The Latest News From The Dominican Republic #GoDomRep

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Construction Starting on New Santo Domingo Hotel | Construction is slated to begin soon on the 117-room Hampton by Hilton Las Americas Hotel, located minutes from Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International Airport and operating under the Hilton Worldwide brand. The hotel caters mainly to the national and international business sectors and will be situated next to a main highway connecting it to the eastern part of the country. www.HiltonWorldwide.com Casa de Campo to Expand to Bayahibe | Rafael Torres, president of Casa de Campo resort in La Romana, announced plans last week for expansion into Bayahibe with new hotels and other real estate developments. Details and a masterplan are forthcoming. www.CasaDeCampo.com.do Puerto Plata Tour Company Earns “Best Innovative Tour” Designation | Carnival Cruise Line named Outback Adventures in Puerto Plata the “Best Innovative Tour” in the Caribbean for its first-class customer service and creative, innovative tour offerings for cruisers stopping in the Amber Cove port.www.OutbackSafari.com.do  Cruise Tourism Strong in La Romana | La Romana has established itself as a stronghold of Dominican Republic cruise tourism, according to ASONAHORES President Simón Suárez. In 2015, 64.4 percent of Dominican Republic’s 461,822 total cruise passengers arrived to the port of La Romana, according to statistics from the National Office of Statistics. www.ASONAHORES.com

Explore upcoming events in Dominican Republic: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com/events/upcoming

Travelore Tips For Planning 3-Day Weekends

In fact, 68 percent of Americans would rather embark on a bucket-list trip than get a big promotion, according to a Hampton by Hilton survey. Credit: Hampton by Hilton

The arrival of warm weather signals the season of three-day weekends and more people are using that time to travel. Whether it's three glorious days off due to a holiday, summer office hours or simply cashing in on precious PTO time, weekend warriors are taking advantage.

This weekend travel trend may be attributed to more people "working to live" rather than "living to work." In fact, 68 percent of Americans would rather embark on a bucket-list trip than get a big promotion, according to a Hampton by Hilton survey.

These trips don't have to break the bank, especially when flying isn't always essential for a memorable adventure. Hopping in the car this summer is a cost-effective, easy way to jumpstart your vacation. According to AAA's 2016 Your Driving Costs study, gas prices in the U.S. are at a record low. With that in mind, this summer is the ideal season for road trips.

"You don't need a full week to enjoy a vacation. Many of the best times I've had with my family have happened on three-day travel adventures," says Kristen Hewitt, sports reporter and blogger at www.MommyInSports.com.

This weekend mindset has inspired a new travel segment known as the Seekender. Seekenders are bold adventurers who take advantage of the weekend to pursue their passions. Sound like you? Check out Hewitt's favorite travel tips to get the most out of every moment of your next three-day trip:

Target the four-hour mark
You don't want to spend two days of your three-day vacation traveling, so pick a destination you can access in four hours or fewer. Following this rule ensures you have as much time as possible to enjoy your destination. Plus, if you travel with kids, they'll be much more mellow and you'll avoid those "Are we there yet?" moments.

Select an accommodating hotel
Choose a hotel with a variety of locations so you'll be close to the action and attractions. With more than 2,100 properties globally, Hampton by Hilton is ideal for weekend wanderers.

Pack right, pack light
Resist the temptation to over-pack by packing for versatility. Don't forget to add a few accessories that transform outfits quickly, such as statement jewelry and summer hats. A simple packing trick to get the most out of the space in your carry-on is to roll clothing. You'll fit more in and eliminate wrinkles!

Free up the itinerary
It's tempting to pack as much as possible into three days, but you'll end up stressed and exhausted by the end if you do. For long weekends, select one main activity you want to do - such as a tourist stop, museum visit or day at the beach - and leave the rest of the time open for casual exploration. Spontaneity often inspires the best adventures.

Stay on budget and eat well
If you can cut down on your food bill, your entire trip will be more affordable. Look for a hotel that offers free breakfast so you can start your day with a full belly. For example, Hampton by Hilton guests enjoy hot breakfast and freshly brewed hazelnut coffee at no extra cost. When out and about, never underestimate the appeal of a picnic in a park - a more affordable alternative to restaurant dining.

Indulge your wanderlust and begin planning your next three-day weekend trip. For inspiration, follow Hewitt's Seekender adventures on HamptonSeekender.com and join the conversation on social media at #WeGoTogether.