Domincan Republic Beaches

Super fine white sand sprinkled with coconut palm trees line the Domincan Republic's east coast while golden sand defines the beaches of the north coast. Adding a third color to the palette are the grey sand playas of Barahona in the west. Some of these areas are populated with resorts featuring a full array of watersports, food vendors, people watching and other activities. While others take visitors to another world of pristine tranquility with peaceful, uninhabited beaches. Here, the only intrusions are a towering coconut palm and the swaying breeze.

Playa Sosua

Located on a crescent-shaped bay, Playa Sosua is a postcard perfect beach. Featuring a backdrop of towering cliffs, the waters here are calm, clear and a deep shade of turquoise. Playa Sosua is perhaps one of the Caribbean's most popular beaches, which may explain the crowds. However, with so much to do - shopping or eating in Sosua, snorkeling or even taking a glass bottom boat tour - the crowds are worth the visit. Sosua offers some of the North Coast's best diving. Not only are these sites home to countless varieties of tropical fish and marine life, but whale sharks, manta rays, and dolphins have also been known to make an appearance in these waters. Shallow reefs allow beginners to get comfortable with diving and the underwater world, while more advanced dive sites are only minutes away.

Cabarete

On the Dominican Republic's north coast, adventure seekers will fall in love with Cabarate. One of the top five kiteboarding and windsurfing beaches in the world, Cabarete's beach (often called Kite Beach) annually hosts an array of international championships. On any given day, visitors to the area will see the sky filled with hundreds of colorful kites carrying amateur and pro riders through the surf.

Playa Cofresi

Just a few minutes west of Puerto Plata lays one of the most breathtaking beaches in the Dominican Republic named for the pirate Roberto Cofresi. While Playa Cofresi is wonderful for bathing in the sun, the waters provide excellent bodysurfing and boogie-boarding opportunities with its choppier waters.

Playa Dorada

Located just east of Puerto Plata at the foot of the largest all-inclusive resort complex in the world, Playa Dorada is protected by reefs and features golf sand and warm waters. While anyone can drive into the Playa Dorada complex, non-guests have to pay for a day pass.

Playa Grande

At 1.5 miles long, Playa Grande, located near Rio San Juan, is one of the longest beaches on the north coast. However, the beach is impressive not only for its size but also its breathtaking beauty. While the Occidental Allegro resort is now located at one end of the beach and food vendors sit at the other, the beach in between offers plenty of room to spread out.

Playa Punta Rucia

West of Puerto Plata and just off the beaten path, Playa Punta Rucia boasts white sand beaches and beautiful mountain views. Popular with snorkelers due to the presence of a large coral reef just off the shore, Playa Punta Rucia offers a small selection of restaurants/bars and a peaceful lagoon that is good for birdwatching.

~Article source: Ezines

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Easing into Expatriate Life

Have you spent all your working life in a land-locked state? Do you dream of retiring to a foreign beach? Selling off, packing up, and moving abroad is possible. Just don't forget to do your research.

Ask yourself some questions about your dream country. Will it be easy to establish residency? Places like Panama and Portugal may love you, but think twice about New Zealand. You're not welcome there. Even in a residency-friendly country, you'll need to consider your nearest neighbors. Do they like America? Will they welcome an American? What about your new country's lifestyle? Does have it a Type B personality? Are you a Type A? Can you wait for a service or product?

And how will you get the money you need to pay for goods and services? Most expatriate retirees chose to keep bank accounts at home and use ATMS or wire transfers. Fees for these services can add up and may force you to keep a bank account in your new country.

Speaking of money, you'll need to consider taxes. As a U.S. citizen, you are still subject to this annual liability. You may also have to pay taxes to your new country of residence.

You'll need to test the waters. Follow your country in the news. Check out its climate, crime rate, and politics. Is there a coup every other year? Learn your country's laws and languages. Even if English is the primary language, there may idioms and dialects you never expected.

Visiting your new country may be the most important piece of research you do. Find a short-term rental and live like a local for a few months. Pick the off-season so you can enjoy the bad weather, the mosquitoes, the potholes, tornadoes, and traffic that tourists may never see.