Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Dominican Republic has long been heralded as one of the
least expensive Caribbean destinations, some sources estimat-
ing it to be as much as 50 to 70% cheaper than its neighbors. Ex-
cepting such resorts as Casa De Campo, where jet-setters come
to relax and where Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley
wed, the island boasts inexpensive prices and bargain resorts.
With the favorable exchange rate, Americans can enjoy a stay
on the north shore for under $100 per person, per day, including
all meals, tips, and watersports.
Although values abound on this festive island, you needn't
worry that you'll be shortchanged in terms of beauty or fun. The
Dominican Republic has ancient history, mountain-covered vis-
tas, and a party atmosphere that's as fun as any found through-
out the Caribbean.
Geography
Although well known to European travelers, the Dominican Re-
public's tumultuous neighbor,
Haiti,
may be more familiar to
Americans. To be honest, the news accounts of trouble in Haiti
almost made us reconsider our trip to the Dominican Republic.
But we soon discovered that, even though the two nations share
the same island,
Hispaniola,
geography is about all that
unites Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The second-largest
Caribbean island (only Cuba is larger), Hispaniola is a land of
rugged mountains, palm-lined beaches, and two diverse cul-
tures. Haitians speak French; Dominicans, Spanish. The lead-
ership of Haiti has frequently been torn by assassinations and
military takeovers, while the citizens of the Dominican Repub-
lic enjoy the relative tranquillity of a stable, freely elected gov-
ernment.
Dominican Republic days are carefree, with plenty of time to
dance to the throbbing sounds of merengue and to enjoy a glass
of “
Dominicana gasolina,
” the nickname for locally produced
rum.
Many resorts are found on the Dominican Republic's north side,
a region dubbed the
Amber Coast.
The Dominican Republic
boasts the fastest growing tourism business in the Caribbean,
with over two million visitors a year. Over 60% of the vacation-
ers are European.
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