mais cela ferait fuir les autres et Cuba a besoin de cet argent
Alors pourquoi toujours les critiquer et les prendre de haut, les autres? Si Cuba a besoin de cet argent et que tu aimes vraiment Cuba, tu devrais plutôt nous en féliciter et nous encenser… au lieu de toujours râler.
De toute façon, ce post n’est que pure provocation!
Dieu , Seigneur, ou peut importe qui tu es, ou de quel religion tu appartiens, apporte la paix sur ce forum entre Sunrisa et Billy , pour que l'on déborde pas hors du sujet en cours, encore une fois.
Etre Supreme de ce forum protège nous car nous sommes déjà sur le bord de déraper, encore une fois la c'est fantastique on est rendu dans les dictionnaires.
Un peu d'humour ne fait pas de mal.
parce que ce que tu racontes toi c'est intéressant ? parfois tu pars dans des "bavardages" on comprend rien de ce que tu dis, et tu as toujours quelque chose à baragouiner sur tous les sujets. on est pas hors sujet avec sunrisa: juste une bricolle parce qu'elle commentait le titre ... c'est pas grave ça . ya des conneries bien plus graves qui se disent ici . on y attaque les gens il y a parfois des insultes et là ça ne te dérange pas ? et des posts qui n'ont rien à faire là ... mais ne te formalise pas pour le petit "aller retour" entre sunrisa et moi . par contre aprés tout , le sujet évoqué dans le titre est totalement en dehors de ce que voudraient traiter les voyageurs ici et malgré tout il s'agit d'une critique de certains comportements de "voyageurs" dans un pays donné et comme le relèvent certains ça se produit ailleurs , certes et de la même manière sauf que la "mode" de ces "javas locas" est plus du côté de Cancun et d'Ibiza ( l'été ) en Europe . heureusement que tu es là pour reconcentrer tous les sujets elgatito; sans toi le forum n'aurait aucune consistance .
et tu mets l'humour à toutes les sauces un peu trop quand il n'y en a pas.
comme tu le dis souvent sans rancune.....billie
C'est vrai que ce genre de comportement a toujours existé à Cuba(cela aurait pu être des italiens, français ou autres).Il faut savoir qu'une forte proportion vont à Cuba pour se "bourrer" la gueule, se "taper" un autochone à moindre frais......................en respectant peu la population locale et tout cela avec la bénédiction des autorités cubaines.En effet, la police cubaine a pour ordre de laisser tranquille le touriste pourvoyeur de CUC!!!!imaginons à cela plusieurs centaines de milliers d'etat-uniens.........
taper" un autochtone à moindre frais ou une
en respectant peu la population locale et tout cela avec la bénédiction des autorités cubainescombien d'année te faudra t'il pour comprendre que c'est le meilleur bisness de cuba
Heu.... j'étais en guerre avec Billie, moi???
Ah bon... Je ne m'en étais pas rendue compte...!
Tu sais, on a certainement déjà eu des petits accrochages elle et moi, mais cette fois j'te jure, ce n'en était vraiment pas un! C'était très cool même!!
Je cherchais juste à apprendre, je ne comprends toujours pas le sens de ce mot avec deux C!
Déformation professionnelle... je suis dans les langues!
Pas besoin de convoquer tous les Saints du ciel, ils ont mieux à faire! 😉
la relache de printemps ( springbreak ) est quelque chose de typiquement nord-américain et ne se produit que dans cette partie de la planète, vers les villes et tout inclus situés au soleil à deux ou trois heures de vol des facultés US et canadiennes.
je me suis trouvé en Floride, à Key West, durant un de ces épisodes, pas triste 😏
cette mode n'a pas encore beaucoup pris en Europe, à ma connaissance (j'ai deux grands ados et une dizaine de neveux-nièces en France...)
par contre, en été, les jeunes européens descendent effectivement, pour les mêmes raisons, à Ibiza mais je ne pense pas que les espagnols soient si tolérants que cela hors des boites de nuit géantes...
comme le dit si justement Liniaz c'est un 'biznes' et Cuba a besoin de l'argent de ''ces gens la'' par contre la présence de drogue (amenée ou achetée sur place ?) ne doit pas faire rire les officiels cubains qui ont fusillé par le passé pour ces raisons...
un peu de culot, mettre quelques dizaines d'ados canadiens en prison pour consommation et trafic de drogue serait la bonne solution mais elle ferait fuir tous les troupeaux... alors que faire ?
le seul point positif de l'embargo US sur les voyages de leurs résidents est de protéger Cuba de ces hordes, comme mentionné plus haut.... sauf que les jeunes canadiens se comportent, visiblement, comme des américains ! c'est triste !
Dieu , Seigneur, ou peut importe qui tu es, ou de quel religion tu appartiens, apporte la paix sur ce forum entre Sunrisa et Billy , pour que l'on déborde pas hors du sujet en cours, encore une fois.
Etre Supreme de ce forum protège nous car nous sommes déjà sur le bord de déraper, encore une fois la c'est fantastique on est rendu dans les dictionnaires. EN PLUS BREF..........................................!!!
De toute façon cette «source», c'est n'importe quoi!
Voyons donc, un clown débarque ici et mentionne n'importe quoi sous prétexte que c'est supposément de source policière (parece que....) et voilà tous les autres qui adhérent illico, sans poser de question!
Rumeurs et ragots tout ça!!! Pfffffffffffffffffffffffffffff.....
Un peu de rigueur ne ferait pas de mal!
Mais il y en a qui sautent joyeusement sur tous les prétextes pour dénigrer les autres. Comme Viaje qui n'en manque pas une de dénigrer tout ce qui vient de près ou de loin de l'Amérique. Allez, amuse-toi encore un peu, ça semble te procurer tellement de plaisir!
De toute façon cette «source», c'est n'importe quoi!
Salut Fleurdesel30,
Alors, simple provocation ce "post"!?....c'est ce que je me suis dis au début....mais connaissant Serge via un autre forum, c'est que cela devait être vrai et, après une petite recherche, en effet....
Alors!!!...sans intérêt cette intervention de Sergepomy!?....je ne crois pas, surtout après les précisions qu'il apporte:"C'est vrai que ce genre de comportement a toujours existé à Cuba(cela aurait pu être des italiens, français ou autres).Il faut savoir qu'une forte proportion vont à Cuba pour se "bourrer" la gueule, se "taper" un autochone à moindre frais......................en respectant peu la population locale et tout cela avec la bénédiction des autorités cubaines."
A l'heure où certains (...ce qui n'est pas ton cas), sur ce forum en particulier, se complaisent à généraliser de façon abusive et caricaturale tout un peuple, Cubanas y Cubanos, en estimant qu'ils sont tous des "manipulateurs", des menteurs, des personnes incapables de se tenir dans les hôtels, des jineteros et les filles..des prostituées et j'en passe des meilleurs!...il est bon de se rappeler que bien souvent, c'est les étrangers qui ne savent pas "se conduire"....profitant de la distance qui les sépare de leur pays pour faire tout ce qu'ils n'osent se permettre chez eux....profitant de leur pouvoir d'achat bien supérieur à la population locale pour "se la jouer" ou profiter de la misère humaine ( ....combien, avec leur petit salaire, ne sont RIEN dans leur pays mais des "rois" à Cuba avec l'attitude très "conquistadore" qui en découle malheureusement....)
Finalement, ce "post" remet un peu l'église au milieu du village et nous rappelle de "balayer devant nos portes" ( ...il y a du boulot!😛).
...et n'oublions pas que les Cubains sont chez eux et que, comme le rappelle toujours très justement Mariecris: "on a que les rencontres que l'on mérite"...claro que si!
De toute façon cette «source», c'est n'importe quoi!
Voyons donc, un clown débarque ici et mentionne n'importe quoi sous prétexte que c'est supposément de source policière (parece que....) et voilà tous les autres qui adhérent illico, sans poser de question!
Rumeurs et ragots tout ça!!! Pfffffffffffffffffffffffffffff.....
Un peu de rigueur ne ferait pas de mal!
eh bien non mademoiselle la spécialiste des amours américano-cubaines, j'avais trouvé un entrefilet sur Granma qui en parlait en des termes assez sévères : en lisant le lien posté par notre ami on se rend compte que c'est pas pour rire : la TV cubaine en a parlé d'ailleurs, j'ai eu l'info également par mail : ce comportement irresponsable a choqué les cubains.
l'article est clair, non ?
Estudiantes canadienses crean problemas en Cayo Coco
CAYO COCO, Cuba, 19 de marzo, (Kallan Poe, APLA/ www.cubanet.org ).-
Los hoteles de la cayería del norte de Morón, que ofrecen paquetes con todo incluido, han reforzado las medidas de seguridad debido al flujo de jóvenes estudiantes canadienses, que crean grandes desordenes en dichas instalaciones, según aseveró un empleado del hotel NH KRISTAL, quien habló en calidad de anonimato.
Relata la fuente que, en la noche del pasado 16 de marzo, dos jóvenes canadienses quemaron toallas dentro de la discoteca del hotel para producir humo, lo cual provocó la intervención inmediata del equipo de seguridad.
Se han producido otros incidentes en hoteles del área, como el Hotel Tryp Cayo Coco, donde jóvenes canadienses, bajo los efectos del alcohol, han maltratado las instalaciones y se han desnudado en lugares donde esto no está autorizado.
"Son unos locos, arrasan por donde pasan. Parece que vienen aquí a hacer lo que en Canadá no les permiten"- concluyó la fuente.
Mais il y en a qui sautent joyeusement sur tous les prétextes pour dénigrer les autres. Comme Viaje qui n'en manque pas une de dénigrer tout ce qui vient de près ou de loin de l'Amérique. Allez, amuse-toi encore un peu, ça semble te procurer tellement de plaisir!
Elle est sympa la section Antilles, presqu'autant que celle de Thailande........................😉!!!
C'est vrai qu'il n'en faut point des masses pour que petite fleurdesel se mette en selle (trad: monte sur ses petits poneys)😛.
Sinon, j'aime bien ton pseudo qui m'evoque les rivieres et les Hurons a l'epoque ou ils etaient libres et independants et naviguaient sur leur canots d'ecorces ou leurs traineaux de bois......
Il est vrai que chez eux, comme sur VF, les clans se "frottaient" de temps a autre mais a l'arrivee chacun rentraient dans ses penates et vaquait a ses ocupations sans rancune🙂!
Granam et la télé cubaine, c'est n'importe quoi!!! La propagande à son meilleur! Plus aucun Cubain n'y croit, sauf toi bien sûr!! Tu ne me feras jamais avaler quoique ce soit qui provienne de ces sources! Franchement!
au dernieres nouvelles les cubains sont toujours chez eux, non ?
les journaux et la TV cubaine sont l'expression de la voix officielle de ce pays :
il semble qu'à part ses étalons hommes (ou serait-ce des poneys 😏 ) tu n'aimes pas grand chose de Cuba
cette ile a des défauts, des qualités..... hate and love, comme on dit même en France ! et bien nous sommes nombreux à l'aimer comme telle et à lire, entre autres sources, sa presse ! en sachant bien sur qu'il faut en prendre et en laisser !
au fait, un scoop, la TV cubaine est visible sur internet !
Qu'est-ce que tu peux aller bas, toi!
Chaque fois les bas fonds où tu aimes te tenir me laisse pantoise!
Continue les attaques personnelles injustifiées, cela te sied à merveille!
On n'en attendrait pas moins de toi!
Quant au reste, je persiste et je signe. Si tu écumais un peu moins les forums et voyageais un peu plus dans la vraie vie, tu sauras très bien que la majorité des Cubains se servent de Granma pour se torcher, sans plus. Et la télé cubaine, ils n'en ont rien à cirer. Ramassis de propagande que seuls ceux qui sont restés bêtement et naivement accrochés à la révolution de 1959 croient encore.
ne perdez pas votre temps a repondre a ce fameux moralisateur frustre de ViajeCuba, qui souhaiterai probablement etre ne canadien de toute facon....je vous jure qu, il peut etre chiant et pedant celui-la..... en tout cas moi il me tape, laissons le a ses elucubrations de jos connaissant(expression typique du Quebec qui veut dire penser tout savoir et tout connaitre) pour ta gouverne le frustre d'outre-Atlantique.Change de forum si on t'empeche de respirer.......
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!
