The DR is part of the second-largest island in the Caribbean, Hispaniola, which it shares with the impoverished country of Haiti. The DR side of the island is Spanish-speaking, and has enjoyed a relatively stable government for decades. Tourism has fuelled recent development.
Punta Cana, on the island's eastern tip, has long beautiful beaches (Punta Cana, Playa Bavaro, Uvero Alto, and more), and many resorts popular with families. This side of the island is on the Caribbean sea.
The North Coast has choppier seas but is popular for surfing, windsurfing, boogie boarding, and offers some nice opportunities to leave your resort and get out'n'about. The town of Cabarete is comfortable for tourism; many expats have settled here for sports, including kiteboarding. Susua and Samana are other tourist beach areas on the north coast.
Further west on the north coast, Puerto Plata is an area an array of resorts; many of the "name-brands" are located within the Playa Dorado complex.
The capital city of Santo Domingo, meanwhile, is the oldest European settlement in the New World, and is on the south coast; the lavish Casa de Campo resort is on the south coast too but further east, near La Romana.
The white sand beaches of Punta Cana; kiteboarding on the north coast; mountain ranges with horseback riding, river-rafting, and waterfalls; friendly people, carnivals and festivals, and merengue, a catchy dance that every tourist learns.
Also: the DR has been one of the least expensive spots in the Caribbean for all-inclusive resorts. More recently, the trend has toward more upscale resorts; however, the budget-minded can find some value-priced getaways.
This is still a "less-developed country", so even at a resort, think about health precautions. Be wary of tap water (even for brushing teeth) and raw fruits and vegetables. Check with your resort about its water supply and food preparation practices.
