Located on the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti, the Dominican Republic is a lively and festive nation blessed with great natural beauty and glorious white sand beaches. Its friendly and flamboyant people celebrate life and enjoy sharing their rich history and culture with visitors. Christopher Columbus reached the north coast of the island on his first voyage to the New World in 1492 and gave it its name, which means "Little Spain." The colony of Santo Domingo retains much of its colonial architecture, including some of the oldest buildings in the Western Hemisphere.

This often overlooked country offers one of the best vacation values in the Caribbean, as well as one of the most entertaining. Everything is infused with an irrepressible island spirit that enhances your experience, from finally learning to wind-surf, to exploring a bygone world, or getting swept up into a merengue street dance!