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 adventure tours, independent reviews
 Reviewed 4 Oct 2009 by Sarah Williams |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole of Cuba is magical in every way and some of my most memorable parts were all the wonderful salsa dancing opportunities and watching live bands that I got chance to do.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you want to make the most of this trip, add on a few days at the end of the holiday to chill by the beach, because throughout the week's tour, you'll want to stay out every night til the early hours dancing away as well as getting up early to enjoy the day time activities. Therefore, at the end of the week, you will want to relax!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, as we stayed with host families, and ate dinners they prepared, so our money was able to go directly to them, rather than the government. Also, by buying presents from locals helped also.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Ten out of ten.
| Reviewed 12 Aug 2009 by Nicola Turner | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were so many memorable moments: watching the amazing dancers on the steps of the Casa de la Musica in Trinidad, walking through the Vinales valley, having an intensive salsa lesson on the porch of my casa particulare in the rain, meeting lots of lovely people . . . I don't know where to begin - or stop!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take LOADS of extra cash with you - even if it seems excessive. Getting at your money otherwise can prove difficult. Double check that your credit card is NOT American (even if it doesn't seem like it is - I got stung badly when I discovered that my European-seeming bank was owned by an American bank...). Also, take plenty of small toiletries to give to the ladies that work in the hotels/casas/in the streets and small gifts/souvenirs from your home country to give to the owners of the casas (I wish I had done this!). Take plenty of batteries if you need them (they're not always easy to get, even in Havana!), take LOTS of pictures, just take the chance to chat to people around you. If you can, try to learn a bit of Spanish before you go.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
With the obvious exception of the flight, I was satisfied that my impact on the environment was minimal and was delighted that my money was going into the pockets of Cuban people rather than the greedy corporations running far less interesting tours/holidays for far more money. Incidentally, I feel that a tour such as this gives you far more opportunities to interact with local people and learn about their country from THEM rather than travel guides!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I was constantly speechless by the warmth and welcome of the people, the fun and lively atmosphere and the beauty of the landscape. By far, this was the most interesting, well-organised and eye-opening trip I have been on. My only regrets were that I didn't know much Spanish, I didn't take enough cash, and that I wasn't there for longer. I have already started a savings fund so I can return again next year!
| Reviewed 21 Apr 2009 by Julie Evans | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were so many but if I have to single out one memory it would be hiking up to the waterfall nr Baracoa followed by a short trip in a 1950's automobile to a spot by the edge of the river where one of the homestay hosts had organised a pig fest (roasted a whole pig) for lunch!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I took enough cash for a week and credit cards MBNA & Barclays Visa cards neither worked in Cuba! Have low expectations and see them soar! Take old mobile phone accessories especially head sets for sony ericson phones - money just can't buy them!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes - although the emissions from some of the cars probably didn't help. Not only did we visit local schools the tour guide arranged for unscheduled stops to hand out supplies.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of the best holidays ever - a wonderful country with wonderful people and something for everyone.