Anyone been to Cuba on holiday?

Question

I've booked 2 weeks in Cuba in June 2007 for our honeymoon and am looking a bit of feedback from people who have been there and any hints for making my time there more enjoyable.

Answer 1

Hello,

I have traveled to Cuba 30 times. I am of cuban born but currently live in fl. What can i tell you about Cuba. It definately is an experience. Although I have become very disilucioned for multiple personal reasons I will share my good experiences. I can recommend Cayo Coco which although I have never been there I heard it's paradise. It's one of Cuba's private tourist islands. I heard its one of the most beautiful beaches. Should you want to consider another tourist area where you may want to interact with locals then I would suggest Varadero Beach. Beautiful clear waters and white sand. If you are looking to tour the island to learn it's culture then definately Havana the capital. You will encounter al sorts of educated people and obviously watch out for your bad apples. Please beware of anyone that approches you to offer you to be your tour guide. Although yes there are good and honest people you never know who you are dealing with. From personal experience DO NOT leave any bags anywhere with your personal documents such sa passports. If you go to the beach and leave a bag in the water it is very possible it could get stolen. But these documents in secure areas such as waist belts or leave them at your hotel. Same goes for money when you are taking out money put what you plan to use in your front pocket never take out the wallet in the street because unfortunatley you do have wallet thiefs that will chase you in a bike or steal and run. This is not to scare you but I am witness of all these experiences. Do not take jewelry such as necklaces either. Back to your question. Havana has wonderful museums and historical sites such as Plaza de la Revolucion, Museo de la Revolucion and the cathedral in Old Havana. If you can try and visit a Theatre Show if its of interest to you. Visit la bodeguita del medio. You can also visit a local agency ask about a tour to Hemingways home in Havana. Visit el canonaso de las 9pm. Which is a show that is taken place in El Morro Castle. Its very nice. Try and be there no later than 7:30pm so you can beat the crowds and watch a beautiful parade when they blast off a canon ball at 9pm every nite off the Havana Bay. As far as eating locations I know hotels have good food as far as local places perhaps paladares which are homes that have licenses to practice home style restaurant Cuban Food. These places should be no more then $15 per plate anything more you are being ripped off. I used to eat a wonderful meal for $7 and $8 dollars. Again this was a few years when I did that. If you have any further questions feel free to contact me. I think Cuba is an experience you will never forget as its like going back to the 50's with the old vintage cars still rolling in the street and the horse carriages in select cities.

Answer 2

Cuba is something different, if you wish to make so.I have been twice [just got back] I will probably go again next year.
In Cuba I get a feeling of a close sense of history, in old Havana
etc you can see where the African slaves must have been landed
and the gold and silver stored [it came from other parts of Latin America] before shipment to Spain.You can see the sugar cane
fields where the slaves worked.
I like salsa dancing, and if you wish to try\learn do make enquirers when you arrive [ and if possible before you go - learn Cuban style- NOT cross body or New York style] .
You don't say where you are staying.
There are purpose built beach resorts, I have been to one for two
days,it was like heaven on earth [but no historical atmosphere].
I have spent about a total of ten days in Havana,and toured the East of Cuba, all full of interest. Learn a few words of Spanish
[eg.please, thank you etc] and take maps\street plans also simple items like pain killers eg headaches]. The
Cubans are in general a happy and friendly people dedicated to
a socilist way of life.

Answer 3

Yes I have, and I absolutely loved it! Forget about coffee in the morning :) = you get woken up with a mohito instead - the food is amazing, alcohol's in abundance and WAY cheaper than anywhere else, and if you smoke, then don't forget to visit the cigar factory and grab those cohibas. Don't buy any cigars off the streets - they aren't the real thing. you can stay out and party as long as you want, no one will rob you, and the people are wonderful. Don't forget, Jamaica is only across the water. Either way, you'll love Cuba.

Answer 4

Hi,
Cuba is great. I was in Cuba 9 times, and in January 07, is going to be my tenth time down there.
What can I say.... I have never been disappointed in Cuba. They have a very friendly people, good hotels, good service, tasty food, no crime/safe to walk around, fantastic beaches, cheap, and lots of sunshine.

Last year we were in Holguin and it was wonderful, while in January we are going to be in Santa Lucia near Camagway.

Anyways, just relax I am sure you are going to have a fantastic time in Cuba.

Answer 5

No, but I'd love to go. Havana is supposed to be awesome, and the beaches at the resorts are great. You'll have a wonderful time.

Answer 6

I've known people who've been there and it doesn't sound like the best place to go for a honeymoon. If you can change your destination to the Virgin Islands, you'll be better off.

Answer 7

went last Christmas fantastic place people friendly weather great, you must try a mohita and a ride in a 3 wheeled taxi

Answer 8

r u mad,its nothing like the brochures,lucky men harass u all the time,taxis cost the earth,meat is not fit for humans according to eu directives,

Answer 9

have been to varadero 5 times, lovely beach and the people are kind

Answer 10

You're Havana laugh