SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Dec. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For snowbirds seeking sanctuary from the cold, there’s still time to book a Dominican Republic getaway to close out 2017 and take advantage of the country’s ideal year-round climate, world-class beaches, adventure activities and historic charm. With eight international airports, it’s easier than ever to book a last-minute Dominican vacation, whether you’re traveling with a special someone or with the family in tow.

“Dominican Republic offers more than just a beautiful refuge from winter weather,” said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. “From adults-only all inclusives on the beach to family-friendly accommodations tucked away in nature, there are endless ways to finish 2017 with a flourish in Dominican Republic.”

Whether your travel style is chic cosmopolitan, rustic and adventurous or beachy chill, it’s easy to plan an end-of-the-year vacation tailored to your tastes in Dominican Republic.

Bask in the Beaches

It’s no secret that Dominican Republic’s beaches are among the finest in the world. The pristine Punta Cana coastline is dotted with resorts and all inclusives that provide a paradisiacal home base for your stay on the island. Playa Juanillo beach is just a quick drive from the Punta Cana International Airport, offering a relaxed, breezy atmosphere complete with luxury lounge chairs and mini cabanas—the cherry on top of your Instagram-worthy escape from ice and snow.

On the north coast, picturesque Playa Grande is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. It’s the longest beach on the north coast, with fine, soft golden sand and rhythmic rolling waves that invite beach bums to sit back and relax with a good book or a cold beverage.

On the southwest coast, Playa Salinas Beach in Bani is just an hour’s drive from the capital of Santo Domingo. Deep blue waters summon beachgoers to swim or try their hand at windsurfing. After a long day of sun and fun on the beach, cool off at one of the nearby local restaurants serving up fresh seafood along with dancing and entertainment for the family. In Barahona, a three-hour drive from Bani, discover Los Patos, a photogenic beach with a freshwater pool created by the intersection of the shortest river in the world with the Caribbean Sea. The pebble-sand beach is popular with surfers who enjoy its fast-breaking waters.

Cultural Exploration in the City

Festival season is heating up in Santo Domingo, the capital city and cultural heart of Dominican Republic. The city’s year-round concerts invite visitors to take in the international sounds of an impressive lineup of bands and DJs. A free Friday night concert series in the capital’s historic Colonial City makes for a great night out with the whole family and an ideal starting point for couples and partygoers as they commence a night of sipping cocktails and dancing to merengue and bachata music.

Acquaint yourself with the city’s history in the quaint Colonial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the fifteenth century. Travel back in time as you wander along the charming cobblestone streets, or take the kids on a tour of the Colonial City by train ride. Open-air dining and high-end boutique hotels make for a romantic rendezvous, and historic sites—such as the first cathedral of the New World and the Columbus Alcazar—will keep visitors of all ages educated and entertained. Not far outside the historic center, visitors can plan a visit to the impressive ruins of the Monasterio de San Francisco, a sixteenth-century monastery that dates back to the time of Nicolás de Ovando. The ruins are also the site of a concert series held every Sunday by Bonyé, a band that plays a variety of merengue, son, jazz, and bachata. The weekly performance is known for getting concert-goers out of their seats and dancing the night away.

Awesome Adventure

Dominican Republic is the undisputed adventure and ecotourism capital of the Caribbean. National parks and scientific reserves cover a quarter of the landscape. The intersections of sea and ocean crisscrossed by rivers, lakes, forest and mountains make for a one-of-a-kind natural playground unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Thrill-seekers can soar through the jungle on ziplines or take to the water with stand-up paddleboarding, surfing or kitesurfing; the north coast is recognized as the Kitesurfing Capital of the World, thanks to the choppy waves off the Atlantic Ocean.

Any time is a good time for a diving expedition in Dominican Republic, with water temperatures that remain around between 75-82°F year-round. Scuba divers and snorkelers enjoy high underwater visibility as they conquer the country’s subaquatic playground.

Travel to the lush, mountainous agricultural hub of Constanza or Jarabacoa to explore the area known as the Dominican Alps, dotted with small hotels and eco-lodges for visitors drawn to the majestic mountain landscapes. This region’s peaks and valleys are best explored by mountain bike, or by booking a river rafting excursion down the exhilarating rapids of the Yaque del Norte River.

To learn more and begin planning your 2017 send-off in Dominican Republic, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

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About Dominican Republic
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches.

Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amber and larimar.

Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike.  Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website at:www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.