Tourists should be aware that there is a risk of contracting sicknesses from unsanitary food. The best way to ensure a great vacation is not to overindulge. Wash your hands before eating and avoid food from street vendors and dairy products that have not been pasteurized.

To avoid "Punta Cana sickness" (often traveler's diarrhea), the golden rule is to never drink tap water, even for brushing your teeth; use bottled water exclusively. In 2026, most resorts use purified water for ice and washing produce, but be cautious with raw salads, unpeeled fruits, and undercooked seafood if dining at local street vendors. Overindulgence in "natural laxatives" like excessive pineapple, coconut, and high-proof alcohol under the intense Caribbean sun often causes stomach upset mistaken for infection. Practice strict hand hygiene, stay hydrated with at least 2 liters of bottled water daily, and use high-DEET insect repellent to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses like Dengue, which can occasionally cause flu-like symptoms.