Cuba...Who's been or are going? Info required.
20 replies
mickysf replied on 09/12/2016 05:59
Posted on 09/12/2016 05:59
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.
JimFl replied on 14/12/2016 20:55
Posted on 07/12/2016 21:20 by nelliethehookerThanks 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?
Posted on 14/12/2016 20:55
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.
nelliethehooker replied on 16/12/2016 20:52
Posted on 08/12/2016 23:29 by TammygirlNTH, 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.
huskydog replied on 23/12/2016 19:00
replied on 23/12/2016 20:39
nelliethehooker replied on 23/12/2016 22:14
Posted on 23/12/2016 20:39 byHi NTH
We are just back from our 3rd visit, just love everything about it but cant say much about the country in general as we have been to an all inclusive resort on an island off the north coast and apart from a couple of excursions seen little of the country. However the little we have seen has been beautiful and encountered the nicest people its possible to find. It rather depends on your daughters interests but if exotic surroundings and coral reef snorkeling are high on her list its worth considering. However I would not personally consider an independent motoring holiday due to the state of the roads and lack of lighting , sign posting and our lack of Spanish but those who have done it have loved it too.
Posted on 23/12/2016 22:14
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.
replied on 25/12/2016 08:55
nelliethehooker replied on 27/12/2016 22:01
bartdon56 replied on 28/01/2017 15:15
Posted on 28/01/2017 15:15
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.
nelliethehooker
Caravanner