How To Plan A Dominican Republic Holiday Adventure?

A good vacation needs good planning. To get the most out of your Dominican Republic Holiday trip and avoid problems, make sure that you have prepared for the trip at least a month before your scheduled vacation. Planning includes getting a visa or tourist card, lodging, your trip’s itinerary, buying tickets and of course packing clothes.

Visa or No Visa
One of the most important things that you have to check is whether or not you need to get a visa to enter Dominican Republic. There are countries that are tied with Dominican Republic so that people coming from these countries don’t need to get a visa. A tourist card is required for people in some countries to enter Dominican Republic.

If you’re a citizen of any of these countries, you don’t need to apply for a visa or tourist card to enter Dominican Republic.

� Argentina
� Ecuador
� Japan
� South Korea
� Uruguay
� Peru
� Israel
� Chile

Here is a list of some countries whose citizens are allowed to enter Dominican Republic for tourism purposes with a tourist card only:

� Germany
� Australia
� Bahamas
� Brazil
� Brunei
� Croatia
� Greece
� El Salvador
� United States
� Spain
� France
� UK
� Italy
� Mexico
� Russia
� Thailand
� Taiwan
� Venezuela
� Norway
� United Arab Emirates

Listed below are some countries that are required to apply for a visa before entering Dominican Republic.

� Saudi Arabia
� Cambodia
� People’s Republic of China
� North Korea
� Cuba
� Philippines
� Haiti
� India
� Vietnam
� Oman

Requirements and Rules

� Decree 691-07 states that citizens of the following countries: United States, European Union, Canada and Britain can enter Dominican Republic by presenting a tourism card.

� All visitors should have a valid passport.

� People who want to enter the country for business purposes must apply for a business visa, even if you are coming from a country which allows you to enter Dominican Republic with just a tourism card. Keep in mind that this card is for tourism purposes only.

� The approval of visa application is done by the Foreign Ministry which follows the established rules and regulations of the Consular Migration Department

� To extend your stay in the country, you can apply for an extension at the Offices of the Directorate of Migration.

Once you’re done fixing your visa, the next thing to do is to search for affordable travel packages to Dominican Republic. There are numerous packages that you can find online. The easiest way to get the best package is to decide on the places that you want to go. Check out the main tourist destinations of the country and choose the places that you want to visit. With these places in mind, you can easily narrow down travel agencies that offer packages to the places you’ve chosen.

It’s always easier to travel light than go on a trip with a bulky baggage. Dominican Republic is a tropical country. It’s advisable to bring light clothing and a poncho. If you’re going for an eco-trip, don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent and a pair of dependable sneakers.

Go to the Caribbean and have a taste of its very rich culture. Have a fun-filled Dominican Republic Holidays!

National Dominican Republic Holidays

Dominican Republic has no shortage of holidays. From regional fiestas patronales to national public holidays, this country boasts of a barrage of celebrations and festivities all year round. There are hundreds of holidays celebrated around the country, with each town or municipality contributing their own. But, the country, as a whole, observes only a handful of public holidays.

New Year’s Day – January 1
The Dominicans join the entire world in celebrating the passing of a year and welcoming the coming of a new one. Having a penchant for fun, feasts, and festivities, the Dominicans celebrate New Year in a manner unseen in the rest of the world.

Dominicans attach a lot of beliefs in New Year. Among the most prominent is their strong belief that it brings renewal to every aspect of their lives. They take pains to clean, and even repaint, their houses so as to invite good blessings. As the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve, doors and windows are opened to invite good luck.

Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day – January 6
Being predominantly Catholic, Dominicans observe the Epiphany with festive feasts. This day marks the visitation of the Biblical Magi (otherwise known as the Three Kings and the Three Wise Men) to Baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

Our Lady of Altagracia – January 21
Known in many different names like Our Lady of High Grace, Our Lady of Grace, and Virgen de la Altagracia, the Our Lady of Altagracia is a special day for the Dominican Republic as it commemorates the Protector and Queen of the Hearts of the Dominican People. It is celebrated every January 21 with vigils, mass and other church services, and of course, festivals. Central to the celebration is the more than 500-year old miraculous portrait of Our Lady.

Duarte’s Birthday – January 26
The Dominican Republic has a long history of occupation by Spanish and Haitian rulers. Among the heroes who opposed outside rule was one of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic, Juan Palo Duarte. In commemoration of his heroic deeds, the country celebrates the date of his birth every year.

Independence Day – February 27
Revolutions against tyrannical Spanish and Haitian rulers were attempted throughout Dominican Republic’s history. It was only on February 27, 1844 when the then Dominican leaders succeeded to overthrow the Haitian government.

Good Friday – April
Like other Catholic countries, the Dominican Republic observes the ‘Semana Santa’ or the Holy Week. Particularly for Dominicans, Good Friday, the day when Jesus Christ died on the Cross, is commemorated although the entire week is dedicated for the Lenten season.

Labour Day – May 1
Labour Day is a secular celebration observed in the Dominican Republic on May 1. On this day, most business establishments and schools are closed.

Corpus Christi – June (Thursday)
60 days after Easter, Dominicans celebrate the Corpus Christi or the feast that commemorates the institution of the Eucharist or the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Restoration Day – August 16
Or D’a de Restauracion, commemorates the country’s third independence. Although they won their independence in 1844, they were again occupied by Spanish forces in 1861. In 1863, militia forces gained victory over Spanish forces, thus leading to their liberation in 1863.

Our Lady of las Mercedes – September 24
The patron saint of the Dominican Republic, Our Lady of Mercy, has been celebrated in the country for the last 390 plus years. It is a non-working national holiday.

Constitution Day – November 6
The country first adopted its constitution on the 6th of November, 1844. This day is celebrated on the 6th of November.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – December 24 and 25
Christmas is celebrated in the Dominican Republic from the beginning of December to January 6, although proper celebrations are held only on the 24th – when families gather for the Christmas dinner – and 25th.

Holidays In Dominican Republic – Live Music, Festivities, Joyous Parades

Holidays in the Dominican Republic are as varied and as colorful as the country’s history. Most revolve around religion and are celebrated with live music, festivities, and joyous parades.

January
The Dominicans kick off their year on the first day of January, like most countries around the world. They are no exception to the festivities associated with the celebrations of the coming of the New Year. What is distinct among Dominicans though is their belief that the coming of the New Year should be celebrated with new things while discarding the old.

Houses are cleaned and dusted in the days preceding the New Year. Windows and doors are also open wide, as if to invite good things to enter the homes. New brooms are also bought to replace the old ones. These are placed outside the house for the rest of the midnight and are brought inside only the next morning. In many areas in the country, the Cocolo Festival is held by street dancers and performers.

On the 6th of January, the feast of the Three Kings is celebrated. This is followed by Dominican Republic’s most important religious holiday, the feast of Our Lady of Altagracia on the 21st of January. The month is ended with celebrations that honor the birthday of the man considered the architect of the country – Juan Pablo Duarte y D’ez on the Duarte Day.

February
The highlight of the Dominican Republic holidays falls on the second month of the year. It is called the ‘Carnival’, a celebration whose history dates as far back as 1867.

Carnival is celebrated throughout the month, on all Sundays, and climaxes on the 27th of February, with the Dominican Republic Independence Day. Every town in the country add their own twist to the holiday and everyone, local and tourists alike, are invited, in fact expected, to join the grand parades, street dances, and activities in most towns.

March to April
After the festivities of the preceding month, the Dominicans prepare for the holiest week of all. During this month, ‘Semana Santa’ or Holy Week is celebrated starting on the Easter Sunday and ending with the Black Saturday. Christian celebrations, however, coincide with the voodoo celebrations typical of the areas where Haitian migrants live and near the country’s borders.

May
The fifth month of the year begins with a holiday, the Labor Day. The Dominicans living in the San Felipe de Puerto Plata then celebrate the feast of San Felipe on the 3rd day of the month. The month is then ended with the feast in honor of San Fernando, the local Parton Saint of Monte Cristi.

June
June is marked by various celebrations in honor of the Parton Saints of different towns in the Dominican Republic. People living in San Pedro de Macoris celebrate the San Pedro Apostle de festival. On June 10, the Feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated in most towns. On the 13th of June, a religious festival held in honor of San Juan Batista is celebrated alongside the Fiesta Patronal of Sosua and Bonao, the feast of San Antonio.

On the first week of the month, Puerto Plata Cultural Festival is celebrated and on any date of the month, the three-day long Latin music festival kicks off in the Santo Domingo Olympic Stadium.

The Dominican Republic holidays continue throughout the year with celebrations from July to the last day of December.

Benefits Of Renting A Car

The benefits of renting a car surpass the need for buying one. People are not quite clear about the concepts related to renting. Typically, owning a car and maintaining it is far more difficult and expensive than renting a car since most of the rented cars are insured.

There is no need to wait for repairs. Rented cars are mostly maintained in the best condition possible and therefore, one can take long drives and enjoy comparatively longer drives without the fear of any kind of breakdown.

Space management is another issue that can be addressed by renting cars, as the ones that are owned might not offer more space.

There are certain things that must be kept in mind while renting a car. The person renting the car needs to be above 18 years of age. A driving license that is in use for at least a year will also be required. One should have a valid credit/debit card, so that there is no problem while making payments.

One should always study the vehicle’s running performance before renting cars. Renting cars from authorized agencies is always a better option. Most of the agencies require you to show your driver’s license and credit card before renting a car.

The car should be checked for any damage, leaks or other types of problems. Getting value for your money is a major aspect, therefore, check various car renting agencies and make a choice.

Why Go For Thailand Vacations?

With the thousands tourist spots around the world, why would you choose Thailand as your first or next travel destination? This country is so unique that it is possibly the only nation in the world that has preserved its culture despite its modernization. So if your idea of a perfect getaway is to relax on the beach, have a taste of delicious food, and soak up some distinctive culture, you should consider Thailand vacations.

Here are the reasons why Thailand is a dream destination for travelers from all walks of life:

1. Massages
The famous Thai massage usually comes cheap. A full-body massage can cost you only a few dollars an hour. Massage parlors are plentiful in this country but make sure you get one that offers legit and great massages. Once you enter a massage parlor, you’ll also face a lot of Thai massage choices � from reflexology to foot and full-body massage.

2. Delicious food
Thailand offers every tourist delicious and healthy food. Meals in this country usually include five various flavors such as sweet, bitter, sour, spicy, and salty. This is an ideal combination that makes every meal great for your taste buds. Among the ingredients that are commonly used in preparing Thai food are lime juice, shrimp paste, lemon grass, coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves, tamarind, coconut and palm sugars. Giving Thai dishes some punch are different chili peppers as well as cilantro and oyster sauce.

3. Canal cruises
Thailand is once called the “Venice of the East” because of the many canals running their way through the cities, including Bangkok, the country’s capital. Bangkok is in fact, a place where you can find a network of waterways. If you want to have a glimpse of the everyday Thai life, then it’s good to have a tour of these canals which head down to Bangkok’s main river, the Chao Phraya.

If a canal cruise isn’t included in your tour package, then you can just hire a boat for yourself. A Thai way of exploring these canals is through long-tail boats. Try this in your Thailand vacations and you sure will be amazed by Thai’s old lifestyle despite the modernization in the city proper of Bangkok.

4. Cultural sights
When it comes to cultural attractions, Thailand has so much to offer. It has a lot of places, museums, and temples that sure will astonish you. You shouldn’t miss the Grand Palace which was built in 1782 to serve as the king’s residence. For 150 years, this palace has also been the home of the Royal Court and the government’s administrative seat.

5. Magnificent beaches
The country’s main attractions are its beautiful beaches. Phuket is the country’s most famous beach destinations. It is Thailand’s largest island with numerous major international resorts. Since it’s popular, this island is crowded with tourist and it isn’t really perfect to those who are looking for a relaxing escape. If you want to stay away from the crowd, you can try to go to Bon Island, which is a wonderful island paradise. With its warm water, soft sand, and rich marine biodiversity, it has become a great site not just for swimming but also for snorkeling.

These are the things that make Thailand vacations perfect for almost all kinds of travelers. What’s even better is the strength of dollars compared to Thai baht, which means your bucks can really go far in this place.

Last Minute Travel Club

Last Minute Travel Club

A travel club is ideal when you don’t want to enjoy your vacation alone and you’re willing to mingle with other people and build new friendships on the road. If you’re racing against the clock, here are a few tips to get you the best travel club for your needs in an instant.

What’s the Next Trip?

Not everyone has the luxury to enjoy vacation leaves any time of the year. Dates have to be planned, reserved, and they need to meet the approval of your employer or won’t create problems with your business schedule.

The first thing you need to consider when searching a travel club at the last minute is its next scheduled trip. This is especially important when the date of your vacation leave is just mere days away. The next trip must coincide with those dates or there’s no point joining that particular club.

Secondly, consider the costs of the scheduled trip. Can your budget accommodate it? Bankrupting yourself because of last minute travel plans isn’t just impractical but unnecessary, too. You will find a travel club of your liking and one you can afford. Believe that. Just be patient!

Consider the nature of the trip as well as the activities involved. Again, there’s no point joining a travel club when none of its scheduled trips appeal to you. Find one that matches your interests.

Requirements for Joining

For better chances of success and enjoyment, choose a travel club with specific requirements for its members. Such requirements further ensure that members are of like mind and there’s a higher probability that members will find equal enjoyment in the club’s scheduled trips.

If there’s a membership fee being charged, how much is it? Can you afford it? What are your payment options? Can you pay it by installment or via credit card? What’s the estimate completion time for the entire joining process? Will you make it in time for your scheduled vacation leave? If you have a few people in mind who you’d like to join a travel club with you, do you think they’ll be able to comply with the requirements?

Type of Company

One other important thing you need to consider is the company you’ll keep while traveling. In some cases, travel clubs allow people of all walks of life to get together. This is both potentially exciting and troublesome. Are you ready for either consequence?

If you want to be safe rather than sorry, you should be more patient in searching for a travel club. Soon, you’ll find one with a requirement that ensures its members have certain similarities for each other. There are travel clubs based on a certain profession like architects and doctors. Other travel clubs are made up of members from a specific geographic area, like a particular city or state. A few could be based on your nationality, the high school you graduated, or something else. What’s important to know is whether these requirements can make the trip more enjoyable for you.

Rules and Regulations

Finally, consider the other rules and regulations the travel club has. These could curb or enhance your enjoyment so pay attention to them. They could make a huge difference with your future travel plans. Read the fine line before signing on the dotted line. If you’re satisfied then congratulations! You’ve found the travel club you need.

Checking Out The Alamo Car Rental

One of the most popular and reputable car rental service in the country is the Alamo Car Rental company. It is highly recommended not only through word of mouth, but in the internet as well. The Alamo car rental company is actually a blessing to constant travelers, especially those seeking a way to make their travels be as comfortable as possible, it is best to check out the Alamo car rental company and find out for yourself if they really as good when it comes to their services as they claim to be.

The Alamo car rental company actually gives its customers varied service programs that they can choose from, from corporate programs to governement contractor programs to meeting and events probrams. Alamo car rental has your back (plus your head) covered. They can actually provide you with whatever vehicle that you will want (depends on what you actually need that time).

Aside from quality service, Alamo car rental actually prides itself for being able to deliver unbeleivably cheaper rates (as compared with their rival car rental services agency) which just goes to show how Alamo car rental has been devoted to its consumer public. By sticking to cheaper rates, Alamo car rental agencies actually give their clients a good value for their money.

Alamo car rental is also a good choice for businessmen who are jetting off from one state to another, rather, from one country to another (thus the need for the private vehicle). They actually provide businessmen an exclusive and unique “business travel program” which obviously is just focused on delivering the needs of valued and busy businessmen.

Certain Alamo car rental policies and guidelines include the following:

Informing them about an additional driver as well as any disabilities or sickness and complications.
Your credit card number, basically how you’re planning for Alamo car rental’s excellent service.
Proper papers, licenses and identification cards.

Well there are actually a lot more, But its really best to highlight the more important ones. The Alamo car rental service adheres these strict rules and guidelines in order to maintain service efficiency and their good reputation to the public.

Contacting them is actually just a breeze, if you’re not able to locate their listed number in the directory, you can just search for their number instead, on the internet. The internet has a varied and incredibly enormous array of lists that will inevitably lead you to the Alamo’s car rental service’s number. However, you can also reach them through electronic mail and online. Geared towards providing unparalleled service to its loyal customers as well as those who are still looking for a car service rental that they want to try out, Alamo car rental has provided the public with various ways of being able to reach them.

And speaking of trying their best to give their customers great service, Alamo car rental has actually equipped their cars with other services that might possibly prove to be very useful to their clients. Upon request, one may avail of the various “add-ons” that only Alamo car rental can provide. From carphones to kiddie chairs. Alamo car rental service has prided itself for always being in the forefront of the car rental industry. Be sure to check the out once you’re having some car rental problems, they”re sure they can help you out.

Alaska Glacier Cruise Experience

Alaska is truly a special place, it has been said that the people that chose to live in Alaska are trying to run away from something and avoid it, or that these people are trying to get as far away from society as they possibly can. Alaska is still, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful states in the USA. The impressive mountains, the snow and ocean power make many people come visit Alaska to see and experience it first hand, you will be surprise to learn how many people choose Alaska as their vacation destination.

This place is chosen because of its difference form anything else, it is unlike any other state in the U.S., and in fact it is unique to anywhere else in the world.

Many people who experienced the close contact with the Alaska glacier will tell you that it is an experience unlike any other and that the visit to the glacier is a close look at something amazing, most of the people who just looked at a glacier form far away are not aware of this since they have not seen the glacier from that close, it is truly a once in a lifetime experience. The numbers talk for themselves, as many tourists to Alaska as flocking to the Alaska glacier cruise.

Unfortunately the weather conditions and some new threats are making the glaciers something that needs to be seen now, and not something that we can assume will always be there for us to visit, the global warming effect is just starting to claim it very high toll on the glaciers and because of its effect we know that many glaciers are losing great parts and melting into the ocean. Other problems that raise a serious concerned for the glaciers are new decisions by the U.S. congress makes difficult decisions about the right to drill in glaciers. This situation causes some people to go and see the wonder before it will be gone, or even out of a great concern to the environment.

The way to travel to the glacier by cursing next to it and slowly observing every activity that is happening around it or on it is just perfect, not only perfect it is the natural way to observe these giants since they also have a rhythm of their own, and not rushing to watch the whole glacier as fast as possible will provide you with a much more fulfillment than any other way. This travel method does cost a little more and demands more time, but it is certainly worth it.

There is a very good chance that in your cruise you will witness very special events that take place on the ground, Alaska has an abundance of wildlife and seeing the wild animals in their natural habitat, behaving as they would weather or not you would have been cruising in a considerable distance from them is something as unique as the glacier visits.

In conclusion, the Alaska glacier cruise has something unique to offer, it can be a special vacation for you and you family, the cruise itself is an experience and the glaciers are phenomenal, enjoy this remarkable way to travel and you will not forget it for the rest of your life.

All Inclusive Cruises – The Complete Vacation Experience

With all the cruise offers out there in the market, there are everyday more and more people demanding the complete cruise vacation experience. All inclusive cruises born in the fashion of all inclusive vacations, with the goal of providing all the services and offering significant savings at the same time. An all inclusive cruise is a sort of a “just pay and relax” vacation. No extra worries before or after the cruise, the right kind of cruises for people who have all budget planned.

Most cruises are in a way all inclusive, because the price usually includes all the basic stuff like rooms, basic meals, etc. But all inclusive cruises take it a step further and their programs feature full trips and excursions at the cruise destinations, meals and fancy dinners, aboard-cruise activities, beverages and night entertainment. More expensive packages go as far as providing alcohol, shore excursion, scuba equipment and more.

You should keep in mind what type of vacation you are going to have in order to choose the right all inclusive cruises. There are packages to meet every need: family cruises, adult-only, golf cruises, honeymoon cruises, spring break cruises and many more. You definitely won’t run out of options.

When choosing all inclusive cruises for your vacation, be sure to check all the offers available according to your budget. There are a lot of options because there are a lot of cruise ships as well. Searching in internet can result in a whole set of varied offers that you can then search more deeply. You may also like to contact a travel consultant who will be of immense help to find the perfect all inclusive cruises for your vacation.

In the end, remember that all inclusive cruises are the perfect way to have a no worries cruise vacation. Just take your time choosing the right package for you and you are guaranteed to have the time of your life.

A Cruise Review To Envision The Cruise Ship Experience

If you want to go on a vacation with great options, you might consider taking a cruise. If you have never been a cruise ship before and you are not sure whether it would be perfect for you, read on. The cruise ship experience will be much clearer after you read this cruise review.

This article will not be endorsing or promoting a particular cruise line, but will just give you some glimpses of what cruise lines are offering to cruise passengers. This includes cruise destinations, various ranges of prices and amenities available.

In some cases cruise lines will proved an option of a pre or post-cruise stay at a hotel in the town where you embark or disembark. This is especially beneficial when you travel great distances to board your cruise ship. By using this option it actually affords you the ability to add on an extra port to explore before your cruise ship experience is over.

For instance, if your departure point is at Los Angeles, and you choose this option you will have time to visit famous places there such as Hollywood (the famous walk of stars) or Venice Beach (a funky hip beach town).

On the day of the cruise departure, you will be brought to the pier where your cruise ship is waiting for you. It will take about 45 minutes to an hour to check in your luggage, get your boarding pass and board the ship. Your room steward will meet you and this is when you should tell the steward if you have any special needs or requests. For instance, I like two bath towels and a bucket of ice each afternoon. They want to make you happy so don’t be shy.

It may take a couple of hours for your luggage to arrive so grab some lunch and then tour your cruise ship. Make any beauty and spa appointments now, on some days, like formal nights appointments sell out. Consider making these appointments on port days, especially if you have been to that port before. The salon/spa offer discounts if you book on those days. Roam around the first afternoon to see what delights are in store for you during your cruise ship experience.

You can enjoy several relaxing moments in the spa. Celebrity has what they call a Thalassotherapy pool, Princess has a swim against the current pool and Carnival has the giant slide into the outside pool. If you feel that you want to burn up some calories after all the wonderful meals, go to the fitness center which is equipped with modern state of the art equipment. Or you may feel like strolling around the promenade in that fresh salt air.

There are swimming pools aboard, both for adults and kids. Deck chairs and benches are also provided if you just want to watch your children enjoying the water in the pool.

Entertainment is also present in your cruising vacation. A state-of-the-art theater is provided for on-board entertainment. There will be Broadway like productions and children-oriented programs that are new and different everyday..

In case you are looking for a different entertainment, you can go to several theme bars or disco with live music open until the wee hours of the morning.

If you want to try your luck during your cruise travel, then there is an on-board casino where it features different games similar to what you see in Las Vegas.

There is a shopping center where you can find personal items and other things that you need while you are on-board. Here’s one cruise tip, try to pack things like Rolaids, bandages and toothpaste from home; they are expensive on the cruise ship

Library and recreation centers are also found on the cruise ship. Almost all cruise ships have a lending library and most have a room for playing bridge.

Food is one of the vital services offered by cruise lines. The best chefs from around the world are hired to prepare and cook excellent meals to ensure that your on-board dining experience will be truly memorable.

There are formal dining areas, which have a formal dress code on certain nights.
If you are looking for more informal style of dining, there are snack bars, cafeteria, and a pizza parlor on-board, which generally are opened for meals on extended hours. Many times the cruise lines close down one half of their Lido café (this is where they have the buffet lunch and dinner) to offer a casual place to dine but they still use a menu and servers. All of the food, no matter which style you choose are covered in the cruise prices.

Cruise itineraries generally include stops at different ports each or every other day, depending on the schedule of the cruise ship you chose. You have the option of either staying aboard the ship or you may disembark to join other passengers on a guided tour. You are also free to explore on your own at each stop, but make sure you know the departure time of the ship.

Booking a cruise is simple. To get the best advice on cruise ships use the services of a travel agency. Read cruise reviews that you can find online to familiarize yourself on what each cruise line offers. Or, if you are already savvy to cruising, log on to the official site of a particular cruise line to check on itineraries and prices.

You will be provided information about destinations and cruise packages that are affordable. Discounts and special offers are also available for passengers.

Hopefully, this cruise review will give you some insight into what delights you will find during your cruise ship experience.