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Locals in the Dominican Republic have an underlying satisfaction with life that's as infectious as a cold on UK public transport.

And the sun-caked Caribbean nation is home to all things exotic - from quirky local cuisines to tropical mountain hikes packed with colourful creatures.

When it comes to winter sunshine - there are few places that can compare to a balmy 30C in January.

But it's not just the weather you should visit the Dominican Republic for, there are plenty of exciting things to see and experience too, such as...

(Image: David Raven)

That Caribbean happy feeling

As soon as our Thomson plane touched down on the humid tarmac at Punta Cana airport we were fist-bumped and high-fived.

Even workers didn't seem to stress about their daily chores, staff at the Sensatori all-inclusive resort were incredibly chilled out.

Whether it's the rum, sunshine or Caribbean culture, I've got no idea - but everyone we met seemed to be happy and stress-free.

No car to carry your new HD telly? No worries...

(Image: David Raven)

Meet the locals in their vibrant houses

Houses are decorated in bright colours to represent the owner's goals in life.

White homes represent freedom, yellow is money, blue is peace and pink is love.

(Image: David Raven) (Image: David Raven) (Image: David Raven)

And with just a short drive from Punta Cana you'll see hundreds of homes lining the streets.

Families are happy to greet you as most will sit outside enjoying the simple life in the sunshine.

(Image: David Raven) (Image: David Raven)

And bizarrely enough you'll likely see plenty of road side car washes - each one has a built-in late night bar and disco.

Go off-road and explore the jungle

(Image: David Raven)

The Dominican Republic is largely made up of mountains and rainforests.

And all terrains are full of plenty of exotic creatures to explore, from dozing donkeys to terrifying giant lizards.

(Image: David Raven)

Locals who live in the highlands earn their livings from growing coffee beans and cacao.

If you get a chance, then sample the Thomson Jungle Rally excursion, was definitely a highlight of the trip.

Visit one of the perfect beaches

(Image: David Raven)

You can't have a Caribbean holiday without having some chill time on the beach with an ice-cold cocktail.

The seas are clear and the water is warm, just watch out for the choppy waves.

At the Sensatori resort, you can step straight onto Uvero Alto Beach, where the butter-soft sand is dotted with four-poster daybeds.

There's also a day trip to the blissfully isolated Saona Island which is caked in white sand (cost £105.99pp).

See a Caribbean sunset or sunrise

(Image: David Raven)

One of the best ways to start your day in the Dominican Republic is by watching the glorious sunrise along a deserted beach.

And the best way to end it - is to chill out with a cocktail while watching the sun creep down.

GET THERE

Thomson offers seven night holidays to the five star Sensatori Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic on all inclusive for £1,082pp, based on two adults sharing and includes flights on the Dreamliner departing from Gatwick on March 21 and transfers. Book here or call 0871 230 2555.