Cuba or the Dominican Republic?

Question

My boyfriend and I are planning an all-inclusive trip in November to either Cuba or the Domincan. Neither of us have ever been to either place so we need some advice on which is better and why. Thanks!

Answer 1

Go to cuba!!

Answer 2

Why such low rent countries?

Spend a few more bucks and have real vacation, go to Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos or Bermuda.

Answer 3

Hotels are tired in Cuba, but beaches great and it still has culture and history!

Answer 4

Ive been to both as well.

Personally I enjoy Cuba much more. I think you get a better deal for your buck as well. Dominican raised its taxes as well. In Cuba try the island of Cayo Santa Maria. Only three resorts on it, the atmosphere is simply breathtaking. You could walk for miles on the beach because nobody else lives on the island except tourists. The workers have to travel back and forth to get there. If your more into the "party scene", Varadero would probably be your best bet. You can visit Havana and enjoy the beauty of Varadero as well (ive also been there).

Honestly though both countries are great. Im leaving for Dominican in 5 days. But being completly honest I prefer Cuba. The people there are also very nice (not saying Dominicans arent).  Either way im sure you will enjoy your trip!

Answer 5

If you are an American citizens, Cuba is extremely difficult to visit, due to US restrictions on travel to that country, so the Domincan Republic is your easier choice.

Answer 6

I'm jealous. I have always wanted to go to Cuba. As a US citizen it's very difficult, and I have yet to find a way. Go there, before F. Castro's legacy is gone. It's an amazing part of history.

Answer 7

If you are looking for an all aroun nicer attitude toward tourists go to dominican reublic. If i may make a suggestion Go to the Cayman islands

Answer 8

You should visit PUNTA CANA in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. I know many people that have been there and loved it -- and it is also very affordable.

http://www.puntacana.com/

HAVE FUN!

Answer 9

I've been to both and like the Dominican much more. We were in Cuba around the time you say you will be going and it was actually cold. We had to wear long pants and sweaters. This is pretty rare and probably wouldn't happen - but theres less chance of it happening in the DR as its further south. They are both nice...and they are both fairly safe as well as long as you are careful. Personally I also found the Dominican people to be much more freindly and fun.

As for getting sick, it could happen in either place. Do not drink tap water whatever you do - even brush your teeth with the bottled water provided...as long as you're careful you should be fine. The worst I've ever had has been an upset stomach/stomach cramps...it passed in a day. All in all, my vote is the Dominican Republic!

Answer 10

Both have  sea , beaches and sun. But if you want something more.....Cuba can offer the most , a rich historical culture,

the american vintage cars , the salsa dancing, tabacco factories, many museums, diving, fishing etc.

Havanalover

http://www.havana-guide.com

Answer 11

Dominican Republic!!!! There is great culture, beaches, people, music (GREAT NIGHTLIFE), and everything is just amazing in DR!!!!

Answer 12

If you just want a beach holiday, in a good clean hotel, with decent food, then I recommend The Dominican Republic. But do not try to do it the cheap way. Pick a good 5-star hotel.

My sister went to a 5-star hotel in Cuba (Paradisus). Here are some reviews for this hotel:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserRevie...

Answer 13

Although I lived for several years in the DR I would now say Cuba is your best bet .  It is much safer, the beaches are incredible and the people most welcoming. As Canadians you have the opportunity to go to a country with a wonderful history, past and present so take advantage of it.  Many Americans would give their eye teeth to  be able to visit Cuba.  Take a look at the links below, they will show you much of what awaits you.

Answer 14

By "all-inclusive" do you mean that you just want a resort experience? If so, there's no substantial difference between those countries. A resort is a resort, as predictable as a room at Howard Johnson's. You won't see or hear or taste the real country; you won't meet locals other than resort service workers.

But if you plan to get away from the resort once you're there, I think Cuba offers more varied and better experiences than the Dominican Republic. Cuba is a musician's paradise. Its architectural treasures deserve all those UNESCO awards. Cubans get free college education and free medical services (no wonder they're more interesting to talk with than Latinos in other countries). Cuba is the safest country in the Western Hemisphere, with crime rates much lower than Canada or the U.S. All Cubans have homes (unlike Canada and the U.S.), so you won't have to step over poor people. And it has really good beer, not just its famous rum and cigars.

Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic suffers from many unattractive problems. It has one of the ten most polluted places on the planet, Bajos de Haina. The republic is listed #14 in the world for environmental mismanagement. Just a few years ago its government was linked to a $3.5 billion bank fraud. Tens of thousands of Dominican kids are caught up in child prostitution. It's still a main trans-shipment island for Colombian drugs. And both dengue fever and malaria are endemic to the Dominican.

Both countries have well-developed tourism, so if all you want is a resort experience either country would do. But if you want more, go for Cuba.

Answer 15

Cuba is the place to go. It's gorgeous, clean and very safe. Many who have gone to the Dominican have come back sick (and I'm not talking about the general cold or flu). I will not say that Dominicans are not wonderful people, but I am saying that the Cuban environment is very different. The water is Cuba is very clean and the beaches are kept up.

The Cuban hospitality is very warm and genuine and the resorts and beaches are not filled with locals who continuously follow you around to buy from them. It's very easy to relax in Cuba and very easy to have a lot of things to do. The sites are amazing in Cuba...there is so much old and new history and culture.

You can also walk the streets of Cuba and know you will be safe. Of course you always need to take precautions wherever you travel, but Cuba is known for their safety.

If you go to Cuba once, you will definitely go back again...no doubt about it.

The DR is beautiful too, but once you do your research, it'll basically be up to you where your leanings are.

*Edit:

Please try not to be influenced by those who feel to insult people in the DR and Cuba (or other countries that are in the third world). Travel is meant to be enjoyed by all. If one does not have an open mind or is willing to enjoy other cultures and societies, then they should stay home....I'm not talking about you, saying you think like this...I'm just tired of seeing other individuals be disrespectful of other people, places and cultures and making derogatory and deriding comments, saying these places are 'low rent' (indicating poor quality all around). These places are filled with respectful individuals who do not look down on you and act above you.

Answer 16

I've heard nothing but bad things about Dominican so i say go to Cuba

Answer 17

I have been to both and the Dominican Republic is a better deal for your money. Hotels are a lot cleaner and food is much better. See a good travel agent and chose a quality place.

Have a good trip!