The Dominican Republic is characterized by its beautiful natural landscape, great weather, convenient flights, reasonable (sometimes strikingly low) prices, and ubiquitous merengue beats and dancing. Puerto Plata is the cheapest destination to reach and offers budget resorts and vast all-inclusives, while Punta Cana, on the island's easternmost tip, has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean (and more massive all-inclusives). A handful of resorts populate the remote Samana Peninsula, known for its lush mountains, waterfalls, and whale watching. Read more
