Posts Tagged ‘Caribbean’
Magical Twin Centre Holidays In Cuba
February 2, 2010
Discovering a new style of travel, much is to be said about the Twin Centre Holidays to Cuba. The great thing about it is the excellent service provided for travelers. When booking a package this way, all the tiny details are done for you by the eager staff. Nothing beats great service when on vacation.
Taking control of your touring arrangements by allowing the experts to do it for you means more time for doing what people do while in the Caribbean! discovering accommodation that is appropriate to your personal requirements, organising airport transfers in Havana and obtaining the right flight for the right price and comfort you want is all provided for you.
While on the island people choose an assortment of mix and match activities such as a coastal vacation and visiting historic attractions or taking ecological explorations of the Archipelago. Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean and tow peninsula’s Cuba’s unaffected loveliness resides near the Tropic of Cancer.
Some of the ecological discovery tours involve walking through the people friendly environment of the wetlands. Situated in the east, the natural forest areas are full of harmless beauty. The flora and fauna are as you would expect, lush green and exotic.
A trip around the local markets will bring a surprising amount of hand crafted dolls and souvenirs to your attention. The political vibe is very pronounced with promotional T shirts featured abundantly in the artisan marketplace. Cuban Cigars and coffee are another highlight of a tourist’s shopping venture.
The tropical paradise situated on the edge of Tropic of Cancer boasts of an everlasting warmth that makes for a most relaxing vacation. The Cuban people are friendly and have an inherent culture. A Twin Centre Holiday in Cuba offers the tourist a very mellow time in the Caribbean.
For further information on Havana Hotels please visit Holidays to Cuba web site by J. M. Maurette
Finding The Right Hotel in Havana
January 28, 2010
If you are planning on going to Havana then finding a great deal on hotels might be a lot easier than you think. Havana hotels are actually less expensive than most American hotels and many offer the same features as you would find at home.
Some of these hotels can be found right on the beach while others are centered more toward sightseeing and night life. Of course doing both can be easy and some may offer buses for going into the city if you want. You can find accommodations in just about any area of Havana you like.
Most reviews indicate that food can be a bit of a challenge. Of course this is a matter of personal taste. Some reports have spoken of bland food with too little spice. Pizza shops are plentiful though if you find the food not to your liking. Of course some have given very good reviews of the hotel food on their stays.
If you are on a tight budget then you may be in luck. Some of the accommodations are actually very cheap. Of course you should be prepared to get what you pay for. Some reviews have spoken of hotels that are very run down. Of course others may describe them as classical with great historical appeal.
The best way to find accommodation that you can be happy with is to read reviews from others who have stayed in the specific hotel you are looking to stay at. Also ask questions and make sure the hotel had the amenities you want. Using a travel agent always has its benefits as well.
Havana has a lot to offer year round. This could be the perfect holiday for you and your family. You should be aware that there are some cultural differences though. Havana hotels can be booked through a travel agent or online.
If you are visiting Cuba and Havana, you might consider staying at their hotels. Many Havana hotels can provide you plenty of relaxing time and during the Cuba holidays.
Choose Small Group Cuba Tours
January 28, 2010
Cuba is one of the undiscovered travel destinations for many American tourists. For years there have been tight restrictions on travel to Cuba. These restrictions were just recently lifted, making it possible for tourists from the United States to take small group Cuba holidays.
If you are a traveler who enjoys seeing new countries, you will enjoy a small group tour. You will not only be touring as a group, but individually, you’ll have the opportunity to do some sightseeing on your own. You can, also, choose to participate in some optional local activities at the same price the Cubans pay.
One of the biggest complaints of people who go on tours is that they do not have the opportunity to interact with the local people. The small group tours in Cuba are not that way. You will have a local Cuban tour guide, and most of your accommodations will be in the homes of Cuban families.
There is nothing luxurious about these tours, but everything is clean and comfortable. You will get to know each person in your tour group because the groups are small. The entire tour will be led by your local tour guide.
Just to give you an idea of what a small group tour is like, let’s take a look at the Western Cuba Tour. It lasts for 8 days, and it can accommodate between two and twelve tourists. The average size of the tour group is seven. The first day you will arrive in Havana where the time is yours to spend as you want.
The other days will be spent hiking, riding horseback, exploring caves, bicycling, snorkeling and seeing wildlife. Except for the first and last nights, you will be staying in the home of a Cuban family. On day eight, you can use the time as you wish and depart from the city at the time you choose.
Small group Cuba tours are a great way to have an informal, relaxed vacation. You will make lifelong friends, and there will be an opportunity to interact with the Cuban people. This is the best way to see Cuba as it is.
Please visit Cuba all inclusive web site by J. M. Maurette for further information on Havana Hotels
The Stuff You Can Expect To See On A Cruise Ship
January 19, 2010
One of the most exciting ways that you can spend a vacation has got to be on a cruise ship. There are many different reasons for this, as we all have out personal preferences. Here I will be going over some of the stuff you find on a cruise ship, along with some of the reasons that somebody would want to take part on a cruise vacation.
If you happen to be someone who just got married, what better way to celebrate your honeymoon then by taking a vacation cruise? Since most cruises can be pretty pricey, this would be the perfect place to spend your honeymoon, as you will more than likely be spending a lot of money on your honeymoon anyways.
There is no more luxurious way to travel than by cruise ship. Sure it may take longer than plane, but I guarantee you a cruise ship will be much more enjoyable and fun. Many cruise lines also offer many onshore activities such as excavations along with sightseeing tours, plus much more depending on the cruise line.
There are also a lot of people that love to gamble in games like blackjack, roulette and Texas hold’em, this is why almost every cruise ship has a casino on board that will open up as soon as the ship is legally far enough off land. This is the case when it comes to cruises based out of the United States anyway.
People also take part on cruise vacations because it makes them think they are treated as royalty. There are so many fun activities that are on cruise ships, varying from each cruise line. If you want to take part on a vacation where you stay spoiled, then picking one on board of a cruise ship will be the one for you.
There are a set of common amenities that the majority of major cruise lines have to offer their customers. This list includes but is not limited too fitness training centers, movie theaters, top of the line dining, swimming and tanning, golfing, tennis, racket ball, spas, arcades, daycare, along with many others depending on the cruise lines theme.
Cabin sizes will also vary when you are on a luxury cruise ship, of course if you want to get a state room many will offer those also, but you can expect to pay a little cash for one also. Cabins and state rooms often have televisions, great views in some cases, and menus from the restaurants on board.
When you are doing your research about what cruise lines you want to take a vacation on, remember that all of the major cruise lines have websites these days, making it easier and more convenient for the consumer to pick a cruise vacation that suits them and their family or friends best.
There are many things that you should research before picking a major cruise line, for more info Jenny has an wonderful resource where you can discover more about Disney cruise vacations and Carnival cruise vacations.
Cuba Has Now Become Highly Interested In Religion
January 14, 2010
For the second year running a Christmas message has been read on National television by the Roman Catholic of Cuba, it seems that once an atheist communist government has now become highly interested in Religion. During the broadcast, Cardinal Jaime Ortega expressed his thanks as the Island’s families were able to reunite with their families living in the United States. This came upon as President Barack Obama removed restrictions that forbid any relationship between the Americans and Cubans.
Orlando Marquez, a spokesman for Havana’s Conference of Bishops confirmed that the authorities had intended to show a Christmas concert which had been performed at the National Cathedral. The entire message was broadcasted on the government controlled television in Cuba.
The best thing happened to a retired 67 year old mother Elisa Ramos. She was totally ecstatic as this was the first time in 12 years she was going to see her son again.
After Jaime Ortega’s broadcast, there have been some growing signs of some improvement between the relationship of the government and the church.
In November 2008, thousands of faith believers gathered for the beatification of Friar Jose Olallo Valdes in the city of Camaguey. Amazingly, President Raul Castro also took part in this.
Castro’s brother Raul took over as president earlier in 2008. His first political meeting was with Pope Benedict XVI’s secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. This took place whilst Tarcisio Bertone was marking the 10th Anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s visit in Cuba.
Since the power of presidency to Fidel Castro in 1959, religion was not totally ruled out however priests were expelled and religious establishments were closed down. In the early 1990′s, the tension reduced and the government removed any reference to atheism from its organization and allowed believers of all faiths to join the Communist Party. The situation improved later in the year when they had a visit from Pope John Paul II.
Looking to find the best deal on Cuba holidays, then visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk to find the best advice on Cuba.
The Marine Biodiversity Of Cuba
January 6, 2010
Cuban and Spanish Scientists from the Cuban Oceanology Institute and the Spanish University of Oviedo respectively will broaden their research on the Cuban seabed. One of the areas with the largest bio-diversity in Cuba – Peninsula of Guanahacabibes – has been selected to start the project which will then extend to other areas such as Cienaga de Zapata and Jardines de La Reina also rich in marine species.
Jesus Ortega a Spanish Biologist and Professor of the University of Oviedo in an interview conducted by Prensa Latina affirmed that they will keep researching on the west of Cuba where around 700 species are still pending for classification. So far in the area 50 specimens have been acknowledged as new species.
One of the most significant discoveries in the region is the striking Emiliotia Inmaculatus (tiny mollusck with semi-transparent shell) and the Cubalaskeya Machoi both found at Cueva Pedro( undersea cavern almost 33 meters under sea level).
Similar marine life can be found in the Bahamas and the south coast of Florida with extreme bio-diversity such as the one found in Guanahacabibes.
Peninsula de Guanahacabibes has so far been responsible for the findings of 50 percent of all mollusk varieties found in Cuba. This zone was declared a protected area of the Biosphere in the late 1980 and the least spoilt part of Cuba in terms of Tourism.
This is a zone of surprising marvelous richness, with an enormous variety still to discern alleged Cuban ecologist Jose Espinosa, and continued – Cuba might be a centre for plankton larvae that could favour the most needed healing the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean sea.
Maria La Gorda is the only tourist resort that can be found in the vicinity of peninsula de Guanahacabibes and it is very popular amongst snorkellers, divers, oceanologists and holiday makers in general.
Want to find out more about Cuba, then visit Perucho Ochoa’s site on how to choose the best Cuba Holidays for your needs.
The Silent Sea Paradise of Cuba
December 31, 2009
Cuban Beaches with white, grey, black and golden sand contrast with blue or aqua-green seas; the calm water near a mountain peak hides the inner beauty of its seabed. Some of its coasts are on the Caribbean; others, on the Atlantic. In both cases, its shores tempt you to give yourself over to the sensual, magical movement of the waves.
The insular shelf is bounded by an extensive coral reef where a great variety of colorful fish bewitch scuba-diving buffs, both beginners and experts. In addition, there are underwater caves to explore. Casting loose your mooring lines in Cuban waters means setting sail into a spectacular sea adventure.
The cays which form the outermost fringe of the archipelago are particularly enticing. They have been left in nearly their natural state, with their original flora and fauna, so they still look much as they did when Christopher Columbus discovered these lands over five centuries ago.
It has over 3560 miles (5746 kilometers) of irregular coastline, including more than 200 bays and over 300 beaches whose sand is of different colors and textures. It is common knowledge that the Cuban sea is of excellent quality.
There are places-anonymous as yet or little known-virgin beaches which are not the exception but rather the rule. Large or small, they are waiting to be discovered on the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, a preserve of the biosphere; the coasts in the center and eastern parts of the country; and in tranquil Baracoa, at the eastern extreme of the island. You can enjoy them to the full in complete safety. There’s nothing quite like walking along a beach for hours with nothing to disturb you.
In 1985, the French oceanologist Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s crew was very impressed by Cuba’s seabed-most of all, by their exploration of the Cristobal Colon, a Spanish ship which was sunk during the naval battle that was fought just off Santiago de Cuba in i8g8. According to the divers, who have worked all over the world, few other places are as well preserved or have such a wealth of marine life. His colleagues waxed so enthusiastic that Cousteau, then 75, decided to put on an aqualung and see for himself. He wasn’t disappointed.
Scientific studies estimate that there are over 500 species of fish; 200 different kinds of sponges (cup, tube and branch); around 60 kinds of coral; and a large sample of mollusks, crustaceans, gorgonians, algae and Common Sea Fans (Gorgonia spp.) in Cuban waters.
Cuba undoubtedly is one of the most stunning tourist destinations in the World. Add the irrefutable fact of a super rich culture and you have the ideal recipe for a memorable holiday.
Jose Maurette is the Director of Quest World Travel Ltd and a specialist in organizing holidays to Cuba. Visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk for further information on the best Havana hotels.
categories: Cuba Holidays,Cuba Travel,Caribbean beaches,caribbean,travel,tourism,Cuba,leisure,outdoors,vacations
Cuba a la carte
December 26, 2009
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean. It is a captivating blend of cultural heritage, music, astonishing architecture, mountains, forest, rivers and of courses its magnificent white sand beaches. Travellers to Cuba will be charmed by this fascinating island. Cuba Holidays offers can be found everywhere on the net.
If you are a water sports lover Cuba is the perfect destination, with astonishing white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, coral reefs and limestone formations just few meters away from the shores.
For SCUBA diving packages or sailing holidays to Cuba the best is to speak to a specialist. Only few tour operators deal with this kind of package holidays. They are more tailor made and it requires more knowledge and research from the agent.
For history buffs, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Trinidad on the south coast, and the old town of Havana are must see places. At Guama there is an Amerindian village, which has been carefully reconstructed, with wooden bridges linking several islets. Visitors eating outside their hotels should be aware that outside Havana, restaurant menus may be more limited than on many other Caribbean islands, and will be dominated by locally available produce. In contrast, you’ll find no shortage of exotic rum cocktails.
If you are looking for shopping holidays then Cuba is perhaps not the best destination although there will be a number of hand craft markets available on each an every location in Cuba. Tobacco, rum and coffee are the most popular souvenirs tourists buy in Cuba. Black coral jewellery is also very demanded.
You could have a tailor made programme designed just for you. Ask a specialist to put something together for you. Let him know what are your preferences and he/she will get back to you with some good options. Don’t expect it to be necessarily expensive. In some cases tailor made packages are cheaper than the average beach package holiday.
If you are unable to find the holiday in Cuba that you are looking for, or would like more information about staying in Cuba, or flying to Cuba, please call to speak to our dedicated travel team, who are on hand seven days a week to help you find your perfect stay in Cuba.
Jose Garces is the Director of Quest World Travel Ltd and a specialist in organizing holidays to Cuba. If you require further info about Cuba you can visit: Info on Cuba
Pinar del Ro: The Most Western Province Of Cuba.
December 21, 2009
Few scenes in Cuba exhibit as much natural beauty as Pinar del Rio. Blessed by the nature, this province stores two of the six World Reservations of the Biosphere in the Island.
The fascination of its flora and fauna represents the primary beauty of the county, and no doubt about it is the territory of the finest tobacco in the world. For those who want to be in direct contact with nature, Pinar del Rio is a must see place. Very close to the city and on route to the Viales Valley, the Aguas Claras Villa stands out for is its characteristic features and it is built in the lands previously occupied by a stunning property in the tropical landscape.
Also situated in the Viales Valley, surrounded by its astonishing mountains, is the Camping site Dos Hermanas (Two Sisters) that easy the enjoyment of the landscape. The options for visitors are countless; you can do mountain climbing, trekking, horse back riding or visit the largest cave formations in Cuba.
This land is an important artists’ cradle. Illustrious son of this county was Cirilo Villaverde, author of the most important Cuban novel in the XIX century, “Cecilia Valdes”, considered one of the great Cuban writers of all times. The music and the plastic arts, on the other hand, have big exponents like the composer Pedro Rush; author of the well-known piece “Nosotros” and the contemporary painter Pedro Pablo Oliva.
The most frequent party in the area is the guateque, rural celebration that is always carried out around a typical Cuban meal: pig roasted in spike, congr, plantain tostones, yucca with dressing and other vegetables and also with drinks as the Guayabita del Pinar, a typical delicious rum produced in the area.
If you want to visit Pinar del Rio in your holidays in Cuba, you can fly to Havana and then take a transfer to this area. It is located at about 160 kms far from Havana and it takes about 2 hours by road. There are no international or domestic airports in this province so flying directly is not an option. There is although the chance to arrive by boat to the Marinas located in Cayo Levisa and Maria La Gorda.
To know the land of the valleys and mogotes there is anything better than the trips and visits to its more famous scenery: the Valley of Viales declared Cultural Landscape of the Humanity (UNESCO); the tourist complex The Terraces, example of tourist community of sustainable development; Soroa, with its orquideario and its beautiful waterfall; and the ruins of French coffee plantations of the XIX century, among others.
I will always recommend a visit to Pinar del Rio province, especially if you are the kind of tourist that likes to get to know the real country. I would say that including in your holidays to Cuba a stay in this territory will definitely be the high light of your holiday experience in Cuba.
Jose Mauricio is a travel Consultant specialist in organizing Cuba holidays. He is natural from Havana City and has a wealth of knowledge that will share with you. He can help you organize your tailor made holidays to Cuba and make it unique.
Twin Centre Holidays To Cuba.
December 21, 2009
If you are reading this article then you are probably looking at options for your holidays. If you have picked Cuba among the huge number of options available in terms of tourist attractions then you are already half way through getting a once in a lifetime unique experience.
You probably know this already but it is never less important to highlight that Cuba is the largest of the Caribbean islands and have a wealth of options in terms of places that you can enjoy while visiting Cuba. There are places to please almost every demand in terms of tourist attractions.
If you are looking to mainly relax after a hard long period of work and at the same time let your self been invaded by the Cuban culture then I would suggest you do a twin centre holiday. There are many options and I will mention in this article which in my opinion are the most interesting ones.
Havana and Varadero: Ideal formula for people who are not willing to travel long ours along the road. Both cities are only few miles away from each other and they can be connected in less than 2 hours by taxi. Havana is recommended for at least 2 or 3 nights so that you can get to see and enjoy what this amazing city has to offer. Varadero is considered by many one of the best beach destinations in the world. It certainly is the most famous in Cuba and it offers a wealth of activities such as swimming with dolphins, rides in a submarine, horse back riding and all sorts of water sports.
Havana and Cayo Largo: This one in my opinion is a very attractive combination. You will be arriving to Havana’s airport and after staying few nights in Havana you will be transferred to the airport very early in the morning to fly to Cayo Largo. Why bother taking a domestic flight? Well let me tell you that Cayo Largo has in my opinion the best and most virgin beaches out of all the beach destinations in Cuba. You can also find a wealth of wild life cohabiting with the few hotels that exists in this small island.
Havana and Jibacoa: This twin centre holiday is ideal for those who like to relax far from that comes with some huge beach resorts. It is very close to Havana. So if you feel you did not have enough of the Capital and its night life or its restaurants you can very easily take a taxi from Breezes Jibacoa Hotel and you will be in Havana in less than 1 hour. Not very expensive a taxi will cost about 30 Cuban convertible pesos (15 Sterling pounds).
These are just some of the combinations you can do but the fact is that you can do dozens of them. Or you can put together as many locations as you want. We will obviously help you out deciding what is best for you and what is feasible taking into account the duration of your holidays. If you need to know more please do not hesitate to contact us.
Jose Mauricio Garces is a reservation consultant specialist in organizing Cuba Holidays and tailor made holidays to Cuba. He has been involved in travel and tourism in Cuba for the last 15 years.