Holiday in Cuba

[sysyphus]

Hi everyone,

In a few weeks my soon to be new wife and I are bound for our honeymoon in Cuba. We'll be landing in Havana and trying to travel to Santiago de Cuba with a couple of stops in between.

Anyone ever been? Got any advice on where to stay or how to get around?

 

[cidknee]

ive been about 3 times... but cant remember all that much. DONT drink the water unless ua re on the resort. Im serious. Get the all inclusive deal and who needs to go off the resort. thats what ive done. Verradero 2X and i cant remember the name of the other one.

 

[luiz]

My first advice is to take Euros instead of US dollars. I'm almost entirely sure that Castro recently introduced an extra 10% tariff on all US dollras traded or used in his isalnd.

As for touristical tips, I don't have to tell you that Cuba has some beautiful beaches that you should check out. If you're into history you could go to Sierra Maestra, that is full of landmarks of the cuban revolution.
If you're into "socialist tourism" you'll also want to take pictures outside the Interior Minestry, that has that really huge portray of Guevara.

 

[sysyphus]

My first advice is to take Euros instead of US dollars. I'm almost entirely sure that Castro recently introduced an extra 10% tariff on all US dollras traded or used in his isalnd.

I've heard that, though I was told taking Canadian dollars would be just fine (that's a rarity!) and that we'd be best off to exchange to pesos right away.

As for touristical tips, I don't have to tell you that Cuba has some beautiful beaches that you should check out. If you're into history you could go to Sierra Maestra, that is full of landmarks of the cuban revolution.
If you're into "socialist tourism" you'll also want to take pictures outside the Interior Minestry, that has that really huge portray of Guevara.

Some time on the beach will definitely be had, I particularly like snorkelling. THough we are more interested in the historical perspective, Sierra Maestra is definitely on the list.

 

[Tank_Guy#3]

I thought you meant a Cuban Holiday

Moderator Action: Unnecessary comment removed

 

[Louis XXIV]

I remember getting a good look at Cuba while our United States cruise ship sailed around it for a couple of days

 

[Grisu]

I thought you meant a Cuban Holiday

what's a cuban holiday?

 

[amadeus]

A day when Castro doesn't give a six-hour speech.

I believe what he meant is that he thought it was a Cuban holiday like Bastille Day in France.

 

[Grisu]

A day when Castro doesn't give a six-hour speech.

I believe what he meant is that he thought it was a Cuban holiday like Bastille Day in France.

ahh, ok, thx. it's still early, so I might be a bit slow

 

[Godwynn]

I always thought Americans couldn't travel to Cuba.

 

[Grisu]

I always thought Americans couldn't travel to Cuba.

I'm pretty sure they can, they just can't fly directly to Cuba. Btw, sysyphus isn't exactly american

 

[ComradeDavo]

I always thought Americans couldn't travel to Cuba.

sysyphus is Canadian.

 

[Bugfatty300]

American travel to Cuba is restricted by both US and Cuban authorities. You can still go via Mexico or someother country's airways.

For Americans its too much trouble unless you really have business in Cuba. Go to Mexico or Florida, ect for beaches and relaxation.

 

[El Justo]

get some of those cigars!

 

[De Lorimier]

Don't bring back any Cuban Pesos as they're not worth anything outside Fidel's "socialist paradise". You're right about the loony, you can exchange it there. Don't be too surprized when they tell you that a Cuban Peso is worth more than your dollar, the cuban economy is full of great surprises like this!

You can try to bring back more rum and and cigars that you're allowed too. A cute couple coming back from Cuba on their honeymoon won't get searched (unless you act like a prick when you go through customs). Also, don't say "hola" at canadian customs, they hate that.

Wich company are you flying with? Air Canada? Transat? Cubana?

American travel to Cuba is restricted by both US and Cuban authorities. You can still go via Mexico or someother country's airways.

For Americans its too much trouble unless you really have business in Cuba. Go to Mexico or Florida, ect for beaches and relaxation.

Thousands of Americans transit through Montréal on their way to or back from Cuba each years. They might get asked a few more questions that Canadians or Germans, but US tourists are welcome in Cuba, especially their money.

 

[stormbind]

I have never been to Cuba, but if I were going with you, I would insist on sufficient cargo space to ship back a whole car. They have vintage vehicles maintained in excellent condition (many used to belong to Marylin Monroe - or so the sellers claim) and rare collectible cars can spin a healthy profit back in the USA or Canada

It is doubtful that checking oil and bartering fits with your honey moon plans. Is anyone else going to Cuba? *puppy eyes*

 

[Bozo Erectus]

When communism finally falls, tourists will pay big bucks to have pictures taken aboard those bizarre car-boats Cubans specialize in.

 

[Keshik]

get some of those cigars!

They're overrated. You can get just as good from other countries now.

 

[El Justo]

They're overrated. You can get just as good from other countries now.

not in my book!

sure, they're overpriced here in the states (on the black market of course). however, when abroad, i always score a few of them for about the same price as a good dominican cigar.

 

[cidknee]

indeed, when my brother was stationed @ Gitmo, he bought a 55 chevy froma local and shipped it home when he came back. Sold it at auction for close to 70 000. he only paid 2000.

I am a dual citizen so Ive always been able to go to cuba, aminly I just went to gitmo and walked ( or took a vehicle from base) to a hotel. Even now being x army i had problems going to Cuba. I went from toronto to varrederro?(sp?) and then to Houston Via Montreal. Big hassle