This was an amazing holiday to an incredible country with a fascinating history. Our JY rep Leigh and local rep Felix were both superb - they have worked together many times before and this was apparent in the good team they made. Everything was organised efficiently and they worked really hard to make the trip run smoothly.
The itinerary meant that we really saw what the country had to offer - many other companies offer Cuba holidays (we shared our flight with both Solos and Saga groups) but JY travelled the entire length of the country seeing cities, beaches and countryside. It was a fairly hectic timetable but with a few free afternoons and the odd free morning there was enough time to take things easy.
The hotels varied greatly from traditional slightly run down to the uber all inclusive resort. The standard was not brilliant in many cases, if you had warm running water, working air con, and a flushing loo you were lucky but any problems were quickly dealt with. All but two hotels had hairdryers in the room and all but one provided toiletries. We gave away unused toiletries as the locals struggle to get soap or shampoo. Some people brought pens and pencils which were given to a school along the way, one person brought some unwanted glasses which brought the most amazing smile to the man they were given to. One thing to bear in mind for future visitors to bring as gifts are that sanitary towels are rationed and there are never enough available. The reps ensured that all gifts were provided to the right people to ensure street beggars were not encouraged.
Electricity supplies required two different types of plug - the US two flat pin and European round two-pin so an international travel adapter is needed.
Tissues / loo roll would be useful and also a universal sink plug for the gents to shave.
You don't travel to Cuba for gourmet food as many things are hard to obtain but most food was edible and for the evenings the hotel buffets were adequate. A cheese and ham (or ham and cheese!) sandwich was the staple lunch food. I'm not sure how a vegetarian would cope as all of us were meat eaters and the vegetables were quite thin on the ground. Food and drink were quite cheap - often beer, cocktails and water were between £1.50 - £2. Water was quite easy to obtain at hotels, bars or shops. The driver was not able to provide any water on the coach as the Cuban government deemed that 'free enterprise' which was tightly controlled.
Live music was absolutely everywhere, from every hotel lobby, cafes and restaurants and street corners. The only snag was the constant round of the hat for tips or CD's on offer. While I'm on the subject of tipping this was expected everywhere from waiters, maids, musicians, toilet attendants and even lift operators. Although needing only a few pence (0.25 CUC or 16p up to 1 CUC or 65p) each it became an issue making sure you had coins all the time.
The weather was extremely hot and humid, even the locals stayed out of the sun. A brolly for both the rain and the sun was definitely required. A lot of locals used umbrellas to keep the sun off them which is cooler than wearing a hat. When the rain came it was torrential but only lasted a short time.
Insect repellant was a must. A lot us got bitten despite the repellant on a visit to the botanical gardens but I can't imagine what we would have been like without it.
Everywhere had dogs, cats and chickens wandering around, including at the hotels so anyone with allergies or a phobia might find it difficult.
One misconception is that Americans are not allowed in to Cuba. This is not the case - they just have to be part of an organised tour, plus there were many Canadian visitors who have no restrictions. The US embargo is what is keeping the McDonalds and Starbucks out of the country. No one is sure how the expected influx of western 'culture' once the embargo is lifted will change the country but I think that Cubans have a strong enough sense of identity not to allow their culture or heritage to disappear.
Cuba was an eye opening experience with the people finding every day a struggle to survive, however their friendliness and cheerfulness was infectious. The cities had beautiful architecture, the beaches were pure golden sand and clear blue water and the countryside was lush and green. This was definitely a trip I would recommend as long as you come with patience and an open mind.
