I (an American) just visited Havana, Cuba

[DazedandConfused]

I am an American tourist that just visited Havana, Cuba and can tell everyone that it was an incredible and awesome trip that I will long remember.

I did a ton of research (mainly TripAdvisor) and other sites before I went and only was there a few days, but it was so amazing that I want to go back again soon.

If you are wanting or considering going, post questions here and I will try to help out.

I do not want to comment on anything political other than I personally think the embargo should end NOW. Also, it technically is illegal to go to Cuba as an American as a tourist, so technically I was there on a "people to people" or "independent blogger" and had a fully documented agenda that left no free time to lounge around on the beach (wink-wink).

Just to get the ball rolling, I had a choice to go with a tour group annoyed that would be very expensive and structured or try to Hack together my own trip whoopie and do it myself for significantly less. The tours like Insight Cuba are about $1,000 per day and my trip was about $400 per day.

I used Cuba travel service to book direct flights from Miami to Havana ($475) and then book and prepay the best hotel in Cuba ($200 per night for a couple), I ate at the best restaurants that cost around $40 each and that represented a large variety of food and drinks. I visited all the historical spots and even a few of the newer trendy places.

I am still stunned at how beautiful and amazing this place was and taken back at how much Cubans LOVE Americans. I have never been greeted so nice by so many different people on the streets as I did in Cuba and especially after they asked where I was from and I told them the US.

If you are considering going, I definitely recommend November to March as the summer and even fall heat was a killer during the day.

 

[BevL]

It's a very popular destination for Canadians.

Our grandson's mother and her husband took our grandson when he was six. THey had a great time, the resort looked beautiful and she did not feel in the least unsafe or concerned. Great medical care apparently should need be.

 

[DazedandConfused]

I understand Canadians and lots of Europeans travel to Cuba often, but for 50+ years it is forbidden fruit for American travelers and in my opinion, time for that to end.

When was walking the streets, many people thought I was Canadian and asked me, but when I told them I was American, they really got excited and wanted to shake my hand, kiss me and thank me for visiting. And no, I was NOT robbed, but did get offered a Taxi about 1,000 times, in fact at every street corner.

 

[PigsDad]

Thanks for the mini-review -- Cuba holds a high spot on my bucket list. Quick question: what did you do for money there? Did you exchange $US when you got there? Just curious if there were any issues with that.

Kurt

 

[Dori]

We are Canadian, and took an all-inclusive trip to Veradero a few years ago. Although the resort we stayed at was not fantastic, the service we received and the kindness of the people was incredible! not once did we feel unsafe. The beaches are very beautiful and the ocean was a gorgeous Aqua colour.

If we ever return, I would definitely choose a 4or5 star resort.

Dori

 

[friedshrimp]

[Political: deleted]

 

[pedro47]

I wish the cruise industry would add Cuba as a cruise port destination. I personally am tired of Nassau and Jamaica as cruises port stops.

 

[LisaRex]

How did you pay for your rooms?

Commentators on NPR said that it's very difficult for folks to visit Cuba because there's no infrastructure for dealing with anything other than cash payments. People don't want to pre-pay cash because it's very risky. I assume that this is why you had to pre-pay for your hotel, etc?

 

[DazedandConfused]

Thanks for the mini-review -- Cuba holds a high spot on my bucket list. Quick question: what did you do for money there? Did you exchange $US when you got there? Just curious if there were any issues with that.

Kurt

I used about $400 per day in Euros and converted those into cuban convertable pesos at the airport and hotel. The #1 issue is that you need CASH as USA credit cards will not work there. Even if you have a Canadian credit card, everyone wants cash.

So you falsified official documents so as to be able to go?

[Edited]

I 100% did NOT falsify any documents, however I wanted to visit Cuba as a Tourist, so I found the appropriate category to travel there and it is 100% legit. I just did NOT want to go with an organized tour group with 20+ people and taken around in a charted bus. I went to more historical locations than most tour groups and it was significantly cheaper and WAY more interesting.

[response to political comments edited.]

I wish the cruise industry would add Cuba as a cruise port destination. I personally am tired of Nassau and Jamaica as cruises port stops.

There are several (generic brands) that currently go from Jamaica and I think caranival is going from Miami in 2016 but that will be mega expensive and require very structured tours.

How did you pay for your rooms?

Commentators on NPR said that it's very difficult for folks to visit Cuba because there's no infrastructure for dealing with anything other than cash payments. People don't want to pre-pay cash because it's very risky. I assume that this is why you had to pre-pay for your hotel, etc?

Cash is king in Cuba. I booked my airfare and hotel all prepaid with Cuba Travel Services and it went perfectly. I stayed in the #1 rated hotel (according to tripadvisor) and think that there may be issues with people using less than reputable travel agents. I have to admit that I was a little nervous and even scared of the thought of getting screwed upon checkin, but the hotel was really nice 5 star by Cuban standards and a 3.5 star by US standards.

#1 tip is to bring plenty of cash

 

[moonstone]

We are Canadian, and took an all-inclusive trip to Veradero a few years ago. Although the resort we stayed at was not fantastic, the service we received and the kindness of the people was incredible! not once did we feel unsafe. The beaches are very beautiful and the ocean was a gorgeous Aqua colour.

If we ever return, I would definitely choose a 4or5 star resort.

Dori

We stayed in a 4 star all-incl resort & while the resort was beautiful, the food was not! They simply have to work with the food that they can grow or import from the few countries that they can. We walked to the 5* resort next door & looked at (but didn't try) their buffet foods & they were the same as at our resort just on fancier plates!

Our first morning in line at the omelet table I witnessed the "chef" licking his fingers after getting a pinch of salt for somebody's omelet. He did that every time all week so I always said 'no salt'! Their hamburgers were ground ham formed into a patty & fried on a grill. It was the first vacation that DH & I actually lost weight! (but we did end up getting a gastro bug & spent 2 days in the bathroom then another day near one)

We were told that no matter what a Cuban's job is (doctor or secretary) that they make the same wage. At the time we were there it was approximately $300/month. The only people that made slightly more were the resort employees who got a portion of the tips that they were given. We know many people who go down with clothes, toiletries & other gifts for the resort staff as they cant get many things that we take for granted (ie; deodorant).

The people are wonderful, very friendly & eager to please any way they can.
We would go back in heartbeat if we could be sure that the food quality had improved.

~Diane

 

[DazedandConfused]

II. Travel
For questions regarding travel and accompanied baggage between the United States and Cuba, please see the specific guidance on OFAC’s webpage.

http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/guidance_cuba_travel.pdf

5.What are the travel authorizations in the Cuba program?
OFAC has issued general licenses within the 12 categories of authorized travel for many travel-related transactions to, from, or within Cuba
that previously required a specific license (i.e., an application and a case-by-case determination).

Travel - related transactions are permitted by general license for certain travel related to the following activities, subject to criteria and conditions in each general license: family visits; official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations; journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes; exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials; and certain authorized export transactions.

6. Do travelers who fall within the scope of a general license need to submit a written request to OFAC for permission to travel or conduct transactions?
No. No further permission from OFAC is required to engage in transactions by a person who meets all criteria in a general license. Individuals wishing to engage in activities that may fall within the scope of a general license should review the relevant general licenses contained in the CACR to determine whether their travel-related transactions are covered by such general licenses. Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction who wish to engage in any travel within the 12 categories of activities specified in the CACR that does not meet the requirements of a general license will need to apply for a specific license from OFAC.

7. Is travel to Cuba for tourist activitiespermitted?
No. Consistent with the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA), travel-related transactions involving Cuba are only permitted for the 12 categories of activities identified in the CACR. Travel related transactions for other purposes remain prohibited.

 

[LisaH]

Thank you for posting your trip info. We are also interested in going to Cuba before it gets too crazy with American tourists. Your info is quite helpful. Would you recommend using Cuba travel service? Did you use any guides when in Cuba?

 

[DeniseM]

Some political comments have been removed from this thread.

Please stay on the vacation topic, and avoid politics, with your posts.

 

[Passepartout]

Since we are kind of skirting the still-in-place travel boycott aimed at U.S. citizens, I, as a curious and active traveler appreciate the primer on how to.

Without mentioning certain agencies and their restrictions, this would be impossible.

Frankly, I believe that individual people interacting with other individual people will broaden the horizons and enrich both, regardless of the nationality.

Thanks, D&C. I was originally skeptical when you began researching this trip, preferring instead to simply take a pre-arranged tour- and encouraging you to do the same, but I see the light.

Congratulations on pulling it off! I'm probably not the only envious one here.

Jim

 

[DazedandConfused]

Thank you for posting your trip info. We are also interested in going to Cuba before it gets too crazy with American tourists. Your info is quite helpful. Would you recommend using Cuba travel service? Did you use any guides when in Cuba?

I 100% recommend Cuba Travel Services for everything, although I only used them for flights and hotel and obviously the visa. I flew direct Miami to Havana for $472 or so and it was a 45 minute flight.

I had the names of three guides that other members of Trip Advisor gave me, but I did not pre-book them and simply "hacked" together my own trip. I did hire a guide for one day and arraigned it via the concierge that cost me $25 per hour with a a/c private car. If I wanted a 1950 classic convertible, it was $30.

It is pretty easy to find English speaking drivers and guides if you are in Havana and staying at a nicer hotel.

Also, there are a TON of bike taxis, coco taxis, newer car taxis, classic car taxis, and even really beat-up crappy car taxis held together with duck tape.

Some political comments have been removed from this thread.

Please stay on the vacation topic, and avoid politics, with your posts.

I am trying to do that, however once I visited Cuba directly, it is hard to not see and feel bad for the average Cuban negatively affected by the embargo.

Also, it is 100% LEGAL for an American to visit Cuba, but you need to self certify (as in the honor system) that you are going for educational reasons, not to party on the beach and that is exactly what I did.

Since we are kind of skirting the still-in-place travel boycott aimed at U.S. citizens, I, as a curious and active traveler appreciate the primer on how to.

Without mentioning certain agencies and their restrictions, this would be impossible.

Frankly, I believe that individual people interacting with other individual people will broaden the horizons and enrich both, regardless of the nationality.

Thanks, D&C. I was originally skeptical when you began researching this trip, preferring instead to simply take a pre-arranged tour- and encouraging you to do the same, but I see the light.

Congratulations on pulling it off! I'm probably not the only envious one here.

Jim

Before January, it was much harder to visit Cuba as you needed to be pre-authorized to travel there, now after the loosening of the restrictions, it is very easy to do it yourself.

I originally was going to use Insight Cuba and book one of their tours as I heard they were excellent, but they are super expensive and super structured and I did not want to travel with a large group.

*** WARNING ***

I did a TON of pre-trip research and am willing to share this info with anyone that asks a question. If you want to book it yourself like I did, you really need to do some research to avoid problems or issues. There is NOTHING to be afraid of as I felt safer walking around the worst looking streets in Havana as I would walking around downtown Miami. In addition the local Cubans were incredibly friendly to me and were really curious when they saw me as I really look like a typical middle aged American. I heavily used TripAdvisor and also read-up on Wikipedia all about Cuba, the revolution, and current events. There are a few excellent guide books on Amazon and I preprinted walking maps and an itinerary. I over-planned this trip much more than I have ever done for any trip I have ever taken before.

 

[DeniseM]

DazedandConfused - I am not referring to your posts, except for the part in which you responded to a political post. That post, your quote of that post, and your response were deleted. Otherwise, you are OK at this point.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Dazed... I may take you up on this - I know others who have travelled to Cuba and have heard same thing.
What is the definition of insanity again? After 50+ years of expecting a different result - I think that qualifies... But then again - I am a pragmatist.

 

[DazedandConfused]

One of the highlights of the trip for me was my dinner at La Guarida, a very famous paladar that just about every celebrity that visits Cuba dines here at least once. It is set in a old mansion that originally was owned by a rich doctor and then housed about 20 families after the revolution.

The location was used as the main set for the Academy award nominated movie "Fresca y chocolate" and I ordered the movie on Amazon as it is not on netflix and watched it before going. First of all it is a GREAT movie and the fact that they converted it into one of the most spectacular restaurants I have ever eaten at was just stunning.

Here is the website
http://www.laguarida.com/en/who-we-are/

Here is a link to some pictures
https://www.google.com/search?q=la+...ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMIj8bxhsi-yAIVAR8eCh2tagwy

Here is a video showing the amazing first and second floor entrance to the restaurant on the third and fourth floors (reminded me of the entrance to Disney Tower of Terror for some reason)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwhbrZIHyEg

 

[ace2000]

Thank you for sharing the details of your trip. I appreciate it!

 

[Sandy]

Oh, I am so envious!

I was fortunate to go to Cuba in 2000 with the educational program "Semester at Sea." Our ship docked there for about 5 days, and it was wonderful. I did not eat much in port because our meals were on the ship, but many of the 700 or so undergraduate students did.

I was a professor on the ship, and spent the days sitting at the seawall, meeting Cubans, walking the streets of old Havana, and listening to music. My educational portion included taking my class to meet at the University with Cuban students, and a series of interactions with them.

My own kids accompanied me on this trip (the oldest was college age, the youngest in high school). They traveled with the various student groups to the sites, and the itinerary was focused on "sight-thinking" rather than sight-seeing.

Oh, what I would do to go again. My personal situation in caring for my DH prevents this type of travel. But if I ever found a way to getaway - no question, I am in.

 

[am1]

I have been wanting to go for awhile now and hopefully get to before Cuba changes and the prices are run up but according to your post it seems that it already has. Car tour and guide seem reasonable but hotel and the restaurants seem very high. But I guess Americans are willing to pay for it and they charge it.

A few years ago my wifes cousin was making $40 a month as a doctor. Paying his dues before he could leave. $300 a month seems very high.

Most likely taking an all inclusive vacation from Toronto. Hopefully visit Havana as part of it.

How was the internet? That is what partly holds me back. No worry about safety and I can deal with mediocre food and cheap beer for a week.

I hope for the people that Cuba becomes a successful nation but I do not think having cruise ships stop there full of tourists and sending millions of tourists there on planes is the answer. I hope it can keep what others have reported is their charm and not just become another island.

I also believe anyone considering doing business there is taking a huge risk in losing everything at less than a moments notice.

BTW my trip would be 100% legal. I am not for breaking any laws.

 

[DazedandConfused]

One of the reasons to go NOW is to see it frozen in time (or at least partially frozen) as they really do have NEW cars in Cuba and once the toruists and money rolls in - some of the authentic charm may get lost. I was shocked to ride in a new Hyundai Sonata from the airport to the hotel.

I still think the prices are LOW. The alcoholic drinks were around $2 but my dinners at $40pp and hotel at $200 per night were because I ate at the best rated restaurants and best hotel. You can eat for $5 and stay for less than $20 per night if you want.

My fear is that once the embargo gets lifted, the prices will double or triple and it will be impossible to get reservations at the top 5 hotels and that is why I went. Also, it was really exciting to be welcomed so much as an American. I almost hate traveling to some parts of Europe as America does not have such a good reputation and Cuba rolled out the welcome mat everywhere I went and it was genuine.

All inclusive trips are a no brainer easy way to visit Cuba, but they are expensive and very rigid in terms of the experience. It is very good for people that want to be part of a large group and follow a guide at all times. I did not want that kind of experience, so I made my own plans and really loved it. The random meetings and sights on an unexpected street were something that would never happen with a group.

Internet was $4.50 per hour at the hotel and for email and facebook it was fine (I did not check TUG). But I had no cell phone and that was actually refreshing. Imaging going to dinner or visiting places where people actually communicated face-to-face. However, online reports that Internet at other hotels are very spotty.

I would argue that the food and drinks are NOT mediocre, in fact, I thought they were awesome, even on touristy places like Sloppy Joe's (much better than the one in Key West). The Rum drinks like Cuba Libre, Dacqueries, pina colada were all excellent.

The local Cubans were 10x times friendlier than any Caribbean island I have ever been to....seriously, they really are friendly. I was also impressed at the street entrepreneurs (i.e. hustlers) that were pretty aggressive (as I said it is impossible to walk one block without being offered a taxi), but not obnoxious. I kept about $10 in $1 cuban bils to randomally give to people that offered me help or directions. Nobody actually asked me for cash, but someone wanted my umbrella.

I will also argue that doing business with risk has the potential for great reward. I can't comment on the past or current government, but a non-cuban male who was doing business there told me property rates have doubled in the last year and there are many non-Americans buying buildings and homes. It is super hard to do an an American, but that is for another thread.

It is super easy to be in 100% compliance with the USA laws to travel to Cuba. As I said, it would have been easy to sneak in via Bahamas, cayman, or Mexico, but I flew direct from Miami and filled out the proper paperwork. I did NOT visit the beach (but wish I did) and truly spent most of my time there on legimate tours, however they were to my own choice and schedule (including a visit to the Coppelia on 23rd)

 

[am1]

Thanks for the update.

The all inclusive would be at a beach resort. Just the air and hotel, no tour group. With two kids there is no other way to beat it when they just pay the taxes to fly there and stay at the resort for free. We may abandon our return ticket to spend more time in Cuba and then a one way award ticket to leave later.

I was referring to the mediocre food at the resort. Ideally we would go off the resort to try other places.

If people were aware of the hardship Cubans go through to fly to Colombia walk 50 or so miles through a mosquito infested no mans land of forest, wetlands and mountains they would be shocked. There is no red cross or UN helping them out on that part of the migracion.

 

[DazedandConfused]

Thanks for the update.

The all inclusive would be at a beach resort. Just the air and hotel, no tour group. With two kids there is no other way to beat it when they just pay the taxes to fly there and stay at the resort for free. We may abandon our return ticket to spend more time in Cuba and then a one way award ticket to leave later.

I was referring to the mediocre food at the resort. Ideally we would go off the resort to try other places.

If people were aware of the hardship Cubans go through to fly to Colombia walk 50 or so miles through a mosquito infested no mans land of forest, wetlands and mountains they would be shocked. There is no red cross or UN helping them out on that part of the migracion.

Technically the trip you describe typically found in Varadaro Cuba (all inclusive beach resort like Club Med) is NOT allowed as per USA restrictions.

In reality, I highly doubt anyone gets caught or even penalized if they plan this type of trip. I personally spent the majority of my time in Old Havana and loved it. I heard great things about the beach area though.

I am also NOT aware of award travel to/from Cuba but I am not an expert on that.

I personally think anyone visiting Cuba should spend at least ONE day in Old Havana.

Also, when I paid for the WiFi, I was able to send and receive text messages via my iPhone and ATT to people that were also on WiFi, but I was not able to do Facetime.

 

[am1]

Technically the trip you describe typically found in Varadaro Cuba (all inclusive beach resort like Club Med) is NOT allowed as per USA restrictions.

In reality, I highly doubt anyone gets caught or even penalized if they plan this type of trip. I personally spent the majority of my time in Old Havana and loved it. I heard great things about the beach area though.

I am also NOT aware of award travel to/from Cuba but I am not an expert on that.

I personally think anyone visiting Cuba should spend at least ONE day in Old Havana.

Thankfully I am not restricted to traveling to Cuba. Award travel is possible but not easy to book through a US frequent flyer program. I had to do it over the phone before. Not to US destinations.