The Dominican Republic is the eastern two thirds of a large friendly island (Hispaniola) in the Caribbean; the western third is Haiti. It's an island that welcomes foreign visitors; there are beach resorts all around the island, the interior is green and lush with mountains that run from the north west to the south east.
Roads are often not signposted so that you need to be a good navigator should you hire a car. Crops grow well in the fertile ground; you will come across plenty of banana and sugar cane plantations. The local people tend to have homes with outdoor living facilities, such as kitchens, because of the pleasant climate all year round. Mango, papaya and other exotic fruits grow in the gardens.
Tourist attractions include souvenir shopping areas with art work, rum, jewellery and local crafts. You can also visit places to see the history of cigar making, have a consultation with a witch doctor, visit a tropical park, or have your hair braided with beads.
The best attractions in the Dominican Republic are those provided by nature; shallow waters around islands off the coast where the water is waist deep, allowing you to snorkel safely and watch the myriads of colourful fish.
There are watersports galore available in the Caribbean; kayaking, surf boarding, surfing, para gliding, sailing, scuba diving.
Or, take a trip up into the mountains and explore the diversity of animal and plant life in this sub-tropical zone. Remember to take a camera.