1 independent reviews for Tailor made Cuba tours
Reviews for Tailor made Cuba tours
Martha Stinson review 26 Dec 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We have traveled quite a bit around the USA, Canada, South Africa, Europe and the Virgin Islands. Our trip to Cuba was unbelievably memorable specifically because of our amazing guide and driver, thanks to Responsible Travel. With exception of South Africa, we have not used guides/drivers and prefer to do it ourselves. There is NO WAY we could have done such a rewarding deep dive into Cuba in eight days without them and I highly recommend Responsible Travel! Our guide was smart, bilingual, personable, candid, and as conversational as we wanted to be (and perceptive enough to respect silence). She was a 100% get it done young woman that all four in our group truly liked as a person and respected as a professional. Adrienne is the best!!! And our driver Os Mani (sp?) was great!!! Our adventure ranged from a baseball game in Havana and walking through neighborhoods with vibrant street life to hiking in the Escambray Mountains and colonial Trinidad, UNESCO World Heritage site. Loved it all.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Money is hard to come by and credit cards are not recognized or accepted - anywhere. Take US dollars (or whatever currency) and exchange most of it for CUCs from the beginning. It will feel weird carrying around that much cash, but there is no alternative. My husband took a money belt that fit inside the waist of his shirt and pants. We took out the CUCs we needed for the day and stored the rest in the belt. Lines at the banks in Havana were LONG! The electricity went out in the first one and they closed it. Our guide got us in to the front of a long line at another one, but we did not get enough CUCs so had to go to another bank a few days later. Then again in Santa Clara, and the bank rejected several $20 bills saying they were "dirty", had a spot of ink or a tiny tear. Out of $660 US dollars in 20s, they would only accept $520. One bank was closed unexpectedly because the area was being sprayed for mosquitos. So, when you have a chance to exchange money, go ahead and get plenty.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our trip to Cuba definitely benefited the Cuban people. Since the death of Fidel Castro in 2016, more little private businesses, such as restaurants and bed/breakfasts are popping up. Our vacation featured staying in the homes of Cuban people where they received payment instead of government owned/operated hotels. We also went to small private restaurants, often on ground floor of people's homes, instead of government owned/operated bars and restaurants. In Cuba, the government owns and runs everything! But there is now a budding of private enterprises by private citizens, which we supported.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our trip was amazing in every way -- culturally, historically and politically. Our guides added tremendous value through their inside knowledge, candid responses to our questions about life in a communist country, and winning personalities. I was skeptical but quickly became a complete convert to the benefit of traveling this way!Holiday Reviews
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