Hi Karen

Have you had a look around the forum? There's lots of Cuba info, try the search button towards the top of the page

Also have a look at the REVIEWS and RESORT REPORTS for inspiration

Pippy

Yes i've had a quick look but don't have much time on the net to look at all the reports so i thought i would just send a quick msg.

I would really appreciate it if anyone can actually help!

Thanks

I would really appreciate it if anyone can actually help!

Actually, that's what I was trying to do until others reply.

Pippy

Kaz
When you book a holiday the one you do have to do is make time!! Research, research research - better to make time than mistakes.
By the way- I think Pippy was "actually" helping.

Sorry!!! Im sure i'll find out when i have time

KazBABE2006,

What are the prices like? and what is the weather like in that time of year? Could anyone reccomend hotels or apartments?

I've been to Guardalavaca and Varadero, both in March. Weather is normally in the 80's or early 90's with perfect blue skies You may got an odd storm, but March is generally settled. Prices in Cuba are very cheap since its quite a poor country compared to many in the Caribbean region. As for recommending hotels, it depends where in Cuba you want to go (its a large island!) and your budget. If you want to go to the Holguin area (Guardalavaca), you won't find a better hotel in the country than the Paradisus Rio De Oro (its known as the finest hotel in Cuba). I stayed there in 2004, it truely is a fabulous hotel. Its situated on Esmarelda Beach. Its not a cheap hotel to stay in, but worth every penny. There are other hotels in the same area which are ok as well (Pasquera, Luna etc). You're spoilt for choice in the Varadero area, lots of hotels and they are all set along the beach. I stayed at the Barcelo Solymar which is a nice hotel in a good location. There are better hotels in Varadero, but they tend to be located towards the end of the penisula which is a fair way from the action. I can't comment on Cayo coco, I've only been to the airport their! It really depends on the sort of holiday you want. It you want a relaxing beach holiday, Guardalavaca or Cayo Coco will do you fine. If you want a bit more action, and especially if you want to visit Havana (well worth it), then Varadero might be better for you.

Will we need injections and visas? Also how long is the flight and time difference?

You don't need any vaccinations if you keep your regular ones up to date. Have a look at the FCA's website for further details. You need a visa to enter Cuba which you can get from the Cuban Embassy (see FCO website for how to do it), or if you book with a major tour opperator (MYT, TCX, FCA etc), it's normally provided as part of your holiday. There is a 25 peso departure tax payable at the airport on departure. Time difference is -5 hours. Flight time is approx. 9.5 - 10 hrs depending on where you are flying from and to.

Any more questions, fire away.

Darren

Hello kazbabe, it`s a very general question, Cuba`s a large island, but as i spent 6 weeks touring the island, firstly how long have you got there and whats your paticular interest? Prices are very cheap, and thats anywhere.

Before you answer my two specific questions, one serious advice get a flight only and do not go all inclusive, i`ll repeat that do not go all inclusive. Cuba`s a cheap place no need at all.

Pinkie.

I am thinking of spending my 60th birthday in Havana next April 2007. I always prefer to go to places on a flight only basis. I was wondering if you could give me some help on how much you paid for a flight and who you booked with.

I have always wanted to visit Havana. Seems as though this is now the best time to go being that Castro is in bad health. I fear the Island could change dramatically if he died.

I would appreciate any help you could offer.

Thanks.

Virgin fly direct from Gatwick to Havana - I expect you can get prices off their website. We used them as part of a package so no idea how much the flight part cost. The flight was quite good - others in our group who flew with Cubana had a less comfortable time - but some may consider that to be an essential part of a visit to Cuba!

Flying with Cubana will certainly help you acclimatise to the Cuban way of doing things :-) Post-Castro you can probably expect this to change too as there is every chance that if the US gets a foothold in Cuba then state assets such as this are probably going to be privatised and Americanised. If you want to have the full-on Castro era Cuban experience, then travel Cubana and avoid staying in one of the co-ownership Sol Melia etc hotels. Stay in one of them and you could be in any 4/5* hotel in the world! On my last trip I had an overnight stop in Havana in one of them in Miramar and realised that in reality I left Cuba the moment I walked through the doors and the following day's flight home with Cubana was a re-assuring step back into the 'real' Cuba I've come know and love :-)

SM