Trip to Cuba

[antbkny]

So Cuba has been on my mind so i am looking to go. Had anyone vacationed/visited that could give me some suggestions on places to stay, visit, ect...

[GerardoG]

It depends on what you want. Most resorts in Varadero are all inclusive, you will have great beaches, food, amenities. If you are into exploring, El Nacional is iconic. So many things to do....visit La Bodeguita del Medio, a night show at Tropicana, daiquiri at Floridita....(Hemingway had his spot at the bar while drinking daiquiri, there is a statue of him in that spot)....

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by antbkny

So Cuba has been on my mind so i am looking to go. Had anyone vacationed/visited that could give me some suggestions on places to stay, visit, ect...

Did they open it up yet or do you still need to go for research/educational purposes?

[sea-dweller]

I would like to go one day!

[BLACKHORSE 6]

Just had some family friends go there for a vacation. They had a great time, but were detained coming back into the US in customs and are now facing some legal issues. Apparently you can't simply travel to Cuba without permission or some sort of clearance.

This just happened recently and I haven't had the chance to get all of the details from them, so I don't have the complete story.

[Chewbacca]

i've been 3 times.

start off in varadero as GG says. its prix-fixe but covers all bases along with the beaches.

try satiago on the other side for more privacy and less teens.

spend at least 1 overnight in havana and take the better walking/bus tour that is NOT rum or cigar exclusive. those are typically sales tours and don't show the Hemingway and historical stuff. don't buy cigars on the street either... they look amazingly genuine but they're usually a couple rejects and the rest banana leaves. buy from the government stores.

if you can, take the tour from your hotel at 5AM typically from varadero. its a 2.5hr ride and you'll see amazing stuff on the way.

don't leave anything on the bus and don't tip kids or anyone on the street or you'll be marked the whole day. just tip at the end.

and, leave the rolex at home... i typically bring a seiko and barter it for a hand made humidor on the last day.

have fun.

[nick c]

Originally Posted by GerardoG

It depends on what you want. Most resorts in Varadero are all inclusive, you will have great beaches, food, amenities. If you are into exploring, El Nacional is iconic. So many things to do....visit La Bodeguita del Medio, a night show at Tropicana, daiquiri at Floridita....(Hemingway had his spot at the bar while drinking daiquiri, there is a statue of him in that spot)....

Boom and make sure to go 4+ stars hotel

[antbkny]

You guys are the best, thanks for all the input. I will let u guys know how we make out.

[1st amg]

If you are going with kids, try the Holquin area, they have some very nice resorts. We have played at Playa Pesquero numerous times with our kids and they loved it, clean, safe and massive pool with a nice beach

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by BLACKHORSE 6

They had a great time, but were detained coming back into the US in customs and are now facing some legal issues.

Sounds like a fun end to a vacation.

[Hooper]

Been 11+ times, great country, I prefer the Cayo Coco area and beaches myself, as well as the Holguin area! Can't beat the beaches. One of our fav resorts is the Melia Cayo Guillermo!

[1William]

It is on my bucket list.