CUBA!!! Much better imho, safer, cheaper less crowded and virtually NO AMERICANS!!!!

Wheels;

are you sure you aren't my brother? LOL

He says the same thing ... though not about the NO AMERICANs. LOL

I really loved Sayulita, about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. It has a wonderful, laid-back feel.

Any where without Americans is a good holiday!!

Cuba was a dream for us, with neither myself or my wife having been to the Carribean. Awesome weather, hot as hell (it was the start of August), only rained once. Beautiful calm beach, no harrassment from beggars.

Our resort had amazing staff and a couple pesos went a LONG way in getting amazing service. Our resort pool did not have poolside service, except for us, the pool bar officially closed at 11pm, except for us as we were one of the few people tipping.

The markets were great for shopping, etc, etc.

Can I play? A lot of Edmontonians consider Jasper their back yard. It's usually where we fly from too.

We're flying to Arizona in November from YEG. The weather there will be nicer than what we have here now. :)

Last winter my daughter spent a couple of weeks in Sayulita, and then a few more south in Nexpa, and really loved it.

Haven't tried Cuba yet (other daughter has been there and liked it) .... maybe this winter or next. Haven't been to Mexico either. We did go to the Dominican Republic last winter - not very many Americans where we were, Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana - Most other English speakers were fellow Canadians, but the resort we were at was mostly South Americans and Spaniards.

The Dom. Rep was our 2nd choice, another southern destination that we love (but is full on americans) is Vegas, how can you not love that town!

Next time we are back in Nuevo Vallarta, we are going to go spend some quality time in Bucerias and Sayulita. I have been hearing good things about it.

We also want to go winter - after I retire - possibly to try it first, in Arizona. However, my wife and I like the beaches, so its one reason I like the Pacific side of Mexico, especially around Mazatlan. Nice coast line there. Kind of reminds me of the shores of Prince Edward Island.

We went to Cuba back in the early 90s. Same resort as some friends. I wasn't too impressed. Maybe if we went with my brother and his friends to the places they go then we might find it nicer ... along the Varadero strip.

You should maybe look at Costa Rica as a wintering place for retirement, you can buy beachfront propery very cheaply in some areas.

wheels;

I've been hearing good things about Costa Rica, from friends, family, work associates and from TripAdvisor.

I think we shall put Costa Rica on the short list; say for three years from now.

You can currently purchase a Canadian Built beach-front townhouse for under $60,000 in a gated community.