Why we love Cuba!!!
Being the most diverse and large of all the Caribbean Islands, simply said, Cuba has a bit for everyone. Whether you like to explore what Cuba has to offer or simply if you like to relax by the white sanded Caribbean beaches, you are well spoiled for choice.
If you like to make the most of your Cuba Holiday, a twin-centre is a bare minimum you should do.
What to expect?
When travelling to Cuba you certainly will expect authenticity all the way through, from its colonial street, its music, its people.
When should you travel?
Anytime, really. Rainy season starts at the end of June to November, however, September and October are considered hurricane season.
Fortunately, enough rainy season in Cuba and the Caribbean means that it rains, but not for days none stop. So you should still be able to enjoy its warm waters and able to explore its cities.
Flights to Cuba?
From the UK, we have Virgin Atlantic flying a direct route twice a week from London Gatwick, on Mondays and Thursdays. Some months have an extra return flight on Wednesdays.
As scheduled flights, we also have Air France, via Paris, flying almost every day of the week. Air Europa does also fly most days of the week to Cuba, via Madrid, similar to Iberia / British Airways.
Other like charter flights are also available, flying mainly to All Inclusive destinations like Varadero, Cayo Coco, and Holguin.
Our packages are adaptable for whichever airline you chose to fly with. Contact us for more information.
Do I need a Visa to enter Cuba?
Yes, you do. A tourist card or so-called Cuba Visa is required to all holidaymakers. The actual Cuba Tourist Card is valid for 30 days from your arrival date.
All our package holidays include your Tourist Cards, so please check with us before purchasing it online or at the Cuban Consulate.
Where to Stay?
Mainly two choices: Hotel and Private Homes (Casa Particular). Let’s face it, you will go to Cuba expecting an average standard and for that, your expectations can be surpassed, not your Dubai 7 star hotels, til now.
After the revolution, two business were left untouched, Casa Particulares = Private Homes and Paladares = Private own restaurants.
We recommend a mixture of both if necessary, there are some places which a Casa is possibly the best option, so don’t be afraid to use either a Hotel or a Casa.
Where to eat in Cuba?
Paladares or Small private restaurants are on the rise and for a good reason, with more chic, stylish and most important serving amazing food, that you could have heard of.
Hotel restaurants are OK for breakfast, however, it depends on where you are and as a general rule, you will eat out at “Paladares”.
Obviously, All inclusive’s will have their own restaurants, some, who offer A la carte restaurants require pre-booking when you at the resort.
How do I move around?
Renting a Car is by far the best option that you have. However, there are pre-booked bus services covering the main routes in the Island or the local Viazul bus, which is an ISO bus and generally good.
Driving is great as long as you drive during daytime hours, driving at nights as in any country that you do not know, not such a good idea. There are secured car parks and parking guards mostly everywhere, 1 CUC approx is what you pay for the 1-night parking.
Petrol is available without any problems and a good AtoZ map (Guia de Carreteras) will tell you of every petrol station in Cuba, plus other interesting places.
Money in Cuba?
Currently taking your British Pound, Euros, Canadian Dollars are the best option to take money to Cuba. USD are penalized with a 10 % devaluation due the US embargo.
You can exchange your currency into CUC (Cuban Convertible pesos) or CUP (Cuban Pesos) however the first (CUC) is the one that you should exchange for. To be brief if you like to know the Rate of Exchange, 1 CUC = 1 USD approx. Currently is best to avoid taking USD to Cuba, for the reason mentioned above.
CADECA (Casa de Cambio = Bureau of Exchange) or at any local bank, are the places for you to take exchange your cash. Avoid Hotels as their rate of exchange is generally less.
Using Plastic in Cuba works mostly OK, as long as you do have a VISA debit/credit card not issued by a US bank, you will find they work at the few ATM’s available throughout the island. Mastercard doesn’t work well in Cuba. Currently, Amex cards or any US bank card will not work in Cuba.
If you travelling to the countryside or small towns, it will be best to take cash in advance.
Travellers cheques are not common and almost none usable in Cuba.
Quick tip: if you go to the countryside and yet you need take cash from the bank, just walk into the cashier with your Credit/debit card, your passport and the copy of your Tourist Card, you will be able to take money out of your card in this way.
General Safety in Cuba:
Cuba is one of the safest places in the western hemisphere, with virtually no gun-related crime. We do recommend, however, observing some general guidelines/regulations.
Health advises for Cuba:
No vaccinations are compulsory for your travel to Cuba, however, recommended Vaccinations/Certificates for British Citizens are: Hepatitis A, Rabies, and Typhoid. Please note that Passport, Visa, Health & Foreign Office information is for British citizens only. Foreign nationals should check with their consulate which travel documents are required for departure and return to the UK.
