Some random thoughts, in no particular order...
Pretty timely piece. Been thinking of heading to Cuba with the fam in Jan/Feb. Would you recommend it for a family getaway for a week or two? We're basically planning to do nothing but relax and swim and sightsee
Not sure about logistics coming all the way from Norway, but Cuba is a great vacation destination in many ways.
It's the "Walmart of the Caribbean" for Canadians looking to escape the winter cold and hang out on a beach. Sometimes the prices for a week or two all-inclusive vacation are outrageously inexpensive - honestly, I don't even know how the tour operator pays for jet fuel let alone the resort/food/booze too.
The Island has one of the most unique political/social situation in the world so it's easy to mix a little culture with the beach and umbrella drinks.
That said it's not a destination for picky travellers. The all-inclusive resorts are (almost) always at least a full star or star and a half below their other Mexican, Caribbean and Central American counterparts but if the price is right who cares... like I said, some the deals being offered now are insanely cheap.
Have fun.
Cheers,
Terry
Certainly sounds like an interesting option Is it the kind of place you'd get bored after a few weeks? Everyone I ever know that's been there has done the resort thing, and I was actually thinking of going more the 'rent a house/stay in a guesthouse' route. You mentioned renting a house with pool and the works... any particular place you'd recommend checking out?
If you're an experienced traveller in developing countries and you've stayed in inexpensive hostels/hotels elsewhere and used local transport then Cuba will hold NO surprises. Travelling independently in Cuba is very easy.
Cuba is no longer an exotic destination... there are loads of excellent guide books like Moon, Rough Guide, Lonely Planet, etc... there are several Internet forums/blogs (Lonely Planet, Trip Advisor, etc.) that make it an easy place to research... the whole country is very safe and non-threatening... it has a very defined Gringo Trail with decent transport and accommodation options... tourist scams are simple and no big deal, almost to the point of being naively innocent (compared to most other developing countries)... if you're still nervous it's easy to have a local guide/resolver/travel agent give you a really nice comfort zone by setting you up with a semi-arranged itinerary so you're not completely on your own... etc.
For a first time visitor a guide book is by FAR your most important (and cheapest/easiest) investment to start your research.
Have fun.
Cheers,
Terry
Here's a decent website to start your research: http://www.cuba-junky.com/ It explains quite well the accommodation options for "casa particulars" (Cuban version of a bed and breakfast) and a whole pile of other info about the Island in general. I've used their services before, they're very dependable - but remember the telecommunications infrastructure in Cuba is HORRIBLE so instant replies to emails will not happen. Use patience...
I've done But it's still different with the fam and especially will be with a 6 month old tagging along. We actually do a ton of bookings here on TP for guesthouses in Cuba, but like the idea of a private place with a pool I was looking at that cuba-junky site (owner actually is it seems ), and notice they have the same listings we do for the casa particulars. I'm going to research this a little more, but it's looking like it might tick all the boxes for this particular trip!!
I'm in Cuba from early January to mid-February, with the last 2 weeks being in Havana. Feel free to drop me a line and you're welcome to drop by my casa for a few cocktails...
Cheers,
Terry
Wow Terry you rock the boat !!
thanks for all the wonderful tips and details about your adventure!!
I'm Malika by the way , living in montreal and yes!
planning to travel a little south america
question ....where did you get your tickets flight ..was it expensive ....tips by any chance XD
have a wonderful day
always believe in yourself and never forget fiesta never ends !!!!!
There's a multitude of places in Canada to get super cheap flights heading south...
http://www.tripcentral.ca/
http://www.sunwing.ca/
http://www.redtag.ca/
http://www.selloffvacations.com/
Etc. etc. etc...
Have fun.
Cheers,
Terry
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