Dominican Republic Advertises Budget Side

. October 14, 2008

SEPTEMBER 27, 2006. Destinations offering white sand beaches, azure-colored waters and breezy palm trees are the number one choice for couples looking to reconnect. Unfortunately, however, such destinations often bear expensive price tags.

Lucky for lovers everywhere, the Dominican Republic (DR) offers an unparalleled getaway across budgets - whether couples are watching their pennies, ready to go for broke, or somewhere in the middle. With a wealth of activities, warm and hospitable people and matchless natural beauty, it should come as no surprise that the DR is quickly becoming the Caribbean's top destination.

"We wanted to escape the rat race and just enjoy one another," said Matthew Stark, a recent visitor to the DR who, with his fiancee, found the country to be very romance-inspiring. "We looked at all the traditional destinations - Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica - but realized we would get more for our money in the DR." Between golfing, exploring Dominican ruins, eating at gourmet restaurants and simply relaxing on the beach, Stark and his fianc'ee fell so much in love with the DR that they now vow to return again and again. "It's our place," adds Stark.

As the Dominican government put an emphasis on fine-tuning their tourism infrastructure during the past 10 years, the country has become a top getaway for romantics of all kinds - from Hollywood celebrities to newlyweds to those celebrating decades of togetherness.

Among the top ten recommendations for romantically reconnecting are:

Exploring the 16th century colonial city of Santo Domingo 2. Day trip to Isla Saona
Exploring the caves spread throughout the DR
Whale watching
Dancing the merengue
Golfing on Pete Dye or Jack Nicklaus-designed courses
Taking a three-day trek to climb the DR's 10,000 foot mountain peak
Strolling the streets of Mediterranean Altos de Chavon or attending a concert at its outdoor amphitheater
Swim with dolphins at Ocean World
Glass bottom boat tour in Sosua Bay