What to Bring to the Dominican Republic: Packing List for Awesome Trips

Between taking endless beach photos and using your map for jungle treks, your battery will drain fast. A power bank is an absolute essential for keeping your phone charged all day long.

Staying hydrated is so important in the Caribbean heat, so keep that bottle full. Just be sure to use the filtered water stations at your resort rather than tap water to stay safe.

The tropical sun is incredibly strong, even on cloudy days. I always pack a few extra bottles because buying sunscreen at local resort shops can be surprisingly expensive.

Mosquitoes are definitely active around dusk, especially in the more lush areas of the island. Having some repellent handy made our evening walks and outdoor dinners so much more comfortable.

I like to keep a tiny kit with bandages and pain relievers in my daypack just in case. It’s much better to have it right there than to be hunting for a pharmacy when you’re out exploring.

A dedicated wash pouch keeps your bathroom essentials organized and ensures that a leaky bottle won’t ruin your gear. I love the ones that hang up for easy access in smaller bathrooms.

Whether you’re trying to sleep on the flight or staying in a room near a lively pool area, a pair of ear plugs is absolute gold for ensuring you get some quiet rest.

Tropical showers can pop up out of nowhere in the DR, even during the dry season. A compact umbrella fits easily in your bag and saves you from getting soaked during a sudden downpour.

Separating your laundry from your clean clothes is a simple way to stay organized, especially when you’re dealing with damp swimsuits and sandy beach gear throughout your trip.

I honestly can’t travel without these anymore because they make organizing layers and swimsuits so easy. They’re perfect for keeping your beach gear separate from your evening outfits.

You’ll want a bag that can handle being dragged through busy airports and between different resorts. Make sure yours has sturdy wheels that won’t give out on you during your travels.

If you’re planning on bringing home some local rum or souvenirs, you’ll want to keep an eye on your bag’s weight. A quick check with a scale can save you from those annoying overweight fees at the airport.

A lightweight daypack is perfect for carrying your beach towel, sunscreen and snacks while you’re out on a boat trip or a jungle hike. You’ll want something comfortable that won’t weigh you down all day.

I find a sling bag to be one of the most versatile things I pack because it works for beach walks and keeps my most important things right across my chest where they’re easy to reach.

A dedicated dopp kit keeps your bathroom essentials organized and ensures that a leaky bottle won’t ruin your favorite travel clothes. It’s one of those small things that makes travel a lot smoother.

You’ll definitely want to pack at least two or three swimsuits. The humidity means they can take a while to dry, and there’s nothing worse than pulling on a cold, damp suit for your morning dip.

While most resorts provide towels, a compact quick-dry one is great to have in your daypack for boat trips or hiking to waterfalls. They take up very little space and dry remarkably fast.

Reapplying your sunscreen is crucial, especially when you’re in and out of the water all day. The Caribbean sun is strong and those refreshing dips will wash off your protection faster than you think.

A good hat is one of the most important things for protecting yourself from that intense tropical sun. I found that a wide-brimmed style offered the best coverage for long walks on the sand.

A simple tote bag is perfect for carrying your sunscreen, book and water bottle to the beach. I always choose one that’s lightweight and can be easily packed away when I’m not using it.

I always find it’s better to have a few swimsuit options so you never have to deal with a wet suit. It’s one of those little things that makes your beach days so much more enjoyable.

For the tropical heat and humidity, you’ll want breathable fabrics that won’t stick to you. Cotton or lightweight linen blends are my favorites for staying cool while I’m out and about.

This is a basic summer essential that pairs with almost anything in your bag. It’s easy to throw on with shorts and light enough to keep you comfortable in the midday sun.

Shorts are the standard daily uniform in the DR. Whether you prefer denim or a more athletic moisture-wicking fabric, you’ll want several pairs to rotate through.

I find leggings to be one of the most versatile things I pack because they work for long flights and are perfect for an early morning yoga session on the beach.

There’s nothing better than switching into cozy joggers after a long day in the sun. They’re perfect for lounging in your air-conditioned room or for the flight back home.

Linen is a fantastic fabric for staying cool while still looking a bit more put-together than a pair of shorts. They’re perfect for those warm evenings when you’re heading out for a nice dinner at the resort.

Keep in mind that while it’s hot outside, many restaurants and bars blast the air conditioning. A lightweight scarf is an easy way to stay warm and works perfectly as a shawl.

A simple dress is my absolute favorite thing to pack for a tropical trip. It’s an easy one-and-done outfit that works for both a day of exploring and a nice evening out.

Take my advice here: you’ll probably be showering and changing more than usual with all the swimming and humidity. Bring plenty of extras so you always have a fresh pair.

Choosing a comfortable and supportive bra is key for those long travel days. You’ll probably also want a strapless option to go with your favorite summer dresses for the evenings.

A good windbreaker or rain jacket is a smart thing to have because tropical storms can be sudden. It’ll also keep you dry and block those cool ocean breezes during boat trips.

A sarong is one of the most versatile things you can pack. Beyond a cover-up, it works as a lightweight beach blanket, a head wrap or even a quick-dry towel in a pinch.

Flip flops are the absolute standard for island travel. You’ll probably live in them for everything from heading to the pool to grabbing a casual breakfast at the resort.

If you’re wearing sneakers for exploring, some quality moisture-wicking socks are a must. They’ll keep your feet dry and comfy even when the temperature starts to climb.

You’ll find yourself reaching for these for everything, from cleaning messy hands to wiping down sticky surfaces. They’re an absolute essential for any trip with little ones.

Kids’ sensitive skin needs that extra bit of protection from the intense Caribbean sun. Mineral-based formulas are usually the best bet for staying safe during beach days.

While many resorts are family-friendly, they don’t always have high chairs easily available. A portable option means you can enjoy your meal anywhere without worrying about seating.

A lightweight, compact stroller is perfect for navigating resort paths or airport terminals. Make sure it’s easy to fold for quick boat trips or taxi rides around the island.

I’ve found a carrier to be the absolute best way to navigate beach areas or narrow town streets. It keeps your hands free and your little one comfortable while you’re out exploring.

Having some familiar snacks from home is a lifesaver for those moments when you’re between meals or on the go. Reusable containers help keep everything fresh and sand-free.

A pair of volume-limited headphones is great for keeping kids entertained during the flight or for some quiet downtime. Over-ear styles usually stay on much better than earbuds.

I like to keep a small kit with child-specific bandages and pain relievers handy. It’s much better to have your preferred brands on hand than to be hunting for a pharmacy in a foreign country.

A good hat is one of the most important things for protecting your child from the sun. Wide-brimmed styles offer the best coverage for their face and neck during those long beach days.

Sunglasses with 100% UV protection are key for keeping little eyes safe and comfortable. We found that the pairs with head straps were the only ones that actually stayed on during play.

Changing tables aren’t always easy to find when you’re out exploring. A portable changing mat means you’ll be prepared to handle a diaper change wherever you happen to be.

Keeping kids hydrated is so important for avoiding meltdowns in the heat. Reusable bottles mean you’re not buying single-use plastic constantly while you’re exploring the island.

Bringing a familiar sheet from home can help your little one feel more at ease in a new sleeping environment. It’s one of those small things that can really help everyone get a better night’s rest.

Pack extras! Wet swimsuits don’t dry fast in the tropical humidity, so having a few backups means less waiting around between pool and beach sessions.

A rash guard is a great way to provide consistent sun protection for kids who are in and out of the water. It’s much easier than trying to reapply sunscreen to a squirmy toddler every hour.

Kids need gentler formulas, so look for child-safe options to protect them from mosquitoes. It’s especially important if you’re staying in a lush or more rural area of the island.

Protect little feet from hot sand and rocky areas in the water. They also provide great grip on wet resort paths which helps prevent those accidental slips and falls.