Off to Cuba!!

[steveo]

Well, I figured it was time to get away from all the snow and cold weather in Vancouver, and am venturing down to Cuba for a week with a friend. (took advantage of one of those cheap post x-mas all inclusive deals)

Has anyone on this board been there before? If so, any tips or suggestions...?.
We want to check out the nightlife in Varadero, probobly do a little sight seeing.

[worldwidemike]

Hey, Steveo, have a blast in Cuba! If any CIA men jump out at you, just blow mustard gas through your "Havana" to immobilize the lot of them...sorry, I love that line in that song...

Seriously, I've never been to Cuba, but I HAVE done the week in the all-inclusive thing. It is a fun, relaxing time. Just don't feel nailed down to the hotel where you get everything "included." Go out for dinner and drinks, too. It certainly can't be that expensive down there.

We did a little of everything in our all inclusive -- snorkeling one day, sightseeing another, hitting the pool or beach...you know, fun in the sun type stuff. Sounds like you have some ideas on what to do, though, and won't spend your week on the same lounge chair in the pool area...

worldwidemike (who could really use some fun in the sun now that Winter has truly arrived in Columbus )

[beeltee]

hey steveo,

i was in cuba last year over new year's (in varadero).. most of the hotels have "night clubs" in them, and some are bigger and better than others.. we didn;t get around to going to any of teh other hotels' clubs, but the best thing to do to find out what places are good is to walk along teh beach or meet people on day trips and ask them... as for other nightlife outside the hotel, i didn;t find that there was much going on (definitely not like cancun or anything like that), but who knows, maybe you will find something...

for the day trips we went snorkelling (it was awesome!! it totally sparked my love for snorkelling.. i recommend it), and went for a day on the catamaran (lunch included and drinks all day).. the catamaran was our best day tehre, it was so fun and we stopped on this beautiful beach for a couple of hours, and also went snorkelling around sunken ships.. we also did the day trip to havana, which was cool if you;re into the history of the place and all that (which i wasn;t... but we felt it was something we should do while we were there)...

all the prices for the day trips are teh same wherever you go so it is safest to buy any day trip packages from your hotel...

have a good trip, cuba is beautiful!!!

[travelpunk]

I've never been to Cuba either, but would love to someday (just don't want to get fined $7,500 when I re-enter the US for doing so !). Sounds like it's going to be a blast!

Enjoy your vacation and give us an update upon your return B)

[steveo]

I'm back, had an awesome time, sooo sick of rum and coke though!
The beaches in Varadero are amazing, the sand is like flour, so fine, and the ocean is crystal clear blue, never seen anything like it.
Didn't venture out to Havana, but rented some scooters and travelled through the streets of Varadero, it was pretty sweet] At night we partied at a night club in an actual cave, it was pretty wild, the people there are super friendly.
All and all had a great time, will definatley be back some day!

[Sijuki]

Sounds outstanding... I too have always wanted to venture down to the forbidden island of Cuba, but like TP don't want to have a hefty fine awaiting my reentry to the good ol US.

[Carisia]

I second TP and Sijuki, but Steveo and beeltee - how was the music there? did you hear a lot of authentic cuban music? any traces of 'buena vista social club' type of tunes, or, is it all different? is the music americanized? thanks!

[steveo]

Originally posted by Carisia@Feb 4 2004, 05:33 AM
I second TP and Sijuki, but Steveo and beeltee - how was the music there?* did you hear a lot of authentic cuban music? any traces of 'buena vista social club' type of tunes, or, is it all different?* is the music americanized?* thanks!

About 90% of the music was definatly authentic Cuban, they are infatuated with dancing and salsa. You did hear the odd 50 cent and Eminem song in the club, but mainly cool spanish tunes. Some clubs had DJ's spinning tunes, but the good clubs had live mirachi (sp?) bands, definatly different from what i'm used to!

[llemus7]

I am planning to go to Cuba either in sept. or oct. nov. of 2004,

I was reading some articles, that I can fly from mexico to cuba, but the problem is that im a u.s citizen, and that will be a little problem entering from what I have heard.

I was thinking of getting a mexican passport. You guys think that will work?

I do want to go check out the Island. If anyone can help me out with some info. let me know. thanks.

[LiveFreeorDie]

I have heard that there is no problem getting in and out of Cuba with a U.S. passport. I have also heard the Cuban customs guys will stamp a piece of paper for you to keep in your passport, instead of stamping your actual passport so you don't get busted when you eventually get back to the States. I am really thinking about trying that sometime......flying out of Canada or Mexico.... Watch the airlines though, because I have heard certain ones will report you to the U.S. government if you fly to Cuba with a U.S. passport. That could be rumor......not sure.

[Canadian Dude]

I met an American when I was there, but he got there through family ties...

And LFOD is right, its not the Cuban goverment that gives ya a hard time...its the US...just watch yourself.

And as for Airlines reporting back to the US Goverment...I can't see Canadian airline companies doing that, unless there is some type of incentive???

[linzergasse]

Interesting article in today's Wall Street Journal about President Bush restricting american travel to Cuba. Attempting to cut down on US money spent in Cuba...AND win the votes of Floridian voters for this years election.

At least he is trying a different approach than having brother Jeb have ballots mysteriously vanish!!!!

[Sijuki]

For further reference... check out this thread Other Cuba thread With information about US/Cuba travels

[TheWills]

I dont understand what the fine is about, cause here in canada we dont get fined, Do you get slammed cause Cuba is communist cause if thats the case thats BS and I would go down fighting and taike a swarm of CIA with me I would be pissed if my fines cost more then my whole damn vacation