Joyce

We live in Washington state and want to go to Cuba through Canada. Does anyone have any travel agencies in Vancouver to recommend for air tickets? What airlines fly from Vancouver to Cuba? Do you have any tips to tell someone who has never been there before about interesting things or possible problems? One of us is fluent in Spanish and we want to try and meet Cuban's so we can get to know their culture and country.

Lar

Well Joyce I can't help you with the airline, but be warned that if you are going to talk with the cubans that they are very, very eager to get some of your money. They will con you for your pants, tell you sad stories and more, so be warned. Having said that, I love the place and go back often. As for your other information, try posting your questions on (library.thinkquest.org/18355/forums) <BR>it is a very active cuban site for questions. Take a roll of toilet paper, its always in short supply. <BR>Adios

C.Clark

Hi Joyce, call Andrea @ 1-604-590-0061 she definately will get you the best price and she's been there as well. Tell her that Charlene gave you her number. My friends from the states use her as well because she gets prices even better than their travel agents can. <BR>

Alexis

Just a note: There is a reason we have had to have an embargo against Cuba for 40 years!!! And a reason you need to fly there via Canada. Having lived there for a few years I can tell you...it can be downright dangerous. The Cubans are incredibly poor people who desperately need money and will do anything to get yours. (Not all Cubans, of course, but you can't blame a guy who is just trying to feed his children). It does have many beautiful locations but nothing so spectacular that it is worth the trouble you could find there. Don't forget--It is a Communist regime!!!

debbie

Hi Joyce - we're from Canada and were just at the Melia Rio De Oro resort in Guardlavaca area (Holguin airport serves this area) back in February. <BR> <BR>My father-in-law lives in Vancouver so if you need the name of a travel agency so you can arrange your flight from there, please email me directly for this info. <BR> <BR>I don't want to get into any debate about travelling to Cuba - over 50% of the tourists to the all-inclusives are Canadians. Most of the people who travel do make use of the all-inclusive resorts because of the restaurant situation in Cuba. Even though we were at an all-inclusive it did not prevent us from seeing the 'real Cuba' as we took tours and such off the resort. It is extremely safe and outside of Havana people aren't 'all trying to get your money'. And every Canadian who returns to Cuba wants to take old clothes, toothpaste, etc, etc. to leave in their room at the end of the stay (it get distributed) or to take to a school they may be visiting, and so on. <BR> <BR>The area where we went - there was spectacular unspoiled reefs just off the beach where people snorkelled every day. The diving is also supposed to be superb and is very cheap. <BR> <BR>Please email if you want some serious info and if you want to travel all-inclusive, take a look at all the packages available at www.sunquest.com (or .ca) and www.signature.com

wendy gaskill

I'm sure that any travel agent in v'ver would help you, and let me say that I applaud you for having the guts to visit one of the most beautiful islands in the world. I've been there several times, and have made many wonderful friends there, with whom we correspond frequently. They are INDEED a poor country, but could you point out the independent Carribean nation that is not? Compare the streets of North America to Cuba, and count the homeless and destitute. It brings me shame to realize that the poor country of Cuba has less poverty than any of our citys. You will find line ups for food, outside the resort areas, and shortages of many things. Having traveled extensively throughtout the island, you won't find many undernourished Cubans We make a habit of taking school supplies and little toys for kids to give away - Dollar stores are great. <BR>Just go with the attitude of leaving behind what you don't use - toothpaste, shampoo, etc. You can always get more, they can't. <BR> <BR> <BR>

vangirl

Any agency can get you there but the best prices are in winter when we're escaping our winter here. I completely diagree about being ripped off in Cuba. I wasn't hassled once! Not like other islands I've been too. ANd as to poverty, well look around the big North American cities. It's way worse here.<BR><BR>Do what most Canadians I know do. Bring your biggest suitcase filled with clothes, kids' shoes, toiletries(sample sizes are easy to pack), school supplies and leave the contents behind. Tip well even at an all inclusive. And for yourself, double up on all your toiletries and pack TP. If you forget something or run out, you won't be able to get it there.<BR><BR>Cuba is beautiful and although communism is of course a problem, I think the US embargo causes a bigger problem.

ss

Air Transat flies direct to Varadero Cuba on mondays from vancouver. IT is about a 5-6 hour flight. If you want to go to the Holguin end of the island, you will have to fly to toronto first, and then to cuba. There are several all inclusive resorts in varadero, and havana is a 2 hour drive away.

X

Just an idea, try looking up travel on a Canadian website like www.expedia.ca or www.yahoo.ca.