Budget Travel readers have spoken and we’re happy with what they have to say. Last week (July 29) during NBC’s “The Today Show,” Budget Travel’s Editor in Chief, Nina Willdorf, stopped by to announce winners of the publication’s “Readers Choice Awards.” Drum roll please…

…Dominican Republic captured the Best Value Destination title based on votes cast by more than 160,000 readers and travelers across the globe. DR was recognized as being an easily-accessible and affordable destination for U.S. travelers.

“We are honored to be voted a ‘Best Value Destination’ by Budget Travel readers. The award is so meaningful to us because it comes from savvy travelers who have visited the DR and experienced firsthand our refreshing offerings and lively culture,” said DR Minister of Tourism’s Vice Minister of International Promotion Magaly Toribio. “The DR Ministry of Tourism will continue to exceed expectations so that visitors can enjoy our country’s diverse eco-activities, magnificent nature, world-class beaches and sophisticated accommodations to suit every budget and taste.”

“Budget Travel readers are always looking for affordable, exotic vacation ideas and the DR was the clear front-runner in the category for best value destination,” said Nina Willdorf, Budget Travel editor, “The DR is an easy island escape that’s close to home.”

Earlier in 2010, the Dominican Republic received additional accolades including making CNN’s list of recommended “Affordable and Accessible Vacations in 2010″ and Los Haitises National Park and the DR made Travel + Leisure’s list of “30 Romantic Dream Trips 2010.”

When seeking an incredible tropical getaway that will be easy on your hard-earned dollars, a vacation in the Dominican Republic is the way to go. Getting there is easy, especially since there are eight international airports in the DR serviced by major U.S. airlines. Save even more with affordable Puerto Plata accommodations. We have connections to hook you up with something really sweet. Trust us.

Image Source: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism

Pack those dancing shoes along with your flip-flops when heading to your St. Maarten vacation. Travelers seeking a Caribbean vacation filled with lazy days and hot nights, St. Maarten is an ideal choice. This island doesn’t roll up the beach towel and call it a day once the sun sets. A host of nighttime activities entertain visitors whether it is dancing, hitting casino slots or chilling out at a beach bar. At least once a week, each island hot spot hosts live entertainment along with an entertaining happy hour.

The big resorts host much of St. Maarten’s nightlife with their lounges, restaurants and night clubs. Beachside barbecues with steel pan players and local musicians are found at many hotels and open to both hotel and non-hotel guests.

Friday nights is the big party night and the boardwalk on Philipsburg’s Front Street is the place to be with a host of activities. Over the weekends, the Maho village area transforms with a carnival of activity featuring performers as fire-eaters and belly dancers.

Following is a sampling of not-miss nightlife during your next St. Maarten vacation:

Tantra is the largest nightclub in the Eastern Caribbean and newest addition to the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino complex. The atmosphere is Asian-inspired and offers a sophisticated ambiance for international musical performances and live DJs.

Bliss, located inside Caravanserai Beach Resort in Maho Bay, is one of the most popular nightspots and radiates a Miami-style disco complete with cabanas and pool area.

Docked at Simpson Bay is the Lady C, an old vessel from 1938 that has been refurbished into a floating bar. It’s definitely one of a kind in St. Maarten.

The Dutch side of St. Maarten is where gambling is legal and visitors have more than a dozen casinos to choose. Each offer gaming tables, slot machines and live entertainment. Gambling options include Princess Casino, Hollywood Casino and the Golden Casino.

St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations, the Netherlands and France, yet packs a lot of punch when it comes to having an unforgettable Caribbean vacation. Ready to go and dance the night away? Yeah, we thought so.

Image Source: St. Maarten Tourist Bureau

The Caribbean’s St. Maarten is the world’s smallest island to be shared by two nations, France and the Netherlands. European flavor with Caribbean influence creates a unique and inviting vibe not offered elsewhere in the islands. St. Maarten is the Caribbean’s culinary capital boasting more than 300 restaurants satisfying everyone’s palate.

The island is home several historical and family-oriented attractions including the St. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden with its collection of rare animal and plant species. Fort Amsterdam, St. Maarten Museum and Mount Concordia, where a treaty and peace between the island’s two cultures was forged more than 350 years ago, are some of St. Maarten’s historical treasures.

There are many other reasons to visit St. Maarten and let’s count the ways:

Indulge in 37 square miles of paradise;
Dip your toes and soak the sun on one of St. Maarten’s 37 gorgeous beaches;
Play with Lady Luck and maybe win big at one of 14 casinos;
The temperature is quite delightful with the average being a lovely 86 degrees Fahrenheit;
Shop ’til you drop with up to 40% savings with duty-free shopping;
It’s pretty easy to get to St. Maarten since 12 major airlines serve Princess Juliana Airport (SXM);
Twenty clubs let you practice those dance moves in St. Maarten’s exhilarating nightlife;
The island is culturally rich with local and regional artists featured at 17 art galleries;
Sailing and 21 different on and off shore excursions keep everyone entertained;
Rejuvenate and be pampered one one of 10 luxurious spas.

Who’s ready for a St. Maarten vacation? Check out the value accommodations available through Resort Rentals International to this beautiful island.

Image Source: St. Maarten Tourist Bureau