cj

which airlines from montreal or toronto canada goes to havana cuba? And any advise on great things what to see and do there?? I'm going during christmas.

Fidel

Americans don't go to Cuba...check out Hola Sun packages...

Read

uh Fidel, cj didn't ask if Americans went to Cuba. Read the question!<BR><BR>As for airlines that do fly there, try Air Transat.

mh

This island is the working or poor european vacation spot, so they do have alot of tourists(just not americans) so there must be things to do there..I would imagine that it is a fairly cheap island, let us know how your trip went so others will be informed also.

melina

Hi cj<BR>I have been to cuba three years in a row now and always fly out from Toronto. We used to fly Canada 3000, but,now it's gone, we are flying Air Transat. I believe that Skyservice also goes down there, they fly from a lot of locations. Unfortunately, we always stay in Varadero and have only done day trips to Havana. The people are wonderful and advice is take some sunscreen. Have fun

dubya

Well I sho nuf done like all this talk bout goin to Kuba. Ifn I ketch any of you pinko commie bedwetters goin down there and suportting that Fedel feller then I jes have to sci ol Dickie Cheney and Donnie Rumsfield on y'all. Then you be in a world of hurt. We have our good ol guverment boys on you like flies on horse poop.

fred

Take a deep breath Dubya and call your daddy.

Chef Jason Girard

If you really want an off-the-beaten-path vacation, Cuba is your island! Not particularly known for incredible beaches, but the historical and shopping aspects are off the charts. Travel and travel arrangements are a bit challenging, especially if you’re coming from the States. We made an entirely separate trip of Cuba – I found it best to make Cuba travel plans through a reputable Canadian travel agency… We flew from Toronto on LACSA Airlines. Cigars and the world’s best rum rule the day. The outdoor art, craft and book market at the Plaza Cathedral is amazing. Gorgeous, but crumbling Spanish Colonial architecture and lots of Hemmingway stuff. VERY VERY CHEAP!!! Not much of a restaurant city (country), but we did manage to find a few favorite places (Hanoi in Habana Vieja is excellent if you can get past lack of A/C), away from all the European and Canadian tourists… Incredibly friendly (and shockingly poor) people. Remarkably safe. As with any major city, be sure to stay alert for pickpockets and conmen.<BR><BR>Don’t worry, if you have an American passport, just tell the Cuban customs agent not to stamp it – he’ll be happy to oblige. They’ll just give you a tourist card and stamp it instead. Be sure to keep the tourist card and your passport in a safe place, as you won’t leave without turning the card in upon departure. Also BE SURE TO CALL THE AIRLINE AT LEAST TWO DAYS BEFORE DEPARTING FROM CUBA TO RETURN HOME. Believe it or not, your airline ticket does not guarantee you a seat on that flight. Call to confirm your reservation a couple days before your flight or you may end up stranded at Habana airport, due to miserably overbooked flights… When you arrive back at the Toronto airport, be sure you don’t have more than 2 boxes (50 sticks) of Cuban cigars per person or they will assess a 100% tariff on each additional box. I think the limit on rum is 2 bottles each.

Sue & Steve

Try to stay at least three or four days in Havana. It is such a fascinating place, great architecture, lively bars -most with live music, good food & friendly people. The Floridita, Bodeguita del Medio and Ambos Mundos roof bar should not be missed. Also we would reccomend the Maison De La Flota for a tapas lunch and live flamenco show.<BR><BR>We stayed in the Hotel Nacional which was an unforgettable experience.<BR>The history room bar has pictures of all the famous and infamous people who have stayed there, Sinatra, Ava Gardner Nat King Cole,the Ayatollah, Meyer Lansky to name but a few.<BR>The terrace bar has two live bands each night and there are periodic visits by the Buena Vista Social Club artistes.<BR>After Havana we went to Varadero which is very touristy, the highlights there were Al Capone's old house, lunch at the Du Pont mansion & a catamaran trip to Cayo Blanco.<BR>Our advice is go to Cuba now in case it is spoiled in the future when more tourists are allowed in. <BR>

beenthere

I went in May. Exactly one week prior to former president Carter's visit. WOW!! What a wonderful experience! Advice? GO...GO NOW, before it gets overun with too many of US tourists!!<BR>Check out www.sancristobaltravel.com which is a Candadian travel agency specializing in Cuba. Good Luck!

what???

Question for Chef:<BR><BR>Did u say Cuba was not particularly known for it's beautiful beaches? They are known for beautiful beaches...and the airport is "havana", not "habana"

Ken

An airline ticket does not guarantee you a seat on ANY flight !!! All airlines overbook !!