17 replies to this topic

[cheeks75]

Hello All,

I am having such a difficult time trying to decide between Punta Cana and Mexico (Cancun or Cabos). I have not visited either location, so I am strictly going by opinions of others. This process is getting me frustrated because both areas look beautiful.

I am looking for an AI resort that is ideal for kids, elderly, as well as young adults because I have such a variety of age groups attending. I also want a resort that is within walking distance of the ocean, although a pool is great, I want to experience the ocean.

If anyone can give me any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

[michelle08]

I don't know anything about punta canta or cancun..but I am getting married in cabo.

There is dreams in Cabo (AI) which I am pretty sure accommodates all age groups. However the beach is within walking distance...it's right on the beach but you can't swim in the ocean there because of the undertoe...but the pools are wonderful.

RUI is an AI and it's closer to downtown cabo and I honestly do not know if this is a swimming beach or not...however most of the large resorts in Cabo are right on the beach so you can at least sunbath in the sand....

I know that probably didn't really help but I would say any beachy area is going to be beautiful...what helped to make our decision between cancan, puerta vallarta and cabo is that cabo is actually the closest from the west coast and all of our guest will be flying from either california, arizona or washington state so I took that into consideration as far the flight time and cost of flights ect....so if you are indifferent on the locations I would look into what is then most convenient travel wise for you and your guests??

[cheeks75]

Most of our guests will be coming from the Midwest (Chicago, ST. Louis, Indianapolis). Maybe I will start by comparing flight information. Thanks a lot because every little fact truly helps.

[tvt]

I totally know your pain!!! Those were our two choices as well. Mexico or DR. It's a tough choice that's for sure. In the end we ended up choosing Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Our few main reasons were that Mexico is kind of "our" vacation location, we love the Mexican culture and people, and the secenry in PV is amazing. The mountains, ocean, and palm tree combination is so beautiful.

Not to say that DR is not beautiful because everytime I see a picture of the ocean there I want to get there NOW! It's so stunning!

What are your most important things in a location?

[TATrisha]

Hello! Based on your location, I'm pretty sure it'd be much cheaper for you and your guests to go to the Riviera Maya or Cancun. I would be flying out of Milwaukee or Chicago and that's what I've found. There are a lot of great resorts there for children and the beaches are beautiful and you can swim in the ocean, as opposed to a lot of Cabo.

[jillhiggins]

Hi,

I photographed Lenita's wedding at Moon Palace in Cancun, and I think it would be a good choice considering your needs. There were children there, the beach is right there, lots of big pools, it is AI, etc.

If you would like to see some pictures let me know and I can pull up the link for her slideshow.

[foxytv]

I would check prices on some of the charter airlines to see who flies from any hub cities. We chose Punta Cana, DR ... and have a lot of people flying from DC and NYC ... which have $99 each way direct flights to Punta Cana on USA3000 and Spirit Air. Other airline rates are decent as well. I would look at flight prices more than anything IMO because you can find a resort that meets your needs regardless of the location. Hope that helps!

[CourtneyV]

Hmm... well what is your budget like? Would it not be a bit more expensive to go to Punta Cana? I've heard PC is gorgeous, but we ended up choosing Mexico because of $$ - plus, it's still absolutely beautiful. I don't know though, if PC is in your budget, I've heard a lot of people push for that option. Was there any location in particular you were looking at? Have you checked out some of the resort options there?

[rodent]

I used funjet.com to compair prices to different areas. I found cancun/ riviera maya was the cheapest flying from texas so I chose that. I picked a hotel in the riviera maya because the area sounds so exciting. Cozumel was also a cheaper option, but I didn't want to be on an island for our guest who would prefer to visit the jungle. Some people have told us they are not "beach people."

[LLWI]

I had to make the same decision recently for a Jan 2008 wedding. We had traveled to PC in winter before and loved that the ocean was turquoise and warm. Our experiences in Mexico in January have been good but ocean too rough, cold and seaweedy to swim or wade in. Pool was the only option.

Cancun/Riv Maya seems to have more night life than PC and you should take a look at fees. I believe the Dominican govt has recently increased fees for judge for non residents marrying there. Went from a really small number to $500 I think, then add fees from document translator on top of that.

You should also consider that different areas of Mexico require different things...blood tests?

Our travel agent says that DR is all of a sudden really popular, so costs may be higher now. Direct flights avail to Mexico and PC from Chicago, Milw.

You will be able to find a resort no problem in either location with things to do for adults & kids. In my own experience day tours & activities available in each locale are comparable.

To me it always seems like going to Mexico is like an extension of the US. I really enjoy feeling far away and appreciating the local culture of DR.

Good luck!