US Embassy Issues New Travel Alert For Dominican Republic

There’s a motive the Dominican Republic breaks tourism information yr after yr — it is one of the stunning paradises in shut attain to Americans able to dwell it up on Spring Break, burn by means of PTO come summertime, and escape the dwindling temps throughout fall and winter.

That mentioned, the U.S. Embassy has simply issued a brand new journey alert for the Dominican Republic, and the explanation will not be what you anticipate…

Boasting charming tradition, world-class resorts, pristine white-sand seashores, and underrated delicacies, there are few locations to relax or flip up at your leisure than the D.R.

The total crew at Travel Off Path ventures off to the Dominican Republic any likelihood we get, whether or not or not it’s following the crowds to Punta Cana or trying out the most recent up-and-comers, equivalent to Miches.

However, there’s additionally a side of this Caribbean hotspot that vacationers must know earlier than setting their minds to “Vacation Mode”, and it is change into important sufficient to set off a brand new journey alert straight from the US Embassy.

Peeling Back The Layer Of Underlying Issues

Let’s not faux the US is not filled with its personal issues. In the identical breath, let’s additionally not overlook the protection considerations of touring overseas to fairly actually wherever, as accidents can occur wherever at any time.

While it is true {that a} overwhelming majority of vacationers make it again house unscathed irrespective of the vacation spot, the US Embassy felt it was essential to concern a brand new journey alert concerning the significance of acquiring journey insurance coverage to raised defend your self in your journey — and there have definitely been horror tales popping out of the D.R. in recent times.

I feel it is protected to say we’re all sick of speaking concerning the darkish days of the pandemic, proper?

However, round this time, there have been quite a few stories of unusual sicknesses (and even deaths) at luxe resorts, although it was later decided no foul play occurred.

Regardless of circumstance, these conditions are unattainable to foretell, making insurance-free journey a roll of the cube.

There’s additionally the side of the Dominican’s driving hazards. In reality, one insurance coverage firm ‘throughout the pond’ claims their knowledge exhibits “the Dominican Republic has the highest road fatality rate in the world, with nearly 67 deaths per 100,000 people”.

Infrastructure will be missing in some areas, together with main cities like Santo Domingo and Santiago.

Not to say, there are oftentimes shortages of emergency personnel, and the principle motive for the US State Department’s Level 2 advisory is because of ‘violent crime’.

All of those components tallied up imply one factor — journey insurance coverage is a should in your Dominican vacay.

Better protected than sorry, no?

Popular comic Sam Morril as soon as mentioned about his relationship life, “I’m like the Dominican Republic, I’m great for like 5 days, and then they’re like, ‘Oh, you have some problems that I was not aware of’”.

Ouch. The reality hurts typically, however he is bought a sound level.

While you possibly can’t assist his Hinge matches, you possibly can guarantee (err, insure?) you are protected if you-know-what had been to hit the fan.

As The Dominican Surges, More Travelers Explore Beyond Punta Cana

As a first-time customer to Punta Cana final summer time, I gotta say it is exhausting to think about this common resort city not feeling like a protected haven.

With a fruitful expat neighborhood and trendy facilities, likelihood is you will not encounter any hazard right here past an upset abdomen (all the time pack Pepto!).

However, what’s change into more and more apparent in recent times is how vacationers are scratching their wanderlust itch, venturing into new territory — and that is the place some danger comes into play.

Say you need to try one of many D.R.’s new trip hotspots, Samana. That’s a 3 to 4 hour shuttle trip from Santo Domingo.

When you arrive, there are many outside actions, equivalent to waterfall hikes. Slip on a moist rock with out insurance coverage? That’s a giant oops!

Why The US Embassy Is Urging Americans to Obtain Insurance

One vastly necessary motive the Embassy is urging American vacationers to acquire insurance coverage is the easy indisputable fact that Dominican medical care requires upfront cost (even in emergencies).

A automobile wreck or slip n’ fall could be a nasty time to put in writing an I.O.U.

Here are some frequent coverages for journey insurance coverage:

• Hospital go to protection
• Cancelled flights
• Lost baggage
• Medical evacuation

Many plans provide 24/7 help in English, making the tedious course of a lot much less of a headache.

The backside line is the Dominican Republic will be a superb place to trip, however it’s necessary to know the dangers.

The actuality is you might by no means use your coverage, however once you do, having the correct protection can fairly actually be a lifesaver.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a concentrate on sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.