find the best spots to swim with turtles.
The post This Caribbean Town Is The New Busiest Beach Destination In Mexico appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.
———-
By: Jarone Ashkenazi
Title: This Caribbean Town Is The New Busiest Beach Destination In Mexico
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/this-caribbean-town-is-the-new-busiest-beach-destination-in-mexico/
Published Date: Wed, 24 May 2023 13:49:12 +0000
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Health Benefits of Traveling?
Yes, there are health benefits of traveling, such as reduced stress, increased physical activity, and improved mental well-being. Travel can also strengthen the immune system and promote overall wellness.
What is the most important thing about traveling?
The most important thing about traveling is to fully immerse yourself in the experience, be present in the moment, and appreciate the unique opportunities for growth and connection that travel offers.
Why Wouldn’t You Travel More When There Are So Many Benefits of Traveling?
You should travel more when there are so many benefits of traveling, including improved mental and emotional well-being, personal growth, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to create lasting memories.
What is the most important in traveling?
The most important aspect of traveling is to embrace the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn from the people and places you encounter.
What is the value of traveling?
The value of traveling lies in the personal growth and enrichment it brings, as well as the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with people and places beyond your immediate environment.
Why travel makes us happy?
Travel makes us happy because it provides a break from the routine, offers a sense of adventure, and satisfies our innate curiosity to explore and learn about the world around us.
Statistics
- According to a 2013 study , more than 80% of Americans, who were surveyed, noticed significant drops in stress just after a day or two of traveling. (forbes.com)
- Men who do not take an annual vacation show a 20 percent higher risk of death and 30 percent greater risk of heart disease. (nbcnews.com)
- Researchers found that the people who took the least amount of vacation time (about one vacation every 6 years) were about two and a half times more likely to have a heart attack than people who vacationed once per year. (goodrx.com)
- You pay 20% coinsurance for nonemergency care. (hca.wa.gov)
- After the trial period, they found that the people who vacationed every year had about 30% less risk of dying from heart disease. (goodrx.com)
External Links
articles.latimes.com
academic.oup.com
doi.org
verywell.com
hbr.org
- Are the People Who Take Vacations the Ones Who Get Promoted?
- When a Vacation Reduces Stress And When It Doesn’t
How To
How to Achieve a Healthier, Happier You by Understanding the Physical and Mental Benefits of Traveling
Achieve a healthier, happier you by embracing the physical and mental benefits of traveling. Engage in physical activities such as hiking, swimming, or yoga, and practice mindfulness and self-reflection to support your mental well-being. Use travel as an opportunity to reset, recharge, and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
News
Is Houston Safe? Travel Advisory 2023

Houston, Texas is situated in the southeast part of the state and near the coastline. It is known as home to me any prominent businesses and the organization NASA.
Many large cities have challenges with safety, and Houston, which is one of the largest cities in the country, is no exception to that. As a major presence in Texas, the city near the coast has for years been a growing metro area.
Crime Data from NeighbourhoodScout
Neighborhoods in the Houston Area
In any large or small city, there are certain neighborhoods that are better or worse than others when it comes to crime and safety.
Houston is no exception to that. It is important to know which sections of the metro area are safe or not. And people should be extra cautious when they are in high-crime neighborhoods.
10 most dangerous neighborhoods in Houston (according to Property Club data)
- Sunnyside
- MacGregor
- Sharpstown
- Greenspoint
- Far North
- Northeast
- Northwest
- East End
- Sugarland
- Pasadena
Gang and Related Activity
Houston, as is true for many large cities these days, has a challenge with a gang presence. That invites many challenging activities and crimes. So residents and visitors of Houston should pay attention at all times and if possible not go to areas where there is a known gang presence. Activities such as gang-related crimes can be worse at certain times of the day or week.
Vehicle Safety
It is essential to consider safety at home as well as while away from home and traveling. In Houston, there are increasing incidents of serious issues like road rage.
There are also car break-ins and theft. Anyone using one’s own personal vehicle or a rental vehicle should be extra cautious. That includes keeping all windows closed and doors locked, and not keeping any valuable items in a vehicle.
Safety for Women
Women face an overall medium risk when it comes to safety in Houston. One of the best ways to work around any safety and crime risks is for women to not travel alone, and to travel with at least one other person.
Public Transportation
Many people use public transportation in Houston. They travel by bus, train, taxi, rideshare, and rental car. Travelers should be vigilant about being aware of their surroundings when traveling.
Terrorism Risks
Many large cities these days are at increased risk for terrorist activity to occur. Houston is unfortunately a city like that. So residents and visitors to Houston should be informed about the specific risk level at all times.
Natural Disasters
Because it is near the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay, Houston can often be a prime area for hurricanes and other natural disasters to occur. So the weather is a serious safety concern. Hurricanes mainly occur between June and November. Residents and visitors to Houston should pay close attention to weather forecasts and be well prepared for hurricanes. In some situations, it is best to evacuate the Houston area when a hurricane is approaching.
Overall Safety
Houston overall has a long way to go when it comes to becoming safer. There are many crimes occurring, and safety is increasingly a concern. Specific crimes, such as assault, robbery, and vandalism are on the rise in Houston. While crime is increasing in recent years, it is everyone’s job to contribute to Houston being a safer place.
Houston is a great place to call home and an area where there is much to do and see for travelers. There are some safety challenges, so it is important to asses the risks and stay aware. Knowledge is power, so those can be great strategies for averting many safety concerns. Everyone can do his or her part to make Houston a safer and more enjoyable place to reside or travel.
The post Is Houston Safe? Travel Advisory 2023 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.
———-
By: Viktor Vincej
Title: Is Houston Safe? Travel Advisory 2023
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/is-houston-safe-travel-advisory-2023/
Published Date: Wed, 24 May 2023 14:33:29 +0000
———
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the joys of travel?
The joys of travel include the excitement of exploring new destinations, encountering unique cultures, tasting new cuisines, and experiencing the beauty of the natural world.
What is the value of traveling?
The value of traveling lies in the personal growth and enrichment it brings, as well as the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with people and places beyond your immediate environment.
Why travel makes us happy?
Travel makes us happy because it provides a break from the routine, offers a sense of adventure, and satisfies our innate curiosity to explore and learn about the world around us.
Is traveling a good life?
Traveling can indeed be a good life, as it promotes personal growth, enhances well-being, and provides a wealth of experiences that enrich one’s existence.
Why Wouldn’t You Travel More When There Are So Many Benefits of Traveling?
You should travel more when there are so many benefits of traveling, including improved mental and emotional well-being, personal growth, cultural exchange, and the opportunity to create lasting memories.
What is the most important thing about traveling?
The most important thing about traveling is to fully immerse yourself in the experience, be present in the moment, and appreciate the unique opportunities for growth and connection that travel offers.
Statistics
- The study determined that men who take an annual vacation are 30% less likely to die from heart disease, among other findings. (goodwall.io)
- A recent study reported more than half (52%) of respondents felt burned out, and more than two-thirds (67%) believed the feeling had worsened during the pandemic. (leehealth.org)
- Affordability is evidently a big factor — about 71 percent of Americans say it’s too expensive to leave the country — but that’s hardly the whole story. (nbcnews.com)
- In one study , researchers found that female people who took vacations twice or more per year were less likely to report symptoms of depression and tension, compared to those who only vacationed once every 2 or 6 years. (goodrx.com)
- After the trial period, they found that the people who vacationed every year had about 30% less risk of dying from heart disease. (goodrx.com)
External Links
verywell.com
hbr.org
- Are the People Who Take Vacations the Ones Who Get Promoted?
- When a Vacation Reduces Stress And When It Doesn’t
academic.oup.com
articles.latimes.com
couchsurfing.com
How To
How to Boost Your Mental Health Through the Benefits of Travel
Boost your mental health through the benefits of travel by taking breaks from your daily routine, engaging in new experiences, and connecting with different cultures. Travel can help reduce stress, increase happiness, and promote a sense of accomplishment. Make time for self-reflection and mindfulness during your travels to further support your mental well-being.
News
TSA Claims To Be Prepared To Handle Busy Summer Travel Season

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), during the busy summer travel season, it will be possible to screen large numbers of travelers at airport security checkpoints across the country.
According to TSA officials, about 2.6 million passengers are expected to be screened on May 26, the busiest day of the extended Memorial Day weekend. To accommodate the influx of travelers, the agency has announced that teenagers aged 13 to 17 who are booked on the same reservation as the PreCheck-enrolled parents or guardians, will be allowed to accompany them through the screening process.
TSA representatives are urging travelers to sign up for a five-year, $78 PreCheck subscription that speeds up screening at checkpoints. 94% of PreCheck travelers waited no longer than five minutes at the checkpoint in April.
“TSA is ready to handle this summer’s anticipated increase in travel,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said. “Our staffing levels are better and this is largely due to better pay for all TSA employees which starts on July 1.”
“Our strong partnerships with airports and airlines will ensure we are able to anticipate and respond to changes in passenger travel throughout the summer,” Pekoske said.
TSA is deploying innovative technology solutions across the country to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of security screening. These include Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units that verify the validity of a passenger’s identification documents, flight details, and status prior to screening.
Agents are advising travelers to start their packing with an empty bag to avoid being caught with prohibited items at security checkpoints. Undeclared weapons are prohibited at security checkpoints and on aircraft, although passengers are allowed to travel with firearms if they are properly packed in checked baggage and declared to the airline.
TSA advises travelers to allow plenty of time to park or return a rental car, ride a shuttle to the airport, check in with the airline, check baggage, and prepare for security screening, as airports will be busy.
Respect for TSA agents and other airport and airline employees is one of the most crucial pieces of advice that the general public seems to have forgotten. Violence and disruptive behavior toward them is not allowed because they are there to ensure the safety of all passengers.
The post TSA Claims To Be Prepared To Handle Busy Summer Travel Season appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.
———-
By: Maria Valencia
Title: TSA Claims To Be Prepared To Handle Busy Summer Travel Season
Sourced From: www.travelinglifestyle.net/tsa-claims-to-be-prepared-to-handle-busy-summer-travel-season/
Published Date: Wed, 24 May 2023 15:40:53 +0000
———
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the joys of travel?
The joys of travel include the excitement of exploring new destinations, encountering unique cultures, tasting new cuisines, and experiencing the beauty of the natural world.
Why People Are Travelling?
People are traveling because it satisfies their desire for adventure, offers a respite from daily life, and provides opportunities for personal growth, learning, and cultural exchange.
What is the most important in traveling?
The most important aspect of traveling is to embrace the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn from the people and places you encounter.
What is the value of traveling?
The value of traveling lies in the personal growth and enrichment it brings, as well as the opportunity to forge meaningful connections with people and places beyond your immediate environment.
How traveling improves your life?
Traveling improves your life by allowing you to step out of your comfort zone, develop problem-solving skills, enhance your creativity, and improve your communication abilities as you interact with people from diverse backgrounds.
Is traveling a good life?
Traveling can indeed be a good life, as it promotes personal growth, enhances well-being, and provides a wealth of experiences that enrich one’s existence.
Statistics
- Affordability is evidently a big factor — about 71 percent of Americans say it’s too expensive to leave the country — but that’s hardly the whole story. (nbcnews.com)
- According to a 2013 study , more than 80% of Americans, who were surveyed, noticed significant drops in stress just after a day or two of traveling. (forbes.com)
- You pay 20% coinsurance for nonemergency care. (hca.wa.gov)
- Researchers found that the people who took the least amount of vacation time (about one vacation every 6 years) were about two and a half times more likely to have a heart attack than people who vacationed once per year. (goodrx.com)
- The study determined that men who take an annual vacation are 30% less likely to die from heart disease, among other findings. (goodwall.io)
External Links
verywell.com
journals.sagepub.com
- Waiting for Merlot: Anticipatory Consumption of Experiential and Material Purchases – Amit Kumar, Matthew A. Killingsworth, Thomas Gilovich, 2014
- Waiting for Merlot: Anticipatory Consumption of Experiential and Material Purchases – Amit Kumar, Matthew A. Killingsworth, Thomas Gilovich, 2014
huffingtonpost.com
- The Top 5 Regrets Of The Dying | HuffPost Post 50
- Your Mind on Language: How Bilingualism Boosts Your Brain
theatlantic.com
articles.latimes.com
How To
How to Improve Your Emotional Intelligence by Cultivating Gratitude and Empathy Through Travel
Improve your emotional intelligence through travel by practicing gratitude for the opportunities and experiences you encounter, and empathizing with the people you meet. Engage in meaningful conversations, listen to other’s stories, and try to understand their perspectives. Reflect on your experiences and use them to develop a deeper sense of empathy and compassion.
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