Taking a family trip to Punta Cana was a break from my usual solo adventures. This time, I was trading rugged hikes and art-filled streets for all-inclusive relaxation, beach time, and family memories. My parents, my brother, and I were all ready to unwind and soak up some sun. After months of planning, our bags were packed, and we were finally on the plane to the Dominican Republic, excited for a week of tropical paradise.
But not even the best-laid travel plans go off without a hitch. Our adventure began the moment we left Punta Cana Airport, with an unforeseen twist that left us wondering what we’d gotten ourselves into.
The “Fee” on the Road to the Resort
We landed, grabbed our bags, and hopped into the shuttle that would take us to the resort. I was looking forward to that moment when you first catch a glimpse of turquoise water and feel the warm breeze through the open window. But about halfway through our drive, we noticed a line of cars ahead, pulled over at a roadblock. Local officials were stopping each vehicle, talking to drivers, and in some cases, gesturing toward the passengers.
When our driver finally reached the front, he exchanged a few words with the official. Suddenly, the driver turned to us and explained that we needed to pay an “import fee” to continue. My dad raised an eyebrow, as we hadn’t heard about any “fee” in our travel prep. It seemed a little odd, especially since the official didn’t provide any paperwork or official form of payment. After some back and forth, we handed over a small amount, and they waved us through. It wasn’t a huge sum, but it felt strange—like we’d been hit with an unofficial “tourist tax” before we even made it to the beach.
Tip: If you’re heading from the Punta Cana Airport to a resort, have a bit of cash on hand. These “fees” can pop up, and while it’s debatable if they’re official, it’s sometimes easier to pay and move on.
Arriving at the All-Inclusive Resort: A Beachside Oasis
Once we got past the roadblock, the scenery shifted to stunning beaches, tall palms, and vibrant tropical greenery. When we finally arrived at our resort, the tension melted away. It was beautiful: white sand beaches, endless pools, and all the food and drinks you could imagine. The contrast from the somewhat chaotic arrival to the calm of the resort was night and day.
Our rooms overlooked the ocean, and within minutes of checking in, we were in flip-flops and swimsuits, ready to forget about the drive. The all-inclusive setup meant we could spend our days lazing by the pool, snorkeling, or wandering down the beach without a care in the world. For a while, it felt like we’d left reality behind.
Snorkeling in Punta Cana: Into the Blue
The next morning, we signed up for a family snorkeling trip. We boarded a small boat and headed out to the reef, where the water was so clear you could see fish darting beneath the waves. I’ve always been drawn to colors and movement, so snorkeling felt like entering a living painting. Fish in electric blues, yellows, and reds glided past, weaving in and out of the coral.
Even my parents, who usually prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, couldn’t stop talking about how surreal it was to be surrounded by so much life. My brother had borrowed an underwater camera, so we ended up with dozens of pictures of fish (and a few of our accidental underwater selfies). There’s something humbling about realizing you’re just a visitor in someone else’s world, even if only for a few hours.
Advice: If you’re planning to snorkel, consider bringing your own mask and snorkel. The gear provided by tour companies can be hit or miss, and having your own can make the experience much more comfortable.
Pottery Class: Creative Time with Family
As someone who’s always looking for creative outlets, I was thrilled when I saw the resort offered pottery classes. It seemed like a fun, hands-on way to relax, and I convinced everyone to join in. Our instructor, a local artist named Miguel, showed us the basics and gave us each a lump of clay. He demonstrated how to shape it with our hands and let us get to work.
My dad’s bowl ended up looking more like a pancake, and my mom’s vase leaned heavily to one side, but we were all laughing the entire time. Miguel was patient, offering tips and sharing stories about the island. For me, the feel of the clay was grounding, connecting me to something tangible and real, which was a nice balance to the resort’s endless conveniences.
Watching my family get their hands dirty with clay, seeing the concentration on their faces, and laughing as we admired our misshapen creations—it was a moment I knew we’d remember. Sometimes, the best travel experiences are the ones that let you share something simple but meaningful with the people you care about.
Taking a Peek Outside the Resort Bubble
As much as I enjoyed the relaxation of the all-inclusive life, I wanted a taste of Punta Cana beyond the resort gates. On our last day, I convinced my family to take a quick walk outside the resort. After a short cab ride, we wandered through a few local shops, attempted to chat with vendors, and sampled some fresh fruit. The contrast was striking—outside, life was vibrant and a little chaotic, so different from the polished paths of the resort.
That little adventure reminded me why I love exploring. It’s not about staying comfortable; it’s about glimpsing the real heartbeat of a place. Punta Cana has that classic island charm, but if you step out and wander a little, you’ll see the people and culture that make it feel authentic.
Leaving Punta Cana: Reflections on Family Travel
Looking back on our week in Punta Cana, I felt grateful for the time with my family, even with the small bumps along the way. This wasn’t a trip about discovering hidden spots or artistic inspiration. Instead, it was a chance to reconnect with the people closest to me, to share laughter, awkward moments, and quiet memories.
Traveling with family has its quirks, but it also brings a sense of togetherness that I sometimes miss on my solo journeys. And while I’m usually the one off chasing new horizons, this trip reminded me that sometimes, the best adventures happen when you’re surrounded by people who know you best. Punta Cana was paradise, but the real treasure was the time we shared.