In recent weeks, media coverage of the Dominican Republic has intensified—and, unfortunately, much of it has been troubling. Eleven American tourists have died there in the past year, and the nation was thrust into further turmoil when beloved Dominican American icon David “Big Papi” Ortiz was shot in a crowded bar for reasons still not fully understood.
I know the Dominican Republic well. In 2009, I bought a home just outside Santo Domingo in a small beach community. The security in that area was modest—hardly capable of stopping someone intent on harm. But the truth is, those kinds of individuals exist everywhere. From 2009 until I sold the home in 2017, my family and friends spent countless days on that beach. Not once did a guest feel unsafe or encounter anything remotely threatening. And yet, tourists have died, and the media is laser-focused on every detail surrounding these tragedies, including the shooting of “Big Papi.”
So the questions arise: Is the Dominican Republic unsafe? Should travelers rethink their plans?
This is not a debate about crime statistics or public relations talking points. Every country, without exception, faces crime—some more than others, for reasons that can be spun in any direction. Just this week, a close friend asked me whether she should move her upcoming December wedding out of the Dominican Republic. After a candid conversation, my answer was simple: No.
It is heartbreaking that eleven Americans have died. It is heartbreaking that “Big Papi” was shot. These are facts, and their families’ grief is real. But these tragedies alone should not define an entire nation.
Despite these losses, I would not discourage anyone from visiting the Dominican Republic. During the more than three years I lived there as a diplomat, I watched millions of Americans enjoy this beautiful country safely. But—as with any international travel—precautions matter. Research matters. Awareness matters.
I personally know someone who lost a loved one abroad. The last thing any grieving family needs is to be told it’s “fake news.” What they need is compassion, transparency, and a commitment from both Dominican authorities and the U.S. State Department to provide clear answers. Their healing—and the confidence of future travelers—depends on it.
Crime can happen anywhere. Tragedy can strike anywhere. But there are practical steps that dramatically reduce risk. When friends ask me about travel to the DR, I tell them:
DO NOT leave your all-inclusive resort alone.
DO NOT wear flashy or expensive jewelry.
DO NOT drink excessively simply because alcohol is free or included.
DO NOT take midnight strolls along the beach.
DO NOT rely on local taxis; they are intended for locals.
If you want to explore—and I strongly encourage you to do so—hire a reputable, English-speaking guide if you are not fluent in Spanish. And always register your trip with the U.S. Embassy. The U.S. Citizen Services hotline is available 24/7 for emergencies.
Any destination can be dangerous if approached carelessly. But with awareness, common sense, and basic precautions, the Dominican Republic can—and will—offer travelers a warm, vibrant, and unforgettable escape.
You can learn more about the Dominican Republic, its extraordinary beauty, and my own experiences there in my new book, Breaking Protocol – Forging A Path Beyond Diplomacy, available summer 2019 wherever books are sold. Visit breakingprotocolbook.com.
