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Started By
Message
Any thoughts on Cuba?
Posted on 4/19/16 at 1:45 pm
Posted on 4/19/16 at 1:45 pm
Has anyone here been to Cuba? I have booked my trip for late june/early July. 6 Night. Three in Old Havana and three near the University in the more touristy/artsy area.
Any suggestions or tips? Is Old Havana a good place to stay or would I be better off staying a little West?
It amazes me that a place so close to the US has been off-limits for such a long period of time. I am extremely excited to get there and see it before it becomes more "Americanized"
I will also be spending the night in Cancun before departing to Cuba at the Hyatt resort, and one night on the way back at a popular hostel.
Any suggestions or tips? Is Old Havana a good place to stay or would I be better off staying a little West?
It amazes me that a place so close to the US has been off-limits for such a long period of time. I am extremely excited to get there and see it before it becomes more "Americanized"
I will also be spending the night in Cancun before departing to Cuba at the Hyatt resort, and one night on the way back at a popular hostel.
4
Posted on 4/19/16 at 2:20 pm to darnol91
I refuse to give my money to a Communist Dicator, not one cent will go to he poor. I do not agree with your decision, but it is your life and money. Too many places to visit without supporting a Murderer.
JMO
JMO
Posted on 4/19/16 at 6:23 pm to darnol91
I went to Havana perhaps 11 years ago, and had a blast. It had plenty of tourists then, so I can only imagine what it's like now. I mean that in terms of safety/friendliness. Lots and lots of history. I was relatively young so I don't remember where we stayed, but it was a really neat city. There is some spectacular old fortresses there that are very well preserved and worth a visit.
Posted on 4/19/16 at 10:12 pm to darnol91
I'd like to go too.
I love how people try to avoid what they really mean when talking about Cuba. You want to go while it's still poor/really fricked up. Just admit it.
Same reason why I'd want to go to North Korea. No shame in that.
quote:
. I am extremely excited to get there and see it before it becomes more "Americanized"
I love how people try to avoid what they really mean when talking about Cuba. You want to go while it's still poor/really fricked up. Just admit it.
Same reason why I'd want to go to North Korea. No shame in that.
This post was edited on 4/19/16 at 10:13 pm
Posted on 4/20/16 at 11:25 am to Teddy Ruxpin
I don't have a problem admitting that. Yes, I want to see something different than what I am used to.
I did have a strong interest in North Korea when they still hosted the Mass Games, but once they got rid of that, I have little interest now. I do still think it would be incredibly interesting, however, I'll wait until something other than the geography and allure of the "forbidden fruit", per se, are the main attractions.
As far as NamVet's reply, I appreciate your service, and understand your attitude toward the Government, but America doesn't divest in China because of their communist Government. We still buy Nike, Apple, and many other companies that exploit a corrupt country. Not just china, but many eastern Asia countries. Me spending a measly 3-4k in Cuba is not going to directly affect how its' citizens are treated. Especially with the majority of my money going directly to said citizens through AirBnb, and another majority going to American based airlines. The only money I will be spending at government owned facilities will be cigars (200$ USD), one meal at a government owned restaurant (~100 USD) and a visa. As well as a surcharge on exchange for the CUC (~200 USD). The net effect of that is very small.
I did have a strong interest in North Korea when they still hosted the Mass Games, but once they got rid of that, I have little interest now. I do still think it would be incredibly interesting, however, I'll wait until something other than the geography and allure of the "forbidden fruit", per se, are the main attractions.
As far as NamVet's reply, I appreciate your service, and understand your attitude toward the Government, but America doesn't divest in China because of their communist Government. We still buy Nike, Apple, and many other companies that exploit a corrupt country. Not just china, but many eastern Asia countries. Me spending a measly 3-4k in Cuba is not going to directly affect how its' citizens are treated. Especially with the majority of my money going directly to said citizens through AirBnb, and another majority going to American based airlines. The only money I will be spending at government owned facilities will be cigars (200$ USD), one meal at a government owned restaurant (~100 USD) and a visa. As well as a surcharge on exchange for the CUC (~200 USD). The net effect of that is very small.
Posted on 4/20/16 at 11:38 am to darnol91
darnol91 - Im jealous. What is your routing going to be? Which airline? Mind disclosing how much you paid for the flight?
Teddy Ruxpin - there is definitely some truth in what you said about visiting while it is "poor." But I see it differently. I see it as somewhat of a "time capsule" with all the old cars, buildings and other stuff. An insight into what it must've been like before the advent of the technological era that dominates our lifestyle today. I just want to go before it becomes another Cancun..
But I may have a different POV than a lot because I had a different experience growing up overseas.
Teddy Ruxpin - there is definitely some truth in what you said about visiting while it is "poor." But I see it differently. I see it as somewhat of a "time capsule" with all the old cars, buildings and other stuff. An insight into what it must've been like before the advent of the technological era that dominates our lifestyle today. I just want to go before it becomes another Cancun..
But I may have a different POV than a lot because I had a different experience growing up overseas.
This post was edited on 4/20/16 at 11:39 am
Posted on 4/20/16 at 12:54 pm to AmeriKop45
quote:
But I see it differently. I see it as somewhat of a "time capsule" with all the old cars, buildings and other stuff.
Sure, but if we had people like that in America we wouldn't call it a "time capsule," we'd call them poor.
Not that there is anything wrong with that, I'd like to see it too.
OP, you flying charter out of Florida, via Grand Cayman, or via Cancun?
This post was edited on 4/20/16 at 12:55 pm
Posted on 4/20/16 at 1:18 pm to darnol91
quote:
I am extremely excited to get there and see it before it becomes more "Americanized"
I understand what I think you mean. I hope you do too.
Posted on 4/20/16 at 3:19 pm to Lsupimp
Flying via Cancun. Late Jun, returning July 8. Spending a night in Cancun on the way there and on the way back. Per ticket it was about $850 a piece.
Lodging for six nights for two people came out to right at 600, with three nights being in a penthouse in the newer part of Cancun, near University of Habana and major hotels.
I will update this post upon my return. Also, I do understand what you mean by "time capsule" and I don't agree that we would call a "time capsule" poor if it was here in the US. They have had zero imports, at no fault of their own, from the US. If I knew someone with a 1950's vehicle that was restored and running, I would find that interesting, not poor. However, I do understand what you mean by the country being poor, I am not trying to diminish that fact. Terrible infrastructure, dilapidated architecture, yes that is "poor", but the citizens have done what they could with the cards they were dealt. That is also part of the allure.
ETA: Airlines: American to cancun, direct. Cubana Airlines, or Cubana De Aviacion, to Havana.
Lodging for six nights for two people came out to right at 600, with three nights being in a penthouse in the newer part of Cancun, near University of Habana and major hotels.
I will update this post upon my return. Also, I do understand what you mean by "time capsule" and I don't agree that we would call a "time capsule" poor if it was here in the US. They have had zero imports, at no fault of their own, from the US. If I knew someone with a 1950's vehicle that was restored and running, I would find that interesting, not poor. However, I do understand what you mean by the country being poor, I am not trying to diminish that fact. Terrible infrastructure, dilapidated architecture, yes that is "poor", but the citizens have done what they could with the cards they were dealt. That is also part of the allure.
ETA: Airlines: American to cancun, direct. Cubana Airlines, or Cubana De Aviacion, to Havana.
This post was edited on 4/20/16 at 3:22 pm
Posted on 4/20/16 at 7:03 pm to darnol91
quote:
1950's vehicle that was restored and running,
I wouldn't call those vehicles "restored."
Anywho, I'd want to check out Vinales Valley if I could.
Posted on 4/21/16 at 2:16 pm to Teddy Ruxpin
Maybe "well kept up" is a better description. haha
and I'll definitely check that place out! I wanted to hike pico turquino, but its all the way on the other side of the island. Unfortunately, I simply wont have the time.
and I'll definitely check that place out! I wanted to hike pico turquino, but its all the way on the other side of the island. Unfortunately, I simply wont have the time.
Posted on 4/21/16 at 2:23 pm to darnol91
quote:
and I'll definitely check that place out! I wanted to hike pico turquino, but its all the way on the other side of the island. Unfortunately, I simply wont have the time.
Damn, always a casualty with American vacation times.
I'd imagine the closet you could fly to it is Holquin.
Posted on 4/21/16 at 4:23 pm to Teddy Ruxpin
Yeah, if I could get two weeks that would be lovely, but I would also probably spend it somewhere other than Cuba.
You can fly into Bayamo, but the flights only go like once every four days. (I think)
You can fly into Bayamo, but the flights only go like once every four days. (I think)
Posted on 4/22/16 at 12:01 am to darnol91
Are you going via a tour company or are you doing it on your own? I'm dying to go but I'm worried about getting stuck, etc.
Posted on 4/22/16 at 8:36 am to weaveballs1
I'm doing it on my own. The SO and myself. Now that you don't need a physical licence to go, you can claim you were going for educational reasons on return trip. This is actually true as long as you don't go just to party and sleep with random sloots (not that that isn't educational, as well). Tour companies are INCREDIBLY overpriced.
Just plan your trip thoroughly. Fly through Cancun, as it is the cheapest. Read abundantly. Travel diaries, travel guides, forums, etc. You can also now return with $800 worth of goods per person, with only 200 of that being cigars. There are tons of museums, art shops, and history to be explored, but just make an itinerary before you go, which is something I normally do not do.
As far as getting "stuck", the chances of that are slim. Bring enough cash to get you through your trip and then some. Keep it in a hotel safe. Register with the American Embassy upon arrival, and let them know when you leave. Flights depart Havana every day for Cancun and Mexico City. Most of these flights are not full, so tickets can be bought if the need arises to leave early. Also, give someone in your family access to your bank account before leaving. Although credit cards do not work there (yet), they do have western union. So if something does happen said family member can western union you cash. Another tip is to vet your AirBnB host thoroughly. Look for someone with good reviews that really helps their guest out. Some hosts offer help with obtaining a cuban sim card for your phone, which you wont be using much considering the outrageous costs, but still nice to have in case of emergency. Some have even gone as far as purchasing more expensive items (cigars, art, etc) for their guest, because the cuban convertible peso (CUC) is pegged at the USD, it makes prices much more expensive for tourists compared to locals. Bring your host a gift when you arrive. Cubans are very giving people, but just like anyone, they appreciate kind gestures and this will open them up to really helping you out while you are there.
Just plan your trip thoroughly. Fly through Cancun, as it is the cheapest. Read abundantly. Travel diaries, travel guides, forums, etc. You can also now return with $800 worth of goods per person, with only 200 of that being cigars. There are tons of museums, art shops, and history to be explored, but just make an itinerary before you go, which is something I normally do not do.
As far as getting "stuck", the chances of that are slim. Bring enough cash to get you through your trip and then some. Keep it in a hotel safe. Register with the American Embassy upon arrival, and let them know when you leave. Flights depart Havana every day for Cancun and Mexico City. Most of these flights are not full, so tickets can be bought if the need arises to leave early. Also, give someone in your family access to your bank account before leaving. Although credit cards do not work there (yet), they do have western union. So if something does happen said family member can western union you cash. Another tip is to vet your AirBnB host thoroughly. Look for someone with good reviews that really helps their guest out. Some hosts offer help with obtaining a cuban sim card for your phone, which you wont be using much considering the outrageous costs, but still nice to have in case of emergency. Some have even gone as far as purchasing more expensive items (cigars, art, etc) for their guest, because the cuban convertible peso (CUC) is pegged at the USD, it makes prices much more expensive for tourists compared to locals. Bring your host a gift when you arrive. Cubans are very giving people, but just like anyone, they appreciate kind gestures and this will open them up to really helping you out while you are there.
This post was edited on 4/22/16 at 8:37 am
Posted on 4/22/16 at 10:24 am to darnol91
I went last summer on a missions trip. We did had an afternoon that we spent touring and shopping, but obviously the majority of the time was focused on missions related activities. Here's some photos we took: LINK
I kind of went into a brief panic mode when we arrived in customs over there because they were indicating something was wrong with my passport, but she didn't understand English and I couldn't understand what she was trying to convey in Spanish. But one of the security people was able to help guide me and I ended up getting through without a problem at a different window. It was my first time traveling out of the country other than cruises so it was more of a reality shock for me that I had no way of effectively communicating with my limited Spanish.
We drive to Miami and flew out of there. I really enjoyed it. Very genuine people. We had home cooked meals every night so it's hard for me to advise where to eat. I loved the fruit there and I don't really like fruit in general. I will advise to stay away from their cheese/dairy products. We ate some on our second to last day and it ruined all of our stomachs and made the drive home from Miami a living hell
Definitely give the churros a try though as it was a hit for every person in our group.
Really cool to see the old cars there. As mentioned by the others, it's definitely a time warp. Baseball is extremely popular there. The kids were wearing jerseys of players that were long retired. If you're a sports person, I'd suggest trying to hit up a pro baseball game there. We didn't have a chance to, but everyone said it was a must.
I kind of went into a brief panic mode when we arrived in customs over there because they were indicating something was wrong with my passport, but she didn't understand English and I couldn't understand what she was trying to convey in Spanish. But one of the security people was able to help guide me and I ended up getting through without a problem at a different window. It was my first time traveling out of the country other than cruises so it was more of a reality shock for me that I had no way of effectively communicating with my limited Spanish.
We drive to Miami and flew out of there. I really enjoyed it. Very genuine people. We had home cooked meals every night so it's hard for me to advise where to eat. I loved the fruit there and I don't really like fruit in general. I will advise to stay away from their cheese/dairy products. We ate some on our second to last day and it ruined all of our stomachs and made the drive home from Miami a living hell
Definitely give the churros a try though as it was a hit for every person in our group. Really cool to see the old cars there. As mentioned by the others, it's definitely a time warp. Baseball is extremely popular there. The kids were wearing jerseys of players that were long retired. If you're a sports person, I'd suggest trying to hit up a pro baseball game there. We didn't have a chance to, but everyone said it was a must.
This post was edited on 4/22/16 at 10:30 am
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