Questions about travelling to Cuba

[SilentLeviathan]

Some friends and I are thinking of going to Cuba for a week over the Christmas break (last two weeks of December).

What kind of money can I expect to pay for a trip like this? (my hair dresser, her husband and her two kids went for a week in August for $800) I'm guessing going in December is going to be more expensive. Does anyone have any good travel agencies to recommend? What about resorts to stay in? What's the average age of people who travel to Cuba? I know Cancun is mostly 18-20 year olds. My friends and I are all 26 and are bringing our girlfriends so we not looking for some crazy teenager party place; mind you we don't want to be in a place full of senior citizens either.

 

[nerdnerd]

Most of the cuban resorts are good.
However, most of them basically run on tips. Not cash. Stuff.
Nice soap, shampoo, shoes, lighters, etc. Visit the dollar store with $100, and you'll be set.
(I have no first hand experience with this, only tales from older relatives)

 

[Slant]

My buddies and I have done the Cuba trip several times. It makes for an outstanding bachelor party...

I found a good trip with the girlfriends was to Varadero.
Not too much going on in December. It is their winter time. We were there last December. We were in shorts and T-shirts. The locals were in jean jackets commenting on how cold it was.

Beaches Varadero was good. As was Sol Sirenas Coral Resort.
Hotel Villa Cuba was okay, but the previous two were better as I recall. The Melia and Sol companies have pretty good resorts. I found Varadero lacking for just the guys, but it was fine with the ladies...It makes for a different vacation.

All the resorts on the strip have an evening function at some local tourist club. The night ties up around 1am (I think), so we ended up drinking in the hotel bar or with new friends at other resorts for the rest of the night.

When it was just a guys trip, we started climbing the walls in Varadero, and did a 3 day road-trip to Havana. We got a 3 bedroom apartment for $75US a night (called a Casa Particular). None of us minded shelling out for the extra accomodations, since we would have blown more on booze alone in Toronto.

Food was a tricky thing, fortunately we're not terribly picky. The cubans don't have a lot of food, so their menus tend to be limited. Also, because of the lack of food, they don't know how to cook the food very well. This is probably why you hear a lot about the food in Cuba sucking. If you bear in mind that these people who are cooking your food don't have access to the same food that they are serving you and have never really eaten the food they are cooking for you, I find that your tolerance for their cuisine increases. Food can be better at some privately run restaurants called Paladors.

Have fun!

 

[rama putri]

What kind of money can I expect to pay for a trip like this?

About $1200 per person in December. I'd also bring about $500 in US dollars (about $50 of it in $1 dollar bills)

Does anyone have any good travel agencies to recommend? What about resorts to stay in?

There are several good agencies like SunQuest, etc...but it's really the resort once you get there that will make the difference. I too would recommend Varadero. Been to Breezes several times and it's a blast.

What's the average age of people who travel to Cuba?

Depends on the resort I have found. Adults only type resorts are split between the geriatric crowd and the baby boomer crowd. Remember this demographic group are the ones with the cash. GenX's like you and me in general have much less cash and typically don't stay at the nicer resorts. Sometimes I feel like a child (well actually wish that too!) in some of very high end resorts I've stayed at. All blue hairs. Varadero seems to be consistently 'young' - say mid 20s to 30s.

 

[baci2004]

When I was there, there were a couple of guys walking around the pool playing guitar; Each of their guitars were short a string or two. (very sad)
If you were to bring a couple packs of guitar strings it would certainly make someones day.

 

[Malibook]

However, most of them basically run on tips. Not cash. Stuff.
Nice soap, shampoo, shoes, lighters, etc. Visit the dollar store with $100, and you'll be set.

Stuff is fine and dandy but I believe that cash tips in addition to stuff is quite appropriate and appreciated.

Cuba is fine for couples who just want to relax.

For people, especially single guys, who like to party in discos, casinos, and strip clubs, Cuba sucks.
Dominican Republic and Costa Rica are much more happening.

 

[djk]

I know makeup and cosmetic items will help you with the ladies.

Asprin is a big deal with the hotel staff.

Cheers,

-djk

 

[SilentLeviathan]

Re: Re: Questions about travelling to Cuba

About $1200 per person in December. I'd also bring about $500 in US dollars (about $50 of it in $1 dollar bills)

There are several good agencies like SunQuest, etc...but it's really the resort once you get there that will make the difference. I too would recommend Varadero. Been to Breezes several times and it's a blast.

Depends on the resort I have found. Adults only type resorts are split between the geriatric crowd and the baby boomer crowd. Remember this demographic group are the ones with the cash. GenX's like you and me in general have much less cash and typically don't stay at the nicer resorts. Sometimes I feel like a child (well actually wish that too!) in some of very high end resorts I've stayed at. All blue hairs. Varadero seems to be consistently 'young' - say mid 20s to 30s.

Yeah, I figured it would be more expensive in December =\ oh well.

Thanks for all the great tips guys.

 

[sxeleggs]

Travelling to Cuba

I've been several times to Cuba, both to Holguin and to Varadero. There is an adult only resort (4star) Breezes Jibacoa between Varadero and Havana, it is a newer resort. Excellent staff, snorkeling, activities etc. Food is fine and the booze is non-stop 24 hr bars....The age range is from 20 and up...There are quite a few day trips you can take or rent a car for your own trip to Havana. Definitely tip bartenders, waiters and other staff at the resort with dollar bills etc as that will ensure you are seated at the best seats and always have a drink in hand.

 

[Peeping Tom]

Has anyone stayed at the El Senador, Cayo Coco? I picked up a special, 900 total for a week. Cigar tourism ...

 

[baci2004]

Has anyone stayed at the El Senador, Cayo Coco? I picked up a special, 900 total for a week. Cigar tourism ...

I did. The worst vacation I ever had. Cayo Coco is off the mainland, you can't farking go anywhere. No culture whatsoever; The worst food I've ever eaten; I couldn't find a Cohiba until I got to the airport. Oh yes, and my friend and I were the only singles there.

Still thinking of going???