Sensitive Traveler Tips for Punta Cana

Travel affects everyone differently. Some travelers can eat almost anything, spend hours in the sun, and never have a problem. Others are more sensitive to unfamiliar foods, heat, mosquitoes, allergies, or changes in their normal routine.

This guide is not meant to create fear about visiting Punta Cana. Punta Cana welcomes millions of travelers every year. These are simply extra precautions for travelers who already know they have sensitive stomachs, allergies, or reactions to heat, food, or environmental changes.

What to Pack

Consider bringing a small personal travel kit with:

• Mosquito repellent

• Sunscreen

• Over-the-counter pain relievers you normally use

• Antacid or upset-stomach medication such as Pepto-Bismol or a similar product

• Any allergy medication you normally depend on

• Prescription medications in their original packaging

Extra Care at Your Resort

If you have a particularly sensitive stomach, keep things simple during the first few days.

Choose freshly cooked foods and meals that are served hot. If you are uncomfortable eating raw salads, cut fruit, or foods that have been sitting on a buffet for an extended period, choose cooked alternatives.

Drink sealed bottled water if that gives you greater peace of mind. Most established resorts follow food-safety procedures, but mistakes can occur anywhere food is prepared for large numbers of people.

Also remember that stomach discomfort during a vacation is not always food poisoning. Changes in diet, alcohol consumption, dehydration, heat, unfamiliar ingredients, and overeating can all cause similar symptoms.

Protect Yourself From the Sun and Mosquitoes

The Caribbean sun can be much stronger than many visitors expect.

Use sunscreen, drink plenty of water, take breaks from direct midday sun, and use mosquito repellent—especially around sunrise, sunset, gardens, and areas with vegetation.

A sunburn or dehydration can ruin a vacation just as quickly as an upset stomach.

During Punta Cana Excursions

Bring bottled water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and any medication you may need during the day.

Research excursions before arriving in Punta Cana. Look at recent reviews, what is included, pickup arrangements, cancellation policies, and the reputation of the company operating the tour.

Having a reputable local excursion company selected before your trip also allows you to compare prices with what is offered at your hotel without spending part of your vacation negotiating or researching activities.

The Bottom Line

Being cautious does not mean being afraid.

Punta Cana is a beautiful destination, but travelers who know they are especially sensitive can make their vacation much more comfortable by preparing ahead, staying hydrated, protecting themselves from the sun and mosquitoes, and being selective about what they eat and drink.

A little preparation can prevent a small problem from becoming the memory that defines your vacation.