In this article we give practical tips and answers to any questions you may have before traveling to the Dominican Republic.

- What to carry in my luggage to the Dominican Republic?

The temperature is pleasant in the country, so cools clothing (algondón and linen) and comfortable is the most appropriate thing to go. Bring a suit if you plan to go out at night, Dominicans wear out very well and it is required in elegant sites. For men pants if you’re going to do some cultural visits to cathedrals or churches. If you’re going to visit some National Parks in the Central Cordillera in your luggage includes warm clothing, hiking boots and a raincoat.

- Santo Domingo and the Dominican Republic is a safe place?

Throughout. It is one of the safest countries in Latin America. The delinquency rate is recorded towards tourists is practically nil. In Santo Domingo, capital must take some precautions in the busiest places, but nothing more normal than you do in your day to day in your city. The number of Police for the whole country is 911.

- Traveling with children is recommended?

Of course, this is a paradise for children and will always be grateful that you have taken them with you to the Dominican Republic.

- Do we need any vaccinations to travel to Dominican Republic?

No, not even advisable. There is no risk of disease or infection in any of the provinces. However we strongly recommend hiring a medical insurance before traveling to the Dominican Republic. Public health does not exist and good private schools tend to be expensive. For any ailment or ill-being during your trip will be covered by your insurance. Travel agencies offer very comprehensive insurance today that apart from having health coverage, they have other coverage such as loss of baggage, theft, etc …

- Women can travel alone to the Dominican Republic?

Without any problem. On the contrary, you feel you can often flatter with praise typical Dominican men and so spontaneous form of seduction.

- Does it work and, is my mobile phone or cell phone from the Dominican Republic?

It depends on your GSM operator and contract you have (check with your operator). All phones triband, are covered from the Dominican Republic so you can attend to your calls as usual. There are some areas in the country with no coverage, especially in the areas south and west. It is best to leave your mobile phone or pager at home…. well save you some annoyance if someone calls you in any wrong time (time difference). In some hotels, international calls are often very expensive, check prices before calling the operator.

- Do I have to tip at restaurants?

Restaurants usually add 10% directly by the service they then shared among the staff. If you have received exceptional service or is not included 10% service, it is appropriate to tip.

- Is it safe to drive on the roads in the Dominican Republic?

Yes it is pretty safe. Their accident rates are not high and the Dominicans are driver’s patients. Care should be taken as some roads are in poor condition. In cities and towns do pay attention to the large number of bikes and pedestrians. If you rent a car, check what type of insurance covers your contract. We recommend you always rent a car in the form of “Full Inclusive (included) with full insurance.

- How do the taxis?

In the cities of Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata and Santiago there are taxi ranks in the main streets and in all hotels. Very few have taximeter so close and we must agree on a price before starting the march.

- Can you travel safely by public transport?

Sure, it is very good and effective among large cities. From any of the bus stations (buses) leave hundreds of buses to all cities and major points of the island. Purchase tickets at the “Express” make fewer stops and are well equipped with air conditioning and of course always loud music. There are transport companies such as Metro (which also has comfortable buses operating between major cities. The public cars are another cheap way to travel in the city and of course the “motoconchos” private motorcycle taxis that carry you where you want …

- What companies fly between cities in Dominican Republic?

Currently Air Santo Domingo is the company that offers more flights between major cities and tourist spots.

- What I’ve preferred currency € euros or U.S. $ Dollars?

If you come from Europe rather than directly bring in € euros. If traveling from Latin America or the United States come with U $ Dollars. Currency exchange offices usually have better conversion rate at the hotels. Never change at casinos usually charge exchange rates and commissions really high.

- Can I drink water directly from taps and faucets in hotels?

No. I never drink water in any hotel or public source. Only bottled Bebela. You also have the option of tasting the delicious tropical fruit juices. Mango juice, grapefruit juice (grapefruit), juices from China (a sour orange), and guava juice and so on. Take medication to cut diarrhea. It is very possible that with so much juice you have diarrhea. Nothing happens….. Is so fun and funny sometimes . If you get diarrhea is normal, your metabolism is not used to so abundant consumption of juices but there the body asks us to GET optimal level of hydration. If you get a fever of course go to the doctor.

- Can drinking and smoking drugs in the Dominican Republic?

Drugs are heavily penalized in the country. There are harsh penalties, including imprisonment, for any citizen or tourist who stops carrying or taking drugs.

- What precautions should I take when sunbathing?

If you’re going to expose to the sun for some time, carry very high protection creams. Even the higher you normally use. The sun on the beach is very strong despite the sensation of heat is not high. If you are someone who all mosquitoes and other insects bite you, take no lack insect repellent, especially if you’re going to be close to the wetlands of some parks.

From Gothenburg we follow the coastline going north and soon we will find the most beautiful nature and small fishing villages. We will reach the village Fjällacka where you find a lot of small restaurants, fishing market, shops, and a guestharbur with 100s of tourist vessels seeking shelter trough the nights. But the tourist not only looks for shelter from the North Sea – they also do entertain themselves in the small restaurants and pub’s and discotheques in the harbor.

We keep going north meeting the amazing archipelago at the islands Orust and Tjörn – and then take a little turn to a most fantastic little town called Lysekil. Here you find an ice free harbor and also the only really fjord in Sweden, Gullmarsfjorden. This is the best diving water in Sweden You can see up to 30 meters in the deep waters, and dive for your own mussels, making a great dinner in the afternoon. Also her you find a lot of seals resting at the rocky islands. In Lysekil you also find the red granite rocks where you can walk trough the fantastic national park Stångehuvud – feeling the salt storms coming in from the open ocean, and where nothing can grow, except small colorful flowers between the rocks, in the wind. And here you see the seagulls playing in the wind while you watching the ever ending waves rolling in to the granite mountain. This is one of the favorite places on the earth for many people.
After the Diving in Lysekil you do keep north and take a side way to meet the little fishing village Smögen. This is one of its kind and absolutely worth stopping for. You will meet thousands of visitors, especially in the well sheltered harbor, where the fishing weasels meet the most modern vessels and sailing ships. The tourists come from a lot of countries around the North Sea. And right on the bridge – over one kilometer long, you find almost hundreds of small houses that once belonged to the fisherman’s. Today it’s a big market for all kinds of merchandises mixed with restaurants, pubs and discothèques.
And when the hectic night turns into morning the visitors, that are still awake, walks out to the naked cliffs at the North Sea, where the light from the sundown still casts light into the ocean, and with a little luck you can see sea fishing float coming in bringing new boiled shrimps to get sold worldwide at the mornings fish auction.

And if we look north we can almost see the Norwegian border, but first don’t miss the two islands, Stora o Lilla Kosteröarna. After that we do keep driving north soon reach the little cost town Strömstad, located just by the Norwegian border. This area is today one of the largest market centers in Sweden.

Novi Sad (Neoplantae is the ancient Latin name) is capitol of region of Vojvodina (The Duke’s Land) and the second largest city in the country. It is situated about ninety kilometers north from Belgrade, on the border of Srem and Bachka, two Vojvodina’s sub-regions. The location of the city is on the Danube River bank and very close to northern slopes of Fruska Gora, the only mountain in the region of Panon Lowland.

The special and unique offer of Novi Sad is the annual EXIT Music Festival, which was established in 2000 with the primary aim to connect young people from Europe with young people in Serbia in the time when Serbia started to open itself towards Europe and the world. For past nine years of EXIT Festival, the number of visitors is increasing every year and is to be more than half a million in 2010.

Another famous item on the Novi Sad map is Petrovaradin Fortress which is dominating over the city from the south bank of Danube River, while the most, modern part of the city is located on the opposite, north bank of the river. Unlike the EXIT Festival, The Petrovaradin Fortress is very old, dating from the end of seventeenth century. The scenic views from The Petrovaradin fortress are just fabulous.

The Old Town is also to be mentioned with its numerous museums, church, theatres, restaurants and shops. It is unbelievable, but once you step on the corridors of The Old Town you have to feel the time reversed back in the mid nineteenth century. And it literally challenges people to explore it to the late night hours.

The two banks of Danube are connected with three bridges, but the most effective and the most beautiful is Varadin Bridge, a new built structure which you would love at the firs sight. It is bridge that was built in 2000, after NATO bombing in 1999.

When you get to the south bank of Danube, by the Varadin Bridge, you are at half way to Fruska Gora Mountain which is also a National Park. Some people call it The Jewel of Serbia, and they are right. The highest peak is Crveni Chot at about 540 meters. Fruska Gora can offer something for everyone. Beautiful nature is at the top of its offer and one should never come to Novi Sad without visiting Fruska Gora with its beautiful vineyards on every slope.

Beside what was mentioned, Novi Sad has so much to offer that can’t be placed in one story. Like people there often says: When you come here for the first time, you leave your heart here.

Why to visit?

Rome is a major tourist center. Among the most famous monuments are the Colosseum and Trajan’s Column. In Rome and the Vatican City. The historic center of Rome is included in the UNESCO patrimony.

UNFORGETTABLE …

Colosseum – remains the most famous and largest arena ever built by the Romans. Being initially a capacity of 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used to host gladiatorial fights and public performances. He remained in operation for almost 500 years, the last games being held there on the VIth century.

Pantheon – has this name because it was dedicated to the seven planetary gods, hence the name Greek Pantheon – “all gods”. With its absolutely perfect proportions, Pantheon was considered in antiquity as a “miracle Rome.

Roman Forum – is less crowded than the Colosseum but from a historical perspective, much more interesting as the center of political, legal and religious entire Roman Empire

Castel Sant’Angelo – perhaps the most fascinating building of Rome, started during the Emperor Hadrian, the castle was, until 1870, after the prison was transformed into a museum. Part of the UNESCO patrimony.

Vatican – in addition to being the center of the Catholic Church is an independent and governed by the Pope, including Piazza San Pietro, Via di Porta Angelica, Market Risorgimento, Via San Giovanni in Laternao and Santa Maria Maggiore, Campo dei Fiori, buildings Lateran and Castle Gandolfo.

Vatican Museums – include and the Sistine Chapel, famous for the frescoes of Michelangelo

Piazza Navona – is one of the most famous and most beautiful squares of Rome. Stretched full of terraces and artists who paint outdoors, Piazza Navona has no less than three wells. The higher the Fontana dei Quattro Fiume (Fountain of the four rivers). Each of the four statues that decorate this time is a river on many different continents: the Nile, Ganges, Danube and Amazon.

Basilica di San Pietro – This place is found where the apostle Peter Nero’s circus has fallen as a martyr of Christianity, in 349 completed cathedrals is richly decorated with mosaics, frescoes and art works.

Fontana di Trevi – was built by architect Salvi in 1735 and ended in 1762. This fountain is a perfect example of rococo style with dramatic effects – aquatic creatures marble, dominated by an impressive Oceanus. They say you should throw a penny in the fountain to be sure that you will return to Rome and that made throwing bucks desires are fulfilled.

Boca della Verità – Mouth of Truth “- is a stone mask concerns of a river god. Legend has it that who enters his mind and hand in opening the mouth and it will lose. Stone disk is found at the entrance of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

GASTRONOMIE

Italian cuisine is one of the most famous worldwide and is characterized by a wide variety of products used, as well as a great regional diversity. Pasta, pizza and various types of risotto are now consumed worldwide, but the Italians are in fact more varied.
Pasta – tortellini (ring-shaped), tagliatelle (ribbon shaped) and lasagne verde (version of lasagna in addition with spinach).
Parmigiano Reggiano is a type of Italian cheese, found worldwide and known to us as the parmesan.
Pesto – famous Italian sauce, prepared in restaurants around the world, was created in the region of Liguria. Contains the essential ingredients basil pesto, garlic, parmesan, sheep’s cheese and olive oil.

Risotto – Italian specialty, preferred in particular in the north and center of the country. Is to use a particular type of rice quality in oil or butter and then cooked by adding successive small quantities of hot water. Rice can be used in a variety of recipes, cooking with seafood or vegetables, which add cream and spices, including saffron famous.Risotto is a staple food in Milanese cuisine, which is the best preparation (the famous “risotto alla Milanese). Milan is famous for Panettone – a kind of very soft bread filled with raisins and candied fruit. Panettone is now popular all over Italy and is used especially for Christmas.
Pizza – Neapolitan original recipe, pizza is now present in all countries and is one of the symbols of globalization. Authentic Neapolitan pizza contains mozzarella, peppers, onions, sausage, anchovies and tomato sauce and is loved everywhere.
Gnocchi – like some meat balls, made of a mixture of wheat flour and potatoes, boiled in salted water and add to the cheese.
Lasagna – Italian specialty, made up of successive layers of pasta, cheese and sauce. Type varies depending on recipe cheese: mozzarella or parmesan.

Traditional celebrations

April 25 – Independence Day
May – Rome Tennis Tournament
June-September – Romanian Estate
June 29 – St. Peter, the national holiday. Solemn ceremonies are held in the Basilica of St. Peter and all other churches in the country
June – Festival of Flowers
September – Notte Bianca: a night of nonstop entertainment with shops, bars, restaurants and cafes open, concerts and shows across the Italian capital
October – Rome Film Festival

Is preserved medieval center today, and here you will find Castle King John, built in the XIIth – XVIth and St Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1172. Do not forget any of Bunratty Castle, the parks impressive, one of the main tourist attractions of Ireland. Two blocks from Galway and Cork to find cities, national parks Burren and Killarney, hills Moher.

Kilkenny: is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Ireland. Narrow streets, a castle on a hill located numerous old buildings and turn the town into a quiet space of history. Between 1641 – 1650 Kilkenny was a center of Irish resistance against the British and the Confederation of Kilkenny had their own parliament in the city.

In the center of this wonderful city are a many hostels, ready to receive as well as a fairly inexpensive hotel. Kilkenny Castle is one of the sights forever busy, and you can have an unpleasant surprise to sit for hours in line, but worth every effort. Then you can go shopping in Kilkenny Design Center, located nearby.

Kyteler on Kieran Street Inn has an interesting story: Alice Kyteler was once convicted of witchcraft, were burned to pray. The same fate had a family and employees, and the old building, now restored, is an excellent restaurant, which serves an impressive menu. And food, as those who said they were guests, is the best in Ireland.

Club 52, located near the river, and is a night club opened a few years ago and who won popularity in a short time, so every night will be packed. It seems that in the decoration of interior designers have used parts from an old French church, destroyed during the Second World War, visible in Gothic architecture.

Athlone: is found in the center of the country with a population of over 20,000 inhabitants, a small town and pleasant. Over time, Athlone has been transformed from a small rural village and a military base in industrial and commercial center of first importance. Here you will find the largest lake, near the river Shannon, a lovely place for nature lovers.

Kenmare: near the sea and the mountains of Cork and Kerry device, is named after the Irish “Neidin” – “little nest” or “little swing”, is an important tourist destination. The town was founded in 1670 by Sir William Petty. His descendants continued development of the city, which reached the current form, preserved today in 1775.

In this city there is a great emphasis on tradition and history. Kenmare is also a major center for local artisans and craftsmen, but also foreigners, who offers to sell products ranging from fabrics and jewelry, pottery, musical instruments, paintings and traditional.

Waterford: it is an industrial center, but offers incredible scenery, the land was crossed by the rivers Suir and Blackwater. The town was strongly influenced by the Vikings, and today keeps a medieval aspect, with narrow alleys, old houses and historical center.

Currently became an important port and commercial center, is known worldwide especially for Waterford crystal factory, which produces only handcrafted pieces. Tourists can visit the factory to discover the entire production process. By the seventeenth century Waterford was the second most important city of Ireland.

In September of each year takes place Waterford Light Opera Festival, cultural event which attracts tourists worldwide.

Galway: town passed in recent years by a massive reconstruction, and now is an urban center with restaurants, pubs, shops and hotels for the best quality, the most animated city of Ireland, after Dublin. It is a cosmopolitan center, but at the same time has a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. The city is famous for cultural scene – art, music, theater.

Every year international festivals held in Galway, known worldwide.

From here you can easily reach the Aran Islands, located within walking distance.

Some tourists are impressed by the fact that the Galway arts is present everywhere, heard music in pubs, and artists often work in public markets. Pass the River Corrib to reach the Claddagh, which among others is found locally famous Roisin Dubh (Black Rose), one of the best in Ireland, where concerts take place very often. The Claddagh you will find many ferryman, which can lead the Aran Islands.

Here you can stroll on Salt Hill Promenade, from where to admire the sea and where you will meet often with local people come out for a walk. In Galway there is an old university, the building is a classic example of Irish architecture quality.

But perhaps the best known part of town is Eyre Square (Eyre Square), recently restored, even if its new issue already stirred controversy.

An interesting feature of the town is the large number of Internet cafes, but you have internet access in hotels, bars and restaurants. For if you Galway is a city with an impressive history, it means it is not the latest developments. Moreover, it proved a very welcoming city for immigrants, especially due to growing needs of the workforce.

Cashel: next to the famous Rock of Cashel, is the most important historic site in Ireland. Impressive rock, with castle ruins above the little church Cormac are main attractions. Two blocks from Hoare Monastery and the ruins are found, dating from the thirteenth century. Outside premises, you can get a meal on the honor of the best restaurant, Chez Hans.

If you want specialty Chinese, Indian, Italian Traditional Irish food you will find some of the premises spread throughout the city.

Killarney: is one of the most interesting destinations in Ireland, primarily due to the incredible landscapes. Here you will find Torc Waterfall, truly spectacular especially after a heavy rain. You can climb to the top of the falls, but the view is not as impressive.

After visiting the waterfall go to Killarney-Kenmare Road Muckross Gardens, gardens furnished in a style very “Irish” really wonderful. From here you can reach Muckross Lake.

Sligo: the village is situated in the north west of Ireland and is highly sought after by tourists, the city maintaining their medieval charm, with a mixture of historical and commercial center. Always crowded streets are lined by various shops and pubs, but you can relax a few minutes on a bench or one of many bridges. Most interesting is the center of town, full of life.

In Ireland you will find several beaches, but do not expect a tropical environment, but to something more interesting and specific places. Even if the weather is suitable for the beach only during the summer, you will find here many tourists from all over the world.

One of the beaches is rated Curracloe in Wexford, a long beach with fine sand and water very suitable for swimming and numerous sand dunes that make up an interesting image. Balbriggan are other beaches Morriscastle and very popular with tourists and locals, especially for landscapes.

Hampton coast region there is a seal colony, which you often see around the port.

Thanks for reading my post of Republic of Ireland.