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States (same applies) if you’ve been to Cuba after 2021 due to a law passed by Donald Trump (a law that Biden later repealed).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. 😉
Yes, it’s a classic move, and it didn’t start with Trump. It’s an indirect way of waging war on states they want to weaken—mostly symbolic, though. With the world fragmenting again, you’ll soon see some countries putting up barriers for travelers who’ve visited the U.S., putting them in an impossible situation that’ll make them think twice about traveling.
Not for any good reason, just because they’ll need a cheap political gesture that affects almost no one but "speaks" to public opinion.
Because let’s be clear: going to Paris to get a visa—taking two days off if you can, with two round trips—is prohibitive for non-Parisians. You’re quickly looking at 1000 €.
l'administration Américaine a les moyens de savoir si vous êtes allé a Cuba
They mostly have the means to *make you believe* they have the means. Around two million undocumented migrants have entered the U.S. in the last five years—if their systems were that effective, you’d have noticed.
Access restrictions aren’t unique to Trump or the USA but apply to many other countries...
I just mentioned above that we might unfortunately see this kind of thing popping up more with the world fragmenting and this new kind of "iron curtain" emerging, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal for a state to restrict access to its territory based on previous visits to other countries. It’s still a peculiarity of the United States.
In other cases that exist or have existed, it was just a matter of stamps in the passport, and since those are rare these days .
But once again, at the risk of repeating myself, the point of these measures is to serve as a political communication tool—a political gesture made to a population that actually costs nothing and has no real practical or operational effectiveness.
Two round trips from the far-flung province to Paname to apply for and then pick up a visa—luckily, it doesn’t cost or even come close to 1000 euros! And even in first class...
For example, from my beloved Brittany, a round trip is around 100 to 120 € (just checked for August...). It’s something I’ve had to do several times for the DRC (and I could’ve just made one trip and had my passport/visa mailed back to me).
It’s still a quirk of the United States.
Oh no—our very charming neighbor, the United Kingdom, and its ETA... simply put.
In other cases that exist or have existed, it was just a matter of stamps in the passport, and since there aren’t many left
Was it? Not sure that’s over. Because those "blacklisted" countries are also the ones that stamp passports...
Plus, I know at least two people who aren’t diplomats or secret agents... who legally have two (French) passports for these reasons.
So when you say the U.S. mostly has the means to *make* people believe they have the means... I kinda agree. But without absolute certainty, though...
As for undocumented immigrants, that’s another topic—I doubt most of them entered using a European tourist ESTA.
Sounds like a controversial mood.
I don’t have much time, nor much desire to get into it.
So, a round-trip from Brest or Quimper to Paris, with fixed dates and times—obviously—plus the cost of getting to and from the station, two lost days that are hard or impossible to plan, making it very difficult, if not impossible, to negotiate with an employer. Add the visa fee, and for me, we’re talking around 1000 €.
So, if you’re better than me at handling this, I congratulate you. 🙂
Nope: our very charming neighbor, the UK, and its ETA... quite simply.
Is the ETA conditional on not having visited certain countries?
I don’t know—do we have the list?
Michel
PS: If you live in Rennes, have no problem taking time off, and can afford to cover the lost income, of course we don’t see things the same way.
😉
Yeah, of course. You know I love this, but only with you, obviously.
Okay, more seriously,
with set times and days
Not entirely: usually, you’re offered a schedule of appointment slots.
I thought we were just talking about the direct cost of getting to Paris.
But:
the two lost days, impossible or difficult to plan, so very hard, even impossible to negotiate with an employer,
Ah, right, sorry. Being retired myself, I stupidly thought like a retiree! Mea culpa.
So, if you’re still working. Well, it’s going to be more complicated because there are so many different situations!
It’s not just employees who travel—far from it! You could be self-employed, for example, a business owner or an organized executive, and "make the most" of these trips, or even more if you’re "clever" (overhead costs), etc.
And then, some employees work in professions where these "availability" days are easier to find than others...
But in the toughest cases, which might not be yours... it can indeed be a real problem.
For what I’ll call the "additional" costs:
Living 60 km from Rennes, for example: the slow train to Rennes costs around 12 €,
otherwise the bus (meh...) or a taxi (ouch! around 120 €).
Or maybe a sympathetic friend, a helpful colleague, a regular carpool...
Finally, when an in-person appointment is mandatory, it’s for the visa application. Once it’s approved, most of the time you can have your passport sent to you.
So the cost is then cut in half...
Is the ETA conditional on not having visited certain countries?
I don’t know; do we have the list?
Roughly the same as for the ESTA (before the latest Trump-era restrictions): Afghanistan, Eritrea, Yemen...
My passport has a beautiful stamp from one of them. Will I have to get a new one?
I tried to explain it to you: you're retired, you live in Rennes with at least ten shuttles to Montparnasse every day... In that case, of course, it's doable.
If the traveler works for an SME, for example, how do you think they’ll manage to request last-minute vacation days like that?
If the traveler is a civil servant—even locally—or a teacher, how do you think they can arrange a one-day absence on such short notice?
After that, it’s easy and cheap for the U.S. to make travel impossible for people who, deep down, won’t complain loudly and don’t carry any economic weight.
It’s not a very glorious policy, and the intended effectiveness is domestic, a bit populist. A certain mindset, let’s say.
By the way, how are the ZFEs in Rennes doing these days?
It’s not one more or one less day of leave that makes a difference for someone wanting to travel to the US.
This visa requirement isn’t exactly a surprise for a traveler who plans ahead.
As for taking time off, unexpected things happen: a medical appointment, a car breakdown, an administrative or bank meeting, a visa application...
Besides, Brittany isn’t any farther from Paris than other regions. From Clermont-Ferrand, you’re never sure you’ll arrive on time given the SNCF’s repeated delays—let alone cancellations...
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No, I don’t know what world you’re living in, but no.
For a public-school teacher, especially in early grades, for a retail or SME employee, or for a factory worker, it’s simply impossible.
I think you’re seriously underestimating the pressures, the blackmail, the rigidities.
Maybe you’re lucky enough to be able to do it easily—personally, I might be able to negotiate it, but most people can’t. Not at all.
Brittany isn’t just far in kilometers; it’s also held by the throat by the SNCF monopoly right now. There’s practically no Plan B except taking your car.
For a public-school teacher, especially in early education, for a retail or SME employee, for a factory worker,
The typical profile of a worker who first traveled to Cuba before considering the U.S. in under ten years—now that’s your sociologist side talking. What kind of polygon are you?
Let’s take, at random, another example: a vocational high school teacher nearing retirement in a private school in Lower Brittany. Four months without the obligation to show up for work leaves plenty of time to sort out this kind of contingency.
(As for the rest of your comments, same old obsessive rants disguised as geopolitical reasoning)
At least having this kind of perspective doesn’t lead me to lash out with bitter personal attacks.
You hate it when people give meaning and analyze things beyond common or initial opinions; it turns out that’s my thing, and for reasons I don’t understand, you can’t stand it.
@Attila
You know, when I respond, I might seem like I’m theorizing, but I’m actually thinking of specific people. And I stand by what I said—for those who dream of going to the United States, having to apply for a visa in Paris because they don’t qualify for an ESTA would be a hurdle that would definitely make them give up.
who dream of going to the United States but would have to apply for a visa in Paris instead of an ESTA—it’d definitely make them think twice and probably give up.
Dreaming of the U.S. while having previously traveled to Cuba, with little money, barely any vacation time, bosses straight out of *Les Misérables*, and zero organizational skills—it’s such a bummer...
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Hi everyone, and sorry if I’m not totally familiar with the forum (apparently there’s no button to reply to someone specifically, only within the thread).
Personally, I haven’t worked in ages and live in the south of France. I posted this topic partly to chat with everyone, but mostly to get feedback from those who’ve gone "all in" to the USA after 2021 (with the new rules) by bending the truth on their ESTA—and who weren’t turned away.
I really want to visit this continent, but it’d be a real obstacle course if I followed the visa process: paying 200 € (non-refundable if I don’t get the visa, which, from what I’ve heard, is handed out pretty arbitrarily or based on the officer’s mood).
After filling out the form on the official site, I’d need to schedule a meet-up in Paris (round-trip flight + parking + 2-hour airport transfers each way since I live in the mountains). I’d get an appointment between 2 and 6 months later—yes, there’s a long wait—plus I don’t have a clean criminal record (you might say they don’t have the means to check it or my trip to Cuba, but I doubt it). And all that for a hypothetical visa approval. The only upside is I could visit the capital while I’m there, but on the Routard forum, people who go to NY regularly say the agents at the airport are sharp psychologists who can spot lies, and even after 15 trips there, the questions they ask feel like a full-on interrogation.
So if anyone’s fudged the details and gotten away with it, let’s talk about it here—it’d be super helpful for me and others. 🙂
Unfortunately, you're in a tricky situation, but trying to commit fraud is absolutely not a good idea—it would only make things worse and could jeopardize any future trips to the U.S. for years.
Bonjour
Où demandez un nouveau passeport à votre mairie ; c est le plus simple.
bonjour, c'est fait but I wouldn’t risk being turned away and losing the flight ticket and reservations.
It’s important to know that trying to bypass the ban by getting a new passport won’t change anything. There’s an information-sharing system between the U.S. and the EU for all passengers. They know everything about your previous trips.
avoir des retours de ceux qui serait allé "en force" aux USA après 2021 (et son nouveau règlement) en trichant sur l'ESTA, et qui n'aurait pas été refoulé.
I really doubt it’s possible to cheat on the ESTA, especially regarding previous destinations, since they have the means to verify. If you make a false declaration, you risk a visa ban for several years.
ce serait un véritable parcours du combattant si je suivais la procedure visa (Paiement de 200 € (non remboursé si je n'obtiens pas ce visa qui d'après ce qu'il se dit serait distribué a l'arrache ou a la tête du client)
Yes, getting a B2 visa is a real challenge, but it’s not handed out randomly or based on favoritism. You need to provide all the required documents, prove to the officer that you have strong ties to France (property, job, etc.) so you’re not tempted to immigrate illegally, that you have sufficient funds, etc. Having been to Cuba *and* having a criminal record definitely won’t work in your favor.
les agents a l'aéroport sont de fins psychologues et savent détecter les mensonges, et que même après 15 voyages là bas les questions posées sont un véritable interrogatoire.
Well, yes, they’re good at reading people, but it’s still far from a real interrogation! With my travel history, I usually just get a “welcome back” 😉
I understand your frustration, but trying to find ways around the law isn’t an honorable approach. Wait a few years—who knows, maybe this rule will be scrapped someday.
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Hi Brigitte, I simply changed my passport because it was about to expire. And despite what’s said here and there, I know very well that all my past trips can still be seen by airport authorities.
For info, it was Biden who removed Cuba from the list, and Trump who put it back on. Trump isn’t eternal—neither in his life nor in government—so I’ll be patient and wait.
PS: I’m not receiving email notifications for replies even though I’ve set everything up correctly and checked my spam folder. A bit complicated, this forum! 🙂
Whether Cuba is back on the okay list or not with the criminal record, it doesn’t change much.
I think it’s best to avoid lying for a trip to the USA. They’re really not messing around.
In any case, your situation is a matter for the embassy.
It’s up to you to decide if this destination is worth the cost (the visa is just a drop in the bucket compared to everything else—the US is one of the most expensive places).
For my part, I’d say no.
It’s not the most memorable destination I’ve been to, far from it.
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I know full well that all my past trips can be seen by airport authorities.
Not the airport authorities.
Possibly, potentially, the U.S. authorities in general—if they have a good reason to bother.
As I mentioned, this isn’t a measure designed for efficiency; it’s about crafting a narrative and making a statement.
Especially since there’s an alternative, and with the "deal king" running the country, ten receipts are enough to get an ESTA without any conditions. 😉
@Biggie
I understand your frustration, but trying every possible way to bypass a law isn’t an honorable approach....
It’s not often we’re reminded of this fundamental principle of living in society. 🙂
Whether Cuba is now okay or not with a criminal record doesn’t change much.
I think it’s best to avoid lying for a trip to the US. They’re really not messing around.
Your case will anyway be handled by the embassy.
It’s up to you to decide if this destination is worth the cost (the visa is just a drop in the bucket compared to the rest—US travel is among the most expensive).
For my part, I’d say no.
It’s not the most memorable destination I’ve been to, far from it.
Hi, I think it’s possible to go without necessarily paying full price. Between Airbnbs, local transport, and youth hostels—which I’d personally prioritize for the social aspect and the prices—including excursions that’ll be cheaper through their network.
Best regards.
Between Airbnbs, local transport, and youth hostels—which I personally prefer for the social, friendly vibe
Airbnbs aren’t allowed everywhere, and the ones that exist aren’t cheap.
A bunk in a crappy dorm in New York costs nearly 60 €.
Local transport, sure—but only in cities...
including prices for excursions, which will be cheaper through their network.
A guided tour is always pricier than doing it solo.
Whether you book it at a hostel or elsewhere.
And let’s be real—not everyone loves the herd mentality.
No matter if you’re traveling on a small, medium, or big budget, the U.S. will always be more expensive than Indonesia, Morocco, or Bolivia under the same conditions.
And it’s not just accommodation that’s pricey—food is too. Even a burger.
This country has the worst value for money of any I’ve visited.
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I understand your frustration, but trying by all means to bypass a law isn’t an honorable approach....
I was going to refrain from responding to avoid upsetting anyone, but still, I’ll try to do so with tact and nuance.
We shouldn’t confuse common social rules—fundamental principles that indeed allow us to live more or less peacefully in society—with mere regulations, which are far removed from natural law.
The world is built on positioning, on deals with regulations that we respect to varying degrees, on laws we bend to our advantage, and which we consciously push to the limit. Every industrialist, every merchant, every taxpayer—even the state itself, especially when it’s an employer—walks this tightrope of regulations, knowingly accepting the risks involved.
In this case, the ESTA issue after traveling to Cuba—it’s clear to everyone that this isn’t a natural law or an essential one. It’s a regulation, and a politically motivated one at that. Jean Luc, in my opinion, is missing the point when he calls it a "fundamental principle of life in society"—it’s nothing more than a secondary political measure. You even acknowledge this yourself by suggesting we wait for the law to disappear, admitting that it’s just an artificial rule without solid grounding.
I’m not advising anyone on what to do. Everyone is free and of age, capable of weighing the stakes and making their own choices.
We gather information, assess the situation, decide, act, and take responsibility.
When traveling, we’re often a little stressed, apprehensive, or even overestimate the difficulties. I do too, quite often.
In the U.S., of course, people bend laws and rules, walk the fine line between legality and risk—in business, politics, and economics.
To the point of even triggering cascading wars based on a famous lie, whose author, rest their soul, was never punished as far as I know.
Since you have interests in and with the U.S., you tend to idealize them, mixing fear and admiration. It seems to me we can take a more detached view.
But I know it’s easier for me than for you, and I acknowledge that.
hi there, what you call travel stress, I personally call excitement. And for me, it starts with researching the country I’m dreaming of online—this eager, discovery-filled state only grows stronger on the way to the airport 🤓
Personally, I only book the first night, maybe the second at most. Finding accommodations on the spot, meeting friendly staff and owners, and of course checking out the rooms beforehand are all part of the thrilling discoveries (since I’m pretty picky about hospitality, the actual place often comes second for me).
And for me, it starts with searching for the desired country online, where this eager state of discovery intensifies on the way to the airport
No, I’m not talking about that.
I’m talking about those more or less imagined reasons, those imaginary problems that pop up a few weeks or days before and make you reconsider everything—sometimes even cancel.
quite demanding when it comes to hospitality, often the accommodation is secondary for me
And for me, it starts with researching the desired country online, where this eager state of discovery intensifies on the way to the airport
No, I’m not talking about that.
I’m talking about those more or less fantasized reasons, imaginary problems that pop up a few weeks or days before and push you to rethink everything—sometimes even to cancel.
quite demanding about hospitality—often, the accommodation is secondary for me
For me, it’s the opposite.
Michel
Re-
Personally, I’ve solved the cancellation issue by never taking out travel insurance—no overlap with the one from my bank card, which I only use for online purchases for my home, that’s it). No refundable flight tickets, airport parking, car rentals on-site, etc. Nothing refundable, so I just go (usually 10–20 days after my bookings). It’s all good 😉
Prices in the USA couldn't care less about what some Attila thinks of the country.
It's an intangible fact, like not having traveled to Cuba or not having a criminal record to get an ESTA.
Hello, as mentioned earlier, I’ll wait until another, less dictat... president removes Cuba from the list. And I’ll go to the USA even if the country isn’t perfect either.
Best regards.
I don’t understand why you’re spreading this story about criminal records, along with so many others.
The U.S. doesn’t check French criminal records on their own because, fortunately, they don’t have the right to do so.
They *can* request an excerpt—if, for example, you’re applying for a visa—but even then, it’s not the full record, just section 3.
I’m not spreading rumors. There’s a question about criminal records in the ESTA form. And since this question is asked in the simplified procedure, it must also be asked at the embassy.
As for the actual verification of answers, I don’t know.
Lying being the biggest sin in Uncle Sam’s country, everyone will decide for themselves, but it must be really complicated to do face-to-face.
In the past, every passenger underwent a full interrogation at the airport before departure.
Now, it’s upon arrival.
Or not.
If I had something to hide, I’d prefer the old system. They’d deny you access to the plane, you’d go back home, and that was that.
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Hi, it's obvious that the United States has a record that goes way beyond a paper passport.
In this digital age, everything is recorded electronically—nowadays, there isn’t even a stamp when you go to the U.S. anymore...
So, those who say you can just change your passport are really talking nonsense. Obviously, you shouldn’t take any risks because if you lie on an ESTA, not only will you be denied entry, but you’ll also face a lifetime ban from U.S. territory.
Prices in the USA couldn’t care less about what some Attila thinks of the country.
It’s an unchangeable fact, like not having traveled to Cuba or not having a criminal record to get an ESTA.
Hello, as mentioned earlier, I’ll wait until another president—one less of a dictator—removes Cuba from the list. And I’ll go to the USA even if the country doesn’t have much to offer some people.
Best regards.
You’ll be waiting a long time. By the way, Democrat Biden hasn’t changed the rules during his term.
Prices in the USA couldn't care less about what some Attila thinks of the country.
It's an unchangeable fact, like not having traveled to Cuba or not having a criminal record to get an ESTA.
Hello, as mentioned earlier, I'll wait until another, less dictatorial president... removes Cuba from the list. And I'll go to the USA even if the country isn't perfect.
Best regards.
You'll be waiting a long time. By the way, Democrat Biden didn't change the rules during his term.
Hello, it’s obvious that the United States tracks travel well beyond a paper passport. In the digital age, everything is recorded electronically—nowadays, there isn’t even a stamp when you enter the U.S....
As for entries and exits to the U.S., undoubtedly yes.
But imagining that the officer sees all your travels around the world from the past ten years pop up on their screen is a fantasy.
Could they investigate it if there were valid reasons justifying the effort? Yes, with partial access to PNRs, etc. But what counts as "valid reasons"?
A law created for domestic political messaging, which—like so often—only really scares those who have nothing to hide, like a perfectly legitimate trip.
Prices in the USA don’t care what some Attila thinks of the country.
It’s an intangible fact, like not having traveled to Cuba or having a criminal record when applying for an ESTA.
Hi, as mentioned earlier, I’ll wait until another, less dictatorial president... removes Cuba from the list. And I’ll go to the USA even if that country isn’t perfect either.
Best regards.
You’ll be waiting a long time. By the way, Democrat Biden didn’t change the rules during his term.
Hello, it’s obvious that the United States keeps records far beyond a paper passport. In the digital age, everything is recorded electronically—nowadays, there isn’t even a stamp when you enter the U.S...
As for entries and exits to the U.S., no doubt, yes.
But imagining that the officer sees all your travels around the world from the past ten years on their screen is a fantasy.
That they *could* investigate it, with valid reasons justifying the effort—yes, with possible partial access to PNRs, etc. But what "valid reasons"?
A law created for domestic political messaging, which, as usual, only impresses those who have nothing to hide—a perfectly legitimate trip.
Hello, it’s obvious that the United States leaves a trace far beyond a paper passport.
In this digital age, everything is recorded electronically—nowadays, there’s not even a stamp when you go to the United States...
As for entries and exits in the U.S., undoubtedly yes.
But imagining that the officer sees all your travels around the world from the past ten years displayed on their screen is a fantasy.
Could they investigate it, with valid reasons that justify the effort? Yes, with partial access to PNRs, etc. But what are these "valid reasons"?
A law created for domestic political messaging, which, as usual, only impresses those who have nothing to hide—just a perfectly legitimate trip.
Michel
Hello.
As you say: "undoubtedly yes," which means you don’t actually know.
I canceled my ESTA after reading comments in another forum from a woman who constantly shuttles to NY, which shows on her passport.
Well, during her last trip less than a month ago, she was still questioned in depth about her job in France and asked things like "Do you like your job?" while being stared right in the eyes to detect any discomfort or lies!!!
Best regards.
Yes, it’s possible that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has had access to the PNR of a European passenger since 2011, following an EU/USA agreement: it’s called the "US/EU PNR agreement."
My bad. Given how interested I am in Cuba... I really like your journalistic references...
Hello! Well, why reply if Cuba doesn’t interest you? 🤪
As for my so-called journalistic references, I just took the first ones that came up on Google—I wasn’t going to spend my Sunday doing research just to prove you didn’t do any before posting your wrong answer 🤪
Cheers!!!
je me rend en République Dominicaine pour 5 jours au mois de décembre.
J'atterris et je repart de l'Aéroport de Samana (AZS). Je cherche à louer un véhicule, idéalement directement à l'aéroport, mais je ne vois rien. Est ce qu'il n'existe pas d'agence de location à l'aéroport de Samana?
Si non, savez vous ou je pourrais louer un véhicule le plus proche de l'aéroport et comment m'y rendre.
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!
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.
