Could you please tell me if many people have booked for Cuba for the April and may dates.

Amanda

At the moment both dates have 2 travellers booked. Both the February and March departures of this tour have sold out which is promising for dates later in the year.

Kindest regards,

Julia

Sally

Jan

Cheers,

Bob

There have been immense changes since 1997 and since the country was opened up for tourism - hard currency. I did my first full tour in 1998 when there were a dozen or so of us in a mini bus. When we needed a comfort stop or a coffee etc we just rolled up at the first likely place that looked as though they could serve us. This last trip there were purpose built tourist way stops for the multitude of tour buses criss crossing the island. Also the open top bus tour in Havana was a new one on me. But don't let that put you off. Away from Havana (and the beach resorts) the country is largely unspoilt and Trinidad is an absolute must.

As for an American influx - they are already there in small numbers on cultural tours but these were the ones who had a real interest in the country & the people. Companies like Just You work well ahead on bookings for hotels etc and it will take a while for the American trade to build up but I am guessing the first pressures will be on the beach resorts of Varadero although what knock on effect this will have remains to be seen. I would expect 2015 bookings by UK companies to be safe and the first impact may be for 2016 tours when American tour companies may be looking at setting up their own trips.

October is the end of the hurricane season but I have been there several times in October & only had one hurricane incident. I got a nice certificate from the tourist board which says I survived Hurricane Irene - which by the way, and in a very Cuban fashion, arrived before the electricity had been restored.

Go whilst you can and, as go with the flow.

This trip has been on my radar for many years but I've always put it off in favour of other destinations. Seeing the news today of the agreement with the U.S. I think it's time to go - before it gets too 'Americanised' and loses its character. Unfortunately with the trips I've already booked and my holiday entitlement I'll have to leave it until the October date. Fingers crossed it doesn't change too quickly! I would be very grateful for an up to date review from anyone who goes before October.

Sally

Hi Sally,

Was thinking exactly same the other day, Cuba as been on my wish list for sometime but other holidays keep leap frogging it.

Need to put it up for consideration next year, just as i thought i was making a few decisions, lol.

Mick

Cuba has long been on my To Do list (my girls hate the term Bucket List!) With todays news about the US and Cuba becoming friends again, does it make any difference to the tour? My travel insurance with the Post Office will not allow me to travel to Cuba :huh:

Jan

Hi Jan,

This has been a subject of discussion around the office today. At the moment the team don't see this having any significant impact on the tour - if changes are required in the short term, customers would be contacted by a member of the team.

It's possible over time, the tour may be tweaked but the team will monitor this tour and the feedback received from customers.

In terms of insurance, you'd need to check the terms of your policy, and any relevant updates, with your supplier.

Kindest regards,

Julia

I went to Cuba a couple of years ago and loved it. No McD, Starbucks, coca cola etc. No TV advertising!! On the other hand - no wifi.::(

I'm interested in what the effect will be on other Caribbean islands, which may now see their US visitor numbers fall!

RM.

Thanks for your interesting comments.

Sally

Cuba has long been on my To Do list (my girls hate the term Bucket List!) With todays news about the US and Cuba becoming friends again, does it make any difference to the tour? My travel insurance with the Post Office will not allow me to travel to Cuba :huh:

Jan

I actually changed my insurance last year from the Post Office to my bank so hope it covers Cuba if I decide to go for this option at some stage, will certainly check.

Good you mentioned it as hadn't realised some world wide policy's didn't cover it.

Mick

Insurance: The Cuban authorities currently insist on travel insurance with enough cover to meet the costs of medical repatriation if needed. The blurb from the travel company will say that immigration may ask to see the paperwork but no-one on my last tour was asked to produce theirs. Not worth taking a chance though as a friend who needed an air ambulance recently will testify. The reason some policies were not valid in Cuba as although issued in the UK they were underwritten by an American company. That of course will surely change but in the short term it is probably best to play it safe & avoid those policies until we get a clearer directive.

Someone mentioned Simon Calder - he has written guide books on Cuba so I expect an interesting read from him tomorrow.

Just read my whole policy and amendments, some 35 pages! Post Office have updated it all depending on what you want. As I visit America and Canada a lot, it also includes Caribbean. Could not find any exclusions in all 35 pages. They are now under AXA which is a British company. Cuba has now climbed up my list of possibles for next year :)

As to hurricanes, was in New Orleans for Hurricane Ike in 2008 and Quebec for Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Thought about Italy next year on the Grand Tour, today, Sunday, they were talking about the 250 mini earthquakes between Florence and Siena. Been in 2 earthquakes in the Midlands in 2000 and 2002. Do I go to Cuba or Italy and get the big 3rd :thumbup:

Jan