Cuba

[James.]

The lady and I are considering 2 weeks in Cuba during October.

None of that all-inclusive rubbish for us. We want to book our flights, have a few days in Havana and then see what happens.

Our only real concern is that October happens to be slap bang in the middle of hurricane season, meaning the weather may be variable to say the least. Personally I'm up for the risk. October doesn't necessarily equal hurricane and hurricane doesn't necessarily equal death and anyway in some respects it could be one hell of an experience.

So my questions are who has been to Cuba, when did you go, how did you find it and what tips do you have for places to see, etc..?

Cheers.

[Raj]

James.

Hope you are well?

I have never been to Cuba.

Hope that helps!

[Zingari]

you used to have to hijack planes to take you there ; how times change

[Monk]

Afternoon my friend.

Cuba, nice choice. I have never been there but have heard a lot about it.

Your best bet for a flight is to try out www.kayak.co.uk which searches all the price search engines.

For a list of highlights look at the tours offered on www.tucantravel.com - that's the company I toured Central America with; they have a couple of Cuba tours, which you obviously don't have to go on but should give you a starting point.

One thing you should do is take packs of useful things to give the kids there as they are rationed, e.g. take a pack of small soap bars with you and hand them to people you get talking to, they will likely be more responsive. Although it is known that a lot of the 'Cigar Smonking Grandma's' will ask for a small amount of money to have the photo taken.

Also check out:

WikiTravelEntry

Tucan Country Info

[Daggers]

Guantanamo Bay Holiday Camp Guide, Cuba

A holiday in the Caribbean is a vacation you’ll never forget. But where can a traveler go in these days where every hidden Paradise is overrun with tourism and development?

Well, you could join the hundreds of people around the world who’ve decided to spend an indefinite vacation at the Guantanamo Bay Holiday camp in Cuba! But don’t worry – it’s not the commie part – Guantanamo is on good old American soil, thanks to a treaty dating back to 1903. Did you know that the first president of Cuba was an American?

Of course, the secret is out and not a week goes by that some publication doesn’t mention Guantanamo Bay in passing, usually with an inexplicable recommendation to ‘shut it down’ – so best hurry and get your place quick!

The holiday camp of Guantanamo Bay is set in the South Eastern corner of Cuba and has natural protection against the hurricane season, making it a top destination for the adventurous traveler all year round. The fragrant waters of the Caribbean can be smelt from your bed (providing no joker let off the pepper spray that day) and you’ll come into close contact with a variety of exotic wildlife including rats, cockroaches, caterpillars, spiders and even the occasional excitement of a scorpion!

With holiday makers from 42 countries, Guantanamo Bay is a cosmopolitan vacation spot and when the camp entertainers (affectionately known as ‘guards’) aren’t insisting on silence, you’ll be able to trade stories from the road with a whole host of interesting people.

There are various camps to choose from with such cute names as Camp Delta, Echo and even Iguana! Sadly, Camp X-Ray had to be closed down due to malicious press reports about shoddy standards and customer dissatisfaction. Indeed, of the original 775 residents, over 300 have left and it’s anyone’s money who will be the last person left in the camp.

Yes, Guantanamo Bay is taking reality shows to the very next level – where no one except the people inside the ‘Big Brother Camp’ know what’s going on! And even then they’re prevented from getting an unfair advantage by waiting for weeks in solitary confinement until it’s their turn to talk to Big Brother, as the friendly American questioners are sometimes known.

Guantanamo Bay Holiday Camp is famous for never sleeping and, indeed, the lights are left on all night, often with accompanying heavy metal music. There are dogs to play with, hydro and electro therapy rooms and even the odd rumour about things getting kinky with the surprise quizzes – rumour has it the questioners are into a few chains and a little of the rough stuff…

Guantanamo Bay is an experience you’ll never forget, a little pocket of all that’s good about America, nestled in the Caribbean. So hurry up and book your place now!

[Tommy G]

Make sure you sample the local cigars if you do go..

[Trav Le Bleu]

Higher literacy rate than the USA... FACT!

*Bah! Had to edit this when I realised I'd spelt literacy wrong

[WetFlannel]

I have been Cuba twice...

The first time it was no doubt, the best place I have visited. The beaches are stunning, the people are are amazing and are very polite (give them a paco and they will serve on you hand and foot) and the sea is brilliant.

I heavily recommend you go diving or snorkling in the reefs, as the scenary and fish are amazing. The sea is warm and very clear, and most places im sure will offer to take you out in a boat. Snorkling is usually pretty cheap, so I'd definately give it a go.

Also, the cubans are very appreciative as most earn aroun 10 - 15 pacos a week (If you know about how the cubans are treated). THEY ARE MAD FOR FOOTBALL SHIRTS! They will constantly ask you for one if you wear it, even if they dont know what team it is, and they will also be very grateful for an item of cheap clothing you wouldnt mind giving away. They treat you very well, and a slight tip every so often will make sure your well looked after. Jewellery is also a big thing.

The food (at my hotels) is cooked in front of you, and offer a wide array of fish, meat and other fresh food. All inclusive is the way forward...

However, the second place I went to was pretty poor, due to the hotel being very poorly looked after and we had very rough rooms. It still didnt take away the natural things you could explore though. I would definately recommend the hotel Sol Cayo Coco as it is was unquestionably the best place Ive stayed. Paragliding, Snorkling, Deep Sea Fishing (also brilliant), Speedboats (very good but there not that fast) and much more is usually on display.

If your going though, you have to be aware if you want to take part in these things, you have to book them and isnt done within the hotel. Trips are usually the way to get the most out of your holiday. Deep Sea fishing prices are set on just the boat, so your best bet is to fill it with as many people as you can and split the money, if its your sort of thing.

As you can tell I rate Cuba very highly, and would recommend it to anyone. The weather is always above 30 so take loads of sun cream! Theres the odd bit of rain but it drys up within minutes.

You have my vote

[WetFlannel]

By the way, I went in hurricane season and usually its just alot of rain at night and drys up in no time. Didn't go on Havana but Ive heard its quite good if your interested in the culture etc. and arent one of these all action people.

[Cal]

I have been Cuba twice...

The first time it was no doubt, the best place I have visited. The beaches are stunning, the people are are amazing and are very polite (give them a paco and they will serve on you hand and foot) and the sea is brilliant.

I heavily recommend you go diving or snorkling in the reefs, as the scenary and fish are amazing. The sea is warm and very clear, and most places im sure will offer to take you out in a boat. Snorkling is usually pretty cheap, so I'd definately give it a go.

Also, the cubans are very appreciative as most earn aroun 10 - 15 pacos a week (If you know about how the cubans are treated). THEY ARE MAD FOR FOOTBALL SHIRTS! They will constantly ask you for one if you wear it, even if they dont know what team it is, and they will also be very grateful for an item of cheap clothing you wouldnt mind giving away. They treat you very well, and a slight tip every so often will make sure your well looked after. Jewellery is also a big thing.

The food (at my hotels) is cooked in front of you, and offer a wide array of fish, meat and other fresh food. All inclusive is the way forward...

However, the second place I went to was pretty poor, due to the hotel being very poorly looked after and we had very rough rooms. It still didnt take away the natural things you could explore though. I would definately recommend the hotel Sol Cayo Coco as it is was unquestionably the best place Ive stayed. Paragliding, Snorkling, Deep Sea Fishing (also brilliant), Speedboats (very good but there not that fast) and much more is usually on display.

If your going though, you have to be aware if you want to take part in these things, you have to book them and isnt done within the hotel. Trips are usually the way to get the most out of your holiday. Deep Sea fishing prices are set on just the boat, so your best bet is to fill it with as many people as you can and split the money, if its your sort of thing.

As you can tell I rate Cuba very highly, and would recommend it to anyone. The weather is always above 30 so take loads of sun cream! Theres the odd bit of rain but it drys up within minutes.

You have my vote

My mum wanted to go there last year! Its apparently really good, but we went Eqypt instead. Maybe she'll want to go this year

[WetFlannel]

My mum wanted to go there last year! Its apparently really good, but we went Eqypt instead. Maybe she'll want to go this year

Definately recommend it, just make sure you get a good hotel

[James.]

Thanks all in particular Monk (great articles) and Mr Flannel (very persuasive enthusiasm!).

Just got to convince the girlfriend that hurricanes are fun... it looks like an absolutely fascinating place. We're looking at starting in Havana and then working our way down to Trinidad, Holguin and Santiago de Cuba.

Have been reading loads about it and have my heart set now...

[Random Burglar]

I went to Cuba a year ago in January. The place is absolutely amazing and i cannot rate it highly enough. I went to Cayo Guillermo and could not believe the beaches, (only topped by the Maldives).

[WetFlannel]

Thanks all in particular Monk (great articles) and Mr Flannel (very persuasive enthusiasm!).

Just got to convince the girlfriend that hurricanes are fun... it looks like an absolutely fascinating place. We're looking at starting in Havana and then working our way down to Trinidad, Holguin and Santiago de Cuba.

Have been reading loads about it and have my heart set now...

No worries

I wouldnt worry to much about the hurricanes... Its mostly just alot of rain. Doesnt generally happen during the day... Oh, and watch out for the roads, there a mess! Thats your main concern.