Gord

Hello all. We just got back from Varadero Cuba. If any one has questions I will try to answer as best as possible.

Margaret

Hi, We are trying to decide on where to go for our vacation this July. We have a 13 year old daughter. Did you find the island safe? Did you venture off the resort? Any snorkeling available? Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated. <BR>

Gord

Hi Margaret. No we didn't go off the resort but we did walk the beach a fair distance each direction. People we talked to that had gone to Havana were mixed in their comments. There are other things to do for excursions and perhaps others could answer your question better. It seemed safe to us at the time we went. Feel free to ask more directly thru email

Lar

Hi Margaret, to answer your question on safety, you will be safer in Cuba than almost anywhere. You can take trips to caves, and other cuban towns (Cardenas) Snorkeling is not great in Varadero but OK for the 13 year old, she will see some fish but no coral unless you take a tour out of Varadero. Keep a close eye on your daughter as you would in any foreign situation. We have travelled around and even hitch hiked, but that is not recommended for everyone. Are you looking at Varadero?

Lynda

We have been considering where to go this winter, last year we tried Jamaica and enjoyed it. We are thinking about Cuba. Any recommendations about a medium-priced, good, all-inclusive?

Lar

Lynda, I would recommend Rui Las Morlas for a reasonable all inclusive. Its just outside town, but within walking distance to it. It is between Hotel International and Villa Cuba. Meals at Rui where not bad, lunch barbaque good and dinner had lots to eat. Don't expect terrific food in Cuba, just good. <BR>If you have any other questions, leave a message

Chris

I rented a car and went from Havana to <BR>Santiago. It was inteesting. There is a building boom going on and it is not being reported. I am going back next year and do the Western part. There are some wonderful hotels going up. The Presidente was a pit when I was there but in April it looked great. Not inhabited as of then. The Melia has all <BR>first class stuff. The information out there is not very good. Sometimes you are in a time tunnel. The people are the best. I traveled alone as a women and I always felt comfortable. But I was <BR>not always comfortable in my hotels because I went without reservations.

mfelix

I too would recommend the RIU LAS MORLAS. <BR> <BR>I thought the food was great and the resort was just the right size -- not too big not too small. <BR> <BR>I am probably going back there in November or I will try a place in Cayo Coco. <BR> <BR>Good luck.

Laurie

Hi...Just a bit of advice regarding Caya Coco...I would not recommend Hotel Trype in Caya Coco...we were there a couple of years ago and although the beach was beautiful, the food was poor. <BR> <BR>In fact, a few people I've spoken to in the past year who also tried this resort found the same thing. Some even were sure that they were hit with some food poisoning, since they were sick for several days. <BR>