salut,
je pars le 9 juillet dans la caraïbes (sainte lucie, barbade, trinidad, curaçao, aruba). si quelqu'un peut m'indiquer des guest-houses et des car rental pas trop cher, ce serait super. je suis preneur aussi de conseils ou d'infos sympas... Merci
Voici quelques casas particulares 😉 où tu pourras séjourner lors de ton voyage à Tirinidad. Pour les autres destinations, je n'ai malheureusement rien. Je te souhaite de très bonnes vacances et amuse-toi bien. Bye - Louis1
Type CASAS MODERNES À TRINIDAD
ZOBEIDA RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ très très bien1Calle Maceo (anc. Gutierrez) # 619, e/Pablo Pichs Giron (Guaurabo) y Piro Guinart (Boca) Tél. (41) 99-41-62
Belle construction moderne avec salon, salle à dîner, patio. Toutes les pièces sont décorées avec beaucoup de goût. Casa calme et près de Piro Guinart qui mène au quartier sans autos. Deux chambres climatisées avec salle de bain privée (eau chaude) à l’étage (à l’écart de l’activité) et un patio au rez-de chaussée, l'autre à l'étage. Zobeida prépare de succulents repas qu'elle peut servir dans la salle à dîner ou sur le patio.
HOSTAL ROCA VERDE Alberto Aragon très très bien2Calle Simon Bolivar (Desengano) # 166, e/Clemente Pereira (Cruz Verde) y Pedro Zerqueira (Aguacate) Tél. (41) 99-48-07Casa moderne avec sa façade grillagée assez inusitée, merci. Aménagement habilement décoré. Deux chambres avec salles de bain privées. Petit passage avec petit patio menant au patio extérieur au fond. Service de repas sur place.
HOSTAL DAVIMART - David Mar très très bien3Calle Anastasio Cardenas (Reforma) #518, e/Simon Bolivar (Desengano) y Santiago Escobar (Anguarilla) Tél. (41) 99-45-48
Casa et paladar dont la façade (face à l'école secondaire) peut sembler rébarbative mais les lieux sont joliment décorés.
Deux chambres climatisées avec salles de bain privées. Accès aux chambres par carte électronique (comme dans les Hilton). Immense patio pour le paladar. Balcon privé pour les chambres du haut. Cuisine élaborée, grand choix de plats.
DRA. MARIA MARGARITA Y FERNANDEZ MAYEA très beau, pas vu salle de bain4Calle Simon Bolivar # 113 entre Pedro Zerquera y Anastasio Cárdenas. Tél. (41) 99-32-26.
Maison moderne d'où on voit la mer et les montagnes. Aménagement propre, sécuritaire et confortable. Belle terrasse pour la lecture ou la farniente. Deux grandes chambres climatisées, chacune avec un lit double et un simple. Salles de bain privées. Réfri partagé dans salle à dîner. Conseils touristiques, services de transport. Stationnement privé.
HOSTAL EL MORO - Sr. Renier Ortolachipe Puigbien, mais 1 chambre étroite5Calle Antonio Guiteras (anc. Mercedes) 14, entre Anselmo Rodriguez y Linea. Tél. (41) 99-26-19
La calle Guiteras descend à la voie ferrée (Linea) et à l'arrêt du petit train qui traverse la vallée San Luis, la célèbre vallée de Los Ingenios (sucrières). Renier propose deux chambres climatisées, (lit double; deux simples) chacune avec salle de bain privée et moderne. Entre les chambres (l'une aux deux lits simples et sdb orange est à l'arrière), se trouve un patio ensoleillé et calmos. Joli mini salon, grandes cuisine et salle à dîner. Repas servis, stationnement sur la rue en face.
HOSTAL ROSARIO y PEDRO (Adian Ruiz) Très bien6Calle Frank País (anciennement del Carmen) # 219 entre Lino Pérez y Antonio Guiteras, à 50m des bureaux de la Educación Municipal.Tél. (41) 99-38-87
Casa située au centre de la ville, à 500m du parc central Cespedes et à égale distance du nouvel hôtel Iberostar. Au deuxième étage d'un immeuble moderne où Adian loue depuis 10 ans, deux chambres climatisées, chacune avec salle de bain privée et une terrasse avec vue du quartier colonial. Repas : petits déjeuners à 3-4cuc, dîners, de 6 à 8cuc. Tarif : 20cuc par chambre par nuit (2 adultes max.)
Ces casas datent de l'époque coloniale, entre 1650 et 1890
CASA COLONIAL YOLANDA MARIAtrès très beau 7Calle Piro Guinart (anciennement Boca) # 227, entre V. Suyama (Nueva) et Independencia. Face à la nouvelle entrée du terminus de Viazul et à deux pas du quartier piétonnier.
Réservez par téléphone : du Canada ou des USA • 011 53 41 99 6381
Yolanda Maria loue des chambres depuis longtemps, se souciant des moindres détails qui en font une hôtesse modèle. Elle accorde sans hésiter tout le temps qu'il faut pour rendre les séjours chez elle des plus mémorable. Yolanda propose quatre chambres au choix, et prépare les petits déjeuners et les dîners mais le règlement impose une limite de deux chambres louées par soir. Comme l'une est réservée jusqu'en avril 2007, nous affichons ci-bas les photos de la grande chambre qui reste à louer et que nous préférons, à l'étage (accessible par l'imposant escalier en cuisine), avec ses deux grands lits doubles, un espace de lecture, une salle de toilette et douche rénovée en 2004 et une terrasse ombragée avec (depuis notre photo), un treillis de plantes et des vues uniques de la mer et des montagnes : une des plus belles chambres de casa particular cubaine.
BERNARDO Y SARAHItrès très beau8Calle Francisco Pettersen (Callejon del Coco) No. 179, entre Mario Guerra (Olvido) y Francisco J. Zerquera (Rosario) Tel. (41) 99-35-43
Rue très calme dans sa coloniale au mobilier ancien, Bernardo propose deux chambre climatisées à deux lits avec ventilateur et salles de bain privées de style états-unien des Fifties, avec bidet. La fenêtre de la chambre donne sur le patio où vous pourrez prendre le petit déjeuner ou le dîner. Un escalier en tire-bouchon mène au toit pour une vue d'ensemble du quartier.
CASA FONT - ILEANA BETANCOURT y Concepcion Echemendiatrès très beau9Font Calle Gustavo Izquierdo (anciennement Gloria) # 105, entre Piro Guinart (Boca) y Simon Bolivar (Desengaño), face au restaurant Las Ruinas de Lleoncy, à côté de la casa de Miguel Suarez à qqes pas de Plaza Mayor. Tél. (41) 99-36-83
La grande coloniale date de la fin du XVIIIe siècle, avec un jardin et patio intérieurs, offrant sécurité, propreté et confort. Les deux salons sont meublés de jolies pièces du 19e, dont un piano, téléscope, de la porcelaine, une horloge impressionnante, etc. Deux grandes chambres ventilées (sans climatisation, les autorités ne permettant pas de percer les murs d'une casa historique) ouvrant sur le patio, chacune avec leur salle de bain privée. Repas servis dans la salle à dîner, ouverte sur le patio. Stationnement assuré.
HOSTAL COLINA SRA. MIRTA COLINA Veresateguї très très beau 10
Calle Maceo (Gutiérrez) #374, e/Colon y Lino Perez (San Procopio). Tel. (41) 99-23-19
Coloniale de 1800 au vaste patio le long duquel se trouve la casa originale avec salon et salle à dîner meublés à l'ancienne. La terrasse cum patio avec ses arbres, plantes et un puits ont été bonifiées d'une cuisine (dîners à 7-8cuc, petits déjeuners à 3 ou 4cuc) et bar couvert et même un rare barbecue. Au fond, deux chambres avec salles de bain privées contiennent chacune un lit double et un simple. Tarifs : 25-30cuc par nuit par chambre (2 adultes max.)
CARLOS ENRIQUE y GALINKA très beau 11Calle Ruben Martinez Villena (anc. Real) # 33-B entre Francisco J. Zerquera (Rosario) y Simon Bolivar (Desengaño).Tél. (41) 99-32-26.
Située au centre du quartier historique avec une très belle vue de la Plaza Mayor, cette superbe coloniale du XVIIe siècle, composée de grandes pièces offre une vue privilégiée de la grande place et ses musées. Un couple âgé vous propose deux chambres climatisées et ventilées dont les portes s'ouvrent sur un somptueux patio intérieur. Salles de bain privées, téléphone et service de lessive, stationnement assuré.
HOSTAL CASA MUÑOZtt beau 12Julio César Muñoz Cocina y Rosa Orbea Cerrillo et leurs deux filles Carmen et MariaCalle Jesus Maria (José Marti) #401 entre Angarilla (Fidel Claro) y Olvido (Stgo Escobar) Tel. (41) 99-66-88
Cette coloniale est une des mieux connues et aménagées de la ciudad. Équipement de service modernisé en 2005. Rosa et Julio louent deux chambres climatisées avec salles de bain indépendantes.
CASA TAMARGO - Sra. Matilde Echeverriac’est bien 13Calle Francisco J. Zerquera (anc. Rosario) # 266, entre Maceo (Gutiérrez) y Marti (Jesus Maria). Tél. (41) 99-66-69
Cette coloniale bien au centre de la ville, s'ouvre sur un grand salon meublé d'objets antiques. Une salle à dîner à aire ouverte puis un vaste patio ou la clientèle peut jouir de la cuisine de la dueña et au fond duquel, à l'écart de la rumeur de la rue se trouvent deux chambres climatisées avec salles de bain privées. À l'étage des chambres se trouve une terrasse ensoleillée. Matilde est charmante et attentive.
JESUS FERNANDEZ salle de bain – ne semble pas propre 14Calle Vicente Suyama (Nueva) # 34, entre Piro Guinart (Boca) y Ciro Redondo (Guaurabo). Tél. (41) 99-65-95.Coloniale offrant du confort sur deux étages, une petit terrasse ombragée et une autre au soleil avec vue unique de la tour du Museo de la Lucha, symbole de Trinidad. Les proprios habitent le r.d.c antique et ont aménagé des chambres à l'étage dans un ensemble très sympatique. Trois petites mais charmantes chambres ventilées, dont deux climatisées avec salle de bain privée se partageant deux coins-terrasses sur le toit. Téléphone et service de lessive. À la terrasse du rez-de-chaussée : dînette et frigo partagé (bière et eau) avec système de confiance : les clients notent leurs consommations. Jus et cafés à volonté. Desayuno 3cuc, repas 6-7cuc. Stationnement assuré (2cuc) à 15 mètres. Le patron, très sympa, offre le mojito de bienvenue.
BALBINA CADAHIA BENAVENTE pas vu salle de bain 15
Calle Maceo (anc. Gutiérrez) # 355, entre Lino Perez (San Procopio) y Colón. Tél. (41) 99-25-85.
Belle et grande maison, de type colonial, avec patio et jardin intérieurs dans un aménagement méticu-leux, sécuritaire et confortable. Trois grandes chambres ventilées, dont deux climatisées avec salle de bain privée. Conseils touristiques. Stationnement assuré dans un garage tout près.
LA NAVARRAtt bien 16Calle Piro Guinart (anc. Boca)# 210, entre Maceo (Gutiérrez) y Gustavo Izquierdo (de la Gloria), à qqes pas du terminus d'autocars Viazul et de l'entrée du quartier historique et piétonnier. Tél (41) 99-34-26
Deux grandes chambres confortables : une avec deux lits doubles (matrimonios) et salle de bain privée attenante. La seconde avec un lit double et un simple et salle de bain privée (verte) à part. Patio fleuri et ombragé, récemment rénové, bonne cuisine. Téléphone et service de lessive.
Située entre la célèbre tour du Museo de la Lucha contra Los Bandidos et la Plaza Mayor, cette coloniale date de 1700 et fut bien conservée dans sa forme originale avec ses planchers de marbre et son grand patio. Mercedes qui y vit avec sa fille, propose deux chambres climatisées (une avec un double et un simple, l'autre avec deux lits doubles), chacune avec salle de bain privée. Un vaste patio partiellement ombragé pour se reposer, prendre du soleil ou déguster les repas.
« Consacre beaucoup de temps à te parfaire, ainsi tu n’en auras plus pour critiquer les autres » (Florlouis)
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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?
