What to Pack Clothing:

One or two bathing suits, preferably fast-drying. 
Shorts and short dresses are appropriate for breakfast, lunch and shopping. 
Men should pack sports pants for evening dining or visiting churches. 
Sandals for men and women but also a pair of closed shoes for men for dining. 
Some hotels may restrict the entrance of men wearing sandals and shorts to dinner. 
Flip flops or thongs.
Bring at least one casual/elegant summer outfit. 
Sweater for chilly weather (December through March), when evening temperatures may drop to 20 degrees Celsius. 
Spare pair of glasses. 

If you are traveling with children:

Baseball type caps. 
Waterproof sunscreen of high SPF or preferably sun block. 
A large diver’s towel will come in handy for drying lots of kids without having to lug many beach towels. 
Cheap sandals/thongs that you won’t mind losing. 
Beach shoes. These may come in handy on some beaches that have hot sand and pebbles or seaweed. 
Goggles, fins and snorkel gear, so you are not dependent on hotel equipment. 
Shovels and buckets for playing in the sand. 

Health Products: 

Prescription medicines.
Sun block and bug repellent. These are sold everywhere but much more expensive at the hotels than back at home. 
First aid kit (pain reliever, cough medicine, stomach ache medicine, band aids). These will be available at the hotel dispensary or mini market, but they come in handy to have in your own room. 

Comfort list: 

Bring your own pillow, if you are particular. 
Bring ear plugs if you are an extremely light sleeper. 

Babies: 

Hotel stores or area shops will have the basics of what you need for your baby. But we suggest you bring a one-week supply of what your baby will need (formula, disposable diapers, powdered milk, baby food). 

For generous souls: 

Several visitors to the DR have commented on how good they felt about packing a few gifts for Dominican children in their suitcases. These they distributed when taking tours to the countryside. Several suggested the following: 

Baseballs, baseball gloves, bats (used or new)
Baseball caps
Playdoh/plastecine
Polaroid pictures 
Make up sets
Coloring books and crayons
Sticker books 
Candy

However, it’s always best to check with the tour vendor first since some tour operators discourage the practice, saying children will stay home from school to collect goodies by the roadside. 

It is also a common practice to leave behind some items for your room maid. If you do, be sure to leave a note so the hotel security will allow her to take them home.