First Visit to Cuba - Questions
Jeannie Randle
I am new to this newsgroup and I have read every post on here that I could
find concerning Cuba.
My fiancé and I will be going to Cuba for our honeymoon in July of this
year.
We are getting our tickets paid for and are looking for an inclusive hotel
package, but are not sure where we should visit.
I have searched the Internet thoroughly and am not sure what the best priced
city is, or who offers the most activities.
Any information that anyone could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Another concern I have is the gratuity. I have heard that you should not
give money but instead give gifts. What are some suggestions of things we
could bring to give to people?
I have read that you can not use American credit cards - does this apply for
all credit cards or just if you are American?
Should we learn basic Spanish or do enough people speak English for us to
get along alright?
I have a major phobia of bugs and have heard many horror stories about the
cock roaches and ants in hotels in Cuba - has anyone had any problems with
this?
Any other information that may be of help for us on our first visit to Cuba
would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jeannie
--
"Life may not always be the party we hoped for,
but as long as we're here we might as well dance."
April
the housekeeping staff with makeup and soap. I know of people who have
given clothing, like T-shirts and socks.
I didn't encounter many bugs down in Cuba. I was in Veradaro. If there are
ants in your room, tell the front desk until they take you seriously. The
only problem with bugs were the mosquitoes. They leave huge bites.
Have a good trip.
April
Maurice Simeoni
overwhelming amount of information which can make your head spin, so it's
best to look at Cuba (or any other place) as an adventure. First let me give
you a brief background as to why we picked Cuba, and our impressions after
each visit.
We went to Cuba because it's value for your money without the hype, and pomp
of other gratuitous vacation spots. It's backwards in a BIG way, but odd in
others (more later). I digress. We've always travelled near the end of
October, and in total we've had 3 rainy days out of 14, and never a
hurricane. The weather was always over 30C for daytime highs, and around 20C
night. Comfortable, pleasant, and relaxing. We also stayed away from your
run-of-the-mill places like Varadero (although this may be our next stop),
or Havana. We chose more out-of-the-way places, such as Manzanillo (Marea
del Portillo) and Holguin (Guardalavaca). These were also the most
reasonably priced places to visit with two children, and two adults. Travel
from the airport was not a consideration the first time, but it was the
second time. Anything over an hour in a bus is OK if you want to see the
countryside the FIRST time, but not the second. Nice only because it passes
away the time. Roads are very narrow, very bumpy, and very dirty (diesel
fuel, fumes, and general animal traffic). Remember this was in the
countryside, not the more bustling larger towns or cities. Lots of people
walking, waiting, or generally standing around. Intriguing because it was
different. Depends on your perspective.
Accommodations were always clean, adequate, and on par with a well-run
Holiday Inn. If anything Cubans working at the resorts really know how to
maintain their hotels. The two we stayed at were 3+ stars, and they hit
their mark. Water was always available, although you might find some smaller
resorts skimping on hot water, or providing hot water at specific times of
the day rather than continuously - ask. Everyone, no - EVERYONE is super
friendly in Cuba. You just have to know what is "service" friendly,
"I-want-something-in return-for helping-you" friendly, or "genuinely
good-people" friendly. You'll know. By in large you won't be disappointed.
Don't be too fussy, and if you DO have a concern, or are critical with
service, food, or attitude, remember two things: a) you can only get so much
for vacationing in Cuba, so make the best of it and b) you're on vacation,
not at some posh health spa. We had a problem with one our rooms in
Guardalavaca (second visit), and after waiting for half of a morning we were
moved to a beautiful villa which would make most beach resorts hotels pale
in comparison. We did this without the "in-your-face,
do-something-right-now" attitude. Just ask - politely.
Travel/Currency
From the Toronto area it took 3.5 hours to whatever airport we landed in.
Time zone doesn't change (can't really remember honestly).
Passport is required, so take this into account. Airport taxes (departing
from Cuba is in U.S. dollars only). Actually pretty well anything you want
to purchase should be done in U.S. dollars. We had Cdn with us, and we
received a better exchange rate at both hotels, than the great white Cdn
banks back home. Bring some U.S. with you, and some Cdn. and try your luck
at exchanges. Credit cards? Leave your AmEx at home! You might get away with
the other cards in the bigger towns or cities, but don't count on it.
Airport might take them for duty-free purchases, but pretty well useless in
the countryside.
Phones
Phone cards don't exist. Telephones are provided by the resort through the
Cuban phone company. High prices, and rates. We talking about a country that
prohibits cell phones, and more electrical appliances. The infrastructure
isn't there yet. You'll notice this when travelling by bus through the
countryside. Most electricity is used by the tourism industry, or what ever
industry drives the country. Again refer to my comments about driving
through the countryside!
Food
Expect the unexpected. BRING something for diarrhea, nausea, and water
tablets. You MAY or MAY NOT need them, but just in case.
Food is not wondrous. It healthy, and edible. There is always a variety of
foods. Don't forget you are in a foreign country. Things WILL taste
different. Meat is not a de rigueur standard item. Chicken is. Fish most
times, although we were disappointed with the lack of variety. Fruits
galore, but again, not much of a variety. Service is fairly quick (at
cleaning up) between buffet plates. Both resorts we had visited offered
complimentary, ala carte meals at their 'specialty' restaurants. Fish,
pizza, and more notable meat dishes. However, you pay for the extras at
these 'specialty' restaurants. Golden rule: You're on vacation, and you can
only get upset if you have high expectations about what you're paying for
and what you're getting for your money.
Services
Pool, bar, rum, beer, night dancing (resort disco), theme nights, local
vendor marketplace (in the lobby), security guards around the beach area (to
make sure locals don't get out of hand), cigars, day trips (some are free,
others you have to pay for but this was expected). Towels for the beach are
always clean, and available (room assigned with tickets). Your room IS
cleaned daily, and most items (soap, shampoos, crèmes) were replaced.
Spotless is the standard. Medical services were adequate, and in most cases,
everything is charged in U.S. $ - medicine, hospitalization, ambulance
services. Trust me - we've been there (Son was injured in a fall late at
night). Don't be frightened by my 'adequate' opinion. In comparison to our
provincial health plan Cubans are very thorough regarding medical attention,
and will give you only something which is absolutely necessary. Lack of
medicine is a shortcoming in Cuba. If you DO NEED medication, bring your own
(hard to tell what will happen when you're down there, but if you are on
medication already, best be prepared). Back it up with prescription
documentation from your doctor to avoid unnecessary/unavoidable hassles at
customs. Anti-nausea is now part of our 'must have' items.
Gratuities
We brought items down which others had suggested, although I'm not sure
whether they were necessary, or accepted with true sincerity. Items include
bars of soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, gum, pencils, pens, paper, colour
pencils. You can only carry some much of this stuff with you (import limits
of 10kg or 20kg - can get real heavy if you're mobile all the time). We paid
the restaurant service people usually after every meal ($1 US). Might not
seem like a lot, but in the grand scheme of things IT DOES add up (think
bigger... i.e. resort - families - individuals - service - smiles). Room
service also got their daily monetary special. If you leave it in the room
with no note, or envelope, it'll stay there forever. The employees ARE NOT
to take anything out of the rooms. This doesn't mean that I'd leave
valuables out in the open, but loose change in an ashtray left on the bureau
WAS ALWAYS where I(we) left it. If we knew who cleaned our rooms, we made an
effort to give them one or more of the items we took down with us. Clothes
(used/unused/not wanted) was another item list which we could have brought
with us, but the extra luggage would not have been carried by one of our
children.
Places to visit
Lots. Bring your adventurous side with you. Walk, hike, bus ride, rent a
car, or scooter around the countryside. We didn't because a) roads are
bumpy, dirty, and UNKNOWN. We did walk to nearby villages, adjacent beach
resorts, and let the kids go out with the resort staff for 'kids'
activities. We visited a nearby school, and handed out our 'gifts' - greatly
appreciated. The children were all well-dressed, clean, and happy. Their
school was turn-of-the-century style, with old books, maps, and decor.
Again, keep in mind this countryside theme, and you'll appreciate the basic
simplicity of Cuba and its people. Actually I appreciated it immensely,
since the other end of the scale is what we had back home!
Entertainment
Lot's of it. You can participate if you wish, or avoid it as you please.
There's ALWAYS something going on. Be prepared to be the centre of
attraction if you head out to the scheduled theme nights. Dancing, and
having fun is part of the culture. Make the most of it, as it will surely be
something which you'll remember for ever. If this isn't your thing, watch TV
(hmmmm....). Did we have to pay for this? Can't remember...then again, I
didn't travel to Cuba to watch TV...or shop at the mall!
What I don't know about?
Travelling through the country side, without a base/resort/hotel. No idea
what is involved. We were pretty well taken care of by the "all-Inclusive'
plans. No muss, no fuss. No clue. We weren't/aren't that adventuresome! For
bus schedules, hotel accommodations, rental rooms for nights, weeks, you'd
have to contact Cuban Tourism office, or continue to surf the internet or
this NG. Again, no clue.
Finale
We'd do it again. Even though the kids are older, and it'll be more costly.
Although we enjoyed the places we did visit, I always like a change of venue
to appreciate different walks of life. I'm not keen on consumerism (so
what's a vacation?!) such as strips, malls, or bright "Vegas-style" lights.
We enjoy a leisurely pace, and take things as they are. Planning is OK, but
it sometimes puts a damper on the unexpected.
As for "value" we always look for the cheap seats to Cuba, and usually book
within 3-4 weeks from departure. Fill the airline, and resort - hence the
'value' aspect. What would I do differently? Don't eat the cheese, AND ice
cream. Didn't agree with my innards! No mosquitoes! Small lizards on the
walls (geckoes) at night, but NEVER in our room or floors. They'd zip into
hiding spots faster than you can take a step, so nothing to worry about.
Cockroaches? Never saw one...honestly. If we did I'd never hear the end of
it from the kids, or spouse. Snakes? Mostly in the countryside bushes. No
danger; non-poisonous.
Carry your own bags, no matter how many Cubans want to help! Smile, and say
"Gracias" alot! Speak slowly, and try to be animated. It looks funny, and
gets you into the spirit. Have fun, and enjoy.
Don't buy cigars from anyone on the beach, or small village roads. There are
reputable cigar shops in the villages, and you WILL be paying dearly
(cheaper than in Canada no matter how you look at it). Shopping is VERY
limited, and the selection is sparse (by comparison to typical 'at home'
availability). So don't expect to find bargains. ALWAYS barter for a better
deal!!!!!
In my first line I mentioned information-overload. I know I've left plenty
out, but this is either intentional (some surprises are necessary to
maintain some semblance of spontaneity), or unintentional (forgot what it's
like). I can surely answer some of your additional questions, but that would
mean opinions from one family's visit to Cuba, and I wouldn't want my views
regarding Cuba to be the norm. Others will have both good, and not-so good
experiences with Cuba. Ours was pleasant, even if some days (and meals)
didn't agree. It never stopped me from enjoying my vacation with my family,
with the people who live in Cuba, and those that were visiting from around
the world (Europeans are BIG on Cuba!). Memorable experiences which will not
soon be forgotten. 'Nuff said.
Regards, Maurice
"Jeannie Randle" <thunde...@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:AQBV9.49046$Yo4.3...@news1.calgary.shaw.ca...
Dwacon
news:AQBV9.49046$Yo4.3...@news1.calgary.shaw.ca...
> cock roaches and ants in hotels in Cuba - has anyone had any problems with
> this?
Nada mas cucarachas...
--
They forget about the security cameras downstairs
and pick their noses with wild abandon and astonishing force.
http://www.dwacon.com
Anonymoose
ah... Palmetto Bugs!
--
"But to live outside the law, you must be honest"
Bob Dylan - Absolutely Sweet Marie - 1966
Ken Tough
Maurice gave some great feedback on the resort-style holiday, and
on those details I don't know much.
>I have read that you can not use American credit cards - does this apply for
>all credit cards or just if you are American?
We had no problem using UK issued credit cards. I believe Canadian
issued cards should give you no problem as well. Beware that
traveller's cheques cleared through New York (e.g. Amex, look
closely at the cheque) are also no good. The problem is simply
that the vendors are willing to take the cards, but Amex or VISA
won't reimburse them for the credit charge. Your Canadian VISA
is almost certain to be good, but maybe it's a good idea to bring
a few VISA cheques or a few hundred US$ anyway. Bring a nice sack
of US1$ for tips and small items.
>Should we learn basic Spanish or do enough people speak English for us to
>get along alright?
It's a spanish country.. you should obviously learn some basic
spanish! Still, practically, you can easily get by without
really speaking it in tourist resorts and tourist trips.
If you went off the beaten track, you would need to be able
to communicate 95% in spanish.
>I have a major phobia of bugs and have heard many horror stories about the
>cock roaches and ants in hotels in Cuba - has anyone had any problems with
>this?
It's a tropical country, and hence, yes, bugs are a fact of life.
(Here's something to really creep you out.. if you should happen
to see grass with a bunch of 1" diameter holes, each one has a
tarantula down them, and they come out at night! [Unless it's a
sprinkler system].)
I don't know if there's any way to get your phobia treated
before you go, but it would certainly help to avoid something
insignificant interfering with a great time. In resort-type
hotels, conditions will be 'first world' so it will just be on
the run-down side of what you will be used to. I would say you
are almost certain to see some cockroaches and some ants, but
maybe if you expect it it won't be so bad(?)
You'd find most other places and private homes to be pretty rough
compared to what you're used to but it's a developing country.
>Any other information that may be of help for us on our first visit to Cuba
>would be greatly appreciated.
You might enjoy a day trip by bus to Trinidad or (sp?) Torre
de Manaca Ithnaca or Havana, but sadly Havana is so far from
the resort places that I can only imagine it's a drag to sit on
a bus for so many hours in one day. And the nightlife in Havana
is one of the things that transforms it into a magical place.
I wouldn't recommend you stay in Havana though, as it wouldn't
have the type of accommodation you'd want.
Also, diving and snorkelling in Cuba is fantastic, some of the
best in the world. The best is along the south coast, so if
you're into that, consider a side trip there, or even staying
a night on a resort over that way.
--
Ken Tough
Dave Olson
last 8 years and things are changing quite rapidly.
Telephones:
There are public telephones that use phone cards. You can normally purchase
them at your hotel or one of the Etecsa offices. They are available in $10,
$20 and I think $50 USD values. A $10 card gets you about five to seven
minutes to Canada.
Cell phones are also available there now. In fact you can rent them at some
of the international airports such as Havana and Varadero. Not sure if you
can rent them in Holguin.
Food:
Varies alot depending on the place you are staying. I usually carry
something called Grapefruit Seed Extract. It's a natural anti-parasite and I
have yet to get sick in Cuba, or any other country for that matter.
Travel:
You can rent a car or a scooter. There are quite a few scooter accidents and
most of those are tourists. Unless you are really comfortable driving in a
foreign country that has somewhat stricter liability laws than ours, you
might want to avoid it. Also car rental prices are quite high and many of
the vehicles are poorly maintained. We lost a wheel off our minivan in Las
Tunas as we were traveling at 80km per hour. A reasonable alternative is to
have one of the locals drive you or give you a tour. Nearly everyone working
in the hotel has a relative with a car that would like to make some money.
Cuba is a great place to visit. The people are great and I'm sure you will
have a great time.
Dave
"Maurice Simeoni" <sim...@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
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