quelqu'un est aller dans le sud avec cette compagnie ????
pour un voyage dans les 1000, 00 quelle destination est la meilleure???
J'aimerais avoir des commentaires merci à l'avance
Chantal
Original post
Go Travel Direct pour la République Dominicaine?
by Cpetit
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Excellent sur toute la ligne. clique sur mon nom d'usager, et tu verras mon compte rendu de Azzurro Beach a Cabarete du 30 ou 31 decembre dernier. J'en était a mon 8eme voyage en Republique Dominicaine, et Cabarete a ete le coup de coeur. en plus, il est bien moins chere que Punta Cana ou La Romana .
S'il y a qqchose que je peux faire pour t'aider, n'hésite pas
S'il y a qqchose que je peux faire pour t'aider, n'hésite pas
Excellent sur toute la ligne. clique sur mon nom d'usager, et tu verras mon compte rendu de Azzurro Beach a Cabarete du 30 ou 31 decembre dernier. J'en était a mon 8eme voyage en Republique Dominicaine, et Cabarete a ete le coup de coeur. en plus, il est bien moins chere que Punta Cana ou La Romana .
S'il y a qqchose que je peux faire pour t'aider, n'hésite pas
Tout depend de la semaine, de l'epoque dans la saison, et des aubaines du jour 😛
GTD donne un rendement excellent... j'espere voyager avec leur cie aerienne a mon prochain sejour en RD *croise les doigts*
S'il y a qqchose que je peux faire pour t'aider, n'hésite pas
Tout depend de la semaine, de l'epoque dans la saison, et des aubaines du jour 😛
GTD donne un rendement excellent... j'espere voyager avec leur cie aerienne a mon prochain sejour en RD *croise les doigts*
"Impose ta Chance, serre ton Bonheur contre ton Coeur et va vers ton Risque..."
Bonsoir Chantal,
J'ai voyagé l'an dernier avec Go Travel Direct, destination La Romana : c'était très, très bien : trajet en avion superbe, nourriture au-delà des attentes, service A+. Point très fort de Go Travel : on nous donne notre bracelet (un objet artisanal, c'est beaucoup mieux que du plastique...) et notre clé de chambre dans l'autobus en allant de l'aéroport à l'hôtel, comme ça pas d'attente une fois rendus. Sur place, la représentante de Go Travel était très serviable; notre hôtel et son personnel était aux petits soins pour nous et cherchaient constamment à s'améliorer (cet hôtel, le Grand Caribe, n'est pas disponible cette année - rénos ou abandon? c'était un essai pour eux à ce qu'on m'a dit). Nourriture au-dessus de la moyenne. MAIS... comme pour toutes les destinations soleil, ça vaut la peine d'apporter avec soi le vin qu'on veut boire si on aime le bon vin : c'est toujours le point faible de tous les resorts... Nous avions, heureusement, pris le temps d'acheter le max de bouteilles permises à la boutique hors-taxes. À l'hôtel, on nous a permis de les boire dans les restos sans problème.
Les plages de La Romana étaient OK : on en a vu des plus belles, mais aussi des pires. Mais la proximité de l'île de Saona fut une occasion de belles découvertes : une expédition d'une journée en catamaran de 40 pieds nous a menés vers cette île superbe où on a fait la dolce vita et mangé comme des rois, pour ensuite faire une saucette dans ce qu'ils appellent la piscine : une partie de la mer près de l'île où l'eau est peu profonde (2 -3 pieds) et où on peut trouver des étoiles de mer. La balade en catamaran à elle seule valait la peine : être en haute mer dans les Caraïbes, d'un bleu que je n'avais jusqu'alors jamais vu, c'était à couper le souffle... et le rhum, bien sûr, coulait à flots... Bref, une journée superbe, inoubliable...
Je repars cette année avec Go Travel pour Cabarete en mars car j'ai confiance! Nous avons choisi Azzuro Beach Club sur un coup de coeur et d'après les commentaires positifs de jlparisien!
Bonne nuit et j'espère que ces quelques renseignements seront utiles.
Danielle🙂
J'ai voyagé l'an dernier avec Go Travel Direct, destination La Romana : c'était très, très bien : trajet en avion superbe, nourriture au-delà des attentes, service A+. Point très fort de Go Travel : on nous donne notre bracelet (un objet artisanal, c'est beaucoup mieux que du plastique...) et notre clé de chambre dans l'autobus en allant de l'aéroport à l'hôtel, comme ça pas d'attente une fois rendus. Sur place, la représentante de Go Travel était très serviable; notre hôtel et son personnel était aux petits soins pour nous et cherchaient constamment à s'améliorer (cet hôtel, le Grand Caribe, n'est pas disponible cette année - rénos ou abandon? c'était un essai pour eux à ce qu'on m'a dit). Nourriture au-dessus de la moyenne. MAIS... comme pour toutes les destinations soleil, ça vaut la peine d'apporter avec soi le vin qu'on veut boire si on aime le bon vin : c'est toujours le point faible de tous les resorts... Nous avions, heureusement, pris le temps d'acheter le max de bouteilles permises à la boutique hors-taxes. À l'hôtel, on nous a permis de les boire dans les restos sans problème.
Les plages de La Romana étaient OK : on en a vu des plus belles, mais aussi des pires. Mais la proximité de l'île de Saona fut une occasion de belles découvertes : une expédition d'une journée en catamaran de 40 pieds nous a menés vers cette île superbe où on a fait la dolce vita et mangé comme des rois, pour ensuite faire une saucette dans ce qu'ils appellent la piscine : une partie de la mer près de l'île où l'eau est peu profonde (2 -3 pieds) et où on peut trouver des étoiles de mer. La balade en catamaran à elle seule valait la peine : être en haute mer dans les Caraïbes, d'un bleu que je n'avais jusqu'alors jamais vu, c'était à couper le souffle... et le rhum, bien sûr, coulait à flots... Bref, une journée superbe, inoubliable...
Je repars cette année avec Go Travel pour Cabarete en mars car j'ai confiance! Nous avons choisi Azzuro Beach Club sur un coup de coeur et d'après les commentaires positifs de jlparisien!
Bonne nuit et j'espère que ces quelques renseignements seront utiles.
Danielle🙂
J'espere avoir pu t'aider pour Azzurro, si tu veux des photos, envoie-moi ton e-mail, il me fera plaisir
merci moi aussi je suis aller l'an dernier au grand caribe hotel et j'ai bien aimé sauf que j'ai trouvé la plage un peu moin belle qu'à cuba... mais le reste pour le prix rien à dire...
J'y étais la 3ième semaine de mars 2005..
merci
mais là je veux des nouvelles sur les places à aller pour cette année je veux y aller la première semaine d'avril
bye
OK, que veux tu savoir, il me fera plaisir de te repondre
Salut merci de vouloir répondre à mes questions c'est très gentil de ta part
Surtout que mon choix s'arrête de plus en plus pour l'azzurro
C'est plaisant de parler à des gens qui sont allé
as-tu été à sosua avec la navette de l'hôtel si oui peut-on faire de la plongé en apné et emprunter des masques tuba et palmes, , , c'est vrai que la bouffe est meilleur à l'hotel de sosua qu`à l'azzurro
ensuite as-tu fait des excurssions si oui quelle ça t'a couter combien tu as aimé...
la bouffe avez- vous réservé à des resto qu'avez -vous mangé c'était bon!
avez-vous été au resto de fruits de mers? c'était bon il y avait quoi à manger
quand tu te promène à pieds proche de l'hotel il y a quoi?
as-t-il un bureau de change proche de l'hotel
La bouffe : le buffet de pâte et grillade ça resemble à quoi? il y a des sauce et des pâtes et des ingrédients comme quoi? les grillade il y a quoi comme viande...
as-t-il des chaise sur la plage pour tout le monde et des serviettes....
as-tu besoin de souliers pour aller dans la mer
boisson qu'avez vous aimé
dans le bâtiment 7 est-ce que tu peux avoir la vue sur la mer
a-t-il des cours de danse et des cours d'espagnol?
le jour à part les sports nautique quelle activité les géo font-il
merci à l'avance c'est super sympat de ta part
Chantal
Surtout que mon choix s'arrête de plus en plus pour l'azzurro
C'est plaisant de parler à des gens qui sont allé
as-tu été à sosua avec la navette de l'hôtel si oui peut-on faire de la plongé en apné et emprunter des masques tuba et palmes, , , c'est vrai que la bouffe est meilleur à l'hotel de sosua qu`à l'azzurro
ensuite as-tu fait des excurssions si oui quelle ça t'a couter combien tu as aimé...
la bouffe avez- vous réservé à des resto qu'avez -vous mangé c'était bon!
avez-vous été au resto de fruits de mers? c'était bon il y avait quoi à manger
quand tu te promène à pieds proche de l'hotel il y a quoi?
as-t-il un bureau de change proche de l'hotel
La bouffe : le buffet de pâte et grillade ça resemble à quoi? il y a des sauce et des pâtes et des ingrédients comme quoi? les grillade il y a quoi comme viande...
as-t-il des chaise sur la plage pour tout le monde et des serviettes....
as-tu besoin de souliers pour aller dans la mer
boisson qu'avez vous aimé
dans le bâtiment 7 est-ce que tu peux avoir la vue sur la mer
a-t-il des cours de danse et des cours d'espagnol?
le jour à part les sports nautique quelle activité les géo font-il
merci à l'avance c'est super sympat de ta part
Chantal
Pour commencer, je ne veux, en aucun cas dénigrer Go Travel direct car, c'est la 2e fois que je voyage avec eux. L'an dernier ce fût pour aller à Cuba et j'ai été très satisfaite presque sur tout, 1erement le prix est très abordable. Satisfaite d'une première expérience j'ai renouvellée cette année, mais là j'ai été très déçue. Tout a mal débuté, d'abord un retard de 22 heures causé par la tempête, je veux bien croire mais 10 heures plus tard aurait suffit puisque la tempête était terminée depuis belle lurette. On ne nous a d'aucune façon dédommagé pas mème une p'tite santé. Nous qui croyions notre petit bungalow de l'hôtel Vitalis très sympa. c'est avéré un vrai cauchemar. Les fourmis, les fenêtres en lattes qui ne barrent même pas, la serrure dont on a eu des probl. presque durant les 2 sem. après maintes demandes qui se sont avérées vaines. Voilà, le mardi de notre 2e sem. 2 hommes de maintenance sont venus réparer ( je dirais plutôt bullshiter) la fameuse serrure en question. Comme par hasard le soir même notre charmant p'tit bungalow s'est fait dévaliser (heureusement que les passeports et autres cartes étaients danse le coffre-fort) ainsi que nos voisins. Le responsable de la sécurité est venu, nous a posé qlqes questions mais n'a pas voulu qu'on appelle la police! Même si on ns avait affirmé qu'un agent de sécurité ferait les 100 pas, je ne vous dis pas qu'on a pas fermé l'oeil de la nuit doutant presque tout le staff et ce, juqu'à notre départ heureusement c'était le vendredi (3 nuits sans fermer l'oeil). Le lendemain, on nous a demandé si on acceptait la foule au cas ou on aurait fait de fausses déclarations.
Et, pour finir, je crois qu'il manquait de tout nous étions à attendre les assiettes, les ustensiles, etc etc. sans parler du vin qui sans être un connaisseur n'est pas buvable. Le côté positif, on est allé chercher le soleil, il a fait beau presque tous les jours.
Claire Robitaille
Salut a toi, Ma famille et moi revenons de Don Juan Beach resort a la Romana en Republique Dominicaine. Le prix etait bon = $899.00 par personne tout-inclus.
La plage de Boca Chica est superbe. Il n'y a pas de vagues, c'est comme une grande piscine pas tres profonde, avec de l'eau cristaline. Personnellement j'ai adore. Nous avons fait du Kayak, de l'apne et l'animation etait bonne. Mes adolescents etaient bien occupe. Il ya quelques hic.....c'est une plage publique et les domincains s'y rendent surtout les fin de semaines. Il y a des vendeurs de toute sorte sur la plage (pas trop achalant). Il suffit de dire non merci ou les ignores. Le voyage en autobus de l'aeroport la Romana a Boca Chica est environ 90 minutes. Ca nous a donne la chance de voir la vie dominicaine. La bouffe a l'hotel etait bonne, la vue de la salle a manger etait superbe. Les chambres etaient propre. Un petit pourboire aide un peu. Pour un trois etoiles, Bravo. Je le recommande. (voyage fait du 2 au 9 mars 2006)
EliseM de Montreal
moi j'ai ete au don juan beach resort et j'ai adoré tu peux aller voir mon profil pour les détails pour $998.00
tout inclus, même assurance multirisques incluse, et j'avais réservé mes places aller/retour, je peux t'envoyer des photos si tu le désires.
un premier voyage est comme un premier amour on l'oublie jamais!!!
Envoie-moi ton e-mail pour les photos
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The rest of the trip was amazing. The locals were smiling and welcoming. We didn’t rent a car, so we didn’t get around much and stayed in the Deshaies area—a real favorite. Plage de la Perle (Pearl Beach) truly lives up to its name! We liked Grande Anse Beach less because of the steep slope, which made walking tricky, and the waves were pretty intense. The landscapes in this part of the island are idyllic. We visited the botanical garden—it’s worth it—and went to the port in Deshaies. If we ever go back, we’ll rent a vehicle so we can explore more, because taxis aren’t cheap!
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Good evening,
We spent 15 days in the Exumas from March 10th to 26th.
I should mention that we’ve been traveling to islands for 20 years, so we have points of comparison when it comes to prices, hospitality, and landscapes.
First, the flights: we now live in the Luberon, so we flew out of Marseille. We took British Airways, which we’ve used several times before for trips to the English-speaking Caribbean and which offers flights via Heathrow. We had an overnight layover in London on the way out, then a flight to Nassau. After that, we took a connecting flight (we had a 2h20 layover in Nassau, which was more than enough) to George Town with Sky Bahamas. We had initially ruled out Bahamasair based on very negative reviews. Immigration and customs were very quick.
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.
In conclusion: beautiful beaches, sand as fine as flour, and a very pleasant climate. But honestly, for the same cost, I’d prefer the Seychelles, for example.
Best regards.
We spent 15 days in the Exumas from March 10th to 26th.
I should mention that we’ve been traveling to islands for 20 years, so we have points of comparison when it comes to prices, hospitality, and landscapes.
First, the flights: we now live in the Luberon, so we flew out of Marseille. We took British Airways, which we’ve used several times before for trips to the English-speaking Caribbean and which offers flights via Heathrow. We had an overnight layover in London on the way out, then a flight to Nassau. After that, we took a connecting flight (we had a 2h20 layover in Nassau, which was more than enough) to George Town with Sky Bahamas. We had initially ruled out Bahamasair based on very negative reviews. Immigration and customs were very quick.
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.
In conclusion: beautiful beaches, sand as fine as flour, and a very pleasant climate. But honestly, for the same cost, I’d prefer the Seychelles, for example.
Best regards.
Hi everyone,
I need your help!
We’re planning to visit Guadeloupe and take the opportunity to explore the islands La Désirade, Marie-Galante, and Les Saintes.
I initially planned to rent a car to get around the main island and then take the ferry from Trois-Rivières to Les Saintes, from Pointe-à-Pitre to Marie-Galante, and finally from Saint-François to La Désirade, following that route.
But when I look at it, the car would sit unused for at least 5 days—that’s paying for nothing🙁.
Is it possible to go from LES SAINTES to MARIE-GALANTE and then on to LA DÉSIRADE? We’d only rent a car once we arrive in Saint-François to continue exploring Guadeloupe. What do you think—is that doable?
This trip is planned for April.
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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!
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,
renaldito
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,
renaldito
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