Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

2 week holiday, 2011 - Cuba or S. Africa?

  • 24-12-2010 10:24pm
    #1
    Glowing
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,851 ✭✭✭


    Hi all,

    Thinking about holidays for 2011, and am contemplating 2 weeks in either Cuba, South Africa (never been to the African continent!), or South India.

    Any comments or suggestions? We were in Northern India just a few months ago and really loved it - so would love to see the South. Having said that, have never been to Africa and think Safa could be a lot of fun. Finally Cuba could be a bit of a wildcard - haven't been to the carribean before and could be pretty different!

    So, would love your feedback or suggestions. BTW we haven't decided what month to head off in - but can't be March, June or August :)

    Thanks!


Comments

  • #2
    bgwm
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭bgwm


    Dont know much about S.Africa but i have been to Cuba about 8 years ago.

    I went to Habana for 3 days staying in the Melia Cohiba hotel (Spainsh chain) and then to Varadero for 8 days. I always wanted to go and knew what to expect when i got there. I also speak Spanish which was a help.

    First the bad:

    I suggest you get full board in hotels as eating out is not advised. You will find it hard to get meat on a menu. Food outside hotels is really bad. The moment you step outside the hotel pretend you dont speak english because within minutes you will have a local latched onto you offering to show you around Habana and will take you to local bars/restaurants where you will be ripped off. Lol...offer to take a photo of them and see the reaction. Cubans will pay in pesos about 5 cents US and tourists are expected to pay in Dollars so you pay 20 times what a local will. Prices at the time were actually expensive compaired to Ireland.

    Through out the island there can be s strong smell of oil at times. Expect to be hassled constantly for cash, people selling cigars (fake) etc.

    Now the good:

    Certainly consider all inclusive which includes meals, beers, spirits and cocktails...yum
    Its a very safe country and the people are very happy and friendly.
    Varadero has a bridge leading onto it and non locals cant enter (may seem unfair but you will be glad you get LESS hassle)
    Varadero beach is beautiful but i regretted not spending more time in Habana. Wander away from the tourist areas if your confident enough.

    Overall i enjoyed the trip but its not everyones cup of tea. Make sure you bring a pen as although you can get many postcards its hard o find pens and sent about 5 to everyone to ensure they recieve one.


    If you want to go you should go soon before Castro dies and the country changes. Its so laid back and despite what you are led to believe on news reports most peole are happy and fun.

    I flew to Madrid first cos Iberia have daily flights and are much cheaper than you will get in Ireland or the UK

    PM me if want more info


Advertisement