How about a trip to Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a large Caribbean nation, with only Cuba being larger by landmass area. It occupies the majority (c.65%) of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. The DR’s history, like much of the Caribbean involves Spanish occupation and an involvement with the US for a short period, all of which are reflected in the architecture and ways of life of the people on the island. Unlike much of the Caribbean over the past 20 years or so, the DR’s economy has continued to go from strength to strength and now has one of the fastest growing economies in the western hemisphere, boosted by a large tourism influx and bizarrely, the worlds 3rd largest gold mine! The vast majority of people heading to the DR on holiday will arrive at their large, well-catered, well-watered hotel on a glorious stretch of sandy beach, stay for a week or 2, and then go home. But travel a little further afield, i.e. inland, and you’ll find a rugged, lush, hilly country with great walking, biking and trekking, waterfalls, rainforests, sugar plantations and a much more laid back and authentic Caribbean way of life, far removed from the tourists and their tans.