Cuba Advice?

[Brian_Fantana]

Wife, probably a pic somewhere on here, and I decided to take a week long trip to Cuba to check it out the first week of November. She is doing plenty of research on things to do; but seems folks on here have been everywhere and i have appreciated some advice on Hawaii, London and Paris in the past, so thought I’d check in to see if anyone has been since they opened up to easier access to Americans.

We are staying in an Airbnb in Havana overlooking the bay; but will have to travel outside the city for decent beaches. The Airbnb host will plan “day trips” to a beach; but they appear to be anywhere from 45 min to 2 hours away, so curious if anyone has an opinion on best option on that. Wife will want one or 2 days of beach, so may check out a couple, especially if one is close to sleepy little beach town.

The Airbnb is also giving us a hotspot to use for internet while in the place and out and about and it sounds like we should download a VPN for that. I don't know shit about technology, so can anyone explain that in layman’s terms? We don’t really care about not having the internet; but I will have some work to do and don’t want my CPU/Phone to get hacked.

I think a week is plenty; but I’m sure there is a lot to see and do. Anyone that have been, any recommendations?

 

[The Tradition]

Going to a communist country is not on my bucket list.

 

[Brian_Fantana]

Going to a communist country is not on my bucket list.

Hah. Fair enough. Admittedly it was very random idea. I have to be in Miami for a conference a few days before at the Fontainebleau and the wife is coming down to hang at the pool (yes, she’d probably just rather stay there for a week; but I can’t stand the crowd that stays there). We had always planned to do a trip the week after that; and randomly decided to take a puddle jumper over to Cuba to check it out. It may suck, but figured, why not. We tend to stick to “popular” vacation spots, so will be interesting to try something different.

 

[darylhawk]

The people and culture are amazing there, and you’ll have a great time! Credit cards won’t work so bring cash. I’ve only spent a few days in Havana so can’t help a ton, as I go there to fly fish in northeast part. Famous bar Hemingway frequented and a 4-5 story hotel with a rooftop bar/restaurant were highlights for me as well as just walking around. If you like cigars get them from the stores that only sell stuff from main factory they are by far the best

 

[DPUboiler]

Hah. Fair enough. Admittedly it was very random idea. I have to be in Miami for a conference a few days before at the Fontainebleau and the wife is coming down to hang at the pool (yes, she’d probably just rather stay there for a week; but I can’t stand the crowd that stays there). We had always planned to do a trip the week after that; and randomly decided to take a puddle jumper over to Cuba to check it out. It may suck, but figured, why not. We tend to stick to “popular” vacation spots, so will be interesting to try something different.

Just extend your stay at the Fountainbleu an extra few days. One of my favorite hotels in the world. I honestly wouldn't be going to Cuba while Russia is a pariah country. I wouldn't feel comfortable that Cuba is not going to make me a political prisoner at tye direction of Russia.

 

[LuciousBDragon]

Wife, probably a pic somewhere on here, and I decided to take a week long trip to Cuba to check it out the first week of November. She is doing plenty of research on things to do; but seems folks on here have been everywhere and i have appreciated some advice on Hawaii, London and Paris in the past, so thought I’d check in to see if anyone has been since they opened up to easier access to Americans.

We are staying in an Airbnb in Havana overlooking the bay; but will have to travel outside the city for decent beaches. The Airbnb host will plan “day trips” to a beach; but they appear to be anywhere from 45 min to 2 hours away, so curious if anyone has an opinion on best option on that. Wife will want one or 2 days of beach, so may check out a couple, especially if one is close to sleepy little beach town.

The Airbnb is also giving us a hotspot to use for internet while in the place and out and about and it sounds like we should download a VPN for that. I don't know shit about technology, so can anyone explain that in layman’s terms? We don’t really care about not having the internet; but I will have some work to do and don’t want my CPU/Phone to get hacked.

I think a week is plenty; but I’m sure there is a lot to see and do. Anyone that have been, any recommendations?

Bring cash (lots of singles & 5’s). Plan for zero internet upon landing and have all logistics and access info/directions for your AirBnB saved to your phone for offline use and/or hardcopies. Get some power converters as well to charge your stuff. Then drink some rum, smoke a cigar, and take your wife to el Ciudad de la Pound!

 

[The Tradition]

As someone who loves exploring 500 year old Spanish forts (visited the one in St. Augustine many times, and I was blown away by the one in San Juan), I would love to see the ones on Cuba.

 

[seminole97]

As someone who loves exploring 500 year old Spanish forts (visited the one in St. Augustine many times, and I was blown away by the one in San Juan), I would love to see the ones on Cuba.

Have you taken a vacation in Europe?
In Germany alone there are more castles than you’ll have time.

 

[The Tradition]

Have you taken a vacation in Europe?
In Germany alone there are more castles than you’ll have time.

Nope, never been to Europe.

 

[Brian_Fantana]

Just extend your stay at the Fountainbleu an extra few days. One of my favorite hotels in the world. I honestly wouldn't be going to Cuba while Russia is a pariah country. I wouldn't feel comfortable that Cuba is not going to make me a political prisoner at tye direction of Russia.

Meh. I have spelt plenty of time at the FB, think I will enjoy Cuba more then the clientele at the FB.

 

[Dr. Phil Seuss]

Wife, probably a pic somewhere on here, and I decided to take a week long trip to Cuba to check it out the first week of November. She is doing plenty of research on things to do; but seems folks on here have been everywhere and i have appreciated some advice on Hawaii, London and Paris in the past, so thought I’d check in to see if anyone has been since they opened up to easier access to Americans.

We are staying in an Airbnb in Havana overlooking the bay; but will have to travel outside the city for decent beaches. The Airbnb host will plan “day trips” to a beach; but they appear to be anywhere from 45 min to 2 hours away, so curious if anyone has an opinion on best option on that. Wife will want one or 2 days of beach, so may check out a couple, especially if one is close to sleepy little beach town.

The Airbnb is also giving us a hotspot to use for internet while in the place and out and about and it sounds like we should download a VPN for that. I don't know shit about technology, so can anyone explain that in layman’s terms? We don’t really care about not having the internet; but I will have some work to do and don’t want my CPU/Phone to get hacked.

I think a week is plenty; but I’m sure there is a lot to see and do. Anyone that have been, any recommendations?

I have been twice. Don’t listen to these slackjaws and halfwits, Cuba is a must visit destination in my opinion.

It is like going back in time. I rented a 1928 model T Ford last trip. The food isn’t very good unless you go go super high end restaurants, but Cuba is meant to be an interpersonal experience, not a luxury trip.

Havana is a treasure trove of the most gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture in the Americas—much of it is crumbling. Go tour the fort, cigar factory’s, hit the famed bars.

I would do an overnight trip to Vinales.

It’s really beautiful. I took a 1950s Chevy Nomad out there in 2019, about 3 hours. The tobacco fields are there, some good authentic farm to table dining. Lot of arts culture and you will see farmers plowing fields with oxen.

Classic cars were $250/day when I was there in January. It’s the only way to roll in Havana. Driver comes with the car and yours all day.

I’ve been a lot of places and Cuba is one of my favorites.

Vinales

 

[Dr. Phil Seuss]

Bring cash (lots of singles & 5’s). Plan for zero internet upon landing and have all logistics and access info/directions for your AirBnB saved to your phone for offline use and/or hardcopies. Get some power converters as well to charge your stuff. Then drink some rum, smoke a cigar, and take your wife to el Ciudad de la Pound!

Yes on the cash. I ran out first time in 2019. You will have no capacity to obtain money or use cards. Don’t worry about Cuban money, they all take USD now. The exchange rate is absurd and you’d need a backpack to change out a grand

Internet connectivity is improving. I had WiFi at my airbnb this year. It was laughable, 1995 level stuff. They still have public WiFi that is good, but you have to buy what is essentially a calling card to get on

Agree on the offline map, your phone won’t work unless you want to pay a few hundred or more per day for.

Havana Club white rum mojitos and cohiba cigars. If you go to Vinales, buy their bundles of cigarillos with guava honey.

 

[Jimmy McGill]

Don't expect us to pay for your release from prison OP

 

[SansAgain]

Going to a communist country is not on my bucket list.

Why go to a communist country when you can you live in one? Kamala 2024.

 

[soybean]

Never been to Cuba, but would consider. How do you fly there?

 

[NoleATL]

Nope, never been to Europe.

The castles and fortresses are freaking amazing. Put it on your list. Go for a while. Fly business class so you get some sleep on the way.

 

[NoleATL]

I have been twice. Don’t listen to these slackjaws and halfwits, Cuba is a must visit destination in my opinion.

It is like going back in time. I rented a 1928 model T Ford last trip. The food isn’t very good unless you go go super high end restaurants, but Cuba is meant to be an interpersonal experience, not a luxury trip.

Havana is a treasure trove of the most gorgeous Spanish colonial architecture in the Americas—much of it is crumbling. Go tour the fort, cigar factory’s, hit the famed bars.

I would do an overnight trip to Vinales.

It’s really beautiful. I took a 1950s Chevy Nomad out there in 2019, about 3 hours. The tobacco fields are there, some good authentic farm to table dining. Lot of arts culture and you will see farmers plowing fields with oxen.

Classic cars were $250/day when I was there in January. It’s the only way to roll in Havana. Driver comes with the car and yours all day.

I’ve been a lot of places and Cuba is one of my favorites.

Vinales

When were you last there? I've recently heard there are crime issues where you wouldn't want to be driving off on your own.

 

[Brian_Fantana]

Never been to Cuba, but would consider. How do you fly there?

We are flying Delta from Miami.

Thanks all for the comments. Good stuff. Going to have to look at renting a car for a day or 2. We do plan on going to a tobacco farm/cigar tour as I do like a good cigar from time to time.

 

[Dr. Phil Seuss]

Never been to Cuba, but would consider. How do you fly there?

American Airlines through Miami. I think there are flights through Lauderdale too.

 

[The Tradition]

I simply cannot imagine clearing customs in freaking Cuba. I'd be so stressed out they'd think I was up to no good.

What's wrong with Puerto Rico? That's part of America and they need your tourism dollars.

 

[Dr. Phil Seuss]

We are flying Delta from Miami.

Thanks all for the comments. Good stuff. Going to have to look at renting a car for a day or 2. We do plan on going to a tobacco farm/cigar tour as I do like a good cigar from time to time.

Go to Vinales. It’s a long ways out, but it is worth it. There’s a pretty cool national park cave there too. They’ll roll you a cigar right out of the drying house and give you fresh guava to dip it in. I’ve never had a better cigar.

 

[Dr. Phil Seuss]

I simply cannot imagine clearing customs in freaking Cuba. I'd be so stressed out they'd think I was up to no good.

What's wrong with Puerto Rico? That's part of America and they need your tourism dollars.

lol. Cuba wants you there. They need American tourism. It ain’t no big thing to go there. Shit, I even declare my personal stash of embargoed products that I return with. Nobody gives a damn.

 

[Brian_Fantana]

Go to Vinales. It’s a long ways out, but it is worth it. There’s a pretty cool national park cave there too. They’ll roll you a cigar right out of the drying house and give you fresh guava to dip it in. I’ve never had a better cigar.

Thanks. That sounds awesome.

 

[RicoSuave102954]

As someone previously mentioned it's like going back into time, lots of rundown crumbling buildings. Expect to be besieged by beggars and the poor. This is a 3rd world nation so plan accordingly. Yes, there is much history and some really beautiful natural vistas to observe you won't be disappointed if your sole basis for going is to say you've been to Cuba but if you're expecting a Carribean type experience you'll leave disappointed.

 

[The Tradition]

Hotel prices are stupid cheap. Mostly well below $100 USD and the highest I saw were only around $250-ish.

 

[lucas80]

Hotel prices are stupid cheap. Mostly well below $100 USD and the highest I saw were only around $250-ish.

Cuba is cheap and tacky, and their is no stigma against smoking. Shocked you haven't been there.

 

[bluestarhwk]

We spent a day there on a cruise stop. All I can suggest is get cigars, rum and take a walk on the malecon. Do a food tour and have a few mojitos at Mojito Mojito. (If it’s still there). And did I say get cigars? Get cigars.

 

[Brian_Fantana]

Changed plans because of the power outages, prob would have been ok; but wife was a little concerned about being there and we also just didn't feel great about using resources the locals need.

Anyway - i know no one cares, but spendkng 3 days in Delray now and driving to Key West tomorrow for a few days. Will have a car; but outside of the standard shit to do jn the keys, anyone have some must see ideas? Also, not sure how good the fishing is but my wife has never done a deep sea fishing and think I can talk her into it. Worth it?

We enjoy food food and drinks. Will be staying in a little boutique hotel just a block off Duval Street

 

[RicoSuave102954]

Changed plans because of the power outages, prob would have been ok; but wife was a little concerned about being there and we also just didn't feel great about using resources the locals need.

Anyway - i know no one cares, but spendkng 3 days in Delray now and driving to Key West tomorrow for a few days. Will have a car; but outside of the standard shit to do jn the keys, anyone have some must see ideas? Also, not sure how good the fishing is but my wife has never done a deep sea fishing and think I can talk her into it. Worth it?

We enjoy food food and drinks. Will be staying in a little boutique hotel just a block off Duval Street

Key West has absolutely nothing that would interest me. If I want to see a bunch of chickens running around I'll look out the window.

 

[Dr. Phil Seuss]

Changed plans because of the power outages, prob would have been ok; but wife was a little concerned about being there and we also just didn't feel great about using resources the locals need.

Anyway - i know no one cares, but spendkng 3 days in Delray now and driving to Key West tomorrow for a few days. Will have a car; but outside of the standard shit to do jn the keys, anyone have some must see ideas? Also, not sure how good the fishing is but my wife has never done a deep sea fishing and think I can talk her into it. Worth it?

We enjoy food food and drinks. Will be staying in a little boutique hotel just a block off Duval Street

Get on the wait list for the seaplane to the dry tortugas. Sells out way in advance, but you can get lucky