Punta Cana Among The Top 3 International Destinations For Americans Right Now

Last Updated 3 weeks ago

Every year, travel tech company Expedia releases its Air Travel Hacks Report, packed with data-backed strategies and useful tips to help travelers enhance the travel experience, save money, and reduce stress.

In the latest edition, Expedia also unveiled the top international destinations for American travelers right now: Punta Cana, Cancun, and Mexico City.

Yes, it’s true that Punta Cana has been a popular destination for US travelers for a while now.

But the fact that it’s rubbing shoulders with Cancun, a long-time favorite for Americans, only goes to show how significant this achievement is.

Moreover, taking into account that the average airfare from the US to Punta Cana can sometimes be twice as high as flights to Cancun, it becomes clear that Punta Cana’s allure is anything but negligible.

Yet these insights are not exactly shocking, as they align with the Dominican Republic’s skyrocketing popularity among travelers, with high hopes of finally reaching the 10 million visitor mark by the end of this year.

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Moreover, other Dominican Republic destinations like Samaná, Puerto Plata, and La Romana are also getting their fair share of visitors – yet, as Expedia’s report shows, Punta Cana remains the undisputed Dominican Republic top destination.

So, let’s explore why American travelers keep flocking to this Caribbean paradise and why its popularity is only set to increase.

The Ultimate Caribbean Experience

If you were to ask any traveler to list the essentials of a dream Caribbean getaway, pristine beaches, and exceptional accommodations would likely top the list.

And as you might imagine, Punta Cana excels in all of these categories.

Here, you’ll find some of the Caribbean’s most paradisiacal coastlines, such as Playa Macao and Juanillo Beach, known for their expansive shorelines and turquoise waters.

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Yet few beaches in the Dominican Republic – or in the wider Caribbean, for that matter – can beat the famous Bávaro beach in terms of sheer natural beauty, a feature that has earned it a reputation as one of the world’s finest.

Punta Cana’s enviable weather all year round makes it a perfect beach destination, so you can sunbathe and enjoy a refreshing ocean dip regardless of the season.

And when it comes to accommodations, you can choose from a wide selection of exceptional resorts, from the highly luxurious Eden Roc Cap Cana to more budget-friendly all-inclusives such as Blue Beach Punta Cana.

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Regardless of your choice, the best part is that stays in the Dominican Republic tend to be typically much more affordable compared to other Caribbean destinations while still providing top-notch service and amenities.

Traveling To Punta Cana Is Getting Easier And More Affordable

While air travel to the Dominican Republic, in particular Punta Cana, can be indeed pricier compared to other Caribbean destinations, the good news is that this might change sooner than you’d expect.

The Dominican Republic government is actively pursuing an open skies agreement with the U.S., which would drastically reduce airfares and increase capacity.

an airplane landing in an airport in the Dominican republic

The nation has already successfully signed an open skies agreement with Canada earlier this year, but since American travelers make up more than 50% of visitors, an agreement with the U.S. would be an absolute game-changer.

Nevertheless, it’s also clear that even with the current prices, tourism in the Dominican Republic continues to thrive, as noted by Tourism Minister David Collado Morales.

Furthermore, air connectivity with the Dominican Republic and the US is steadily improving, with airlines such as Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest introducing new nonstop flights to Punta Cana.

A Diverse Range Of Tourist Attractions

Punta Cana offers much more than awe-inspiring beaches and world-class all-inclusives.

Outdoor adventure in Punta Cana with buggy

While these are undeniably some of the top reasons American travelers love this Caribbean paradise, the region’s wealth of diverse tourist attractions also ranks high on the list.

In fact, more and more travelers are choosing to venture beyond their all-inclusives to enjoy thrilling activities such as ziplining, buggy adventures, horseback riding, and guided tours to the idyllic Saona Island.

And for travelers seeking a more relaxed escape, Punta Cana village is the perfect choice, offering the opportunity to get an authentic taste of the local food and culture at its many beachfront restaurants or cafes.

With such an array of tourist attractions and offerings that provide great value, Punta Cana’s status as one of the top destinations for Americans right now really comes as no surprise.