Tilley Western, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Don & Jan, Dominican Republic

"One of my travel tips is that if you must stay in one of those all-inclusive resorts, one day rip off your bracelet and hire a driver to show you the country you're actually in.

Here we are doing just that, on our way to deserted beaches, lunch with a local farming family that invited us in to share their meal, and a walk through Higuey complete with local market bargaining, watching dancers in the town square, and seeing the beautiful rolling green hills of western DR.

A refreshing respite from the resort, where, while comfortable, between bright red wristband and the guards at the gate, we sometimes felt like we were either in a luxury prison or a celebrity detox center."