Dominican Republic Travel
Travelling to the Dominican Republic is like a dream come true for many of us. With its white sandy beaches, turqoiuse ocean and fervent jungle, the Dominican Republic is simply a perfect place to spend your much needed and deserved vacation. The other reason, although their are many, that people travel to the Dominican Republic from across the globe, is because of the warmth and friendliness of the Dominican people. If you've never experienced a Dominican smile (usually accompanied by a shot of rum), then, it is said, you have never truly lived.
The Real Dominican Republic Team have put together a wide range of advice for those travelling, or even thinking of travelling to the Dominican Republic. We hope you find it useful and will help you decide to come and visit. Your sure of a wonderful welcome!
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There are two main seasons in the Dominican Republic, the cool season which runs from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. A lot of people and visitors to the island prefer the cool season as the heat is less intense, the humidity is lower and the rainfall is less frequent. Temperatures are generally around 29°C during the day and will go down to about 19°C at night.During the rainy season the rainfall can get very…
First of all a huge big Welcome to the Dominican Republic. Bienvenidos (welcome) as we say over here to one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. After checking into your hotel and getting your bearings somewhat you may want to discover what is in fact beyond the boundaries of your hotel reception and golf course. A country of contrasts from the deliciously lush north of the island to the flat and dry landscape of the south, there are…
Here is a great guide to shed some light on how to tan safely and how to enjoy your Dominican Republic vacation without going over board with the sun so your family and you can get the most out of the long hot Caribbean days that are just waiting for you all… Sunlight and UV RaysOne of the nicest moments about coming on vacation, must be when you walk from your hotel room, in beach clothes or swimming attire and…
A travel survival guide for parents wishing to hang on to their sanity! OK, so after making the decision to come on a family vacation to the Dominican Republic, you have now been stuck at the airport for 4 hours, the kids are turning into the not so sweet little darlings you envisaged on a Caribbean beach (you’re almost reaching for the birth control pills) when you booked the holiday in the first place, and it’s a public airport lounge…
When visiting the Dominican Republic, it can heighten the anticipation of your visit by knowing as much as there is to know about our wonderful country and thats why we've put together this "Travel Essentials" section.Click on any of the links below to view the information and if you would like to add to these pages and share your Dominican Republic experiences with the rest of the world why not register and add an article ? Click here to regsiter.…
There are seven international airports in the Dominican Republic. These are: Las Americas International Airport In the capital city of Santo Domingo is the second busiest airport in the Dominican Republic. The following airlines provide service from Europe, the United States, and Canada: American Airlines, American Eagle, Copa, Continental Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue, Spirit, US Airways, Air France, Iberia, Air Europa, Lufthansa, Pan Am, Air Caraibes, LIAT, and Air Canada. Designation SDQ (MDSD). Runway length 11,000 feet. Phone 809-549-0450. Punta…
Almost all non-resident visitors to the DR will need a passport and almost everyone will require a tourist card. The tourist card costs US$10 and can purchased on arrival into the country prior to passing through immigration. Depending on the amount of flights on the ground at the time of your arrival the lines can sometimes be lengthy. The tourist card will then be surrendered after your passport has been stamped. PLEASE NOTE - The tourist card can only be…
Eco & Camping Fun in the Dominican Republic For anyone seeking an eco friendly adventure holiday then the DR could just be the very spot! With over 16 National Parks including 67 protected areas within the countries borders there is a lot to do from hiking to the top of Pico Duarte to rappelling and white water rafting through stunning forest scenery. Towering mountains, trails scented by pine needles, glowing white beaches, majestic waterfalls, lazy fresh water lagoons and thick…
Listed below are many questions that pop up time and time again on our Forum Site, for more in depth answers on certain subjects, please check the Travel Essentials Section back on the Home Page. If there is a question you may want to ask and that we haven’t covered here, then email us at our Home Page under the handy heading “contact the admin team” and one of our island experts will get back to you real soon.What is…
Environmental issues are no longer just a trend. The importance of everyone’s continued efforts cannot be stressed enough. From buying “environmentally friendly” products, to active recycling programs. No matter where we are in the world, no matter how far or remote we journey, we can all do our bit.Today, we are all responsible for our communal residence, our home: Planet Earth.Going on holiday is a wonderful experience and a time to enjoy yourself. However, we would ask you to consider…
The Dominican Republic has over 200 miles of spectacular beaches along the coastline of the island that stretches for over 800 miles. To list the top 10 beaches is indeed a daunting task, and surely a matter of taste, as they are as diverse as the geological makeup of the interior, and each has its own style, attractions, and beauty. Nevertheless we will try, and beg forgiveness if we have neglected one of your favourites. Starting from the southeast coast…
Everybody at The real DR wants you all to have a happy and safe holiday whilst here in the Dominican Republic. We have written the following tips and pointers for your comfort and advice……have a read and keep it in the back of your mind and of course have a wonderful holiday and many thanks for choosing the Dominican Republic as your destination. Swimming Pools Can be dangerous, but by following a few simple rules, you will thoroughly enjoy your…
Environmental issues are no longer just a trend. The importance of everyone’s continued efforts cannot be stressed enough. From buying “environmentally friendly” products, to active recycling programs. No matter where we are in the world, no matter how far or remote we journey, we can all do our bit.Today, we are all responsible for our communal residence, our home: Planet Earth.Going on holiday is a wonderful experience and a time to enjoy yourself. However, we would ask you to consider…
Yes, the time has come and you have now left the cocoon like cushioning of your all- inclusive resort, maybe you have gone on an excursion for the day, or are taking a walk down the beach and buying some souvenirs from local vendors, or maybe you just fancy having a bit of a chat in Spanish.....But wait, you don’t speak the local lingo! Don’t despair - We at The RealDR have compiled a list of phrases and useful words…
The Dom Rep has a bewildering barrage of festivals . On every day of the year, there seems to be some kind of celebration somewhere, the majority of which are regional fiestas patronales , held in honour of the city's or town's patron saint. These traditional fiestas are one of the great pleasures of a trip to the DR. JANUARY Virgen de Altagracia January 21, the most important religious day in the Dominican calendar, including a several-day pilgrimage to Higuey.…
Business hours in the Dominican Republic are normally 08.30-18.00 Monday through Friday, and 08.30 -12.30 on Saturday. About half of the stores still close for the midday siesta. Banks are generally open Monday through Friday 08.30-17.00, with a few open on Saturday from 08.30-12.00 Due to new laws which came into effect in 2009 - if you venture out your hotel complex, you will find that many a "colmado" or "sports bar" in the local town will stop selling alcohol…
Opportunities for sea sports are naturally tremendous, ranging from swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving, windsurfing and surfing, to deep-sea fishing and whale-watching. Though many beaches are protected from powerful ocean currents by natural barriers, others have dangerous riptides along them, and should be avoided by all but the strongest of swimmers. The vast majority of Dominican reefs have been damaged beyond repair by careless local fishing practices, notably the daily dropping of anchors by thousands of small vessels. The only…
Occupying the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic (the DR or Dom Rep, as it's often known) is a hugely popular destination, thanks to the portion of the country that most resembles the image of a Caribbean playland: the crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches lined with palm trees, of which the DR has plenty. This vision of leisurely days spent by the sea and romantic nights filled with merengue and dark rum is supported by what…
Dominican food is a mixed blend of African, Spanish and Taino Indian influences, and if you just stick to your meals in your all-inclusive hotel buffets then you will not get a real taste of the island flavours at all. The food whilst not heavily hot spiced like neighbouring islands of Jamaica and Trinidad draws a different range of spices to tingle and tempt taste-buds with plenty of fresh herbs, garlic and tangy sauces.Rice & Beans! The most common plate…
Business hours in the Dominican Republic are normally 08.30-18.00 Monday through Friday, and 08.30 -12.30 on Saturday. About half of the stores still close for the midday siesta. Banks are generally open Monday through Friday 08.30-17.00, with a few open on Saturday from 08.30-12.00 Due to new laws which came into effect in 2009 - if you venture out your hotel complex, you will find that many a "colmado" or "sports bar" in the local town will stop selling alcohol…
The main gateways in the Dominican Republic are Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and recently Santiago de los Caballeros and Samana. There are are other smaller airports here but are more geared toward in-land air travel and the immediate islands within the area.These main gateways receive flights from the United States, Canada, & Europe. Folk traveling from Australia or New Zealand usually will have to travel first to the United States and continue to the DR from there.There are…
Planes, trains and automobiles - well not quite as there are no train stations in the DR, however there is an excellent bus service, small island aircraft service and gua guas (public buses) as well as car hire companies.Bus Service The two main bus companies are Metro (tel: 809 566 7126) and Caribe (tel: 809 221 4422) tours. Both services offer clean, regular and air conditioned buses into each major city and towns throughout the DR. Timetables and costs are…
Money The Dominican Currency is the Peso. The peso is divided up into 100 centavos, and the symbol for the peso is RD$ - not to be confused with the US dollar!The peso comes in a variety of forms from coins of 1 pesos, 5, 10 and 25 coins to banknotes of 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000.Please do not accept any notes with rips, stuck back together with sellotape or that have writing on them (in biro or ink).The…
It's not hard to keep in touch with home by phone, fax or e.mail now while you're in the DR because storefront phone centres are scattered about the country, though the price can be a bit steep. These phone centres are run by DR's many private telephone companies . The oldest, most venerated and by far the most omnipresent company is Claro/Codetel , which charges RD$5 per minute to North America; RD$40 per minute to Europe; and RD$50 per minute…
Suprisingly, in this day and age of easy travel, not everyone knows where the Dominican Republic is actually situated in the World. The Dominican Republic is perfectly situated between the warm waters of the Caribbean sea and the colder waters of the Atlantic. This provides a diverse climate with warm Caribbean winds as well as large rainfalls (in the mountains), that ensure a truely stunning and vibrant landscape.
To the immediate west of the Dominican Republic is…
