Dominican Republic

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Teenage schoolgirls, Dominican Republic

Introducing Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic (DR) is a land of contrasts – the physical kind, like the highest peak and the lowest point in the Caribbean, and the more metaphorical kind, like that between the urban street life of Santo Domingo and the rural villages only a short drive away. Santo Domingo, or ‘La Capital’ as it’s typically called, is to Dominicans what New York is to Americans, a collage of cultures; or what Havana is to Cubans, a vibrant beating heart that fuels the entire country. It’s also a living museum, offering the sight of New World firsts scattered around the charming cobblestone streets of the Zona Colonial.

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The DR is also famous for the large all-inclusive resorts that dominate much of the country’s prime beachfront real estate. However, the result is less like the high-rise congestion of Cancun or Miami and more like low-slung retirement communities, albeit ones populated by families, couples and singles of all ages looking for a hassle-free holiday. Beyond the gated luxury enclaves, the roads lead inland past vast sugar plantations and through small villages. To get away from the get-away, travelers head to the Península de Samaná, where the European vibe is as strong as an espresso, and where escape is the operative word. Cabarete on the North Coast has winds which draw adrenaline junkies from around the world. And for the anti-Caribbean experience head to the popular mountain retreats of Jarabacoa and Constanza – places where bathing suits are out and sweaters are in.

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. gidgetgogo avatar
    Re: Staying with family in Cuba = extra 'fee' still imposed?

    by gidgetgogo 22 May 2012

    Hi Rick (again), Yes, that's what I'm figuring. And as I rarely stay in resorts (only twice in my life, 1st time to Cuba in Varadero…
  2. danieldomtn avatar
    RE: Visa requirement for Dominican Republic

    by danieldomtn 22 May 2012

    Hi Mrva, According to the infromation I have a Filipino Citizen does need to apply for a tourist visa at the Dominican cosulate before…
  3. coco_nuts avatar
    Re: Beach bachata and rum - My DR trip report

    by coco_nuts 22 May 2012

    The red Honda welcomes us in it’s cool cabin and my first move being in the country of music , is to turn on the radio. The speaker is…

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