Going it alone....Am I foolish?
 

Hello
I've booiked to spend 1 month in Cuba to study spanish (Havana & Trinidad)including a week free = should I go to Santiago de Cuba or stay around Trinidad.
1. May I confirm with those that have been there that an Australian visa/mastercard is okay to use.
2. I'm in my 50's & going it alone -- I'm probably foolish but besides being careful is there anything I should know or areas/places to keep away from. I am not a seasoned traveller.
3.Is a large handbag more likely a target than a backpack. (Trying to figure out where to carry my camera & how NOT to look like a tourist)
4. Does anyone know any local tour guides?
5.Which bus company would you recommend for a solo female traveller.
Thanking you all in advance for your time and any advice you are able to give.
Have a great day - Angie

Hi Angie,

Because of the travel restrictions for travel from the U.S. to Cuba, there are not a lot of people on this board with Cuba travel experience. Canuck is one and I think he checks in regularly.

You might try this forum: http://debbiesreviews.proboards88.co...cgi?board=Cuba

It is more active for Cuba travel.

I spent a week in Cuba in 2001, and found it very very safe. The Cuban people were extremely friendly. We visited both Havana and Trinidad.

I don't think you're foolish to go. Your learning the language will really help in making the trip more enjoyable.

CW

My husband and I spent a week in Havana about five years ago. We're Americans, but went on a 'cultural exchange' trip. Havana is very safe. It isn't a free society, and, the last thing the officials want is for something bad to happen to tourists.

We were warned against walking many of the downtown streets, not because of muggers, but, because many of the buildings were literally falling apart, and there was the danger of falling debris.

We stayed in Old Havana. It was a fascinating trip, I do so hope to be able to return one day and see more of the wonderful country of Cuba.

I'm in my 50's as well, and would jump at the chance to do what you're doing.

Angelica:

I voice much of what Jean H. says above. We went to Cuba on a mission to bring hard-to-get medicines for the local Jewish community...we did so with an invitation from the community...we had to show the letter and proof that we were carrying 20 pounds of heart, diabetes and arthritis medication,etc.

Once there, we were free to do whatever we wished. We, too, elected to stay in the old city, which was in the procees of massive renovations. We stayed at a tobacco planter's hotel which was delightful...."Condes de Villaneuva"..elegant rooms and a beautiful atrium, courtyard...and especially reasonable. We were the only American guests there according to the manager....and we were treated royally at every step.

Yes, we thorughly enjoyed everything about Havana except the fact that the population and the infrastructure were equally downtrodden.

We hired a guide for one day, rented a car for him to drive and went to the unspoiled eastern beaches for some sun and a swim, and to Hemingway's home...other than that we took cabs everywhere (very inexpensive).

Wife went to a marvelous ballet at The Opera House ($10)while I went to a pro baseball game ($1.50)...and we ate excellent meals at several paladares ("private home dining")...again, most reasonable.

The art museum in Old Havana is quite good...we also visited a tobaco factory and a rum factory.

Just walking the streets is a colorful event, and there's music on every corner..little combos of street musicians. We were also lucky enough to see the Buena Vista Social Club perform at the Nacional Hotel...some event!

As Jean H. says....the Cubans are friendly and very accomodating. I speak enough Spanish to get by, but many of them understand English...and of course, "finger pointing"...

You will be OK solo in my opinion...we felt safe at every juncture...not a threat of any kind in sight. Jean is so right...the penalty for crimes against tourists are severe.

Enjoy!

Stu T.

I've never been to Cuba -- but I've done a lot of solo traveling over the years and had some wonderful adventures. I'm sure you'll use good judgment - be alert but still open to the possibilities. You'll have a great time - please post a report when you return.

Happy travels.

Carol

We've been to Cuba many times and enjoyed it. Technically your credit card should work, as it's only the American ones that don't- however with the exception of the major hotels, not many places accept credit cards. Even when using a cc at a hotel, there are some service charges built in. We always pay cash, although I would not like to carry a month's worth of that either! Have a great trip but do lots of research.

Thankyou to everyone who has posted a reply! I now feel confident that all will go well and I have made the right decision. When I get back just prior to Xmas I will post a short account of my adventures. Thank you once again!
Angie

Hi Angie:

Well first off, you'll have no major worries travelling alone throughout Cuba. I've been going there solo for 10 years now and have never had a problem. That said, stay away from dark alleys at night like you would in any city. Just use your common sense.

For bus travel between cities, there's nothing better than Viazul. Full schedule and fares here.

www.viazul.com

The buses are modern, AC, comfortable and pretty much always on schedule. The only caution is to take a sweater. The drivers almost universally love the AC at max!!! LOL!!

As to your free week. I'm not sure what your interests are, but if you've already seen Trinidad and Havana, might I suggest you catch the Viazul westward to the Vinales Valley. Simply stunning scenery, horseback riding, caves to explore (safely) complete with underground river. I might also suggest you consider staying in a "Casa Particular", a Cuban version of a bed and breakfast. Cost in Vinales shold be 20 CUC per night and all have AC, modern bathroom, hot shower etc. One of the great things about Casa's is eating local Cuban cusine. Dinners are usually 8 CUC and I've always been stuffed full and not able to finish everything. Here's the details on the Casa I stayed at in Feb '08 in Vinales and I'd highly recommend them.

Casa Estevan y Margarita Orama
Calle Orlando Nordarse, No 13
Vinales, Pinar del Rio, Cuba
C. Postal 22400
Telf (048) 69-53-99 or 79-60-17

Want to know what the scenery looks like. Check out this link to a photo I took there.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55...wn2-CROP-1.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55...Trip/Oxen2.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55...orkeryagua.jpg

As a matter of fact, I loved Vinales so much I'll be back again next February. I spend the entire month of Feb each year exploring Havana and then taking 3 or 4 day side trips out to interesting places within Cuba. You'll have a great time. Just take an open mind.

Enjoy
Steve

Oh, you'll also find lots of Cuba travellers and info on the Trip Advisor Cuba forum here.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum...-i91-Cuba.html

You'll find me posting as Steve_YYZ on that forum.

Hi Steve!
You certainly have a photographers eye! The pictures are stunning. That first one is magic. Where abouts in Pinar Del Rio did you take that! I have taken your advice. I am now going to spend my free week in the Pinar district - I prefer the country. I am currently seeking availability at Hotel Soroa & La Ermita but I will now also check availability for your suggestion. Thanks for the links! I've also been trying to figure out what I should do when leaving Cuba as my flight is at some ungodly hour (1am) and I am unsure as to whether to book that night in Pinar (so I can have a late checkout) or find my way back to Havana via bus & book a night (few hours) there! It would be too hard getting about dragging my luggage!
Thanks once again - your should submit your photos to Nat. Geo. or similiar. They are very very good.
Angie

Hi Angie:

Thanks for your kind comments about the photos.
The first image (dawn) was shot from the dining room balcony at the Hotel Las Jazmines in Vinales. I wasn't staying at the hotel, but stayed in a Casa in the town but went up to the hotel because it has the most outstanding view, especially at dawn. Also, the $5 CUC all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is good value.

The view from La Ermita is also nice, but I don't think it's quite as spectacular. Say an 8 out of 10 instead.

As to your thoughts on your flight home. Well first off, I've always made it a personal rule to be back in Havana the day prior to my International departure. Let's just say that while local transportation has never really let me down, I also don't tempt fate. LOL!!
What dates are you travelling? The reason I ask is that my regular Havana accommodation is a Casa Particular (bed & breakfast) that is located between the Viazul bus terminal and the airport. It might be a suggestion to perhaps spend your final day/night there which leaves you convenient to both. 10 minutes by cab from Viazul, and 15 minutes by cab from airport. Send me an email and I can send you details.
[email protected]
or contact the casa directly at
[email protected]

Any other questions, don't be afraid to ask.

Steve