Je suis en train de planifier un voyage en République Dominicaine, et je voudrais savoir ou se trouve les plus jolies plages ? Il parait qu'elles sont coté caraibes ???
Sable blanc, eaux turquoises et pas trop de monde !!!
LES PLUS BELLES PLAGES SONT EN THAILANDES MAIS CAYO LARGO A CUBA EST UNE ILE DE REVE CAR TU TE TROUVE DIRECTEMENT SUR LA MER DES CARAIBES ET NON LOIN IL Y A LA PLAYA PARAISO/sirena QUI TE COUPERA LE SOUFFLE TELLEMENT ON DIRAIT LEAU DUNE PISCINE.
JE TE JURE JEN REVIENS ET JE SUIS AMOUREUSE DE CET ILE PUIS TRANQUILLE CAR IL NY A PAS BEAUCOUP DHOTEL A TOI DE DECIDER
Je reviens tout juste de RD(1 juin), plus précisément de Punta Cana. La plage était très belle, sable blanc et eaux turquoises 🙂 C'est un bel endroit, j'ai été au Occidental Flamenco mais il est très grand, vous voudrez p-e un complexe plus petit.
...côté caraibes...!😄 la R D c'est les caraibes tout court, les grandes caraibes pour être exact...
A mon avis les plus belles plages se trouvent dans la baie de Samana et tout autour, tu as un endroit comme Las Galeras qui est fantastique et dés que tu t'éloignes à pied de 4 à 500 métres, tu trouves des criques de sable blanc pour toi tout seul.
C'est vraiment le paradis, rien à envier à la Thailande ou à Cuba....
🙂 sans contexte le cote caraibe surtout boca chica plage immense et au moins 100 a 150 metre avant d'avoir l'eau au dessus de la taille en plus elle est chaude le pied.Bayibe pas mal non plus ou les plage de punta cana mais hors de prix .Donc conclusion boca chica petite ville agreable pas tres propre mais bon c'est les caraibe ils se laissent vivre.eaux turquoise a souhait je te conseille l'hotel hamaca .Cote plage pour l'ambiance ou cote jardins pour le calme .Hotel tres propre et soigne bouffe a profusion et choix toujours presque illimite.bonne vacance et n'hesite pas la republique c'set magique.
Les plus belles plages sont dans le nord de l'île : Playa Bonita, Playa Rincon, Playa Esmeralda (c'est l'Océan Atlantique, comme à Punta Cana, mais l'eau est à 27°).... et la presqu'île de Samana est sans doute la plus belle région de l'île.
Si tu cheche un petit complexe sur une plage naturelle, il y a Hotel Playa Esmeralda du coté caraibe, et l'hotel est construit sur la plage, un endroit magnifique ou le week end tu pourra aussi rencontrare la populatio locale sur la plage. L'hotel est petit et peu connu, et il pratique le tout inclus pour 50$/jour avec open bar et buffet. certaines chambrs ont vue mer, et se lever avec la vue sur ces plages, c'est un vrai reve. Jette un coup d'oeil au site www.hotel-playaesmeralda.com
En fait, je suis allé sur le site de l'hôtel Playa Esmeralda. Je l'ai trouvé sympa. Je suis même rentré en contact avec eux pour avoir une propale pour Juillet 2004 (110 €/j tout compris pour 4 : 2 adultes et 2 enfants). Je ne sais pas si c'est dans les clous. MAIS, je n'ai pas trop d'infos sur l'hôtel lui-même. Les chambres sont-elles grandes et propres ?, Y mange-t-on bien ? Comment est la plage ? La mer est-elle turquoise ? N'est-on pas trop isolé ? Y-a-t-il un village ou une ville pas loin ? Y-a-t-il une animation la journée, le soir ? Y-a-t-il une discothèque sur place, pas loin ? Propose-t-il des excursions ? Propose-t-il des planches à voiles, des pédalos, l'équipement de plongée ? Y-a-t-il un cybercafé pas loin ? Est-on entouré d'hôtels ? ...
Bref, toi qui est un connaisseur du coin, si tu peux me donner ces infos et d'autres eventuellement pour que je puisse valider ce choix.
je rentre tout juste de Rep Dominicaine (du 22/09 au 06/10)...
jai fait 2hotels, lhotel Occidental Flamenco, et le Coral Canoa Beach.
le 1er etait a punta cana, la classe, chambre spacieuse, piscine immense, mini bar dans la chambre a volonté, clim, tele (satellite) baignoire, sdb assez gde ... pour la bouffe ct buffet le matin, a midi ct soit le snack au dessus de la piscine (hamburger a faire soit mem, fritte, saucisse, hot dog, glace, boisson, salade etc.... a volonté bien sur), ou alors ct le buffet aussi pour le midi.
le soir ct soit resto mexicain, soit resto italiens, soit resto "gourmet", seul le dernier était avec supplément. les otres ils etait a volonté, il fallait juste les reserver avt 16h pas loin dla reception.
la plage, nikel, la couleur de leau incroyable, les vagues agité?? fo arreter de deconner, c pa la coté baske, ya d vague certe, mais bon je mattendai a pire quand jai lu tout les msg sur ce forum qui parlai de la plage de punta cana. plage immense a perte de vue... le pied.
le soir par contre, attention au moustik, si vou comptez vous balader le long dla plage kan il fai nuit, asperger vous de produit anti moustik.
les chambres etait faite tout les jours, et mem tres bien faite. aucun probleme de ce coté la.
pas besoin de deposer des "echantillons" de marque etc comme jai pu le lire sur ce forum, un sourire quand on vou sourit, un bjr quand on vou dit bjr ça suffit ... et le ménage a tjr ete bien fait.
ensuite jai ete au Coral Canoa a Bayahibe et là ...
un conseil, ny aller pas en hors saison, lhotel etait vide, ils ont fermer les resto a themes
en avai ouvert juste deux, litalien et le mexicain, a tour de role!! et a notre arriver on a eu le droit a 2 (!!) coupons pour manger UNE fois a litalien, et UNE fois au mexicain ... alors ke dans la brochure de Nouvelle Frontiere ils etait dit que ct a volonter etc... bref on c fai avoir de ce coté là. de plus le buffet dans le gd resto etait ouvert le matin et le soir pour le ptit dej et le diner mais pour le midi il fallai manger a la plage obligatoirement vu le peu de monde kil y avai il nouvrai pa les deux en mem temps... bref nivo organisation ct pa le top. les chambres non plus, mini bar ridicule, un frigo poser par terre, ki fai le bruit dun tracteur la nuit ... la clim ct soit mode "frigo" soit ct le "four" au choix.
la salle de bain, trop petite je pense, la porte ne souvre pa en grand, vu ke les toilettes son juste derriere bref ...
mais ça reste un hotel tres "mignon", les jardin, les batiment sont superbe, seul hic ce sont les chambres, pour un hotel "hilton" il pourrai fair un effort. pour avoir ete au Coral Hamaca de BOCA CHICA, jpeu vou dire ke c le jour et la nuit. enfin conclusion, le Coral Canoa fau y aller en haute saison pour profiter pleinement de lhotel.
piscine assez grande, deux jacuzzi a disposition (enfin nous il les faisai fonctionner a tour de role, ou d foi okun d deux vu ke lhotel etait au 3/4 vide ...)
la plage est belle, jconfirme ya d cailloux just avt dentrée dans l'eau, le truc c kil fo se mettre le plus a droite possible de la plage qand on est face a la mer, il y en a bcp moins).
pour les excursion sortez de lhotel et aller negocier les prix directement a Bayahibe, pour exemple on nous a vendu lile Saona au depart de punta cana a env 80€ avec nouvelle frontiere, au depart de Bayahibe la fille de nouvelle frontiere nous la vendu a seulement 6€ de moins ... alors ke bayahibe - ile saona, c un transfert en car punta cana - bayahibe aller retour en moins, et ke ce transfert par exemple si vou le faite en taxi coute env 75€ ... ah vous de voir comment ils nous arnaque.
si vou voulez le calme jvou conseille le Coral Canoa en haute saison, sinon jvou conseille le Viva Dominicus qui a lair bcp plus "vivant" et lorsquon etait a bayahibe il avai lair detre assez bien rempli contrairement a lautre hotels.
pour vous aider jai relever le prix des transfert au depart de punta cana en taxi pour les destination suivante :
le 1er prix cest laller, et le deuxieme cest laller / retour :
HIGUEY -->> 45$ >> 55$
Sabana De La Mar -->> 120$ >> 150$
Viva Dominicus (bayahibe) -->> 80$ >> 90$
Juan Dolio -- >> 95 $ >> 110$
Boca Chica -->> 100$ >> 115$
St Domingue -->> 120$ >> 150$
Samana -->> 300$ >> 325$
Las Terrenas -->> 300$ >> 325$
La Romana -->> 80$ >> 90$
Uvero Alto -->> 33$ (pour info Uvero Alto cest lendroit ou se trouve le Sirenis, lhotel vendu par Switch en combiné il me semble pour ceux qui recherche d info sur cet hotel)
et pour le transport a linterieur de punta cana compter de 8 à 15$ env, tout depend de lendroit ou vou voulez vou rendre.
tout c prix sont des prix au depart de lhotel Flamenco (donc au depart de punta cana) et sont des prix de TAXI. en guagua ça doit couter moins cher, mais bon cest pas la RATP la bas, accrocher vous pour voyager en guagua sur des longues distance.
au niveau de la metéo, agréablement surpris, sur 15jour une seule apres midi de plui le jour de notre arrivée, puis plus rien jusqua départ quasiment (je suis rester que 2jour au coral canoa, vue kil ne ma pa plus je suis retourner au Flamenco (le transfert retour a ma charger bien sur, merci nouvelle frontiere), par contre Bayahibe, ct bcp plus couvert que punta cana.
un dernier conseil, necouter pas tout les conseil filer sur les forums, suivez votre 1er choix, allez y au feeling. moi jai ete au Flamenco, je me suis taper les travaux du gd resto, et du resto dla plage, mais ça ma pas empecher daimer cet hotel qui avai plus de point positif que de point negatif ... le coral pareil, c un bel hotel, mais mieu vaut aller au dominicus sincerement ...
et puis si cest un voyage en amoureux (comme ce fut le cas pour moi, un voyage de pré-noces 😄😉😎) mem une tempete naurait pa pu gacher mes vacances 😊
Je planifie un voyage à Punta Cana du 3 au 10 Janvier...
J'aimerais savoir comment vous avez trouver le Occidental Flamenco... Je suis présentement à la recherche d'une belle hôtel avec plein d'activités...
Merci !
😏
Je rencontre enfin quelqu'un qui peut me donner des info sur Canoa Coral. Mes parents et leurs amis organisent un voyage là-bas en Janvier sur 3 semaines. Ils allaient avant à Case Del Mar et ont voulu changer. Je cherche le maximum d'info pour eux. Ce sont des papys et manies de 73 ans et plus mais dynamiques. Evidemment, ce que tu dis des chambres me fait un peu peur, ainsi que l’histoire des cailloux. Je cherche également à savoir quels sont les buildings qui son situés pas trop loin de la plage et du restaurant principal. Tu dis qu’il faut plutôt aller à droite de la plage pour les cailloux. Qu’il a-t-il sur cette partie de la plage en termes d’arbres, de bâtiments.
Enfin je prends tous les info que tu pourras me donner, si tu le veux bien.
On a du y aller en meme temps au flamenco (octobre 2003) 🙂 moi aussi j'ai eu les travaux... mais je trouvai ça sympa, comme ça on mangeai sur la plage. je suis en train de regarder pour retourner en RD, je cherche un hotel dans le meme style, j'espere ne pas etre decu 🙂
je reviens tout juste de rd (9 fevrier) la plus belle plaghe que jai vue et la plage playa grande a rio san juan .. plage privé mais accessible pour touriste cest a coupé le souffle !
Que de croire en ses reves c'est lessens meme du reveil et de la continuiter.
ca c'est vrai playa grande c'est la plus belle plage et je suis aller à Cofresi, Costambar, Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete, Punta Cana(suis playa grande de près), Bayahibe
Les plus belles plages sont à PUNTA CANA, en tout cas elles sont immenses, l'eau turquoise et le sable très blanc. C'est magique en plus il y a très peu de vague. Si tu as l'occasion d'aller à SAONA, c'est une ile déserte (sauf de touristes:!!!!!!) et magnifique, c'est une excursion à ne pas louper pour les amoureux de belles plages et d'eau cristaline
Je suis curieuse de savoir si les personnes qui vantent Punta Cana ont voyage ailleurs en Republique Dominicaine .... C'est juste une question - les reponses ne seront pas notees !😉
Oui j'ai fais la guadeloupe, martinique, st barth (je suis un fan des caraibes), st lucie, tobago et trinidad (carnaval). Par contre je n'ai jamais fais Cuba, qui à mon avis doit posseder de magnifiques plages également, mais je dois dire que pour ma part Punta Cana est un régal quand on recherche les grandes et surtout larges plages de sable blanc et d'eau turquoise
Je compte partir en republique dominicaine en mars prochain (en famille) et je desire connaitre la plus belle plage. J`espere recevoir vos suggestions. Merci…
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J'en suis a mon tout premier voyage et j'aimerais savoir d'apres vous, ou sont les plus belles plage, Cuba ou la République. Je recherche un endroit ou l'on…
Je voudrai savoir quelles sont les meilleures plages de punta cana? J'ai remarqué que punta cana c'est 40 km de plages... autant par exemple quand je regarde…
Hi,
I’m heading to Miches for the first time in November 2026 (no all-inclusive)
I’d love some tips to plan my stay—accommodation, things to do, places of interest nearby.
Is it possible to rent a scooter there to get around the area?
Thanks for your help!
Best,
hi there, I’ve never been to Martinique. my girlfriend, who’s of Martinican origin, has never had the chance to go either (life isn’t always easy). now we can plan a little trip, but we don’t know which airline to choose or how to find accommodation.
basically, I need quite a few tips.
we’re planning to go in September—no chance before that.
Hi! We spent 10 wonderful days in Guadeloupe’s gorgeous climate. Our arrival got off to a shaky start, though—our suitcase was left behind at the airport, which caused quite a stir. A police officer was shouting at us to get out and cross the street. Then, a taxi driver refused to take us after we showed him where we were staying, right by the port in Pointe-à-Pitre. "No one goes there," he told us! Good thing we arrived during Carnival! A second driver finally agreed to take us, and I can say he knew every nook and cranny of his city.
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!
Hi, I’m leaving soon for Punta Cana—what kind of money should we bring: Canadian dollars, US dollars, or are we forced to exchange once we arrive?
Thanks
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.
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.
Thanks so much for your help
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…
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!
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!
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.
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’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.
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.
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?!
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. 😉
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.
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!
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...
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?
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...😕
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!
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.
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?
