Which would be better for a family xmas holiday, Cuba or Mexico?

Canmore

lol, I know it would be, but looking for some hot sun, sand and some RnR!

Connie I know! In all seriousness, Mexico

mexico

but any trip at Christmas is pretty much double the cost per person

$$$$ cha ching ! i would say mexico .. maybe check out DR ? I saw some really good deals for punta cana early december ! maybe it will be cheaper then mexico over christmas too

DR?

Dominican Republic

Mexico all the way

Happy Holiday Hunting!

Mexico beats Cuba for sure. ..

you're going to pay double the price when you go during xmas...

Neither. Rather go to Bahamas.

love bahamas !

where in Bahamas?

nassau

if you stay at RIU on paradise island it is all inclusive and walking distance to atlantis !

how long of a flight is it to Nassau?

Bahamas are expensive! Way more than Mexico.

5.5

Mexico

condo in Huatulco or to the north of Huatulco

as in you have one for rent during that time?

Connie yes. There are many and a variety of prices. Or you could go all inclusive in Huatulco but I prefer condo.

well condo maybe the way with a larger group too, depends on cost to fly I guess....how long of a flight? and as I mentioned with another reader I am concerned about Mexico's growing issues with the cartels, what are your thoughts on this?

5 hours to Huatulco. Like I mentioned, Huatulco is considered very safe. We went with two small children to a small town north of Huatulco.

I
Mexico at Christmas and this year will be there for my third Christmas! Can't wait. Mexico all the way!

where in Mexico? lil concerned about all the issues the country is having with the cartels....any concerns for personal safety maybe more so in some cities?

I am going this year to San Jose Del Cabo, and we are renting an apartment. Just like with anywhere, you just have to be aware of your surroundings, and don't go somewhere that there is major problems. The tourist destinations are generally ok. But I also have a lot of Canadian friends that live in Mexico and feel totally safe.

thanks for this

The Huatulco area is considered one of the safer areas. It is becoming quite popular with Canadians and I recommend it.

do you have a rate in mind? you can message me, for dec 22 for about 7-10 days

Connie Are you looking for all inclusive? Rent an apartment?

right now looking for ideas on what would be best for group of 8?

Connie Flights anywhere departing on December 22/23 departure will be so expensive. I suggest, if the filghts don't deter you, flying to somewhere in Mexico and renting a big apartment or house for your group. If you don't need beaches, Lake Chapala is really nice also, Ajijic area is a place a lot of Canadians live. You fly to Guadalajara.

Cuba

Mexico!

Cuban beaches are by far better. Go to hotel Blau Varadero.

Go to Vietnam!

hmm have to check it out

Mexico is not very warm at Xmas. I went once in January and the pools were cold!

Last year when I was in Puerto Vallarta at Christmas we almost died from the heat!

Catherin That is when you go in the water

Alan Oh yea!

That's not super warm. That's 18-27C.
When looking for hot Mexico is not that at Xmas. Especially at night. My kids like to swim past 4 and seriously the pools are cold when it's around 20-23 and the sun down.

It was about 32 every day last year the week after Christmas. Maybe that is not typical weather? I don't know.

The closer the destination to the equator at Christmas the more likely to be warm. If cost isn't at issue I would draw a line at Accapulco and look for destinations south of that.

thanks but cost is an issue, single mom trying to getaway w my son and extended family.

Connie in that case Cancun, Cozumel, or Cabo probably your best bet.

Stu thanks for your input

https://www.google.ca/search?q=cancun%20grand%20mayan...
I love here! And quite often rooms on eBay.
Not inclusive. But units have kitchens. And can sleep 8 for bigger units!
GOOGLE.CA
cancun grand mayan - Google Search

Cuba food is not good.

The food is great at certain hotels in Cuba.

I have heard that. Nice people though.

I've been there 9 times - food is not a problem - lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and fish/chicken/pork/beef and their bakery items are delish as well as their ice cream. Wonderful people, great beaches, always enjoyable.

if you're used to great food, cuba is lacking, a lot. I lost weight, and normally I gain as there's so much to choose from, and fabulous flavors. Not in Cuba. I have friends in Havana. For the price, Mexico has Cuba beat...

Bonaire if you like snorkeling. Klein Bonaire has stunning reefs.

Pat any particular resort you 'd suggest?

Connie in Mexico or Cuba, i've stayed many places.

Cuba is lovely but there is very little to buy in the stores. In Mexico you can go all inclusive or stay in a condo. You can shop locally and travel around. In both you need to b e aware of Zika and other illnesses

guess that wasn't a problem for me as I don't go to shop - it's a lovely country and beaches are great.

I agree it is lovely.

Where in Cuba would you recommend? I've been to varedero and Havanah ( nice to visit but I wouldn't want to stay there) And I know not to go lower than a 4 star for sure!

Mexico! Try Club Med locations - they are great for families!

Mexico especially if you are going with many family members. You'll be paying more at Christmas but still the All Inclusives are cheaper than the Caribbean.

Costa Rica - stay at the RIU or vrbo it - great for family vacations!

Mexico ! Most resorts have children programs , but cultural experiences away from the resort , are fun and educational.

Love Costa Rica!

Loved them both...Cuba’s national sport is baseball so could take in a game with the kids....Cubans and Mexicans are wonderful people

Mexico the food in Cuba sucks

Disney Land...

I've been to both Mexico and Cuba. In all honesty I prefer Mexico. However Cuba is traditionally cheaper, the beaches are fantastic, the ocean is generally calm. The food was not fantastic but I certainly did not go hungry.
Look for hotels where children stay and eat free or for reduced costs. Also generally most prices for resorts are based on double adult occupancy, so if your traveling as a single adult with children it might be a bit more.
The quicker you start looking the easier it will be to coordinate dates and flights with your distant family.
Either Mexico or Cuba is awesome. Cuba I would try for 4 star.
We just booked a family vacation for 10 and coordinated out of Regina and Calgary for 12 people and it took some research.
Have an awesome holiday.

In Cuba do they provide purified water for lack of a better term at the resorts? My son has a sensitive gut lol , and I'm a little concerned about water there , and I've never been to Cuba because flight are a pain or overnight from here - thanks so much for you input

Shellbea, where did you guys end up deciding to go for that group size? funny my family is coming from Saskatoon, so trying to coordinate from there, Calgary and GP!

Susan HI Susan I took my sons a few years ago to Varadero and we all had a great vacay. They provide good potable water, but my suggestion is start at 4 star and not lower for more comfort!

we are going to Cancun. We took Cuba and DR of the list because of the longer flight times and we are travelling with 5 children the youngest is not quite 2. But I would not have even hesitated going to either if the flights were shorter.
As far as being afraid in Mexico I have never ever been afraid on or off resort. Bad things happen in Alberta. Don't head into the depths of the ghetto.

Lots of rapes and tripadvisor cover ups lately in Mexico..

CUBA all the way.
Most beautiful beach Varadero

any particular resort?

Connie
OMG stayed at too many,
Iberostar
Blau Varadero
Hotel Be live Terquesa (smaller resort)
Belive Exerience (very nice)
Hotel Barcelo Arenas Blancas (huge resort 2 resorts together)
Memories resort it's good for kids has water slides
I love Cuba but everyone else has their own opinion
Good luck

Mexico. Any of the Barcelo all inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya.

Agreed... but stay on resort!

not necessarily

Why stay on the resort? It's perfectly safe during the day and the towns and cities are beautiful.

Plus you can explore the Cenotes and do some pretty wicked excursions!

Mexico

Both are beautiful, but Cuba can sometimes be quite cool in Dec, Jan

Mexico!! Mayan riviera!!

Cuba

dont do memories in varadero!

Cuba is beautiful! I started going there late 90s and latest trip was 3 years ago, lots had changed and the food has gotten better. Can’t comment on Mexico

L love varadero Cuba but never been to Mexico