Of all the destinations in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic (or DR, as it’s familiarly known) on the island of Hispaniola is one of the most dynamic. It’s flourished in spite of the recession: Punta Cana International Airport, billed as the Caribbean’s busiest, is adding a new runway (slated for completion spring 2011) while the beach resort region of Punta Cana continues to see new mega-resort developments and world-class golf courses like Cap Cana, architected by Jack Nicklaus. Kiteboard Cabarete, dive at Puerto Plata, or day-trip out to Parque Nacional del Este. A Dominican Republic trip is looking more appealing all the time.