Vacation Travel Quest - Travel reviews on Cuba

For the American, Cuba is a vastly unknown territory as a vacation spot. For the rest of the world it is an enchanting beautiful paradise. The white sand beaches are second to none and the crystal blue waters are a swimmer’s and snorkeler’s delight. Although it is a poor country, Cuba has a lot of rich culture, rich vegetation and rich experiences to offer.

Because Cuba is virtually unknown as a tourist spot, the prices to go there are usually very reasonable. Most resorts offer all the amenities you can expect elsewhere – gorgeous free-form swimming pools, many with swim-up bars, soft white sand beaches set against the turquoise water and azure skies, scuba diving, snorkeling, sport fishing, disco’s, entertainment, craft markets and much more. Most resorts are all-inclusive, offering all flights, food, drinks and entertainment included at one affordable price.

Cuba has long been identified as being more of a “family” vacation spot, and Dave and I feel that is quite true. Cuba normally does not have the large crowds and really ‘hopping’ nightlife that other vacation spots have to offer (with some resorts being exceptions.) What is nice about that is that you can expect a more relaxing getaway vacation, and still have a bit of the night-time entertainment scene if you want it.

Another thing that Cuba has long been identified with is that the food is typically bad. Dave and I did not really find this to be entirely true. Although some of the resorts we visited had better food than others, there always seemed to be something on the menu or buffet to please us. We found that one resort we visited, the Superclub Breezes in Jibacoa, even had a seafood night with the most scrumptious seafood soup and lobster on buffet. That same resort had an Italian themed restaurant that could rival any of the best restaurants we have ever visited. Other resorts, though, offer more down-home Cuban cooking that is a little more on the casual side.

Like Mexico, there are different locations in Cuba that offer different attractions. One of the more popular locations is Varadero, which is located on a peninsula on the north coast of the island. It is truly a hotspot with many resorts and hotels located all along the peninsula. Varadero resorts range from 3* to 5*, but you have to be careful where you pick. But, because Cuba is a poor country it is in your best interest to stick with resorts offering 4* and above for the best of the hotels. Varadero is more of a bustling and busy tourist location and is suited to holiday travelers wishing a lot of activities and a more active nightlife.

Dave and I stayed at Superclub Breezes Jibacoa, as mentioned before, which to us was the perfect location. It is located half way between Varadero (about and hour away) and Cuba’s capital of Havana (also an hour away in the opposite direction), which allowed us to visit both spots. Our trip to Havana was incredible and one of the highlights of our trip. Havana is a beautiful city offering architecture that you cannot find anywhere else. Although it shows the effects of time, the buildings are slowly and painfully being restored to the grandeur they exhibited from the 50’s and 60’s. Indeed, visiting any part of Cuba is like stepping back in time. The cars, the buildings, the family values all seem to be like a piece out of time. Havana offers various sightseeing tours by bus and by foot. Here you can see where Ernest Hemmingway spent his time writing and drinking. Here you can enjoy the spectacular “Tropicana” show. Here you visit the large craft and arts market that Cuban artists offer. You can see street shows, visit museums, or take in the local flavor of the architecture. It is an extremely interesting city and a place that should not be missed.

Dave and I have also visited Holguin, which is a province more at the north easterly side of the island. This is noted as the location the Christopher Columbus landed on Cuba in 1492 and said “This is the most beautiful land that man has laid eyes upon.” About an hours ride from the airport, is the seaside resort town of Guardalavaca. Here stretches one of the finest beaches in Cuba with white powder sand and those famous crystal waters. And the snorkeling is unparalleled according to Dave (who is an avid snorkeler.) From here you can visit the provincial capital of Holguin which offers parks, monuments and historical buildings, or you can travel the charming Cuban countryside, or even swim with the dolphins in Bahia de Naranjo Bay. There are numerous resorts, mostly all-inclusive. We are sure that you will be pleased with your vacation to this area.

On our visits to Cuba, we have always found the people to be extremely friendly and accommodating. They are poor people, but they exude a welcome atmosphere that puts us at home every time. We have made many friends there that we write to still.

Dave and I have been to Cuba four times already and plan on going back many more. In fact, whenever we go we find other travelers who have returned to Cuba numerous times. One couple we met boasted that they were celebrating their 20th trip. If that isn’t an indication of the excellent vacation to be had in Cuba, I don’t know what is. Dave and I would recommend Cuba as a vacation spot for anyone. We certainly plan on going back, and we also want to visit more of destinations that the island has to offer.