3 Things Besides Beaches to Explore in a Warm Paradise

There’s nothing like the warm sand between your toes and the embrace of the soothing sun to melt all of your stresses away. However, you’re not getting the most of your trip if you hop on a plane for hours and fall asleep on a beach once you’re there. What’s the difference between one lovely locale and another if you only see the white sand and the deep blue ocean? Look into what the area has to offer besides beaches before you book your trip. Ideally, you’ll spend time on the beach and come back home with a plethora of other experiences to make you remember the experience fondly.

Whether you’re traveling alone, with friends, with family or with your sweetheart, there are things to do in places like Puerto Plata or Punta Cana to while away the hours so you’re not spending them all asleep on the sand. Research the area beforehand or speak with a tourist center representative when you land. Chances are, you’ll find easy transportation and tours available to you or you can simply walk from the hotel and see what’s out there. You might find so many fun things to do, you can’t even do them all in one trip, but that’s what your next vacation is for.

Visit Museums and Historical Architecture

To find the perfect vacation, you have to find a warm beach paradise that’s rich in history. Whether you’re on your own or with a family, being able to experience a culture’s history rather than simply reading about it makes the lesson so much more meaningful. See if there are any museums around. Historical museums will give you a history of the locale, while art museums will let you enjoy both historical and modern culture through the lens of art. You might also inquire about tours of historical architecture and monuments that are landmarks in the region.

Dine at Local Restaurants

Even the most avid beach lover is sure to enjoy a restaurant on her vacation, but if you only eat room service, you’re missing out on what the local area truly has to offer. Ask your concierge to recommend places that serve local cuisine in town and make several reservations at different restaurants throughout your stay. Yes, you’re likely to find American chain restaurants and the kids may beg you to eat there, but you don’t want to go home having only eaten American food. Make a point of trying the most famous dishes from the area.

Go on an Adventure

Don’t just lie on the beach – experience it. Speak to your concierge or travel agent about adventures such as zip-lining or all-terrain walking tours. If you’re an avid swimmer, don’t just paddle near the shore, sign up for a diving tour so you can see the beautiful coral reefs firsthand. You might also inquire about kayaking and boat tours. If you’re not up to the physical demands of many of these adventures, you can still get a great view and an epic thrill by taking a cable car tour over the beach to the top of a nearby mountain.

A trip to one beach-filled paradise shouldn’t be spent consistently on that beach. You have to come in out of the water and sun sometime. Include a wider variety of things to do on your itinerary, and you’ll come home with memories that will last long after the end of your trip.

About the Author: Addy Gibbons is a former travel agent and a travel blogger. She recommends anyone who wants a relaxing trip considering vacationing in Punta Cana or Puerto Plata.

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