Cuba Tourist Numbers.

[Nino]

7 hours ago, NYgarman said:

This question is posed for all in this thread; IF there were NO cigars or rum in Cuba, would anybody still go? I guarantee you none of you would. Don't kid yourselves. 

I first went for the cigars - 15 years ago .... I continue going back because of the people.

Hope there are many non-cigar smokers or non-rum drinkers that heed your advice. Cheers !

[El Presidente]

Music, the people, the cars, the architecture and landscape, the history. 

Cuba is never a cookie cutter holiday and so it doesn't appeal to all (Thank God).  When I was there with Di at Christmas time we spent a week in havana and a week at Isla mujeres cancun. The later was a cookie cutter holiday and highly enjoyable. Both different, Both enjoyable. Cancun has everything bar soul which Havana has in spades.  That is not a criticism. 

However I wouldn't personally take young children to Cuba. There simply isn't enough to do.  For a couple there are few better places in the world as long as you enjoy a little adventure. 

 

 

[Ethernut]

I love this short Poem and am reminded if it often:

“Earth's crammed with heaven, 
And every common bush afire with God, 
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round and pluck blackberries.”― Elizabeth Barrett Browning

 

With Cuba, you either see the beauty or you don't/can't. The latter is quite OK. If one has never been, It's very hard to come to any real understanding of what Cuba may offer, unless it's experienced. I had so many pre-conceived notions before I went. Those were utterly shattered within a few days. 

For me, it's the place on earth that I get on island-time the fastest. I love that about the place. (..and that it's a 2 hr flight for me doesn't hurt) Cheers Gents!

[dgixxer252525]

I am going to visit family this weekend in Havana. Taking my two kids, 8 and 11, for their first time...I will probably not do much cigar wise while there...I want them to disconnect, sleep in a house with no A.C., and play with their cousins. I will be sure to report back...

[Louribal]

Well as an American that has travelled quite extensively, I’m very happy to say that Thursday is the day I visit the island. Going to be interesting to learn about the culture and maybe learn some salsa ? . We’ll see how that goes ?

[Ethernut]

38 minutes ago, dgixxer252525 said:

I am going to visit family this weekend in Havana. Taking my two kids, 8 and 11, for their first time...I will probably not do much cigar wise while there...I want them to disconnect, sleep in a house with no A.C., and play with their cousins. I will be sure to report back...

 

6 minutes ago, Louribal said:

Well as an American that has travelled quite extensively, I’m very happy to say that Thursday is the day I visit the island. Going to be interesting to learn about the culture and maybe learn some salsa ? . We’ll see how that goes ?

 

I'm excited for you both! Let us know how it goes!

[BellevilleMXZ]

On 5/14/2018 at 8:25 PM, Monterey said:

true 5 star accommodations:  Could care less.  I'm not a pampered guy.  I'm more of a guys guy.  Tent in a remote part of the world over fancy overpriced room every single time.

Safe water:  1 CUC per bottle

modern amenities in the hotels and resorts:  Anyone who spends any time other than sleeping in a hotel room isn't vacation right!

high speed internet:.  Best part of Cuba.  My boss can't reach me.  I disconnect from the fake world and connect with the real world.  I would be willing to pay extra where I go to not have phone/internet access.  Americans, always needing to be connected

the list goes on and on:  Agreed.  so many once in a life time things to do in Havana.  I think you and I view what is important in this world VERY differently!!!

Exactly!! This is why we go. Thankfully the wife feels the same way, and is where we are getting married next year, on one of the perfect beaches

[Louribal]

21 hours ago, Ethernut said:

 

 

I'm excited for you both! Let us know how it goes!

Thanks, will do!

[dgixxer252525]

On 5/15/2018 at 8:39 PM, Ethernut said:

 

 

I'm excited for you both! Let us know how it goes!

Well i am back and the island is as interesting as ever. I love being there and my kids loved it too...please do yourselves a favor though and leave Havana Vieja and Miramar, and venture into some neighborhoods and nearby towns to get the real Cuba experience...after spending time with my family in San Antonio de los Banos, Havana Vieja feels fake...

[oliverdst]

2 hours ago, dgixxer252525 said:

Well i am back and the island is as interesting as ever. I love being there and my kids loved it too...please do yourselves a favor though and leave Havana Vieja and Miramar, and venture into some neighborhoods and nearby towns to get the real Cuba experience...after spending time with my family in San Antonio de los Banos, Havana Vieja feels fake...

How frequently did you go to Havana? Used taxi, private driver...?

[dgixxer252525]

3 minutes ago, oliverdst said:

How frequently did you go to Havana? Used taxi, private driver...?

I went to Havana a handful of times...its only about 25 minutes from our little town. We used a 1949 dodge that my cousin has had for a while...we did the Havana tourist thing for my kids and wife, but the other days I was running errands with him, looking up and down for a power drill, and trying to find a cooler for our trip to the beach. Got to see the gritty side of Cuba this time...the people amaze me even more now...