Cuba /Jul 10, 2017
Having travelled to Cuba since 1995, I’ve seen an awful lot of the island and witnessed a fair degree of change. Based on all this experience, below are my 10 top tips for a Cuba holiday.
Accommodation options are still very limited in Cuba (both in terms of quantity and quality) especially in the towns and countryside and over the key winter months (high season) between November & April. Book as far in advance as possible to avoid being left with some very poor choices.
If you’re flying from the UK to Cuba, and want to fly direct by scheduled carrier, the only current option is Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick. At the time of writing, Virgin fly twice weekly to Havana and weekly to Varadero. Even if you have absolutely no interest in going near Varadero (Cuba’s largest beach resort) it is only 2 hours’ drive from Havana and, on occasion, flights can be significantly cheaper.
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Beyond The Ordinary arrange fully bonded, tailor made holidays and tours to Cuba. Contact one of our experts on 01580 764796, email travel@beyondtheordinary.co.uk or contact us via our website. |
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Many visitors to Cuba don’t realise just how much there is to see and do in Havana; not only that, the nation’s capital also acts as a great base from which to venture out on day trips to the like of Vinales & Las Terrazas. As most visitors to Cuba from Europe arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, I would suggest 4 nights in Havana.
Cuba is a larger island than many people realise (with a poor transport infrastructure to boot) and many visitors start out with planned itineraries that are either simply impossible or so busy that the entire holiday is spent simply travelling from one destination to the next. If you have a typical 2-week holiday, you will not be able to see the entire island!
Staying in a casa particular is very much part of the Cuban experience and is highly recommended, even if only once. Some prospective visitors to the island assume that casa particulares are the backpacker / budget option in comparison to hotels but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Probably the best places to experience a casa particular are Havana, Vinales & Trinidad.
Even more so than the choice between staying in hotels or casa particulares, when it comes to eating out in Cuba my advice is simple – always eat in paladares. Almost without fail they offer a far more enjoyable dining experience than any government owned restaurant.
As previously stated, Cuba is a larger island than many people realise and internal travel costs far greater than anticipated. On certain routes between the key tourist destinations, ie Havana to Vinales, Vinales to Trinidad, there is a safe, comfortable, reliable and (relatively) cheap tourist bus service that offers an alternative option to far more expensive private transfers. Although improving, Cuba train travel isn’t really a ‘thing’ yet.
Most travellers to Cuba have a list of things that they want to see or do, most typically a ride in a classic car, a day trip to Vinales etc. If you’re planning to travel as part of an escorted tour then these will all be taken care of in advance. If you’re travelling independently, and not desperately short of time, you will generally find it cheaper to wait till you get there and book any such trips locally. This is especially true of the classic car rides in Havana where there are no shortage of options.
Although the situation has certainly improved, Cuba’s financial infrastructure is still very rudimentary. Take plenty of cash with you (but not US$), take all your debit / credit cards and check with your card issuer that the cards you are taking are actually accepted in Cuba. Assume nothing.
Cuba is a beautiful and fascinating country but Switzerland it is not – do not expect things (well, anything) to work like clockwork. Much of the nation’s infrastructure is in a very poor condition and delays / things not working are a daily occurrence. Understand and (to a degree) accept this and you will have a much more enjoyable experience.
Travel Beyond The Ordinary
This 6 Night Cuba Tour Holiday is a small group, escorted tour, starting in Havana and taking in the key destinations of Vinales, Las Terrazas, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Trinidad & Remedios. Please scroll down for full details of the itinerary together with tour dates & prices as well as guidance ...
For clients short of time or who are simply happy to clip along at a good pace, this suggested week-long circuit of western Cuba starts and ends in Havana and incorporates both the island's towns and cities as well as its beautiful countryside.
Enjoy a private Cuba tour with your own driver / guide. This 10 night itinerary takes in the highlights of western Cuba but is only a small taste of what we can offer.
As the largest island in the Caribbean, at around 1000kms long, visiting the whole of Cuba in a typical 2- week holiday simply isn’t possible. So where to go first, west or east?
Cuba is known throughout the world for its fascinating, historic towns and rich cultural history, as well as its numerous beautiful beaches.
The complete Havana Travel Guide including when to travel, how long to stay, where to stay, what to see and do and where to eat, drink and party.
When making your travel arrangements, we understand just how important peace-of-mind is. Beyond The Ordinary hold both ATOL & ABTOT bonds so whether you book your flights through us, or independently, any money you pay us is 100% protected. More detailed information on Financial Protection can be found by clicking here.
Whichever of our featured countries you wish to visit, we've been there several times. So, if you're after something beyond the ordinary to Cuba, Nicaragua, Guatemala or the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, we'd love to hear from you.
