Hi Heidi,

I've just come back from 17 days in Cuba and we had the time of our lives. Speaking Spanish helped a lot, but we were not fluent, just enough to get by. As two 40 year old women travelling together the only hassle we had was in Havana, if you have to go 2 nights is enough and all the other tourists we meet agreed with us.
We hired a car and drove around the island, picking up many locals on the way and giving them lifts as all good Cubans do. We had 3 nights in Vinales, but could have spent a week in the Pinar del Rio region, it is beautiful, lots to see and do. 2 nights in Cienfuegos was a treat and again could have stayed longer, a little quiet in June, but August is peak season, so book accommodation. The hotel Union was a treat for us and very high standard accommodation. Trinidad was next, 3 nights there, it won't be long until Trinidad has the same problems as Havana, it is quite commercial and the tour buses bring hundreds of day visitors in. 3 nights is enough in Trinidad. We then spent our last two nights in an all inclusive in Veradero, don't go here if you want the real Cuba, it's just a holiday resort with a very beautiful beach.
If you don't want luxury, stay in Casa Particulars, they are very cheap and you will meet the locals. Cubans are very friendly and hospitable.
You won't find much good food, take some snacks. Make sure you take a torch, the electric went off every evening when we were there. An umbrella and a few carrier bags. And lots of paper, pencils, erasers, toys for the children. Schools are very easy to visit and they appreciate everything.
Music is everywhere, it doesn't matter where you are, just follow your ears.
If you don't want to hire a car, a taxi to Vinales from Havana is only around 30 dollars.
Don't take American Dollars they are taxed hard, your own currency is good enough. Credit cards aren't taken in many places, except Havana and Veradero. You'll pay a lot of commission to use them and travellers cheques.
If you want any other information please email me.