Cuba--Havana and perhaps Trinidad--need help

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#1 Post by **alan weinberg** » June 16th, 2013, 10:15 am

have a one week trip to Havana scheduled over NYE and one option is a 6 hr drive to Trinidad (city in Cuba), a day or so there, and a 6 hr drive back. Is this worth it? Or should the whole week be spent in Havana? Or just 4 days in Havana, the rest of the time in Miami? Thoughts?
alan

Roberto Rogness · #2 Post by **Roberto Rogness** » June 16th, 2013, 10:20 am

Oh, I thought you meant Triniday & Tobago...never mind.

#3 Post by **alan weinberg** » June 20th, 2013, 8:35 am

Corey N. · #4 Post by **Corey N.** » June 20th, 2013, 8:42 am

Is it kosher to ask how you're going to Cuba given that, you know, there's an embargo and US residents are generally forbidden from traveling there?

#5 Post by **David K o l i n** » June 20th, 2013, 9:25 am

There is a general prohibition from spending money there, with lots of waivers and licenses for religious, cultural and other exchanges. We are considering 3 different options for this summer. It will be nice to go back.

I've never been to Trinidad, Alan (and haven't been on the island for 30+ years), but I think there are a lot of options better than Miami while you are there

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g147 ... tions.html

#6 Post by **alan weinberg** » June 22nd, 2013, 5:36 am

Corey N. wrote:Is it kosher to ask how you're going to Cuba given that, you know, there's an embargo and US residents are generally forbidden from traveling there?

permission granted from US gov't.
alan

#7 Post by **Anthony Hall** » June 22nd, 2013, 7:48 am

alan weinberg wrote:
Corey N. wrote:Is it kosher to ask how you're going to Cuba given that, you know, there's an embargo and US residents are generally forbidden from traveling there?
permission granted from US gov't.
alan

Alan is on special assignment to liberate any DRC from cuban cellars. He just can't talk about it.

TimF · #8 Post by **TimF** » June 22nd, 2013, 9:35 am

My college alumni group has a tour going in December. Wish the timing worked out so I could go.

#9 Post by **alan weinberg** » December 22nd, 2013, 10:02 pm

leaving in a week. Any advice?

Julien Martel · #10 Post by **Julien Martel** » December 26th, 2013, 10:48 am

I have been to Havana 6-7 years ago, while staying at an all-inclusive resort in Varadero. I would try to visit surrounding cities/areas, instead of spending one full week there. But it really depends on the goal of your trip (beach and relaxation vs cultural visits) and what type of traveler you are. Don't expect to eat well while in Cuba. Havana is fascinating and very safe. It's a must see.

John Liotta · #11 Post by **John Liotta** » December 26th, 2013, 10:55 am

Fishing in Cuba is supposed to be great.

This has a lot of info:

http://www.cubalinda.com

#12 Post by **Paul Miller** » December 26th, 2013, 11:31 am

I went on a people-to-people exchange program a couple of years ago. Technically, you are not supposed to be having "fun" there, so fishing trips, beaches, etc could get you in trouble. A friend went on a cultural exchange trip (she runs a dance company and they went to perform). A couple of people tacked on two extra days and hit the beach. They spent a few extra hours with Immigration in Miami and missed their flight home, and paid a small fine (maybe $500). We were told to not bring swimsuits and not to go to the pool.

Our trip was about 8 days, and we stayed in Havana the whole time, but made day trips. The person leading the trip now includes Trinidad, but it is a hike to get there (airlines are unreliable, and roads suck - picture an interstate highway that feels like a rollercoaster). He thinks it is worth a couple of days. By the end, we were getting tired of Havana.

That said, it was a GREAT trip, and I HIGHLY recommend going. If anyone is interested, We went through this guy: http://ralphvelasco.com

How are you getting from Havana to Trinidad? What sort of program or license are you going on?

As a heads-up, wine is expensive. Beer is good and cheap. Rum is better and just as cheap. You will never drink better and cheaper than you will in Cuba. As long as you like beer and rum (or rum drinks), you'll be in an alcoholic's paradise.

For a great restaurant: http://www.laguarida.com/en/ But make a reservation in advance.

The Spanish Embassy had a cooking school there with a restaurant I would recommend.

And of course, the cigars. But buy them at a reputable place, such as the factory store. Don't buy them on the street.

They make a paste out of guava that is similar to quince. Try it with cheese.

When you arrive, find a liquor store (hotel probably has one, and also sells cigars). Get a bottle of Selecion de Maestro (rum) and keep it in your room for the week. As noted, you are not supposed to buy things or spend money, so consume it there. In fact there is very little that legally you can bring back with you.

That said, it is a GREAT trip. Most fun I have ever been on - seriously. If you are into photography, it is a dream trip. And I highly recommend Ralph and his trips to anyone interested, and particularly if you are a photographer.

If you have other questions, let me know. Post here or PM me.

#13 Post by **Michael Bowden** » December 26th, 2013, 2:37 pm

Paul Miller wrote:Get a bottle of Selecion de Maestro (rum)

Really great stuff....

Julien Martel · #14 Post by **Julien Martel** » December 26th, 2013, 4:41 pm

100% on board with Paul Miller for the cigars... You MUST buy from a reliable source. Never off the street. Not only you could be buying crap, but if a police officer sees you buying from someone not allowed to perform this transaction, you are as guilty as he is. I'm sure they would be thrilled to keep an American in prison for a few days.

The best place to source them... At the factory. I've visited one when in Havana. Amazing experience.

#15 Post by **Paul Miller** » December 26th, 2013, 5:06 pm

Julien Martel wrote: The best place to source them... At the factory. I've visited one when in Havana. Amazing experience.

A factory visit is a must.

One thing I wished that I did there was go to a baseball game. This was in today's paper: http://online.wsj.com/news/article_emai ... NjEyNDYyWj

#16 Post by **John Webber** » December 30th, 2013, 8:12 am

3 days in Havana is enough to see most things and get a good feel. From there, I would head to tobacco country etc. for a completely different experience.

#17 Post by **Paul Miller** » January 7th, 2014, 3:16 pm

The person we went through just published his plans for a 5-day trip this year

http://ralphvelasco.com/tours/cuba-peop ... vana-only/

He also has a longer one scheduled for June

Ron Kramer · #18 Post by **Ron Kramer** » January 7th, 2014, 4:26 pm

A friend of mine (67) is a senior aged softball player. His team went to play their seniors and lost all five games but had a great time.

#19 Post by **Paul Miller** » January 10th, 2014, 9:07 am

Video of our guide riding through Havana.

#20 Post by **Paul Miller** » January 10th, 2014, 9:07 am

Alan, how was the trip?

#21 Post by **Paul Miller** » January 15th, 2014, 2:19 pm

Got a picture I took on vacation in Cuba published on CNN today. Not my best work, but hey. It is #13

http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/13/travel/cu ... ?hpt=hp_c3

#22 Post by **Neal.Mollen** » January 16th, 2014, 11:07 am

Fantastic, Paul! Congrats!

#23 Post by **alan weinberg** » January 19th, 2014, 9:01 pm

Paul Miller wrote:Alan, how was the trip?

interesting, educational, fun, sad. Finally rid of the turista GI bug I brought back, but took 3 courses of antibiotics. So sorry for the poverty suffered by the sweet people of Cuba. Glad
to have gone, won't go again.

#24 Post by **Paul Miller** » January 20th, 2014, 7:53 am

Sorry to hear you got sick. Hope you are doing better. Hope this does not discourage others, because this is a trip I would highly recommend people doing before it is too late.