Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Cuba family holiday, independent reviews
 Reviewed 15 Apr 2007 by Sallie Robins |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Probably swimming with Dolphins as it was totally unexpected and not part of the programme, although my son (7years) being invited to play maracas with the house band at one hotel was also wonderful, also maybe swimming in the sea at sunset in Varadero after a stormy day so some unexpected waves to play in - which my son thought so exciting. Bizarrely enough even happy memories of doing a little hand washing in our room whilst listening to some Cuban music as was such a great country to be in even washing seemed fun! Oh yes watching our tour guide Felix and bus driver Jose trying to catch a red crab to show us - hilarious - two big strong guys being snipped at until eventually getting their catch. Just sitting looking at scenery from bus window - being followed back to hotel by our new pet the three legged dog - ridding in the blender (Russian Truck) - well could go on and on -
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go with the flow - there will be all sorts of unexpected treats along the way - sit back and enjoy - and don't worry even as a vegetarian we never ever went hungry - we had packed all sorts of snacks and ended up leaving most of them behind. Make sure you always have plenty of change for tips - as tipping is a national pastime.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, there was plenty of interaction with local people and chances to use the services they provided. Tourism seems to be quite organised in Cuba and this of course helps to minimise impact by limiting numbers and using local guides to ensure you don't damage the environments that you visit.
4. Any other comments?
Had the most amazing time and am finding too hard to get back to real work and the real world! Hmm probably the best holiday since having children - absolutely fantastic mix that allowed us to experience culture etc without children being in anyway bored - our seven year old son had such a great time - I can't even recall him complaining about anything apart from having to get out the pool eventually and go to bed at some point and of course come home!
| Reviewed 13 Aug 2006 by Lesley Elliott | |
This trip to Cuba is absolutely fantastic. There was a good range of activities and a busy itinerary but we also felt that we had time to do our own thing. The guide was extremely knowledgeable, professional, flexible and helpful. As a group we all found our travels thought-provoking. There was also a nice balance between time spent in an urban/rural environment. The best time was spent meeting local people and learning about their way of life. The beach extension at the end led to a range of mixed feelings. We did not like it because it excluded all Cubans.
It appeared to be in complete contrast with the rest of the holiday. However, on reflection it may be that the reason why Cubans are excluded is for protection from some negative aspects of tourism and may be there is a place for this type of tourist, but unfortunately it was not for us despite the beautiful setting!
The food in Cuba is also not ideal for vegetarian travellers but if you go knowing that and are prepared for a diet of rice, beans and omelettes, then it is not a real problem. Fruit is also plentiful of course.
I would rate this holiday very highly.
It appeared to be in complete contrast with the rest of the holiday. However, on reflection it may be that the reason why Cubans are excluded is for protection from some negative aspects of tourism and may be there is a place for this type of tourist, but unfortunately it was not for us despite the beautiful setting!
The food in Cuba is also not ideal for vegetarian travellers but if you go knowing that and are prepared for a diet of rice, beans and omelettes, then it is not a real problem. Fruit is also plentiful of course.
I would rate this holiday very highly.
| Reviewed 23 Apr 2006 by Rachael Apps | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
My partner and our daughter loved the snorkelling off Cayo Blanco - a beautiful island in the Carribean which our party had to ourselves - except the iguanas and the friendly cooks and boat navigators. I really enjoyed seeing the 'real' Cubans and getting an insight into their society.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It was difficult to gauge currency and almost everybody found that they had taken too much and because we were not sure about what to do had all got large amounts of Sterling on us. This wasn't actually a problem but be prepared to carry this with you at all times as well as passports etc. because not all hotels had safes or keys for them when they did. Small gifts of pens/soap etc. would be appreciated and these are rarely the things you carry in your day sack.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Apart from carbon emissions etc. I suppose the Cuban state and therefore the people benefit from tourism as a whole and this tour did mean that our spending was distributed more widely than just going to Varadero.
4. Any other comments?
I wouldn't hesitate to give the holiday 5 stars up until the 'all inclusive' Varadero resort which was such a disappointing end to an otherwise fantastic holiday. The whole resort was an example of mass tourism spoiling a beautiful area. We also had the misfortune of being there with a large number of drunk young people who had come there for totally different reasons from us and whilst their behaviour did not impact too much on us it was not a relaxing family environment. If we had been aware of the resort as a whole I definitely would not have chosen to go there. Will be booking with the same company again.