Has anybody been to Cuba? Me and my boyfriend are going in July, Staying on Cayo Guillermo, just wondered if anyone had any tips, where to visit, what to take etc
Any comments appreciated,
Cheers!
;)

Yeah i went two Summers ago. We stayed for 4 nights in Havanna and 10 nights in Varadero. What things were you wondering in particular? otherwise i'm unsure as to what to tell you. Where abouts is the place your goin to?

Ay up Elenab, myself and my girlfriend are going to Cuba in April so, if i remember, i'll get back to you afterwards with some info. In the meantime, we've bought the 'Rough Guide to Cuba' which seems to be one of the best sources of impartial advice and one I'd recommend. I'm also learning some spanish (from the 'Teach Yourself' series) which is easier than I thought it would be and is sure to help make the hol flow a bit smoother! As you've got till July, there's loads of time for you to learn plenty of the lingo- I've learnt a surprising amount in just two weeks!
Hope this is useful.

Went to Cayo Coco last November and really enjoyed it. The Cayos aren't the "real" Cuba (locals aren't allowed onto the island unless they work there) so try and go to the mainland and see somewhere like Moron or Trinidad - it's a different world.

The hotels on the Cayos tend to be a bit isolated but there is a "regular" bus services that runs between Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo - costs 5 pesos for the day.

Try and take some old T shirts for the hotel staff, they love these better than tips. Also, try and talk to the staff - they are very well educated (not unusual to find solicitors working as waiters) and they love getting into conversations with tourists.

Don't expect Cuban 4* to be the same as Med 4*, it's not, but the hotels are great, all the same.

Be ready for long queues at Cayo Coco airport (try and book the VIP lounge for the return flight - small queues, comfy seats and free bar/snacks - see your rep on arrival, costs about £15 each). ALso, don't let the aiport porters take your luggage, the walk from arrivals to the coaches is about 30 yards!!!

Above all, keep an open mind (Cuba is still a third world country) and enjoy yourself, I'm sure you will.

My parents were in Cuba during hurricane Rita- they said that Havana was lovely, but the place they were evacuated to wasn't that much fun really.

Hi,
I've been to Cuba three times, once to Cayo Coco and twice to Cayo Guillermo, where I went last year. Went off the beaten track a lot (it's very safe) and explored all over the Cayos, it was fab but there's too much info to write here! PM me with your email address if you would like any more info or tips, or would like me to email some pics of the Cayos or our hotel (have stayed at Melia Cayo Guillermo and Tryp Cayo Coco).

Kathryn

I've been to cuba twice and I'm going again in Nov for my wedding! Woo Hoo.

The last 2 times I stayed on cayo coco, this time we're staying on cayo guillermo. I would suggest to do all the trips possible, they're such good value for money. Swimming with dolphines, driving speed boat, colourful cuba tour,
etc

The people are so friendly and welcoming.

you're gonna have an amazing holiday.

look on www.tripadvisor.com for reviews

x x x

My wife & i went on honeymoon to Varadero last June,if i have any complaints the mozzies were a nightmare,we stayed at Breezes,on an all inclusive food was repetetive & beer was served in small glasses.
Had a 2 day trip to Havena, what an unbelievable part of the world,make sure you take a camera you wont be dissapointed,but you will be amazed.
PXO

Thanks guys that all great info, cheers!
I was basically wondering about trips and locals and basically any info anyone had. Are they not offended if you give them old clothes? and also is there anything else they appreciate?
One last thing, the summer seems to have the most rainfall, but is it just brief showers? want to come back brown!
cheers:thumbsup:

Yeah i went two Summers ago. We stayed for 4 nights in Havanna and 10 nights in Varadero. What things were you wondering in particular? otherwise i'm unsure as to what to tell you. Where abouts is the place your goin to?
Hey Rach. I can't PM you cos you haven't posted enough yet. But this is me! Here I am!

PS. Sorry this is not Cuba related. My brother and his wife went for their honeymoon tho and I've seen the pics. It's full of really battered classic cars from what I could gather. They had a great time and brought back lots of cigars (which I don't approve of but which they seemed to enjoy giving to people!).

The Cubans do not object to being given old clothes - they really appreciate them, especially if they are "branded", they'll be your friend for life and may offer to take you to meet their family. They are really very friendly people who can't do enough for you - not suprising as tourism is the only real industry in the Cayos. Also, if you can, try and use some basic Spanish - the locals will really appreciate it.

If you go into one of the towns beware of the beggars (mainly young kids) - they will follow you around all day if you give them money as they always want more.

You'll not see many old American cars in the Cayos - hardly any traffic at all - but you will see them in the mainland towns.

With regard to rain, you should find that it is mainly heavy showers.

I have been. Stayed in Varadero several years ago when i got married out there. Although Varadero isn't the real Cuba. Very poor country, the ppl are great but some will use you so be careful if you go out of the resort. A fab website which i have always kept is -
http://www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com/cuba/cubarevind.html

The website covers the full Carribean

A close friend went last year, unfortunately she picked the 'wet' season to go.
Her view was that it was a brilliant place, with wonderful people HOWEVER the hotel was a disaster!

Z

thansk for all that guys, were going in the wet season, (july) but theres still supposed to be at least 6hours sunshine a day, anybody experience rain all day, or weather than ruined their hol? want a tan still!

thansk for all that guys, were going in the wet season, (july) but theres still supposed to be at least 6hours sunshine a day, anybody experience rain all day, or weather than ruined their hol? want a tan still!

Coastal areas of Cuba were evacuated into safe shelters 6 times during the hurricane season this year- that's a fair number of people who went on holiday and ended up having their time ruined by the most dangerous of weather, and this doesn't count the number of people who just ended up rusty rather than tanned.