img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}With its white-sand beaches hugged by teal seas and luxury hotels, the Caribbean is at the top of the bucket list of (nearly) every American who’s dreaming of a tropical getaway—and listen, we get it.
We all love a bit of pampering and some quality beach time, and here at Travel Off Path, we’ve been to Cancun more times than we can humanly count, but we’re not sure about you. We’ve been craving more than just sipping margaritas by the poolside and resort buffets lately.
We guess it’s a good thing, then, that there’s a new budget airline on the scene, and they’ve finally launched nonstop flights from one of the busiest airports Stateside to one of the Caribbean’s most historic cities.
One-way fares start from only $127, and trust us when we say you don’t want to miss this:
The Oldest City In The Whole Of The Americas
For the first time in three decades, a Dominican airline is operating flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Santo Domingo, the vibrant capital of the Dominican Republic.
Santo Domingo holds bragging rights as the oldest European-built city in the Western Hemisphere, founded in the late 1400s by none other than Bartholomew Columbus. Yep, as in Christopher’s young brother.
Ever since the first church stone was laid in 1498, the city’s been a big deal, first as a major Spanish trading port and administrative hub in the Americas, long before the Dominican Republic claimed its independence, now as the largest metropolis in the entire Caribbean region.
All in all, it’s a city of many “firsts” and that’s part of what makes it so inherently fascinating:
- First cathedral in the Americas? That’s the gorgeous Baroque Catedral Primada de América, finished in 1546.
- First hospital? Hospital San Nicolás de Bari, even older than the cathedral itself, opened as early as 1503.
- First university this side of the pond? Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, welcoming students since 1538.
- First paved street? First European-style castle? First lighthouse in the New World? Santo Domingo ticks all those boxes, amigo.
Add to that a Colonial Zone that’s exuding 16th-century charm, from the leafy plazas and ornate façades, to the cozy cantinas and street markets buzzing with life, and you start getting the full picture.
Nonstop Flights To Santo Domingo From As Cheap As $127
Overtouristed Punta Cana may be the Dominican Republic’s main destination, but as you can see, Santo Domingo holds a lot of unexplored potential, and the country’s fast-growing budget airline is moving quick to capitalize on it.
Newark marks Arajet’s third U.S. destination, following Miami and San Juan (in Puerto Rico). They operate a fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8, and as of 2025, they serve 26 destinations across 17 countries.
Launched in June, the Newark–Santo Domingo flights run four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Outbound tickets cost around $127, while return fares average $135 when booked in advance.
That’s significantly cheaper than United or Delta’s fares, which range from $340 to $592 roundtrip.
Starting in winter 2025, frequency will be ramped up to daily flights, and all of this has only been made possible through the Open Skies Agreement signed between the United States and the Dominican Republic.
We won’t get into details as it can get quite technical, but all you need to know is this deal enables greater air connectivity and cheaper fares for passengers flying between both countries.
How Safe Is Santo Domingo?
Safety in the Dominican Republic can be a touchy subject, and while most Punta Cana-bound tourists will usually not have to concern themselves with violence and petty theft, it’s a different story altogether in Santo Domingo.
This is not a resort destination, after all. It’s a big city over 4 million people call home, and like any big city in Latin America, where widespread gang activity and crime can pose significant issues, certain precautions are warranted if you’re visiting.
As the U.S. Department of State notes, the Dominican Republic as a whole is a Level 2 destination. In non-technical terms, you’re not exactly discouraged from visiting, but you must exercise ‘increased caution’. For the latest updates, use our advisory checker here.
Whenever you’re booking tours, particularly guided tours of the Colonial Zone, make sure you double-check their Google Reviews in advance, and verify they’re a well-reputed business before booking.
If exploring around town by yourself, make sure you leave valuables at home, such as jewelry and any visibly expensive items, and stick to zones tourists usually frequent. These include the main square, where the cathedral is, the heart of the Colonial Zone, and Ozama Fortress.
Touristy areas tend to be better surveilled, and there’s usually police doing the rounds.
Oh, and most importantly, avoid poorly-lit, deserted streets at night. You know what they say: unless you’re actively out looking for trouble, trouble won’t come find you, and that applies to every traveler visiting any sprawling urban center.
Vinicius CostaVini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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