9 independent reviews for Cuba highlights and beach holiday
Reviews for Cuba highlights and beach holiday
Elizabeth Plumb review 14 Apr 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Vinales. Horse ride and the surrounding area. Our local guides were great. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take more money in cash (euros or US dollars) than you think you will need. Do not expect to use a credit card, ATM or bank. There are daily power cuts for at least 12-18 hours. Nights can be very hot without a fan or A/C Don’t go to Varadero. Awful place.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, in that we were taking foreign currency into Cuba which was much needed by the locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I won’t go back. Too difficult as a tourist in Cuba.Read the operator's response here:
Thanks for your review and helpful tips for other travellers thinking about visiting. We aim to speak with all travellers first to ensure their expectations are well managed. It's certainly a difficult time for Cubans at the moment as they deal with the power shortage, lack of financial support and increasing sanctions, we are so glad that your visit would have had such a meaningful impact and benefit to all those involved in the operation of your holiday. We are
pleased you enjoyed the services of our local guides on your excursions.
Maxine Segalov review 19 Mar 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We enjoyed all of it. The walking tour of Havana was excellent and exploring Vinales on horseback and by bicycle were great fun.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take Euros or Dollars - we hardly used our credit cards. Change as little money as possible at the airport! Be aware that there are power cuts everywhere other than Havana - take a torch.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Staying in Casas is a great way to support local people. We had local guides and drivers and we felt we should tip generously.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a very well organised trip. We covered a lot of the country whilst having time to explore places in depth.Sue Yilmaz review 29 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all very memorable and a trip we will never forget. That is because we, I believe, were able to get an idea of what daily life is like for Cuban people, but also because it was challenging at times and took us way out of our comfort zone. All of the activities that were pre-planned were really good. We enjoyed them all, but the Bicitour in Trinidad was particularly interesting as it gave us a real insight into how Cubans get what they need, ie a mixture of State, ration book, shops and the black market. We also really enjoyed the walk to the Tobacco farm in Vinales, we saw and learned a lot from that too. There are a lot of talented people in Cuba. Sit in a restaurant for a few minutes and if there isn’t one there already a band will appear. We learned things we didn’t know, such as how the Mafia basically ran Havana for a while. The beaches at Cayo Jutias and Cayo Santa Maria were beautiful and we were able to relax at the latter at the end of our holiday. The sea was amazing.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We went at the end of the high tourist season, so things were quieter. This could be seen as an advantage but if you want to be around a lot of other tourists then you need to go in the more popular time. We were advised that Cuba has power cuts on a regular basis, but we weren’t prepared for just how many hours in Vinales and Trinidad we would be without power. When we were there it was the hottest consecutive period on record with temperatures in the 30s feeling more like in the 40s due to the humidity. Trying to sleep without aircon for hours was impossible, not only for us but also for our hosts who were clearly getting fed up with the cuts. There is very little variety in the food in some areas and although we found some gems where the food was good, it was disappointing. We were also ill on the third day following lunch as part of an organised trip. We were both sick at exactly the same time, hence why we believe it was from that meal. We were approached by people wanting money in Havana, less so in other places. I have travelled widely over the years and been in some very poor cities, but it had more of an effect on me this time than previously. Perhaps because I am older now and my life experience has been very different. I really wanted to visit Cuba and I am glad I did, but it wasn’t my usual experience of a holiday. I would say you need to be prepared to be taken out of your comfort zone if you are travelling to lots of different places. Perhaps if you are only visiting Havana and somewhere like Varadero it would be a different experience. Take some toilet paper with you and you definitely need a torch and make sure you have a good Spanish phrase book/mug up on your Spanish if you can’t speak any. Be prepared to be without internet access/wifi in many places for long periods. There are different ways to access wifi. Some worked better than others. Also it’s not easy to access emails. We had a couple from our flight operator, Air Europa, while we were away. I did manage to see them, but I may not have been able to.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Cuba needs tourism and therefore I think our visit did benefit the local people and more generally the economy. Staying at the Casas helped the hosts as it is a business for them and gives them additional income. I am not sure we reduced the environmental impact. We travelled across Cuba to the different places by taxi in a country where most find it very difficult to obtain fuel or have to queue for hours to get it. That felt a little uncomfortable especially as we passed people waiting on main roads either for a bus (although we saw one very rarely) or a taxi or any form of transport that they could jump on to get them from A to B. By visiting Las Terrazas you could say we were supporting this huge re-forestation project through the money we spent getting there and while we were there.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
As I have said, it was more of an adventure/experience than a holiday as we have come to know one. From an organisational point of view everything went very smoothly. All of the transfers happened as they should and on time with good drivers. We were expected and welcomed at all of the accommodations. Staff were always very helpful. The activities we had arranged were all well worth it. The Travel with Zoey WhatsApp consultant was good and gave us a couple of really good recommendations but being on WhatsApp it wasn’t always easy to access. Text messages may have been better. Only one of our pre planned actiivities was not as described on our voucher, but this worked in our favour as we ended up with more time at Cayo Jutias beach. The flights were smooth from a flying point of view, but the flight from Cuba to Madrid was really uncomfortable. I have travelled long haul a lot in the past, but the amount of space we had was so restricted it was difficult to get in and out of my seat when the person in front had their seats back. The toilets were not good either. We have rated this as a four star experience, because the things that stopped us giving it 5 stars are not things within the control of the travel company.Lorraine Jarvie-Smith review 12 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We did a great day hiking through the Forrest near Trinidad and swimming in a natural pool2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take pain killers and other off the shelf medication for tipping locals3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, especially staying with locals in the cases.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful experienceDaisy Taylor review 26 Jan 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Horse riding and visiting a tobacco farm in Vinalles - we were a bit unsure about horse riding as its not something we usually do but it turned out to be the best day of the whole trip Prestige tour/ rum tasting at the Havana Club rum museum2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a gift for your host if you're staying at a casa- something like traditional biscuits from home or nice toiletries Be prepared to dance! It can get cool in the evenings (in January) and we hit the tail end of a hurricane in Varadero so were actually very cold for a few days. Take enough money for tips You can only buy Havana Club rum at the airport so if you are after another brand, buy it when you see it. Take Euros for the airport - you can't use Cucs and there is a 10% charge to use US dollars3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It did when we were staying at the casa particular and Las Tarezzas4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Loved it, already thinking about planning a return trip. Ross was amazing at helping us plan our trip, he couldn't have done enough to help- everything went smoothly as planned and we felt so confident having him to helpBo Hamilton-cody review 5 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Each destination was memorable in its own way: Havana - like stepping back in time, with the old cars on the streets, mixed with horse drawn vehicles. Crumbling buildings alonside somebeautiful architecture. The history, both recent and ancient. Cayo Levisa - paradise! Soo relaxing ! Forced to do absolutely nothing, which was very enjoyable. White sands, crystal clear water, no loud music, no traffic, no nothing just tranquility. Vinales - loved this place. The horse ride to the tobaco plantation is a must for anyone visiting the area; understanding the economics and history of what happens within the tobacco industry - trying our first cigar! And rum, and honey too. Great place to buy gifts. Trinidad - loved the Bici-tour, with our guide - very intersting and insight into how Cubans actually live. Trinidad - casa Del Musica of course.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Whilst the Cubans are grateful for monetary tips (indeed most of them could not survive without these extras). They loved the perfume and aftershave samples we also gave them. They loved the travel toothpastes we gave out, and we left soap bars everywhere we stayed (all these are expensive exras for most Cubans). We ate lunch and dinner for around 35-40CUC a day, incl drinks and additional drinks throughout the day.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely benefited local people4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We loved our Cuba trip - it was so great to hand over the planning to Jules and team at the tour operator, as we knew nothing about Cuba. From our initial contact, to tweaking the trip to our needs (more down time at the beach, as it was our honeymoon), to organising our visas and the helpful information which was emailed through about each of the places we were visiting - it all made the whole trip run smoothly. I would definitely recommend this tour operator. Thanks for making it such a memorable trip. There were no hitches with any of the transfers or casas - all we great - the owners friendly & helpful, even if they had limited English and with our limited Spanish - we managed to understand each other. For us Las Terrassas was a let down - the hotel unwelcoming, with no hot water and lack of food choice in the evening was difficult. We would rather have spent the time either at an additional resort, or with extra days elsewhere. Equally Boca de Camarioca was a little too far away from it all - again, as one of us is a veggie we knew food choices would be difficult in Cuba - even more so here, where there was really only 1 or 2 restaurants open in the evening. A taxi to Varedares was 20CUC each way, which made it expensive. The casa and owner were lovely, but we would rather have been nearer a larger resort.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Bo,
Thank you for your feedback and kind words.
It's great to hear that you had such a wonderful time in Cuba! I am especially happy that you share you our style of travel and that you took the meaningful experiences from each location that we want all our customers to enjoy. It was a pleasure to put together this itinerary with you and make sure we included all the interesting contrasts Cuba has to offer. I will make sure to forward your feedback to our local partners and the guides that lead your hand picked excursions. The bici-taxi tour in Trinidad is my personal favourite, too!
I am sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your stay in Las Terrazas as much as staying in the privately owned casa particulares. As all hotels are government run, the service standard tends to be lower. I will make sure to include more tips for restaurant options in the area, such as the vegetarian restaurant Romeo. It's a shame that the casa owner in Boca de Camarioca did not direct you to the shuttle bus to Varadero (which is 1 CUC per person), we will highlight this more in the documents we send out.
I do agree, Bo, small presents for the locals are definitely appreciated. I usually go with the rule of thumb of taking something with you that you would gift a friend of your's, too. For example: some biscuits, a nice pack of tea, some small perfumes, a nice notepad with a pen etc.
Again, thank you very much for your feedback and I hope we can send you on your next adventure with us soon!
All the best,
Jules
Travel Specialist
Nicole Griffiths review 10 Jan 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our time in Trinidad2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Allow more money than we were advised3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited the local economy as everyone wants tips and taxis and meals are not cheap! I would say it is not reducing the environmental impact, quite the opposite.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was well organised and all our transfers and accommodation were good bar one at the beginning.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Nicole,
Thank you for your feedback, we are happy to hear that you had a great time in Cuba – especially in Trinidad – and that all the services arranged by
us went smoothly.
Advising spending money is a bit tricky as due to different individuals spending habits when travelling. We generally advise around £35-45 spending
money per person per day.
As a communist country Cuba is in the process of learning how to cater to the western world and being tipped is one of the great advantages. We believe it’s
good to help them learn that tips should be received for good service, rather than as a given. Whilst accommodation in the local bed and breakfasts is quite
economical, transfers and meals are more expensive as the maintenance of cars is harder and groceries more difficult to come by due to restricted supply.
It would be great to hear more detailed feedback regarding the environmental impact of your trip. Whilst your transport by private taxis is less
environmentally friendly than the alternative option to travel by public transport, we feel that by staying at local homes and at the Eco-Biosphere Las
Terrazas your trip benefited the environment, as opposed to staying in e.g. the government run all-inclusive hotels.
Once again, thank you for you review, Nicole, it’s much appreciated!
Warm regards,
Jules
Julian Philpott review 9 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The tours were excellent, much better than we expected.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't expect much from Cuban food, don't move around too quickly, be polite- say hola and smile, watch out for stomach problems and go prepared.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, very much so4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, it was a fantastic trip and we all had a great timeJudy Corbett review 24 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
For me, the highlight was riding through the tobacco lands with the red earth, hot sun and beautiful scenery, or perhaps it was the horse-drawn cart trip to the waterfall and then swimming in the cool, clear water with the birds swooping in and out of their little cave nests.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If part of your trip involves time an all-inclusive resort, take a large refillable thermos mug (like you might use for take-away coffee). Not only do you get more beer or cocktails every time you fill up, but more importantly it saves on little plastic cups!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Staying in casa particulares definitely benefits the locals and the trips we took involved small local producers, farms and restaurants. The quality all round was excellent.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Exceptionally well organised, lovely knowledgeable local guides and hosts. Cuba was so interesting, plenty to be curious about and people happy to chat. A wonderful experience topped off with a few days of indulgent sun, sea and sand!Holiday Reviews
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