Interesting perspectives. I'm wondering if the PP who is Cuban has been there recently. I went to Cuba several years ago before restrictions were lifted. I was living in another Latin American country and went on my own, no tour, and without permission.

We didn't stay in a 5 star - rather a pretty run-down local hotel in Havana. But we had an amazing time - nothing scary at all. We found the people very warm and eager to engage with us. The music and culture were incredible. Sure, food was hard to come by in the official government-run restaurants, but we found Paladares - private (illegal at the time) homes that served as small restaurants. We met locals and had great food at the Paladares. We didn't drive ourselves, but found locals everywhere who were willing to give us a ride wherever we wanted to go in exchange for some dollars and good conversation (I speak Spanish fluently).

Sure - it may not be for everyone - but for those open-minded travelers who want to learn about the people, music, and culture, Cuba is great. And the amazing beaches are icing on the cake.

There are areas that are, indeed, set up for tourism. Large beach resorts populated by Canadians, Mexicans, and Europeans. We spent one day at the beach in Varadero at a fancy beach resort - hotels owned partly by Spanish, Italian and other European companies. Locals aren't allowed unless they work there. It wasn't much different than other Caribbean resorts I've been to. It was our only experience hanging out in a tourist-only hotel and it had lavish food buffets as well. Pretty sad the disparity between tourists and locals.

But like I said, this was about ten years ago - things may have changed. But I'm guessing not that much. There are probably even more resorts like that.

My husband's friend went to Cuba with his wife to visit her family. They got violently ill from the water. He also said it was scary. No details except to say he'll never go back.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm Cuban. Just be aware that Cuba is not yet set up for tourism. Food is not great, don't drink the water, be careful with theft. Organized tours should be ok since the gov't will not allow you to see the "real" Cuba.

So you wouldn't recommend a casa particular?

I wouldn't recommend Cuba travel at all, but if you're dead set on going, I'd look for the most expensive 5 star hotel, and hope that you get 2 star service. And the other caveats still apply - no driving, don't wear flashy jewelry, don't drink the water, and of course don't think of making any negative comments about the government.

SOunds like an awesome vacation.

Many U.S. government restrictions (administered through Treasury Department) remain in place. Make sure you are complying.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Literally got back from Cuba this morning. We spent a long weekend in Trinidad on a people to people visit (not on a tour, but attempted to comply with the law so we booked activities etc...). Very interesting country. If you are going to self cater, keep in mind their food supply and stores is nothing as abundant as ours. You will need to bring most of the food you want to eat with you (but the rum is incredibly cheap).

I thought Trinidad was like ... near Venezuela? No?

Not OP but trinidad is a city in cuba....

Anonymous wrote:Literally got back from Cuba this morning. We spent a long weekend in Trinidad on a people to people visit (not on a tour, but attempted to comply with the law so we booked activities etc...). Very interesting country. If you are going to self cater, keep in mind their food supply and stores is nothing as abundant as ours. You will need to bring most of the food you want to eat with you (but the rum is incredibly cheap).

I thought Trinidad was like ... near Venezuela? No?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm Cuban. Just be aware that Cuba is not yet set up for tourism. Food is not great, don't drink the water, be careful with theft. Organized tours should be ok since the gov't will not allow you to see the "real" Cuba.

So you wouldn't recommend a casa particular?

I wouldn't recommend Cuba travel at all, but if you're dead set on going, I'd look for the most expensive 5 star hotel, and hope that you get 2 star service. And the other caveats still apply - no driving, don't wear flashy jewelry, don't drink the water, and of course don't think of making any negative comments about the government.

Interesting...I have heard nothing but great things from friends who have visited within the last year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm Cuban. Just be aware that Cuba is not yet set up for tourism. Food is not great, don't drink the water, be careful with theft. Organized tours should be ok since the gov't will not allow you to see the "real" Cuba.

So you wouldn't recommend a casa particular?

I wouldn't recommend Cuba travel at all, but if you're dead set on going, I'd look for the most expensive 5 star hotel, and hope that you get 2 star service. And the other caveats still apply - no driving, don't wear flashy jewelry, don't drink the water, and of course don't think of making any negative comments about the government.

Anonymous wrote:I'm Cuban. Just be aware that Cuba is not yet set up for tourism. Food is not great, don't drink the water, be careful with theft. Organized tours should be ok since the gov't will not allow you to see the "real" Cuba.

So you wouldn't recommend a casa particular?

PP again. And PLEASE don't rent a car and drive. I personally know of 2 people sitting in Cuban prisons right now after having accidents where others were injured or killed.

I'm Cuban. Just be aware that Cuba is not yet set up for tourism. Food is not great, don't drink the water, be careful with theft. Organized tours should be ok since the gov't will not allow you to see the "real" Cuba.

Anonymous wrote:Literally got back from Cuba this morning. We spent a long weekend in Trinidad on a people to people visit (not on a tour, but attempted to comply with the law so we booked activities etc...). Very interesting country. If you are going to self cater, keep in mind their food supply and stores is nothing as abundant as ours. You will need to bring most of the food you want to eat with you (but the rum is incredibly cheap).

Please, please more details on this! I don't want to book a tour because of the cost, but would love to know how to go about a 3-4 day visit and fall under people to people/support for the cuban people, etc.

Literally got back from Cuba this morning. We spent a long weekend in Trinidad on a people to people visit (not on a tour, but attempted to comply with the law so we booked activities etc...). Very interesting country. If you are going to self cater, keep in mind their food supply and stores is nothing as abundant as ours. You will need to bring most of the food you want to eat with you (but the rum is incredibly cheap).

Much of our reapproach to Cuba was based on executive orders, which may be rescinded by Trump. Consider the timing and pay attention to his Cuba policy if you'll be booking after January 20th. (Not my area of expertise, but do look into it.)

Any nice vacation rentals in cuba for 10-20 people? Looking for a nice historical (or modern) house on the beach or in town.