In recent years the Dominican Republic has become a popular destination for vacationers and also for those seeking retirement in sunny climes with lower costs of living. Those who visit the Dominican Republic for a holiday, or to live more permanently bring much needed spending money into the economy of a relatively poor country — but they also gain a lot from getting to know this beautiful place.
It may not be a ‘fun fact’ but it is true to say that some 80% of Dominicans live on or below the World poverty level. Many local people still live in very basic dwellings without any luxury refinements. Yet the Dominicans are regarded globally as some of the friendliest, most outgoing and most helpful people you will meet.
Many Dominicans work in the tourism industry — either for one of the many tourism-related businesses that operate hotels, bars and restaurants throughout the country — or in some small way of business themselves servicing the needs of the many thousands of holidaymakers who flock to the Island where the sun always shines — throughout almost all months of the year!
Your visit to the DR, as it is often simply referred to, or Santo Domingo — the name most locals still call the country (although it is of course the name of the fascinating capital city!) — will no doubt be accompanied by a multitude of sounds — most especially music, such as Merengue, Bachata, Cuban Son and many others influenced by modern genres — as it is almost impossible for Dominican to work without the sound of one or other (sometimes several) rhythms going on all day!
The delightful sun-drenched island that plays host to La Republica Dominicana, and its neighbor the impoverished, and earthquake devastated Haiti, has a perimeter of fine beaches — lapped on one coast by the calm blue Caribbean Sea, and on the other the usually somewhat livelier Atlantic Ocean. On the north of the island the Atlantic tides frequently provide the perfect conditions for world class kite-boarding and other water sports that induce an adrenaline buzz! Prime amongst the resorts that feature such activities is Cabarete, which attracts many young, and healthy individuals to indulge in water based excitement during the day, and wild times in the lively town at night.
Moving further east along the north coast you come to the wonderful Samana Peninsula. Although it has been opened up to greater numbers of tourists in the last few years there are still many spots where time seems to have stood still, and the old, slow and natural pace of Caribbean life remains much as it ever was. For some staying in and around Las Galeras, the topmost tip of the peninsula has been the inspiration to make the DR their home, permanently!
Yet the greatest numbers of annual tourists probably seek out luxury all-inclusive accommodations along the justly famed east coast, and the resorts of Punta Cana and Bavaro. Many kilometers of palm dotted white sands along with superb facilities and high quality places to stay and indulge yourself are key features of this touristic center of the Island.