Original post
Il parait que la route entre Holguin et Baracoa est impraticable, quelqu'un aurait-il fait ce trajet récemment.Merci , car sinon cela nous oblige à modifier notre circuit.
Etat de la route entre Holguin et Baracoa?
by Sergiosalsa
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
La route Moa /Baracoa est correcte sur la majorité du trajet , Il reste toujours les 15km difficile à l'approche du parc Humboldt, La moyenne baisse à 40km/h
Je vous pose 2 photos prise en septembre du passage litigieux
Je vous pose 2 photos prise en septembre du passage litigieux
Merci du renseignement, nous partons en avril, d'ici là je redemanderais si c'est toujours vrais.Cela nous permettrait de ne pas retourner sur Santiago et donc d'éviter des trajets
Ne vous inquiétez pas la route sera toujours dans le meme etat en Avril. cela fait + de 10 ans que je l'a pratique . Ma residence de vacance etant à Baracoa , j'ai des amis à Moa
En septembre , le responsable de la région a promis aprés le passage de Raul Castro dans la ville que la route serait refaite pour Mars 2013, cela a fait rire tout les Cubains. Alors qui sait il y aura peut etre un miracle Vous verrez Baracoa est une ville magnifique vous serrez triste de la quitter je peut vous envoyer quelques photos
En septembre , le responsable de la région a promis aprés le passage de Raul Castro dans la ville que la route serait refaite pour Mars 2013, cela a fait rire tout les Cubains. Alors qui sait il y aura peut etre un miracle Vous verrez Baracoa est une ville magnifique vous serrez triste de la quitter je peut vous envoyer quelques photos
les photos datent de sept 2012, 2 semaines aprés le passage du cyclone Isaac
je vous envoie des photos de Baracoa demain, sachez que cette ville à un site www.baracoa.org
je vous envoie des photos de Baracoa demain, sachez que cette ville à un site www.baracoa.org
Sur Facebook tu trouvera le site Baracoa avec pleins de photos anciennes
c'est tres étonnant, serait tu un gros menteur 😠, un vilain petit canard ???
car apres vérification ces photos datent de l'année 2007 !!!! alors que toi tu me dis fierement je te cite (((( les photos datent de sept 2012, 2 semaines aprés le passage du cyclone Isaac ))) je perds confiance en toi !!! 🏴☠️🏴☠️ quelle réponse peut tu me donner pour rétablir la confiance dans tous tes nombreux posts ??😕
car apres vérification ces photos datent de l'année 2007 !!!! alors que toi tu me dis fierement je te cite (((( les photos datent de sept 2012, 2 semaines aprés le passage du cyclone Isaac ))) je perds confiance en toi !!! 🏴☠️🏴☠️ quelle réponse peut tu me donner pour rétablir la confiance dans tous tes nombreux posts ??😕
En 2007 l'eglise n'etait pas rénové mais entouré de balustrades
L'inauguration a eu lieu au mois d'aout, si vous frequentiez Baracoa vous le sauriez.
je vous joint une photo, agrandissez la il ya la date dessus Si vous vous en voulez plus dites le, j'ai toute la céremonie, et l'interieur de l'eglise
Mais entre nous je pense que ce que vous cherchez c'est de creer une pomémique sur ce forum calme et interessant
je vous joint une photo, agrandissez la il ya la date dessus Si vous vous en voulez plus dites le, j'ai toute la céremonie, et l'interieur de l'eglise
Mais entre nous je pense que ce que vous cherchez c'est de creer une pomémique sur ce forum calme et interessant
les photos datent de sept 2012, 2 semaines aprés le passage du cyclone Isaac
,
fait un effort, je ne te parle pas des photos de l'église, le monde entier sait bien que l’inauguration des travaux a eu lieu en 08 2012....
mais je te parle simplement des 2 photos que tu as mis en place toi même concernant la route de Moa a Baracoa, pour faire voir soin état.., tu me dis qu'elles sont de sep 2012, c'est faux, elles sont de septembre 2007, je n'invente rien.
car des personnes qui connaissent bien le coin, m'ont averties que cela ne représente pas du tout l'état de la route qui est complètement défoncée entre Moa et Baracoa. ce n'est pas ce que tu présente, car tes photos datent de 2007. alors je perds confiance en toi et tout ce que tu racontes.... tu me comprends, non ?
il y a quand même 5 ans d'écart entre 2012 et 2007 ?
fait un effort, je ne te parle pas des photos de l'église, le monde entier sait bien que l’inauguration des travaux a eu lieu en 08 2012....
mais je te parle simplement des 2 photos que tu as mis en place toi même concernant la route de Moa a Baracoa, pour faire voir soin état.., tu me dis qu'elles sont de sep 2012, c'est faux, elles sont de septembre 2007, je n'invente rien.
car des personnes qui connaissent bien le coin, m'ont averties que cela ne représente pas du tout l'état de la route qui est complètement défoncée entre Moa et Baracoa. ce n'est pas ce que tu présente, car tes photos datent de 2007. alors je perds confiance en toi et tout ce que tu racontes.... tu me comprends, non ?
il y a quand même 5 ans d'écart entre 2012 et 2007 ?
Comme vous vous étes planté sur la photo en pensant que je n'avais pas la preuve, vous essayez de relancer
- je ne rentre pas dans ces debats stupides et inutiles ? Je ne suis pas la pour meubler vos journées
les photos datent de sept 2012, 2 semaines aprés le passage du cyclone Isaac
,
fait un effort, je ne te parle pas des photos de l'église, le monde entier sait bien que l’inauguration des travaux a eu lieu en 08 2012....
mais je te parle simplement des 2 photos que tu as mis en place toi même concernant la route de Moa a Baracoa, pour faire voir soin état.., tu me dis qu'elles sont de sep 2012, c'est faux, elles sont de septembre 2007, je n'invente rien.
car des personnes qui connaissent bien le coin, m'ont averties que cela ne représente pas du tout l'état de la route qui est complètement défoncée entre Moa et Baracoa. ce n'est pas ce que tu présente, car tes photos datent de 2007. alors je perds confiance en toi et tout ce que tu racontes.... tu me comprends, non ?
il y a quand même 5 ans d'écart entre 2012 et 2007 ?
absolument pas , car ces photos dates du 31 mars 2007 .... et depuis il y a eu de nombreux cyclones qui ont dévastés cette route qui aujourd'hui est remplie de trous énormes.
fait un effort, je ne te parle pas des photos de l'église, le monde entier sait bien que l’inauguration des travaux a eu lieu en 08 2012....
mais je te parle simplement des 2 photos que tu as mis en place toi même concernant la route de Moa a Baracoa, pour faire voir soin état.., tu me dis qu'elles sont de sep 2012, c'est faux, elles sont de septembre 2007, je n'invente rien.
car des personnes qui connaissent bien le coin, m'ont averties que cela ne représente pas du tout l'état de la route qui est complètement défoncée entre Moa et Baracoa. ce n'est pas ce que tu présente, car tes photos datent de 2007. alors je perds confiance en toi et tout ce que tu racontes.... tu me comprends, non ?
il y a quand même 5 ans d'écart entre 2012 et 2007 ?
absolument pas , car ces photos dates du 31 mars 2007 .... et depuis il y a eu de nombreux cyclones qui ont dévastés cette route qui aujourd'hui est remplie de trous énormes.
Bonjour,
J'ai fait la route en février dernier; de Holguin à Baracoa en jeeps collectifs, avec arrêt-changement à Moa; le retour Baracoa-Holguin en bus touristique Toyota 20 passagers (durée 6h30, incluant un arrêt de 25 minutes).
Une portion est très cahoteuse, mais ça passe, lentement, en contournant les trous. Rien de dramatique, malgré que les Cubains la disaient dans son pire état. Le paysage est magnifique avec ses rivières sauvages et sa nature luxuriante.
Au plaisir,
J'ai fait la route en février dernier; de Holguin à Baracoa en jeeps collectifs, avec arrêt-changement à Moa; le retour Baracoa-Holguin en bus touristique Toyota 20 passagers (durée 6h30, incluant un arrêt de 25 minutes).
Une portion est très cahoteuse, mais ça passe, lentement, en contournant les trous. Rien de dramatique, malgré que les Cubains la disaient dans son pire état. Le paysage est magnifique avec ses rivières sauvages et sa nature luxuriante.
Au plaisir,
renaldito
Bonjour,
J'ai fait la route en février dernier; de Holguin à Baracoa en jeeps collectifs, avec arrêt-changement à Moa; le retour Baracoa-Holguin en bus touristique Toyota 20 passagers (durée 6h30, incluant un arrêt de 25 minutes).
Une portion est très cahoteuse, mais ça passe, lentement, en contournant les trous. Rien de dramatique, malgré que les Cubains la disaient dans son pire état. Le paysage est magnifique avec ses rivières sauvages et sa nature luxuriante.
Au plaisir,
Bonjour, Nous arrivons a l aéroport d Holguin début Decembre et comptons aller par la suite a Baracoa via Moa en transports collectifs , voir bus touristique , c est apparemment possible , mais comment faire et quel temps compter a peu pres ? Merci pour vos reponses Alod
J'ai fait la route en février dernier; de Holguin à Baracoa en jeeps collectifs, avec arrêt-changement à Moa; le retour Baracoa-Holguin en bus touristique Toyota 20 passagers (durée 6h30, incluant un arrêt de 25 minutes).
Une portion est très cahoteuse, mais ça passe, lentement, en contournant les trous. Rien de dramatique, malgré que les Cubains la disaient dans son pire état. Le paysage est magnifique avec ses rivières sauvages et sa nature luxuriante.
Au plaisir,
Bonjour, Nous arrivons a l aéroport d Holguin début Decembre et comptons aller par la suite a Baracoa via Moa en transports collectifs , voir bus touristique , c est apparemment possible , mais comment faire et quel temps compter a peu pres ? Merci pour vos reponses Alod
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There’s not much snorkeling, but we knew that before coming.
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When we arrived, we took a taxi to our hotel, Augusta Bay. Cost: $30.
We rented a car through Sure and Shore. It was delivered to our hotel the day after we arrived, and we kept it until we left for Stocking Island. For 9 days, we paid $470 (which is a great price) for a small Honda that wasn’t very new, but we didn’t have any issues with it. One thing we’d never experienced before: they’d put newspaper sheets on the floor, and we were told not to get any sand in the car if we went to the beach!
We stayed 5 nights at Augusta Bay. A 5-minute walk away is the beautiful, uncrowded Jolly Beach, perfect for swimming. We visited the southern part of the island to see the beaches of Little Exuma, especially Tropic of Cancer Beach and the one next to Santana’s restaurant. We also went to Hopper Bay Beach, where you can see a group of about ten turtles near a small boat dock. We went kayaking from the hotel.
Then we stayed at Paradise Bay in the north. While we hadn’t encountered the sandfly problem before, here it’s important to know that the beach is infested with them. The hotel’s restaurant, which is very good otherwise, even provides repellent for guests— that’s how bad it is! From there, we visited Coco Plum Beach, Three Sisters Beach (where you can snorkel), and others. We also went kayaking again.
We ended our trip with 3 nights on Stocking Island at Saint Francis Resort. If we were to do it again, we’d spend 4 nights there. The island has many trails, snorkeling spots, and you can get around by kayak. We saw rays, turtles, and even a harmless shark, as well as some beautiful beaches. Plus, the welcome at Saint Francis was the warmest we experienced.
Be aware that everything is very expensive on the island—much more so than in the English-speaking Caribbean. Clearly, the purchasing power of Americans plays a role. They say everything is imported, but that’s the case on all islands! Some places only accept cash or charge a 5% fee if you pay by card.
We didn’t find the locals particularly friendly. If you’ve been to Dominica or Grenada, for example, you’ll know what I mean.
We explored the whole island. The beaches are stunning, but the roads tell a different story. There are a lot of car wrecks—some houses have two or three in front of them, which really spoils the landscape. There are also many abandoned, ruined houses.
The vegetation is lush but not tropical, and you’ll be served apples and oranges for breakfast because there are very few exotic fruits.
As for the climate in March, there was no humid atmosphere, and the heat was very manageable (26°C). It was very pleasant. The seawater, however, is definitely cooler than in the Indian Ocean, for example.
There’s not much snorkeling, but we knew that before coming.
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Best regards.
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Hi there,
Just a quick update on the state of this road: the unpaved section has been significantly improved. You can now complete the journey in about 4 to 4.5 hours instead of 6. Great news! For me, the most hazardous part is actually the paved section before and after Sagua. It encourages higher speeds, but there are deep, dangerous potholes that appear without warning. Be careful!
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Just a quick update on the state of this road: the unpaved section has been significantly improved. You can now complete the journey in about 4 to 4.5 hours instead of 6. Great news! For me, the most hazardous part is actually the paved section before and after Sagua. It encourages higher speeds, but there are deep, dangerous potholes that appear without warning. Be careful!
I’d also note that despite occasional power outages—which casas and paladares know how to handle—tourism remains perfectly doable. Cuba is still magical! I was just told, with a touch of humor, that the official German government website suggests bringing your own toilet paper and candles… Hmm, maybe an update on rechargeable gear would be in order…
Best,
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Hi! We’re visiting Guadeloupe for the first time in January. We’re looking for accommodation near Deshaies to start our trip. A quiet spot, not too far from the sea so we can walk there. Any suggestions are welcome!
Have a great day!
Have a great day!
Hi everyone,
I’ve just returned from 15 days in Cuba and wanted to share my experience along with some practical tips for those planning a trip there.
1. Formalities:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after your return. - E-visa: apply online (payment by bank transfer only via the embassy of your choice): evisacuba.cu or through an agency novelacuba.com (card payment on their site—I had to go with this option and recommend it because the Cuban embassy in Brussels apparently never received my transfer...) - Digital D’Viajeros form to fill out a few days before departure - Mandatory health insurance
2. Currency/budget - Plan your entire budget in cash; card payments are rare, and withdrawals at the official rate aren’t great. Local currency: CUP (Cuban Peso)
Official rate: ~1 € = 120 CUP → state-run restaurants and shops.
Current unofficial rate: ~1 € = 490 CUP → private restaurants, local bars, Cuban-owned shops.
For exchanging money: The easiest way: ask at your *casa particular* or a local restaurant.
3. My itinerary (15 days)
Havana: 3 nights Viñales: 3 nights Cienfuegos: 1 night Trinidad: 3 nights Varadero: 3 nights Havana: 1 night
Flights: Air Europa from Brussels, with a layover in Madrid. Smooth and pleasant service. Accommodations: *casas particulares* booked on Airbnb except for Varadero (Iberostar Playa Alameda hotel).
Practical tips
Install a VPN before departure (many blocked sites like Instagram and Airbnb).
Download the El Toque app to check the updated CUP exchange rate.
Internet via ETECSA SIM card (~30 € for 10 GB) or Wi-Fi in hotels/*casas*.
Download Maps.me for offline maps.
Intercity travel: shared taxi, Viazul bus, or private transfer through your *casa*.
Electricity: 110 V, sometimes 220 V.
Bring basic supplies and medications—hard to find there.
Cuba requires flexibility and openness: regular power outages, unstable internet (especially in Trinidad).
Finally, my personal take:
I loved my trip to Cuba! It’s a disorienting yet deeply charming country. Poverty is visible, especially in Havana: crumbling buildings, many people asking for help (but no safety concerns!). Bringing some essentials for locals is a good idea (soap, toothpaste, medications, clothes...). Cubans are incredibly welcoming and friendly. A few basics in Spanish help a lot! The vibe is unique: music in every street, musicians everywhere, salsa all around. The variety of landscapes is amazing: colonial architecture, paradise beaches, mountains, waterfalls, lush valleys—you’ll never get bored. Only downside: Varadero, less authentic than the rest of the country, but I expected that! Overall, it was a wonderful trip, and I’d love to go back!
Don’t hesitate if you have any questions! 😉
I’ve just returned from 15 days in Cuba and wanted to share my experience along with some practical tips for those planning a trip there.
1. Formalities:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after your return. - E-visa: apply online (payment by bank transfer only via the embassy of your choice): evisacuba.cu or through an agency novelacuba.com (card payment on their site—I had to go with this option and recommend it because the Cuban embassy in Brussels apparently never received my transfer...) - Digital D’Viajeros form to fill out a few days before departure - Mandatory health insurance
2. Currency/budget - Plan your entire budget in cash; card payments are rare, and withdrawals at the official rate aren’t great. Local currency: CUP (Cuban Peso)
Official rate: ~1 € = 120 CUP → state-run restaurants and shops.
Current unofficial rate: ~1 € = 490 CUP → private restaurants, local bars, Cuban-owned shops.
For exchanging money: The easiest way: ask at your *casa particular* or a local restaurant.
3. My itinerary (15 days)
Havana: 3 nights Viñales: 3 nights Cienfuegos: 1 night Trinidad: 3 nights Varadero: 3 nights Havana: 1 night
Flights: Air Europa from Brussels, with a layover in Madrid. Smooth and pleasant service. Accommodations: *casas particulares* booked on Airbnb except for Varadero (Iberostar Playa Alameda hotel).
Practical tips
Install a VPN before departure (many blocked sites like Instagram and Airbnb).
Download the El Toque app to check the updated CUP exchange rate.
Internet via ETECSA SIM card (~30 € for 10 GB) or Wi-Fi in hotels/*casas*.
Download Maps.me for offline maps.
Intercity travel: shared taxi, Viazul bus, or private transfer through your *casa*.
Electricity: 110 V, sometimes 220 V.
Bring basic supplies and medications—hard to find there.
Cuba requires flexibility and openness: regular power outages, unstable internet (especially in Trinidad).
Finally, my personal take:
I loved my trip to Cuba! It’s a disorienting yet deeply charming country. Poverty is visible, especially in Havana: crumbling buildings, many people asking for help (but no safety concerns!). Bringing some essentials for locals is a good idea (soap, toothpaste, medications, clothes...). Cubans are incredibly welcoming and friendly. A few basics in Spanish help a lot! The vibe is unique: music in every street, musicians everywhere, salsa all around. The variety of landscapes is amazing: colonial architecture, paradise beaches, mountains, waterfalls, lush valleys—you’ll never get bored. Only downside: Varadero, less authentic than the rest of the country, but I expected that! Overall, it was a wonderful trip, and I’d love to go back!
Don’t hesitate if you have any questions! 😉
Hi,
Several comments recommend bringing mosquito repellent. Got it. Are there a lot of them during the day? And by the seaside? Or are they more present (and voracious) in the evening? Thanks.
Hi everyone,
I bought tickets for Martinique in April 2025 for 15 days, without really looking into what there was to do, and with the idea in my head that we could: hike, do water activities, swim, visit rum distilleries...
But... I’m worried I’ll get bored over 15 days and I’m considering maybe spending 1 week in Guadeloupe and 1 week in Martinique. For example, I don’t know how to spend a whole afternoon at the beach. 2 hours, max.
I know it’s a personal question and depends on how you travel, but I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve done it: - Did you feel too rushed? - Is it reasonable to do? - How much time would you spend on each island?
I’m open to all your comments.
Thanks so much.
Have a lovely afternoon! :)
I bought tickets for Martinique in April 2025 for 15 days, without really looking into what there was to do, and with the idea in my head that we could: hike, do water activities, swim, visit rum distilleries...
But... I’m worried I’ll get bored over 15 days and I’m considering maybe spending 1 week in Guadeloupe and 1 week in Martinique. For example, I don’t know how to spend a whole afternoon at the beach. 2 hours, max.
I know it’s a personal question and depends on how you travel, but I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve done it: - Did you feel too rushed? - Is it reasonable to do? - How much time would you spend on each island?
I’m open to all your comments.
Thanks so much.
Have a lovely afternoon! :)
Hi everyone,
I’ve just returned from Havana after an 18-day stay from October 8th to 26th.
From Montreal, you have to go through Varadero Airport. I now break up the airport-to-Havana transfer with a SUPER pleasant stopover halfway, in the historic village of Hershey (Camilo Cienfuegos). Quebecer Anne-Marie has renovated a century-old house there, and every stay of mine feels like a peaceful oasis. Amazing food, a pool, impeccable hospitality—I highly recommend it! Casa Cub'Anita.
Life for Cubans remains just as tough, made even harder right now by tropical viruses spread by mosquitoes. It’s absolutely essential to protect yourself properly. That said, the purchasing power of foreign currency hasn’t changed much, despite skyrocketing inflation. As of today, the US dollar exchanges for nearly 500 pesos on the "informal market."
This was my first time staying in Vieja, in the non-touristy part. I discovered some great little restaurants run by the younger generation. Affordable, excellent food, and remarkably friendly service: El Chanchulero (it was about time I checked it out—unbeatable value for money!), El Café, Jibaro...
Cubans are still as warm and welcoming as ever—bicitaxis, servers, markets. Speaking the language is a huge plus.
Essentials to download from abroad before you leave: the maps.me offline maps app, and the La Nave taxi/motorcycle taxi app, which is super efficient for getting around the capital.
Sending my best to all my friends in Oriente as the hurricane passes, especially to Baracoa. I’m planning to visit this winter.
Cheers!
renaldito
I’ve just returned from Havana after an 18-day stay from October 8th to 26th.
From Montreal, you have to go through Varadero Airport. I now break up the airport-to-Havana transfer with a SUPER pleasant stopover halfway, in the historic village of Hershey (Camilo Cienfuegos). Quebecer Anne-Marie has renovated a century-old house there, and every stay of mine feels like a peaceful oasis. Amazing food, a pool, impeccable hospitality—I highly recommend it! Casa Cub'Anita.
Life for Cubans remains just as tough, made even harder right now by tropical viruses spread by mosquitoes. It’s absolutely essential to protect yourself properly. That said, the purchasing power of foreign currency hasn’t changed much, despite skyrocketing inflation. As of today, the US dollar exchanges for nearly 500 pesos on the "informal market."
This was my first time staying in Vieja, in the non-touristy part. I discovered some great little restaurants run by the younger generation. Affordable, excellent food, and remarkably friendly service: El Chanchulero (it was about time I checked it out—unbeatable value for money!), El Café, Jibaro...
Cubans are still as warm and welcoming as ever—bicitaxis, servers, markets. Speaking the language is a huge plus.
Essentials to download from abroad before you leave: the maps.me offline maps app, and the La Nave taxi/motorcycle taxi app, which is super efficient for getting around the capital.
Sending my best to all my friends in Oriente as the hurricane passes, especially to Baracoa. I’m planning to visit this winter.
Cheers!
renaldito
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Cuba this summer and I’d love some info: Is travel insurance really necessary? Can you easily get online by buying a local SIM card or internet card? Apparently, there’s only one currency now—is it better to exchange money with your *casa particular* host? Thanks for all these valuable tips!
I’m planning a trip to Cuba this summer and I’d love some info: Is travel insurance really necessary? Can you easily get online by buying a local SIM card or internet card? Apparently, there’s only one currency now—is it better to exchange money with your *casa particular* host? Thanks for all these valuable tips!
Hi!
I’m heading to Havana for a week in February. I’m looking for a casa particular that’s affordable, clean, and cozy. Since I’ll be traveling alone, I’d love a place where people are welcoming!
Also, I really want to stay in Habana Vieja...
Do you have any recommendations for places you’ve stayed before? I tried booking the casa particular *Chez Nous*, but I never got a response.
Thanks!!
Julie
Do you have any recommendations for places you’ve stayed before? I tried booking the casa particular *Chez Nous*, but I never got a response.
Thanks!!
Julie
Hi fellow travelers,
We're heading to Martinique for a month from mid-January to mid-February.
Our plan is to explore the island by staying in three different spots for 10 days each, on both sides of the island...
Could you share some great tips on where to stay for an authentic experience and what we absolutely must see?!
Thanks for your help! Voyamie.
Thanks for your help! Voyamie.
Hi there,
In March 2026 I’ll be at the Club Med in Sainte-Anne and I’m thinking of heading to Les Saintes at the end of my stay.
Do you know what the most convenient way to get there is?
Thanks so much!
Hi everyone.
For those traveling to Cuba and then planning to go to the USA, you won’t be able to get your ESTA for the United States (same applies) if you’ve been to Cuba after 2021 due to a law passed by Donald Trump (a law that Biden later repealed).
You’ll have no choice but to apply for a visa, which costs 200 € (and approval isn’t guaranteed even after payment).
If you’re in this situation, the process to get this visa will be a real hassle—you’ll need to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. It’s the only embassy in France authorized to handle your application after you’ve filled out the visa request on the official website.
If you try to cheat by applying for an ESTA for the USA, just know that the American administration has ways of finding out if you’ve been to Cuba. 😉
What would you recommend at the airport to get to Ste Anne... Taxis or rideshares?
Can you point me to a good one?
I'm looking for information on the islands of Puerto Rico, St. Barthélemy, and St. Martin for March 2026.
What is there to see, and if possible, prices or tips, please?
Thanks, Michel V.
Hi everyone,
I’ve booked a room at an all-inclusive in Varadero for January 2025. This will be my 3rd trip to Cuba, the last one was 20 years ago.
The whole tipping and gratuities thing is wearing me out. Even though it’s an all-inclusive package, I think it’d be rude not to leave any tips for the bar staff and the housekeeping team, especially.
Here’s what I’m aiming for: 1. Not feeling stingy (or “feeling cheap” for my fellow Quebecers); 2. Not disrespecting Cubans by offering junk or, on the flip side, going overboard and creating unrealistic expectations for future tourists; 3. And most importantly, not spending the whole week wondering if I’m doing the right thing. I’m going there to relax, not to stress!
Can you help me out? Thanks! 🙂
I’ve booked a room at an all-inclusive in Varadero for January 2025. This will be my 3rd trip to Cuba, the last one was 20 years ago.
The whole tipping and gratuities thing is wearing me out. Even though it’s an all-inclusive package, I think it’d be rude not to leave any tips for the bar staff and the housekeeping team, especially.
Here’s what I’m aiming for: 1. Not feeling stingy (or “feeling cheap” for my fellow Quebecers); 2. Not disrespecting Cubans by offering junk or, on the flip side, going overboard and creating unrealistic expectations for future tourists; 3. And most importantly, not spending the whole week wondering if I’m doing the right thing. I’m going there to relax, not to stress!
Can you help me out? Thanks! 🙂
Hi there,
I’m planning our upcoming trip to Guadeloupe. We’re looking for a place to stay where human contact is a priority, with air conditioning, close to the beaches, and clean.
We’ve had several responses. After doing some research online, I was able to rule out quite a few options. But now I’m deciding between: Kokoplaj, tipayoune (issue: no AC, just fans—is that a problem?), Résidence Le Zandoli, and Gwada Rêves.
If you have any info or experiences to share, I’d love to hear them! ;-) Thanks for your help! See you soon...
We’ve had several responses. After doing some research online, I was able to rule out quite a few options. But now I’m deciding between: Kokoplaj, tipayoune (issue: no AC, just fans—is that a problem?), Résidence Le Zandoli, and Gwada Rêves.
If you have any info or experiences to share, I’d love to hear them! ;-) Thanks for your help! See you soon...
Hi,
I’ll be staying at Playa Pesquero in Holguin and I’d like to rent a bike or scooter to explore the area. Do you know how I can do that? Thanks
Hi there,
I’m heading to Blau Costa Verde next February and I’d like to rent a scooter to explore the area. Are the roads around Holguín in good condition? I’m thinking of renting one for 1–2 or 3 days to visit Holguín, Gibara, and Banes on my own. Do you recommend it (I’ve got a great sense of direction)? How much does it usually cost to rent a scooter for 2 or 3 days (or a car, though I’d prefer a scooter)? Also, are there any other interesting spots nearby you’d suggest checking out?
Are there any excursions to Santiago, and how much do they typically cost?
Thanks! :)
I’m heading to Blau Costa Verde next February and I’d like to rent a scooter to explore the area. Are the roads around Holguín in good condition? I’m thinking of renting one for 1–2 or 3 days to visit Holguín, Gibara, and Banes on my own. Do you recommend it (I’ve got a great sense of direction)? How much does it usually cost to rent a scooter for 2 or 3 days (or a car, though I’d prefer a scooter)? Also, are there any other interesting spots nearby you’d suggest checking out?
Are there any excursions to Santiago, and how much do they typically cost?
Thanks! :)
hi
need some info—I’m torn between Martinique and Guadeloupe for April.
also, which island is bigger in terms of trip length?
thanks in advance
Hi,
When booking the tickets to Martinique for our family, I must have made a mistake, and on one of the tickets, the third first name is wrong. Michel instead of Joel...
CORSAIR Airlines is telling me I have to buy a new ticket for 1200 € (Christmas period). I think that’s outrageous and, above all, impossible for us.
I’m desperate—I feel like Corsair is really overdoing it.
Is there any recourse? How can I get out of this?
I’m throwing this message in a bottle, just in case...😕
Thanks for your help.
I’m throwing this message in a bottle, just in case...😕
Thanks for your help.
Hi
On a layover in Pointe-à-Pitre—where’s a good place to stay for one night?
Thanks
Hi, I'm looking for a car rental for January 2020 in Guadeloupe. There are several agencies I've seen reviews for—has anyone dealt with Autolagon before?
Thanks!
Hi there,
I’m heading to Bayahibe this winter. It’ll be my second time in this country, where I feel so at home. I’d love to bring back some Larimar jewelry... the real deal.
I saw some at a shop in the Iberostar Dominicus hotel, but I’m guessing I can find it cheaper elsewhere. Maybe in La Romana?
If anyone has any tips on this, I’d really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
I’m heading to Bayahibe this winter. It’ll be my second time in this country, where I feel so at home. I’d love to bring back some Larimar jewelry... the real deal.
I saw some at a shop in the Iberostar Dominicus hotel, but I’m guessing I can find it cheaper elsewhere. Maybe in La Romana?
If anyone has any tips on this, I’d really appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
Since the DR is right next to Haiti, I was wondering if voodoo is also practiced there? And how can you attend these ceremonies?
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Hi,
Some wholesalers are canceling trips to Cuba, but I still want to visit my favorite country. For those who went there in November, what’s the situation like at all-inclusive hotels?
Thanks
Some wholesalers are canceling trips to Cuba, but I still want to visit my favorite country. For those who went there in November, what’s the situation like at all-inclusive hotels?
Thanks