Articles by Lebawit Lily Girma

From Buenos Aires and Lima to Santiago, Mexico City and the Bahamas, the holiday season’s sunny, temperate weather is excuse enough to venture out and explore in December and January. And these destinations offer many…

Twelve years ago, I vacationed in Jamaica for six weeks. I was a burnt-out corporate attorney in need of rest, a change of scenery and a prolonged escape from the rat race. Within the first…

Whether it’s a picnic for two on a secluded beach, spotting wildlife in a national park, sailing to offshore isles or staying in a cloud forest, summer weekends across the Caribbean offer endless options to…

Every year, visitors flock to the Colonial City of Santo Domingo to learn about the history, architecture, and characters of the first permanent European settlement of the Americas. After all, it’s where the Spaniards built…

If there’s one thing Dominicans are known for, it’s their deep love of music, dancing, and celebration. While you can witness this passion any time of the year, a handful of annual events — from…

The Dominican Republic is a melting pot of ethnicities, primarily Taíno, Spanish, and African. Throughout the years since the 19th century, the island has also welcomed a wave of immigrants from the Canary Islands, Italy,…

The Dominican Republic enjoys a vast network of modern highways, making it quite easy to explore the country on your own. Drive away from the beach resort towns to see a surprisingly diverse landscape, as…

Dreaming of those long beach walks and postcard-worthy photos you’ll snap as soon as you land in the Dominican Republic? You’re not alone. But there’s another side of the DR you should experience along with…

One of Santo Domingo’s biggest draws is its appreciation for live music. Merengue and bachata dominate, as well as son and salsa. But live rock and jazz also feature regularly. You can catch a performance…

Between chocolate bars, coffee and semiprecious stones, you might need a separate budget for all the tempting Dominican souvenirs and gifts you’ll want for yourself or for your loved ones. Here are the top items…