In our new Globe Trotter series, Viral Travel reviews all the best places to see, eat, and stay at, in every country of the world!

This week we visit: Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean country which shares the island with Haiti and which has a lot to offer to tourists. However, in order to stay safe in Dominica and have the best vacation ever, you should remember a few things.

For one, tourists are often targeted by criminals in the Dominican Republic and it would be a good idea to keep a low profile. Armed robbery has been known to occur and if you find yourself victim to it, you should hand over everything and never fight back. Chances of getting robbed increase if you travel alone, especially at night. Armed robbery is not that common, but pickpocketing and petty theft are, especially in areas popular among tourists.

When looking for transportation, it is best to stick with hotel taxis and taxis that have been arranged by phone in advance. You should also keep an eye on all your valuables at all times and avoid leaving stuff unattended.

Demonstrations and protests are quite common in the Dominican Republic and they have been known to turn violent. If you notice something brewing, it is best to avoid the area. You would also do well to avoid traveling to Haiti and parts of the country that border with Haiti.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the police are quite corrupt in the Dominican Republic and that they have even been known to take part in criminal activities. Still, if you find yourself the victim of a crime, report it to the local police and hope for the best.