The Dominican Republic sits in the same waters that surround Cuba and Puerto Rico, occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island it shares with Haiti. With a lush interior mixed with caves, chocolate-like Victorian houses and pirate lore, plus 1,440km of coastline at its island end, it's notable for the cable car up to Mount Isabel de Torres and the stunning Saona Island. Oh, and did we mention that the Dominican Republic is family-friendly, has the perfect climate and is affordable?