Reviewed 01 Apr 2011 by Christine Giles
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The variety of the programme - the buzz of Havana - the Cuban people that we met - the guide that accompanied us all week could not be faulted - he made every effort to make sure we maximised our time in his country. The local guides we met were very knowledgeable, warm and open.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You need a lot of energy to get the most from this week - it is full on and the weather is hot - but it gives a perfect introduction to Cuba - if you like walking, the 3 day walks are very interesting, we saw some interesting flora and fauna and some very pretty birds.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely - profits from the tour company are automatically used to restore the historical centre of Havana.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10/10
Reviewed 12 Feb 2010 by John Eykelenboom
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We took our honeymoon in Cuba in January, which is winter in Cuba where temperatures reach the comfortable mid- 20s (Celsius) - which is perfect for us visiting from Ireland. Through this holiday we learnt the fascinating history of Cuba and had the chance to see how the Cuban people live and hear what they think which was a fantastic experience.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We took a private tour around different places of the island, and were therefore transported between the different places we visited. This offered us the chance to take in the scenery and look around whilst driving. I would recommend only those very very confident drivers to do a similar self drive tour - we noticed a lack of road signs, and the roads themselves sometimes aren't in the best of condition (which adds to the charm in some ways - as long as you are not the one negotiating them!). Be prepared for the food - although we overall enjoyed the food on the holiday, it was quite repetitive (probably because we were mostly eating in state run establishments) and sometimes we felt bad when we couldn't finish it all (they give very generous portions!).
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I think tourism is a big part of the Cuban economy, and since it is a communist/socialist country I feel like the people of Cuba would have benefited from our visit. Our visit to the terrazas - a pilot eco-village/community - demonstrated the effort the Cubans are going to help the environment, whilst maintaining their tourism. They are pretty much a self sufficient village and money they make goes to improving the village and the surrounding countryside.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had a great time in Cuba, seeing a wide range of places in Havana old-town, the Mountains and tobacco farms in the north and a few Caribbean beaches along the way. Our tour guide and driver were great - very friendly, knowledgeable and flexible to our needs. At the end of the tour we spent 2 days at an all-inclusive hotel on the beach and although this was relaxing there was no way you would have had a Cuban experience staying at resorts similar to this the whole time. We would definitely recommend this holiday to our friends.
Reviewed 22 Apr 2009 by Isabel Leste
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The first day, arriving in La Havana, was undoubtly the most exciting because it was my first time in Cuba and everything was new to me although what I could see was like frozen 50 years ago. Very destabilizing and exciting! I loved the country side and the small town we passed especially Trinidad which really is a jewel and merits its title of city heritage of patrimony of the Humanity (UNESCO, 1988).
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Cubans cannot travel so I found them avid of stories and descriptions of others' countries. Bring with you postcards and brochures of your own country to give them. They will appreciate.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, this holiday benefited local people, although not necessarily on a wide impact. I've learnt many things about the local environment and Nature and Cubans are very aware of its fragility. Interactivity and knowledge lead to care and attention and are part of the protection of the environment so I think the impact on the environment was minimized.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I'll come back!
Reviewed 31 Jan 2009 by Kirsten Earl
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The friendly people, the warmth of their hospitality, and the music! It was a wonderful celebration of our 35th wedding anniversary which kept on going the whole two weeks!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take plenty of cash to exchange for CUC, with many small notes for all the tips which people really depend on- the chamber maids, restaurant servers, tour guides, musicians, etc.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Cubans recycle and reuse more than we can imagine, as they're so short of resources. They desperately need more transportation; for example, there aren't nearly enough buses; they need buses to be shipped over, at reasonable cost. The local wages are extremely small, so I believe the tips and gifts of clothing, soap, pens, etc were of benefit.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was great, and we'd return in a heartbeat.
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