Cuba Trip Planning

[Fratton]

Mrs Anfield and myself did the Guardalavaca/Havana/Guardalavaca for the honeymoon in May. It was fantastic but the twin trip was very tiring. Arrived in the evening at Holguin having flown around a tropical stiorm for 2 hours plus one abortive landing attempt. One hour to Playa but had to be up and out the room by 05:00 to get 08:00 plane to Havana. Flight was absolutely fine (diverted to Cayo's to drop off some passengers) and arrived in Havana at midday but room not available until 16:00 (Nationale). We only had 3 days in Havana but have done it before so we knew exactly what we wanted out of the trip. However, in hindsight, 4-5 days would have been better as we were so tired we missed doing an evening at the jazz clubs.

Walking from Nationale to main Havana was about 40 minutes along the Malecon although did get a coco sometimes to save time getting back. Melia is a bit further away (and a lot less pretentious than the Nationale) but can stlll be a nice walk. Got stopped once or twice by locals trying to sell cigars (happy holiday is the opening line) but they take a no thank you in good spirit.

Guardalavaca is great but Playa is further away from the town beach than where we stayed - the local beach at Guardalavaca town is well worth a visit.

Only word of warning is about Havana airport. Had luggage rifled through and looted phone charger lighter etc. despite being locked but this happens the world over.

Enjoy

Fratton

[Simon Bolivar]

Tip: We used the case cellophane wrapping service & nothing was nicked, don't suppose it works evertime but for a E5 felt it was worth it.

[Sligub]

Only word of warning is about Havana airport. Had luggage rifled through and looted phone charger lighter etc. despite being locked but this happens the world over.

Fratton

Lighter in hold baggage, you've been a very bad boy!

+1 on the wrapping service just make's it that little bit harder, The other hint I've been given is use cheap lugagge with no lock because they will ignore it.