Something Old, Something
New: The Dominican Republic - Dominican Republic Travel Information
by Frank Johnson
 When
visiting the Dominican Republic, the ideal destination for most is the
eastern coast of Punta Cana and the surrounding turquoise and white island
communities. Spend your days lavishly lounging in a resort designed by
Oscar de la Renta near Tortuga Bay or take part in some killer windsurfing
and kiteboarding on the breezy waters of Cabarete.
Aside from its Major League
Baseball fame, the Dominican Republic is an intriguing retreat of colonial
history amid progressive development and tranquil white beaches fringing
mountainous wilderness. World renowned resorts dot the Punta Cana coastline
of the Dominican Republic while the nation claims the oldest city in the
New World, Santo Domingo, along its southern shore. For such a small nation,
it is fairly easy to book cheap and convenient airfare to the Dominican
Republic through any of the four international airports; however, most
travelers will find airfare to the Dominican Republic through the capital
of Santo Domingo or the resort region of Punta Cana.
Geographically, the Dominican
Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with the independent nation of
Haiti. While two very independent nations today, the history of the island
is far less clear cut. The first European settlement of the New World was
established on Hispaniola after Christopher Columbus landed in today’s
Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo is the landing site of Columbus as well
as the original colonial center ruled by Columbus’ brother Diego. The Museo
Alcázar de Colón is a fantastically restored museum within
Diego’s original home. The French were granted the western third of the
island now known as Haiti.
Dominican history dates back
earlier than most of the Caribbean islands, possibly to 2600 BCE. Since
then several waves of Antillean people have come and gone until the Spanish
conquest in 1492. Indigenous culture can still be observed in the very
remote central mountain ranges of the island, but the populations are sparse.
Santo Domingo and the second largest city of Santiago offer several museums,
festivals and art exhibits dedicated to the history of the island as a
whole.
From Dancing to Diving
in the Dominican Republic
For a less cultural journey
to the Caribbean, the ideal destination for most is the eastern coast of
Punta Cana and the surrounding turquoise and white island communities.
Spend your days lavishly lounging in a resort designed by Oscar de la Renta
near Tortuga Bay or take part in some killer windsurfing and kiteboarding
on the breezy waters of Cabarete. Family friendly all-inclusive getaways
are sprinkled among vacation rentals in the outlying areas for the more
independent, outgoing types (or those who prefer a secluded beach experience).
There are also several options
for nightlife. Funky bars serve tropical drinks with a twist and decked
out discos play an eclectic mix of beats and rhythms. The exotic dance
known as Meringue also originated in the Dominican Republic and many hotels
and clubs offer on the spot lessons for beginners through advanced.
The Dominican Republic lies
just west of Puerto Rico and east of Jamaica. Although the other Caribbean
island nations may be more than a boat ride away, they are readily accessible
by air. Get to the tropical Caribbean this season.
Top
|
