Six college students leave the beach and explore DR's capital, whose history and beauty all ages can enjoy.
The Dominican Republic is a popular destination for vacationers from around the globe. With its beautiful beaches, clear, blue water, and the friendly Dominican people, it may be hard to leave your beach chair and piña colada. But if six college students can do it, then anyone can!
While visiting the Dominican Republic for spring break of our senior year in college, five friends and I traveled to Santo Domingo. From the resort hotel, it cost only $10 a person, about 330 Dominican pesos, for six of us on a personal guided tour through Santo Domingo for four to five hours. Though our driver spoke some English, it was very helpful to know Spanish, not only for the tour but also for our entire trip in the Dominican Republic.
Those in the tourism business will know some English, to be sure, but a little knowledge of Spanish is welcomed, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. On our way to the city, we were very grateful that we had our own local guide, Chico.
Our Tour of Santo Domingo
Driving on the streets of the Dominic Republic is not for the faint-hearted. Weaving through people, motorcycles, taxis and trucks, our driver sped down the highways and side streets. If you get the nerve to look out the window, check out the colorful buildings and crowded streets filled with Dominicans.
We finally reached Santo Domingo, the oldest European city in the New World, and a place filled with earlier Caribbean history. Founded by Christopher Columbus’ brother Bartholomew Columbus, this city is the second most populated city in the Caribbean (Havana, Cuba is first).
Our first stop was to a market in the Zona Colonial, also known as La Zona or The Zone, a walled in area situated in Santo Domingo. We opted for this market because it was laid back, less crowded and there wasn’t as much pressure to buy from the vendors, unlike the Mercado Modelo, which has a reputation for pickpockets and overeager vendors, making it a definite tourist trap.
In other parts of the city, many stands and shops sold basically the same variety of items as all the others, from paintings to jewelry to clothing. The vendors are up front, however, about their negotiable prices, so don’t accept their first offer without haggling a bit. Credit cards are accepted, though there is a charge for using them, and Euros, dollars and of course Dominican pesos are welcome as well.
After visiting the market, we headed to Calle El Conde, a street known for selling jewelry, especially amber, the country’s national stone. Popular with both Dominicans and tourists, this pretty, shaded street is closed off to traffic and is a great starting place to explore other areas of the Zona Colonial.
One place you might like to visit is the Plaza de España. Alcázar de Colón, a palace built for Christopher Columbus’ son Diego de Colón and his family in the early 16th century, is one of the oldest buildings in the Dominican Republic, and is located at the plaza. With its beautiful architecture and refurbished interior, it is well worth a look.
The Plaza de España is a great place to relax and people watch. Outdoor cafes, concerts and shows are also popular at the plaza. Across the Ozama River at the edge of the square you can see the cross-shaped building where Christopher Columbus is buried, el Faro a Colon. On the edge of the square you can stop by the Museo de Jamon for a quick bite. In English it would be called the Museum of Ham. Salt cured pork hangs from the ceiling in this great restaurant, and it’s a fun stop during your trip. If meat décor isn’t your thing, there are a wide variety of restaurants on the plaza and around the city with both international and local menus.
If you do choose to take a tour rather than exploring on your own, many guides will take you to the National Aquarium on the west side of the city, near the Faro de Colon on the opposite side of the Ozama River. A great stop for the whole family, kids will enjoy the hands-on experience of the exhibits. Walking through the underwater tunnel is particularly fun as you watch sharks, sea turtles and fish swim around you. The water in the aquarium is directly from the Caribbean Sea, which is located right next to the museum. With beautiful views and gardens, a shark pool, manatees and more, kids of all ages will love this stop.
Santo Domingo is filled with history and Dominican culture. A glimpse of its recent past can still be seen while walking down the streets of the city, formerly known as Ciudad Trujillo. Looking at the grates on the street, the name of former dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo is a visible reminder of his controversial rule from 1930 to 1961.
Walking east down Calle El Conde, you reach Calle Las Damas. From here, make your way to the Panteon Nacional, a building with ties to Trujillo. Originally a Jesuit structure, Trujillo wanted to be buried here, but his downfall and assassination kept this from happening. Now, national Dominican heroes are laid to rest in the church. A copper chandelier, a gift from Francisco Franco, a Spanish dictator, to Trujillo, hangs at the center of the building. Avoid the tour guides outside – it is free to enter, but their tours are not, and they won’t give you a price until after the tour is finished.
With amazing rifle movements and exact military precision, the changing of the guard outside the National Pantheon is a wonderful ceremony to watch. The service is performed every two hours as the guards watch over the Eternal Flame.
Details, Details
I have just a few tips to share. You don’t need a guided tour of Santo Domingo to enjoy its beauty and culture, but it can be a huge help, especially if you’re only in town for a few hours. If you are comfortable walking around on your own, just buy a guidebook from a vendor on the streets. You can pick up a free map from any of the shops in town and explore the vibrant and historical streets, museums and buildings.
The capital is safe, but like any city, you must be cautious of your belongings. Santo Domingo has a thriving nightlife, but this is the time to be even more careful of your wallet. As long as you use good sense and stay aware of your surroundings everyone in the family will be sure to have a fun time.
We were on a Spring Breakers’ budget and stayed at the Barcelo Capella (800/BARCELO) resort in Juan Dolio, on the south shore, about 40 minutes away from the capital city. An all-inclusive resort with visitors from many different countries, there are activities for kids and adults, great dining, and beautiful white beaches. It was a great place to unwind after we’d done our sightseeing.
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“We could change our clothes less often and the world more often.”
Wow. Just… wow.
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Thanks for writing. I hear you and respect your view point. I guess it's all in the attitude and approach. Just concerned that the spas may promote a self-centered attitude, but you don't think so and that's cool.
Best
I love holidays and weekend breaks. Recently we stay at an authentic Castle in France.
It would be good to have more chains like Premier Inn, especially in Europe
Inn
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Dreams for some, Nightmears for others
Everyone that visits Give Kids the World comes out very please, that's because of the great treatment and better yet for its facilities, well thats what people see from the outside what goes on inside is a different story. The worse this that could ever happend to any one trying to provide for their home, I am a ex-employee and I want the world to know while you may see all of us with a smile in our face, thats not what we truly feel. In this company there is what's called competition for power, also hatred between employees and most of all ethnic racism there is no such thing as employee relationship due to the bad administration that depends on what people can say there for approving of those they like and getting rid of those that they don't that many not occure with all hispanics only with those thats are not liked.The sad part about all of this is that every conversation White American has with their Group is no simpler then how they are going to get rid of the next guy without even investigate anything about that person as has happend in the past few months all put together but a group whos leader is Richard Bortula (profecional racist) and has use people like Jhon Bushko to put together stories about all the hispanic which get carried out to the person in charge of executing their employees no matter how profecional or respectful they are whith out any respect the person I am talking about is Neal McCord Acompanied by the person in charge of human resorces Taberi Scott(another racist). She is in charge of dismising inocent hispanic for no operant reason yet the other American who have been know for several offences and untocheble for these two people. The last thing is when Richard Bortula uses two other latins to accuse another latin of racism that leading to his dissmisal and not giving him any explanation not even the benefit of the doubt. Ladies and Gentelments unfortunately this is an institute were the main goal is to provide well being and happy relationships but all of this happenings is due to the administration once again. All I have to say is, what kind of dreams is a kiss going to have when his or her dad cant buy them a chritsmas present, This is not a dream this is a Nightmear.
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Fecka (2009) has isolated tannins and polyphenols from Rosa Canina. Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body. In addition, polyphenols also activate the key enzyme (AMP kinase) that can exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of inducible inflammatory proteins that normally occurs once the innate immune system has been activated.
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I don't get why Brian Head is up there – it does have a lovely ski school for kids but it can't even come close to the other areas you mention or many other western US resorts for a family experience. It's really a day trip for people who live in Las Vegas!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. You make some great points and I hope to have the experience you did one day.
I especially like that you wish that kind of eye-opening experience for the people you care about too.
Can anyone tell me where I can buy golden russet apples.
Thanks
I did my essay on Honduras too! How refreshing 🙂
Vanessa, great article! Another great source of both domestic and international vacation condos/resorts/villas/homes is http://www.VacationValuesClub.com With over 2 Million weeks in 200 countries, there are a lot of choices at prices that are really affordable- especially for a family. Check it out
I love Europe!
We get many questions from parents about their kids traveling within the US, over state lines, with guardians other than their parents.
It is illegal to cross U.S. state lines with a minor without custodial parents' consent, and the age of "minors" varies across the states. However, the families within this travel community have never complained about having a problem when inviting friends of their children along on a trip, for example, so we have little experience with this issue.
Therefore, this article is for travel outside the United States, where there are clear international laws in place to prevent international child abduction.
Within the US, temporary guardians should use the same permission to travel letter as well as medical treatment authorization letter noted at the end of the article, when possible.
Keep in mind that these laws are in place to allow authorities to investigate a traveling party if they notice suspicious activity (such as children who resist going with adults). Of course, the majority of travelers will never be stopped and questioned. For most of you, if the birth parents are easily available by phone, then making a daytrip should not be a problem.
nice to know 😀
What a great article! We went to Tulum a few years back, before we had kids, and loved staying in the $15 cabanas on the beach but always wondered how to go back with the little ones … you have given us an option!
I would like to know if a permission letter from my son and Daughter inlaw and my grand Daughters birth certificate is enough to take my 10 yr old grand daughter
on a day trip in to the U.S.A
I agree that these ski trips are expensive, and although I enjoy going with the family I don't ski, and have no urge to learn at my age. I love going with the family however, but spend all my time at the spa and the lounge in front of the fire.
In this article the author comes across as the typical 'progressive' who feels apologetic about their country.
I found online trip planning tools to be a great resource when i wsa planning our reunion. Nice sites for planning are http://www.triporama.com and tripit.com. We planned out our hotels through http://www.groople.com and once through http://www.hotelscouter.com All the resources can be found with simple searches online. It used to be much different when we were growing with actual maps and stopping for directions.
Planning an event, whether large or small, can be a challenge
Hi, a tutu is what we would call a taxi in Anerica. They get you from one place to another and they are mad so different. They don’t have doors on them, they can fit about 3-4 people in them. They don’t have a steering wheel what the driver drive with is made like a motorcyle steering wheel. They are so fun and amazing… If you would visit the website at the bottom of my article you will get a chance to see one… Thanks for your interest in my article…
We are off to the Whitsundays with our two girls for ten days and the article sounds great. We're provisioning ourselves though, as we save alot of money each time we sail from Shute Harbour. We've also practised man-overboard procedure in our pool and have increased the frequency of our girls swimming lessons and have stinger suits.
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Nice article. I have traveled Ireland many times and loved staying in Self Catering vacation rentals. It's like having a home form home and provides lots of space for the kids.
"parents …will find that the special infant fare is currently offered on all major domestic airlines;" Not all of them. "Delta does not offer discounted infant and child fares for travel within the domestic U.S." according to their website.
Made my mouth water. A great piece. Can't wait to return to discover the places you did and we didn't.
Great piece! Very insightful!
what a fascinating article
it certainly makes the cove palace come to life
seems like a great place to go
alison you brought it to life
We did a similar trip when our daughter was 6 at Club Med. However, that was much more costly and with fewer options.
This sounds great.
I loved reading your article. Our family tends to vacation your USUAL way (that is, no big all- inclusive resort package) yet reading your piece I realized how much our teenage kids would enjoy that type of experience- whoa! A teenage LOUNGE? Cool!! So if indeed such a holiday can be had as you say at an economic price- why not? Who knows, maybe next time we might just head down to Mexico ourselves- the easy way!
PS: We are interested in Eastern Europe and are considering a family holiday in Serbia or Croatia- Any suggestions? Maybe there are some good family deals over there?
Indy is a great place to visit … so many things to do, yet very walkable and convenient. And affordable.
"Chinggis" Tourist Camp is located in the Southern Part of Terelj National Park ( GPS: N47°49.893', E107° 31.339') in the beautiful natural Tuul river Nomad's Sacred Valley of streams, pine trees with mountains and steppes in the background , just 55km (25miles) from Ulaanbaatar city."Chinggis" Tourist Camp is Highly recommended by "Lonely Planet Mongolia", by the author Michael Kohn and Mongolian Tourism Board. "Chinggis" Tourist Camp, was inaugurated in July 2002 in memory of "Chinggis" Khaan's 840th Birthday Celebration!.This lovely traditional tourist camp owned by Samar Magic Tours LLC, lies on the bank of "Tuul" river between 107°31'29" Longitude and 47°49'32'' Latitude. The average altitude is 1446m (4338 feet) above sea level. "
-A 40 meter (~133,3 feet) Statue of "Chinggis" Khaan on a big horse on Tsonjin Boldog Hill is located just ~3kms (~1,5miles) to "Chinggis" Tourist Camp.
-Around 15km (~7.5miles) Southeast of the "Chinggis" Tourist Camp is an 8th-century Turkic Stele of Tonyukuk.
Hi Shamita,
What’s a tutu… it sounds pretty funny.
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Whew!*sigh of relief* Fathers are really amazing, they can comfort you whenever possible. This post made me realize that diffrent people has diffrent cultures, it just that, sometimes, we need to trust others, as one saying goes “If you’ll never learn to trust, how can you find the good guys?” 😉
Life’s really like that, sometimes, learnings come from unexpected places. Good for you atleast that experience made you a better person.:)
hi to all my family?
The author mentions 2 highly regarded companies, Nabila Tours and Sonesta, an American hotel chain that has boats on the Nile. Both companies have links in the story, and both can help with land arrangements as well.
Another author traveled with Oberoi Tours, an Indian hotel chain with Nile boats, and loved her trip. You can read about it on http://www.travelBIGO.com.
For more help, please fill out a Custom Trip Plan request form at this link: http://www.travelbigo.com/trip_plans/new and we'd be glad to help you.
Wish all the family have a nice time in China.
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RoomSaver's website says that they are available in all of the lower 48 states, so they are no longer limited to 33. I love using them myself, both for the discounts as well as the free maps! I even follow them on Facebook and Twitter!
Who can you recommend to book us an organized tour for a family of three. Travel would be between December 21, 2009 and January 1, 2010.
This is such a good story and you make a really good point about how people — often more than places — make up the travel experience. I hope I sit next to you on a plane some day.
hello, i would like to spend ma holidays in engaging in that forum, so i need an invitation letter. Hope to hear from u.
Ruth.
I'm goin to travel to another state to see my family, and my cousin wants me to take her 6month baby boy so the family can meet him. What kind of form would I need in order for me to travel with my cousin's baby?
Please e-mail me and I woild appreciate your help.
wonderful!!
Please send me a copy of letter of concent so that I may use it to travel with my children Thank you