Travel to Cuba

Travelling to Cuba, this page will give you ideas, suggestions of where and how to go and what to expect when you get there. There is also a list of companies offering different ways to travel, holiday and even helping you to learn about Cuba, its folklore or just how to dance and party. Not forgetting that it has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.

Cuba is a beautiful Country, full of beautiful people who have for the last few decades lived in almost a time warp. Its not for me to say whether that is good or bad because Cuba is not  my home, but from what I see of Cuba like many others that have been there, it is a unique paradise of  Island and Culture. Maybe in part we are jealous of the simple pride that its people seem to have and the way they a go about there daily lives. Family life, music and dance in Cuba play an important and integral part of the peoples lives.

 Travel requirements, a vista is required at small cost. Your travel agent should arrange this and the cost should and normally be included in there quotation. If you want to come back there is an exit fee payable at the airport in cash, so don’t spend out. Ask the travel agent about it and if they don’t know find another agent. Ask your doctor about injections, there are a couple you need and they are probable free. Do this well before you go just in case you have a reaction to them, don’t want to spoil your holiday do you! Cuba has an great health service but over the counter medication is in short supply so stock up before you go. It is also a good idea to take everything you need as shopping in Cuba, as you will find out, is not a good reason for going there in the first place. Read and understand about the US’s embargo on Cuba before you go, there are still ways it could effect you.

Organised Groups. There are many organised group trips to Cuba, where your itinerary is planned and you have guides through out the trip so you don’t miss anything. Missing things is so easy to do without the local knowledge that these guides have acquired. Dance holidays will give you classes and the chance to mix with the real Cuban people, not just the entertainers from the resort Hotels. After you have decided on the type of holiday you want, whether Salsa, cultural or Folk lore and what if any mix of beach time. Its then best to narrow the choice using  recommendations of  people who have used these companies, not forgetting to ask them about any surprise extras they had to pay for. The heart of the people running these trips seem to be totally in love Cuba as you will find out when you talk to them, but they still have to run at a profit so shop around. The other advantage is that its so good for single people as they are instantly surrounded by people in the same situation.

Booking the trip yourself, This is so easy and could save you hundreds over an organized trip. If you want the beach its even easier just pick up a brochure and the phone you can then book the odd trip out when you get there. If you want to dance and time to see Havana you need a travel agent who knows what they are talking about. So if you ask for a week in Havana and they say how about three days put the phone down and try one of the links below. The best agents will give you a choice of everything. The down side to saving money is that it will take you a whole lot of time ( maybe days if ever at all ) to find out what’s happing and where things are happing. So do a whole lot of investigation before you go. This way of travelling will give you total flexibility to do what you want and when you want to. A week in Havana followed by a week all in at a 5 star hotel on the beach will give you a week of Culture followed by a week of luxury and relaxation, idea for a couple who are not to sure that they need to be in a large group.

Weather Today in Havana

Things to consider, look at the predicted weather for the time of year you want to travel. Remember Cuba can be hit by some very rainy weather during our summer time. It is also in that part of the world that hurricanes frequent. So a cheaper package might mean a wetter one after May. If you are into Health and Safety and PC (political correctness), you had better put your dark glasses on and your ear plugs in. Cuban food is good basic food but be aware that many restaurants will not understand the concept of a vegan or other specialized diets. On your days out take some sweets to keep you going as shops are not as you will find at home or as easy to find. 

 Take a look at our last trip to Cuba