Dominican Republic Packing List: What to Pack for the Dominican Republic

Help keep your scalp, face, and shoulders burn-free with the right headwear. Bring a light and airy hat that's easily packable so it springs back after a squeeze in your bag. Pick a hat with a wide brim for greater coverage. I was happy with a floppy straw hat like this one with UPF-50+.

Price & Where to Buy: $48 at Amazon.

Whether soaking in the sun or splashing in a waterfall, packing for the Dominican Republic should always include a waterproof case for your smartphone. I kept my phone dry (and sand-free) with the highly rated Yosh waterproof iPhone case. If you have cameras, you’ll want to protect your investment by packing waterproof cases for those, too.

 Price & Where to Buy: $7 on Amazon.

Few products can withstand the Caribbean humidity. Makeup, especially, gets Jackson Pollock on the face after the lightest of exertions—unless your Dominican Republic packing list includes a long-lasting, quality makeup product.

I put Nudestix’s vegan line to the test, and I’m happy to report that the matte makeup stayed in place all day. Nudestix’s entire lineup is ready for travel anytime as each piece comes in its own mini black tin. Plus, all the pencils come with their own sharpener.

Price & Where to Buy: From $24 at Sephora or at Nudestix’s website.

Dominican Republic Packing List: Comfortable Waterproof Walking Shoes

The question of what to wear in the Dominican Republic isn't just about clothes—it also relates to footwear. Strappy sandals are great, but for distance walking, be sure to bring a pair of walking shoes that are both comfortable and packable—and won’t be an issue if wet.

I wore Cougar Samba waterproof shoes. The colors embody the scenic Dominican Republic beaches you’re sure to fall in love with.

Price & Where to Buy: $48 at Amazon.

Rappel down waterfalls, zipline through canopies, take on the waves at Kite Beach in Cabarete—whatever the adventure, sports action cameras help capture the thrills with hands-free, point-of-view action footage.

You'll get a lot of mileage out of a GoPro Hero5. Ensure its wellbeing with a waterproof camera case.

Price & Where to Buy: $400 on Amazon for the GoPro Hero5; $50 on Amazon for the GoPro Super Suit.

Dominican Republic Packing List: Day Pack

A daypack should be at the top of your list for what to pack for a trip to the Dominican Republic. This is especially true when you plan a lot of day excursions.

Select a daypack that folds tiny and is lightweight, like this Sea to Summit daypack, which takes up virtually no space as it folds down into its own pocket.

Price & Where to Buy: $29 at Amazon.

Dominican Republic Packing List: Light, Airy Clothes

When packing for the Dominican Republic, think light and airy, I went with several shorts (dressy and more sporty), a few sundresses, a pair of jeans (for a horse-riding excursion), and several light tops

And being that it’s likely you’ll spend a good amount of time soaking in the sun, pack more bathing outfits than you might think you'll need. I went with a classic Ralph Lauren swimsuit.

Men will want to raid their summer wardrobe, too.

Price & Where to Buy: From $46 at Ralph Lauren.

Dominican Republic Packing List: Sunscreen

The sun-kissed look is gorgeous; the lobster look, not so much. Take care to lather on skin-protecting products to take in the sun responsibly.

La Roche Posay comes through light 45-SPF face sunscreen, and there are plenty more options at SkinStore.

Price & Where to Buy: $30 at SkinStore.

Dominican Republic Packing List: Sarong

Pashmina, sarong, cover up—whichever wrap variation you prefer, this is what to wear in the Dominican Republic. There wasn’t a single day on my trip that this handy item didn’t make an appearance.

When I travel, I wear a sarong on the plane, around my waist as a cover up at the beach, over my shoulders during dinner, wrapped around my scalp on bad hair days, and even as a quick-dry towel in a pinch.

Both men and women will want to toss a quick-dry travel towel into their daypack, too.

Price & Where to Buy: Varying prices on Amazon.

From beaches to mountains to waterfalls, bugs will inevitably join the party. Be ready for the occasional bloodsucker with your favorite brand of bug spray. I like Repel’s Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Spray for its refreshing essential oils.

Price & Where to Buy: $5 at Amazon.