The 45 Places to Go in 2012

By NEW YORK TIMES

Published: January 6, 2012

35. Samaná Peninsula, Dominican Republic

Unspoiled beaches, but not for long.

For years, the Samaná Peninsula on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic was one of the Caribbean’s remaining natural holdouts, largely untouched because of its remote location. But an international airport, El Catey, built near the peninsula’s base a few years ago and, more recently, a highway that shortened the drive from Santo Domingo to two hours from five, are bringing new development.

Go now, before the crowds arrive.