Have you ever heard someone say, “I need a vacation from this vacation”? While you might be sitting at work at the moment daydreaming of your next trip and wondering why anyone would ever say that, sometimes the endless tours and constant activities during a trip can be exhausting.
From time to time it is preferable just to relax and not plan at all, even as far as planning your budget. If that is your mood, read on for some ideas for free things to enjoy during your vacation to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Tropical weather
Your destination is a hot and humid one, so you will want to ditch your sweaters at home and make sure to pack lightweight clothing to keep you comfortable during your adventures.
It’s always a good idea to bring your rain jacket, however, since you might encounter some rain in this tropical paradise (especially during the wet season from April to May).
The temperature is generally the same, between 25 – 31 degrees Celsius, but it has been recorded to fall to the teens during the wet season, so a light warm layer is advisable. Sturdy walking shoes are also important to allow you see as much of the area as possible without paying the price of a cab.
A day at the beach
If you are looking to relax, look no further than a day (or five, or ten!) on the beach to work on your tan by taking in the Carribean sun with your favorite book.
If you are feeling adventurous, bring your own goggles and look for fish and other marine life while snorkeling at Playa Blanca, the only public beach in Punta Cana. Try diving for shells to bring home as free souvenirs along with some great stories!
If you are feeling active, pack a Frisbee or inflatable beach ball so you can play beach games with your friends and family. Working up a sweat is a great way to really appreciate the water once you jump in! You can even bring your toys out into the waves for a more challenging version of the game.
If you are feeling creative, bring your camera and spend a day walking along the beach snapping photos. There is a 12-mile walk that you can take all or part of, starting in Punta Cana and leading all the way to a small peninsula at Playa Macao.
Visit Higuey
Higuey is a nearby town (about 45 minutes by car) that boasts a beautiful cathedral and sleepy vibe. To top it all off, a river runs through it! If you want to leave the beach for a day trip, venture out to town and you will be rewarded with a snapshot of authentic Dominican life.
You can spend the day walking around and taking in the sights, then grab a picnic lunch to enjoy by the riverside. If you are interested in architecture, the Basilica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia was built in the gothic style and holds within its walls a famous painting of the Virgin Mary with an interesting story.
If are in the mood for something more natural, enjoy a walk around La Encantada Ecological Park to take a break in the shade and view some of the diverse flora of the area.
Don’t forget to take it all in! Take a breath and look up at the sky. Remember how lucky you are to be on this earth … and on vacation! Plans can get in the way of our own happiness, so take some time just to wander and revel in being alive. Happiness is free!
