The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean, largely because it has the largest all-inclusive resort industry in the world. This form of vacation, based on set rates for airfare, hotel, food and drinks and providing carefree vacationing on idyllic beaches, within the protection of a tourist compound, now brings about two million visitors to the Dominican Republic a year. Sandwich Bay - Dominican Republic Sandwich Bay - Dominican Republic For the more adventurous, the Dominican Republic has just as much to offer. It has a great variety of terrain - rain forests, lowlands, coastal swamps, desert and the highest mountains in the Caribbean, rising to more than 10,000ft (3,000m). The Dominican Republic is about the size of Scotland, but contains no less than seven international airports. It shares Hispaniola, the second largest island in the Caribbean, with its smaller neighbour, Haiti. Its capital, Santo Domingo, is the oldest city in the Americas, a cosmopolitan city with much of historic interest and lively nights. The Dominican Republic offers some of the most beautiful and diverse topography in the Caribbean. To give you and idea of its size, The Dominican Republic is larger than the Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands combined. Within the country, vast mountains cover about 80% of the landscape. The "Cordillera Central" which runs northwest to southeast, contains the highest point in the West Indies, "Pico Duarte (3,174m or 10,414ft)." In contrast, "Lake Enriquillo" (148ft below sea level) which lies to the west of the Cordillera Central is the lowest point in the West Indies. Santo Domingo The colonial section has been carefully restored to retain its original charm, and is home to the first university, cathedral and hospital built in the New World. The modern city of Santo Domingo, by contrast, is a thriving port city, equipped with discotheques, gambling casinos, shops and the Cultural Plaza which houses the Gallery of Modern Art and the National Theater. The Atlantic coast of the country is renowned for its miles of unspoiled beaches that surround Puerto Plata, the most popular being Sosúa. Nearby rises Mount Isabel de Torres. It is possible to take the cable car to the summit which sits at an elevation of just over 760m (2500ft) above sea level. The breathtaking views of both the Atlantic and the port of Puerto Plata are well worth the 7-minute climb up to the top of the mountain. Layou River - Dominican Republic Layou River - Dominican Republic Discover our regions world-class resorts and explore the beauty of nature or the excitement of festivals and events. Savor the many delights of fine cuisine or casual fare. Venture "off-the-beaten-path" and browse unique galleries, antique shops, and artists colonies. Challenge yourself with championship golf along the north coast of Playa Grande or just relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of the Island. The official language is Spanish, so do as much as you can to bone up on Spanish before you go. Officially, nearly everyone involved in tourism speaks English, but in fact many people have trouble understanding English. Waitresses in coffee shops may simply drop their jaws when you speak to them in English. In the outlying areas, it is absolutely necessary to speak Spanish. Do bring along a phrase book and keep it handy in your bag. City, mountain and beach resorts and hotels offer a wide range of accommodations, featuring palm-fringed beaches, adventure sports, casinos, year-round events and a rich history and culture, amid the renowned hospitality of Dominican people, all of which make this country a prime vacation spot for tourists from all parts of the world. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Dominican_Republic/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:56:59 EST http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Dominican_Republic/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:56:59 EST Dominican Republic climate is semi-tropical with an average temperature of 77 degrees. In the summer months the temperature usually ranges between 89 and 95 degrees while in the winter 75 to 90 degrees. The hottest month is August while the coolest is January. There are two rainy seasons on the island, one in late spring and the other one in the fall with the heaviest precipitation in the northern eastern part of the country. The highlands are considerably cooler. Annual precipitation averages about 1,500 mm (about 60 in), but the mountainous areas of the north receive considerably more moisture. The wet season is from June to November. This is when Tropical hurricanes occur usually. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/weather/Dominican_Republic/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:56:59 EST Driving in the Dominican Republic is on the right side of the road. Speed limits vary from 28 mph in the city to 48 mph on rural roads, but they are generally not enforced. Traffic laws are similar to those in the United States, but undisciplined driving is common, due to a lack of adequate traffic controls. Travel at night on inter-city highways and in rural areas should be avoided, due to vehicles' being driven at excessive speeds, often with broken headlights or taillights. Turning right on red lights is permitted, but it should be done with caution. A local traffic custom is that the larger the vehicle, the greater the right of way, regardless of the traffic laws. Driving is aggressive and erratic, and drivers often do not yield the right of way even when road signs or signals indicate they should. Seat belts are required by law, and those caught not wearing them will be fined. There are no child car seat laws. The law also requires that all cell phone use be done through a hands-free device while driving. Police do stop drivers using cell phones without the benefit of these devices. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/car_rentals/Dominican_Republic/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:56:59 EST Restaurants and Dining: http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/restaurants/Dominican_Republic/ Fri, 29 Aug 2008 01:56:59 EST