Cuba

[Pies]

Just booked for next July anybody got any do's and don'ts .I've heard there is quite a lot of tipping issues if you want good service and that begging is rife.I'm staying at Varadero but fancy a trip to Havana so any pointers will be much appreciated.

CHEERS

[mash]

Due to the situation local people face in Cuba they love to get their hands on some hard currency, as such they will often seek tips in the hotels and a little cash out and about. However it's really not a big thing and there are far worse places for it. Best thing is to undersand why it is they are asking and it will be easier to manage. The service tends to be slow if you tip or not! The resorts are nice but rather artificial so you really need to try and get out round Cuba if you can. Buses and taxi's are cheap, safe and easy. Havana is a must see. Don't be frightened to explore around the cities streets there is much to see and importantly experience. It really is quite safe if you follow the usual sensible things for tourists anywhere. Enjoy, its a great country with lovely people.

[Mac attack]

Hi
I went there are a couple of years ago on an all inclusive in Varaderro. We were very dissapointed with the food in the hotel so we ate out quite a lot. There was a fantastic Canadian Steak restaurant (El Torro I think) which did the best steak I have ever eaten.
We arranged an over night trip to Havana which was great. It included Club Tropicana which was pretty cool and the city has so much history and interesing buildings and museums we would love to have had an extra day or two.
Also we did a did trip to a place called Cayo Largo which was a short plane ride away on a very dodgy looking aircraft but well worth it. Absolutely stunning beaches and crystal clear water.
As for tipping, make sure you have plenty of one dollar bills!!!
Have fun

ps.. We bought our cigars from someone who worked in the hotel, even though we were told not to, and saved ourselves a fortune.

[Dassie]

Just don't fly with Cubana Airways, old aircraft and poor safety record.

[mrbubbles]

Totally agree with Mash - Varadero is a bit of a man made resort so ok for sunbathing but I would definatley get about in Cuba - we went there on honeymoon 2 years ago and stayed in Varadero and went to Havana for just the day - wish we had stayed there for at least 1 night as would have been fantastic to spend the evening in a traditional little bar listening to Buena Vista Social Club - the Cuban people that we met were lovely even though they earn such a little amount - have a wonderful holiday

[stevie_c2it]

If your a smoker, avoid buying Cigars from street vendors. They will always claim there sister, aunt, brother-in-law etc works at the factory and these are part of there take home perk etc. At the very least they will be made from low grade tabacco, often other fillers like bananna leaf, and can be riddled with the dreaded tabacco weavil which can emerge and drill its way through your box of cigars up to 6 months or more later. Not a nice smoke either.