Original post
Par curiosité,
les femmes de chambre, qu'aiment-elles recevoir des touristes comme petits cadeaux ou attentions? Qu'est-ce qui leur est plus profitable?
Et les jardiniers?
Petits cadeaux pour les femmes de chambre à Cuba
by Chantal1964
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
des pesos
Cuba: Sirenis la Salinas 11, Colonial Cayo Coco 13, Ibérostar Laguna Azul 14, Sol Sirenis Corail 16
RD: Punta Cana 10
Mexique: Riviera Maya, Reef 10, Allegro Playacar 12, Riu Tequila14-15 Sandos 15, Reef Coco Beach 17
Jamaïque: Sunset Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios 12
Je suis d'accord. Les choses ont beaucoup changées à Cuba, elles peuvent se procurer ce qu'elles veulent avec des cuc. Faites à Cuba comme vous le feriez au Canada, en Europe, etc.
Et.n'oubliez pas que les femmes de chambres, comme les autres employés des hôtels, sont parmi les mieux nantis à Cuba. Elles n'ont pas besoin de charité mais plutôt de pourboire quand elles ont fait un bon travail.
Et.n'oubliez pas que les femmes de chambres, comme les autres employés des hôtels, sont parmi les mieux nantis à Cuba. Elles n'ont pas besoin de charité mais plutôt de pourboire quand elles ont fait un bon travail.
S'il vous reste un peu de place dans vos bagages, pensez au savonnettes .
C'était une denrée rare très appréciée il y a quelques années, je ne pense pas que ça ai beaucoup changé !
Bon séjour
C'était une denrée rare très appréciée il y a quelques années, je ne pense pas que ça ai beaucoup changé !
Bon séjour
S'il vous reste un peu de place dans vos bagages, pensez au savonnettes .
C'était une denrée rare très appréciée il y a quelques années, je ne pense pas que ça ai beaucoup changé !
Bon séjour
En effet, ça n'a pas changé, car même il y a quelques années, ce n'était pas une denrée rare... Il y a parfois des manques de savon ou d'un autre produit, mais il ne dure que quelques jours. Et le savon que vous amenez coûte beaucoup plus cher que le savon cubain. Alors donnez de l'argent à la.place, ils seront plus contents
C'était une denrée rare très appréciée il y a quelques années, je ne pense pas que ça ai beaucoup changé !
Bon séjour
En effet, ça n'a pas changé, car même il y a quelques années, ce n'était pas une denrée rare... Il y a parfois des manques de savon ou d'un autre produit, mais il ne dure que quelques jours. Et le savon que vous amenez coûte beaucoup plus cher que le savon cubain. Alors donnez de l'argent à la.place, ils seront plus contents
Je ne voulais pas relancer le débat, mais j'ai trouvé une réponse intéressante sur "l'autre forum" :
La dame semble connaitre le sujet, son mari étant Cubain:
mon p'tit grain d'sel Posté par lesmyrtilles (2 messages) le 1 août 2011 à 02:34 hello, quelle chance d'aller à Cuba, nous c'est pour l'an prochain... mon mari est cubain. je voulais juste dire que même si on trouve de tout dans les magasins là-bas, la qualité n'a rien à voir, par exemple, un savon français peut durer 1 mois alors qu'à Cuba, après 3 passage sous l'eau c'est de la soupe, et là-bas, le savon sert pour tout... les cheveux, la peau, les vêtements...
Voilà ce que j'emmène à chaque fois: savon, dentifrice, lessive à main, shampooing, brosse à dent, rasoirs, CULOTTES ( les cubains se fabriquent des slips avec des chutes de draps...), vieux vêtements standards comme jeans et tee-shirts, stylos, vernis à ongle même entamés, échantillons de parfums, un couteau suisse ou un tournevis multitêtes sont de très beau cadeau pour un homme, et une trousse de couture sera un vrai trésor pour une femme... je vous souhaite un très beau voyage profitez bien...
mon p'tit grain d'sel Posté par lesmyrtilles (2 messages) le 1 août 2011 à 02:34 hello, quelle chance d'aller à Cuba, nous c'est pour l'an prochain... mon mari est cubain. je voulais juste dire que même si on trouve de tout dans les magasins là-bas, la qualité n'a rien à voir, par exemple, un savon français peut durer 1 mois alors qu'à Cuba, après 3 passage sous l'eau c'est de la soupe, et là-bas, le savon sert pour tout... les cheveux, la peau, les vêtements...
Voilà ce que j'emmène à chaque fois: savon, dentifrice, lessive à main, shampooing, brosse à dent, rasoirs, CULOTTES ( les cubains se fabriquent des slips avec des chutes de draps...), vieux vêtements standards comme jeans et tee-shirts, stylos, vernis à ongle même entamés, échantillons de parfums, un couteau suisse ou un tournevis multitêtes sont de très beau cadeau pour un homme, et une trousse de couture sera un vrai trésor pour une femme... je vous souhaite un très beau voyage profitez bien...
Ce message date de 2011!!! Les choses ont changées. Et je ne suis pas d'accord avec ce qu'elle écrit. Le savon lux à 0.35cux est très bien.
Je connais bien Cuba, et j'ai moi aussi été mariée avec un Cubain, j'y passais mon temps avec la famille et non dans les hôtels. Maintenant, je fais les deux.
Je connais bien Cuba, et j'ai moi aussi été mariée avec un Cubain, j'y passais mon temps avec la famille et non dans les hôtels. Maintenant, je fais les deux.
Ben voyons ..... il est grand temps que le gens se réveillent .... je connais Cuba depuis des années et J, y ai des amis. Depuis, beaucoup de choses ont changé et change graduellement et c'est tant mieux .
Je crois que vous ne connaissez pas grand chose de Cuba ou si peu .
Si vous vous voulez faire l'aumône il y a des organismes qui s'occupent de donner , de faire des dons aux familles qui en ont réellement besoin et non pas de distribuer vos articles ici et là , à des personnes qui n'en pas besoin ...et qui souvent les revendent sur le marché noire pour quelques pesos afin d'avoir des articles qui leurs "plaisent " et non à votre goût personnel.
Faites tout comme vous le feriez chez vous lorsque vous partez en vacances .....point final !
Si vous connaissez tant que ça Cuba je me permets de vous dire que si vous donnez de l'argent US en pourboire , les cubains paient un 10% de pénalité pour recevoir en échange des pesos CUC ce qui n'est pas du tout à leur avantage et doivent attendre à banque (cadeca) souvent un bon moment afin de pouvoir les échanger .
Tant qu'aux cadeaux ils ne savent plus quoi en faire ..... c'est ni plus ni moins rire d'eux !
Apportez vous des cadeaux semblables lorsque vous vous voyagez au Québec ....
Bien au contraire ... je donne de bons pourboires comme je le fait ici chez nous et lors de tous mes voyages. Un bon pourboire est aussi pour un bon service rendu peu importe l'endroit où vous vous trouvez.
Je ne vous sermonne pas du tout mais seulement que vous puissiez savoir que l'argent US n'est pas la meilleure solution pour donner des pourboires à Cuba . Un point c'est tout !
"Bien au contraire... je donne de bons pourboires...""l'argent US n'est pas la meilleure solution"
Mais alors, vous donnez vos pourboires dans quelle monnaie à Cuba ?
Il y a deux ans, j'ai suivis des cours d'espagnol à Cuba. Je donnais à la fois de l'argent et des cadeaux. La dame qui m'enseignait l'espagnol était âgée, autant que moi. Ne voulant pas l'offenser, je lui ai remis des brosses à dents et de la pâte dentifrice en précisant que se serait pour ses petits enfants. (en espagnol évidemment) Elle m'a répondu, non, se sera pour moi. Surprenant !
Mais alors, vous donnez vos pourboires dans quelle monnaie à Cuba ?
Il y a deux ans, j'ai suivis des cours d'espagnol à Cuba. Je donnais à la fois de l'argent et des cadeaux. La dame qui m'enseignait l'espagnol était âgée, autant que moi. Ne voulant pas l'offenser, je lui ai remis des brosses à dents et de la pâte dentifrice en précisant que se serait pour ses petits enfants. (en espagnol évidemment) Elle m'a répondu, non, se sera pour moi. Surprenant !
Depuis le temps que je vais à Cuba ...je donne mes pourboires en pesos , CUC c'est leurs monnaies
Ce que je peux donner lorsque je vais à Cuba , ce sont à des organismes (Not Just et la Fondation Dubois en autre ) qui s'occupent de distribuer des articles à des familles qui en ont le plus besoin ... tout comme vous le feriez chez vous. Dispensaire , hôpital , école garderie, ou alors vous connaissez très bien des familles hors des complexes hôteliers et cela depuis quelques années non seulement pour y avoir été quatre fois lors de vos voyages à Cuba.
Une petite gâterie , boîte de chocolat , des friandises est encore plus apprécié qu'une brosse à dent et tout le reste que les gens apportent mis à part des matériaux de constructions .
Les Cubains sont charmants , sont vrais , sont fiers sont heureux de converser avec nous et vous donne en plus les plus belles leçons de vie que partout ailleurs ...
Bon voyage à Cuba , la prochaine fois que vous irez . .....
Les cadeaux sont toujours appréciés
oui ils ont de plus en plus accès à pas mal tous sauf que plusieurs de ces produit sont à des prix de loin plus chère que nous les payons ici
J'apporte encore des bas culotte et je vous assure qu'on m'en redemande à chaque voyage et ce même si je suis un habitué de certains hôtels les jardiniers sont preneur pour des gant de travail creme à rasé etc etc
j'ai souvent apporté des toutous et c'est aussi appréciés
oui ils ont de plus en plus accès à pas mal tous sauf que plusieurs de ces produit sont à des prix de loin plus chère que nous les payons ici
J'apporte encore des bas culotte et je vous assure qu'on m'en redemande à chaque voyage et ce même si je suis un habitué de certains hôtels les jardiniers sont preneur pour des gant de travail creme à rasé etc etc
j'ai souvent apporté des toutous et c'est aussi appréciés
Bonjour,
Je pense aussi qu'il est plus intéressant pour les femmes de chambres de recevoir un pourboire en CUC, même chose pour les employés de bar ou de restaurants. Le pourboire est un témoignage d'appréciation comme ailleurs et ne doit pas être automatique. Pour les jardiniers par contre, il nous est arrivé de donner des petits outils, ruban à mesurer ou calculatrice solaire. Nous allons à Cuba depuis 15 ans et le pays a bien changé...les besoins aussi.
Je pense aussi qu'il est plus intéressant pour les femmes de chambres de recevoir un pourboire en CUC, même chose pour les employés de bar ou de restaurants. Le pourboire est un témoignage d'appréciation comme ailleurs et ne doit pas être automatique. Pour les jardiniers par contre, il nous est arrivé de donner des petits outils, ruban à mesurer ou calculatrice solaire. Nous allons à Cuba depuis 15 ans et le pays a bien changé...les besoins aussi.
Bonjour Chantal1964, je donne toujours les 2 ; pourboires en argent et petits cadeaux.
J'essaie de me mettre à leur place et j'offre des choses qu'elles s'achèteraient peut-être mais après avoir acheté l'indispensable, donc pas sûr qu'il reste de l'argent pour cela ;) et je mets le tout dans des sacs cadeaux réutilisables.
L'homme sage pointe la lune; l'idiot regarde le doigt.....
Bonjour,
Nous allons à Cuba depuis plusieurs années, nous donnions des CUC et des cadeaux à la femme de chambre, mais depuis quelques années nous donnons toujours des CUC et nous avons remplacé les cadeaux par du chocolat et des bonbons emballés individuels et la femme de chambre est très contente, elle apporte les gâteries pour ses enfants, et nous donnons des CUC au restaurant, au bar et les jardiniers sont les seuls à qui on donne des cadeaux.
Bonne journée
Diane
Diane41
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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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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.
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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…
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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,
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