Visit the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic becomes more interesting when the resort road ends. Beyond the familiar beach image are the streets and courtyards of Santo Domingo, green mountain country, baseball grounds, music carried through neighbourhoods and coastlines with very different rhythms. Choose two contrasting places and give the journey between them room. Pair a coast with the capital or the highlands, eat beyond the hotel buffet and use guides who can explain the history and daily life of the place rather than treating the country as interchangeable sunshine. Check current entry rules, complete the official electronic entry and exit form and keep its QR code. Use licensed transport, take particular care on roads and around water activities, and plan for hurricane season and sudden heavy rain. Confirm insurance, healthcare and accessibility directly; kerbs, transfers, beaches and smaller accommodation can vary considerably. Count this complete when you have experienced the country beyond one enclosed property and spent money with locally owned businesses. Add it when you want Caribbean sea and warmth alongside a trip with history, food and movement of its own.