I think the PRDO in Cuba would serve up just what you want look at the post Hotel in Cuba I posted a report.

Cuba is very safe of resort not sure about Mexico

Yea I have actually decided on Cuba now!

Just FYI, Cuba is fairly safe as long as you stick to the main tourist areas but Mexico is very safe as well.

Enjoy Cuba before it changes too much.

Cheers

Keith

Only thought,

It will be mainly couples and famalies going to Cuba at that time. If you went in the winter months you will get a younger more party crown coming down from Canada. Cuba is a great place and you must visit Havana but I do think you will struggle to find other singles. The entertainment team will probably include you in everything to keep you busy.

There is an expert on Cuba on here ( cant remmebr the name ), female who does go to Cuba on her own but she is big on the dancing scene and stays with local famalies rather than the hotels. I am sure she will be on to give some advice.

Kind Regards
Stewart

Hi, I think that Stewart must mean me!

As he says, I stay with local families, so can't give you much advice on hotels but I can assure you that I always feel very safe in Cuba even when out and about on my own. You'll find it useful to have a little Spanish - most Cubans speak very little English or any other European languages for that matter. It's useful to know that there are two types of policemen in Cuba, members of the local police who wear brown uniforms and are unlikely to speak English and the blue-uniformed Tourist police who are unlikely NOT to speak English along with another European language. The latter are specially trained in dealing with tourists and their main job is to keep an eye on visitors and ensure their safety. In the event of needing assistance head for the nearest 'blue' policeman but that said you're probably a lot safer in Cuba than almost anywhere else in Latin America and the Caribbean.

However, as a lone female you will attract attention and there's no way around that. All Cuban men are brought up to compliment women - constantly! So as you walk down the street expect them to look at you and pass comment - no matter what your size, shape or age. It's simply part of the local culture and such 'piripos' are directed at all women on a regular basis. It's something that you just have to accept and the best way is to do so graciously. I for one think it's the reason why all Cuban women have such wonderful and high self-esteem - they've grown up with all the men for ever telling them that they are beautiful. The important thing is never to believe that you are being singled out for special praise - they will just as naturally find something positive to say to the elderly granny lugging her shopping home behind you. Just let it put a spring in your step as it will hers!

If on the otherhand you do want to get to know a local man more closely then make sure that you establish the ground rules early on and very firmly. There is a lot to be said to having a local male escort - it will prevent other men 'hitting on you when out of an evening, they'll know the best bars and paladares to eat in, where the hot local bands are playing etc. The term 'jinetero' covers everything from a male prostitute, to a 'taxi' dancer, to a personal guide and if all you want is someone to accompany you and show you the sights then say so very firmly and very early on. You'll be expected to pay for everything for both of you and a 'tip' in the form of offering to pay the taxi fare for him to get home will be welcomed. And this can be money well spent - 15 CUCs max is a small price to pay for good company, a personal dance teacher, insider knowledge, gallant attnetion all evening and an escort who will regard it as matter of personal pride to ensure your personal safety if you don't make friends amongst other visitors but still want to leave the hotel environs.

And if you want more of the relationship, well there's no delicate way of saying this - take your own condoms. The local ones are not very good and can't be relied on. Whilst AIDS is not a major problem it is as much a risk in Cuba as it is at home or anywhere else for that matter where people have multiple partners.

If invited to visit their family, be prepared for everybody to regard you as the potential fiance and not just a friend or client! Most Cubans live in real poverty and if you do decide to take up such an invitation then take a gift with you. A very good bottle of rum will cost you next to nothing but will be a very welcome gift to them. As will any gift of cosmetics for the women in the family and pencils and paper etc for the children - expect the entire extended family to be there!

If you have any other questions do feel free to ask but don't let any concerns about your personal safety worry you - especially if you are going to be staying in a tourist hotel. And whilst you might or might not meet many other single visitors depending on the hotel you go to that doesn't mean that you will be without company if that is what you want.

SM

I did indeed SMa.

Dani if you are intending in staying in the tourist hotels in resort then everything will be very safe. My point was really not to expect too many single people in your age group. Most of the hotels have a comprehensive entertainment team and if you like joining in the sports and evening show type of entertainment then I think the locals here will take you under their wing.

If visiting Havana I guess you will do this on an organised trip which is a good way to see Havana and will mean there will be other people with you. I would love to have seen the nightlife of Havana but as I had the children with me then this wasnt possible.

Kind Regards
Stewart