Mexico or Dominican Republic

[SparklingMonkey]

Hi,

We are trying to decide between the Dominican Republic or Mexico for a two week break in November. In Mexico we are looking at the Riviera Maya area, and for the Dominican Republic it would be the Bavaro,Punta Cana area.

We have two daughters who will be 7 and 4, and we will be booking all inclusive with first choice.

From researching it, I can't make up my mind as to which one would be best! We like going on on excursions, as well as good evening entertainment for the kids, and lovely beaches for during the day!

Any opinions and input would be gratefully received!

I'd go with Mexico. Hotels, food, entertainment are all better than Dom Rep IMO.

Lots to do for kids too - Xcaret, Xplor, Tulum beach etc

We have just booked 2 weeks in Riviera Maya. Can't wait! Looks amazing. Lots for the kids to do.

Mexico
I've done both several times, Mexico hands down.
But take your insect repellent for that time of year

There's a risk of malaria in the Dominican Republic and antimalarials are recommended.

That might sway your opinion.

I've been to both and definitely Mexico, the food is so much better and in my opinion there is not much to do in the Dom and the malaria tablets made me ill.

Agree. Mexico and xcaret

I know a number of people who have done AI in the Dominican Republic and they were all pretty lukewarm about it. One of them spent his honeymoon there and found that most of the other guests were treating it as an all you can drink holiday.

Others ended up with upset stomachs and said that the food wasn't great. Most of them just stayed in their AI complex and didn't see anything of the country. I find that rather pointless because they might as well just have gone to Spain (it was summer).

Mexico without a doubt, plenty to do. Xcaret is fantastic!

Is xcarat good for adults too? Or xel-ha better?

We've taken our 9 year olds to Riviera Maya three times since they were six.
Agree Xel-Ha is totally awesome we've been there every time.
So much to do in the area, snorkeling with turtles at Akumal Beach is amazing. Jungle, ruins, cenotes there is tonnes to do
The only good thing I've ever heard about Dominican Republic is it's cheap. Because of that it does attract a more riff raff element, bad stomachs ate a frequent complaint and people say it's not good outside the resort whereas in Riviera Maya outside the resort there is plenty to do.

*itsbetterthanabox
*
My DH & I went to Mexico on our honeymoon, & Xcaret was one of our standout days. There is so much to do there, we didn't manage to see everything (we missed rafting down a river which I was disappointed about!) Loved snorkelling in a river which goes through caves, at the end there was an area with hammocks, we got in one together & just lay there in the sun under the palm trees, it was lovely.

To add, I have done Xel-Ha as well, though when I was a teen so not for about 14 years. I can't remember it in huge detail, it was lovely but I feel there is a lot more variety at Xcaret.

Mexico, but not Cancun itself

Thank you all for the input! Seems to be unanimously recommend that we go to Mexico :) which has made my mind up!

A couple of other questions, will it be warm enough in November, or should would September be better weather wise?

Also any recommendations on areas and or resorts? Is the Carribbean coast better than the Pacific coast?

Thanks :)

Sorry for the awful typos! I'm on my phone, which doesn't want to play ball for me!

I would go November as hurricane season is generally finished by then.

We've been to both Pacific Coast and Caribbean coast. Pacific Coast (Puerto Vallarta) is very Mexican, little cafes, lovely promenade (malecon) to walk along, mariachi bands playing etc. but not much to do for kids other than what's in the hotels.

Caribbean coast has the parks as mentioned above - Xcaret, Xplor, Xel-ha which would be better for kids.

Beaches are far better on Caribbean coast too, Pacific sea is very rough, and not clear blue.

In terms of hotels, it depends on your budget really but there are some great hotels on both sides.

We go in may so outside the hurricane season

In terms of resorts we loved the Playacar area, it is a gated community close to Playa del Carmen. I have stayed there a few times within the Riu group of hotels & have always felt very safe there. Lots of families & only a half hour walk (or quick taxi) to Playa del Carmen should you wish to go there.

I've been to both. Punta Cana and riviera maya. Mexico all the way.
No malaria, the people are friendlier, the sea is clearer and the beaches are cleaner. However Dominican do have real beaches whereas Mexico has fake ones.

There's more to see and do in Mexico by far.

Ps coastal side is better however in November it'll be hurricane season. So pacific would be better for weather purposes.

I've been to Mexico (Caribbean and Pacific) and dom rep and Caribbean side of Mexico is definitely the best.

Xel-ha was really good and when i go again will definitely try xcaret.

Theres loads to do for kids and adults and its also so easy to do nothing and lounge by the pool all day.

@popcornbits all the beaches I've been to in Riviera Maya are real

Thank you all for the input :) got the fun of finding a resort and planning it all now that we know where we are going!