Hi Marion: Cuba was my first JY tour about 5/6 years ago and by far my favourite, am considering going back early next year. Go in Jan, Feb or March, I think I went Feb and weather was perfect. Risk hurricanes June-Nov. No need for malaria tabs, just bug spray, no other health hazard I heard of. Can change sterling at hotels. If you are staying at the Hotel Seville in Havana it is central but the National is outside and need to taxi. Seville had seen better days tho it did the job but may have been refurbished by now. The only hotel that stood out on this tour was the Jagua in Cienfuegos, the rest were just OK but this is Cuba - the beds were comfortable everywhere tho. Don't be afraid to ask for a room change, our TM was tortured at every hotel except Jagua! Go to Hemingway's House outside Havana (opt tour) and the bar where he hung out in Havana for a mojito. Bring small soaps, any small toiletries you have and pens to give people who beg for these when you're getting off buses. Have a few salsa lessons as there's music and dancing everywhere and the men do ask you to dance! At night go into the nearest towns and find the Casa de la Trova (local bar). People are very friendly and like to practise their English. Food is not great and usually served lukewarm but I had no ill effects. As I remember there were long days, a lot of travelling but well worth it. It's a unique country, very interesting, and go now before it changes. Read up on the Revolution and Che Guevara before you go and you will enjoy the trip much better - I wish I had! If you get a local guide called Feli (Felix) you are in for a real treat. Next best tour with JY was South Africa, I also did Vietnam/Camb over Xmas/NY but wouldn't rate it as highly. If you need any more info let me know. Daphne
