On this trip to the Dominican Republic, I skipped the resorts and stayed in the capital, Santo Domingo, to get a feel for the culture, history, and politics of the island.

Highlights of my visit include Salsa Sundays at the incredible ruins (Monumento Ruinas de San Francisco), the chocolate and rum museums (ChocoMuseo and Museo del Ron y la Cana), the National Presidential Palace, Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria and Boca Chica beach.

I stayed at a basic hostel in the Zone Colonial called Island Life Backpackers'. I was able to walk to historical sites, bars, and good food spots.