Trying to decide whether to go to Cuba or Dominican Republic at the beginning or end of March. Any one have any recommendations on which destination to choose or any other advice?

Cuba,cayo coco - beaches are beautiful and water is clean and clear, tourist island only no locals live on the island. Food no flavour though I find.

locals allowed only on weekends for good behaviour, supervised

In other words if you were to go off the resort you would not see how they live per say....you would have to go into town close by there.

Cuba is generally cheaper, but you get what you pay for. The beaches are beautiful but the food is never great.
DR is also great, and the food is much better. Depends on what you’re looking for and what kind of vacation you want.
If you go with reasoned expectations then you will have a great time at either! If you decide on Cuba, bring snacks!

Cuba. Look at Vinales in the Pinar Del Rio region. Many homes for rent cheap with full breakfasts. Unreal.

Also if want to pamper for a day or two close to region - Cayo Lavisa. Affordable small resort.

If you're going to either of those countries for the food you're in trouble. Cayo coco is beautiful. I find mass produced food bland at all resorts. The Cuban people are amazing and I found the food ok

Jennifer depends where u stay. Was in playa dorada DR in March. Had I stayed another week I would've come back 20lbs heavier

We went to DR last year.. can't say enough about the food..it was amazing

Lol really I've been to punta cana and Puerto plata 4 and 5 star resorts.
Stayed at a Riu palace in panama even... still find the resort food ....meh at best lol the restaurants on or off resort good everywhere

check out the reviews on Angsana Cayo Santa Maria ... it's new and unlike most Cuban resorts, it has amazing reviews for food, service... and, because it is new, the prices are amazing!!

I just looked it up. Looks amazing. Did you book direct?

Grace thank you!!!

Lori we booked directly with Air Canada... but only because we were using a GC.. otherwise we would have done it through Selloff Vacations..

Grace thank you! It looks fantastic.

Lori they have a FB group..people who are there right now are posting wonderful reviews

Grace gonna look now!

*

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If you go to Punta Cana DR, don't stay at a Baha Principe. We, along with others got food poisoning and ended up in the hospital down there, it was years ago but never again.

Mairi watch what you eat. My 1st trip I stayed there, no food issues, place was great

Sonia We only ate at the resort and were very careful. It happens much more than people realize, not just at that hotel. When they have a special hospital just for the tourists, you know a lot of people are getting sick.

Mairi have stayed 4 times never had a problem.

Beverly Caravan, I'm glad you haven't gotten sick but Google it, one year approximately 100 people got sick.

The food in Cuba is GREAT.. BUT NOT IN RESORTS!

Lauren true story!

I agree. You have to get off the resort to enjoy real Cuban cuisine. It's amazing!

Outside of resorts, Cuban food is absolutely delicious
.

This. I've had some amazing food at little restaurants we stumbled upon just wandering around Havana.

Personally I love Cuba. Have been many times to many different areas of the island. I've done the all inclusive resort thing, but I've also done the stay at Casa Particulars (airbnb) and wander around exploring on my own thing.

Shaun What was the food situation at the casa particulars... were any meals provided, was there a family living at the residence ? What did you like / dislike vs a resort stay?

Nancy breakfast was available for 5CUC if you wanted it, as is common at most all casas. Some will offer dinner as well for a small fee. I stayed in three different casas during my trip last summer. One had a family living on the main floor and the rented rooms were upstairs. They were super helpful with directions and recommendations etc. Would also get us taxis if we needed one. One Casa was a separate apartment on top of the families home. And the third was a large house that just had several different small rooms/apartments inside of it. There's all sorts to choose from.
Honestly I liked both experiences. Having to go out and find your own food/drinks, as opposed to just going to the buffet/bar could be seen as a downside, but the food you get is sooo much better. And most days, the two of would get a decent portioned dinner each, as well as drinks for 12-15CUC. So the food isn't exactly expensive.
My biggest like of the Casa way was just being able to wander and explore on our own. We walked 130km the week we were in Havana. And there's still so much to see.
My wife's family and my family went to Varadero last February. A few of us took a day trip/excursion to Havana. It's kind of rushed, and you only get to see what the guide shows you as you're walking. I wanted to go back, so a friend of mine and myself went back in July and spent a week exploring Havana.

F

Food in Mexico on other hand...next level!

I was recently in Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba in a 4.5* hotel. Food was actually amazing, entertainment was great and the drinks were super nice. We even had a gala night where they served lobster. I love beaches in Cuba and it's so safe. Fully recommend it.
Memories Sanctuary.

Question that's unrelated to this: How do we contact admin? I have a post that's still pending approval and I posted it yesterday

To answer your question: if you choose Cuba, go to Cayo Coco! It's private. No locals live there!

Crystal yeah I would hate to be around Cubans in Cuba.

Marlene It's in reference to the other comments here. Because no locals are there, it means the beaches are private and for tourists only. This way you won't get bothered by people trying to sell you something every few minutes. And it's way less crowded...
We went to Varadero after Cayo Coco and were shocked. Beaches were packed with locals, they were allowed to purchase day passes at the hotel, and try to sell you things on the beach, while you're relaxing...wasnt very fun lol

Crystal that's the luxury of visiting a place where people genuinely need to make a living. It really irks me when I see comments like this.

Salauddin Khan tagging you so you can see reviews of Cayo Santa Maria.

I have been to both and my preference is definitely Cuba. Although the food is not top notch, it is safer, nicer beaches, no beach vendors. In DR the food was amazing, but we were hassled all week long, by time share vendors, beach vendors and excursion vendors, it was exhausting.

Wendi really??? I think it depends where you go. I’ve been to both and hands down I’ll pick DR every time! People are nicer and food is 100% better. Plus it’s warmer.

Punta cana and la romana areas are on the Caribbean coast. Beautiful beaches. The food was very good and with large variety in the resorts that are 4 and 5 stars. However, on weekends they get cramped with the rich locals that are with large families and are wasteful. In Cuba, Cato coco is convenient and only 30 minutes from the airport. Cato santa Maria is ab absolute paradise but is almost 2 hours away from the airport. Food is varied with large selection, especially sea food I do not recommend Varadero as it has become very commercial and tye hotels are old even at the 5 star resorts. Wasted 2 days of our one week vacation trying to get a decent room.

The beaches around La Romana are beautiful!! My partner and I stayed at Catalonia Royal La Romana last April and it was amazing.

Heather . I agree. I also stayed at Valentin on Cato santa Maria. Food was great, also the entertainment. It is only adult resort. The only negative is that there are very few palapas on the beach. Guests were holding seats from 6am. Since then I got me a small foldable shade umbrella.

Cuba??? Only to visit Havana and dance salsa
. Never again 2 times was enough for my self...

Cuba

Memories jabcoa we’re going in March

Cuba is lovely but the food sucks !

Cuba fer sure check out Cayo Largo it is its own island 10mins from airport Beautiful Beaches!!

Cayo largo not cayo santa maria its beautiful bt 2hrs from airport

Sirena beach Cayo Largo stunning!!!

Not at memories Canadian owned

Cuban beaches are fabulous but the food is so gross (no flavour...they import from Russia due to the old US embargo). DR is awesome . I’d like to own a place there eventually. Samana is great, Punta Cana has beaches you can walk for hours.

Food ws great in Cuba!!! Yu certainly didnt starve!!!

I have been to both and am going back to Cuba in February...only because the price is so good. Cuba is great. If it were my choice I would be going to Dominican. The people are amazing and it's a step up in so many ways.

Also Cuba is VERY safe!!!

I just got back from Pullman Cayo Coco - Cuba and WOW WOW WOW! It is hands down a 5 star resort. I was so incredibly impressed and highly recommend it.

Varedero Cuba

David
Are you looking for culture or just sit on the beach?
Havana is a great city.

David looking to relax on the beach.

Cato sant Maria in Cuba had

Cayo Santa Maria has the best beaches I have ever seen, we stayed at the Iberostar there.

Just went to Punta Cana in September and other than Saona Island we didnt enjoy it....first of all the airport is so hectic and easy to get pulled into a timeshare trap, the beach in punta cana is filled with seaweeds and the food was meh! We stayed at the Barcelo...great property just not a fan of their food.

Cuba!!.
Been there 5 times and still counting. People are great, make sure you go to a 4 or 5 stars hotel. Melia las Americas is beautiful.
Excelent and plenty.
Been at Punta Cana twice (5 stars hotels) and La Romana.Nice beaches, good food, but people are not to friendly. Good luck.

Tony agreed ! DR is safe as long as you don’t go off the resort ! Cuba on the other hand felt very safe ! Been there 8 or 9 times , love it !

Char I agree. Love Cuba. On June took two of my relatives to Varadero they fall in love with Varadero.

Went to Cayo Coco, Cuba last year, beautiful sandy beach and flying into that airport was a dream... small and quiet. The Melia Cayo Coco is an amazing resort!! Highly recommend!

We went to Barcelo Bavaro in Punta Cana , adults only, and was nice, clean, no locals, beautiful! Food was excellent, so much variety BUT Punta Cana is also called Puppa Cana so beware what you eat and how much you eat.

"No locals". What a gross comment.

Varadero is great if you want to do a day trip to Havana , which is amazing !
Cayo Coco has the most amazing beach ! Holguin we stayed at Playa Pesquera (sp) Resort twice !
Cayo Santa Maria also beautiful The Melia Las Dunas

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I've been to each, but only once, so I don't have a thorough knowledge. As a generalization, I would say the beaches are better in Cuba, but the food is better in Dominican. That said, if you go off resort in Cuba, there is plenty of good food to be found. In Cuba we stayed in Cayo Santa Maria, which I thought was cool because you had to drive across a causeway that I thought was beautiful, but my travel partner thought was scary. In Dominican we stayed in Sosua, which was really cool, and it was nice that the resort we stayed at was in a town, though it seemed a bit sketchy. If you stay in/near Sosua, I highly recommend Castillo Mundo King. It's a very weird, but super neat art museum. If you go to Cuba and stay in/near Veradero, I hear it's a lot more touristy, but you're also close enough to go to Havana easily. Wherever you go, have a great time!

I like Dominican Republic. Been to Cuba 3 times and the food is terrible. That’s the only reason we won’t go back.. the rest of the country is lovely.

Parts of DR like Sosua are becoming popular sex trade sites.do your homework.Dominican full of fascinating history

Susan
Going there February For ten days
Would appreciate any places to go and check out, we r renting a car,
Thank you,

Passionate eye on cbc did a story on pedophelia and sex trade in sosua.rhat truly saddened me because that place was developed by Holocaust Victims.
Get some guide books from the library .

Never felt safe in DR and that was 10 years ago. Cuba is wonderful, the people are great and the beaches are beautiful. U just have to lower your food expectations a bit. Definitely go 4 stars and up. Have gone to playa pesquero in holguin, fabulous but large. Give cayo santa Maria a miss. Been going to melia cayo coco on cayo coco last 3 years, small resort and quiet (not a place to go if you want to party),but the food is good and beach is fantastic.

Cuba if you want white sand gorgeous beaches. Dominican if u are wanting better food choices

I have been to both. Cuba does have beautiful beaches and the people and service is fantastic. Definitely have to go 4 stars or above in order to get better food. Staying close to Varadero is better, close to shopping and restaurants. Went to Santa Clara Resort called Valentín Perla Blanca(adults only) and it was amazing and the food was 5 star. Dominican has very nice beaches to and resorts, but the service is horrible. I have been there 2 twice in the last 2 years in 2 different resorts and service was the same. People hardly smile. Hope this helps.

100% agree Valentin Perla Blanca was aweomse!

DR is beautiful if you plan on actually leaving the resort lol. We drove the island in 9 days. Gorgeous.

Monique
Hi Monique ,
Any suggestions on where to go, we are also renting a car, we feel that it would be cheaper than going with the tours the hotels offer, and where is the best place to change money to there’s,
Thank you,

Linda We stayed 3 nights in Punta Cana, 3 nights in Samana and 3 in Puerto Plata. We did trips to Nagua and whatever caught our attention since we had the ability to get there ourselves. We didnt stay in resorts and we spent a lot of time just exploring because we could
We exchanged in Toronto at our banks but you can withdraw the local currency from the atm.

Monique
Thank you,

Linda DR really waa beautiful. If you like outdoorsy stuff, DR over Cuba but Cuba has it's own charms too. I liked Havana and the smaller towns over Varadero. Too many tourists there lol. Have a great vacation!!

Linda also, the resort food in Cuba is actually pretty bad but you can find great food off the resorts.

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We went to Samana Province as a family (with a 4yo & 6yo) and it was just outstanding. Stayed at a treehouse in the jungle, went to a national park with cave drawings, did some whale watching, surfed, rode a kayak through a mangrove swamp... it was amazing.

please specify....is Samana in Cuba or DR?

Ingrid Oops... DR!

Would you mind sharing the name of the accommodations? Thanks

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Cayo Santa Maria
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I suggest that you post first what interest you when going to new places and then ask people to give their opinions. And I stress opinions!!

Mahmubul Hoque

Go to Mexico. It's better.

No to Dominican Republic. Choose a beach resort along the Caribbean Sea to be sure there are no seaweeds any time of the year. Travel agencies do not voluntarily give you that info.

Punta Cana

Neither. Both countries suck. Go somewhere nice.

Cuba. The beaches like no other.

Varadero has SPECTACULAR soft sand beaches!!!!

We stayed at The Royalton Varadero. More money but the food was fabulous and those beaches are amazing.

The most beautiful place is Roatan Honduras

Cuba food is not very good. I am trying Dominican this year

Beaches are nicer in Cuba. Food sucks. It's so windy in Dominican most of the time that you can't be on the beach. The palm trees are actually tilted from the wind. But the food is good. So if you don't mind eating pasta and bread for a week, I would choose Cuba.

Cuba all the way...I would recommend Santa Maria...beaches are amazing...I don't know why people complain about food...cheeses and bread are amazing and home made...rest of the food is also simple home cooking...all the veggies and fruits are local...have fun:)

Silvia very true I have been to Santa Maria and food was great. And yes beaches are gorgeous definitely better than Dominican Republic

Silvia Because they don’t know how to eat.....

Punta cana or Samana in Dominican republic. Awesome food and spectacular beaches. Try Iberostar Dominicana if you prefer a smaller resort with a beach to die for, incredible food and top notch fun entertainment staff.
Fyi - I've been to Cuba 3 times (Varadero, Guardalavaca and Holguin) and Dominican (Puerto plata and Punta Cana) 7 times I think now, along with Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia for winter escapes. Loved them all for various reasons. But for a relaxing yet fun beach holiday, I'd go to Punta Cana any day (I've added Samana as another option based on what I've read and heard from fellow travellers).

Punta Cana - Bavaro beach. Better beaches and food than Cuba. (Anywhere has better food than Cuba).

I'm letting you know right now ill never go to Cuba with the things I've heard. They dont speak English. Also they have bathroom attendants that when you walk in. They give you only 3 squared of toilet paper. That's it....something with sewage system isnt greatest ... it's also not the safest I'd say. Go Dominican ! Cheaper and more touristy

Sabrina Laforest just to clarify.... some of the above might be correct in some "lesser" hotels in Cuba, but we have been to both... 4.5 star in DR and 5 star in Cuba and none of what you said above was correct. Of course, off the resort people don't speak much English, but that was also the case in DR. Bathroom attendants are found all over the world in classy restaurants, hotels and DR has them also in public restrooms (not so classy
). As for the toilet paper..off the resort, true, there is a shortage, but that's an easy fix with a packet of tissues in your purse or pocket. Safety...
.. really?? With the friendliest, nicest people on the planet?? Like I said, traveled to both, loved both, but safest I ever felt on vacation was in Cuba.. use a filter when you hear people talking...not everything is actual...some people expand their opinions/experience way past a single location/ isolated incident..travel on my friend..

Sabrina Laforest of course they dont speak English. Why would they? The toilet paper attendant is all over latin America but you forgot you need to actually pay to use the toilet sometime and you cant flush the toilet paper. I've been all over latin America and this is a non issue when you're exploring the very colorful and beautiful region. I've been to DR and Cuba and it hasn't hindered my travels in the slightest.

Monique just mentioning it as a FYI. It may matter to some. Go ahead you can explore but some ppl dont go because of these issues.

Sabrina Laforest you really need to travel more...

Just went to DR in October and stayed at Grand Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado in Samana. It is located on its own private island so you'll need to take a boat to get there. This is 5 star resort and it well worth it!!! Food is fantastic and the beaches are just gorgeous!! Would highly recommend you check it out

Thank you for your fantastic recommendation!

Can you tell me how long it took to get from the airport to the island? Including the drive plus ferry?

The process to get your luggage and get on the bus was very quick - maybe about 20 mins. It's about a 50 min bus ride to the dock for the ferry where they give you your room information/key etc. which took about 10 mins for everyone to get their info. The ferry was already there - they will have it waiting based on the time they think you will arrive at the dock. Then it's about a 7 min ferry ride to paradise where you will head directly to your room. Depending on how smoothly your process goes I would say about 2hrs unless there are significant delays.

Thanks so much for the feedback!!

Cuba, Cuba and Cuba

go to Hawaii its beautiful and alot more to do than either of these places

Joy Don’t compare Cuba with Hawaii, common! Price wise and natural beauty, Hawaii is paradise and expensive! Been to Hawaii 4 times and love it!

Joy I didn’t enjoy Hawaii lol. I did enjoy Cato Santa Maria. I hated the Dominican and felt so unsafe!

Neither.....so much crime going on lately. It's sad because it's beautiful there

Joy B De Leon there's very little crime in Cuba, especially against tourists.

Joy B De Leon every other person on the street is keeping you safe

Crime in Cuba?? I think you are thinking Mexico..

Neither. Go to Puerto Rico.

Ocean vista Azul Varadero cuba..very good try it

trust me... you can enjoy the food in Dominican.

Personally as I have already said we have been to both countries several times, I don't find much difference in the food , its resort food! They are cooking for hundreds of people. We have never had bad food in Cuba. We tend to stick with fresh cooking stations , eat fresh fish that is abundant and chicken! The beef in either country is not great,or what you would get here at home.

Char so many opportunities now to help the long suffering Cubans
With donations
Meds
Cash for services
Leave those resorts and go reach out to the people
There are so many plain clothes police you will never be endangered

Susan yes I am aware, been there many times ! Always safe! I do take lots of things they need.

Char it was a comment meant for everyone
Sorry
One thing I did is get permission to go into the huge kitchen with a ton of things I collected from tourists
They never get anything

Char I do the same thing.

Susan, also the gardeners ! They get over looked sometimes .

Char and they use that horrific deadly insect spray and compromise their health

I’ve been to Cuba numerous times with my children and we go off resort and it’s perfectly safe.
As for the toilet paper- many countries work this way and bringing your own isn’t unheard of.

Michelle Whaaaaaat? You go to a resort where you bring your own toilet paper???? Geeez...

We've never had an issue with toilet paper on the resort. But if you go into a local town or out exploring, having a little stash in your backpack can be useful.

Cristina no I’ve never had that issue on resort only off resort in the towns or at markets

Also, the music in Cuba is wonderful.

Holly and if you want to purchase cds please buy directly from them
They work only for tips
Government makes all the money if you purchase at airport kiosks

We always do if we can and tip the musicians generously! We have a CD from many years ago that sounds like it was recorded over a telephone
but still happy to have it because the guys were so lovely and super talented. Also we try to bring some guitar strings etc. since my husband's a musician.

Long and mcquade would sell me sets of strings for cost
Make sure to bring nylon strings

Thank you everyone for sharing their experiences. It was very helpful!

DID I MENTIONED CUBA EXACTLY?????I said NEITHER.....

We have been to Cuba too....one of my friend was from Cuba and my best friend is from Jamaica.....

Someone asked for any suggestion, so I would say, GREECE OR JAPAN....explore other country and other cultures......meet other people different from us. YOU’ll start to see how equal we all are....

I’ll let you know Sunday

Overall, beaches are better in Cuba, but I'd go 4 - 5 stars for the resort. Food is hit or miss, but generally averages low. If you have food restrictions or are vegetarian/vegan, it will be a challenge. We like Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Santa Maria the best for the beaches, but they are more isolated. To see more of the country or have more amenities outside the resort, other locations like Varadero may be better.
For the DR, we like the beaches in Punta Cana and La Romana. Samana is great for whale watching. I'd give Puerto Plata a pass. Again, I'd aim for 4 - 5 stars. Usually better amenities, WiFi, and food variety than Cuba.

This resort has been exceptional for food, entertainment. And service is pretty as well. Fly into Holguin. Bus transfer is maybe an hour in a modern coach bus. Resort is 5 star...PARADESIS RIO DE ORO!

Casa Marina Reef Resort Puerto Plata DR......Great location and value for $

Lorie was just there in November- great spot!

Michelle .....glad to hear that as we are headed back for our 2nd trip Feb 7th for 2 weeks......we were last there Jan 2017!