Cuba travel guide and discussion

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This time, I'll share some useful tips for your trip to Cuba! You won't be able to use your cell phone right away when you arrive in Cuba. So, I recommend taking screenshots of simple Spanish phrases to ask questions about! Also, you should exchange your Canadian dollars in Cuba, as they'll exchange them for CUPs, so be sure to exchange them before you go. Also, when taking a taxi from the airport to Havana, don't take one if it charges more than 30 CUC! You should always pay less than that to avoid overcrowding. · I stayed at Casa Yovanna, a famous Korean-language hotel. It wasn't as spacious as I expected, but I heard it was the only casa in the area with constant hot water! There were no separate rooms for men and women, so if that's inconvenient, you might want to look elsewhere! The owner and her son are so cute and kind!! They even called a taxi for me to the airport, which was convenient :) · I didn't feel particularly unsafe while wandering around Havana. The police were always there, so it was relatively safe, but there were a lot of drunk people at night, so be careful! · Wi-Fi cards are sold at places like hotels, but they can set the number of cards you need, so be polite and ask for them. I recommend going early in the morning. If you go late, they might say they don't have any Wi-Fi cards and you won't be able to buy one. However, I was able to focus on Cuba without using my phone, so it was great to just take pictures and wander around. ‼️ I definitely recommend visiting Cuba :) #CubaTravel #MemoriesSelling #Cuba #Tips

Despite the challenges Cuba and its tourism sector are facing, this hotel has managed to uphold its quality standards. From the moment you arrive, you feel as though nothing has changed; the crisis feels like it is happening elsewhere. The air-conditioned lobby is clean, well-lit, and welcoming. The reception staff are incredibly efficient, friendly, and customer-focused, making the check-in experience both warm and pleasant. The elevators work perfectly, and the room is spotless. The bedding is freshly made and absolutely clean. The room size is just right, featuring a TV with channels from different countries, a minibar, and other amenities. The furniture is well-arranged for maximum comfort and convenience when unpacking. Air conditioning is consistently functional, and hot water is readily available for showers. The complimentary toiletries add a nice touch, and the housekeeping staff are courteous, discreet, and always willing to assist. One of the standout features is the calm and quietness of the living spaces, offering a relaxing environment. The pools are well-maintained and clean. Breakfast is diverse and delicious, and the beautiful gardens and views of the Malecón are breathtaking. This hotel is, without a doubt, a perfect choice.

Have you ever visited your grandparents? Or perhaps, more refined and hospitable ones? That’s exactly the vibe we got from staying at this resort. Let’s take it step by step. After clearing customs, the hotel representative took over, collecting our luggage and escorting us to the domestic flight check-in, handling everything while we just looked around. Then we were guided to a lounge where we were served food, drinks, and given activities to pass time. In a couple of hours, we boarded a seaplane, were handed earplugs, and took off. Our luggage magically reappeared in our villa upon arrival. The half-hour flight ended, and we walked onto the resort pier, welcomed like dear friends with drinks, snacks, and even a little tour (green plant necklaces included). Another welcome at the reception, time adjustment, and escort to our villa followed by a blissful stay full of care from every staff member on the island. Any question we had was met with multiple solutions, always coupled with a smile. The team was fantastic—special thanks to Dina, Aisulu, Wolfgang, Rufina, and Shiraz. From day one, they made our stay so overwhelmingly pleasant it felt surprisingly familiar, as though we weren’t just vacationing in an entirely new place but somewhere we belonged. The sunsets paired with music sets, cocktails, and snacks were memorable. The parties and underwater world—sharks of different kinds, turtles, rays, dolphins, and vibrant fish—were a true delight. You could see them from the pier or diving, snorkeling, or scuba diving. Plenty of activities exist for non-snorkelers too, like yoga, volleyball, paddle tennis, and billiards. Plus, there’s an excellent gym and even a sauna (yes, on the Maldives)! Now, for the cons—it’s the kind of cozy you find at your grandparents’. The cottages indeed show their age with a certain elderly smell. However, even that was quickly resolved with a lemon freshener. In my personal ranking, this place and this hotel hold a solid second place. Why not first? My heart remains with Cuba (the feisty aunt in my metaphor), but one thing is clear—I’ll definitely return to Robinson. Team, you’re amazing!

I've traveled to Brazil, Mexico, Rome, Ireland, and now Cuba, but La Voya provided the best service I've ever experienced. Available 24/7, they took care of everything—transportation, scheduling, great activities, room service, financial exchanges—everything was seamless. The team was extremely respectful. No complaints about the rooms; they were spotless, perfectly cooled, with excellent showers and amenities. From the start, they knew who I was, and everyone was incredibly friendly, making me feel like a priority. I wouldn't stay anywhere else next time. Thank you, Voya team!

America has Miami and Orlando. But at the southernmost tip of the continental United States lies a town that feels like a Caribbean island that happens to fly the American flag. Key West is a small settlement of conch houses, palm-lined streets, and a waterfront that opens onto the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. Ernest Hemingway lived here. Jimmy Buffett found his muse here. Here is how to explore this hidden American gem and save money with Trip.com. 1. Duval Street at Dawn: Pastel Walls and Silence Key West's main street is a stretch of pastel conch houses, wooden balconies, and tropical gardens. By 10 AM, the cruise ship passengers arrive. Come at 6 AM instead. The light is soft. The pastel walls glow. You will walk along Duval Street with only the sound of birds and the distant crow of a rooster. It feels like stepping into a Caribbean dream. Pro Tip: Download the Trip.com offline map for Key West. It shows you the quietest routes through the old town and the hidden viewpoints. The best photos are from the Southernmost Point at sunrise, when the water glows. 2. The Hemingway Home: A Writer's Paradise Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West for over a decade, and his home is now a museum. The house is filled with his furniture, his books, and his cats — descendants of his original six-toed felines. The tour is intimate and fascinating. Come early. The house is quiet, and the light is soft. Money Hack: Buy your ticket on Trip.com before you go. The Hemingway Home is one of the most popular attractions in Key West, and booking online saves time. The ticket includes a guided tour and access to the gardens. 3. The Southernmost Point: A Photo at the Edge The Southernmost Point buoy is one of the most photographed spots in America. It marks the southernmost point of the continental United States, just 90 miles from Cuba. The line can be long, but the photo is worth it. Come early. The light is beautiful, and the crowds are thin. Budget Advice: The Southernmost Point is free to visit. Skip the expensive tours. Walk there on your own and take your photo. Check Trip.com for a "Key West Walking Tour" that includes the Southernmost Point and the old town. 4. Food That Tastes Like the Tropics Key West food is fresh and Caribbean-influenced. Try Conch Fritters — fried dough balls filled with conch meat. Order Key Lime Pie — the authentic version, made with real key limes. And do not miss Stone Crab — a local delicacy, served chilled with mustard sauce. Where to Eat: Skip the expensive restaurants on Duval Street. Walk into the side streets and find Café Key West or Restoran Conch, where locals eat. The food is fresh, and the prices are fair. Check Trip.com for set menu deals — some places include a free slice of key lime pie when you book through the app. Where to Stay? Book on Trip.com a guesthouse in the old town. Look for something near Duval Street or the waterfront. You will sleep in a conch house with a porch, a view of the palms, and the sound of roosters at dawn. The evenings are warm, and the stars are bright. Conclusion: Key West is not a place you rush through. It is a place you breathe in. It is a town of pastel houses and tropical breezes, of writers and dreamers. It is a place where the road ends and the sea begins. America is a country of many stories, and Key West is its island soul. Come and walk Duval Street at dawn. The tropics are waiting. #trip_com #USA #KeyWest #keywesttravel #USAHiddenGems #Florida #HemingwayHome #BudgetTravel #AmericasGuide #travelusa #SouthernmostPoint #KeyLimePie #HiddenUSA #ConchRepublic #FloridaKeys

Few places in the world have streets quite like Havana. Here, 1950s American classics, Soviet-era cars, horse-drawn carriages and modern vehicles can all appear in the same scene — turning an ordinary walk through the city into a journey through decades of history. THE AMERICAN CLASSICS Before the Cuban Revolution, American manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Ford, Buick, Cadillac and Chrysler dominated Cuba’s automobile market. Many of these cars remained on the island after 1959 and were kept running for decades despite limited access to original parts. Look for the enormous bodies, distinctive chrome and unmistakable designs of the 1940s and 1950s. THE SOVIET CARS But don't make the mistake of thinking that every old car in Havana is American. After the Revolution, Soviet and Eastern European vehicles became an important part of Cuba’s automotive landscape. You may spot classic Ladas, Moskvichs and Volgas, very different from the enormous American automobiles in both design and engineering. The contrast is fascinating: American cars represent one chapter of Cuba’s history, while Soviet vehicles tell another. HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGES And then there are the horses. Horse-drawn carriages can still be seen in historic areas and tourist destinations, adding yet another layer to Havana’s extraordinary transportation scene. From horse power to Soviet engineering to giant American V8-era classics — Cuba’s streets bring together technologies from completely different periods. WHAT TO LOOK FOR AMERICAN CLASSICS Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, Ford and Chrysler — chrome, curves and 1950s glamour. SOVIET & EASTERN EUROPEAN CARS Lada, Moskvich and Volga — practical designs that became part of everyday Cuban life. HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGES A much slower and more traditional way of moving through historic areas. THE HAVANA EXPERIENCE The fascinating thing isn't simply seeing a beautiful vintage car. It's seeing different chapters of Cuban history moving through the same streets. American classics from before the Revolution. Soviet vehicles from the decades that followed. Horse-drawn transportation rooted in an older tradition. And modern cars sharing the road with all of them. Havana isn't just a city to photograph. Sometimes, you can watch its history drive past you. TRAVEL TIP When exploring Havana, don't only look for the most colourful classic cars. Pay attention to the different types of vehicles around you. The real experience is in the contrast.

Truly an excellent experience. Mrs. Surama is a special person, full of kindness and care for her guests. The house is stunning, both for its beauty and cleanliness. Located in the heart of the old city, surrounded by rich history and architectural charm. I highly recommend it to all tourists planning to visit the beautiful island of Cuba. HASTA LA VICTORIA SIEMPRE 🚩✊ Alessandro Casolari and Silvia Zaramella

Really enjoyed our stay! The hotel staff were very professional, with special thanks to Kun – the charming island host who went above and beyond to make our experience as comfortable as possible. We reached out to her for all sorts of questions, from restaurant reservations to activities and even currency exchange. The food was delicious, the bar had a variety of cocktails, including premium alcohol, and housekeeping was done twice daily, with thoughtful touches like preparing the room for sleep and updating towels. Staying in the water villa offered complete privacy and stunning views. However, there were some drawbacks. When we went on a snorkeling trip with sharks and manta rays, the boat that arrived for us had no toilet, despite the five-hour duration of the trip—something we weren't informed about beforehand. This felt odd; even in less affluent destinations like Cuba, we've traveled on yachts with proper facilities. Additionally, before water activities, you're required to sign a risk agreement, but the instructions provided were rather minimal, like not looking sharks in the eye, not touching them, and staying non-aggressive, as they are harmless nurse sharks. We researched additional safety tips before the trip, such as avoiding bright, glittering jewelry, not swimming with open wounds, and understanding other precautions. These details aren't thoroughly explained, likely to keep guests from feeling uneasy. Our trip went smoothly as we adhered to all the rules, but risks naturally exist—especially since previous groups on other boats might influence shark behavior. It's worth considering that one group’s actions could destabilize the experience for another. Overall, I highly recommend this hotel to couples seeking privacy and a worry-free getaway.

We had an amazing experience with Daniela during our stay in Cuba! She was extremely kind, punctual, thoughtful, and detail-oriented. What stood out most was how quickly she understood our preferences—both what we enjoyed and what we preferred to avoid—and tailored our days accordingly. Together, we visited unforgettable places like Hemingway’s home, Fusterlandia, the José Martí Memorial, and Old Havana. Daniela always made an effort to accommodate our wishes while keeping everything relaxed and fun. She was professional, reliable, and truly cared about ensuring we had a fantastic trip. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with her and highly recommend Daniela to anyone traveling to Cuba!

The hotel is luxurious but mainly attracts local Cuban guests, with few foreign visitors. There are significant problems with food and beverages due to restrictions. Note that since July 31, 2026, it’s no longer affiliated with Meliá and is now just Hotel Cohiba as the group has left Cuba. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, but frequent power outages are an issue.

You can live like a king here, it’s pretty simple really kick back and relax in some of the most incredible hotels all around Vietnam, we’ve had some of the most personal experiences right on our door steps, then had a chance to get back to the room to unwind and comprehend the literal luck we have of being able to live our dreams. Life truly feels better 20 stories up with the sun hitting your skin and the pool so crisp cold it cools off the excitement you cannot contain #travel #travel2026 #couplestrip #poolhotel

🔴A 7-day journey to rebuild my spending habits in Cuba💰, the prices here made me question life! (But it really smells so good) Before coming to Cuba, I was anxious with a monthly salary of 3k After coming to Cuba, I drink mojitos on the street like a rich lady The prices here are like running at 0.5x speed🥹 · 🇨🇺Must-visit spots recommended: 📍Plaza de la Catedral, Havana 👉 Free admission! A goose-yellow Baroque church with a built-in filter, many Latin American grandpas in floral shirts on the square will voluntarily help you take photos (remember to prepare a $1 tip) 📍Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square) 👉 The giant Che Guevara mural is here! It’s recommended to go in the evening, the sunset will dye the mural orange-red (remember to use a wide-angle lens for photos) 📍Malecon Seaside Avenue 👉 A 5-kilometer-long free "human observation theater," local guys will ask you to dance salsa, and at sunset the whole sea surface turns pink-purple🌅 📍Trinidad 👉 The colorful town is great for photos! Cobblestone streets + vintage old cars, it’s recommended to buy a 3 CUC coconut ice cream and sit on the church steps to eat · 🥘Food highlights: ✔️ You can eat lobster for $5! Recommended La Guarida (reservation needed) ✔️ $1.5 street pizza tastes ten times better than Domino’s ✔️ Definitely experience Paladar (family-run restaurants), recommended La Cocina de Lilliam in Havana · 💡Trivia: 1️⃣ Remember to bring enough cash! Almost no card payments here (Euros are more useful than dollars) 2️⃣ You need to buy a SIM card for internet, $1 per hour, hotel lobbies are the only hotspots 3️⃣ Remember to bargain for old car tours, $30 can get you a 1-hour city tour · 💸Spending reference (June 2023): · Homestay $15-30/night · Mojito $2-3 · Popular restaurants $10-15 per person · Bus $0.5