Cuba...Who's been or are going? Info required.

Another David has either gone or is going soon , if he has gone I don't think CT will be high on his list 

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 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?

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.

Its best to try and avoid the Carribean in Hurricane season which is early autumn if memory serves but don't quote me on that. 

June to November on the web sites, with some more likely at certain times.

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.

Loo paper and tissues were scarce earlier this year according to my sister...she caught a cold and realised how little was available. Read up about it before you go.

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!

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.