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Olao32 · 04-27-2011, 11:36 AM

Been there three times, both Varadero and Havana. Once at Breezes Jibacoa (Varadero), Breezes Varadero, and once to Havana. Some thoughts:

General
I too love Cuba. Not just for the amazing beaches, for which I think they are the best that I have seen and I’ve been all throughout the Caribbean, but for the people too. They are generally just very pleasant individuals. Not like Mexico where you have beggars and people trying to sell you things 24/7. Don’t get me wrong, they are still there, but not to the same extent.

Cigars
Cigars, when you say you “love them” how much? Do you collect them? Smoke them often? What I’m trying to understand if you think you would be able to smoke one and detect its authenticity. Fake Cuban cigars are rampant on the island. Under no circumstance should you buy them off the beach, or anyone giving you the story that their brother’s wife’s cousin’s kid works at the factory and snuck them out and thus will pass the saving onto you. This just doesn’t happen down there, and if you go that route I can guarantee you that you will purchase fakes. You should buy them from a designated LCDH (La Casa Del Habanos) government store and they are not cheap. They will range from $100-$500 a box (25), you can buy singles too to try a few out and see what you like. Some hotels are reputable too even though they are not regulated, but those are hit and miss. For example, at Jibacoa I purchased a few singles that were authentic, but then one tasted off. Decided to put it out and open it up to check, just as I suspected, 100% short filler (definite fake). If you go to Varadero hit up the LCDH on 63rd, best selection and they have a smoking lounge you can enjoy with a glass of rum, alternatively you can go to Plaza Americas LCDH. In Havana, there are a few but spread throughout the city. Do a Google search or contact me if you want some more details. Canadian limit is 50 cigars per person, double up if you are traveling with someone who doesn’t smoke. I am always way over my limit and I’m just honest with the Canadian Boarder guys and they just let me though with no duties.

Weather
I have been down in November, December, and in June like you are planning. Weather wise June is extreme high humidity so be prepared. Light loose clothing and just know you will sweat your bag off. The water in June is like a luke-warm bath and crystal clear.

Food
Food, once again hit and miss. If you are going the AI route, Jibacoa when I went had great food (in December), but Breezes Varerado was pretty bad (in June), and I am the least thing from a picky eater. I think this has something to do with the cyclical tourist seasons. During high season they have more people, and thus better and more food. If you want to guarantee yourself good food, stay at a 5* like Paradisus. If you want to go lower I have heard good things about the Sandals, Melia Las Americas, and Melia Las Antillas. I recommend you check out Trip Advisor and read the reviews relating to the period you will be going down. Also, it has pictures and videos to give you an idea of the resort. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g1...ba-Hotels.html

Tours
Tours, I have done are the Cigar factory in Havana, Jeep tour, Scuba tour, catamaran to an island and swim with the dolphins (don’t ask the GF wanted to go), and a few diving trips. All pretty cool. If you are into cigars, on the cigar factory tour, you will appreciate it. Pending which factory they take you to you may be able to purchse cigars there too, but not all of them. I agree with an above posters comment on the taxi, but if you are not familiar with the area you may appreciate a guided tour your first trip, I know I did. Bring a few packs of that travel size Kleenex with you, it will come in handy when you realize none of the toilets outside the hotel stock toilet paper. Also, if you are a diver, bring your PADI card as some of the hotels offer a free diving trip if you are certified.

Other
Convert your cash at the airport from CAD to CUC, you will get a better rate than the hotel. Watch the ladies at the counter as they like to miscalculate, if you care. I just let them skim a few bucks as they don’t make a lot.
Try and bring a few things down with you if you can. Give toys to the maids, crayons coloring books etc. for their kids as simple things like that are hard to come by down there. I always bring gardeners gloves too and give it to the support staff. Those guys work all day, get paid just a few bucks and no one really notices them. You will make their day with a kind gesture.

Airport
One last recommendation, on departure pay the $20 and get into the VIP lounge. Nothing special, but you have an air conditioned room with food and drinks, a smoking lounge, and you can hang out until your flight leaves. And, they will take your luggage and do all the departure tax stuff ($50 IIRC) and bump you to the front of the line. Better than hanging out upstairs in the airport that is usually pretty packed. Talk to your tour rep prior to departure and they will set you up. Alternatively, you can get it there; look for the people in the green jackets.

That’s all I can think of right now. I am jealous; I need to go back there soon.

04-27-2011, 11:36 AM	#11
Olao32 Backup Goalie Join Date: Sep 2009 Exp:	Been there three times, both Varadero and Havana. Once at Breezes Jibacoa (Varadero), Breezes Varadero, and once to Havana. Some thoughts: General I too love Cuba. Not just for the amazing beaches, for which I think they are the best that I have seen and I’ve been all throughout the Caribbean, but for the people too. They are generally just very pleasant individuals. Not like Mexico where you have beggars and people trying to sell you things 24/7. Don’t get me wrong, they are still there, but not to the same extent. Cigars Cigars, when you say you “love them” how much? Do you collect them? Smoke them often? What I’m trying to understand if you think you would be able to smoke one and detect its authenticity. Fake Cuban cigars are rampant on the island. Under no circumstance should you buy them off the beach, or anyone giving you the story that their brother’s wife’s cousin’s kid works at the factory and snuck them out and thus will pass the saving onto you. This just doesn’t happen down there, and if you go that route I can guarantee you that you will purchase fakes. You should buy them from a designated LCDH (La Casa Del Habanos) government store and they are not cheap. They will range from $100-$500 a box (25), you can buy singles too to try a few out and see what you like. Some hotels are reputable too even though they are not regulated, but those are hit and miss. For example, at Jibacoa I purchased a few singles that were authentic, but then one tasted off. Decided to put it out and open it up to check, just as I suspected, 100% short filler (definite fake). If you go to Varadero hit up the LCDH on 63rd, best selection and they have a smoking lounge you can enjoy with a glass of rum, alternatively you can go to Plaza Americas LCDH. In Havana, there are a few but spread throughout the city. Do a Google search or contact me if you want some more details. Canadian limit is 50 cigars per person, double up if you are traveling with someone who doesn’t smoke. I am always way over my limit and I’m just honest with the Canadian Boarder guys and they just let me though with no duties. Weather I have been down in November, December, and in June like you are planning. Weather wise June is extreme high humidity so be prepared. Light loose clothing and just know you will sweat your bag off. The water in June is like a luke-warm bath and crystal clear. Food Food, once again hit and miss. If you are going the AI route, Jibacoa when I went had great food (in December), but Breezes Varerado was pretty bad (in June), and I am the least thing from a picky eater. I think this has something to do with the cyclical tourist seasons. During high season they have more people, and thus better and more food. If you want to guarantee yourself good food, stay at a 5* like Paradisus. If you want to go lower I have heard good things about the Sandals, Melia Las Americas, and Melia Las Antillas. I recommend you check out Trip Advisor and read the reviews relating to the period you will be going down. Also, it has pictures and videos to give you an idea of the resort. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g1...ba-Hotels.html Tours Tours, I have done are the Cigar factory in Havana, Jeep tour, Scuba tour, catamaran to an island and swim with the dolphins (don’t ask the GF wanted to go), and a few diving trips. All pretty cool. If you are into cigars, on the cigar factory tour, you will appreciate it. Pending which factory they take you to you may be able to purchse cigars there too, but not all of them. I agree with an above posters comment on the taxi, but if you are not familiar with the area you may appreciate a guided tour your first trip, I know I did. Bring a few packs of that travel size Kleenex with you, it will come in handy when you realize none of the toilets outside the hotel stock toilet paper. Also, if you are a diver, bring your PADI card as some of the hotels offer a free diving trip if you are certified. Other Convert your cash at the airport from CAD to CUC, you will get a better rate than the hotel. Watch the ladies at the counter as they like to miscalculate, if you care. I just let them skim a few bucks as they don’t make a lot. Try and bring a few things down with you if you can. Give toys to the maids, crayons coloring books etc. for their kids as simple things like that are hard to come by down there. I always bring gardeners gloves too and give it to the support staff. Those guys work all day, get paid just a few bucks and no one really notices them. You will make their day with a kind gesture. Airport One last recommendation, on departure pay the $20 and get into the VIP lounge. Nothing special, but you have an air conditioned room with food and drinks, a smoking lounge, and you can hang out until your flight leaves. And, they will take your luggage and do all the departure tax stuff ($50 IIRC) and bump you to the front of the line. Better than hanging out upstairs in the airport that is usually pretty packed. Talk to your tour rep prior to departure and they will set you up. Alternatively, you can get it there; look for the people in the green jackets. That’s all I can think of right now. I am jealous; I need to go back there soon. Last edited by Olao32; 04-27-2011 at 11:43 AM.