Cuba...Who's been or are going? Info required.
My daughter is after advice about going to Cuba....best tour operators, time of year to visit, etc. Can anyone help, please.
Comments
-
We were there 4 yrs ago - 4 nights in Havana, then 2 weeks travelling by local coaches (Viazul is the largest Co) which are similar in standard to European coaches. Staying in "Casas Particularies", which are really B&Bs. We had a really excellent, entertaining
& educational time.We finished up with 5 days in a 4 star all-inclusive resort at Varadero, we did not enjoy this at all! It was "all inclusive anywhere" it could have been Canary Islands or Casablanca, it certainly was not Cuba. Go! your daughter will enjoy
it.0 -
Thanks HD. I remember someone saying that they was going but couldn't remember who it was. Hope he's still about and can also help.
We were there 4 yrs ago - 4 nights in Havana, then 2 weeks travelling by local coaches (Viazul is the largest Co) which are similar in standard to European coaches. Staying in "Casas Particularies", which are really B&Bs. We had a really excellent, entertaining
& educational time.We finished up with 5 days in a 4 star all-inclusive resort at Varadero, we did not enjoy this at all! It was "all inclusive anywhere" it could have been Canary Islands or Casablanca, it certainly was not Cuba. Go! your daughter will enjoy
it.Thanks, Jim. Did you book your flights seperately from the coach tour?
0 -
This is one used by my sister early this year. If you have a sense of adventure it involves various activities. It's not a sand and sea holiday but has some of that too.
0 -
A fair few years ago when you flew in on a Russian Tupelov, had 2 passports in case you had to leave 'early'.
Beautiful place, especially toward the north western end.
Always made me smile when the people who had paid mega bucks for a 5* experience didn't realse it was local 5* not western standard 5* and complained about the leaking aircraft cabin, that was condensate from the air circulation syatem dripping due to the
heat. Happy days.0 -
Cuba is wonderful. We travelled there a few years ago, just booked flights (Air France) and 1st few nights in Habana. Then hired a car and stayed in Casas Particularies. Easy. No need to book with a tour operator, better to be independent and flexible. A
bit of Spanish certainly helps, but not essential. Get up to date info on the Visa / currency regulations, which do change. Tropical paradise, get there before it all changes!1 -
NTH, David I'm afraid flew out yesterday, he goes to the islands just off the north coast, not sure that he has done much in the way of touring Cuba so may not be able to give you any more info than you have got from the posts above.
As to the best time of year to visit, May to November is very hot and humid, it is also the main hurrican season. November to April is by far the better time, although Jan/Feb can on occasions have a few cool days. We have been in the area (though not Cuba)
in late Feb and March and the temp then IMO is about perfect. It starts to get hot again in late April and by mid May humid with thunderstorms most days. November and December are good months if they haven't been hit by a hurricane that season, this is when
the sea temps are nice and warm.0 -
Spend a few days in Habana last January. Wonderful experience, friendly folk and fabulous music. Found a bar near the centre with a five piece band playing, stayed for a few hours just chilling out! They could all sing but the lady in particular had a fabulous
voice. Every half hour they had a break and took the hat round, I tipped them the first time (equivalent to £5, I thought £1 each was fair) and they refused to accept more during subsequent breaks. When we eventually left they thanked us and shook our hands,
a beautiful memory for us!Loved the place, although very charming in its way much of the historical city is falling apart but clean.
0 -
WE booked our flights with an agent, The rest we booked online, if you search there are a couple of good sites for booking accommodation and travel. We were told, before we went to take a few small gifts with us - Spanish/English dictionaries were particulary treasured, as were basic educational supplies pencils, biros etc. We tended to use the meals provided in the casas, or to eat in the many private enterprise resteraunts.
0 -
TG, have just found your post. Sorry about the delay in replying. Thanks for the information, I'll pass it all onto our daughter.
0 -
Thanks for the reply David. I think that she'll want a tour of some sort, although she has done independent holidays before. She's not one to want too long lounging on a beach and she's never done snorkelling as far as I know, but I wouldn't put it past her and her hubby giving it a bash. I'll find out from her exactly what kind of trip she has in mind next time we chat.
0 -
Thanks for the tips David, and a Happy New Year to you.
0 -
we went a few years ago to Varadero a purpose built resort, which i can say was very good in fact brilliant. we also did a 3 night stay in Havana at the old Hilton......it's a brilliant place when we went as Fidel was still in charge...but now the Americans have access to it.......I personally think it's going to go down hill rapidly..... sad but true.
0 -
Thanks for the info, bartdon. I'll pass it onto her.
0
