buen viaje companero!!!
Cuba: avis aux conducteurs!
by Loh2o
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
salut! si vous décidez de louer une voiture à cuba, ce qui est une bonne idée si vous savez changer une roue (hihi!!!), je vous conseille vivement, et sans hésiter, de prendre un des nombreux auto-stoppeurs qui peuplent de plus en plus les routes, en raison d'une pénurie d'essence et de transports grandissante!
non seulement, ce sera un des meilleurs moyens de rendre service à ce peuple qui galère pas mal, quoi qu'on en dise, mais aussi de vous faire des amis, de connaître des paladars du tonnerre, etc...
buen viaje companero!!!
buen viaje companero!!!
J'ai en effet oublié de dire que je déconseille vivement de rouler de toutes façons la nuit, vu l'état des phares et des routes.
Je crois que je n'ai jamais eu aussi peur de ma vie en voiture qu'en rentrant de Vinales à La Havane à une heure critique, celle de la tombée de la nuit, puis la nuit. En plus, c'est une des rares autoroutes qui existent, de bonne qualité pour une fois. Par contre, tout le monde (cyclistes, piétons, boeufs, cars etc...) se "balladent" sans lumière sur la route même (pas de chaussée), et c'est pire qu'un jeu vidéo pour tous les éviter quand on ne voit rien, car évidemment pas de lumière, pénurie oblige!!!
Je crois que je n'ai jamais eu aussi peur de ma vie en voiture qu'en rentrant de Vinales à La Havane à une heure critique, celle de la tombée de la nuit, puis la nuit. En plus, c'est une des rares autoroutes qui existent, de bonne qualité pour une fois. Par contre, tout le monde (cyclistes, piétons, boeufs, cars etc...) se "balladent" sans lumière sur la route même (pas de chaussée), et c'est pire qu'un jeu vidéo pour tous les éviter quand on ne voit rien, car évidemment pas de lumière, pénurie oblige!!!
J'ai déjà fait pas mal de route à Cuba la nuit, mais en effet c'est très dangereux... Le cas le plus spectaculaire que j'ai vu c'était lorsque j'étais petit, il y a plus d'une 20e d'années donc : c'était mes parents qui conduisaient, on suivait une nationale (la route qu'il y avait avant la construction de l'autoroute dont tu parles) puis au loin il y avait comme un truc bizarre sur la route. Bien sur, aucune signalisation ni panneau lumineux, juste un truc "bizarre" sur la route... alors mon père a ralenti en approchant et il a vu que la route s'arrêtait net, il manquait un pont qui n'était pas construit !!! il fallait contourner par le bas, une sorte de chemin de terre/graviers qui permettait d'éviter le problème... en passant on a vu les impacts de voitures dessinés de l'autre coté du pont, ca devait être les malheureux qui n'ont rien vu venir et qui ont raté le détour...
Enfin, je ne pense pas que de nos jours ce scénario se reproduise mais il faut faire attention quand même. Moi je parlais du fait qu'en période de crise les gens sont prêts à tout et n'importe quoi pour se faire un peu d'argent, donc les stratagèmes genre "je suis en panne" pour devaliser ta voiture, y compris l'essence, une fois que tu t'es arrêté se produisent plus souvent...
D'un autre coté, je ne sais pas si Cuba est en crise actuellement, j'ai juste entendu une rumeur par rapport à l'essence... Il ne s'agit pas forcément d'une crise globale, surtout que le tourisme, principale source de revenus du pays, continue d'affluer...
C'est très sympa pour rendre service et pour avoir des contatcs, mais il faut quand même faire un peu attention et ne pas laisser traîner ses affaires dans la voiture; nous en avons fait l'expérience décevante: notre stoppeuse est partie avec le vêtement posé à l'arrière; un autre jour, une bande de jeunes gens a fait du forcing pour monter...ils étaient vraiment pas très "nets" cela étant dit, je pense qu'il ne faut pas renoncer à prendre des stoppeurs, mais prendre réellement quelques précautions....
Bonne route !
aichlo
Sans projet de voyage le quotidien est sans couleur!
Mes carnets de voyages: http://cojal.canalblog.com/
Mon blog sur Paris, une photo par jour: http://parisvillage.canalblog.com/
hola Zorro! oui, Cuba est en crise, c'est même de pire en pire! ça s'est dégradé dans les années 90, depuis la pérestroika. Gorbatchev avait proposé à Castro de le suivre dans l'aventure, mais il est tellement fier, qu'il a préféré continuer avec sa saloperie de communisme et entraîner tout un peuple dans la galère. Bref... Fin 05, pour faire face aux trafics d'essence (avant, il paraît que tout le monde avait plus ou moins une pompe planquée dans son jardin!), Castro a engagé des milliers de "trabajadores" (surtout des filles), pour faire le pompiste. D'ailleurs, l'essence est super chère (presque comme en France). Pourtant, son pote Chavez lui en refile pas mal, en échange de médecins, profs cubains qu'il envoie au Vénéz. Ce qui est rigolo, c'est qu'avec les stoppeurs, on essayait de reconnaître à la couleur de la fumée qui s'échappait du pot d'échappement si c'était un privé ou un camion d'état (plus c'était noir, plus c'était de l'essence trafiquée, donc privé!!!)
En tout cas, ton histoire elle est pas mal... J'imagine bien encore ce genre de scénario dans l'Oriente, l'est, la partie la moins touristique de l'ile.
Allez, ciao!!!
Allez, ciao!!!
oui, merci, je suis au courrant... quand je parle de "crise", je parle de crise comme celle de 93 où il y avait des coupures d'éléctricité allant jusqu'à 16h/jour, que les papis ramaissaient les vieux mégots pour réunir le tabac affin de s'en faire un nouveau avec la somme des restes, qu'il n'y avait presque rien à manger sauf 1 petit pain par personne par jour et quelques haricots, que les gens étaient capables de tuer à coup de machette pour un vélo car ils pouvaient l'échanger contre un cochon pour pouvoir manger, etc...
Je l'ai vécue cette crise et j'étais à vélo à l'époque, je peux te dire que je flippais bien lorsque je devais me déplacer la nuit et j'étais cappable de faire des sacrés détours afin d'éviter les rues sombres une fois la nuit tombée...
Cette crise c'est celle qui a découlé de la chute du bloc communiste, Cuba s'est retrouvée sans pétrole ni ressources économiques. C'est à ce moment là que Cuba s'est ouverte au tourisme, qui est devenu sa principale source de revenus durant quelques années, qui lui ont permis de sortir du gouffre, jusqu'au 11 septembre. Le monde ayant peur de prendre l'avion ca s'est un peu écroulé et donc Cuba a essayé de collaborer avec d'autres pays, en premier lieu la République Dominicaine, qui tient de Cuba ses techniques de "traitement" du tourisme, mais ca n'a pas apporté grand chose, économiquement parlant. Le Venezuela est maintenant le "pays ami" de Cuba, mais espérons que pour longtemps... Ceci dit, à Cuba on commence à voir apparaître un certain racisme envers les Venezoliens, qui tout comme les russes & allemands de l'est à l'époque, viennent un peu "envahir" le pays... Contrairement aux touristes qui ne viennent que visiter. Ces derniers étant toujours bien perçus par le peuple cubain.
C'est pas encore comme en 93 mais j ai l impression qu'on y vient !!!!!!!
Toute la production locale est pour les hotels (le surplus pour les marchés cubains mais il y a rarement de surplus !!)
Depuis l arrivée des travailleurs sociaux le marché noir est en crise !
Quant aux venezuéliens ça me parait normal qu ils soient mal perçus, ils sont soignés avant les cubains et souvent dans des structures beaucoup plus modernes!!!
J'aimerais savoir qu'est-ce qui te fait dire ca ? L'erreur des Français est souvent celle de comparer Cuba à la France, en d'autres mots, comparer un pays du tiers monde avec un pays developpé ou comparer un raisin sec avec une pomme... Comparer ce qui n'est pas comparable. Ceci dit, les cubains font aussi cette erreur en se comparant aux pays developpés sans tenir compte des acquis importants qu'ils conservent (santé, éducation, protection sociale, etc...)
Pour savoir comment ca va à Cuba, il faut la comparer aux autres pays d'amérique latine : Perou, Venezuela, Costa-Rica, etc... mais surtout à Cuba elle même !
Je m'explique, la situation financière à Cuba s'évalue en tenant compte des services que l'Etat est capable de fournir au peuple. Les plus critiques sont la santé et l'éducation, lorsqu'il n'y a rien : pas de médicaments : mais par la je veux dire moins que d'habitude, car il n'y a pas toujours autant qu'ici en Europe ; pour l'éducation ce sont les caiers & les crayons qui manquent. Ensuite là où ca se voit le plus quand on est touriste c'est dans l'alimentaire : les restaurants appartenant à l'état fermés ou à sec, les marchés parallèles vraiment vides, etc... Une reference dans cette matière est étrangement le prix de la livre d'un jambon, qui suit au centime près l'inflation, une livre c'est un usd (dollar américain) ou X pesos (la dernière fois que j'y suis allé c'était à 18 pessos, signe de "bonne santé"). Lorsque tout manque le dollar s'enflame, en 93 il est monté jusqu'à 200 pesos ! (ce qui veut dire qu'un medecin gagnant 400 pesos, gagnait 2 usd !) Puisque vous vous y connaissez si bien, alors à quel prix est le dollar ? combien il y a de cahiers par gamin dans les écoles ? est-ce que les médicaments de premiers secours sont encore disponnibles dans les hopitaux ? est-ce que la pizzeria "12 y 23" a encore fermé ? Alors ?
Je ne sais pas si vous me comprenez, car en temps "normal" vous trouvez déjà qu'il n'y a pas "assez" de choses étant donné vos comparaisons avec un monde developpé... Il faudrait peut-être aller faire un tour au Perou, en Inde ou dans certains pays d'Afrique pour se rendre compte de ce que c'est que la vraie misère...
Je ne sais pas si vous me comprenez, car en temps "normal" vous trouvez déjà qu'il n'y a pas "assez" de choses étant donné vos comparaisons avec un monde developpé... Il faudrait peut-être aller faire un tour au Perou, en Inde ou dans certains pays d'Afrique pour se rendre compte de ce que c'est que la vraie misère...
J ai parfaitement compris et je compare Cuba d aujourd hui avec Cuba d il y a 5 ans !
Les médecins sont en Amérique du sud ou en Afrique Le niveau d entrée à l université a été baissé car les étudiants se faisaient rares (un médecin n'ayant pas le droit de quitter Cuba ça limite les vocations ) salaire 520 pesos(20 cuc)
Meme chose pour les institutrices, les nouvelles ont été formées en 9 mois en urgence !
Idem pour les infirmières (salaire 360 pesos)
Dans les lycées les prof sont remplacés par ds programmes vidéos .Les élèves n apprennent plus les grands auteurs étrangers, l histoire c est cuba, la géo c est cuba le reste du monde n existe pas !
Les médicaments de base se font de plus en plus rares(et pourtant cuba les fabrique !!)
Le marché parallèle se vide et les magasins de l'état en cuc affichent des prix exorbitants
Là où j habite l'électricité et l eau sont régulièrement coupées et parfois tous les jours !
Alors?, alors oui il y a pire !A cuba tout le monde a du riz ou du yuca mais pas de jambon (entre 34 et 38 pesos la livre)
La pizzeria est ouverte !😉
ok, ca fait peur... la corruption prolifère donc... c'est dommage... si les futures générations ne sont pas correctement formées ca va pas aider... J'irai revoir avec mes propres yeux cet été... Pourtant les compagnies aériennes prétendent que tout le monde veut aller à Cuba et que les avions sont pleins ! où va donc tout cet argent ? 😕
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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.
Best regards.
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.
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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.
Best regards.
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.
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Hi there,
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…
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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…
Best,
renaldito
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Have a great day!
Have a great day!
Hi everyone,
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!
Don’t hesitate if you have any questions! 😉
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!
Don’t hesitate if you have any questions! 😉
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.
Hi everyone,
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’m open to all your comments.
Thanks so much.
Have a lovely afternoon! :)
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’m open to all your comments.
Thanks so much.
Have a lovely afternoon! :)
Hi everyone,
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.
Cheers!
renaldito
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.
Cheers!
renaldito
Hi there,
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!
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.
Thanks!!
Julie
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.
Thanks!!
Julie
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?!
Thanks for your help! Voyamie.
Thanks for your help! Voyamie.
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. 😉
What would you recommend at the airport to get to Ste Anne... Taxis or rideshares?
Can you point me to a good one?
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.
Hi everyone,
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!
Can you help me out? Thanks! 🙂
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!
Can you help me out? Thanks! 🙂
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...
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...
Hi,
I’ll be staying at Playa Pesquero in Holguin and I’d like to rent a bike or scooter to explore the area. Do you know how I can do that? Thanks
Hi there,
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?
Thanks! :)
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?
Thanks! :)
hi
need some info—I’m torn between Martinique and Guadeloupe for April.
also, which island is bigger in terms of trip length?
thanks in advance
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...😕
Thanks for your help.
I’m throwing this message in a bottle, just in case...😕
Thanks for your help.
Hi
On a layover in Pointe-à-Pitre—where’s a good place to stay for one night?
Thanks
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!


