EXOTIC LOCATION

If you are looking for an exotic location to enjoy a late summer getaway, or perhaps an autumn break, then you could do a lot worse than go to the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean.

The island was named as “hot for 2007″ by the Association of British Travel Agents’ (ABTA) members, and this year alone, bookings have increased by nine per cent for the destination.

ABTA’s Frances Tuke said: “The all-inclusive packages in particular have been a massive hit for families who know they have to stick to a budget as everything is paid for upfront, but the destination also offers so much more for the British holidaymaker.

“Not only are there fantastic beaches and watersports on offer, but if you want to get away from the crowds, there is breathtaking scenery in the form of rainforests, mountains and waterfalls. The cities also offer a vibrant culture that has a Spanish colonial past.”

The Dominican Republic is the second largest island in the Caribbean. It has the highest point in the West Indies, the Pick Duarte standing tall at 10,414ft, and also the lowest point in the West Indies, Lake Enriquillo which is 148 ft below sea level.

Christopher Columbus first stepped ashore the island, which he called Hispaniola, in 1492. Consequently, the south side of the island boasts the oldest city of the New World, including the first hospital, first sugar mill, and first cathedral.

The capital city, Santo Domingo has Columbus’ Palace, the Alcazar de Colon, the 22-room home of Don Diego Columbus and his family. It was built in 1510, and then underwent restoration in 1955, a wonderful mix of Gothic and Moorish architecture.

The capital also has a buzzing street life, which is quite unique. The streets are awash with colour and music, the finest example of which occurs during the Domincan Carnival that takes place between February and March.

The second largest city on the island is found on the cliffs above the Yaque River, called Santiago de los Caballeros or simply Santiago, but it is the island’s next largest city, Puerto Plata, located on the north shore of the island which has become the most popular tourist destination. Nearby Sosua, La Romana and Punta Cana to the east of the island also have a growing resort population.

The Dominican Republic also has some stunning landscapes, with much of the island covered in mountainous terrain. There is plenty for nature lovers to explore, from semi-desert plains to green valleys and tropical rain forests.

There is also the Cordillera Septentrional mountain range, which runs between the Atlantic coast and the Cibao valley. It was here that Spaniards used to search for gold. The Cibao Valley is also famous for growing, harvesting and marketing tobacco, and its cigars are an important income for the island. It is easy to arrange trips to soak up this nature from most of the island’s tourist centres.

But for many, the number one thing to do on holiday is hit the beach, top up the tan and relax. You will have no problem doing that in the Dominican Republic. With its characteristic laid-back Caribbean style, the island has approximately 400km of beaches to enjoy.

With first class All Inclusive hotels such as the Bahia Principe and the Riu Bachata it’s the ideal place for an All Inclusive holiday.

Package deals can be found for most of the white sandy beaches along the country’s northern shores, with the between Puerto Plata and Cabarete proving to long-standing popular places with sunseekers.

Unsurprisingly, the watersports are excellent as well. Snorkelling, sailing and scuba-diving can be enjoyed in the unspoilt water along the coast, or you could indulge in deep-sea fishing or championship golf along the north coast of Playa Grande.

Traveling has evolved over the years and tourists from all over the world are constantly looking at various different kinds of destinations to fulfill their vacationing desires. Exotic locations have become the most sought after tourist destinations with more and more tourists opting for places with an exotic and mystic charm. Of course when you speak of exotic, mystical or magical destinations, one of the foremost names that come to mind is the beautiful country of Iceland.

A North Atlantic Island which is the western most country of Europe – Iceland – offers tourists with an out of this world experience to make your trip whether for pleasure or business, one of the most memorable trips you will ever embark upon. Iceland is situated 800 kms from northwest of Scotland and 970 kms west of Norway and its northern coast is just below the Arctic Circle.

The Island country of Iceland is often referred to as the Land of Frost and Fire mainly due to the large glaciers right next to steaming hot springs, geysers and active volcanoes. Iceland is known for the unique phenomenon of having sun light almost 24 hours a day in June and dark for almost the same period in December.

Iceland has one of the most picturesque capitals in the world. Reykjavik with a population of about 200,000 in and around its vicinity has the distinct characteristic of not only being an absolute modern city with all the amenities and activities that a great world city needs to have but also at the same time offers a peaceful and calm atmosphere, very rich in nature and virtually no pollution which not many of the other top cities in the world can boast of.

Reykjavik is surrounded by the breathtaking and grand Mt. Esja. Also one can check out the amazing blue waters of Faxafloi Bay. On a beautiful day the Snaefellsjokull glacier appears crystal-like on the western horizon, while mountainous moonscapes spread to the southeast.

You can also take a wonderful walk and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at Tjornin Lake. Climb up Hallgrimskirkja Church tower for a panoramic view of the city. Visit the Pearl – an otherworldly creation with a viewing platform and a revolving restaurant on top of hot water storage tanks. Go for dolphin or whale viewing in the crystal clear waters surrounding the capital city.

One of the best things about Iceland is that unlike what the name suggests, Iceland has good weather most of the times. Most people have the misconception that Iceland is one of the coldest countries in the world with extreme cold weather. But the fact is because of the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys moderate temperature almost throughout the year. In fact the capital city of Reykjavik gets very little snowfall even during winters which makes it the most ideal vacationing spot.

Iceland is fast emerging as the tourist hotspot of the world. With its most beautiful glaciers, mountains, landscapes, amazing geysers and active volcanoes, calm and peaceful atmosphere, friendly and vibrant people, an excellent and most extra-ordinary capital city, Iceland has everything to offer you can think of for an amazing exotic tourist destination. So go ahead and do not waste any more time, book your vacation to Iceland immediately.