My Holiday Expert

 

After watching this short video I realised where I have been going wrong all these years when packing for my holidays!

 

The Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean’s most popular holiday destinations and it’s not hard to see why. Miles of golden sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, lush mountains and breathtaking waterfalls are just a few of the things that package holidays in the Dominican Republic have to offer. The North Coast with its livelier feel is popular with families and groups whilst the quieter East coast is perfect for couples looking for a tranquil hideaway.

Places of Interest

Discovered by Christopher Columbus, Santo Domingo is the islands capital and is the oldest city in the new world. Wander through the old quarter full of colonial buildings, see the oldest cathedral in the new world and visit the house of Columbus’s son. A trip to the Santo Domingo Zoo is a great day out for all the family.

Experience Puerto Plata in the north with a fun-filled day trip. Take a trip up Mount Isabella on a cable-car and be blown away by the breath-taking views. Visit the San Felipe Fortress, the Amber Gallery, the botanical gardens and the Brugal Rum Factory. If it’s shopping you’re interested in then pay a visit to nearby Sosua for the beach-front market stalls where you can pick up a bargain!

White sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and swaying palm trees await you at Saona Island on the southeast tip of the Dominican. A thrilling speedboat ride, a chill out on a relaxing catamaran and a stop off at a natural pool in the sea where you can enjoy a tropical cocktail in waist high water make this a trip to remember!

Activities

See the beautiful countryside and glimpse the local village life on a Jeep Safari. Learn about the islands history, discover tropical wildlife and end the day boogie-boarding at one of the islands best beaches.

Ocean World Park on the north coast is home to numerous sea animals including dolphins, sharks, sea lions and stingrays. See a live dolphin show, watch the acrobatic sea lions and visit the bird sanctuary. Make this the trip of a lifetime with a dolphin swim.

Take a catamaran ride to Sosua in the north, home to one of the most spectacular coral reefs in crystal clear waters. Scuba diving is the best way to see the amazing marine life with most hotels offering introductory dive courses and more advanced trips for the experienced diver.

If golf’s your thing there are several golf courses for you to play a round or two. Casa de Campo on the south east coast is one of the world’s most popular courses.

Local Customs

The main religion in the Dominican Republic is Roman Catholic with small Jewish and Protestant minorities.

If you are visiting churches or cathedrals legs and upper arms should be covered.

Food & Drink

Food in the Dominican Republic is Spanish and African inspired. The main staples of the menu are rice and meats and the fresh seafood is superb. The fresh fruit is remarkable and bananas are cooked in many different ways for beautiful desserts. Most of the larger hotels will offer international cuisine. Try the locally produced rum to wash it down with!

Nightlife

Playa Dorada and Cabarete in the north have several bars, nightclubs and casinos for a lively night out. Merengue is the national music and you’ll often find this played out in the local bars. Most hotels will have an entertainment programme with theme nights, shows and discos.

Shopping

The island is famed for its amber and you’ll find plenty of jewellery made with it here. Also look out for larimar (a turquoise stone) and conch shells which are also crafted into jewellery. Local rum and cigars are also good buys. And if you enjoy the local sounds of merengue and salsa then be sure to pick up a CD to take home!

Currency

The currency is the Dominican Peso although US Dollars are also accepted. Major credit cards are also accepted.

Language

The official language is Spanish but English is widely spoken.

Flight Time

Approximately 9 hours.

Time Difference

GMT -4 hours

Transfer Times

20 minutes to 1 ½ hours dependent on resort.

Health & Visa Information

For current vaccination information and general travel advice from NHS Direct please click here.

Reference No:
526177-HAY

Deal Ref:
187723

Depart:
Dover

Destination:
Baltic Capitals

Dates / Times:
From 11/05/2010

Duration:
12 nights

Rating:

Room Type:

Inside Cabin

Staying In:

Board Basis:

Description:

On Board Norwegian Sun
Sailing from Dover to Copenhagen, Warnemunde, Tallinn, St Petersburg, Helsinki, Nynashamn, Dover

£679
Based on 2 sharing

Prices quoted are per person (unless otherwise stated) and based on maximum occupancy...

To book this offer, note reference number and call...
0182 347 8305

Offers are subject to availability.

Reference No:
522603-HAY

Deal Ref:
187323

Depart:
Gatwick

Destination:
Sharm El Sheikh

Dates / Times:
Departing 24/05/2010
Returning 31/05/2010

Duration:
7 nights

Rating:

5 Star

Room Type:

Standard

Staying In:

Tropicana Grand Azure

Board Basis:

5* All Inclusive

Description:

This beach hotel is set in extensive landscaped grounds overlooking the panoramic view of Tirana Island as well as the Sinai Desert and mountain. Like a mirage right by the coast, this hotel lies just 6 km north of Sharm El Sheikh International Airport and 18 km from the famous Naama Bay. Nabq features the biggest mangrove forest in Sinai and the most northern forest of the whole Red Sea-Indian Ocean region.

All the rooms include an en suite bathroom (with a telephone), a hairdryer, a balcony or a terrace, a kettle, air conditioning, a mini-fridge, satellite TV, a direct dial telephone and a safe.

The hotel offers a variety of leisure facilities including 3 unique swimming pools and separate children's pool. The hotel also features a private beach and marina. The health club features a sauna (reservation required), massage (once per stay), a steam bath, a gym and an indoor swimming pool. Games for adults as well as the Mini-Aqua park and a multilingual animation team keep guests of all ages entertained. Volleyball, football and handball are available on the beach, while guests are also offered aerobics, darts and introductory diving lessons (once per stay). A kids disco is available every evening, along with various entertainment programmes featuring international and oriental shows 7 days a week.

From £675
Based on 2 Adults Sharing

Prices quoted are per person (unless otherwise stated) and based on maximum occupancy...

To book this offer, note reference number and call...
0182 347 8305

Offers are subject to availability.

Reference No:
521509-HAY

Deal Ref:
186376

Depart:
Heathrow

Destination:
Sin City & The Big Apple

Dates / Times:
Departing 15/11/2010
Returning 22/11/2010

Duration:
7 nights

Rating:

3/2 star

Room Type:

Standard

Staying In:

Palace Station /Astor on the Park

Board Basis:

Room Only

Description:

Palace Station Hotel - Las Vegas, 4 nights 
Guests visiting this hotel can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and 'Vegas' feel of Station Casinos' original property. Renovated in 2007, the hotel features several bars and lounges open 24 hours a day, including the Track side Bar and Jack's Irish Pub. This 21-storey city hotel is a ideal place for guests visiting Vegas for fun and relaxation as well as for business travellers and comprises a total of 960 rooms. Facilities on offer to guests at this air-conditioned establishment include a lobby area with a 24-hour reception and check out service, a hotel safe, a cloakroom and lift access. It also offers a hairdressing salon, a nightclub and a casino, naturally. Restaurants, conference facilities, room and laundry services and a car park and covered garage parking are also at guests' disposal. There is a free airport shuttle available to all guest to this hotel.

Astor on the Park Hotel - New York City, 3 nights
Comfortable & classic, the Astor on the Park is sure to feel like your home away from home. Historic attractions & local shopping venues makes this the ideal travellers choice stay.
Conveniently located in the Upper West Side region of Manhattan and centrally located across the road from Central Park. Restaurants and bars are all close by. The hotel has a 24hr reception desk, business service, elevators, dry cleaning and laundry services. There are 117 comfortable renovated guests rooms each offering full en-suite facilities.

 

 

 

 

From £559
Based on 2 sharing

Prices quoted are per person (unless otherwise stated) and based on maximum occupancy...

To book this offer, note reference number and call...
0182 347 8305

Offers are subject to availability.