January is the perfect month to plan your upcoming travels over the next 12 months. And after the last two years, let’s hope that 2022 is the year that adventures steadily find their way back into our lives.

I loved my time in the Dominican Republic, one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful destinations, and I highly recommend it being on your list of places to visit. Here are 10 reasons why…

1) Ease of travel

The Dominican Republic is currently open for travel, provided you have proof of Covid-19 vaccination with at least two doses or a negative PCR test, and have filled out the relevant health declaration forms.

It is the best-connected Caribbean destination in terms of transport links, with eight international airports across the country. British Airways and TUI Airways both operate direct flights from London Gatwick, and the flight time is approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes.

2) Year-round sunny climate

You are guaranteed sunshine and warm weather when visiting the Dominican Republic, with average temperatures ranging between 25C-31C.

3) Stunning beaches

With over 1,300km of coastline, you will definitely find the beach of your dreams in the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana is the nation’s main beach resort, with white sands, crystal clear turquoise waters and towering palm trees, creating a heavenly setting. Bavaro Beach is one of the most popular and best choices, just north of Punta Cana.

4) Exploring Puerto Plata

During my time in the Dominican Republic, I was based in the north of the country, in the city called Puerto Plata. This province is also best known for its white sand beaches, but also its grand hotel resorts, restaurants, shopping centre, and breathtaking mountains running along the north coast.

5) Hitting the capital city

The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, is situated on the southeastern coast of Hispaniola Island, and is definitely worth seeing. It is one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, yet became the capital of the New World, and in modern times has become a chic and dynamic metropolis. Los Tres Ojos National Park and Zona Colonial are must visit areas when in the city.

6) Visiting waterfalls

There is no shortage of stunning waterfalls in the Dominican Republic. The most picturesque is Salto Alto, which is easily do-able on a day trip from Santo Domingo.

7) Hiking mountains

The Dominican Republic is home to some of the best hiking trails in the world. El Mogote, Isabel de Torres and Parque Mirador del Oeste are all trails which enable you to venture into the cloud-scraping mountains and experience the incredible Caribbean vistas.

8) Picture-perfect sunsets

Whilst relaxing on Puerto Plata’s sandy beaches, I was able to witness some of the most incredible sunsets I have ever seen! The red, orange and yellow hues and drifting soft clouds, together with the silhouettes of the fan-leaved palm trees and glimmering Caribbean Sea, made for spectacular picture-perfect sunsets…

9) Go whale watching

If you travel to the country between mid-December to mid-March, you are sure to see the North Atlantic humpback whales. This is officially the whale-watching season, when they congregate in their thousands off the coast of the Dominican Republic! The perfect spot to whale-watch is Punta Cana’s Barceló Bavaro Grand Resort.

10) Friendly locals

Whether you are exploring the capital city or based in all-inclusive resort, you will definitely notice the friendliness, helpfulness, warmth and hospitality of the Dominicans, who are welcoming of all visitors.