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family of three standing in front of the ocean in Punta Cana

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - PUNTA CANA

If you are considering a trip to the Dominican Republic (more specifically to Punta Cana), you must check out this travel blog! We discuss our tips, tricks & insight about Punta Cana, & where to stay in Punta Cana (the Lopesan Costa Bavaro)!  If you don't want to read about this trip, watch our YouTube series HERE!

JUMP TO...

a person laying on the beach with a laptop computer

BOOK THIS HOTEL

Dominican Republic - Punta Cana YouTube Videos

Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort Spa & Casino

After reading our input (below) on the Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort Spa & Casino (or maybe you watched it here), and you are ready to book this incredible resort... 

WE CAN BOOK IT FOR YOU!

(you can also check rates HERE)


Click 'Book My Trip' below, fill out the questionnaire, & I'll get everything set up for you and on your way to the Lopesan Costa Bavaro in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!

BOOK MY TRIP
A sign that reads LOPESAN sitting on the beach in front of bushes and palm trees

Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort Spa & Casino

Dominican Republic - Punta Cana YouTube Videos

Lopesan Costa Bavaro Resort Spa & Casino

  • Things To Do In Punta Cana Dominican Republic
  • Staying At The Lopesan Costa Bavaro In Punta Cana & What To Expect
  • What to Pack To Punta Cana
  • Punta Cana Travel Tips

red on air recording studio sign

Dominican Republic - Punta Cana YouTube Videos

Dominican Republic - Punta Cana YouTube Videos

Dominican Republic - Punta Cana YouTube Videos

If you truly want to be 'a part' of our adventures and get a real, first-hand experience, definitely check out our YouTube videos in Punta Cana Dominican Republic!

WATCH NOW

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THINGS TO DO IN PUNTA CANA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

STAYING AT THE LOPESAN COSTA BAVARO pUNTA CANA

THE LOPESAN COSTA BAVARO IN A SNAPSHOT

As you can probably tell from our video (WATCH IT HERE) & the location of this incredible resort, it was definitely one of our favorite locations to stay!


WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT (click HERE to see the resort map):

  • The hotel is located on one of the most well know beaches in Punta Cana, Playa Bavaro 
  • 10 miles from the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) 
  • The staff were incredibly friendly & kind 
  • 11 restaurants & 16 bar/lounge options on site (food & drinks were great, especially at the restaurants that required reservations) 
  • Full-service Gym down on the Lopesan Blvd (it's HUGE & has everything one would need to get an EXCELLENT workout in!) 
  • Sauna & Steam Room (was closed during our visit but this may change by the time you visit) 
  • Full-Service Spa (also down on the Lopesan Blvd)
  • Free Wifi (worked pretty well around the resort, but not the best by the beach)
  • 3 different 'properties' in one - Club Unique, Adults Only Club & the general Lopesan Costa Bavaro (all rooms are at the same resort, but offer different sections & different additional perks throughout the resort)
  • 10 pools (including 1 kids pool, 1 adults-only pool area, & one more in the Spa area (there is an upcharge to use the spa pool)!
  • Free Waterpark access (at the end of the Lopesan Blvd)
  • Multiple shopping stores onsite (you can find nearly EVERYTHING you are looking for, onsite!), and multiple while walking on the beach
  • Covid testing onsite ($30 pp per rapid test, down the blvd at the clinic)
  • 24/7 emergency clinic
  • Can host weddings onsite (wedding planners available onsite)
  • Can book excursions onsite (check HERE to see things to do in Punta Cana)
  • Built in 2019, shut down during covid and re-opened the end of 2021
  • ATM onsite & they were pretty good about giving change at the front desk (especially if you told them it was for tipping!)
  • Bowling & Arcade room (down the Lopesan Blvd, but there was a fee to utilize)
  • 700 seat theatre (had some GREAT shows while we were there! Check the tv or call the front desk for the schedule)
  • Babysitting & childcare available (surcharge)
  • Wheel Chair accessible (elevators were at every level, and down to the Lopesan Blvd as well)



Now that you have a quick snapshot of the hotel, see our PUNTA CANA PACKING LIST ⬇⬇⬇

Woman standing on a balcony overlooking the beach at Lopesan Costa Bavaro

GOING ON VACATION? WE CAN HELP!

 Whether you're interested in a Cruise, guided tour, group trip, independent international travel or just a weekend get-away, and even that bucket list adventure... we can assist you with that!
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PuNTA CANA Packing List

SUNBUM SPF 50 - OCEAN & REEF SAFE

SUNBUM SPF 50 - OCEAN & REEF SAFE

SUNBUM SPF 50 - OCEAN & REEF SAFE

Trust us, the higher coverage, the better... especially in Punta Cana!! 

Sun Bum has the BEST smell, does NOT give you that 'burning' sensation, is water-resistant up to 80 minutes, and most importantly, OCEAN & REEF FRIENDLY! Before leaving the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana), we noticed a deeper tan with the higher SPF coverage vs the lower!

2 PAIRS OF SUNGLASSES

SUNBUM SPF 50 - OCEAN & REEF SAFE

SUNBUM SPF 50 - OCEAN & REEF SAFE

Not sure if it's just a me thing, but somehow, something ALWAYS happens to the ONE pair of sunglasses that I bring... and then I end up buying a pair that I don't really like that much... tell me I'm not alone here that this happens too?! Don't let your accessories make your vacation to the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana), a negative one!

GOPRO - WATERPROOF CAMERA

SUNBUM SPF 50 - OCEAN & REEF SAFE

GOPRO - WATERPROOF CAMERA

If you DON'T have a waterproof camera on your Punta Cana trip... we need to have a serious talk! The GoPro 8 is our MAIN camera for everything, even our YouTube videos. Giving you 4K videos, amazing photos, incredible stabilization, & it's super compact! Check out our Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) videos, and you will understand!

SNORKEL GEAR

TAKE A BACKPACK/DAY BAG

GOPRO - WATERPROOF CAMERA

Call me a germaphobe, but the idea of utilizing a snorkel set from the resort or a tour, that multiple other people have used... nah, I'm good! This one can get tight enough for my small head and larger enough for our son's (bigger) head & of course these water fins are the perfect size for your carry-on! 

TAKE A BACKPACK/DAY BAG

TAKE A BACKPACK/DAY BAG

TAKE A BACKPACK/DAY BAG

When you get to Punta Cana, exploring can be fun, but be sure to take your 'small' essentials with you in a small backpack of some sort! And if you are going ANYWHERE there will be water, take a dry bag or dry-pack backpack instead! There is nothing worse than wanting to take your cell phone, other electronics, & a pair of clothes & try to keep them dry!!



SPF CHAPSTICK

TAKE A BACKPACK/DAY BAG

TAKE A BACKPACK/DAY BAG

Do  NOT leave home without this! Yes, Punta Cana will have chapstick, but IT WILL COST DOUBLE! The sun gets hot and since most of the time you will be either in the sun or salty ocean, you will want to keep your lips from getting fried and dried out! Once again Sun Bum SPF 30 is one of our favorites!

SPF/UPF SHIRTS

GARBAGE BAG & ZIPLOC BAGGIES

GARBAGE BAG & ZIPLOC BAGGIES

We each brought 4 of these guys on our recent Dominican Republic trip! Living in Florida, we are out on the ocean & beach as much as possible and because of that, we now incorporate these SPF/UPF Shirts on every vacation and beach trip that we go on. Nate & Blake's SPF preference (men's), and my SPF preference (woman's).

GARBAGE BAG & ZIPLOC BAGGIES

GARBAGE BAG & ZIPLOC BAGGIES

GARBAGE BAG & ZIPLOC BAGGIES

I know this sounds like an odd one, but these were the BEST random items that we brought with us. We are those people who like to get in a 'last ocean swim' before we catch our plane home... of course, this leaves us with soaking wet bathing suits! So we bring a few empty Ziploc baggies for those last-minute wet items & then throughout the week, we throw all our dirty clothes into a garbage sack. That way, we know what is dirty & what is clean, and we only have to do 9 loads of laundry vs 10!


Oh, and you might also bring one or two regular sized plastic grocery bags to put your sandy shoes inside! You are welcome!!

PORTABLE (SOLAR) CHARGER

GARBAGE BAG & ZIPLOC BAGGIES

PORTABLE (SOLAR) CHARGER

 I can't tell you how many times this portable solar charger has been a HUGE lifesaver, especially because we are NOT always conveniently sitting next to an electrical outlet. 


'I want to stay inside for an hour to charge my phone, while on vacation in Punta Cana'... 

SAID NO ONE EVER! 


And this one is pretty rugged, so if it gets a little wet or dusty because you are out exploring, no big deal! Make sure to give it a good charge via a wall charger before you use it. The solar charge works, but it's a slow charge.

OTHER CLOTHING ITEMS

CONT. OTHER CLOTHING ITEMS

PORTABLE (SOLAR) CHARGER

Now that we have been to the Lopesan Costa Bavaro in Punta Cana two times, we learned we miss calculated our packing the first time & even the second time.... third times the charm right? 🤦‍♀️ (this is based on 6 days of travel & in a carry-on only, no checked bags)


  • Your travel outfit - comfort is key, and remember... the less things in your pocket & easy slip-on shoes (ALWAYS wear socks) helps get you thru security MUCH faster!
  • 3-5 dressy outfits (one all-white & Jeans WERE OK!) - Onsite, there are 11 restaurants in which 'technically' there is only 1 restaurant that is 'formal'. But we did notice people would get cleaned up and into their 'going out to dinner' outfits.
  • Swimsuits - I personally took 6 swimsuits for 7 days, & the guys took 6 pairs of swim trunks as well. Be sure to wash these off after you swim in the ocean! They will smell sour if you don't!
  • 1-2 Swimsuit coverups - While sitting down at the beach, there is a buffet that is open from 12-6 daily. Make sure you have a swimsuit cover up (guys need t-shirts & shorts, gals need a full cover up - top & bottom), otherwise they won't allow you inside the buffet area (for obvious reasons)

CONT. OTHER CLOTHING ITEMS

CONT. OTHER CLOTHING ITEMS

CONT. OTHER CLOTHING ITEMS

  • 2 Pairs of socks/day - sounds like too many BUT we worked out every day. Not to mention, after being in flip flops/sandals all day & walking on sand, slipping into a pair of socks at the end of the day, makes your feet happy... just trust me!
  • 2 Pairs of underwear/day - Once again, we worked out every day & then don't forget about when you are  getting cleaned up after your beach day!
  • Workout clothes - depending upon how sweaty you get, or if you even plan on working out (the gym was AMAZING), this can vary. We personally took 1 outfit per day, that we planned on working out. 
  • 1-2 pairs of jeans - Nearly every night, I personally changed into jeans 2 of the nights, because I simply didn't want to wear a dress every night for dinner. Same with the guys.. if they didn't want to wear shorts, they each had 3 pairs of jeans (for 7 days).
  • 1-3 pairs of 'regular' shorts - MOST of the time, during the day, you will be in your swimsuit & cover up (just food for thought). Obvioulsy the guys brought 2-4 pairs, but were also primarily in swim trunks the entire trip too.

MORE ... OTHER ITEMS

CONT. OTHER CLOTHING ITEMS

CONT. OTHER CLOTHING ITEMS

  • Shoes - We each brought one pair of flip flops/sandals, one pair of sneakers, & heels for me (lol... not the guys), & converse for the guys
  • OTC drugs/supplies -  Believe it not, if you forget to bring nearly ANY otc drugs, they have MULTIPLE stores on sight (one full stocked pharmacy & an urgent care). BUT..... THEY WILL COST DOUBLE TO PURCHASE. For instance, SPF chapstick cost us $13 (USD).... don't be like us and bring a melted chapstick!
  • THEY HAVE BLOWDRYERS IN EACH ROOM! And it was pretty powerful, so no need to pack a blowdryer!
  • THEY ALSO HAVE AN IRON IN EACH ROOM!


8 MUST KNOW PUNTA CANA travel TIPS

two people standing in the clear ocean water in Punta Cana

MUST KNOW TIPS WHEN TRAVELING TO PUNTA CANA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (PRE DEPARTURE)

1. Download all these apps prior to leaving home (unless you have an unlocked phone, or a  an International plan)

  • WhatsApp - In every country, we have traveled to, we notice this was the one app we used the most! Best way to communicate to other people (especially the locals) via wifi, without getting charged!
  • US Dollar to Dominican Peso - exchange rate calculator
  • Maps.me or download Google maps for an offline map - download prior to leaving your home
  • Google Translate - this came in handy a lot
  • Netflix - download whatever series/movie you are watching, to your phone while connected to a strong wifi & watch without internet connection
  • Your Airlines app - For instance, we flew with Frontier & downloaded their app. This will allow you to get checked in, see your gate & flight details, your boarding pass, and it should send you updates for delays & cancelations.



2. Print off ALL your travel information and take it with you!! 

Let's be honest... all of your travel details will be on your phone & most of the time, this is how you will gain access to them but trust me when I say.... PAPER COPIES ARE A HUGE HELP, and here's WHY I suggest you print ALL your travel documents to take with you:

  • Just in case your phone dies... you will not always conveniently be sitting next to  a charging port... especially as you are walking around the airport and this is when you will most likely need them! Do what we do... make sure your portable charger is nearby!
  • No access to the internet/wifi... and I'm primarily talking about while walking in/out of customs, on the airplane, or in transit to/from your resort
  • If your resort/hotel can't find your reservation or they want proof... we have been lucky so far and have never had to deal with this, but I have heard horror stories. If you have your printed documentation & you need to show them proof of payment & the confirmation numbers, you are better off with the paper document!
  • When filling out any customs/airline documentation... having quick access to your destination information is key while filling out customs forms.... and most of the time, this is when your phone is dead lol

QUICK TIP: Be sure to stick a pen in your carry-on backpack/bag... 99.999% of the time, the airlines (especially while on the plane) won't  have any pens to fill these papers out and that's when chaos begins. 

QUICK TIP #2: Take screenshots of your travel details as well. There is a barcode (e-ticket) that you will need to utilize for entry & exit from the Dominican Republic (see that website here), & I suggest you complete the form via cell phone & take a screen shot of the barcode!)



3. Pack a few snacks & an refillable water bottle for your flight... I don't know about you, but as soon as we step foot into the airport, we see all the snacks & beverages, then end up paying double for a Snickers bar, Pringles & water 🤦‍♀️ and then do it AGAIN while ON THE FLIGHT 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ Don't be like us 😂

QUICK TIP: Most airlines allow you to have a free personal item (purse/backpack) & after flying a bazillion times, I found there are specific items that will come in handy to have immediate access too vs being in your carry-on luggage up above your head. These items are:

  • Cell phone
  • Pen (black or blue) 
  • Portable charger, charging cord & cube
  • Headphones with a 'regular' old school jack (not wireless) to listen to the TVs on the plane (if your plane offers it)... they might sell you crummy headphones if you didn't bring any, & if you are not sitting in first class
  • Light sweater - the plane gets very cool during transit
  • Snacks 
  • Laptop/tablet (make sure it's fully charged!)
  • Book or other paperback entertainment
  • Sanitizer or wipes for your tray

HOW DO YOU GET AROUND IN PUNTA CANA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?

4. Book your airport transport prior to arriving in Punta Cana if your resort doesn't offer it. The Lopesan Costa Bavaro didn't offer a direct transfer. I can help you set it up HERE or make sure you book it online (you can book separately on Orbitz or Expedia too by clicking 'cars', then 'airport tansportation'). For a personal transfer (3-6 people) to the Lopesan Costa Bavaro, you should expect to pay $17 - $30. Click HERE to check rates yourself.

  • When you walk out of the baggage claim area (in the Punta Cana International Airport - PUJ), thru the sliding glass doors & get outside of the airport doors, look for a sign with your name it or a sign with the company you are getting the transfer from.
  • DO NOT BOOK A SHUTTLE BUS!!! We made this mistake in Cancun and it took 2.5 hours to get to our resort (which was only 35 minutes from the Cancun International Airport). Pay the extra couple bucks and get your own personal taxi/car. It took this long because we stopped about 20 million times at MULTIPLE resorts letting other passengers off... N.E.V.E.R  A.G.A.I.N!!! A shared shuttle is ok, BUT ONLY if you can see how many passengers you will be sharing the shuttle with (ie. a minivan that can hold 10 people). Again, if it's shared, it can take longer because of other stops... just some food for thought.


5. Grab a taxi and make a friend- there is no shortage of taxi's in the area, especially at the airport & even around your hotel (unless you are out in the sticks). We only used a taxi a couple of times (yes, they can be a little more spendy but very convenient for last minute use). But Most of your taxi drivers have a business card with their contact information on it & they are pretty quick to answer!

QUICK TIP: Most of the locals use WhatsApp to communicate (see my list of suggest apps on #1 above)

QUICK TIP #2: TAXI'S ONLY TAKE CASH, so make sure you set a price BEFORE you jump in!


6. Grab an Uber - Punta Cana just added Uber to their network of transport in 2022. We personally have never used it in Punta Cana Dominican Republic, so I can't tell you exactly how it works or where you would meet at the airport. But, I would assume it is the same interface as the USA & the other 84 countries that Uber operates in!


7. Rent a car - Either rent a car ahead of time HERE, rent one at the airport, or at your resort. Again, we personally have never driven in Punta Cana, but it looked a little intense & a bit chaotic at the same time, especially during the weekend! Just make sure to have some sort of guidance when you drive (maps.me or offline Google Maps)! 



picture of an airplane wingtip and Punta Cana
person holding cash in hand

HOW MUCH CASH SHOULD I BRING TO PUNTA CANA

8. Bring tip money/cash 

  • We noticed the more you tip, the better/quicker the service... plus, it's always our goal to give to those who are working the hardest and giving the best customer service anywhere we go. $1 USD goes a long way in Punta Cana! Obviously the Dominican Peso work too.... just make sure you know the exchange rate or download the 'Dollar to Dominican Peso' app (for US Dollars). With that being said.. when you pay with USD, it's easy to spend more than what you needed... just pay attention to the exchange rate!
  • We primarily used our Visa card (click HERE for our suggested travel credit card) when possible, otherwise it was cash when necessary
  • Yes... you can exchange cash there, but we know from previous experience, the USD 'talks more' in Punta Cana and not to mention, all the exchange booths charge a FEE 🥴
  • Check with your resort if they can break down your larger bills, most of the time they will do this for FREE & they will also exchange your dollars to Dominican Peso's  
  • For 7 days in Punta Cana, we brought about $500 (USD) in small bills (150 in $1's and the rest broke down however you feel). 
  • Taxi's ONLY TAKE CASH NOT CARD! So be sure to keep that in mind as well!

YOUR TRAVEL IS OUR PASSION

With travel being a passion for us, we understand how important it is to you when you are ready to spend your hard-earned vacation money! And we pride ourselves on giving you the same time & effort as if we were planning a vacation for ourselves.  

 

We know time is of the essence and want to ensure we utilize it to its fullest potential when we book your next vacation. The process of researching and putting together a customized, bespoke proposal that matches your travel desires takes time. On average, we spend 15 hours working on a trip from initial discussion through your arrival back home.    


When you are ready, go ahead & fill out the travel request form below, 

& we will get started on designing your next amazing vacation.  


My team & I look forward to working with you!   

-Ashley from the Adventure Encounters

(AE Travelers)

LOPESAN COSTA BAVARO - PUNTA CANA travel request form

punta cana - dominican republic

 (This article may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you) 

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