Discussions

Looking at a vacation in January. Talking about visiting Cuba for the first time before the Americans get in and change things. Is it worth the visit? What are things to see? Due to having Westjet cash I will be flying that airline so limited to destinations. Should we take a package deal or we have another couple potentially going and we could try renting a place if I can figure that out.  
Any input would be great.

We took a Sunflight vacation package to Cayo Santa Maria at the end of January a couple of years ago = package (air and hotel) was for a week. We probably shouldn't have gone since we really don't enjoy a hot humid climate and that's what the weather was like the week we went. We were very careful selecting our food at the buffet but by the 3rd day we were both feeling very unwell so ate nothing but toast for the remainder of our time and by the time we left we started feeling ok - most of the time we stayed in our a/c suite reading since we just didn't feel well at all and the humidity was awful.  
 
Anyway our opinion will likely be a minority opinion and I'm glad you are travelling WestJet and not Sunwing - would never fly with that outfit again.

I have been to Cuba 3 times and Cayo Santa Maria was the best. But this past winter I tried Mexico and it was amazing. The biggest difference is the food and drinks in Mexico are a lot more enjoyable but Cuba has great beaches and is said to be very safe.

Been several times as well both to Varedero and Cayo Coco. Beaches at Cayo Coco were better but windy as it tidal frontage. You can walk out seemingly forever when tide is out . It's beautiful. No excursions or activities there, it's an island, but very relaxing !  
Varedero has a lot to do tourism wise, many things to go do if you like. The double decker bus goes up and down the strip all day and you can get on and off as you please for $3 roughly!  
As for the food, yes, Cuba is limited. The seafood and fresh fruit and vegetables were always plentiful and for me palatable. I have never come home hungry or unwell. Just my experience though.  
I found it safe, though I don't venture off the resorts at night. I even traveled to Varedero solo (female, 40's) and had no worries.  
I will add, of all the places I've been, Negril Jamaica gets my vote every time. Riu resorts are awesome, the food is outstanding, and the service is great!  
Enjoy your trip!

I unfortunately had the same experience in Cuba as North of 54 - what I can suggest to you - is if you go - take your own Toilet Paper - ketchup, salad dressing - as they do not seem to offer those - I remember being at the Cuba airport, having to go to the bathroom - and there was a "bathroom attendant" standing there - she gave me 1 square of toilet paper - like "What the What"??? Then at the buffet - they served the same food over and over - not any seafood was offered, and the humidity was unbearable - the guy I was with was drunk most of the time - abusive - and I felt so sad for the residence I saw - it was way too sad of a trip for me - so sorry, I don't have much positive to say when I think of my trip to Cuba!!!  
 
And yes, we stayed at an all inclusive - went with WestJet

What I wouild say is do your research - there is a massive disparity between 3 & 4 star, and individual resorts. What you may have seen as 3 star in mexico, Dominican etc will be a 5 star in Cuba. We stayed in a 4.5 star and it was absolutely gorgeous.  
 
There are reasons to go to Cuba - Like cigars and rum? Top notch. Havana is completely unique as a city, has a vibe all its own. See the architechture in the old city, the history. Have a mojito at some of Hemingway's old haunts. Take a ride in a 50s American car that has been redneck rigged to run for the last 70 years and marvel at their ingenuity. These are reasons to go to Cuba. If you are just looking to lay on the beach, and go to the swim up bar Id say there are better places.  
 
I would repeat some of the other warnings - I thought I would be good with Canadian credit card. However, since it was routed through an American bank (Capital one) it was completely unuseable. Do your research, manage expectations and Cuba can be really rewarding. Good luck!

We went a couple of years ago and stayed at Breezes Jibacoa - a very nice resort halfway between Havana and Varadero. Although the beach was not as nice as Varadero, it did have a lot of coral and was fantastic for snorkeling. We saw rays, cuttlefish, tropical fish of all kinds. The food there was quite good compared to what we heard about other resorts. Havana was an awesome trip and well worth the visit. It is only 1 hour drive from Breezes compared to several hours from other resort areas. All in all Cuba was lovely but I had more fun in Mexico.  
 
Edited by DSopinion, 2016-07-05 10:57:47

After reading what a few people are saying about Cuba, consider Jamaica. There are a couple of condo's for rent in the classified section of ebrandon. Jamaica is a great place to visit and Negril especially if you like it hot and like to sit on the beach and read. Lots of places to explore, and Westjet flies there direct from Winnipeg twice a week.

I have been to Jamaica. Was wanting somewhere I haven't been and Cuba came up. As much as I would like just plunking down on a beach and sitting there till I leave, I do want to get out and see things. I do like old history and culture so I figured Cuba would be good before it became Americanized.

I've been to Varadero 2 times and love Cuba. The people are amazing, it is very safe and prices are good.  
 
If you are the kind of person that is uppity when things don't go exactly the way you "want", want the world at your finger tips and manicure's where you soak your finger tips in tiffany diamonds Cuba isn't for you.  
 
If you like visiting with kind people, getting to know the locals, being able to wander off the beaten path without fearing for your safety and being able to relax or go for a wander through a market without being constantly bothered and berated by shop-keepers then you'll love Cuba.  
 
For extra comfort while there make sure you bring the comforts of home you want with you - extra TP, your favorite seasonings/dressings/condiments, your favorite snacks - remember, you are in a 3rd world country with limited resources.  
 
As far as temperature goes January is chilly, typically the high won't get above 20C, for me this is not hot enough so if you do like the hotter weather go after March 1st.  
 
I find what Cuba lacks in luxury it makes up for with an easy-going, worry-free and relaxed environment.

Cuba is definitely a great option if you like fabulous beaches, good weather, history and great people. If you are after high end resorts - it is probably not the best choice as the standard is definitely not as high other Caribbean resorts.  
I was actually in with the girls at the new Selloffvacations office on 18th Street and they recommended a cruise that is going from Winnipeg to Varadero and you spend two nights in Havana and then to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel in Mexico - flights, transfers, cruise all inclusive even including drinks was $1400 - this is a great option if you want to explore Havana and the food is amazing on cruises !!! Highly recommend Selloffvacations and their new office is great.