BootsnAll Travel Community

Hello,
Before I begin, I am not a US Citizen ... (with regards to the travel restrictions etc.)

So here's the thing: I was pretty much all set in my mind to spend 2 weeks sometime in April in Cuba (time of year is flexible) until a while ago. And now that I got my vacation approved, I started looking at flights to Mexico (as a via point for Havana).

Now it looks like I can get to, say, London or Berlin or some 'common' European point cheaper or about the same price as flight to Mexico+flight to Havana. Further I realize that budgeting in Cuba is not innmthe typical backpacking price-range because of limited backpacker resources. (hostels etc.)

I'm beginning to wonder if it is worth doing the extra research etc. and make it happen in Cuba versus backpacking in 1 or 2 countries in Europe in a similar (or slightly more) budget.
A few things...
1. Don't get me wrong, I've spent 2 weeks in Peru last year solo and thoroughly enjoyed it and don't mind my trip not being in a sophisticated country just whether there'd be enough 'stuff' to justify Cuba.
2. On the other hand there's a pretty decent chance I might end up in UK in '09 giving me weekend and other vacation time for Europe then... but of course, that's a ways away.

Thoughts (maybe from those who have traveled in both regions) would be appreciated,
Thanks,
S

Definitely go to Europe! Cuba is full of Quebec people...no diversity! I have been all over Europe and it was so worth it!

Why do you want to go to Cuba? Are you going to feel like you missed out if you skip the trip?

If Cuba is just going to be too much trouble, but you still want an island vacation, you could look into one of the other islands. I'm biased towards Puerto Rico, but that's where my family is from.

There are other islands you could get to Cuba from, rather than going to Mexico. I know some of some folks who go through Jamaica, for example, but I don't know if you'd get cheaper airfare than you would to Mexico. You could also check flights from Canada.

Don't get me wrong, I love Europe. But the atmosphere in Europe vs. the Caribbean is pretty different; if you have your heart set on one, I think the other may end up disappointing you. But maybe not; you'd be the best judge of that!

Hey,
My friends from U. S. easily travel now to Cuba. Yes, they do it legally. I 'm not aware entirely, but it is said that there has ben made chnage to USA tavel law and U.S citizens now can visit Cuba without any problem. You should check it.

Also, really, Caribbean can't be compared with Europe (especially the beaches).

You can visit Bahamas or Turks and Caicos there (they are like Cuba).

Well, I realize it may be too late now, since you said you wanted to go sometime in April, but I was surprised to read that so many people were quick to tout Europe over Cuba. Cuba is a very unique place, and although I may be biased as a US citizen (since for me it is "forbidden fruit"), I had an incredible time there. As far as backpacker resources, you're right: there aren't a lot of "backpacker hostels" or young, independent, hippie travelers, but I kind of think that's an advantage. It is just as easy to be offered a place to stay by some family in Cuba as it is in, say, Puerto Rico. Restaurants out of people's homes (paladares) will usually have information on where you can stay. Assuming you don't want a high-priced tourist hotel like Habana Libre.
Anyway, I vote for Cuba!

I vote for Cuba. Europe will always be there, while Cuba is still stuck in a sort of time-warp that will likely come to an end very soon. While Cuba is expensive for the region, I can't imagine how it would cost more than Europe. $50/day is a reasonable budget for Havana, while you can get by for a little less outside of the capital.

Havana is one of my favorite cities in Latin America - atmospheric, colonial, with awesome people-watching. The country is full of other attractions, from beaches to the Valley of Vinales to Trinidad to Santa Clara to Santiago.

As for getting there, are you based in Boston? You should investigate charter flights into Cancun. Cubana flies out of Cancun every day at noon, and this is the cheapest international flight into Cuba. When I went in 2002, the roundtrip was $180. I think it's closer to $300 these days, but still cheaper than flying out of Mexico City. You might also want to investigate charter flights into Havana from Montreal or Toronto - check the travel section of a Canadian newspaper for those.