Punta Cana Weather Information

One of the most important factors to take into account when going to vacation to someplace is the weather. Punta Cana weather is one of the most attractive features of this vacation spot. The temperature and maritime conditions on Punta Cana are perfect to practice water sports and to enjoy comfortable time there. Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic offers tropical weather during the whole year. Like in most tropical areas the weather seasons are divided between summer and winter. The term winter here is a bit loose since there are no extreme cold conditions like in some other places around the world.

The weather in Punta Cana during the seasons doesn't vary drastically. The summer time ranges from May to October, and it gets a temperature of approximately 31°C and 22°C during day and night respectively. During summer the humidity can be quite high, raising the feeling of the temperature to a couple of more degrees. The mountains in Dominican Republic are a way cooler environment than the coast where the max temperature can go up to 16°C and to 40°C in the deserted areas in the southwest. The rain in Punta Cana take place mostly in the summer time but even then the showers are quite short and last a couple of minutes which is another advantage for spending a vacation there. Some thunderstorms can happen during this time of the year producing large amounts of rain, but these are very seldom and produced by severe weather systems.

The Punta Cana weather provides a winter where the temperature range is from 29°C to 20°C. The humidity during this time of the year that goes from November to April is very low. That means very low chance of rain and very mild temperatures. The reigning blue skies and shining sun make this one the favorite times of the year for vacationing in Punta Cana. Since Punta Cana is located in the eastern coast the weather, there is mostly hot even in the colder months but the typical difference of two or three degrees from summer is quite worth it.

The hurricanes that can develop in the Caribbean are a major point of consideration when thinking of vacationing here. These powerful storms appear during the hurricane season that goes from June to November but typically the months of greater risk for the area of Punta Cana are August, September and October. The hurricanes that affect the area usually have a hit rate lower than one per year, so as long you keep an eye on the weather reports you can vacation there even during the summer. Weather in Punta Cana can be tricky but one of the best tips for going there is to use winter time to avoid any hurricane risk and to have a very comfortable temperature.

About the Author

The author is a contributor to the website puntacana-travelguide.com

Finding the Best Cruise Ship for Your Vacation

Now that you have figured out that you would like to spend your vacation on a cruise, you have to decide which one is ideal for you. The choices can be overwhelming, so be aware of some guidelines that will point you in the right direction.

Deciding how much time you have is a good first step. Although there are boat trips that you could take on a long weekend, they will only stop at one or maybe two ports of call. Though they are inexpensive, the people on board will probably be youngsters who are there to party. This goes for week-long tours also. Cruises that last longer than seven days will stop in many exciting places such as Benidorm and Alicante, and you will probably be with a less excitable crowd. The downside to extended boat travel is that such a journey requires plenty of time and money. If you want to visit a distant land but running short on time, you can always fly down to where your ship departs and join the ship there.

As far as cost, knowing your budget is another factor that will narrow your search. There is a large price range when searching for cruises but talk to a travel agent or do some research online where you may find a great deal. Before you commit to anything, though, make sure that you know the entire cost of the trip including cancellation insurance and port charges. Also remember that not all cruise ships are created equal. Check travel sites or magazines for reviews or talk to your travel agent to get some get a feel for different lines.

The time of year you are vacationing, the activities you would like to do on your trip and, importantly, what ports you stop at are all things to bear in mind. If you would like to cruise around Europe or Alaska, you will have to wait until summer. Cruises that take you closer to the equator, such as Mexico and the Caribbean, are most widely available in the winter months. Watch out for hurricane season, though.

Once you have sorted out where you want to go, how long you want to be there and what your budget is, there are still more decisions to be made. For instance, you would like to cruise the Caribbean, and you have the option to travel East or West. If you decide that east is your direction, you will probably depart from Florida and spend less time on the ship. Because these cruises tend to stop at more islands, if you would like to spend your vacation shopping with plenty of time on the beach the East is probably for you. On the other hand, cruises headed west might start in Louisiana, Texas or Florida and travel to ports located father apart from one another, such as Jamaica and Cozumel. You will spend more time on boat travel, but your activities will be more varied. You have plenty of choices! When making your final decision, remember that there is no reason to settle for a cruise that doesn't thrill you.

About the Author

Greg Hansward very often produces newsletters on news associated with Torrevieja and Benidorm. You might see his writings on Benidorm and Alicante over at http://www.alicante-spain.com/benidorm.html .