For tourists in the Dominican Republic in 2026, eating lettuce and other raw salads is generally considered safe within major resorts and high-end hotels. These establishments typically utilize purified water for washing produce and adhere to strict international food safety standards (such as HACCP) to prevent traveler's diarrhea. However, the advice changes when you leave the "resort bubble." In local markets, smaller "comedores," or street food stalls, it is best to avoid lettuce and other raw vegetables, as they may have been washed in untreated tap water or handled in unsanitary conditions. The "Golden Rule" for 2026 remains: "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it" when exploring off-property. If you have a particularly sensitive stomach, you might choose to skip raw salads entirely for the first few days of your trip to allow your body to adjust to the local environment. When in doubt, stick to hot, well-cooked meals and fruit that you peel yourself (like bananas or mangoes) to ensure your vacation remains interruption-free.