Where to go on vacation - to Cuba or the Dominican Republic? What is suitable for young people and where is the best place to spend a family vacation? We compare two countries in terms of weather, food, prices, beaches, infrastructure, leisure and entertainment.
The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean paradise located in the eastern part of the island of Haiti. An atmosphere of peace and harmony with nature always reigns here, and rest in the Dominican Republic is sometimes compared to rest in the Maldives.
Cuba is called the Island of Liberty. She is famous for her rum, cigars, dancing and beaches. Countries are different from each other. Below is a comparison of countries according to various criteria. Pay attention to what is important for you in rest.
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Beaches and sea
Where are the beaches and the sea better - in the Dominican Republic or in Cuba? This is the first and most important criterion by which tourists choose a destination.
IN Dominican Republic wonderful "postcard" beaches with sparkling white sand, green palm trees and turquoise clear waters. Calm, quiet beaches are located in the resorts of the Caribbean - the most popular of them are Boca Chica and Saona Island, while the beaches of Punta Cana are washed by the Atlantic Ocean and are distinguished by more turbulent waters.
The beaches have a large selection of water activities, and there are excellent diving spots. Of the minuses, we can mention the fact that not all beaches in the Dominican Republic are well equipped, some even do not have changing cabins and toilets.
Cuba also washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and the beaches here are for every taste - exotic with black sand and classic with dazzling white. The best of them are located in the Varadero region, and lovers of secluded relaxation prefer the coast of the islands of Cayo Largo and Cayo Guillermo.
The downside is the monotony of Cuba's nature, the landscapes here are not as postcard-like as in the Dominican Republic, and the water is not that crystal clear. In addition, it is highly undesirable to swim on wild beaches - there may be sea urchins and moray eels.
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Weather
The climate in the Dominican Republic is better than in Cuba. The resorts of the republic have comfortable water and air temperatures almost all year round. The nature here is beautiful and benevolent: clear water, shallow sea with a gentle slope, a ring of coral reefs protects from strong waves.
Cuba influenced by cold cyclones, the weather is unpredictable, and hurricanes rage here in August and September. At the same time, despite the climate with "character", the sun is not as active here as in the Dominican Republic, and the heat is easily tolerated.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is a criterion that is especially important for vacationers with children. Where is the infrastructure better developed - in Cuba or in the Dominican Republic?
IN Dominican Republic predominantly expensive hotels 4 * and 5 *, many of them work on the "all inclusive" system. The hotel beaches are well-groomed, there are sun loungers and sun loungers. In general, the level of service is higher than in Cuba, but lower than in Europe or neighboring Mexico. The disadvantage of many tourists is the sluggishness of the staff. Such is the mentality of the local population - they are never in a hurry.
On the Cuba many Spanish hotel chains with quality services. Basically, these are 2 * and 3 * hotels, 4 * and 5 * hotels are still a bit. The hotel beaches are equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. The all-inclusive system is common in Varadero hotels. Pros: inexpensive vacation, pleasant and friendly Cubans. Cons: hotel service is still developing and requires investment, and shopping in Cuba is almost completely absent as a concept.
Prices
Relax in Dominican Republic more expensive than in Cuba - the level of service is higher, so hotel accommodation, food and excursions are not cheap. So, accommodation in a 4-5 star hotel will cost $ 100 per day or more, lunch at a restaurant $ 40, and excursions from $ 20 to $ 150 per person. Tourists note a good level of service and call the overall high cost a disadvantage.
On the Cuba state regulation of prices for tourist services. Prices are average, entrance fees to museums and parks are from $ 3 to $ 10, excursions for the whole day are about $ 70. Accommodation in a good hotel will cost about $ 80-100, and you can rent a room in a guest house for $ 20. Lunch for two is $ 15, a bottle of water or a cup of coffee is $ 1, a bottle of rum is $ 10-12, and a mojito is $ 2.5. Despite a good selection of budget accommodation, the service in Cuba is somewhat inferior to the Dominican Republic, and people with high demands here may not like it.
Kitchen
National cuisine Dominican Republic represented by dishes made from meat, beans, rice and fruits. Bananas, which are boiled, fried and stewed here, are an integral attribute. Fish and seafood are not widespread.
On the Cuba eating in restaurants is straightforward: Cubans prefer meat combined with a variety of vegetables and fruits. Bananas, avocados and oranges are used to make sauces for hot dishes.
Leisure and entertainment
Now let's compare Cuba and the Dominican Republic on the proposed entertainment.
IN Dominican Republic many beautiful natural places: islands, mountains, caves. All excursions are associated with their visit. There is little colonial architecture; from this point of view, only Santo Domingo is interesting. The republic has excellent diving sites. According to tourists, diving in the Caribbean is no worse than in the Maldives, but it costs a lot of money.
Cuba lights up both day and night: festivals and nightclubs are held here. The country is safe for travel and you can easily afford short trips here without fear for your life.
Obligatory attributes of rest are rum, a cigar and a young Cuban woman without strict moral principles. For connoisseurs of history and architecture - a rich excursion program in Havana and the glorious places of the revolution. Lots of entertainment for adults of all kinds: skydiving, boat trips, diving among sunken ships, etc. Not enough entertainment for children, but there is a dolphinarium, a waterfall, a crocodile nursery and a turtle farm.
Which is better - the Dominican Republic or Cuba?
So, vacation in Cuba is cheaper and more varied than in the Dominican Republic. The Island of Freedom is more interesting from the point of view of cultural leisure. It will appeal to young people and those who prefer active rest.
Romantics, couples and people who prefer a passive vacation will like the Dominican Republic, but they will have to pay more.
