CUBA SALSA! - FAMILY HOLIDAY

Our Clients’ Reviews

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  Pippa Keech

  CUBA SALSA! - FAMILY HOLIDAY

  

  Written August 2011

  With two easy going teenagers who have never been out of Europe/US we wanted a "safe" adventure, and Cuba was perfect. We all had the BEST time -plenty of cultural (music -everywhere!), political(Che Guevara! Castro! Bay of Pigs!) , social (ration shps, horse drawn buses, no begging, must crochet), for all of us to absorb and digest, but also lots of holidaying with swimming galore, rum ditto, and brilliant tour guide.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Bernado -our tour guide. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Doesn't the above say it all?

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take meds for constipation as well as diarrhoea. All that rice! Don't have ice in drinks or drink unpurified water, or salads. Take earplugs as they are so useful in the most unexpected places. Travel pillow was fab. Can get water purifiers on net which are compact. Take lots of painkillers if in a big group as someone always seemed to need them. Take antibiotic eardrops because ditto. I am a doctor mind you. The rum is really nice, and absolutely lethal. They need pens, ibruprofen, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and tampons (US embargo). 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  August weather was great - rained in the afternoons but actually by then it was a relief! Airconditioned bus was delicious! Kids always go to the back, and that is where the most comfie seats are! As have rests for your feet. So be forewarned.....

   
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  amber white

  CUBA SALSA! - FAMILY HOLIDAY

  

  Written April 2010

  A busy introduction to Cuba.  If you are deciding between destinations, I would suggest Cuba due to the lack of crime or drug problems.  We wandered down some very poor streets with no fear.  We were in one particularly shabby street when the tour guide pointed to a window and told us this is where he stays then he is not with guests!  He said a lovely lady lives there and you can do your bit to help the locals by giving them money to stay with them. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  We swam in a lagoon with enormous fish (my children's first attempt with snorkles in the sea), rode around a nature reserve in a russian truck (and on foot - with the children not complaing that their feet hurt so it must have been good!) and toured the Partegas Cigar Factory.  My son was wearing an Industriales T shirt (the Man United of Cuba) and was a nervous wreck after an hour of high fives, cheers, hand shaking and strangers shouting at him!  Not bad for a T shirt costing about £1.80.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our group leader (Alejandro) made our trip.  He went out of his way to tailor the flexible parts of the trip to our interests.  He took us to peoples homes for supper (the little private restaurants that the Cuban government allows but are usually unmarked and surrounded by a fence).  We would not have been able to find these by ourselves - it is much harder than the guidebooks suggest.  He found a steam train ride (then talked the driver into letting my eleven year old drive the train). 

  Special mention to for our first Driver (Antonio) who despite the language barrier became instant friends with all of us. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Check how many people are booked to be on your trip!  I chose this package because I wanted there to be children for my children to play with (we usually travel independently) and packed accordingly.  When we arrived there was only our family (2 tour guides and a driver)!  Had I been told beforehand, I would have packed things for the kids to do on their own not things they needed other children for.  It very nearly ruined our holiday and would make me think twice about booking again.  

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This may sound odd but we were lucky enough to be stranded in Cuba due to the ash cloud from the Icelandic volcano.  Lucky because the tour was not due to be in Havana over mid-week and several places are only open on weekdays.  During our extra couple of days we managed the Cigar factory (see above), rum musuem (bit rubbish except for the model train), camera obscura (fab and a little disorientating if you have not seen one before), walking along the sea front with the locals, drinks at the Hotel National and several lovely meals out. 

   
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  Anne Parris

  CUBA SALSA! FAMILY HOLIDAY

  

  Written December 2008

  Certainly got a taste of the real Cuba !!  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Walking off the catamaran when it moored up on a deserted Island for lunch and seeing the welcome party of 20 or so Iguanas waiting, hesitating, then stepping on land hoping our leaders comments were correct, in that they won't attack or bite you, they are just being friendly (he didn't say how big they would be though !!!)

  What did you think of your group leader?

  We had 2 because we had so many kids in our Group - they were both great !

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't expect luxury !! The hotels are basic by our standards. It would have been great if we could have stayed at the NH in Havana for the last 2 nights, instead we consoled ourself with lunch there in the cool atrium, with some great Spanish food and service.

  It is very hot so be very careful with your children not to get them sunburned. Most parents seemed caught out on this point, we sail regularly so know how vicious the sun can be sometimes. Take rash vests for use when snorkeling or swimming.

  Not recommended if you are a fussy eater - the food can be limited in some places.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Go with an open mind, and enjoy Cuba off the beaten track whilst you can. and don't forget the rum is the same price as the water......