19 articles tagged with dominican republic
When most travelers think Dominican Republic, their minds immediately conjure images of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. But tucked away from the coastal resorts lies La Vega province, home to the majestic Cordillera Central mountain range and Pico Duarte, the...
The morning bells of Santiago's Cathedral echoed through the cobblestone streets as I pedaled my rented bicycle through the city center, guided by the unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed coffee. While most travelers to the Dominican Republic beeline for the...
The cobblestone streets of Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial echo with over five centuries of history, but they're also home to some of the Caribbean's most fascinating shopping experiences. As a school principal who's navigated markets from Marrakech to Bangkok, I've...
When winter's chill hits Brisbane, my little family often dreams of sandy beaches and tropical adventures. Last December, we traded Australia's summer for the Caribbean's warm embrace in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. This coastal gem offers the perfect blend of...
The moment our rental car turned off the highway toward San Pedro de MacorÃs, I knew this wasn't going to be your typical Dominican Republic vacation. No all-inclusive resorts, no crowded beaches packed with tourists clutching identical cocktails. Instead, we...
The first thing that hits you isn't the colors—though they'll sear into your retinas soon enough—it's the *sound*. A visceral percussion that reverberates through your sternum like a second heartbeat. Standing on the crowded streets of La Vega during Carnival,...
Let me start with a confession: I nearly canceled my trip to Punta Cana last October. As a retail buyer constantly surrounded by curated aesthetics, I worried the Dominican Republic's most famous beach destination would be nothing but a sanitized...
There's something magical about the way autumn breezes dance through Santiago's streets, carrying the scent of *sancocho* simmering in roadside pots and freshly roasted coffee. After five visits to the Dominican Republic's cultural heart, I've mastered the art of experiencing...
As I stood atop the weathered stone ramparts of Fortaleza Ozama, the oldest European military structure in the Americas, I was struck by Santo Domingo's remarkable urban duality. The Dominican Republic's capital is a fascinating case study in colonial preservation...
There's a profound energy that pulses through Puerto Plata's landscape—one that extends far beyond its postcard-perfect beaches and resort cocktails. As someone who's spent years seeking the intersection of adrenaline and mindfulness in my travels, I've discovered that this northern...
When I landed in Puerto Plata with my anthropology classmates last winter, I was immediately struck by the dichotomy of accommodation options. Massive all-inclusive compounds with their wristband-wearing guests stood in contrast to charming boutique hotels nestled in colonial buildings....
There's something deliciously indulgent about exploring the Dominican Republic by road—particularly when you venture from the northern coast's Puerto Plata to the secluded paradise of the Samana Peninsula. Having just returned from this 14-day winter escape with my university friend...
When my quality inspection assignment in Santo Domingo unexpectedly extended by a week, I decided to transform a business trip into a reconnaissance mission of the Dominican Republic's most exclusive enclave. La Romana, often overshadowed by Punta Cana's mass tourism,...
When most people think of Punta Cana, they envision endless stretches of pristine white sand beaches and turquoise waters—the quintessential Caribbean paradise. But after 25 years of coaching tennis and teaching languages, I've learned that the most memorable experiences often...
My recent business trip to the Dominican Republic gifted me with an unexpected weekend in La Vega, a city often overshadowed by its coastal counterparts but harboring some of the island's most authentic artisanal treasures. As someone who has navigated...