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The Dominican Republic is fast becoming one of the most travelled-to resort destinations by Canadians. Sugar-soft white-sand beaches, fantastic year-round climate, excellent snorkelling and well-preserved colonial towns combine to make it one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean.
The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola (Haiti occupies the west). The coastline is rich with perfect Caribbean beaches and the interior is diverse, with rainforests, 27 waterfalls, mangrove swamps, mountain ranges and savannas.
While many travellers book cheap flights to the Dominican Republic to explore the natural paradise, this country has one of the more illustrious histories of the Caribbean islands. Its history dates back to the Taino inhabitants whose cave paintings can still be seen in caves around the country. Christopher Columbus landed here too, on his first voyage in 1492, claiming the island for Spain and exploring the northern coast of the Republic.
Santo Domingo, the capital, was founded by Columbus's brother and became the Americas' first colonial capital. Today, it's a city with many "firsts" - first Catholic cathedral, first monastery, oldest fortress, gilded palaces and historic squares.
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Peak season:December and January are the busiest and most expensive time to visit the Dominican Republic. July and August are very busy months too due to school vacation. March, April and May attract fewer visitors but this is a good time to book cheap flights to the Dominican Republic as the weather is still warm and sunny.
Off season:April through November is considered off-peak season. November/early December is a great time to book cheap flights to the Dominican Republic. Hurricane season has passed and it's not as hot as during the summer months.
Aerodomca and Takeoff Destination Service offer regular and charter domestic flights around the Dominican Republic. There are seven international airports and airlines include Air Century, Caribair, Helidosa, SAP (Servicios Aéreos Profesionales) and Helidosa.
Rental cars are another option for getting around the Dominican Republic. Vehicles including sedans, four-wheel drives, scooters and mopeds are available for hire.
Buses are comfortable and reliable. There are three privately owned air-conditioned bus lines - Autobuses Metro/Metro Bus, Caribe Tours and Expreso Bávaro - that travel from Santo Domingo to cities such as Puerto Plata and Santiago among others. Gua-guas (pronounced "Gwa-Gwas") are collective taxis that run fixed routes. The fares are very cheap but the vans can be crowded.
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is situated within 30 minutes of most hotels in the Punta Cana resort area.
Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) (website: www.aerodom.com) is situated 29km (18 miles) east of Santo Domingo.
Gregorio Luperon International Airport (POP) is located 18km (11 miles) from Puerto Plata.
Tourist cards can be issued on arrival for a small fee. A return or onward ticket is required by all visitors.
A passport is recommended for Canadian nationals, but an original Birth Certificate or Naturalisation papers (with an official photo ID document) are also accepted, provided travelling for tourist or business purposes. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days, provided holding a Tourist Card (issued on arrival).
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Julia AlvarezAn insight to the oppressive Trujillo regime. Anita de la Torre is a 12-year-old girl living in the Dominican Republic who gradually becomes aware that her family are involved in a plot to kill the dictator.
Edwige DanticatAmabelle Desir is an orphaned Haitian working as a housemaid in the Dominican Republic. The novel looks at the civil war between the two countries.
Michelle WuckerAn exploration of the unrest on the island of Hispaniola and the constant struggle between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
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