Dominican republic

It depends where you go. All-inclusive resorts and tourist hotspots such as Punta Cana can be expensive, but local restaurants, guesthouses and intercity buses help keep costs down. Head beyond the resort areas and you'll find more opportunities to experience the country on a smaller budget.

Long-distance buses are a comfortable option for connecting major cities and tourist destinations. Local guaguas and shared cars are cheaper but can be crowded and less straightforward to navigate. Renting a car gives you more freedom to explore remote beaches and mountain areas, although driving can be challenging.

Music, dance, food and baseball are all big parts of Dominican life. Merengue and bachata both have deep roots here, and you'll hear them everywhere from local bars to family celebrations. Sharing food and socialising are important, too, so take the opportunity to try local dishes, listen to the music and learn a few Spanish phrases.

Hurricane season runs from June to November, with September typically the most active month. You can still visit during this period, and you may find cheaper flights and accommodation, but there's a greater chance of tropical storms, heavy rain and travel disruption. Storms don't affect every part of the country equally, so keep an eye on forecasts, book flexible travel where possible and make sure your insurance covers weather-related disruption.