Friday, March 27, 2009

Cuba Traveling Tips

Cuban Resort
Picture Courtesy of: ehabweb.net

Cuba just keeps growing in popularity and is one of the most visited destinations worldwide! It's no wonder with it's white sandy beaches, crystalline waters and it's thousands of activities and attractions! Cuba is bound to provide even the pickiest traveler with unforgettable experiences and memories.

Perks

Cuba's weather is generally hot with some periods of humidity in the summer and cooler nights in the winter. Cuba is surrounded by the Caribbean Ocean which offers warm waters and great aquatic fun. With rich vegetation and a huge variety of Eco-systems, Cuba has the perfect combination for all nature lovers.

Architecture
Cuba's architecture is Spanish Colonial which represents the British Colonial hold it once had on Cuba. The architecture is not only unique but representative of the history of Cuba and it's consistent growth throughout the decades. Havana, Cuba is definitely the place to go to get a good understanding of Cuba's long lasting history and struggles. In Havana, you will discover Cuba's new, top of the line establishments like shopping centres and eateries as well as it's brand new sky rises and monuments. This Cuban architecture website has a ton of photos and information on Cuba's unique landscapes.

The Food

If you've heard about Cuba then you must have heard of Cuba's food. Yes, it's different and well, doesn't please everyone. This is the reason why I have stayed away from Cuba as a vacation destination. Cuban food is good but what they offer at resorts and hotels isn't.

I strongly suggest that you book a resort or hotel that specializes in good eats. You can ask your travel agent for ideas and options because going a week or two without good food can turn an otherwise fun vacation into a nightmare! If you can't find one or afford one(they usually tend to be 5 star + resorts), then maybe pack along a few goodies that will help satisfy your appetite. TripAdvisor.com is a great site that you can use to see what other travelers have to say about the food quality on the resort but remember, tripadvsior.com is an open forum that anyone can use and therefore isn't necessarily accurate.

Beaches and Destinations
Cuba's beaches are incomparable! You just can't go wrong with a Cuban vacation if you're looking for sun and beach. It truly is paradise on earth.

Another good reason to visit Cuba is that it's cheap, cheap, cheap! Perhaps even the cheapest sun destination of all. Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba is a great vacation destination as it offers again, beautiful beaches, a ton of activities for the whole family and has some outstanding all-inclusive resorts.

Holguin, Cuba is another great place to stay but is mostly youth oriented with lots of cheap 3 star resorts and great nightlife. The beaches are just as beautiful and the city itself is amazing too but I would not recommend this destination to those looking for a quiet, luxurious vacation.

Varadero, Cuba is by far the ultimate Cuban vacation. Varadero is principally a tourist city. The resort section of the city is closed-off to locals by an imposing bridge that regulates traffic in and out of the resort areas. Varadero is also likely to please the entire family with a large range of attractions for young and old alike. Varadero is a more up-scale destination with lots of 4-5 star resorts that can cater to the most difficult of travelers. It has also become one of Cuba's most popular all-inclusive destination.

The People

Cuba is not only known for it's great beaches and cheap destinations, it's also known for it's people. Cubans have been known to be extremely friendly and helpful and have contributed greatly to Cuba's tourism industry. Many have said that it's the people that have allowed for amazing vacations. Cubans are best known for their contagious smile and good humour as well as their politeness and genuine kindness.

A great way to show your appreciation is by providing them with small gifts like money, creams and moisturizers, clothing items, magazines and books. These may seem banal and somewhat ridiculous but it shows you care about their situation and would like to see them prosper. A conscientious traveler is a well respected traveler and that's always important!

Cuba is a great budget-friendly destination that deserves credit and it's made the 2009 Travel Agent Top 10 Travel Destination List again this year. This is a good pointer that Cuban vacation deals are bound to be cheaper than ever, so what are you waiting for, buy your ticket now and send me one too!!!

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