Spain's brave "New World"

The Spanish being the 1st Europeans to “discover the New World” have definitely left their marks on many locations but perhaps the most magnificent tribute to the Spanish Empire is the “Zona Colonial” a UNESCO site in Santo Domingo, capitol city of the Dominican Republic (DR). The DR was pretty much off the tourist path until the last decade or so ago. American travelers now flock to the DR for the sun and frolic of Caribbean vacationing plus the great value that can be obtained here.

Christopher Columbus described this lush land as "a beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys". He did not mention the splendid beaches but his statement is still as true today as it was in 1492. In addition to the natural beauty of the DR Santo Domingo also boasts some of the best preserved Spanish Colonial architecture in this hemisphere. Nestled along the Ozama River, the Zona Colonial region features cobblestone streets and an impressive array of buildings dating back to the 16th century. This protected region of Santo Domingo permits you to travel back through more than 500 years of history and architecture. Built with the wealth of the new world these impressive palaces, offices and warehouses have been converted into fascinating museums, quaint bars, shops, small boutique hotels and fantastic restaurants offering Spanish, African & Caribbean cuisine. The food, music and the energy of this section really comes to life when the sun goes down so plan on spending an evening here.

I stayed at a nearby beach resort and day tripped into the capitol city but if you yearn for the big city life then plenty of hotel options are available.

Mexico’s Colonial Trail also offers another excellent example of Spain’s New World but that is a whole new story to cover in a later post.

So yes you can still get your tastes and flavors of Europe in the New World. In addition to these wonderful destinations there are plenty of locales in the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America that still have the feel and flavor of Europe and beyond.

For vacation packages to Victoria BC, Quebec City or the Dominican Republic contact your travel agent or thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.