Thai National Traveling To Cuba

[tranquillize]

Hello there

My wife and I plan to travel to Cuba and i'm wondering if anyone has any experience/knowledge regarding Thai nationals traveling to Cuba. I am a Canadian citizen and my wife is a Thai citizen with permanent residence status in Canada (Thai passport). Does she require a Cuban visa or can she enter on a tourist card (like me)?

I plan to contact the Cuban embassy but i thought i would throw this out there first.

Many thanks!

[ThaiRich]

She would need to follow the guidelines for someone who has a Thai Passport, irregardless of her immigration status in another country. All persons traveling to cuba are required to present a passport upon arrival. When she presents her Thai Passport she would fall under the guidelines for that.

Futher search on the internet gives me the following information.

A tourist card. This is available to persons with a valid passport and is only good for staying at hotels.

A personal visa. This is only available to persons that are married to a Cuban national or have relatives that are Cuban nationals.

So, just by reading this it would lead me to think that your wife would apply for and use a "tourist card" same as you would.

[les Dennis]

I would be astounded if she didn't need a visa. I am a British Citizen who recently visited Cuba and I bought mine online, which was very straight forward. But then again I was in England at the time and the embassy was in London. Off topic slightly I know, but I was very disappointed with the trip. I am fortunate to have been in a position where I have visited many countries and Cuba would be in the bottom 5%. For more reasons PM me.

[Jingthing]

Based on this she doesn't need a visa. A tourist card works for persons holding ANY passport --

http://embacu.cubaminrex.cu/Default.aspx?tabid=1183

Tourist card

The procedure is very easy: every person going to Cuba as a tourist only needs a valid passport (it does not matter the nationality) for at least 1 month after the visit to Cuba and a tourist card (it works as a visa) that can be obtained from a travel agency when booking a trip to Cuba or bought at the airport of Toronto or Montreal here in Canada before going to Cuba. Some airlines sale the tourist cards: Cubana Airlines, Lacsa, Copa, etc. If you book a flight to Cuba with Air Canada, the card is included on the price of the plane ticket and it would be hand it to you once you are on the plane.

[LuckyLew]

She does not need any form of visa to enter Cuba

Just bring her Thai passport and PR card from Canada

My Thai wife who as a PR CDN card went to Cuba and there were zero issues

[craigt3365]

I loved Cuba, but I was single back then. Are you staying at an upscale hotel? If so, she might enjoy it. If you are staying at a Casa Particular, then it would be less interesting for her.

IMHO, the food sucks there. Transport is horrible. Police really keep you away from the locals. Not much to see, but some good beaches. It's cheap for sure, and girls galore. But is a blast from the past. Havana is a strange city....like being transported back to the 1950's.

I'm married now and Cuba is not a place I would take my wife. Plenty of other islands in the Caribbean that are much nicer...and not that much more expensive. IMHO. :jap:

[tranquillize]

She does not need any form of visa to enter Cuba

Just bring her Thai passport and PR card from Canada

My Thai wife who as a PR CDN card went to Cuba and there were zero issues

Thanks for sharing some info based on your personal experience. When did you and your wife go to Cuba? Did you book an all inclusive package? I've read that the travel package companies provide the tourist cards...

[tranquillize]

I loved Cuba, but I was single back then. Are you staying at an upscale hotel? If so, she might enjoy it. If you are staying at a Casa Particular, then it would be less interesting for her.

IMHO, the food sucks there. Transport is horrible. Police really keep you away from the locals. Not much to see, but some good beaches. It's cheap for sure, and girls galore. But is a blast from the past. Havana is a strange city....like being transported back to the 1950's.

I'm married now and Cuba is not a place I would take my wife. Plenty of other islands in the Caribbean that are much nicer...and not that much more expensive. IMHO. :jap:

We'll be staying at a 4 star hotel. My wife loves the beach so she's quite excited to go. I've been to a number of other Caribbean destinations but never Cuba, which is why we decided to go there.

[craigt3365]

I loved Cuba, but I was single back then. Are you staying at an upscale hotel? If so, she might enjoy it. If you are staying at a Casa Particular, then it would be less interesting for her.

IMHO, the food sucks there. Transport is horrible. Police really keep you away from the locals. Not much to see, but some good beaches. It's cheap for sure, and girls galore. But is a blast from the past. Havana is a strange city....like being transported back to the 1950's.

I'm married now and Cuba is not a place I would take my wife. Plenty of other islands in the Caribbean that are much nicer...and not that much more expensive. IMHO. :jap:

We'll be staying at a 4 star hotel. My wife loves the beach so she's quite excited to go. I've been to a number of other Caribbean destinations but never Cuba, which is why we decided to go there.

These resorts really insulate you from the general public. The locals are not allowed to go anywhere near your hotel, much less inside...even if it is for dinner. IMHO, a nice beach is just that. A nice beach. Which, as you well know, can be had all over the Caribbean. The beauty of Cuba is Havana. The rest of the island is just so so. But Havana is pretty darn cool. Make sure you are not too far and can do some day/night trips there. If you like Son, plenty of it in the local bars. Great fun...and the locals will stand outside and just watch you. Also, Gato Negro has great jazz. A little touristy, but still fun. Cruising around the old part of Havana is a blast from the past...and really safe.

[tranquillize]

I loved Cuba, but I was single back then. Are you staying at an upscale hotel? If so, she might enjoy it. If you are staying at a Casa Particular, then it would be less interesting for her.

IMHO, the food sucks there. Transport is horrible. Police really keep you away from the locals. Not much to see, but some good beaches. It's cheap for sure, and girls galore. But is a blast from the past. Havana is a strange city....like being transported back to the 1950's.

I'm married now and Cuba is not a place I would take my wife. Plenty of other islands in the Caribbean that are much nicer...and not that much more expensive. IMHO. :jap:

We'll be staying at a 4 star hotel. My wife loves the beach so she's quite excited to go. I've been to a number of other Caribbean destinations but never Cuba, which is why we decided to go there.

These resorts really insulate you from the general public. The locals are not allowed to go anywhere near your hotel, much less inside...even if it is for dinner. IMHO, a nice beach is just that. A nice beach. Which, as you well know, can be had all over the Caribbean. The beauty of Cuba is Havana. The rest of the island is just so so. But Havana is pretty darn cool. Make sure you are not too far and can do some day/night trips there. If you like Son, plenty of it in the local bars. Great fun...and the locals will stand outside and just watch you. Also, Gato Negro has great jazz. A little touristy, but still fun. Cruising around the old part of Havana is a blast from the past...and really safe.

Great tips! Thank you very much!

[Max2010]

I loved Cuba, but I was single back then. Are you staying at an upscale hotel? If so, she might enjoy it. If you are staying at a Casa Particular, then it would be less interesting for her.

IMHO, the food sucks there. Transport is horrible. Police really keep you away from the locals. Not much to see, but some good beaches. It's cheap for sure, and girls galore. But is a blast from the past. Havana is a strange city....like being transported back to the 1950's.

I'm married now and Cuba is not a place I would take my wife. Plenty of other islands in the Caribbean that are much nicer...and not that much more expensive. IMHO. :jap:

We'll be staying at a 4 star hotel. My wife loves the beach so she's quite excited to go. I've been to a number of other Caribbean destinations but never Cuba, which is why we decided to go there.

These resorts really insulate you from the general public. The locals are not allowed to go anywhere near your hotel, much less inside...even if it is for dinner. IMHO, a nice beach is just that. A nice beach. Which, as you well know, can be had all over the Caribbean. The beauty of Cuba is Havana. The rest of the island is just so so. But Havana is pretty darn cool. Make sure you are not too far and can do some day/night trips there. If you like Son, plenty of it in the local bars. Great fun...and the locals will stand outside and just watch you. Also, Gato Negro has great jazz. A little touristy, but still fun. Cruising around the old part of Havana is a blast from the past...and really safe.

Great tips! Thank you very much!

I bought a package from itravel2000.com in Toronto. Mine was for a week in Varadero (an hr from Havana) for 700 CAD all inclusive.

My observations of Cuba:

1. They discourage you from leaving the hotel. However, I rented a cab for 60 USD for a whole day to tour Havana. Any waiter can arrange that deal for you. They have their own contacts. They can also get you much cheaper cigars and rum because they buy them at subsidized rate and re-sell them to the tourists.

2. There is no need of a visa for Thai or Candian citizens. All your wife needs is a tourist card obtained from the nearest consulate or from your travel agency.

3. The food do suck big time.

4. Cubans are now allowed to stay at the hotels and mingle with foreigners. (Raul Castro is opening up Cuba slowly).

5. The resorts are mostly a JV between Spanish and Italian companies and the army. My resort was clean, and the service was at par with what you find in Dominican Republic or Jamaica.

6. The intelligence officers might interview you if they are suspicious of anything. Some Canadians who frequent Cuba told me that sometimes they get called and asked few questions by Cuban intelligence at the hotel though they were treated well and respectfully.

7. Cuba is not Paris, it is a developing country under communism. I saw happy Cuban people going about their lives. I am not sure how much is true, but the waiters told me that they prefer socialism because they can get free education and subsidized living while trying to get used to the small dosage of freedom and capitalism. Most waiters earn more than doctors because of the tourist tips. Don't expect a 5 star treatment in your hotel. Relax, enjoy the 2 dollar Romeo y Julieta cigars and 3 dollar rums. Cuban beer is quite good too. I enjoyed my stay and I am sure you will too if you keep an open mind.

Max 2010

[craigt3365]

Don't buy the cheaper cigars and rum...most are knockoffs. They for sure don't get them at subsidized rates. That's a common scam.

The food sucks BIG TIME!!!!!!!

The locals are for sure not happy under communism. The unemployment rate is crazy high. The normal salary is like $35 a month...for everybody except the girls trolling the streets! These people live in absolute poverty and totally harassed by the police constantly.

I have a few Cuban friends. One works for an IT company in Havana the other is a basic Cuban with no money, no job, and no future, he lives near Gitmo. I bought a few apples one day and it was the first one he had ever eaten. I was in shock. I remember taking him out for lunch and he ate meat, saying it was important as it provided protein. They mostly live off rice.

I sponsored a dinner for my friend. Spent like $40 to buy fish, crabs, etc. The whole family showed up. They had one table with 4 chairs and only 4 plates, forks, spoons, etc. I thought it was strange the man of the house, my friend, my travel partner and I ate first. The others just watched. When we were done, we got up and the next group in the pecking order sat down. Didn't change plates or even throw away what we had leftover. Just continued on. Then the next group sat down and did the same thing...and finally the kids had their turn. Weirdest thing I have ever seen. Attached is a pic from their house.

The other pic is from the big park in central Havana. All those people in line are waiting for a chance to buy ice cream cones at 5 or 10 cents. The line was about 2 hours long and went all the way around the park. We weren't sure what to do, then somebody showed us a gate behind the ice cream shack that had tables. We went inside and were offered the same cones at $1. Without having to stand in line. It was really strange licking that cone with hundreds of people watching you waiting for their turn. I felt like buying everyone of them a cone.

And the police are the worst. Extremely corrupt and very violent. We gave our friend a boom box after we left. He asked for a note saying we gave it to him. On the way back to Gitmo, he was hassled by the police and almost ended up in jail. Reason? How could anybody like him afford a boom box...he must have stolen it. He was also not allowed to walk with us in public. They are not allowed to be with foreigners. It was strange to walk around town with him following 20 meters behind or in front.

Crazy place....sorry to go on for so long, but Cuba has some of the most interesting memories for me from all of my travels....

[Max2010]

Don't buy the cheaper cigars and rum...most are knockoffs. They for sure don't get them at subsidized rates. That's a common scam.

The food sucks BIG TIME!!!!!!!

The locals are for sure not happy under communism. The unemployment rate is crazy high. The normal salary is like $35 a month...for everybody except the girls trolling the streets! These people live in absolute poverty and totally harassed by the police constantly.

I have a few Cuban friends. One works for an IT company in Havana the other is a basic Cuban with no money, no job, and no future, he lives near Gitmo. I bought a few apples one day and it was the first one he had ever eaten. I was in shock. I remember taking him out for lunch and he ate meat, saying it was important as it provided protein. They mostly live off rice.

I sponsored a dinner for my friend. Spent like $40 to buy fish, crabs, etc. The whole family showed up. They had one table with 4 chairs and only 4 plates, forks, spoons, etc. I thought it was strange the man of the house, my friend, my travel partner and I ate first. The others just watched. When we were done, we got up and the next group in the pecking order sat down. Didn't change plates or even throw away what we had leftover. Just continued on. Then the next group sat down and did the same thing...and finally the kids had their turn. Weirdest thing I have ever seen. Attached is a pic from their house.

The other pic is from the big park in central Havana. All those people in line are waiting for a chance to buy ice cream cones at 5 or 10 cents. The line was about 2 hours long and went all the way around the park. We weren't sure what to do, then somebody showed us a gate behind the ice cream shack that had tables. We went inside and were offered the same cones at $1. Without having to stand in line. It was really strange licking that cone with hundreds of people watching you waiting for their turn. I felt like buying everyone of them a cone.

And the police are the worst. Extremely corrupt and very violent. We gave our friend a boom box after we left. He asked for a note saying we gave it to him. On the way back to Gitmo, he was hassled by the police and almost ended up in jail. Reason? How could anybody like him afford a boom box...he must have stolen it. He was also not allowed to walk with us in public. They are not allowed to be with foreigners. It was strange to walk around town with him following 20 meters behind or in front.

Crazy place....sorry to go on for so long, but Cuba has some of the most interesting memories for me from all of my travels....

Craigt3365, I am sure what you said about Cuba is also true. However, my experience was different. I smoke cigars for over two decade now, I know a fake one from a real deal. Mine from my waiter was real. My own experience from Cuba was wonderful and I would go there again. In comparison with a western country, of course Cuba has a shortage of many things and the people cannot afford basic things like you mentioned. However, I did not see any violent police nor lines for food. when i toured Havana, I was told that Cubans buy at a subsidized rate than a foreigner. It was the same when i visited game parks in East Africa. I am sorry you had a bad experience, but the Cubans I met are glad that their government provide basic needs plus free education and housing next to nothing and there is hardly any inequality you see in the west. Ofcourse they also want more freedom. I saw a documentary where some poor Americans/Europeans go there to study medicine for free. Many other foreigners are studying there too. I don't know know when was the last time you have been there, but Cuba is changing rapidly, when in was there in 2009, I could talk with any Cuban and the police were present everywhere but didn't intimidate me at all. I also know many Canadians who go there for vacation every year. They also love it. I didn't experience about the dinner situation you described. No one begged me for money at any given time nor did people went after my leftovers. They sang for me for a tip instead. I tipped them gladly.

Max2010

[craigt3365]

Don't buy the cheaper cigars and rum...most are knockoffs. They for sure don't get them at subsidized rates. That's a common scam.

The food sucks BIG TIME!!!!!!!

The locals are for sure not happy under communism. The unemployment rate is crazy high. The normal salary is like $35 a month...for everybody except the girls trolling the streets! These people live in absolute poverty and totally harassed by the police constantly.

I have a few Cuban friends. One works for an IT company in Havana the other is a basic Cuban with no money, no job, and no future, he lives near Gitmo. I bought a few apples one day and it was the first one he had ever eaten. I was in shock. I remember taking him out for lunch and he ate meat, saying it was important as it provided protein. They mostly live off rice.

I sponsored a dinner for my friend. Spent like $40 to buy fish, crabs, etc. The whole family showed up. They had one table with 4 chairs and only 4 plates, forks, spoons, etc. I thought it was strange the man of the house, my friend, my travel partner and I ate first. The others just watched. When we were done, we got up and the next group in the pecking order sat down. Didn't change plates or even throw away what we had leftover. Just continued on. Then the next group sat down and did the same thing...and finally the kids had their turn. Weirdest thing I have ever seen. Attached is a pic from their house.

The other pic is from the big park in central Havana. All those people in line are waiting for a chance to buy ice cream cones at 5 or 10 cents. The line was about 2 hours long and went all the way around the park. We weren't sure what to do, then somebody showed us a gate behind the ice cream shack that had tables. We went inside and were offered the same cones at $1. Without having to stand in line. It was really strange licking that cone with hundreds of people watching you waiting for their turn. I felt like buying everyone of them a cone.

And the police are the worst. Extremely corrupt and very violent. We gave our friend a boom box after we left. He asked for a note saying we gave it to him. On the way back to Gitmo, he was hassled by the police and almost ended up in jail. Reason? How could anybody like him afford a boom box...he must have stolen it. He was also not allowed to walk with us in public. They are not allowed to be with foreigners. It was strange to walk around town with him following 20 meters behind or in front.

Crazy place....sorry to go on for so long, but Cuba has some of the most interesting memories for me from all of my travels....

Craigt3365, I am sure what you said about Cuba is also true. However, my experience was different. I smoke cigars for over two decade now, I know a fake one from a real deal. Mine from my waiter was real. My own experience from Cuba was wonderful and I would go there again. In comparison with a western country, of course Cuba has a shortage of many things and the people cannot afford basic things like you mentioned. However, I did not see any violent police nor lines for food. when i toured Havana, I was told that Cubans buy at a subsidized rate than a foreigner. It was the same when i visited game parks in East Africa. I am sorry you had a bad experience, but the Cubans I met are glad that their government provide basic needs plus free education and housing next to nothing and there is hardly any inequality you see in the west. Ofcourse they also want more freedom. I saw a documentary where some poor Americans/Europeans go there to study medicine for free. Many other foreigners are studying there too. I don't know know when was the last time you have been there, but Cuba is changing rapidly, when in was there in 2009, I could talk with any Cuban and the police were present everywhere but didn't intimidate me at all. I also know many Canadians who go there for vacation every year. They also love it. I didn't experience about the dinner situation you described. No one begged me for money at any given time nor did people went after my leftovers. They sang for me for a tip instead. I tipped them gladly.

Max2010

Sorry if I gave the wrong impression...but I might have experienced Cuba in a different way from many others. I know locals, lived in their homes (which is illegal unless it is a Casa Particular), ate with them, traveled with them, etc. I never stayed at a resort, only with friends or in Casa Particulars. Ya gotta know Spanish to travel like that. Huge difference from staying in an resort in Varadero. You are really insulated there. Do some research and you will find out the differences. I wandered Havana until the wee hours...fantastic.

I LOVED Cuba. As you will see from my last comment, some of my most interesting memories are from Cuba. Like when I was at a small bar (Cuban's only) and a guy dressed like Elvis walked in along with his girl friend who was dressed like she was right out of the 1950's. No taxi's, so they gave us a ride home in their 1950's Chevy. Fantastic. Other than the fact he was smashed and kept hitting the curbs. This is something few foreigners would ever experience.

I was there in 2001 for 2 weeks and then again in 2005 for 2 weeks. The people are dirt poor. Have no land. Have to survive on handouts from the government....which ain't much. Very sad. My comment about the apples is true. Again, I spent 2 weeks with my friend from Gitmo and his family who live just outside Havana.

And if you have been in Havana, you would know how run down it is. Buildings falling down, etc.

That picture I took is real. Hundreds lined up for ice cream. No joke, no lies.

The police would never hassle you...but the Cuban gets the brunt of it. I saw it with my own eyes several times. So I know it is real. I also spent 6 weeks in East Africa. Traveling solo in a bus from Zanzibar to the border of the DRC. Across Uganda and back to Kenya. Fantastic experience.

As was mentioned before, it is what it is. If you are looking for a nice, clean, modern country...Cuba is not it. If you are looking for an architectural experience, a blast into the past, then it is a great place to visit. Wish I could go back...but so many other countries to visit!

[Max2010]

Don't buy the cheaper cigars and rum...most are knockoffs. They for sure don't get them at subsidized rates. That's a common scam.

The food sucks BIG TIME!!!!!!!

The locals are for sure not happy under communism. The unemployment rate is crazy high. The normal salary is like $35 a month...for everybody except the girls trolling the streets! These people live in absolute poverty and totally harassed by the police constantly.

I have a few Cuban friends. One works for an IT company in Havana the other is a basic Cuban with no money, no job, and no future, he lives near Gitmo. I bought a few apples one day and it was the first one he had ever eaten. I was in shock. I remember taking him out for lunch and he ate meat, saying it was important as it provided protein. They mostly live off rice.

I sponsored a dinner for my friend. Spent like $40 to buy fish, crabs, etc. The whole family showed up. They had one table with 4 chairs and only 4 plates, forks, spoons, etc. I thought it was strange the man of the house, my friend, my travel partner and I ate first. The others just watched. When we were done, we got up and the next group in the pecking order sat down. Didn't change plates or even throw away what we had leftover. Just continued on. Then the next group sat down and did the same thing...and finally the kids had their turn. Weirdest thing I have ever seen. Attached is a pic from their house.

The other pic is from the big park in central Havana. All those people in line are waiting for a chance to buy ice cream cones at 5 or 10 cents. The line was about 2 hours long and went all the way around the park. We weren't sure what to do, then somebody showed us a gate behind the ice cream shack that had tables. We went inside and were offered the same cones at $1. Without having to stand in line. It was really strange licking that cone with hundreds of people watching you waiting for their turn. I felt like buying everyone of them a cone.

And the police are the worst. Extremely corrupt and very violent. We gave our friend a boom box after we left. He asked for a note saying we gave it to him. On the way back to Gitmo, he was hassled by the police and almost ended up in jail. Reason? How could anybody like him afford a boom box...he must have stolen it. He was also not allowed to walk with us in public. They are not allowed to be with foreigners. It was strange to walk around town with him following 20 meters behind or in front.

Crazy place....sorry to go on for so long, but Cuba has some of the most interesting memories for me from all of my travels....

Craigt3365, I am sure what you said about Cuba is also true. However, my experience was different. I smoke cigars for over two decade now, I know a fake one from a real deal. Mine from my waiter was real. My own experience from Cuba was wonderful and I would go there again. In comparison with a western country, of course Cuba has a shortage of many things and the people cannot afford basic things like you mentioned. However, I did not see any violent police nor lines for food. when i toured Havana, I was told that Cubans buy at a subsidized rate than a foreigner. It was the same when i visited game parks in East Africa. I am sorry you had a bad experience, but the Cubans I met are glad that their government provide basic needs plus free education and housing next to nothing and there is hardly any inequality you see in the west. Ofcourse they also want more freedom. I saw a documentary where some poor Americans/Europeans go there to study medicine for free. Many other foreigners are studying there too. I don't know know when was the last time you have been there, but Cuba is changing rapidly, when in was there in 2009, I could talk with any Cuban and the police were present everywhere but didn't intimidate me at all. I also know many Canadians who go there for vacation every year. They also love it. I didn't experience about the dinner situation you described. No one begged me for money at any given time nor did people went after my leftovers. They sang for me for a tip instead. I tipped them gladly.

Max2010

Sorry if I gave the wrong impression...but I might have experienced Cuba in a different way from many others. I know locals, lived in their homes (which is illegal unless it is a Casa Particular), ate with them, traveled with them, etc. I never stayed at a resort, only with friends or in Casa Particulars. Ya gotta know Spanish to travel like that. Huge difference from staying in an resort in Varadero. You are really insulated there. Do some research and you will find out the differences. I wandered Havana until the wee hours...fantastic.

I LOVED Cuba. As you will see from my last comment, some of my most interesting memories are from Cuba. Like when I was at a small bar (Cuban's only) and a guy dressed like Elvis walked in along with his girl friend who was dressed like she was right out of the 1950's. No taxi's, so they gave us a ride home in their 1950's Chevy. Fantastic. Other than the fact he was smashed and kept hitting the curbs. This is something few foreigners would ever experience.

I was there in 2001 for 2 weeks and then again in 2005 for 2 weeks. The people are dirt poor. Have no land. Have to survive on handouts from the government....which ain't much. Very sad. My comment about the apples is true. Again, I spent 2 weeks with my friend from Gitmo and his family who live just outside Havana.

And if you have been in Havana, you would know how run down it is. Buildings falling down, etc.

That picture I took is real. Hundreds lined up for ice cream. No joke, no lies.

The police would never hassle you...but the Cuban gets the brunt of it. I saw it with my own eyes several times. So I know it is real. I also spent 6 weeks in East Africa. Traveling solo in a bus from Zanzibar to the border of the DRC. Across Uganda and back to Kenya. Fantastic experience.

As was mentioned before, it is what it is. If you are looking for a nice, clean, modern country...Cuba is not it. If you are looking for an architectural experience, a blast into the past, then it is a great place to visit. Wish I could go back...but so many other countries to visit!

I hear you. I have been in Cuba in 2009 and it is very different. I do speak Spanish too, and you do feel the country different if you speak the lingo. I am not the kind to live in people's houses but the waiter did take me to his crib and I spent some time with him and his family and appreciated the country very much. Cubans are proud people and the ones I spoke with know that, eventually they will have to pay much more for their lifestyle once capitalism arrives. I have lived in Tanzania and speak Swahili as well. Zanzibar island is good but mainland Tanzania has better beaches and resorts (Bahari beach, Oysterbay beach) IMHO.

I did my homework. I didn't expect many Cubans or Jamaicans people to live like me. From my experience, I saw the Cubans enjoying themselves, I wasn't insulated in Varadero. I travelled the country quite a bit with my waiter friend. They are poor but they also get much more from their government than any poor American/Canadian i know (free medical, unifree versity education and heavily subsidized housing). Also 2009 Cuba is different from 2005 Cuba. Of couse as a developing country you will see more poverty than in the west but it doesn't mean that one cannot get a positive experience visiting Cuba or any other developing country. I've had a negative experience visiting USA and EU countries as a Muslim (border harrassments) but it doesn't mean that one would not enjoy what their countries have to offer as a Muslim traveller. Go again to Cuba, I am sure you will have a different experience though the poverty is still on your face.

Max2010

[craigt3365]

Sorry to hear about your negative experiences visiting the US and the EU. Unfortunately, as is usually the case, a few crazies are hurting the image of Muslims. And unfortunately, the media in the US can be incredibly wacky. Especially Fox News!

I see you are in Japan. What a great country. I love it there.

I agree about Zanzibar, beaches were so so, but I did like the one at Kendra Rocks. Great place to chill for a few days after an ascent of Kili!

Cuba has some beautiful beaches and has some diving also. I love the Caribbean. Blue water, white sand beaches...and steel drums. Oh, and of course great rum drinks!!!!

Another tip for the OP. Go to the La Florida, where Hemingway hung out and they invented the daiquiri. Interesting piece of history.

[tranquillize]

Sorry to hear about your negative experiences visiting the US and the EU. Unfortunately, as is usually the case, a few crazies are hurting the image of Muslims. And unfortunately, the media in the US can be incredibly wacky. Especially Fox News!

I see you are in Japan. What a great country. I love it there.

I agree about Zanzibar, beaches were so so, but I did like the one at Kendra Rocks. Great place to chill for a few days after an ascent of Kili!

Cuba has some beautiful beaches and has some diving also. I love the Caribbean. Blue water, white sand beaches...and steel drums. Oh, and of course great rum drinks!!!!

Another tip for the OP. Go to the La Florida, where Hemingway hung out and they invented the daiquiri. Interesting piece of history.

I don't think i'll get to experience Cuba in the same fashion that you have, although i would love to. I don't really like to stay at all inclusive resorts, i prefer to throw on the backpack and stray from the beaten path. This time around we'll be doing the resort thing so we'll try to make the most of it. I would love to tour a cigar factory, i heard you can even learn to roll your own?

I've really enjoyed reading about everyone's experiences there, much thanks