A REAL EXPERIENCE IN CUBA
After carefully planning the perfect itinerary, Tara organised her trip to Cuba with Experience the Real Cuba. Tara visited Cuba in February 2016, she stayed at our Casas in Havana, Viñales and Trinidad and she took Spanish lessons in Havana as well as Spanish and Salsa lessons in Trinidad.
After carefully planning the perfect itinerary, Tara organised her trip to Cuba with Experience the Real Cuba. Tara visited Cuba in February 2016, she stayed at our Casas in Havana, Viñales and Trinidad and she took Spanish lessons in Havana as well as Spanish and Salsa lessons in Trinidad.
We
asked Tara to share her comments with us about her trip to Cuba. She also
highlighted some interesting tips for people thinking of visiting Cuba.
1.
WHAT
WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR TRIP?
Spending
time in beautiful Trinidad - having over a week there meant I could really
relax and enjoy day-to-day life...
2.
DID WE
PROVIDE YOU WITH ADEQUATE INFORMATION PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP?
Yes,
it was very detailed, easy to read and provided me with everything I needed.
3.
WHERE THERE ANY SURPRISES IN CUBA?
It was
my second time so not really. After a couple of days it felt very natural.
4.
WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU THINK IS VALUABLE PRIOR TO VISITING CUBA?
If
people have not been before:
-
Bring a decent amount of
cash to exchange. ATMs can give big notes which will need to be exchanged to
spend in regular places (and even in some CADECAs they will not accept them - a
big hotel is probably the best bet in that case), also can be a surcharge of 3%
-
Take a spare loo roll as
back up for the rooms in casas (and tissues and hand gel for when you're out
and about)
-
If you are unable to get
onto a popular tourist bus between locations, take a taxi colectivo! There are
always people willing to take you between places for only a few CUC more than
the bus
-
All tour agencies charge
the same for excursions, makes the decision process a lot quicker :)
-
Be prepared for queues
at CADECAs and ETECSA (and everywhere else ;) ). Ask for 'ultimo' in lines and
remember who you're behind :)
-
Be prepared for male
attention when not with male company (kissy noises, where are you from, do you
have a boyfriend...) - all pretty harmless, just incessant :)
-
Most people are just
interested to chat to you, although be aware sometimes they have an ulterior
motive - offering accommodation, restaurant etc
-
Bring sufficient
medicine, sanitary products, toiletries, sun block with you, but maybe leave
any excess at the end of your trip
-
Expect a lot of ham and
cheese sandwiches ;)
5.
DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU EXPERIENCED THE REAL CUBA?
Yes -
last time I was on an organised tour, this time doing it independently gave me
a different perspective. I loved taking the taxis colectivos both from town to
town and around Havana, I met a lot of interesting people this way.
6.
WERE OUR CONTACTS IN CUBA PROFESSIONAL? DID THEY ASSIST YOU WITH
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES, TIPS, LOCAL INFORMATION?
Yes,
Yoanka and Misleydis were both great. I greatly appreciated Yoanka's help with
my changing plans!
7.
HOW DO YOU FEEL WE COULD IMPROVE OUR SERVICE?
The
communication and organisation was brilliant, exactly what I wanted. I can't
think of anything lacking.
I would like to thank Tara for sharing her experiences in Cuba with us all.
EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES
Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.
To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:
