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The challenge of exploring the Dominican Republic, with its land mass of more than 18,000 square miles, is significantly more daunting than that of exploring the island's noticeably smaller neighbors throughout the Caribbean. Luckily, there are several efficient ways to make your way through the island's varied landscape.
Those who fly into the Dominican Republic would be wise to arrive at an airport that is close to their first destination. With seven international and additional domestic airports, flying can also be a convenient and quick way of getting around the island, especially if you're traveling quite a distance. Charter and domestic flights can start as low as $60(USD), although travelers should remember that the Dominican Republic is not in compliance with the International Aviation Safety Assessment Program of the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States. This assessment program judges a country's ability to comply with international standards in air safety and maintenance.
Rental cars are another great option for those who want to traverse large distances of the country. Rental agencies are stationed in all major tourist destinations and offer large fleets of both sedan and four wheel drive vehicles. Although driving in any country in the Caribbean can be intimidating, rental cars remain a good option for those who are careful on the road.
Many rental companies also rent scooters and mopeds. Vacationers driving two-wheeled vehicles may experience fewer traffic and police headaches than those driving cars. However, mopeds can be dangerous due to the sometimes less than ideal road safety conditions. Vacationers should always wear helmets if choosing this method of transportation.
For those planning to do limited traveling in a smaller area, taxis and buses can be cheaper than a rental car and are often just as much of an adventure. When selecting taxis and buses, it is safer for vacationers to use the well known tourist companies to avoid becoming victims of theft or muggings. Smaller taxis will sometimes have fixed rates, and publicos resemble buses, allowing passengers to get off and on along the route as they please. The well known bus companies provide good service in and between cities for reasonable rates. Motochocos, or motorcycle taxis, are also available for small fees, although the safety of passengers may not always be certain.
Ferry and boat service is limited in the Dominican Republic, but travelers can make the journey to and from Puerto Rico on several different days during the week. A number of smaller ferries and boats offer service to destinations around the island.
Many visitors to he Dominican Republic are irresistibly drawn to explore different areas of the island. With so many transportation options by land, sea, and air, securing a suitable means of transport for your itinerary should not be a problem.
Bicycles and scooters offer exciting transportation alternatives in the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic's bus service allows vacationers to travel like locals.
If you're going to be taking to the Dominican Republic's open roads, take a few moments to learn about local driving rules.