Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Cuba or Dominican Republic? Help!!

  • 02-12-2008 9:24pm
    #1
    wanderluster
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭


    Hey,

    Me and a mate (both late 20s - single) are planning a trip away for Christmas.

    After lots of to and fro we've decided on either Cuba or Dominican Republic. It's hard to get a sense of either place just from online so hoping you guys can help...

    Basically we're after some chill time on the beach after a tough years work but also somewhere where the nightlife is good but not completely cheezy. That said we're both single so a high proportion of gorgeous girls would help!!

    The options are to fly to Orlando end Dec and fly back around 12th Jan.

    Option 1 is:
    Dublin - Orlando
    Orlando - Cancun
    Cancun - Havana
    8/9 nights in Havana and back
    Havana - Cancun - Orlando - Dublin

    Option 2 is
    Dublin - Orlando
    Orlando - Dominican Republic
    Dominican Republic - Orlando - Dublin

    Is there a good mix of chill time on the beach and nightlife in Dominican Republic?

    Are there any great resorts in Cuba where we could take in the city / culture then head for the beach to chill out?

    Anyone who's been to either, advice would be much appreciated..


Comments

  • #2
    MonsterMob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 252 ✭✭MonsterMob


    Hi wanderlust,

    I'm back from Dominican Republic about 2 weeks ago. We actually went with budget travel and they actually charter plans from Dublin to DR (with an hour stopover in canada for refueling). The DR is actually quite cheap with Budget and you don't have to spend a penny if you dont want to. We were in the same boat as yourself, wanted a holiday after a hard year and a bit of a nightlife. Would recommend the DR, the hotels are all inclusive and they had a disco on the premises that was open till 2.30am so we went there and drank for free and then went to one of the nightclubs on the compound(rum and coke cost about €1!). It is mainly compound based except for the activities that we did zip-lining, whitewater rating, snorkling etc... Budget go to the North Coast which is on the atlantic so its not white sand but there is plenty of clear water and coconut trees! Would recommend it especially at Budget Travels prices! I you do go I would recommend Playa Dorada instead of Sosua. Hope it helps!

    MM


  • #3
    Naked Lepper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,530 ✭✭✭Naked Lepper


    so u cant leave the compound?

    that sounds SO shite

    why is that, it is really dangerous there or something?


  • #4
    Dodge
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,345 ✭✭✭✭Dodge


    Naked Lepper wrote: »
    so u cant leave the compound?

    that sounds SO shite

    why is that, it is really dangerous there or something?

    Haven't been, so this info is 2nd hand...

    You can leave the compound, but you're advised not to. Crime is a very serious issue in Dominican Republic, more so than most Carribean islands. Its a very, very poor place.


  • #5
    Gran Hermano
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,330 ✭✭✭Gran Hermano


    Cuba is the safest of all the islands. Having visted both Dom Rep and Cuba,
    I'd recommend Cuba. Spend a couple of nights in Havana then hit one of the beach resorts. Cuba is well worth visiting before it changes.


  • #6
    ncmc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,852 ✭✭✭ncmc


    I would definitely recommend option 1, having been in all the places you mentioned in that option (I haven't been to DR, but have heard ropey reports on it). Cancun is famous for being a party place, so you will have no problem with the nightlife. The one thing is that there tends to be a lot of American spring breakers there, but that would only be certain times of the year. Most of the resorts in Cancun are all inclusive, so all your meals and drinks are included. However, I would recommend getting out of the hotel a couple of times and experiencing the restaurants/nightlife on the strip.

    Havana is an amazing place, I don't think there is another city like it in the world. Again, it has great nightlife and there is music and dancing everywhere you go (they literally dance on the streets). It is also a wonderful historical and cultural city, so it has a really good mix.

    And then of course you have Orlando. which is a great spot (and not just for kids). Hit Islands of Adventure theme park if you like your rollercoasters wild. Try the Premium Outlet mall for brand names at about 1/3 of what you would pay here.

    Do you mind me asking, are you and your friend male or female?

    Either way, it's a no brainer for me, option 1 all the way. Great mix of experiences there IMO.


  • Advertisement
Advertisement