When traveling to a foreign country, it is always important to make your safety a priority. So, here are a few tips to help guide you while you visit the Dominican Republic:

• Practice defensive driving at all times.
• Keep well below "guessable" speed limits.
• Be on the look out for hazardous conditions when driving as well as when using resort transportation.
• Become familiar with the fine print of your insurance coverage.
• Know what you should do and who you should call if you begin to experience road trouble or are involved in an accident.
• Before you drive, make sure your spare tire is fully inflated.
• Avoid taking to the open road after dark as a driver or passenger of any mode of transportation.
• Make sure you and your passengers immediately produce your driver's licenses, passports and/or tourist cards when asked.
• Due to the recent unrest in neighboring Haiti and the ongoing unpredictability of the security situation, it is inadvisable to travel across the border to Haiti.
• Avoid unmarked street taxis.

• Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelery, unnecessary credit cards and other valuables at home.
• Lock valuables in the hotel safe.
• Use a concealed money pouch or belt for passports, cash and other valuables.
• Do not take valuables to the beach.

• Remember that medical care is limited.
• Carry two extra passport photos and a photocopy of your passport information page and other identity documents with you.
• Carry only a reasonable amount of cash or one or two credit cards.
• Avoid dark deserted places just like you would at home.