DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

For lovers on a tight budget, the Dominican Republic or Dominicana (not to be confused with Dominica, a somewhat remote island known for its eco-tourism) is an excellent choice. The Dominican Republic has long been heralded as one of the least expensive Caribbean destinations, some sources estimating it to be as much as 50 to 70 percent cheaper than its neighbors. Excepting such resorts as Casa De Campo where jet setters come to relax and where Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley wed, the island boasts inexpensive prices and bargain resorts. With the favorable exchange rate, Americans can enjoy a stay on the north shore for under $100 per person per day, including all meals, tips, and watersports.

Although values abound on this festive island, you needn't worry that you'll be shortchanged in terms of beauty or fun. The Dominican Republic has ancient history, mountain-covered vistas, and a party atmosphere that's as fun as any found throughout the Caribbean.

Although well known to European travelers, the Dominican Republic's tumultuous neighbor, Haiti, may be more familiar to Americans. To be honest, the news accounts of trouble in Haiti almost made us reconsider our trip to the Dominican Republic. But we soon discovered even though the two nations share the same island, Hispaniola, geography is about all that unites Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The second largest Caribbean island (only Cuba is larger), Hispaniola is a land of rugged mountains, palm-lined beaches, and two diverse cultures. Haitians speak French; Dominicans, Spanish. The leadership of Haiti has frequently been torn by assassinations and military takeovers while the citizens of the Dominican Republic enjoy the relative tranquillity of a stable, freely elected government. And while life has become a struggle for Haitians, Dominican Republic days are far more carefree, with plenty of time to dance to the throbbing sounds of merengue and to enjoy a glass of "Dominicana gasolina," the nickname for locally produced rum.

Many resorts are found on the Dominican Republic's north side, a region dubbed the Amber Coast. The Dominican Republic boasts the fastest growing tourism business in the Caribbean, with over two million visitors a year. Over 60% of the vacationers are European.

For visitors, the two primary destinations in DR are Puerto Plata on the island's north shore, and the capital city, Santo Domingo on the southern coast.

About 20 minutes from Puerto Plata's La Union international airport lies the resort area of Playa Dorada. This horseshoe-shaped complex contains over a dozen resorts, numerous restaurants, a casino, a two-story shopping mall, and a Robert Trent Jones-designed 18-hole golf course, all tucked between the backdrop of the lush mountains and the palm-lined Atlantic beach. Although the sea here is choppier that its Caribbean counterpart on the south shore, a gentle breeze makes it popular with windsurfers, boogie boarders, and families that enjoy playing in the surf. Other guests are just content to lie on the beaches lined with majestic palms.

Santo Domingo is located on the island's southern shore. Here history buffs will find a wealth of Spanish Renaissance architecture to explore. The city was the first permanent European settlement in the New World and has been honored for its cultural landmarks by a United Nations proclamation.

Near Santo Domingo is located the nation's most lavish resort: Casa de Campo, as well as a host of other first-rate vacation destinations.