LENA LOPEZ

Howell, NJ
Family, Couples and Group Travel Specialist

Hi!! My name is Lena and I love traveling!

I was born and raised in New York and now live in New Jersey with my family.  We love the outdoors; taking scenic walks around a reservoir, going for bike rides, laying out by the beach or just sit...
Learn more about me.

Dominican Republic Travel Agent Expert

The Dominican Republic, located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Here's an overview of what makes this country a compelling destination:Beaches: The Dominican Republic boasts some of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches, with stretches of powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Punta Cana, on the eastern coast, is famous for its all-inclusive resorts and palm-fringed beaches. Other notable beach destinations include Playa Bávaro, Playa Dorada, and Juanillo Beach.Santo Domingo: As the capital and the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas, Santo Domingo offers a blend of historical significance and modern vibrancy. The Colonial Zone (Zona Colonial), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, and landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor and the Alcázar de Colón (Columbus Alcazar).Cultural Heritage: The Dominican Republic has a rich cultural heritage influenced by Taíno indigenous roots, Spanish colonial history, and African traditions. Merengue and bachata are the country's national dances and music genres, filling the air during festivals and celebrations. Visitors can experience local art, handicrafts, and cuisine that reflect this diverse cultural mix.Adventure and Nature: Beyond its beaches, the Dominican Republic offers diverse landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts. The mountainous interior is ideal for hiking, with opportunities to explore waterfalls and lush rainforests. Jarabacoa and Constanza, located in the Central Highlands, are popular bases for eco-tourism and adventure sports like rafting and zip-lining.National Parks and Natural Reserves: The country is home to several national parks and protected areas, such as Parque Nacional del Este, Los Haitises National Park, and Sierra de Bahoruco National Park. These areas preserve the country's biodiversity, including mangrove forests, coastal lagoons, and diverse wildlife like the endangered rhinoceros iguana.Gastronomy: Dominican cuisine is a blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, featuring dishes like mangu (mashed plantains), sancocho (a hearty stew), and tostones (fried plantains). Seafood is abundant, with fresh catches often prepared with local spices and flavors. Visitors can enjoy dining at beachfront restaurants, local eateries (comedor), and street food stalls.Golf and Resorts: The Dominican Republic is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts, with world-class courses designed by renowned architects such as Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus. Many resorts offer golf packages along with luxurious accommodations, spa treatments, and access to exclusive beaches and amenities.Carnival and Festivals: The Dominican Republic celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year, including Carnival, which features colorful parades, costumes, music, and dancing. Each region has its own unique celebrations, such as the Merengue Festival in Puerto Plata and the Coconut Festival in Punta Cana, showcasing local traditions and folklore.The Dominican Republic's combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality makes it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and immersion in Caribbean culture. Whether exploring historical sites in Santo Domingo, lounging on pristine beaches, or enjoying outdoor activities in lush landscapes, visitors are sure to find something memorable in this diverse and dynamic country.     

My Reviews

Business Trip
I could not have planned my business trip to Chicago without Lena's help. I'm not one for details and all I had to do was tell her what I wanted and she took care of it all. She knew this was for business and made sure my car service pick up at each location was arranged along with my air and hotel. She sent me a detailed itinerary and even emailed me calendar invites of the flight plans. I could not have asked for more. She made it seamless and I will definitely be calling her in the future to arrange all my business travels.
By  Mike  from  Warren, NJ
Traveled to  Chicago ~ Illinois ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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River Cruise Vacation
I'm on my way home from what was a very enjoyable and relaxing river cruise.
As this was my first time on a small ship river cruise, I was unsure what to expect. For the most part, it exceeded my expectations. The cabin was large and very clean and comfortable. The food was excellent and I soon learned that an advantage of this type of cruising was that you get to know your crew and vice versa. The crew was very accommodating. No fighting for tables our lounges; I was able to relax, grab some sun, eat, drink and even work out as I chose. Would have preferred a little more time in Nashville but really enjoyed the tours, the Grand Old Opry and the Graceland tour. All in all I would certainly do this again! Lena was very helpful in setting this trip up for us and I look forward to booking the next one with her. Thank you!
By  Mark and Evelyn  from  Long Island
Traveled to  Tennessee ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Punta Cana, DR Vacation
The trip to the Dominican Republic that you expedited for us was truly what I dreamed of! The hotel stay and amenities were exactly as requested. The swim up pool was right in front of our hotel room and it was picturesque and a joy to just dive right in. The service was top notch! The food and different restaurants you recommended were top notch! I definitely would love for you to book another trip for us very soon.
By  Eve  from  Mineola, NY
Traveled to  Punta Cana ~ Dominican Republic ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Disney Success!
My husband, daughter, mother and I wanted to go to Disney and I heard all the stories of planning a trip to Disney and it scared me. Thank goodness I found Lena! We did not want to stay on the grounds as I knew it would be more than we could spend so she found us a beautiful resort 15 min away from Disney and to be honest it was the best thing to do. Lena advised us based off my conversations with her how to plan our excursions and what parks to visit and it worked out perfectly! Even my mom enjoyed Disney and she's the grandma! Mom said it was nicely paced and not rushed. Lena planned a perfectly thought out, non-stressful vacation to Disney. I highly recommend Lena to book a Disney vacation if you are like me and overwhelmed to do it yourself.
By  Luz  from  Staten Island, NY
Traveled to  Florida ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Mother/Daughter Trip
My mother and I were looking for a safe place to go for our mother/daughter trip. We wanted something tropical, by the beach, safe and all inclusive. Lena recommended us to Barbados. It was just the right spot for us! All inclusive small resort. We had a ground level room with sliders to the grounds. It was beautiful. Lena arranged for an excursion on a Catamaran and boy did we have fun. It was a wonderful mother daughter trip. Lena listened and delivered and we can't wait to book our next trip with her. Thank you.
By  Martha  from  West Islip, NY
Traveled to  Barbados ~ Caribbean
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Punta Cana
  • Dominican Republic
  • Puerto Plata
  • Santo Domingo

Travel Specialist:

  • All Inclusive
  • Beach Vacations
  • Family Vacations
  • Destination Weddings
  • Honeymoons

Industry Affiliations:

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