25 independent reviews for Self drive Cuba family vacation
Reviews for Self drive Cuba family vacation
Leah Kabrhel review 26 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing my children travel the way I love to travel and enjoying it. It wasnt fancy. There were lots of unknowns. But it was all wonderful and they (and we) had some much fun. The snorkeling in Play Larga, sunset cruise in Cienfuegos, El Nicho waterfall, the flamingos, and the cabriolet car tour were our favorites. My kids favorites were the snorkeling and the crocodiles.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Trust the homestay. They are lovely. Ask if you can see photos of the room(s). Areas to visit are far apart, don't try to cram in too many (unless you can stay 2-3 weeks). Bring you children! Our children loved the trip, and the Cuban people seemed to really enjoy having them. Bring travel packs of peanut butter (as long as you're not allergic) for the kids, after exploring new foods for several meals a PB sandwich really did the trick. Ask for prices in local curency - dont have them give you prices in USD first and convert, it will be more expensive.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
the trip benefited local people. We stayed with families, we brought goods to those families to share with others, we tipped guides and drivers directly. In talking to one guide he expressed how the brief period when American cruise ships could come to Cuba was the most financially successful for him. Now there are very few American tourists and so his income has suffered. We are just one family but at least that is one family they can get income from. We supported a few animal sanctuaries to help with conservation, and walked most places within Havana. Between cities we did take a car, however.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The trip was wonderful. Easy to fly direct. Easy to get through customs and immigration coming and going. Lilliana met us at the airport with local currency and we got a quick cab to our first homestay. The homestays were lovely. Rooms were private with private bathrooms. They were clean. Every room had fans and air conditioning. Each room also had a fridge to keep drinks cold. Transport between cities/towns was great. Less time than expected. Car had air conditioning. Cities visited were different from each other and all lovely. Weather was great – warm and dry every day. People were kind. Willing to figure out the language barrier with us. So wonderful to my young children.Read the operator's response here:
We are very happy to read that our travelers, family and kids loved so much their vacation on Cuba. We would like to clarify that the family travelled over Cuba using minivan taxi transfers from homestay to the next homestay (casa particular) with local taxis integrated in the program for the excursions.
Diana D review 23 Jan 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Driving in Cuba is an experience - not for the faint hearted but great once you've got used to sharing the road with oxen carts, horse carts, horses, cows, people, bikes, motobikes, cars and buses and numerous potholes it is a good way of really seeing the country!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The planning and advice from Marcel and his team in Cuba was great. We are independent travelers but I don't think we could have travelled around Cuba without his detailed itinerary and booking of car hire, Homestays and Guides.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism brings hard currency into Cuba which they desperately need. By staying in local Homestays the money is going direct to local families. We did several day hikes in national parks with local guides which should be supporting conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great vacation and 3 weeks was a good amount of time to discover Cuba and get to know the country and people. Lots of in depth conversations with local guides so feel like we have a much better understanding of the economic and political situation now.Afrah Al-Hassan review 8 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The walking city tour in Havana and of course the experience with classic car2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Wrap your luggage before departing to Cuba it is mandatory as I experienced a broken bag and some of my stuff were stolen. Also be ready to be disconnected from the world as Network in Cuba isn’t the best.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Of course and I wish I had the chance to help them even more4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10/10Brian REID review 13 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I'm not sure we could single out any one thing. It is the whole trip and blend of experiences that make the trip. The kids loved horse riding and the car tour around Havana but we also enjoyed the road-trips and seeing new places every few days.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You must have maps.me and 'iTranslate' Take snacks / sweets for kids - there is no-way to buy such things in Cuba Do your research and be prepared for the economic difficulties / poverty3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely helped local people. We spent a lot of money in Cuba with locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
8 out of 10. It would have been 10 out of 10 if all Casa's had been of an acceptable quality, and if the cost was somewhat lower. This was a VERY expensive trip for a family.Read the operator's response here:
This family shared with us that they were very happy that they did this trip to Cuba and that they have some fantastic memories. We had some interesting conversations on Cuba with this family after their trip. The cost of this trip was very high due to the fact that they decided to have a mid range rental car for a family of 4. For a mid range car in the end you can pay like 210 usd per day including full coverage insurance. That is extremely expensive and contributed mainly to the high costs for this travel. For this reason we recommend families of 4 persons to travel with private minivan transfers and-or regular buses and stay all in homestays-casas particulares in case they prefer to save on costs.
The casa that is reported to be of inacceptable quality by our travelers was at Soroa in the mountains, it is taken out from all our future bookings now and replaced by better casas.
Then a few remarks more on rental car prices. The rental car prices were already high on Cuba but went up tremendously in the post covid era. The reason is that Cuba sold all their rental cars during the covid19 crisis. There was no reason for the Cuban Govt to keep the cars as the island was closed for a very long time and there was no tourism. The Cuban Govt. purchased some new cars again when Cuba started opening up. However not enough and due to the scarcity of rental cars the prices skyrocketed not due to the Governmental set prices but because the few rental cars that are there on Cuba are pre-booked by a few Cuban operators upfront and at risk to be sure to have a rental car they can offer to their clients. When these cars are not booked finally by their own clients they are resold for a much higher price to collegue operators, also as they took this entrepreneurial risk you could say and have to cover eventually future losses.
Besides all that Cuba has become very expensive for not well informed travelers. There is a way to deal with this and we always inform our travelers on this kind of issues in online meetings and briefings.
Kenny Thoms review 27 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hiking in Vinales, beach fun at Cayo Leviso and live music in Trinidad.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Cuba is not for the faint hearted at present - blackouts, water and petrol/gas shortages. In fact you can buy tourist tat and some food but often very little else!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, in was undoubtedly a huge relief for lots of people we met that tourism was starting up again.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a challenge but a very interesting one. Beautiful place, friendly people and very safe and secure. Our tour company was a great support and we really needed them because sometimes getting stuff done in Cuba can be difficult! I'd recommend the private guides as opposed to government run.Read the operator's response here:
This family shared with us that our staff in Havana was excellent, that they helped them a lot, and that they were very happy with the support from us in office. In fact this was a trip postphoned by the covid19 crisis and finally performed 2 years later! They had an unlucky start with a flight cancelled from the UK to Paris, so they lost a day and then the luggage did not arrive in Havana in the end. So the start was a bit stressful.
Indeed traveling on Cuba has been always challenging but now even much more.
For this reason it is so important that travelers have a good team behind them both in Havana together with a super homestay network with friendly families that are also connected with our local private services and guides.
This is very essential to have a trip on Cuba to be successful. When there are themes to be resolved it is picked up by the staff in Havana, the families and local guides-drivers, working together in a triangle of communication. They all know each other and all our homestays and guides are selected for reliability and the ability to work as a team.
Emma Willson review 23 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Snorkelling and horse back riding.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go with the flow.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great.Sue Brooksbank review 7 Feb 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
"It was all brilliant" said my teenage son when I posed to him this question. We had an epic first day in Viñales on our hike with our guide, this was quite early on in our 3 week trip so everything was new to us...but the views from the Mogotes with the Turkey Vultures circling below, combined with the Rum drinking and Cigar Rolling ,hitching a ride on an Oxen pulled cart and learning about the local Flora and Fauna will always stay with us. Diving and snorkeling as a family for the first time in The Bay of Pigs was very special too.Lots to see just hopping in from the rocks .2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for tipping for absolutely everything including toilet roll! Initially we were supposed to self driving but due to a shortage of Hire cars we ended up with Taxi's which worked perfectly for us and certainly made our vacation more relaxing. Do take some Tea Bags with you to leave at the Casas as there's a real shortage . Watch out for the sand fleas/midges on the beaches and do take your own snorkels and masks if you're going to a diving area as this will give you more flexibility.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We certainly felt that the way in which we traveled by staying in local Casa's and eating locally, using local Taxi's etc. meant that our money was going directly to the individuals that we encountered and the National Parks etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our children are 17 and 15 now ,so traveling with them to a country without free and accessible WiFi is a joy! Our local guides and the contact which we had with the Casa owners gave us all a much deeper insight into the lives of the Cuban people . We all thoroughly enjoyed each and every experience but if you need 5 Star Western luxury at every turn then this is not the trip for you.Thom Brenner review 21 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Visiting a 75 year old lady and her son living in what is left of a 200+ years old hacienda in the mountains surrounding Soroa, descendants of slaves who had worked on that farm. Their hospitality and joy of live, despite having very little, the beauty and wilderness of the mountains on our hike there ...2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Stay in casas particulares, avoid large tourist crowds and touristy areas, brush up on your Spanish before you go, make all your travel plans and arrangements before you come to Cuba.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Homestay owners, local guides, and owners of private restaurants benefited from our vacations. We traveled in an environment-responsible manner.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was perfect, and exceeded our high expectations. We felt extremely well taken care of by Marcel from the agency, and are very grateful for all his very helpful advise and recommendations. Super well organized, too. All went smoothly. Thank you!Caroline Bustos review 8 Jan 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Cuba all of it. Beautiful country!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You need to be flexible. People in Cuba try their best to provide great tours, taxi service etc however their resources are limited so don't be an inpatient tourist with high expectations! Blend into their culture.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes benefited locals immensely! As they live off tourism. Tipping is important too! Don't be stingy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Would love to re visit. Tour was beautifully organised too! ThanxRebecca Pollens review 18 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
for me the most memorable parts are the people-to-people things, and bits of culture ... my teenage sons playing pick-up soccer on the beach with other young people; a woman in a doorway selling pizza that she yells the orders up to her son on the roof of a building, where he makes the pizza and then lowers it down with a rope and pulley; live music in a restaurant that inspires a couple to break out into some fabulous salsa dancing; and the nice connection made with our homestay family in havana; we learned a lot from the very interesting tours of the tobacco farm in vinales, former slavery site at sugarmill valley (near trinidad), and coffee plantation at escambray (near trinidad); really enjoyed the zipline (vinales), snorkeling at punta perdiz (bay of pigs) and the 2 salsa lessons (even the teen boys liked these).2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Change money at the airport when you arrive so you don't have to wait 1-2 hours in line the next day. Don't overschedule - leave free time to walk around and have a spontaneous experience ... go to the plaza in the evening and hear outdoor live music everywhere, try to get to a beach at least once, take a salsa lesson, if you've got kids that play soccer take a ball with you ... futbol is universal. Speaking spanish is a plus - all our guides on tours spoke good english, but i was able to learn much more from people having conversations in Spanish. Before going I was a little uneasy about how traveling with my family would be in cuba because of the politics, their limited resources, and how they might view people from the u.s. once there i felt very comfortable, had relaxed, easy interactions with people, felt safe walking at night, people out and about all the time; despite their struggles and troubles we found the cuban people to be warm, friendly, helpful, and hospitable.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, staying at homestays, having meals at casas were a financial benefit to local people; hearing about what life is like for some people in cuba, bringing information that i learned back to my country to share with friends benefits people, conversations create more mutual understanding; several of the tour guides (tobacco farm, coffee plantation, flamingo lagoon) were very knowledgeable about medicinal and other uses of plants, and the relationships between wildlife and the environment. Learning about the value of the natural world builds respect for the environment, and leads one to pay more attention to the impact we have, and care for the earth.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall fantastic. Good balance of learning about cuba, it's history and culture, and also just having some fun (kids playing futbol on the beach, zipline, snorkeling); also good amount of planned activity and free time. Marcel did a great job of helping me plan, answering my many questions, making suggestions, and pulling the whole thing together into a great trip. I'd like to give 4.5 stars, so i'll give 4 only because there were some minor things that could improve, but I would highly recommend this trip.Gautam Biswas review 3 Jan 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Spontaneously being invited into a home to listen in on a jam session with the resident and their guests. We were walking around the streets of Havana taking in the street scene and heard music coming out of a home. We peeked inside the house and were extended a warm invitation to come in and enjoy the music, rum and the fried plantains all without any expectation of any kind from our hosts.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go with the flow. Overall our travel agent did a very good job with the logistics, home stays and tours. There were some hitches but relatively minor ones. Cuba's infrastrucutre is straining under the explosion of tourism. Be prepared to go with the flow.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we stayed at casas particulares everywhere and had the vast majority of our meals at the homes. Most of our lodging and food dollars went directly to the host families rather than to anonymous, global hotel chains. We also made it a point to tip cab drivers and tour guides both of whom are on meager government stipends. Our tips were a meaningful contribution to their monthly income.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent!Jo McKeown review 23 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The best part was Havana. Everything about Havana, the tour in the old American car was great but we loved just wondering around.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed with local families, eat in small family owned restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentRachel Levy review 20 Dec 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Too many to count! The caves near Vinales, the convertible tour of Havana, the gorgeous white sand beaches, and the wonderful host families!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Leave plenty of time for driving, as the roads require navigating around potholes (and horses and oxen).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We enjoyed discussing these things with our host families, and have made lifelong friends!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent!!!Rachael Fitzpatrick review 12 Dec 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking through Vinales with a cigar in my hand (which was actually after being ferried over a flooded area by a local Cuban and his horse!) - Very surreal2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Cuba is such a wonderful country but it is also a country that has simple infrastructure - manage your expectations and some of the challenges will turn into fabulous stories rather than pain points for later.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - I have to say - 3 weeks of organic food did not hurt!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was so fabulous - we were able to relax, try many different things, control our own destiny and learn a good portion of history that we hadn't previously understood.John Walker review 11 Aug 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Many thanks to you all and the team for organising what was an excellent vacation for the whole family. Cuba is a wonderful country and we won’t hesitate to recommend Cuba and your team to our friends and colleagues. Most of all, we would like to commend our guide Tamayo and driver Dinay (apologies for any incorrect spelling) - they were fantastic in every respect. Tamayo took us snorkeling in Playa Giron and to the ‘Bay of Pigs” museum which were additions to our itinerary.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We have travelled outside Europe before with children, and were prepared for the calculated risk of no seatbelts in our tour vehicle. We’d advise parents to think this one through and accept the risk, or clarify the seatbelt situation in advance. The El Nicho trip does not require a 4x4 or all day. They took us up (a very good road) to the reserve, we walked 500yds to some lovely waterfalls where we swam for an hour then came back. A very pleasant trip. The zip-wire was good but would have been better if our voucher had been valid for all 6 sections.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
All in all a great vacation and we are very grateful.helen lowe review 7 Apr 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Snorkelling in the waters around Cayo Iguana. The Island was so quiet and peaceful with clear blue turquoise water. The food was excellent from the captain and the trip out was well worth the 2 hour sail. It is not obvious that you need to stay on the boat for the snorkelling so stay on and he will drop you back to the island after the snorkelling. The vinales valley was absolutely beautiful.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring lots of money and convert it at the airport. Always ask at the casa the cost of accommodation as it might not be what was agreed. Do not stop on the motorway if someone is broken down or looks like a police person. Use the GPS system it was perfect. Bring poncho. Buy an underwater camera before going. When you have a car in Trinidad people will ask you for parking money but they might not be the real person who parking space you are at.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
When you stay at the Casa's it really helps the local people as the money goes directly into the family. It is a great way for the family to exchange ideas and understand our way of living. The Coral reef was in perfect condition. Cuba does not have a throw away society so there is very little rubbish. I hope that these values will remain.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The arrangements were very good and vacation went without any problems. Accommodation at Soroa was not worth it, stay at Hotel Soroa. There are shops on the motorway, Vinales and Trinidad that you can get what ever you need. Marcel has a good network and I would definitely go back and book through his company. Cuba is amazing, I was delighted that I booked through responsible travel.Diane Norman review 17 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Having my grandchildren participate in a workshop with Cuban children at the casa particular in Soroa.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do not travel in Cuba during July. Even Cubans were mopping their brows and exclaiming 'Qué calor!'3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt exploited by local people. My vacation increased environmental impact and did not support conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was extremely well planned and operated perfectly.Read the operator's response here:
We are happy to read that the organisation of this small trip into West of Cuba was perfectly organized and that the family had a great time at a workshop in Soroa. Cuba is a tropical country in the Caribbean you can expect some pleasant tropical temperatures of course. Most of the months in the wet season show a higher humidity after some tropical rain showers and that may give the extra sensation that it is hot. This is true but it all depends how you take it, you can also be happy and enjoy it is warm. In fact the differences between the temperatures are small throughout the whole year. Further we always recommend to come well prepared with the right clothes for a Caribbean climate. Cuba may have a nice sea breeze on many locations as long as you don’t go deep inland. We suggest travelers to look at some weather graphs for instance at Weather Spark for Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa and nearby Caribbean destinations including Cartagena de Indias in Colombia before booking a trip and ask us about the weather so that they can come well prepared.
We always comment to travelers to take it easy on Cuba as it is quite a unique desitnation. Cuban people are very friendly, open-minded, full of humour and playfulness. That is also how they approach travelers. When someone asks for some money on the street and you are relaxed you can make a joke and turn it around, this can be the start of an interesting conversation, instead of feeling trapped. Most Cubans never will be able to travel abroad and see travelers visiting their home country every year. Some people asking for money or raising a Cuban price to a tourist price may be very poor and it is your choice to share money with them or bring gifts but of course if you do not wish to do you can decline the request for money. I am sorry you saw this as exploitation.
Elayne Farmer review 15 Nov 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most memorable will be all of the Vintage Cars running around all of Cuba; the pony and carts, bicycle taxi's, pedestrians and horses coming towards you on the wrong side of the road; the men running out on the three lane highway selling you cooked chickens/cheese/onions and the hike to Topes de Collantes with the suckling pig for lunch. The show at Club Tropicana and the warmth of the Cuban people.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Think about the distances you might have to drive. If you have a hire car download maps to your smartphone (c£8.45) before leaving for Cuba as Cars do not have sat nav. There are very few good service stations/Paradors on the main A1 & A4 so make sure you have water/snack's and petrol before starting each leg of the journey. The two main highways we used are very quiet compared to UK motorways. Sometimes we were they only car we could see for miles in either direction. These roads are easy to use but in places there are huge crater like potholes - you can tell when one is coming up as any vehicles in front of you will suddenly veer into another lane! You also get locals trying to flag you down for lifts. It is worth asking for a quote for transfers by taxi if you don't want the hassle of driving yourself. Driving in towns needs lots of focus due to the wide variety of people/animals/vehicles which cross your path. Wifi is very limited and you need to buy a card from local Hotel to use, cost of the cards vary and this often includes buying a drink as well; although you can do what the locals do and sit outside the hotels/Wifi Hotspots and access from there to avoid cost of buying a can of cola at 5* prices. Guides will always point out to you where these are.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
You benefit local people best by staying in the Casa Particulars (Homestays). Wages are pitifully low and Cuba still has food rationing and many goods you would expect to buy at home are simply not available in Cuba. Casa owners supplement their incomes by renting rooms, which help support all of the family including aging parents. All of the rooms we had were clean, we had ensuite shower rooms (sometimes the showers were old and the water power feeble but its not really a problem). The food we ate at the Casa's was good to excellent at a very fair price, but we did feel that attitudes towards us changed if we said we were eating out. It also helps if you have some Spanish, but you can get by without. The impression we got was that Cubans feel their country has been left behind, so they also learn from you about the world outside Cuba.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The vacation was very good. Marcel provides you with loads and loads of information, tips etc to make sure you enjoy your trip. In addition, you have support from the local co-ordinator in Cuba. Marcel can arrange Skype calls to talk through your itinerary to ensure he provides you with a tailor made service. I would travel with this operator again without hesitation. (Brazil 2017!) You have to remember that Cuba works on manyana time, so have patience - you are on vacation afterall!Read the operator's response here:
Wifi is now available at most boutique hotels along classical itineries through Cuba (Havana, Vinales, Trinidad, Camaguey, Santiago, Baracoa) and at most of the important squares in all the Cuban cities. You can see concentrations of people chatting and mailing indicating that it is a public wifi hotspot. It does not mean that it is always functioning but it is a first step to a broader use of wifi and internet on Cuba and so far we have had very good wifi connections in Havana at Iberostar Parque Central, Iberostar Grand hotel Trinidad and in Habanera & Porto Santo hotels in Baracoa (nov 2015).
Jenny Gardy review 19 Jul 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Meeting the Cuban people and experiencing a different culture.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Stay in Casa's as that way you get to meet the local people. Explore as far and wide as you can. The cities are great but the countryside is fantastic and worth exploring. Book through Marcel from the vacation provider. He is fantastic and the vacation flowed seamlessly.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefitted the local people. Not sure of the environmental impact or conservation value. Did not really apply.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic vacationSilvia María Olalde Vegas review 19 May 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The valley of Viñales, Cayo Iguana and the contact with the people.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't be afraid to rent a car!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We helped as much as we could. Of course renting private houses instead of hotels made a great difference to the people.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A real experience in all senses!Nick Flynn review 11 Mar 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the bull shark in the Maria La Gorda marine park in the blue 30 metres down...so great Caribbean diving here as the visibility is so good and the waters warm.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
As we were traveling with two boys (8 and 10) and the Cubans love kids...especially blond ones who speak perfect and fluent Spanish...we felt that we really got the most out of our decision to stay at Casas Particulares as we also speak reasonable Spanish as well. So my tip would be to learn some Spanish beforehand and be prepared to lower your standards a bit as the Cubans are very poor and the facilities below European standards.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely...apart from one government run hotel (almost unavoidable in Maria La Gorda although there is a Casa Particular, we later found out, about 10 kms away) we stayed with locals and therfore helped the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good. Cuba is difficult to do independently especially if traveling with a young family. I wasn't keen on all the 'voucher stuff' but it had to be done if we were assured of doing things whilst out there. The car-hire is a monumental rip-off at €500 a week for a pile of junk but that is not the agent's fault as these are fixed prices set by the communist regime. Also Cuba is not as cheap as you would imagine especially as the average wage is just €20 a month! Having said that it made for a fascinating insight into a country on the cusp of change...and the people were delightful and highly educated.Tania Kitchell review 26 Mar 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were many memorable moments on this vacation that I can not pick just one. Everything was far beyond our expectations. The people, culture, snorkelling and food were all fantastic!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Never book even 1 hour in an all inclusive resort, they are disgusting in every way possible. We unfortunately spent one night at the end of our travels in one and you could't pay me to go back. The only way to travel through Cuba is staying in "casa particulars" it is an amazing experience. Rent a car if you are a family as driving is relatively easy if you are an experienced confident driver. If you have driven in European cities you will have no problem! I highly recommend you learn some spanish before you go, but if you don't, and you speak Italian that is a big plus as spanish comes easier and you can pick up phases from the locals.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe that by staying in people's homes we were able to speak with families and their friends and start to get a better understanding of their culture and way of life. I imagine that we are contributing to their income and perhaps we both benefit from the cultural exchange.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The operator made this vacation possible for our family. This trip has opened our eyes and minds to another country and culture unlike any other vacation we have been on. We all can't wait to go back next year! I would highly recommend this vacation for families with children.Jenny Jones review 14 Jul 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it! The trips and the accommodation were all memorable and it was exciting to move from place to place and see a totally different aspect of Cuba every time we moved on.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Read the notes that Marcel provides carefully. There are a few things (like changing money) that you will think don't matter too much, but if you are advised to do something, then do it! Cuba is not like any other country - you may not find a Cadeca (bureau de change) where you expect one and you can run out of cash very easily. If you follow the advice Marcel gives, you will have a stress free, brilliant time.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - we stayed with families and our money went directly to them.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall, it was an experience not to be missed. We wanted to see Cuba before it changes beyond recognition and we got to see so much of the real Cuba, it was amazing.Ant Rigter review 7 Jul 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The Cuban people were the highlight for us. They are so lovely and friendly. At all times we felt safe. We especially loved the snorkeling in Cayo Levisa and the horseride in Trinidad.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take plenty of gifts to give away - soap, pens, paper, shampoo & conditioner. Be generous with your tipping since Cubans need the tourist dollar just to survive. Interact with the locals - we did this by chatting with people at the markets, using local guides, staying in the casa particulares. Take a torch for walking back to your casa particulares in the dark. Buy plenty of water at the airport since it is hard to buy big bottles in Havana. Get all your money out in Havana since their are no eftpos and credit card facilities. Learn as much Spanish as you possibly can before coming so that you can interact more with the locals.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We definitely felt our vacation benefited the local people. We stayed in Casa Particulares and ate all breakfasts and most of our dinners at them also. We tipped well and were generous with our gifts. It is cheap to vacation in Cuba for New Zealanders so we were able to get private local guides and do many excursions which in another country we may have not done so many because of the cost.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We loved our Cuban vacation and would love to go back. We have spoken with several friends that travel and they too would love to go there. We would give our vacation a 10/10 - it was fantastic!Read the operator's response here:
You can obtain cash CUC at all banks throughout Cuba with a credit card and passport in an easy way, so it is not necessary to get all your money at one time in Havana.
In most places you have the CADECA, Casas de cambio, a cash exchange office especially for tourists. Here you can obtain cash CUC with your creditcard, change foreign cash into CUC and obtain moneda nacional, Cuban pesos (CUP). The opening hours of the Cadeca, Casas de cambio are usually more extended then those of the standard banks and for this reason they can be more handy to make use of. Some hotels and resorts do have an office of Cadeca in the hotel complex or have an office nearby located.
James Minney review 20 Mar 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The families, the excellent veggie food. The beautiful homes ..... So much. ! X2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go veggie the food at home stays is excellent.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
A little.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Really good. Perfect way to see Cuba was through you.Holiday Reviews
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