A holiday in the Dominican Republic should be the experience of a lifetime but Caribbean sun-seekers should be aware of some pointers to ensure that their trip goes swimmingly.

First of all, anyone travelling to the country imminently should be reminded that the hurricane season runs from June to November every year.

Indeed, it has been hit hard in recent months with a number of hurricanes and tropical storms which have caused intense local flooding and a number of deaths, while flash floods and landslides are always a danger.

Although the popular tourist haven of Puerto Plata has not yet been badly affected, the best advice is to monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation.

While crime against tourists is rare, travellers should be aware that a Briton was shot and injured as he attempted to defend his home in the Sosua area from a robbery on July 28th.

As such, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has moved to explain to British holidaymakers that resisting in the event of being attacked is not a prudent decision.

It offers the following advice: "You should take particular care if you are passing through isolated tourist areas on foot or on tourist scooters, especially at night.

"You should take precautions to reduce the risk of being targeted. If you leave your hotel complex, do not wear expensive jewellery or carry large amounts of cash or expensive items such as cameras.

"Keep your valuables, including your passport, in hotel safety deposit boxes. Be particularly careful after dark and avoid quiet, poorly lit areas."

While domestic travel with reputable bus companies and taxi firms tends to be relatively safe (aside from the erratic driving), Britons are advised not to consider travelling to neighbouring Haiti due to the unstable political situation in the country.

All visitors require a tourist card, which can be obtained before travel or on arrival at the airport for a fee of $10, while a departure tax of $20 applies for anyone staying for up to two weeks.

In terms of health threats, malaria is present in the Dominican Republic, as is dengue fever and rabies, of which there were 39 cases in animals during 2007 and 95 so far this year.

There was an outbreak of gastro-intestinal illness in the resort of Rio San Juan on the north coast in August 2007 which has now been resolved, but drinking local water or buying food from street sellers is not advisable.

Most of the tips listed here are generally applicable to any holiday around the world and should not prevent travellers from fully appreciating the Dominican Republic experience.

The weather is hot without being too oppressive, the beaches are clean and sandy, and there are plenty of opportunities for engaging in scuba diving and other water sports.

The locals are extremely friendly and will welcome you like you are family - all of which makes for a pleasant and relaxing break in the paradise of the Caribbean.