At this stage you are probably quite sure that Cuba is the place that you want to visit for your next holiday but maybe could do with some direction on how to make a booking . This might seem a little bit trivial but it is without doubt not the case if you are looking to organize a Cuban holiday.
The truth is that this Caribbean island is becoming ever more popular every year and this creates a problem for some travel organizers. Cuba is not a late booking destination, at least not if you are thinking of travelling in the so called high season.
In Cuba high season, includes Easter period and the summer months of July and August, predominantly popular for people travelling with kids . November, December, January, February and March are awfully trendy months particularly for travellers from Europe looking for the Tropic to avoid few days of depressing weather.
Rather frequently I get people calling requesting me to sort out a holiday for them in these particular months , but sometimes the enquiry comes too late . This is frustrating, mutually for the client and myself . For one simple thing , I can not excel recommending a package holiday for the fact that the most attractive resorts and best hotels are completely sold out , and then I am left with the only honest response I can give. “I am really sorry but at this point there are no hotels available in the areas that you are interested ”
Of course if you are looking to do something simple and relaxing like single centre holiday on a beach resort then there is not much to worry about as there are plenty of choices on hand in terms of locations and hotels . The difficulty arises when clients want to combine in a package locations like Havana, Viales Valley, Las Terrazas, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and or Santiago de Cuba. locations like these with the exception of Havana are very limited when it comes to hotel availabilities.
If you are looking to arrange a tailor made holiday to Cuba in a high season my guidance to you is to start with the arrangements at least 4 months prior to departure in order to secure not only the rooms in your preferred hotels but also the best prices from the airlines . If you lamentably did not find this piece of writing before and are thinking about a multi centre holiday to Cuba, chances are something will be found for you but surely the odds of getting the best hotels are not bright
If you are travelling in the low season months you could call even few days before your departure date . Even so we feel very confident to put together the kind of itinerary that will fulfil your holidays
I truly hope you find some good tips in this article and wish you the very best when visiting Cuba.
Jose Mauricio Maurette Garces is a reservation consultant and co owner of Quest World Travel Ltd . He has a great deal of experience organizing holidays to Cuba . If you require his assistance to arrage a tailor made Cuba Holiday please follow the links above.
Written by Jose Mauricio Maurette on April 2nd, 2010 with no comments.
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Cuba holidays offer you bright colours, enticing tastes, joyous people, warm beaches, lovely natural attractions and fascinating cities, a great place for your holidays. This is a land of enchanting contrasts and friendly culture, inventive people whose happiness is contagious.
The Cuban archipelago consist of the island of Cuba, the isle of Youth and around 4195 other cays and islets - most of which can be found on the north coast of Cuba - for a total land area of 42,854 square miles (110,992 square kilometres).
Cuba counts more than 300 natural beaches which are unique for the different hues of their clear, calm water; the beauty of its pristine cays; and their fascinating seabed.
The seabed contains many different geographic features - tunnels, channels and vertical walls - and sunken ships, some of which have been there for more than a hundred years.
The Cuban archipelago has 525 diving sites, located in 15 important zones: Maria La Gorda, Cayo Levisa, Havana, Cayo Largo, Varadero, Bay of Pigs, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Los Jardines del Rey and Los Jardines de la Reina, and the list goes on.
Cuba is an ideal place for a holiday. Go on excursions, hikes, tours and circuits to explore its green valleys, mountains and forests, following labyrinthine paths filled with history.
From the sea enormous fortresses welcome you. At their feet, you will find cobblestone streets, pillars, balconies, arches and balustrades - building in a riot of styles.
These are only very few motives for considering holidays to Cuba as your next ideal destination. There is a wealth of alternatives that you can think of. If you picture in your mind swimming with dolphins, relaxing on a white sandy beach or plainly soaking up the feeling of its dynamic cities you have that for granted.
Before booking your Holidays to cuba. Visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk for more information on the best Cuba Tours.
Written by Mauricio Maurette on March 31st, 2010 with no comments.
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In this article you can find some useful tips for your holidays to Cuba. Along many years I have been given advice to clients wanting to visit Cuba so I decided to summarize some of them. I hope you find them useful.
Try not to drink water from the tap. It is fine for locals but not for tourist. You will not have the required antibodies in your organism and will end up going to hospital. I know it sounds drastic but the last thing you want is to spend a week on a clinic instead of a hotel room.
In case you do get sick visit the doctor who is normally based in a room in your same hotel or in another one close by. Ask the concierge of your hotel where and how to find a doctor.
Bring lots of repellent for mosquitoes. It could be very annoying especially in beach resorts like Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Levisa, Cayo Las Brujas, Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Guardalavaca and Varadero. It is not likely to find mosquitoes in the cities.
Avoid haggling with taxi drivers. All official taxis in Cuba have a taxi metre and you will be surprised how cheap a taxi is. If you instead ask a taxi driver how much is in advance most chances are you are going to be over charged. Just make sure the taxi driver uses the taxi metre.
If you are thinking of buying cigars get them from a government shop their quality is supreme but they are a bit expensive. Prices are from 100.00 CUC to 400.00 CUC for a box of 25 cigars. If you buy them in the black market you can find the same boxes fro 25.00 CUC to 100 CUC but most of them are cigars rejected by the quality control of the factories.
If you want to book a sight seeing trip around Havana the best tour guides are employed by San Cristobal Company. These tours can be organized collective or privately. You can even have a horse and carriage ride along the old streets of Havana Vieja (Old Town).
The best night clubs are Casa de La Musica de Centro Habana, Salon Rojo Capri Hotel, Casa de La Musica de Miramar, Jazz Caf, La Zorra y El Cuevo, El Turquino in Habana Libre Hotel and Habana Caf in Cohiba Hotel.
The best Cuban rum is Habana Club and there is no point in trying to safe some money buying from the black market as the bottles are very cheap on the government run stores. Prices are from 4.00 CUC to 10.00 CUC per bottle.
If you want to know more about this amazing caribbean island or how to make the most out of your holidays to Cuba please contact Jose Mauricio. Visit the link package holidays in Cuba
Written by Jose Mauricio on February 27th, 2010 with no comments.
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When it comes to picking your hotel in Havana, you will be spoilt for choice. Renewed colonial palaces, boutique and grand properties are just some of the alternatives for your Havana Hotels. If money is not an issue, then there are a few accommodation facilities that truly stand out from the crowd.
Santa Isabel Hotel
Santa Isabel offers cosy rooms that are decorated in luxurious colonial style. It is here where John Paul II stayed in 1998 when he visited Havana. This Colonial Palace is located only few steps from Havana’s Cathedral and it is just next to where Havana was founded almost 400 years ego.
Saratoga Hotel
The impressive building combines traditional architecture and arrangements with the most modern technology. Its roof terrace with a swimming pool, restaurant area, and bar will allow you to enjoy the breathtaking panorama view over Havana’s silhouette and its harbour.
NH Parque Central
This 5 star hotel is located in the centre of the old colonial Havana, surrounded by numerous famous buildings, like the Capitol, the “Teatro Garcia Lorca” and the Museum for Modern Arts. Here the elegance of the Spanish colonial style combines with much more modern features. From the terrace and swimming pool bar in the uppermost floor of the hotel, one can enjoy the most spectacular view over old Havana.
4 star Florida Hotel
The building of colonial appearance and gracefulness was constructed 1836 for a notable and opulent businessman in Havana. Preserving the splendour of the colonial times, the hotel Florida in Old Havana finds its rebirth and passes on to tourists its magic and architectural beauty.
4 Star Raquel Hotel
The classic Raquel hotel stands out for its beautiful art-nouveau architecture style and is just few minutes walk from Plaza Vieja in Havana?s Old Town. This 4 star hotel houses 37 rooms, gym, one a la carte restaurant, buffet restaurant and a beautiful terrace from where you can enjoy fantastic views of Havana.
Please visit all inclusive holidays to cuba web site by J. M. Maurette for further information on Hotels in Havana
categories: cuba holidays,cuba hotels,havana hotels,cuba travel,travel tips,hotels,caribbean,tourism,vacations,destinations,travel,caribbean,cuba
Written by J. M. Maurette on January 18th, 2010 with no comments.
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We all know these are difficult days and there is no much money left for holidays and leisure in our pockets. So we have to find cheap alternatives - either that or stay at home and don’t go any where. If you are thinking of going for Cuba Holidays then I am going to give you a hint on how to cut down on the cost.
Hotels in Cuba as I mentioned before are not very cheap although there is a number of options for as little as $14.00 per person per night. The problem is that everybody traveling on a budget want to stay in these very few hotels so to find accommodation in cheap hotels in places like Havana for instance is extremely difficult. There is an article listing the cheapest hotels in Havana. Please follow the link http://www.qassia.com/the-cheapest-hotels-in-havana for more info on cheap hotels.
If you are traveling to Cuba on a tight budget then why not to take advantage of the excellent prices that Casas Particulares in Cuba offer. Casas Particulares is the term used locally for Private Rentals in Cuba. These properties have a special license from the government which allows them to accommodate Tourist.
Although it is very cheap there are few things you should know before you book on of this houses or apartments in Cuba. The government has given a license to the landlords that want to rent their houses with few conditions and limitations.
Tourists are allowed in Casas Particulares as long as they share the house with the Cuban family. There are limitations in terms of how many rooms a landlord can rent and how many passengers on each room.
This is the thing: if you do not have a problem with sharing a house with a Cuban family then this option is right for you. The truth is that there is no better way to know Cuba and Cubans that sharing a house with a Cuban family.
There are very few houses, villas and apartments that risk rent on an independent basis. You will not find this advertised openly on the web as it is illegal according to the Cuban laws yet you can find few of them especially in Havana. If you want to stay independent on a private house in Cuba the best thing to do is get in touch with the landlords or the webmasters of websites advertising vacation rentals in Cuba.
Before booking your Cuban holidays. Visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk by Jose Mauricio Maurette for more information on the best Havana hotels.
categories: travel,tourism,holidays,leisure,outdoors,travel-and-tourism,accommodation,vacation rentals,holidays,caribbean,havana,Cuba,Varadero,vacation rentals
Written by Jose Mauricio Maurette on January 12th, 2010 with no comments.
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It seems like Cuba’s once atheist communist government has now taken a close interest to religion, for the second year in a row, Cuba’s Roman Catholic chief has read a Christmas message on national television. In a past broadcast, Cardinal Jaime Ortega showed his appreciation towards the lift of the ban governed by President Barack Obama allowing the Cubans living in America to be able to travel or send money to the Islands families.
A Christmas concert that had taken place at the National Cathedral was proposed to be shown - a representative Orlando Marquez, Havana’s Conference of Bishops confirmed this on behalf of the authorities. The entire communication was aired on the government controlled television in Cuba.
The best thing happened to a retired 67 year old mother Elisa Ramos. She was totally ecstatic as this was the first time in 12 years she was going to see her son again.
After Jaime Ortega’s broadcast, there have been some growing signs of some improvement between the relationship of the government and the church.
In November 2008, thousands of faith believers gathered for the beatification of Friar Jose Olallo Valdes in the city of Camaguey. Amazingly, President Raul Castro also took part in this.
Raul took over his brothers place Fidel Castro as president earlier in the year of 2008. His first diplomatic meeting was with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Pope Benedict XVI’s secretary of state. Bertone was commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit in Cuba.
Since the power of presidency to Fidel Castro in 1959, religion was not totally ruled out however priests were expelled and religious establishments were closed down. In the early 1990’s, the tension reduced and the government removed any reference to atheism from its organization and allowed believers of all faiths to join the Communist Party. The situation improved later in the year when they had a visit from Pope John Paul II.
Learn more about Cuba. Stop by Aaron Maurette’s site where you can find out all about holidays in Cuba and how to make the most of it.
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Written by Jose Garces on January 6th, 2010 with no comments.
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Cuban and Spanish Scientists from the Cuban Oceanology Institute and the Spanish University of Oviedo respectively will broaden their research on the Cuban seabed. One of the areas with the largest bio-diversity in Cuba - Peninsula of Guanahacabibes - has been selected to start the project which will then extend to other areas such as Cienaga de Zapata and Jardines de La Reina also rich in marine species.
In an interview conducted by Prensa Latina the Spanish Biology Professor Jesus Ortega from Oviedo University expressed that more than 700 species are yet to be classified in the area known as Guanahacabibes. So far 50 varieties of mollusks have been officially classified and documented as new species.
One of the most significant discoveries in the region is the striking Emiliotia Inmaculatus (tiny mollusck with semi-transparent shell) and the Cubalaskeya Machoi both found at Cueva Pedro( undersea cavern almost 33 meters under sea level).
Similar marine life can be found in the Bahamas and the south coast of Florida with extreme bio-diversity such as the one found in Guanahacabibes.
Peninsula de Guanahacabibes and Cienaga de Zapata, both rich in Flora and Fauna, have been declared Protected Area of The Biosphere and the least human interaction can be found in this region which has been accountable for the documentation of 50 percent of all mollusk species discovered in Cuba.
This is a part of Cuba with a shocking wonderful natural wealth, with an enormous species variety still to determine said Cuban ecologist Jose Espinosa, and continued - Cuba might be a centre for plankton larvae that could favour the most needed healing the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean sea.
Maria La Gorda is the only tourist resort that can be found in the vicinity of peninsula de Guanahacabibes and it is very popular amongst snorkellers, divers, oceanologists and holiday makers in general.
Learn more about Cuba. Stop by Perucho Ochoa’s site where you can find out all about Cuba holidays and what it can do for you.
categories: travel,holidays,caribbean,vacations,fishing,adventure,cuba,education,sea
Written by Jose Garces on December 29th, 2009 with no comments.
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Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean. It is a captivating blend of cultural heritage, music, astonishing architecture, mountains, forest, rivers and of course its magnificent white sand beaches. Travellers to Cuba will be charmed by this fascinating island. Cuba Holidays offers can be found everywhere on the net.
Looking for beach holidays? Then seek no further. Cuba has a variety of beach locations that are among the top in the list of the best beaches in the World. Varadero, Cayo Largo, Cayo Coco and Guardalavaca are just some of the best beaches in Cuba with excellent accommodation facilities.
If you want to do something more tailor made such as SCUBA diving or sailing holidays to Cuba our recommendation is to get in touch with a specialist. You will find that there are not many travel agents out there that specialize in this kind of package holidays to Cuba.
If you are interested in Culture and history you have to visit places like Havana, Trinidad and Santiago de Cuba. These are just some of the best locations in terms of culture interaction. Havana’s night life is without a doubt the most active in the whole of Cuba. Trinidad’s architecture is a must see and the music tradition in Santiago de Cuba is certainly something you should get to know.
Cuba’s main exports are coffee, rum and cigars, and these make up a good proportion of souvenirs bought too. Also popular are local crafts, widely available in souvenir shops, and usually hotel shops too. A great selection of goods, that will make interesting souvenirs of your Cuban holiday.
Package holidays to Cuba are offered by many tour operators but if you are looking for something more exclusive, lets say bird watching, horse back riding, escorted tours, history or architecture packages then you have to speak to a specialist. You could also stay with Cuban families if you want to get to know Cuban people. This by far is the cheapest form of travel. Most family homes will cost half the price of hotels.
If when surfing the net you can not find what you are looking for then get in touch with us. We are all Cubans in our team and we certainly love to share our knowledge and expertise with you. Remember it is your holiday and you deserve the best you can get. We will endeavour to make your holidays in Cuba an unforgettable experience.
Jose Garces is a reservation consultant who works for San cristobal UK( a cuban tour operator based in UK specialized in Cuba Tours. If you need further information about Cuba you can follow the link all about Cuba
categories: Cuba holidays,cuba travel,travel tips,cuba tours,vacation rentals,holidays,travel,Caribbean,Cuba,havana,vacations,leisure,tourism
Written by Jose Garces on December 26th, 2009 with no comments.
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Cuban Beaches with white, grey, black and golden sand contrast with blue or aqua-green seas; the calm water near a mountain peak hides the inner beauty of its seabed. Some of its coasts are on the Caribbean; others, on the Atlantic. In both cases, its shores tempt you to give yourself over to the sensual, magical movement of the waves.
The insular shelf is bounded by an extensive coral reef where a great variety of colorful fish bewitch scuba-diving buffs, both beginners and experts. In addition, there are underwater caves to explore. Casting loose your mooring lines in Cuban waters means setting sail into a spectacular sea adventure.
The cays which form the outermost fringe of the archipelago are particularly enticing. They have been left in nearly their natural state, with their original flora and fauna, so they still look much as they did when Christopher Columbus discovered these lands over five centuries ago.
The high degree of conservation of its coral formations and beaches attests to its cleanliness. It has a gentle subtropical climate, the product of warm water cooled by The trade winds, so temperatures range between 75.2 and 84.2 F. (24 and 29 C.).
Not disappointed thousands of tourists who make dives here every year, some of them as beginners making their maiden dives in Cuban waters, accompanied by experienced divers whose expertise is attested to by the World Underwater Federation (CMAS), the American-Canadian Underwater Certification (ACUC) for scuba-diving classes and other prestigious international schools.
Coral reefs extend along practically the entire edge of the broad insular shelf (for around 1984 miles, or 3200 kilometers). More than half of these reefs are separated from the main island by large areas of shallow water and groups of cays.
Moreover, history has added an extra fillip. There ar over a thousand sunken ships in Cuba’s waters: pirat ships and also galleons filled with treasure which was being taken from the New World to the Old and fell victim to pirates or storms.
Cuba undoubtedly is one of the most stunning tourist destinations in the World. Add the irrefutable fact of a super rich culture and you have the perfect formula for an unforgettable holiday.
Before booking your holidays to Cuba. Visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk for more information on the best Cuba tours.
categories: Cuba Holidays,Cuba Travel,Caribbean beaches,caribbean,travel,tourism,Cuba,leisure,outdoors,vacations
Written by Jose Garces on December 24th, 2009 with no comments.
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Picked up in a recent publication, Santiago de Cuba famous for its historic uprisings and revolutions has been recommended as one of the best destinations in the world for the year 2010 and a must see place in your Cuba holidays.
There is no better place to get to know today’s Cuba than the celebrated Santiago de Cuba according to Frommers who has rated this city as one of the top 10 destinations.
“Santiago is a culturally rich and scenic city that retains the intimate, friendly feel of a provincial capital, with peaceful neighborhoods where men play dominoes outdoors on hilly streets,” the website said.
Rough Guides: a leading publisher of travel and reference information, respected for their accurate, up-to-date content pointed out that the next 12 months are critical in the development of the tourist industry in Cuba and suggested a great deal of change.
Reuters also suggests things might change drastically in the way Cuba deals with the tourist industry and urges holiday makers to visit the country before the expected massive flock of American tourists.
Santiago de Cuba is famous for many things such as its music, carnivals, history and landscapes but also for been the birth place of Don Facundo Bacardi who founded the famous Bacardi Rum.
Santiago has an International Airport however if traveling from Europe holidaymakers will have to use the nearest Airport in Holguin City about 3 hours drive from Santiago. Another alternative is to fly to Havana and after a short stay a 2 hour domestic flight to the eastern city.
There is no better time in the year to visit Santiago than when the Carnivals are taking place. The week comprising the 26 of July for over 100 years have seen the streets of Santiago filled with joyful locals enjoying the best of the Cuban music and of course the best of the Cuban Rums.
Before booking your Cuba Holidays. Visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk by Jose Mauricio Maurette for more information on the best locations and Cuba Tours.
categories: Cuba Holidays,Cuba Travel,Caribbean beaches,caribbean,travel,tourism,Cuba,leisure,outdoors,vacations
Written by Jose Maurette Garces on December 23rd, 2009 with no comments.
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