El Presidente y La Playa: Experience the Real DR

For some of us, the thought of going on vacation with a close-to-non-existent savings account is illogical. At my current job, I only get two weeks off for Christmas, and Lord knows I don’t want to be stuck waiting for a plane to take off during a snow storm at LGA.

But each year, I spend six weeks in the Dominican Republic for work and get the opportunity to travel on the weekends. You’re probably thinking tropical paradise, turquoise waters, piña coladas and sunset – and yeah, you’re absolutely right. But if you choose to come to DR based on gringo travel agency ads that tout all-inclusive resort packages to Punta Cana or La Romana, you’ll be disappointed to realize that not all Dominicans speak fluent English and are there to serve you night and day. Most importantly, you’ll miss out on the culture, history, and true beauty of the island and its people. If I’ve learned anything from my many travels, it’s to do it authentic.

Arrive in the capital city of Santo Domingo, what I like to call the REAL all-American city – it was here that Christopher (and his brother, Diego) Columbus’ home and final resting place lies (the Spaniards in Seville claim otherwise, but it’s still pretty cool to be in the same spot where our original founding father proclaimed this the New World… or India). As you step into the Colonial Zone, you’re immediately transported into 1492. Don’t forget to visit the oldest church in the Americas and take a stroll through Plaza España, where local bands put on a show for you to merengue the night away (take lessons before coming to the island – Dominicans LOVE to dance). It’s in this area where the bar scene is heaviest; a popular hangout spot for Dominicans is Doubles, a place where you can grab a beer on the back patio, or dance with a sexy local in the main room. Beers are cheaper than water in DR, so ask for the national Presidente and pound them hard.

Never stay in the capital on the weekends. The nearest beach, Boca Chica, is thirty minutes away by car, but it’s very touristy. Instead, head fifteen minutes further to hot spots like Playa Caribe, a natural cove where Dominicans pack their picnics and Presidentes for the day. During the summer, Orange throws the largest rave of the year here for 250 RD (about $15). As soon as the locals hear you were at the bonche at Playa Caribe, you’ll be in.

On our way to Playa Rincon

Another weekend trip is to Samana, which many consider one of the ten most beautiful beaches of the Caribbean. The new autopista gets you there in less than three hours, and passes through the beautiful Haitises National Park. Once in Downtown Samana, you can navigate down the dirt road to Las Galerias, a deserted beach where you can tip the night guard $5 to watch over your group as you build a bon fire and camp out for the night. Don’t miss out on the local whitefish prepared in coconut milk from an old lady who literally cooks from her seaside shack – fine cuisine for less than $15. Wake up early and pay a fisherman a few pesos to take you to Playa Rincon, a cove that leads right into the Atlantic Ocean. A recent weekend trip cost me just under $40, including rental car, groceries for two days, and all the Brugal you could want.

So next time you’re considering a resort package, check out JetBlue.com, pack some sunscreen, and take in the unspoiled offerings of the Dominican Republic. Happy travels.