Havana

I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT THIS CARRIBEAN NATION FOR THE JOY OF SEEING FOR MYSELF WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT,I HAVE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT THE ATMOSPHERE AS WELL AS THE ISLAND ITSELF.IUNDERSTAND THAT WE DO NOT HAVE NORMAL RELATIONS WITH THE GOV.OF THIS TINY ISLAND NATION BUT TOURISM IS ANOTHER ASPECT OF VISITING THIS PLACE.AS A AMERICAN CITIZEN I FEEL THAT ITS NOT THE GOVMNT. PLACE TO SAY WHERE I CAN GO & WHERE I CANT. SO I WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO TAKE MY FAMILY THERE.IF I CAN FIND GOOD RATES & HOTEL.

It depends what you're looking for. We wanted to experience Havana itself... the history, culture, architure and of course the cigars! A lot of people go for the beaches though at Varadero (a tourist resort 140km east of Havana), but these are a world away from the capital. You may as well be lying on a beach anywhere in the world.

You can pretty much go anywhere in Cuba as there is little crime though I'm sure this will change as capitalism creeps in. There are some scams and pickpockets to beware though so stay alert. Also, if you want to go into the center of Havana at night bring a torch. Massive electricity shortages due to the US embargo have left much of the city in darkness.

There are very cheap places to stay and to eat in Cuba, shop around. But even the 5* Hotel Nacional isn't too expensive and is very impressive. Stars such as Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, and Nat King Cole have stayed there as well as gangsters Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Seigel who ran casinos here in the '50s.

Finally, if you are American get your money changed to Cuban Convertible Pesos before you go to Cuba. You have to pay a 10% charge that no-one else pays otherwise.

His no way from united state to go to cuba only cuban can go with a permition of the united state treasury and every 3 years. The only place you can changed you money is in cuba and is 20% for american dollars they charge.

Our trip to Havana was the most memorable and enjoyable trip we've taken anywhere. My partner and I have traveled over much of South America, Europe and Africa and this was by far the most pure fun we've had. The music, the mojitos, the people, the people, the people....what a great place. Sure there are problems but so much easier to take when you don't have to stare at McDonalds, Wendys and Burger King every 10 feet. Hurry, go before it's too late.

I would love to go to Cuba ,but as an American were would one leave from to go there?

You can go to Cuba through Cancun, Mexico (like I did), or through the Bahamas or Canada if you're American. There are some programs that allow you to get a visa from the US to go, but you'll probably be paying more all around.

I had no problem going in an out of Cuba via Cancun. The Cuba people were very friendly everywhere I went. As someone mentions here, crime is low, though in Havana there are plentiful scammers trying to make a buck.

Go to Cuba before it becomes Puerto Rico, as my friend says. In other words, before the US bowls it over economically. Havana already is showing signs of capitalism taking over. Go to Santiage de Cuba in the east (or other cities) and you'll see the wonderful unique atmosphere in Cuba.

Of course, things are not perfect there. You can see that people's freedoms are being stemmed. That was the best part of the trip for me.
Talking to people. Really worth visiting Cuba. Especially Americans should go since we are spoon-fed news about Cuba from biased sources all the time. Go and find out about your neighbor for yourselves.

Thats right respec2259, you can go through Mexico. I spoke to an American in Cuba about this. She told me that you can just ask the Cubans not to stamp your passort and that they're very understanding.

natamckj, I heard when I was over there that there is property already ear-marked along the malecon for McDonalds in anticipation of Castro's death... I hope this isn't true. As you say, the atmosphere in Cuba is something you won't find anywhere else in the world.

chavelo2006, haven't a clue what you're on about!?

any one can help me love to go to Cuba . alzzz e mail me :)

HI-

I would apreciate any ideas...My partner & I are planning to go to Cuba (Playa del este)for NY Eve. We are actually goign via Kingston, Jamaica which sems to be very easy. I am staying at a villa in the area. Is that a fun area? I'm looking to experience the Cuba in Cuba. Good drink, good food and talking to good local people.

Any recomendations for NY Eve? Any sights I should see..I only have 5 days so I want to relax a bit but still experience the local flair.