Planning a trip to Cuba this spring. I have done zero travelling, and my boyfriend has done a bit, but never to Cuba. Recommended cities to stay in, and things that are a must do while there? I don't even know where to start!!

Havana, not Santiago de Cuba (2 hour bumpy ride from airport). U.S. run not locally run unless you speak Spanish. 4* and up only to enjoy resort.

Donna we def don’t speak Spanish
lol which one is the Spanish one that we would likely not want? Just want to make sure I’m understanding correctly

100% agree to stay at a 4-star or better hotel!

agree about 4* plus but I e been on separate trips to Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Cayo Guillermo and loved them all.
Tip generously. Take nice things to give away if you can. Enjoy!

Be sure you have proof of medical insurance as you might be denied entry without it. You may not ever be asked for it, but have it!

luckily, I sell this myself so we will def be taking policies! Had no idea we could be denied entry though

Since you sell it, you know how important it is to have!
Cuba instituted this around 10 years ago. As mentioned though, not everyone is asked for it (I've only been asked once in 3 trips), but don't take the chance. Plus, why would you travel without it? It's cheap and sensible

absolutely agree! If I’m forking out hundreds or thousands for my holiday (we are hoping to fit in a few days in Mexico at the same time for the bf’s brothers wedding) then surely I can splurge and pay a little extra for the insurance lol

I'd stay at a resort in Varadero. They have day trips into Havanna if you want to explore the capital. Drive your own jeep tour is cool, also the catamaran/swim with the dolphins tour is great also. We ended up on a private run boat because the catamaran's were filling up when we got there, and there were 9 of us, so they put us on a private run boat. Wayyyy better than if we were on the big boat! Take gifts for the hotel staff. They appreciate this so much. (small bottles of perfume/body wash, small toys/colouring books/crayons for kids, shampoo's, etc) These things are not easy for them to purchase themselves so gifts like these go a long way. Take Canadian money, not US funds. They don't accept american money.

awesome info!! Thanks!

We stayed at the Iberostar Bella Vista in Varadero. I really liked this resort, it was new and the food exceeded my Cuba expectations

Go somewhere else, the food is horrible.

Good thing there’s more than food there then hey

Mike Lefaivre you obviously never left your resort or enjoyed the culture. Cuba is amazing.

Well he didn't mention the culture did he, he mentioned the food. He is right though, the food is very poor as is the hygeine, pretty much guaranteed the shits. The country is nice though. I wasn't on a resort so was eating in all sorts of places.

Mike Lefaivre The food is Revolting...if you want to be I'll tour whole vacation..then have at her

Debra thanks for your negativity! Just what I needed when trying to plan a nice vacation that has nothing to do with you

Christin I was just telling you the truth....do what you like... don't put your question out if you don't want an honest answer

No spices in hotel food...go to Havana...great town

Mike Lefaivre haha you are absolutely right the beaches are Amazing, foods and service needs alot of improvement

Debra I didn’t ask about food. Asked about places to stay and things to do.

There are better beaches in Mexico, Grand Cayman, Hawaii etc. Take your pick, Havana depressed the hell out of me because you could see how beautiful it once was. I'm not saying don't go, for the most part the people were wonderful, I just found the living conditions for the average person in a country that was rich appalling.

Lisa actually we did, and I stand by my statement there are better places to go.

Mike Lefaivre it is a concern of mine to see the living conditions and how rough it can actually be. If this is the route we take it will def take some moral/emotional prep

Christin just be aware, no one will criticize their government. Be sure to bring sample size toothpaste, hot sauce, mustard and soy sauce are very hard for the citizens to come across. We gave our tour guide a bottle of soy sauce, she cried, took pictures to send to her husband. I hope the country has improved in the intervening years.

Mike Lefaivre I hope it's improved too but since Trump put sanctions in place, we're hearing it's bad again. Most of their supplies come from China.

Mike Lefaivre not everywhere you travel will look like home.

Christin she or he is just saying like it is food is horrible at 99 % of the places. I myself have been a few time once resort the other times home stays and I love the country but would not go back because of the food. There are So many other places to go than Cuba .

Lisa where all have you traveled?

My wife is from Malaysia, I am well aware many places do not look like home.

Following
I’m going 2 weeks solo in November

We stayed at the Ocean El Patricia, loved it, I also recommend doing the overnight trip to Havana, it was fantastic especially the Tropicana show

Cayo Coco is amazing! The beaches are so beautiful there (and in all of cuba) and the people are so kind. The food is lacking, unfortunately. A lot of the staff said it is due to hurricanes and their farms just not being able to keep up and grow quality fruits/veggies etc. But honestly all the good outweighs the food (in my opinion, i'm not a foodie by any means). Bring imodium and all your toiletries (sometimes I bank on picking up sunscreen etc when I arrive at destinations but Cuba is not like Mexico where things are a bit cheaper). Do trips into the towns and to see the beaches and enjoy!

Take spices, and ketchup/mustard/hot sauce. Definitely veradero. Eat at the fondue place, kiki's pizza, al Capone restaurant.

Bring stuff for kids....coloring books, candy, razors, maxipads, deodorant....

I've been twice. We went in March. Stayed at princess del mar resort. Food at the beach be was great. Buffet was ok. Took Frank's because we love it. Didn't need much as food was great. Take double decker bus into veradero and walk the shopping street. We did catamaran day which is amazing!! Great fresh seafood plus swimming on a little island. Worth the dollars!

Have you already booked? I would talk to a travel agent as we were going to book, but we’re told by ours that Cuba is actually in a food shortage and put their people on rations right now.. and she didn’t advise travel until that situation has been resolved, especially since it’s only going to get worse.. because of this we opted to go elsewhere.

I am working with an agent as well, have given her the general idea of what we are looking for and waiting to see what she comes back with. We wont be going for a fair amount of time yet, so hopefully this is not an issue for us

The answers should be : why did you pick Cuba? Is it the culture? Is it the cost as Cuba, looks attractively priced. It is usually lower cost than other destinations in the Caribbean. Is it the beaches? Is it because everyone else goes?
The question should be also: what kind of vacation do I want? Do you want adventure, and when things don’t go right, you aren’t fazed? Then cuba wouldn’t work for you, cause even trying to book dining reservations is a challenge, the “ask three people” rule needs to be increased to ask 5 people and then take the best one that fits!!
Do you want your vacation to be simple and uncomplicated? Then Cuba isn’t the place for you to go, especially on a first vacation.
You get what you pay for in Cuba, If it is inexpensive , it is for a reason.
Check into a the cost of a 5 star place in Cuba, and then price that out against a 4 star on other Caribbean islands to compare. Sometimes you can get a solid 4 star in Antigua, say at the Veranda Resort and Spa for a similar price and it would be a much better experience than Cuba.
It really is what your adventure tollerance is for a vacation. If low adventure, the I would recommend looking at other options.
Cuba is a good vacation for some people, but not everyone.

we haven't officially picked anything yet. hense why I am looking for information. we are not planning on "planning" a whole lot while we are away, mostly fly by the seat of our pants and see what is offered as we go.

I don't understand what you mean by saying Cuba would not be right for us if we were fazed by not being able to make dinner reservations (I understand this is an example) but then saying that if we are not looking for adventure.. this would not be right for us. Maybe I misunderstand, but I would say if we are willing to just go with the flow and get reservations where we can etc then our tolerance is quite high. The way I am reading it is that your two statements are contradictory, and I would rather have a good grasp before booking anything

Christin my apologies, typo. Then cuba would work for you. thank you.

Denise thanks!!

We liked/stayed in Varadero. Did day trips to Havana, Bay of Pigs and other areas. We brought gifts for the resort staff also.

Trinidad

Cayo coco!! And we stayed in a small town called Moron, totally authentic Cuban experience

I was a few years ago at the Barcelo CSM Santa Clara and loved the beaches and the food. Also they had a fantastic entertainment. It is far from Varadero and Havana .

As a first time goer, pick an all inclusive 4 stars or better and minus at least 1 star compared to other countries. Been all over and Cuba is beautiful, people wonderful and food is fine (lot if people find it bland so take some Mrs Dash and some franks so something like that). Havana is awesome, I love it there. Stay at least a night, but beware of crime and people begging (you give a child a price of gum and they will all come running) and break your heart. Go to Cuba, they need tourists. You can take simple gifts, clothes you don’t want or wear anymore, however they rarely make it outside the workers and their families, so if you think they are going to the poorest people, they probably are not. The workers are among the best paid in Cuba and most speak English well. Tip but you don’t have to. ENJOY!!! I love it there, more than Dominican R.

The Dominican was something else that we had considered, so this is great info
Thanks@

Cayo Blanco by catamaran

Bring ketchup and hotsauce

U r only talking about the resorts, food is good with the locals!!!

I stayed on Cayo Santa Maria. The beaches are gorgeous there but I wouldn't recommend it. It's such a long bus ride from the airport. After a 7 hour plane ride, the last thing I wanted was a 2 hour bus ride

I loved Cienfuegos it’s such a small town and Trinidad are definitely worth visiting, if you’re touring on your own!

I dived between the two places and it was awesome.

sounds like that would be right up his alley!

Christina i met up with two family members from other continents and toured from Havana to these places. I have friends who live in Havana and they set us up with our personal guide, we used private cars and taxis that we used privately to take us all over. You can DM me if you’d like recommendations.

We stayed in Veradero - you can cab or bus in to town and there a strip of restaurants, bars and such to go to. Definitely go to Havana!! We did a day trip, but wouldn't mind actually staying there and exploring a bit more if we go back

You need cash for everything. There are atms at the resort but you need cash as outside of the hotel no one accepted credit cards

Dont do Cuba. Its awful

Remember that Cuba is still a Communist country. While that makes it really safe for tourists, there's things you can't and/or shouldn't do. Good that you're doing research before booking anything.

Varadero
Beaches amazing
Beware a 5 star is like a 3.5- 4 star by our standards
Food is bland but decent
Go in to Habana for a tour its great fun!
I recommend Iberostars for resorts.

Havana is amazing. Bring shampoo, ibuprofen or anything to give to people.

We stayed in Varadero and appreciated the shorter drive to Havana. I would spend 2 or 3 days in Havana instead of the day trip we did. Beaches were gorgeous but the surf waa very rough so there was no swimming the entire week we spent there. Pools were great though.
The food was terribly bland at the resort, i. Varadero and in Havana to be honest. We knew not to expect much but it really did get depressing. Lol Bring salt, pepper, and whatever sauces you like. Bring toilet paper as you will pay $1 for 1 single square. Haha Bring lots and lots of tip money. We ran out and had a hard time getting more! We would not go back to Cuba but are happy to have experienced it.

Check the trip advisor reviews of the places you are thinking of staying - read them with a grain of salt as it is a subjective review. If food gets a good review, you are golden. If you like to snorkel you will enjoy Cayo Coco or Holguin or at Memories Jibacoa (90 minutes from Veradero). Unlike other places, shelves for the locals are often empty. That being said, basic necessity stuff is very popular. Clothes and shoes are also big hits. Three people followed me around once they knew I had crayons and a colouring book. Bring toilet paper off resort and don't expect toilet seats or soap at public restrooms. Cuba is safe and the people are friendly

I went many times and stayed in Varadero in diferent resorts. See how much money you want to spend but dont go for dirt cheep because it will be bad. Go 4 *and up. Go to Havana for sure and explore. You can go on your own or with the tuor... again see how much you want to spend. Also they have two diferent pesos. One for then to use in everyday life and if you go out side of the hotel you need those. And one for resort to pay for tourse and gift shoops and things like that. PLEASE GO TO VARADERO AND HAVE PIZZA IN PLACE CALLED KIKIS The Best pizza ever. Ask any cab driver and they will take you.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist...
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Naviti resort-Varadero-Cuba - YouTube

Been back to Varadero a few times and love it. We have done lots of travelling and are cautious, but have never felt intimated or worried when in Cuba. Definitely do 5*. So long as you go not expecting food to be like home you will be fine. Havana is a must, we hired a local for the day to drive a family around and be a bit of a tour guide.... much more personal and cheaper than a group tour.

So, many nicer places to go for first trip than Cuba. We spent a week and were tired being harrassed for the money wherever we went.

d Cuba! Just remember it's still considered a 3rd world country..so their resorts are not like Mexico etc. Take some little gifts for your cleaning staff. Tampons, nail polish. Crayons etc for their kids. Deodorant. Sample sizes? Food is a little plain...can get fresh fish cooked & omlettes. Loved that it was still unspoiled in this day & age. People are warm & friendly.

Havana
All you need to know. It's a city that will dazzle and charm you. The people are awesome and its safer than canada. I've been travelling there for 15 years. Ask me anything.

We are a family that eats meats, veggies, rice, potatoes and we had no problem with the food there, they have hot sauce lol not Franks hot but tobassco!!
You do need to do your research on hotel and check out their a la carte restaurants as well. Eating off the resort was so cheap, we ate out almost every other night but only because we know of great little off the beaten path places
If you like going into town and walking around and going to the markets then I would pick a resort as close to town as possible, we stayed at Arenas blancas a year ago to the day actually and it was RIGHT at the beginning of the "strip"
La Barbacoa is a cute little restaurant with amazing steak & lobster priced a little more closer to what we would pay but that's because it's right on the strip, we go every time we are there.
I highly recommend going to the BBQ Party restaurant (Jesus's restaurant) you have to take a cab there, you turn down a sketchy back alley and arrive at the best place to eat in town haha!! huge portions and so cheap!
Varadero, Sol Palmeras was very nice, we got a bunglao which was nice we had a little front yard and a patio
I liked Arenas blancos too, the paradisus resorts are AMAZING but they are further away from town and I've heard from a friend that the food was not worth the 5+ star price tag.
The beatles bar is a MUST if you like music, go a little bit earlier in the evening to get a table outside, great cocktails and live music
the Al capone restaurant is beautiful with great lobster and cheap drinks, every where on the strip has super cheap drinks, we take big bubba kegs, fill them up at the resort and walk the town.
there is a jeep tour that is a MUST do, I've never been on a better excursion, you drive your own jeep through cute little towns, you go snorkeling in a cenote that is incredible then you drive up to the most lush mountain side farm land and go to this ranch, horse riding, you can ride a bull lol, there is the actual house that the guy lives in and he makes you authentic cuba coffee, then they make you this amazing authentic lunch, omg it was so good!!! when your done your drive back down through town and go to the canal and watch a cuban dance and take your own little boat out on a tour of the canal.
any hotel in Varadero has amazing beaches, there are a couple hotels that are on the other side that are all just rocks but id day 99% of them have the beaches, there are no beaches that I've come across that compare to cuba, the sand is so soft it's like flour, it just absorbs into your skin!!
Havana is another must imo. you can do it three ways, do the guided group tour from your hotel, it's great you get a ton of info, see inside the historical building at no extra cost, go on the group tour bus and then go off on your own, or hiring a private driver and guide in an old school car and let them take you!! My favorite option!! they will take to you all the touristy places you want to see or take you to real authentic places in Havana, when we went the guide took us to this little old lady's house, she made us coffee and showed off her "new" fridge!!any resort you stay at the food is going to be catered to western culture, you want real food go to the real places!!
one last thing haha!!
the people....WOW!!!! they are the Nicest, they are so willing and eager to help, to talk about their culture and to take you to authentic places, they are not allowed to sell stuff on the beach so that can be nice and not at the same time lol
I suggest taking the horse drawn buggies they have around, it's a tiny bit more then a taxi but you get to really talk to them
I've walked around town at night by myself, and alone with my kids and I've always felt safe. I love it so much there (can you tell lol) and scuba diving if that is your thing too!!
if you go i would suggest taking clothing and toiletries to give out, and go cups, omg if you have extra travel coffee mugs lying around take them!! they have zero access to stuff like that, you can use them to barter at the markets, every where we went they were begging us to buy our bubba kegs!!
omg one last thing haha!!! the catamaran trip to cayo coco is a MUST too, I can't even describe how breathtaking the island is, it's just an island with the most incredible fresh buffet, the water the is so calm and shallow you can walk out forever. ****EDIT*** I can't believe I forgot to put this in, but check out the Dupont house, head upstairs and have a cocktail overlooking the ocean, the craftsman work is stunning, they usually have someone playing music like the sax, it's so romantic and peaceful, I would really recommend checking it out during the day and at night. They have lights shinning into the ocean when it gets dark. It's so pretty the kind of place one could spend hours just relaxing and drinking!!

Trish Wilkinson holy shit. Amazing! I need you to be my tour guide.

Steve hahaha thanks!! I'm a little obsessed with Cuba

Cuba is amazing!!! Feel free to pm me with any questions

First trip to Cuba this past June for one week and Stayed in Cayo Coco for the first time as well. We went with the Pullman resort as we wanted a mix of both downtime and adventure if we so choose. Resort had beautiful ocean views with short walking distance to the beach. We did not need any hot sauce, ketchup, salt/ pepper etc as our resort had it all. Lots to do on the resort if you didnt so any adventures. We were able to do jeep safari (and drive as we took our license with us). Lots of excursions. We were also about 3p minutes from Moron. K would have liked to stay in Havana a few nights though as we did a quick one day trip and it was not long enough. Good luck!!

My wife can help out if you're interested. Jenn's Travel with Family

We went for the first time this past March- were warned to take protein bars...ichiban...spices...and were a bit scared because we were told the food was not good. WE LOVED CUBA! Loved it so much that we are heading back next March again
We stayed at the Iberostar Ensanachos Resort in Santa Maria. The food was good- we def would never have starved and if you aren't picky you will be fine. Its a Communist country- they feed you what they have. The beaches are amazing as were the people. We did take a few items to gift out to our housekeepers as sometimes they don't get much over there. Toiletries such as soap and toothbrushes/ toothpaste...coloring books , socks, nail polish. Things that don't cost much here but are super appreciated over there. We preferred Cuba to Mexico as Mexico we found very commercialized. It was a very relaxed trip and we have moved it to the top of our list of places to return to.

Cuba is ok. Cayo Santa Maria has nice beaches but far from everything else if you aren’t prepared for some travel. Food was ok. Definitely take your favourite spices if you think you can’t do without. Also go to the pharmacist and get a prescription for some antibiotics. You may not need them but you’ll be glad you have them if you do. I was lucky-ish. Hit me when I got home then I was done for two weeks lol

I’ve been to a few places in Cuba and recommend Varadaro! It’s easy to do day trips to Havana from there.

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We’ve been to Cuba twice and loved it! Once as a couple and once with our young kids and parents. The fact that it is not Americanized was a huge draw to us. I agree, 4* + is best. Although we weren’t in our hotel much as we went for the beaches which are gorgeous, Havana has so much culture. We felt safe. We ate off the resort and loved the seafood! None of us ever got sick. If you go knowing you are going for beaches, culture and not extravagant food, then you will be fine. I always appreciate a holiday where I don’t have to cook/clean! The sun, sand and culture are fantastic! For the price, hard to beat!

Havana and anywhere around that cayos