Dominican Republic Travel

Dominican Republic is considered as one of the most beautiful paradise in the Caribbean region. It was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in the 5^th of December in 1492. It was referred to as Hispaniola. The early Taino Indian settlers referred to Dominican Republic as Quisqueya. With the establishment of the European settlements, Hispaniola was under Spanish control until 1697. And it later became a possession of the country France. The rich sugar plantations in the region made it the richest colony of France. February 27, 1844 gave birth to independence and the region was referred to as Dominican Republic. Dominican Republic was still able to maintain its lush resources. Like there are various policies offered by Sovereign Insurance, the country also features a number of attractions; one of the best is the Punta Cana, a revered tourist attraction in the area.

Punta Cana is a hidden paradise in the Dominican Republic. It is referred to as the hidden gems of the country. It is a famous place for elegant celebrations and a hub of several world-class resorts. The eastern coast of the Dominican Republic is comprised of several areas:

• Punta Cana
• El Cortecito
• Uvero Alto
• Arena Gorda
• Cap Cana
• Cabeza de Toro
• Bavaro
• Macao

Though it is a part of the eastern region of the country, the entire region is simply referred to as Punta Cana. Punta Cana is definitely the next tourist destination. With over 50 hotels that seats on its white sandy beaches overlooking the crystal clear waters, it is considered as the single largest tourist destination in the Caribbean. Take time to do your research, like what you will do when selecting health insurance policies, to ensure that you will have an enjoyable and memorable trip to Punta Cana.

Considered as one of the most popular spots for honeymoon in the Caribbean region, the Dominican Republic offers low prices and can be easily accessed by couples who want to spend their special moments together in the area. Generally, the people in the country are friendly and warm. The sceneries are magnificent and breathtaking, especially the beaches that has crystal clear turquoise waters, sugary white to golden sand, inexpensive resorts and many land-and-water-based activities.

If you and your spouse love the sea, unwind at the Punta Cana beach. Swim in the cool waters or sunbathe at the Playa Dorado. Also try walking on the footsteps of Columbus and Cortes as you explore the narrow streets of the Colonial Zone, which was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Look for designer clothes at Piantini or shop for hand-rolled cigars on Calle El Conde. Night life is also very much alive in the area. Explore the forested mountain ranges of the Dominican Republic and experience hiking up to the summit of Pico Duarte. Try white water rafting on Rio Yaque del Norte and encounter wildlife on Cabritos Island. Swim with the dolphins or charter a boat to catch sailfish, bonito and marlin near Punta Cana.

Dominican Republic is also a great vacation destination for those on break from their phlebotomy training classes or for families looking for the perfect weekend getaway.

Costa Rica is certainly a place for adventure. It’s a land of jungles and beaches, and places where both beauty and fun occur at the same time. If you’ve never rented one of the many Costa Rica villas for your summer or holiday vacations, then you haven’t lived out your vacations to their full potential. A visit to Costa Rica will certainly be an unforgettable experience in your life.

There are a multitude of things to do in Costa Rica. From bird watching to beach surfing. Costa Rica has a whole range of fun activities for visitors who plan to stay for a few days. Based out of one of the luxury villas you can partake in all sorts of things that Costa Rica is known for. The beaches are just the beginning, and there are other things like windsurfing, hang gliding, nature cruising, and much more. Here are two of the most popular Costa Rica pastime activities that the country is known for.

1. Hiking and nature walking

Costa Rica’s got great scenery, some of the best in the world for walking in. if you like mountain views, sights, and sounds, cliff walls, paths leading into the unknown, and treks that last for hours, then you’ve made the right choice by choosing Costa Rica.

Costa Rica has some of the most incredible waterfalls, and these can form the basis of your hiking and trekking trails. You can talk a walk to the whitewater rivers, take a look at some of the volcanoes, or just soak up the flora and fauna in any area of the country. You can go with a group, have a tour guide lead you to some of the best spots, or just go with one other person for safety.

2. Canopy Tours

A great deal of Costa Rica is jungle, meaning that tree cover hides some of the most spectacular parts of the nature. Canopy tours rise above the tree tops and let you see the beautiful landscapes from above. It’s something that no one who has experienced it in the past would fail to recommend to you. You get the view that a monkey or bird would get of the Costa Rica foliage and wildlife. Many tree top tours like these cater more to those who want a quick and incredible ride, but there are others that provide a view at a pace that works better for those who want to study and observe the surrounding life.

If you are looking for sports adventure, you may want to think about Park City, Utah. This January home of the Sundance Film Festival is quite well known for the 4,000 skiable acres it offers as well as the world class Olympic Training Facility known as Olympic Park Utah, which was built when Park City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

So if your sports are winter based, this could be your snow-covered paradise. The Wasatch Mountains provide a breath-taking backdrop for skiing, snowboarding as well as miles of snow mobile trails, cross country ski areas and great places for snowshoeing. Consider one of the guided ski tours, with a local expert in the mountain and its wildlife. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor places to ice skate and traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides that anyone can enjoy.

If your sports require a river running through it with flies and rods, then consider the Provo River for some of the best for year round trophy trout fishing in the country. The fish per mile ratio is quite high and local guides can help you find all the best spots. If your catch of choice is perch or bass, then head to the Jordanelle Reservoir. Those angling for salmon can find Kokanee Salmon in the Strawberry Reservoir.

If you need the rush of adrenaline and the whoosh of the wind in your face; Park City has some sport adventures geared towards the more extreme travelers. The Alpine Slide, bobsled and luge tracks will push the envelope for both. In warm weather try the tree top view from zip line adventures.

Think it’s not a sport unless it has a motor? Snowmobiling in the winter, or ATV and Jeep adventures in the summer should be right up your alley. There are guided tours and miles of trails for all kinds of motorsports in Park City and the surrounding area.

Cyclists will find mile after mile of mountain bike trails, they claim the start of mountain biking here. If all you need are your feet there are parks, private trails and hiking around all of the resort areas.
There are golf courses, hot air balloon adventures, horseback riding stables and about every other active lifestyle activity you can imagine. Park City is a wonderful resort town, with tons of shops, restaurants and nightlife. This is one of the great natural beauty areas of the country, making it easy to be a good sport.

This post brought to you by Rick, from Park City Hotels.

Before you decide to go to Dominican Republic, it would be a good idea to become familiar about their culture, customs and traditions so you would know a thing or two about the place. It is advised that you do your research ahead of time to ensure that you will be able to enjoy your stay in this beautiful Carribean island while also being able to effectively interact with the locals. Remember that the best way to experience Dominican Republic is by talking to locals and immersing yourself to their rich culture.

Whether you are going to Dominican Republic for a short vacation getaway or you are planning to stay longer, you will surely be fascinated by the island’s colorful history, beguiling sceneries, and intriguing culture. To get the best experience, you have to keep a few things in mind.

You’d be happy to know that Dominicans are very welcoming and accommodating. Guests are given royal treatment and Dominicans will see to it that they fulfill their every desire. They often go out of their way to ensure that their guests will feel comfortable and welcomed. In fact, you can feel their warm hospitality the moment you arrive at the airport.

If you are meeting someone in Dominican Republic, giving a handshake is a standard custom. Maintaining a direct eye contact is also important and do not forget to give a welcoming smile. Eye contact is essential since this indicate interest. When shaking hands, be sure that you also say the appropriate greeting. That said, it would be helpful if you know basic Spanish greetings, like Buenos Dias, Buenos Noches and Buenos Tardes.

If you are invited by a local to eat dinner in their home, ascertain that you won’t come empty handed. Bringing gifts to a dinner invitation is also a custom. You can bring chocolates or pastries to show your gratitude to the host. Avoid bringing gifts that are black or purple in color since Dominicans associate them with mourning.

Be sure that you dress well because Dominicans are keen about appearances. People here are extremely fashion conscious and they will judge you by how you dress. Clothes indicate social status and standing in Dominican Republic so you must keep that in mind.

Like in other countries, Dominican Republic is also filled with unique traditions. During important festivities, the family sit together to enjoy a hearty and large feast. Boileed chestnuts, pigeon peas and roasted pig are often served during Christmas. Meanwhile, fish is the traditional dish being served when celebrating Easter.

About 73% of the Dominican Republic’s population is composed of a mixed race. 95% of Dominicans are Roman Catholic and social status is determined by one’s familial background rather than by their absolute wealth. Nepotism is considered a great thing since this means hiring people they know and trust. Extended family are typically living together or within the same vicinity whenever possible. Dominicans give great importance to family and loyalty to family will always comes first above any other kind of social relationship.

Filled with spell-binding sights, captivating beaches and oozing with natural beauty, Dominican Republic is dubbed as paradise on Earth. This veritable Carribean island is the perfect vacation spot particularly to those who love the beach. It houses a number of first class and luxurious resorts that will offer tourists the most relaxing Carribean accommodation.

Most of the people visiting Dominican Republic comes here to see its heavenly beaches and breathtaking scenery. With thousands of tourists visiting here every year, Dominican Republic is now considered as the undisputed leader of more than a dozen all-inclusive properties that range from budget to opulent.

If this is your first time to visit Dominican Republic and you are having a hard time picking what resort to stay in, here are some of the best resort accommodations that you must definitely check out.

#1: Casa Colonial Beach and Spa Resort

Found at the Northwest Coast of Dominican Republic , the Casa Colonial Beach and Spa Resort is strategically located near the best shopping and golfing sites. So those who like to shop and golf, this is the ideal place to book your perfect Dominican Republic vacation getaway. Not only will you be able to enjoy the captivating beauty of beach but you will also get to do a lot of other fun activities thanks to the hotel resort’s proximity to great shopping areas and top-class golfing sites. For adventure-seekers, you should check out the Brugal Rum factory which is also situated nearby the hotel resort. This secluded and exclusive beach resort is equipped with 50 rooms that will definitely offer guests complete pampering indulgence. Rooms start at $225 per night and though that might be a bit pricey you are sure that you will never regret booking your accommodation to Casa Colonial Beach and Spa Resort since you will go home completely satisfied and totally relaxed.

#2: Allegro Puerto Plata

Located just a few minutes away from the airport and the Puerto Plata downtown, this 494-rooms beachfront resort offers all-inclusive packages that will allow you to make the most out of your stay in Dominican Republic. It has a pair of free-form pools and provides a vast array of enticing as well as fun activities that will definitely keep you busy the whole day (salsa, balchatta and merengue classes). Golfing, scuba diving and deep sea fishing sites can also be found nearby the hotel but this would cost you extra if you wish to check them out.

#3: Paradius Punta Cana

This is yet another all-inclusive Dominican Republic Resort where island tranquility and sheer affluence meets. Equipped with 462 opulent rooms, Paradius Punta Cana offers gratifying accommodations and great personalized services to ensure that guests will feel no less than utter comfort and relaxation. Sitting on 40 acres of eye-catching beach front property combined with a tranquil tropical garden, the resort provides an exclusive retreat for city dwellers who wish to enjoy their time away from the noise of a bustling city. With great restaurants, seven bars and a 24-hour room service, guests will keep their tummy satisfied with sumptuous foods and amazing culinary delights even after midnight.

Top Tips on How to Get The Best Travel Deals To Dominican Republic

Planning a vacation to Dominican Republic even when you have the money to afford it is already challenging let alone when you need to do it on a budget. If you really wish to see the pristine beaches, luxurious resorts and colonial towns of this Spanish speaking country, here are some great tips that will allow you to get the best travel deals to Dominican Republic.

One common misconception among tourists is that travelling in this spell binding Caribbean island can be really expensive. What kind of travel would not cost you money? It is expected that you will shell out a significant sum but not necessarily to the point of breaking the bank. The truth is, this captivating Caribbean paradise offers affordable and budget-friendly vacation package deals. Of course, you have to do your due diligence and find Dominican Republic travel packages designed for budget conscious people like you. That said, take time to do an extensive research online and find out the going rate on room accommodations on most hotel resorts in the island. Luxurious hotel and spa resorts will surely cost over a hundred dollars per night. If you have the money, then might as well find the best accommodation available preferably one situated nearby the best tourist sports. However, for those who are a bit short in budget, you should check out the affordable Dominican Republic Resorts, like the Barcelo Hotel in Punta Cana. The hotel offers beachfront accommodation priced below $80 per night. It also provides a number of exciting amenities like rock wall climbing as well as scuba diving lessons. The hotel offers an all-inclusive package that include your meals, drinks and of course the accommodation.

Scheduling your travel during the off-peak season will provide you with bigger savings. Check out airline websites from time to time to spot travel promos and discounted flights. Booking a flight and accommodation ahead of time will definitely allow you to grab lower package deals. Sign up for seat sale alerts from airline companies that are known to carry flights to Dominican Republic. By doing so, you will be alerted whenever a sale is up for Dominican Republic flights as well as to other destinations. Consider signing up for a twitter account as most airline companies announce special discounts through this popular social media site.

The best way to get an affordable travel vacation to Dominican Republic is to plan your trip carefully before you begin making airline reservations and hotel accommodations. The internet is home to a wealth of information that you should use to your advantage. Compare rates of travel packages being offered by various travel agencies. As much as possible, look for all-inclusive vacation packages so you won’t have to worry about a thing when you arrive in Dominican Republic since this type of travel package often includes the roundtrip ticket, hotel accommodation, meals, drinks and a few sight-seeing activities. Some travel agencies will even allow you to customize your own travel package to ascertain that you will be able to have the most out of your trip to Dominican Republic while at the same time getting the best bang for your buck.

The beautiful and captivating island of Dominican Republic always cast a spell to those who visit the place. No doubt, this popular Caribbean destination is visited by thousands of tourists from around the world every year to enjoy a relaxing summer getaway. The bewitching beauty of the sandy shores and dazzling beaches of Dominican Republic is considered as the island’s focal features.

Dominican Republic in A Nutshell

Dominican peso is the currency used here. Exchanging Dominican peso is not available outside the country so you have to exhange your money when you arrive at the airport. Upon departure, you can reconvert up to 30% of the exchanged money to US dollars in any avaialable bank so long as you are able to keep the official receipt.

Santo Domingo is the capital of Dominican Republic and this is the only place where emergency medical services are available. Medical care facilities are very limited outside Santo Domingo so travellers are advised to get health insurance that include emergency repartriation since emergency care is likley to be extremely limited or non-existent in most parts of Dominican Republic.

Looking Back

Dominican Republic rests in the island of Hispaniola, wherein one-third is occupied by Haiti. The Tainos – an Arawak-speaking people — were the orinigal settlers in the island. In 1492, Christopher Columbus was welcomed by the Tainos during his very first voyage. Fifty years ago, the Taino population was greatly reduced from a million to about 500 when subsequent brutal colonizers entered the island. To fill in the shortage in labor and work force, the Spaniards brought African slaves to work in plantations present in the island in 1503.

During the next century, the western end of the island was conquered and occupied by French settlers. This area became the Republic of Haiti in 1804. By 1822, Haitians invaded the entire island and held it under their ruling until 1844. Juan Pablo Duarte was the one responsible for grabbing back the independence of Dominican Republic. Along with his comrades, Juan Pablo Duarte successfully drove the Haitians out of the island and establish Dominican Republic as an indpendent state once again.

In 1861, the Dominicans voluntarily returned under the ruling of the Spanish Empire, and by 1865 the island’s independence was fully restored. U.S settlers occupied the island in 1916 while it is undergoing lots of difficulties due to the prevailing economic problems, the ongoing internal disputes, and the threat of European invasion. US ruling in the island ended in 1924 with a democratic president elected in the Dominican government.

From 1930 to 1947, Dominicans suffered through the autocratic style of ruling of one of the most corrupt rulers in the history of the country, Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. He used torture and murder to supress any opposition against him.

In conclusion, majority of the culture and tradition of Dominicans were greatly influenced by the Spanish heritage. That said, majority of Domnicans (about 95%) are Roman Catholics and the official language that they use up to this day is Spanish. Trust is highly valued by Dominicans and they are known to be very warm and welcoming people. They greet each other with hand shakes and direct eye contact is essential since this is considered as a way of showing interest.

Are you planning to go to Dominican Republic on your next vacation getaway? If so, then keep in mind these useful and sensible travel tips to help you guarantee that you will have a memorable and trouble-free stay in this spell-binding and fascinating Caribbean island.

Dominican Republic is definitely the closest you can get to an ideal Caribbean vacation. This fascinating tropical paradise will undoubtedly offer you the best vacation experience, but to fully enjoy this well-deserved break, you have to take extra precautions to avoid meeting trouble in this tranquil Eden.

Of course, the most important thing that you must secure is your passport. Double check that your plane ticket and passport is in your bag before leaving for the airport. Sometimes too much excitement make us forget a lot of things, mostly the important ones, therefore to avoid delays it would not hurt to inspect your bag again before leavimg your home. Depending on which country you are from, be sure to obtain the appropriate visa that is applicable for the purpose of your travel to Dominican Republic.

Since you will be visiting a foreign country, it is recommended that you research about the customs and traditions of the place that you will be visiting. Do not just assume that everything will be the same like at home. That said, you have to familiarize yourself with the local laws and standard customs in Dominican Republic to get the best experience without putting yourself on a compromising situation.

Knowing basic Spanish greetings will come a long way. Spanish is the official language used in Dominican Republic. Although people working in the tourist trade speak English, learning a bit of Spanish will help you a lot since street signs and food menus in restaurants are all written in Spanish.

Have yourself vaccinated against typhoid, hepatitis B and polio. Also, ascertain that standard vaccinations like tetanus is up to date before your scheduled travel. You should consider bringing malarial tablets with you especially if you are thinking of visiting the western provinces of Hondo Valle, Castanuelas and Pepillo Salcedo (bordering Haiti) which are areas where Malaria is present.

Drinking tap water in Dominican Republic is never advisable. Instead keep bottled water in your hotel and only eat well-cooked meals. Furthermore, you should use mosquito repellants since dengue outbreaks is also common here. Medical services throughout the island is limited and emergency medical assistance is only available in Santo Domingo. Therefore, you would not want to need medical care during your stay in Dominican Republic. Getting medical insurance with emergency repartriation is highly advised and will be beneficial especially when you suddenly require immediate medical care.