Holidays in the Dominican Republic are a heady mix of Latin party
spirit and laid-back Caribbean beach life. Imagine porcelain-white sands,
swaying palms, twinkling seas and the lilting sounds of merengue drifting
in the air and you've got the essence of this totally tropical gem.

Whichever resort you choose, there's no getting away from the beach –
together with the sunshine, it's pretty much the be all and end all of
holidaying in the Dominican Republic. If you're after some undisturbed R&R,
then secluded Bavaro on the east coast will oblige with its
postcard-perfect beach and placid pace. Or for something more upbeat, the
north coast haunts of colourful Sosua, exclusive Playa Dorada and beautiful
Bahia Maimon will be ideal.

Yet wherever you go, you can be sure all the things that make Dominican
Republic holidays so special will be permanently on tap. Fabulously
equipped hotels, thrilling watersports, sparkling merengue rhythms and
eye-popping undersea life and coral reefs are here for all. Wrap them up
with fantastic expeditions into the tropical interior, whale-watching
tours, historic colonial towns and day trips to idyllic offshore islets and
what more could you ask for? 

Nightlife in the Dominican Republic varies from discos and casinos to
cafès and festivals. Hotels offer more traditional shows, including folk
music and dancing. The Malecón, Santo Domingo's long waterside boulevard,
is known for its nightlife. Concerts and other cultural events are often
held at the Casa de Francia and Plaza de la Cultura in Santo Domingo.  Best
buys are products made on the island including amber jewellery and
decorative pieces. These are a national speciality; some pieces encase
insects, leaves or dew drops within the ancient petrified pine resin.
Larimar or Dominican turquoise is another popular stone. Milky blue and
polished pink pieces of conch shell are also made into jewellery. Rocking
chairs, woodcarvings, macramé, pottery, Taino artefacts, Creole dolls,
baskets, limestone carvings and CDs of salsa and merengue also make good
buys. Bargaining is recommended, and in most cases expected.

Climate in the Dominican Republic is hot with tropical temperatures all
year with coastal areas being warmer than central regions. There are two
rainy seasons; the heaviest is from May to August and the other is from
November to December. Hurricanes may sometimes occur during these periods.

The official currency for the island is Dominican Peso, although US Dollars
are widely accepted as well as all major credit cards and travellers
cheques.

Flight duration is approximately 9 hours.

You need 6 months on a 10 year British passport from the date of return. No
visa is required, but everyone is required to pay an arrival and departure
tax.
Check with local embassy prior to departure for up-to-date information.