Pick the best hotel for your family so you can explore the luscious history and tropical sunny weather of one of the world’s most beautiful islands.
The Dominican Republic offers a top value Caribbean beach getaway marked by rich cultural influences that create a distinctive and fascinating history. Not only do guests have the opportunity to embrace the astounding scenery on eco-vacations, but also get to know the culture at world-class hotels and resorts offering an intriguing variety of cuisines, artistic and entertaining attractions and, as Christopher Columbus put it, “a beautiful island paradise” simply like no other.
The Dominican Republic is divided into six major regions within the soaring mountains and deep river valleys of the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola (Haiti occupies the west coast). With geographic and scenic diversity, the DR, as locals call it, provides a variety of unforgettable experiences for any type of traveler. Here’s FTF’s guide to a few of the most popular family beach getaway destinations around Puerto Plata, Punta Cana and Santo Domingo.
Northcoast DR: Puerto Plata & Cabarete
With stretches of flawless beaches and azure waters, this region, considered the DR’s most “versatile playground,” features the popular towns of Puerto Plata, the wind-surfing and kiteboarding center at Cabarete. If you’re staying at a beach hotel in this region, consider a full day’s outing to the popular Jasmine Spa and Wellness Holistic Health Center (located at Tubagua, near Puerto Plata; phone 829/252-5272) for a mother-daughter, father-son or friend-friend spa day. For outdoor relaxation, try the beach treatments at the Canrejo Beach complete with a sand scrub, seaweed wrap and ocean dip before a shower and coconut oil massage. Facials, massages, shiatsu, hot stone massage and more round out the spa menu. Rates start at $149 during the low season on up to $249.
ClubHotel Riu Mambo
Bahia de Maimon
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
888/748-4990
$ – $$
The Riu Mambo offers 463 guestrooms and suites decorated with mahogany-colored furniture, tile floors and granite bathroom vanities. No matter the weather, you can regulate your room with wood-paddle ceiling fans and supplemental air conditioning. This family-friendly hotel also provides each room with a balcony or ground floor terrace furnished with chairs and cocktail tables, so parents can relax while watching kids play on the grounds. Some of the all-inclusive hotel’s complimentary features are buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner and unlimited domestic-brand cocktails at the hotel’s tavern.
Once you and your family fill your bellies, you can work off those homemade waffles with water sport activities and recreational equipment such as kayaks, wind-surfers and an introductory scuba diving lesson. On land, the hotel has tennis courts, beach soccer and volleyball, and a fitness center to satisfy your exercise needs. For kids, the Riu Mambo provides a variety of supervised activities and entertainment at the RiuLand’s Kids’ Club for children ages 4 to 12. The fun takes place over sports, games, arts and crafts and group dancing (evenings on a theater stage). If you and your spouse care to explore the nightlife within the area there is a childcare center for an additional cost. Some of the hotel’s late night entertainment includes Spanish style dancing lessons, an onsite casino and an air-conditioned disco where you can relive the 70s.
Sam’s Bar & Grill(809/586-7267), located in the Castilla Hotel at Calle Jose del Carmen Ariza 34, Puerto Plata is a family favorite. The All-American style restaurant is perfect for a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner. You and your family can begin your day by forking a hearty helping of fluffy pancakes, or digging into a plateful of bacon and eggs. This laid-back establishment accommodates to American tastes and offers entrees such as mama’s meatloaf and steak and eggs. Sam’s is ideal for the conservative eater and spender. If you come back for lunch or dinner the chef usually prepares more extravagant dishes such as chicken cordon bleu and a filet of beefsteak.
Over the past few years Cabarete has grown to achieve international fame, especially with a younger audience. The reason may be found on the town’s beach, ranked as one of the world’s top five kiteboarding and windsurfing destinations. So good are the conditions here, in fact, that Cabarete is regularly a stop in International competitions.
Casa del Pescador (809/571/0760) is another popular place for a dress up evening. Since 1988, it has served sophisticated entrees in an interactive and trendy environment located right on the beach! A few of the chef’s signature dishes are the fish consommé and creative variety of shrimp concoctions. On a hot day, the seafood salads drizzled with spicy Creole sauce and fresh lobster sauce are refreshingly savory.
Read more for an in-depth look at Puerto Plata attractions and the kite-boarding scene in Cabarete.
DR around Santo Domingo
While the Dominican Republic’s luscious coast provides relaxing seaside enjoyment, Santo Domingo and the South Central region serve as a more contemporary, energetic getaway for island residents and budget visitors. A a mix of the old and the new, it’s not uncommon to witness modern hotels resting on ancient cobblestone roads or to walk by a street vendor selling empanadas (a fried snack made of flour filled with cheese, chicken, or beef) outside a gourmet, expense-account restaurant.
Barcelo Capella
Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic
1/809/526-1080
$ – $$
One of the Spanish-owned Barcelo all-inclusives, this is one of the Dominican Republic’s most prominent hotels known for its waterfront view, economical offers and quality of service. Visitors of all ages can take advantage of the hotel’s nightly entertainment, extensive lineup of watersports, fitness and recreation programs, massage services, kids club and other amenities to ensure an enjoyable stay. For picky eaters and restless kids, the resort offers two restauants, three bars, three swimming pools, children’s park, sports tracks, and nightclub.
Quality Hotel Real Aeropuerto Santo Domingo
Avenida Tiradentes, esquina Presidente Gonzalez
NACO, Santo Domingo
809/541-6226
$
A branch of the Clarion chain, this budget-conscious choice is located on the cusp of the commercial and financial districts of Santo Domingo and is centrally situated close to many local attractions. located across from Las Americas Duty Free Business Park and next to the Institute of Technology of Santo Domingo. Hotel amenities include complimentary breakfast and outdoor pool. Rooms with two queen beds can accommodate a family of four. Ask for a room with a view of the Caribbean.
From a base in Santo. Domingo, many families like to use a rental car to visit other island beaches. Conveniently located near Santo Domingo’s airport, Boca Chica is a resort town whose beach is most popular among residents because of its soft fine sand and crystal blue waters. Scattered around the beach are a variety of vendors offering genuine Dominican cuisine, tropical fruity beverages, personal tours, and souvenirs such as homespun jewelry and artwork. Also, this beach is known for its calm, shallow water which makes it extremely kid-friendly for young children to play on their own.
Located halfway between Santo Domingo and La Romana, Juan Dolio is a relaxing getaway for both couples and families. As elsewhere in the DR, this town has its own unique culture, shopping, nightlife and, of course, flawless beaches. On Juan Dolio’s main boulevard, visitors can safely walk, jog or cycle, then head to San Pedro, hometown of the famous baseball player Sammy Sosa. While you’re in the area, you and your family can check out Kart Bahn, a racetrack on the highway to San Pedro where go karts can be rented for a fast spin around the track.
La Caleta is a green space with a popular beach and the Museo de la Caleta, a small building containing the remains of Taino tombs discovered during construction of the airport. Offshore, La Caleta National Underwater Park is the Dominican Republic’s best area for reef and wreck diving and presents scuba divers with an array of options. Small islands off the coast, along with a coral reef, make the beach’s waters less rough than in some areas, so underwater sightseeing is especially safe. Plus, two shipwrecks and the myriad of colorful fish draw divers from around the world.
Dining around Santo Domingo
With Sto. Domingo being a commercial center for the Caribbean and Latin America, fine restaurants are in demand. La Residence, located in the Hostal Nicolas De Ovando, is a historic restaurant that was once a mansion dating from 1502. It’s one of the few upscale restaurants within the area that offer a continental menu; sample the spit roasted lamb rubbed with authentic spices and served with bacon, garlic and vinegar sauce, or rabbit stuffed with bacon and mushrooms. A few Dominican dishes like roast lobster with wok-fried vegetables, pork chops with local spices and braised “Dominican-style” red snapper will please fussy kids.
Pat’e Palo’s charming location is reason enough to try this eclectic eatery. The restaurant, located at the Zona Colonial, overlooks the elegant cloisters of the Alcazar de Colon, where affable Dominicans flock together every night at dusk. The tables, topped with heavy wood, are either situated outside on the patio or within the historic walls of the dim interior. Aside from the splendid structure, the food is some of the best in the capital. Popular dishes include sauteed shrimp in coconut-curry sauce, or a brochette of meats that have been marinated in fresh spices and herbs, skillfully set ablaze at your table. At this sociable and appealing bistro, guitarists and musicians performs weekend evenings.
Vesuvio I (1/809/221-3333), located along the seafront Malecon promenade, is considered the most famous Italian restaurant in DR. The Bonarelli family have worked since 1954 to master and expand their menu. Specialties include Dominican crayfish a la Vesuvio (topped with garlic and bacon), pappardelle al Bosque (noodles with porcini mushrooms, rosemary, and garlic), and black tallarini a la crema.
DR’s East Coast – Punta Cana Resorts
Bavaro Palace Hotel
Punta Cana/Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic
809/686-5797
The five-star, all-inclusive Bavaro Palace Palace welcomes families to the clear, calm waters and pristine beaches of Playa Bavaro on the eastern coast of DR. A more upscale choice than the Capella in Juan Dolio, this one’s about 12 miles from Punta Cana International Airport in the purpose-built Bavara hotel zone. Let your kids roam free as you lounge in the embracing sunshine on two miles of soft, white sand beach. Punta Cana’s water is an exquisite cerulean color.
Whether you are or are not a a guest of the Bavaro Palace Palace, try their excellent Chez Palace a la carte restaurant, where reservations are a must. The contemporary Spanish style decor is classy yet trendy, and the formally dressed staff serves fabulous dishes, dinner only.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
800/635-1836
The Caribbean’s first Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, features the largest casino in the Dominican Republic with a 45,000-square-feet gaming space. The huge, beachfront vacation complex has 1,790 well appointed rooms done in a contemporary style, with double rooms with two double beds that most families choose. Enjoy 12 expansive pools, 4 swim-up bars, and 3 kids pool with flume waterslides. There’s also a Rock Spa and Hard Rock Golf to keep parents and older kids busy beyond the pool and casino.
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People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
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There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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As North America’s fastest multi-launch coaster, it’s expected to draw in adrenaline enthusiasts, including those from the group Busch Gardens Williamsburg Fans, which has been updating their Twitter and website with information on the ride.
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Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.