South America group posting on GLOBOsapiens

CUBA - staying long time

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ttoobbiiaass Joined: Sep 04 Points: 4 Posts: 1 Posted: 2004-09-17 11:19:00    Hello Me, my girlfriend and our two children are interested in going to Cuba. The kids will be about 1 & 3.5 years old roughly. We (without kids) travelled a lot in India, and we stayed during longer periods (2 weeks - 2 months) in small fishing villages in Goa, with kids. But now we are planning to do a longer trip - about a year, and stop in maybe 2-3 places, perhaps Cuba could be one... But we have som questions: 1. How cheap is Cuba? We will mostly be in smaller places, trying to eat and stay as cheap as possible. Is it comparable to India - or perhaps Thailand? How much is a meal, how much is months rent in a cheaper house? 2. Is it possible to cover living expenses with about $1000/month or perhaps less? Is it possible to get around paying in dollars? 3. How is the vegetarian food, is it possible to get, is it ok? 4. Where to go on the island? We´re looking for a quiet cheap & friendly beach atomsphere, wich is not exploited, but at the same time not totally deserted.. There should be atleast be some simple eating places.. Hope somebody knows.. all the best! /Tobias /who will gladly share tips on travelling in India - just contact me :-) /may all beings be happy Reply    Reply with quote    Contact ttoobbiiaass   downundergal Premium account Joined: Jun 02 Points: 12936 Posts: 221 Posted: 2004-09-22 09:44:00    Hi there, I have only visited Cuba on a short trip in 2000 so can only give a small amount of feedback from my experience. 1. If you stay in hotels it is expensive however if you opt to stay with local families who are able to rent out 2 rooms each this should reduce costs considerably. How easy it is to book this type of accommodation in advance I am not sure so I would say book your first few nights until you get your bearings. 2. US $ are the ONLY currency to use as this is the "unofficial" currency. 3. Food is not great and range & quality of food is very limited. Strictly vegetarian could be tricky. 4. I only went to Havana and Pinar del Rio and did not visit as a beach destination but as you are aware there are some fabulous beaches in Cuba. Hopefully some one else out there in cyberspace can fill you in more. Cheers, Kerrie --- Where to next? Reply    Reply with quote    Contact downundergal