On nous conseille d'apporter des petits cadeaux pour la femme de chambre, avez-vous des suggestions? Je pars pour Holguin, Cuba en janvier prochain et j'ai lu sur les forums que ces cadeaux étaient appréciés. Mon fils de 11 ans désire aussi apporter des choses pour les enfants, mais quoi?
Je crois que les femmes de chambre sont overload de petit cadeau....mais par contre on oublie souvent les jardiniers ou les ceux qui occupe des postes sans tips...
Moi j'apporte souvent des trucs pour bébé, bas, bavettes, suce etc...aussi des médicaments pour enfants et je m'informe à savoir qui a des enfants etc...aux femme de chambre je laisse des sous car j'ai lu que de tout façon elles revendent souvent les cadeaux qu'elles recoivent. Par par mauvaise foi mais parce que justement elles en recoivent beaucoup!
essaie si tu le peux de laisser les cadeaux à des gens qui ne travaillent pas forcément dans le tourisme, ou du moins hors des hotels.
Tout ce qui concerne hygiène et beauté est très apprécié : parfums, savons, shampongs, maquillage, mais aussi sous vêtements, vêtements pour enfants, stylos...
Des crayons de couleurs, des livres à colorier, de la pâte à modeler, des brosses à dent pour enfants, des vêtements pour enfants, des petites voitures, des auto-collants, enfin, tout ce qu'un enfant aime avoir ...Dans les magasins à 1 dollars ton garçons saura trouver pleins de petites choses, pour les enfants cubain... ah oui des bonbons aussi même si ce n'est pas essenciel dans une vie toujours agréable à recevoir 😉
moi j'apporte tu linge qu'il nous vont plus et qui sont encore très bon, des sandale que n'aime plus l'an passer j'ai appoter des chose comme ca et elle était très contente toujours un petit mot de remerciement mon lit, cette année j'apporte des chandails un peu plus chaud, des brassières presque pas porte,
quand on va à Holguin dans un includido on ne voit quasiment que des gens qui travaillent dans le tourisme, sauf à aller en ville sur un parcours bien préparé ;
qu'importe meme si les femmes de chambre recoivent mille cadeaux à Cuba rien ne se perd, cela fera un heureux quelque part !
Nous avons donnés des petits pots de crèmes échantillons à la femme de chambre et à notre serveuse au buffet, et des tubes de pâte à dent+mini bouteilles de shampoing pour les gens que nous croisions (jardiniers, etc.) Pour les autres, on a tippé. Mais sinon c'est toujours correct aussi juste du tip.
Je pars pour Varadero, seule, du 08 Dec. au 22 Dec., hôtel Las Palmas et si mes moyens me le permettent à la Havane.
Concernant les cadeaux, je n'entends que produits de toilettes, stylos etc...
J'aurais voulu, en ce qui me concerne, débarquée avec une bonne cargaison de préservatifs et de lubrifiant.
Mes questions : Si personne n'en parle, est-ce parce qu'il n'y a aucun problème pour s'en
procurer ? 🤪
Puis-je avoir des ennuis en me lançant dans ce genre de distribution ? 😠
J'ai déjà lu que les préservatifs étaient très apprécier! Lubrifiant....euh....moi je serais gener d'en offrir mais....si c'est pratique pour nous...ce l'est certainement pour eux aussi! 😉😛
bien non pas d'ennui de parler de ça..les préservatifs c'est une bonne idée le problème du VIH c'est mondial...Il y a aussi des médicaments qui sont appréciés.
je te recommande d'aller aussi à la Havane ça vaut vraiment le coût
Comme l'ont mentionné plusieurs personnes les stylos et les crayons sont grandement appréciés. J'aimerais ajouter que nos amis cubains ont besoin de papiers de toute sorte (papier à lettre, bloc-notes, petits agendas (ils adorent) papiers style "napkins, kleenex". Ils apprécient également les petits sacs de fruits séchés avec arachides pour remplacer les bonbons. 😉
désolé😕,
je ne sais pas comment faire le calcul du nombre d'once en milli-litre...
et tu as aussi raison, c'est peut-être différent la quantité que tu peux ramener en france versus le canada..😊
bjr si tu par a cuba des linges pour les enfants moi jai tout donner des bonbons tout les produits savon bain douche ect ect....... laisse tout ici mous on peut tout acheter la pas ces tres chere et il son tous si gentil prend auci bc des piece de money bonne vc
Bonjour Syloup, effectivement les petits cadeaux sont très appréciés à Cuba, ils ont surtout besoin de savonnettes, bain moussant, rasoirs, mousse à raser, dentifrice, brosses à dents, échantillons de parfums, cosmétiques, que vos pouvez laisser, en toute discrétion aux personnes rencontrées . U salaire à Cuba représente, enviro 15 pesos convertibles /mois, alors ça leur fera toujours plaisir de recevoir de notre part à tous toutes ces attentions .
Pour les enfants, ce qu'ils apprécient par dessus tout ce sont les "caramelos " (les bonbons ), mais je prends toujours avec moi des body, des soquettes, des slips et culottes, et laissent ma trousse se santé ( aspirine, anti-inflammatoire, Biaphine, Cétavlon, pansements, compresses, désinfectant etc.. )
Je vous souhaite alors un superbe voyage à Cuba y "Viva Cuba ".
Attention! Si vous exportez des cigares cubains, il y a des choses à savoir en ce qui a trait aux règles cubaines. Évidemment, je ne peux pas me prononcer sur la limite établie par les autorités françaises, il faut vérifier auprès d'elles et bien sûr, cela peut changer d'un pays à l'autre. Au Canada, par exemple, pour l'alcool c'est deux bouteilles de 750ml qui sont permises sans devoir payer des droits de douanes.
Pour Cuba, en ce qui a trait aux cigares: si vous quittez le pays avec plus de 23 cigares, vous DEVEZ fournir aux douaniers cubains une preuve d'achat (facture avec adresse du magasin) pour TOUS vos cigares: donc si vous en avez 50, c'est un preuve pour chacun de ces 50 cigares qu'ils vont exiger. Cela est à savoir, puisqu'il y a beacoup de cigares qui se vendent sur le marché noir (donc sans facture).
Tous les produits que tu cites sont en vente à Cuba !!!pourquoi s'encombrer ??
Quand tu gagnes 15 CUC par mois la priorité n'est pas le bain moussant (d'ailleurs je ne connais pas de cubain ayant une baignoire !!)
Offrez de quoi amméliorer le contenu de l'assiette, les femmes de chambre des hotels ont de quoi ouvrir une parfumerie !!!!
Et surtout sachez que les cubains qui travaillent avec les touristes sont des nantis par rapport aux autres, ce n'est pas eux qu'il faut privilegier
Pour répondre à la réponse faite à mon message, je me suis permise alors de le faire, car je me rends plusieurs fois par an à Cuba, et revois mes amis Cubains.Ils ne trouvent pas facilement tout ce que j'ai énuméré, et récupérér du bain moussant que nous nous utilisons aussi sous la douche, leur fait toujours plaisir, et remercier effectivement la femme de chambre en lui laissant quelque chose...maintenant si vous voulez laisser des " billets " !...pour qu'ils puissent avec le peso convertible se rendre dans les magasins où le CUC est accepté, acheter ce dont ils ont besoin !!!Mais personnellement, je préfére leur apporter mes produits que je remets à un dispensare qu se charge de les distribuer aux plus necessiteux.
Non je ne donne pas dans la rue, à part qques bonbons aux petits, les Cubains ne souhaitent pas que les mains se tendent systématiquement quand ils voient des touristes !comme on peut le voir ailleurs !
évidement, je ne parlais pas de donner dans la rue !!
tu dis que tu as des amis cubains, c est facile de le faire par leur intermédiaire!
beaucoup (j'ai pas dit toutes !)d"associations"détournent " les dons qui ne vont pas forcément aux plus démunis !c'est tout
Bonjour Sylou, moi je suis allé à Cuba ( santa Lucia) l'an passé et j'avais préparer plein de petits sac cadeaux ( tu les trouvent au Dollorama ils sont transparent avec des motifs dessus) J'avait mis dedans ( des bonbons, des petites brosse à dent, du dentifrice ( souvent en spécial à 79 cents dans les pharmacie) une barre de savon, des élastique pour les cheveux ) étant déjà préparer à l'avance, quand tu visite les villages de pauvres, tu peut les remettre en main propre au gens et tout est dans le même sac. Ça se distribut très bien et pas plein de chose éparpillée partout dans ta valise.
Je reviens de Cuba et nous, nous laissions un peso de pourboire à tous les matins avant que la chambre soit nettoyée et à la fin de notre séjour nous lui avons laissé toutes nos crèmes, nos shampoings, souliers de plage, chapeaux de plage, montre (non dispendieuse) que nous avions achetée pour apporter à la plage; elle fut plus que contente en recevant ces petits cadeaux...pour les enfants je crois que des ballons et des crayons, effaces, stylos seraient grandement appréciés.
Je voulais mentionner que TOUS les employés sont fouillés à la sortie des hotels, si vous n'écrivez pas un mot disant que ce que vous laissez est un cadeau pour la personne, elles se le feront enlever à la sortie. Ou encore tout simplement, si vous laissez quelquechose à votre départ, les femmes de chambres ne le prendront pas si vous ne leur inscrivez pas que c'est pour elles. Écrire en anglais ou en espanol .
des bas de nylon (pas besoin d'être dispendieux)
des élastiques et barrettes de cheveu
des paquets de gommes
des rouges à lèvres
des cahiers et cryaons
I’m reaching out today because I’m really struggling to find concrete, up-to-date info and feedback on the Bahamas. My wife, our 7-year-old daughter, and I have traveled to Playa del Carmen, Bayahibe, and Punta Cana in previous winters, and we loved escaping to "summer" during the French winter!
We’d like to spend about 10 days in the Bahamas in mid-February 2027. I’m really drawn to the history of the place (pirates, etc.), and we’re excited to explore the Atlantis complex, wander around Nassau, and especially see those dreamy landscapes (the Exumas in particular).
Project overview:
- Days 1 to 7: Stay at Atlantis + exploring Nassau + 1-day excursion to the Exumas (I’ve seen Powerboat Adventures?)
- Days 7 to 10: A few nights somewhere else, further south in the archipelago, but I’m not sure where yet. Any recommendations for stunning spots to discover?
Questions:
-1: My biggest concern is the weather/climate in February. I’ve heard mixed things, and it’d be a real bummer if we didn’t get at least *some* warmth...
I’m not expecting scorching heat, but if we have to wear a jacket and can’t swim, that’d kind of ruin the trip.
According to Google and lots of sites, it’s the ideal time—dry season and sunny—but I’ve seen a few forum posts that worry me.
Does anyone live there or have enough experience to give me a real sense of what to expect?
-2: At this time of year, especially in the Exumas, is the water crystal-clear or more murky/churned up for snorkeling visibility? I read a post saying that in winter, there are stronger currents that stir up the water and make it less beautiful (not like the photos of the Exumas).
-3: Any ideas for a dream spot where we could spend the last 3 nights of our trip? (Without it being a huge trek to get there.)
-4: I’m open to all tips, random or not:
- Must-sees in Nassau?
- Cool pirate-themed spots or restaurants?
- Cool places at Atlantis?
- Beautiful beaches in Nassau/Paradise Island? (Cabbage Beach?)
- Thoughts on the Powerboat Adventures excursion to Ship Channel Cay (apparently a private island, reviews are very positive, and it looks stunning)
Thank you so much in advance to anyone who takes the time to read and respond—I’m sorry for the long post, haha! :)
Have a great day,
Kevin.
We all know the raft is taking on a bit of water.
No discussion threads about the island for weeks...
Have all travelers really moved on elsewhere? No one who could come to the rescue with recent info?
I’m in the Caribbean and still kinda feel like swinging by in September/October...
Looks like there are still direct flights from Mexico and the Dominican Republic for getting in and out.
I'm heading to the Dominican Republic for 5 days in December.
I arrive and depart from Samana Airport (AZS). I'm looking to rent a car, ideally right at the airport, but I don't see any options. Are there no rental agencies at Samana Airport?
If not, do you know where I could rent a vehicle closest to the airport and how to get there?
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!
2 weeks in mojito country - March 2024 (Cuba)
The Pearl of Africa - July-August 2026
A little piece of Sulawesi with the family: Rantepao and Selayar
Tanzania Classics (Safari & Zanzibar)
Getting Away to Ireland
On the Roads of Costa Rica
Storm in the Canary Islands
New adventures from Perpignan to Ranchi (Jharkhand)
