Help Cuba

[tierk]

Thinking to arrange a trip to Cuba for my next big holiday. Anyone visited? Been looking on the web to tbh most of the stuff i am seeing is pretty generic crap. Anyone with any info, help, links etc will be repified

 

[Ch3tan]

I also want to know the same thing.... Been itching to go for years now

 

[tierk]

I also want to know the same thing.... Been itching to go for years now

My niece did a long trip a while ago but i just doesn't feel right asking her, she went as a architectural student, which i know all about.

Might even be doing it as a honeymoon, if my marriage situation changes drastically in the coming months.

Oh and for the record that was one fast response mate

 

[Vasconcelos]

Nothing to fuse about it rly. If you go cookie-cutter tourist is just the same hotel resorts and white sands beaches again n again.

If you go to La Habana for a less fashioned trip, it gets better, like traveling to the 50s or 60s, pitty im not into all that El Ché and communism shizzzle.

I'd choose Mexico or Jaimaica over Cuba any day.

 

[Ezteq]

I believe they have some very interesting wildlife there, flying fish and afaik the world's smallest frog and hummingbird breeds are both Cuban native species (I think!). Also the local city life seems very interesting and I should love to have a tour of a cuban cigar factory.

 

[xomer]

i am a travel agent and the majority of the people have gone there were impressed.

The most common comment was that they are like 60's/70's/80's and all the people were very welcome etc.

 

[cHodAX]

Say away from the local cuba libra drinks, seriously. The alcohol levels are borderline poisonous.

 

[Ch3tan]

So not Cuba related, but I got a chance to go on a last minute holiday, so going off to Marrakech for a week at the end of this month

 

[Deebs]

Sister and hubby went about 4 years ago, friend from work went 2 years ago, everyone said they loved it and want to go back. Horses for courses. The country is poor but the food, nightlife, society rocks by all accounts.

 

[Vasconcelos]

So not Cuba related, but I got a chance to go on a last minute holiday, so going off to Marrakech for a week at the end of this month

Hohoho! Great trip!

 

[xomer]

lmao

 

[DaGaffer]

I went to Havana in 2007, couldn't recommend it highly enough, but don't go in June like I did, the humidity is lethal. You can go cheap (like I did, I was backpacking) or very expensive. One word of advice, debit cards don't work there and for obvious reasons they hate US$ so take lots of sterling or better yet, euros, in cash. Credit Cards do work but there's an eye-watering service charge.

People are friendly, its safe, there are tourist traps but they're easily avoided, its only the money thing that's a bit of a pain in the arse.

 

[gohan]

I went to Havana in 2007, couldn't recommend it highly enough, but don't go in June like I did, the humidity is lethal. You can go cheap (like I did, I was backpacking) or very expensive. One word of advice, debit cards don't work there and for obvious reasons they hate US$ so take lots of sterling or better yet, euros, in cash. Credit Cards do work but there's an eye-watering service charge.

People are friendly, its safe, there are tourist traps but they're easily avoided, its only the money thing that's a bit of a pain in the arse.

i went to havana today, tried to pick up some flags and the locals kept shooting at me, misrible *****

 

[Ch3tan]

So not Cuba related, but I got a chance to go on a last minute holiday, so going off to Marrakech for a week at the end of this month

Hohoho! Great trip!

Had a rocking time - and not far off Vasc. Dangerous to smoke from anyone that offers you in Marrakech, but we shared beers and a few joints with some nomads in the sahara - top stuff!

 

[cHodAX]

Nothing to fuse about it rly. If you go cookie-cutter tourist is just the same hotel resorts and white sands beaches again n again.

If you go to La Habana for a less fashioned trip, it gets better, like traveling to the 50s or 60s, pitty im not into all that El Ché and communism shizzzle.

I'd choose Mexico or Jaimaica over Cuba any day.

Mexico definately, Jamaica not a chance. That place is beyond dangerous unless you are prepared to stay on your complex 24/7 for two weeks. At least in Cuba the odds of you being held up and murdered (raped if a woman) are pretty bloody slim, the same cannot be said of Jamaica at all. Lovely country, some lovely people but far too many evil bastards looking to steal your money and shag your wife.

 

[cHodAX]

Had a rocking time - and not far off Vasc. Dangerous to smoke from anyone that offers you in Marrakech, but we shared beers and a few joints with some nomads in the sahara - top stuff!

Heh that sounds like a laugh, hadn't considered there before.

 

[DaGaffer]

Mexico definately, Jamaica not a chance. That place is beyond dangerous unless you are prepared to stay on your complex 24/7 for two weeks. At least in Cuba the odds of you being held up and murdered (raped if a woman) are pretty bloody slim, the same cannot be said of Jamaica at all. Lovely country, some lovely people but far too many evil bastards looking to steal your money and shag your wife.

Actually Mexico can be just as bad if you go to the wrong areas. I personally think the touristy bits of Mexico are over-developed and over-priced (Cancun is awful and Playa Del Carmen has unfortunately gone the same way). Cozumel is really nice though (and has terrific diving), and Tulum is still nice and has the best beaches I've ever seen, and I will say there's plenty to see and do in Yucatan. My biggest surprise in Mexico was Mexico City itself; I was expecting an absolute hell-hole and it turned out to be really enjoyable. No experience of Jamaica, but I tend to find the islands a bit dull (I've been to the Bahamas and Antigua and I'd say a week is more than enough).

 

[Ch3tan]

Yeah we had a one night/2 day trip to Zagora, which is at the start of the Sahara in Morocco. The bus broke down 80km from the town, in a small village. (it was a 300km trip from Marrakech through the Atlas mountains - stunning roads and switchbacks), we were stuck for 7 hours and did not get to the desert camp till midnight.

They gave us an extra day and night free, only 4 of us could stay, and we basically chilled all day with the nomads, got treated like kings, had a ride through the desert on camels and in a merc (how stereotypical eh?). Smoked local hash and drunk beers with them in the evening and taught them card games and English. Strong stuff they've got there!

I'd seriously recommend a desert safari to anyone considering it. They do 5 nights and longer, take you into the sahara proper if you do a long trip. Those nomads are crazy chilled dudes

 

[cHodAX]

Actually Mexico can be just as bad if you go to the wrong areas. I personally think the touristy bits of Mexico are over-developed and over-priced (Cancun is awful and Playa Del Carmen has unfortunately gone the same way). Cozumel is really nice though (and has terrific diving), and Tulum is still nice and has the best beaches I've ever seen, and I will say there's plenty to see and do in Yucatan. My biggest surprise in Mexico was Mexico City itself; I was expecting an absolute hell-hole and it turned out to be really enjoyable. No experience of Jamaica, but I tend to find the islands a bit dull (I've been to the Bahamas and Antigua and I'd say a week is more than enough).

Funny you say that, Cozumel was the place I have been recommended to go. A friend really enjoyed Cancun but went at a time of year when it wasn't packed with billions of sex starved teenage Yanks.

Yep Mexico does have some dangerous parts but unlike Jamaica you can go off the beaten track and and get out alive, everyone I know who has been to Jamaica says the same thing that the place is stunning but you never feel safe outside the complexes because of the horror stories and the murder rate.

 

[cHodAX]

Yeah we had a one night/2 day trip to Zagora, which is at the start of the Sahara in Morocco. The bus broke down 80km from the town, in a small village. (it was a 300km trip from Marrakech through the Atlas mountains - stunning roads and switchbacks), we were stuck for 7 hours and did not get to the desert camp till midnight.

They gave us an extra day and night free, only 4 of us could stay, and we basically chilled all day with the nomads, got treated like kings, had a ride through the desert on camels and in a merc (how stereotypical eh?). Smoked local hash and drunk beers with them in the evening and taught them card games and English. Strong stuff they've got there!

I'd seriously recommend a desert safari to anyone considering it. They do 5 nights and longer, take you into the sahara proper if you do a long trip. Those nomads are crazy chilled dudes

The Atlas mountains are on my list of places to go before I die after seeing a documentary a few years ago.

 

[sayward]

Thinking of doing a split centre between Havana and the beach. But don't know when.

 

[Vasconcelos]

Heh that sounds like a laugh, hadn't considered there before.

Hhmmm might be cuz you are an easily cheated anglo :lol:

I tried one of the best oily hash ever there from a guy at the bazar. We traded it for a couple of 8€ Lidl whiskey

 

[Ch3tan]

Yeah - I wouldn't recommend doing that in marrakech any-more Vasc. Most dealers will dob you into the cops and get a pay off plus their stock back, and you'll end up in trouble with the law.

 

[Vasconcelos]

Yeah - I wouldn't recommend doing that in marrakech any-more Vasc. Most dealers will dob you into the cops and get a pay off plus their stock back, and you'll end up in trouble with the law.

Ow! Well, havent been there for a while, maybe good 'ole Muhamed VI became pissed.

So, not a chance of cheap booze, Gillette and other stuff trading for drugs anymore?

 

[Ch3tan]

Well you can, I'm sure a lot do, but it's too risky in Marrakech. Different if you make friends with someone and smoke in private with them - not buying.

there is still a backpackers village near the mountains that is basically just a big stoners camp.

The nomads we were smoking with said they wouldn't buy from the big cities as you can't trust anyone.

 

[Hawkwind]

Actually Mexico can be just as bad if you go to the wrong areas. I personally think the touristy bits of Mexico are over-developed and over-priced (Cancun is awful and Playa Del Carmen has unfortunately gone the same way). Cozumel is really nice though (and has terrific diving), and Tulum is still nice and has the best beaches I've ever seen, and I will say there's plenty to see and do in Yucatan. My biggest surprise in Mexico was Mexico City itself; I was expecting an absolute hell-hole and it turned out to be really enjoyable. No experience of Jamaica, but I tend to find the islands a bit dull (I've been to the Bahamas and Antigua and I'd say a week is more than enough).

Baja peninsula is lovely, great hotels, beaches, golf courses and oh the babes!

If you go to the caribbean try St Lucia, must nicer than Jamaica and the people are great. Sandals resorts are good for the youngsters but if your looking for something more mature try Wind Jammer Landings. That place was fantastic. I'mm off to Seychelles at easter for some diving, should be good.