travel to cuba

[hueynova]

I am very much interested in going to Cuba for a vacation, but, being an american, I have to dodge a few pesky rules and, yannow, laws. Blech!.

I know a bit about how to get there (fly to mexico, which, since I live in LA, is closer than canada) then on to Havana. My questions are more related to the "where should I stay" type of thing, and what should I watch out for (since I am, after all, an american)? Any social do's and donts, like dont wear short pants?

I'd like to do this trip "on the cheap" as I dont have unlimited resources. Im guessing about $1000 -$1200 for a week including travel. Is that realistic? I wont be buying much, as I wont be able to bring anything home. I was thinking of visiting Havana and Pinar del Rio, and, if the money holds, somewhere to go snorkeling a couple days.

Are there any websites I should look at? Ive surfed, but not turned up too terribly much. Is there a jazz festival in December? Ive heard they've had them, but cant find any info on that either.

Thanks in advance!

[El Presidente]

Cuba is no longer a cheap destination. For first time travellers I would recommend a good hotel such as the Nacional.

Bank on $125-$150 USD per day excluding Airfares and Accom. You will not be leading the high life on this amount but you will not be missing out either.

Hotel Nacional is $120 USD per night. Other good hotels can be obtained for $80 USD. Casa Particulares (private homes with rooms for rent) are $35 USD per night but they can be a little overwhelming (language etc) for those who have not travelled to Cuba or who are use to predominantly hotel accomodation.

Whenever you go there is plenty of Jazz. I can give you a list of locales. Not sure about the Jazz festival but I can find out.

I can give all members who want to go to Cuba a list of contacts (locals) there. They can assist in showing you around. I will also call Hamlet for you so he can have some Solomones ready for you at the R&J Divan ;-)

Can also provide an up to date list of better places to eat which is not always easy.

[habanablue]

catch a plane to Havana and the taxi scouts and jiniteiras will show you all the 'places' you need to go!:-D

[Erol]

» catch a plane to Havana and the taxi scouts and jiniteiras will show you

» all the 'places' you need to go!:-D

why don't you stay at a resort? all inclusive and high value. EDIT: didn't see that you cna't bring back anythign...

[Well Armed]

Don't forget your 6 weight por dem booney feesh mon!

[Erol]

» Don't forget your 6 weight por dem booney feesh mon!

also, my advice.... don't look like a tourist (sun glasses, hat, brand name clothing)

you will be harassed throughout the day for pessos, more than you have on you.

Not violent harassment, but enough to annoy.

[Ken Gargett]

if you want to get to know the place, think of the casa particulaires - you will immerse yourself much more in the local life than if you stay at one of the hotels. and usually much cheaper. that said, first time, i'd have a few days in a good hotel first to acclimatise and then move on.

the more spanish you can speak, the better (i speak almost none).

[skindiver]

» if you want to get to know the place, think of the casa particulaires - you

» will immerse yourself much more in the local life than if you stay at one

» of the hotels. and usually much cheaper. that said, first time, i'd have a

» few days in a good hotel first to acclimatise and then move on.

» the more spanish you can speak, the better (i speak almost none).

I agree, casa particulares (bed and breakfast type places) are the way to go.I'd spend the first night in a hotel,then find a casa I liked the next day.Lots even do meals,breakfast $3 and supper $8.Better food than most restaurants and hotel fare.

I also agree with the Spanish language component. I spoke no Spanish my first trip 10 years ago, but quickly went to university for the next four years,and it greatly enhanced my experiences there in future visits.Learning Cuban spanish whilst there was even more helpful!