Recently, travel lovers are increasingly beginning to plan their own tours and do not turn to the services of travel agencies. Many people are afraid because they think they might get lost, get into trouble, or something else. In fact, you just need to be well prepared and know a few simple rules that will help you on your trip.

Don't forget about insurance

Medical insurance, as a rule, is already included in the price of a package tour, so tourists do not pay attention to it. When it comes to traveling independently, most people only remember about tickets and only remember about insurance in case of an emergency. In fact, you need to buy it in advance and always keep this in mind. It will be great if you don’t need it, but in the event of illness or an accident, it will make life much easier for you and your loved ones, and will also save a lot of money.

Consider your transfer

Tourist groups are met by a group transfer, where all travelers are loaded and then taken to hotels. When traveling on your own, you need to plan a route from the airport to the hotel. It's good if you're flying into a major metropolitan airport and it has a metro, but sometimes getting into the city can be difficult. To avoid panic and ordering an expensive taxi, research your options for getting to the airport in advance.

Compare prices

Remember that you are not assigned to a tour operator and can buy excursions anywhere. Most tourists travel within the country themselves and buy tickets to attractions. They are usually cheaper if you buy them online. There is another option for those who don’t like to bother. These are tour groups in the city. Local agencies gather a group of tourists from one country and put together an excursion, only “in the city” it will cost less than with a guide.

For mass Russian tourists, Egypt, along with Turkey, has always remained one of the most popular resort destinations. Reasonable prices, year-round heat, a stunningly beautiful sea with a rich underwater world - all this can compensate for any shortcomings in the tourist service, which, however, friendly Egyptians try to eradicate from year to year.

Most offers from travel agencies are aimed at the two main resort centers of Egypt - Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. Almost all major airlines regularly offer flights to these destinations. The capital of Egypt, Cairo, is also very popular.

Egypt climate

On Egyptian territory, the climate changes from subtropical in the north in the Mediterranean Sea region to tropical as you move south. 96% of the territory is desert; active life is concentrated in the delta and on the banks of the Nile. In winter and spring, the temperature does not exceed 33–35 degrees, but strong winds often blow from the desert, and sandstorms are common in such areas. On a winter night the temperature can drop significantly, so it is better to take at least some warm clothes with you. In summer, the temperature rises and can reach 45 degrees in August, but the sea in summer is truly remarkably warm - up to 27–28 degrees. Although in winter its temperature does not fall below 21 degrees. The swimming season here is open all year round. Even extreme heat is tolerated normally, since the climate in Egypt is very dry.

Beaches of Egypt

The shores of the Red Sea with sandy beaches are the real pride of Egypt. The best coastal resorts - Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Soma, Makadi Bay, Safaga, El Gouna - are famous for their incredibly blue, gentle and warm sea. The water in the Red Sea is very clean and salty (which is often suitable for tourists who come to restore their health). Not a single freshwater river flows into the Red Sea, which maintains its constant salinity at a very high level.

The beaches of Egypt always offer a wonderful opportunity to engage in water sports, scuba diving, and sailing on a yacht. Every tourist will find entertainment for every taste.

The beginning of the journey. customs control

For citizens of the former CIS, an Egyptian visa, costing 25 US dollars, is issued at the airport (a special stamp is affixed to the passport). A visa for children with a foreign passport is also paid.

Customs in Egypt have their own specific requirements. Corals and shells cannot be exported from Egypt. Foreign currency is imported without restrictions; for personal use it is allowed to import 250 grams of tobacco, a liter of alcohol or 50 cigars. You can export 2 liters of alcohol purchased in duty-free stores.

Transport in Egypt

You can travel by local shuttle buses (2 pounds per person) or by taxi (depending on the distance of the route). It is advisable to agree on the price with the driver in advance and not deviate from the agreed amount. It is better not to rent a car; it is not very safe due to the poor traffic culture in the country.

Safety regulations

As for the rules of behavior, first of all they concern beautiful ladies. Egypt is a Muslim country. Miniskirts and open blouses will not be the best choice, although Egyptians, in principle, are accustomed to foreign tourists. You should not flirt with the locals, just as you should not openly quarrel with them and insult them.

When swimming in the sea, you must remember that corals can injure an unwary tourist, and you can find marine life on them that should not be disturbed. You should not drink tap water at the hotel - it can cause severe stomach upset. Money and valuables must be kept in a safe. Cases of theft, unfortunately, happen quite often in Egypt. Currency exchange is best done at a bank. You can also do this at the hotel, but it is unlikely to be profitable. After the exchange, it is important to check the money received. Clever Egyptian scammers sometimes replace large bills with smaller ones using similar-looking bills.

Types of local population

While traveling around Egypt, you may meet interesting local types. Surely during excursions you will see extremely annoying Egyptians begging for “baksheesh”. Most often these are children, but adults do not disdain begging. Offering a variety of services, from photography to the services of a guide or conductor, and in any case the result will be the same - you will be asked to give the assistant “baksheesh” with a smile. If you don’t want to part with your finances more often than expected, it’s better to be on your guard. Also, local merchants and “those who like to ride something” will be waiting for the simple-minded tourist at every step. Often merchants invite you to their shop, claiming that he will simply show you the goods and there is no need to buy anything. But rest assured, they are not going to let you out without a purchase. Therefore, if you do not need a particular product or service, be firm and do not respond to the begs of the locals. Remember - tourists are one of the main ways of earning money for them.

Tipping in Egypt is also a different story. Be prepared for the fact that they will ask you for any, even insignificant, service, and not giving a small reward is considered bad manners. It is better to have a certain amount of small money with you, in local or foreign currency. It will be enough to give one or two Egyptian pounds, depending on the situation.

If you have any problems with the locals, Egypt has a special tourist police. These are people in black uniforms with a machine gun or pistol. They can be found almost everywhere in resort towns. You can always turn to them for help. The mere mention of the tourist police often silences even the most lively local.

Egypt hotels

All of them operate almost 100% on an all-inclusive system. For comparison, there are much fewer such hotels in the resorts of Turkey and Greece. Typically, the most common conditions offered there are “breakfast included” and “half board”. It happens that a hotel in Egypt is located far from a populated area, but they all have a well-developed infrastructure. A large number of various services: restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, entertainment venues are most often located right on the hotel premises. Many services are offered free of charge, but there are always some for which you have to pay extra. This needs to be clarified upon arrival at a particular hotel.

Hotel payment systems may vary. Some use a magnetic card system that records the amount of paid services during the holiday, and some use a check system. Any receipts issued by hotel staff must be kept with you and not thrown away until final check-out. Some services may be paid for in cash.

Check-out at all hotels is at 12.00, check-in at 14.00.

It is worth repeating about the safe for storing money and valuables. You should definitely use it and keep the code for it secret from strangers. It may be free or offered for an additional fee of $1–3.

Nutrition

In Egypt, you can choose for yourself: to eat in a restaurant for tourists or in canteens and catering facilities for local residents. The choice of food in restaurant canteens is usually very diverse, but it is better to give preference to dishes that are more familiar to Russian people, without “exotic”. Tap water should not be drunk; it is recommended to drink only water from tightly sealed bottles. If you prefer local eateries, choose those with more people. Locals will not go to a canteen where they cook or wash dishes poorly. It is not customary to eat with the left hand in Egypt; this hand is considered “dirty, unclean.” In local eateries, bargaining should be moderate; prices there are initially low.

Purchases

If you want to buy souvenirs from the land of the pharaohs for yourself or your family, you will always be offered various figurines depicting gods, paintings made of papyrus, figurines made of alabaster, basalt or granite, hookahs, and perfumes made from aromatic oils. The prices of the overwhelming majority of stores are either approximate or far from the truth. You should bargain in stores “until you lose your pulse” - the price can be reduced several times! You need to bargain deliberately, slowly and without hesitation. Those who buy without bargaining are not very respected in Egypt. When you hear a price of £300, don't hesitate to offer £10! The cost of the goods will be clear during the bidding process. It is also necessary to check the quality of goods on site. For example, stone figurines may not be stone at all, but made from painted plaster, which can easily leave a white streak on it. Aromatic oils should only be purchased from specialized factories. Entrance to such a factory is often included in the price of the excursion. Stores on site most often purchase such oils and dilute them. The quality of papyrus also varies. Low-quality and short-lived factory stamps sell cheap, at £1-3 each, but high-quality papyrus designs will cost much more. They are easy to distinguish by their neat drawing technique and, if possible, crumple and roll without damaging them. You should check the purchased hookah; you often come across souvenir hookahs, the use of which for their intended purpose is very difficult or impossible.

Sights of Egypt

Egypt is a country with a rich and ancient culture. Millions of tourists come here every year to see ancient pyramids, temples, and museums of antiquities. The bulk of attractions are concentrated in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. In Cairo, in the central Tahrir Square, there is a world-famous Museum of Egyptian Culture, and if you are in the capital, be sure to visit it. If you are a student or schoolchild, by applying for an ISIC international student card, you can save up to 50% of the ticket price. In addition, you will have an additional international document in your hands, which can be useful in case of an emergency, for example, losing other identification documents or getting caught by the police. Also in Cairo, in the Giza district, are the well-known Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Every tourist will be interested in seeing one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. You can get there by local minibus, which can be found on the square (if you are traveling on your own).

You can go on excursions by ordering them from the guide of your travel agency, whom you will always find at the hotel. But it is worth remembering that tourists going on an excursion with such a guide do not have the right to move between cities, since they are tied to a specific hotel! You can easily organize your trip yourself and get to cities of interest from the bus station of Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh. However, you should always remember that unknown guides should not be trusted. You need to keep money and documents with you and keep track of them; it would be best to buy a special bag for them that hangs around your neck.

In addition to Cairo, Luxor deserves special attention - a city in the south of Egypt, one of the most interesting for fans of Egyptian culture. This is one of the ancient capitals of Egypt, which was called Thebes. The city is divided by the Nile into eastern and western parts, the eastern in ancient times was considered the city of the living, in which ordinary people lived, and the western - the city of the dead, and the Valley of the Kings is also located there, and the dead pharaohs were buried in it. On the eastern bank of the Nile there is an ancient temple of the sun god Amun-Ra, where hundreds of unique statues, columns and paintings are preserved, the age of which reaches 4.5 thousand years. On the west bank you can visit the tombs of ancient pharaohs; the entrance ticket entitles you to 3 such visits. Also within Luxor you can visit the beautifully preserved temple of the ancient queen of Egypt Hatshepsut.

In the very south of the country, on the border with Sudan, is the city of Aswan, famous primarily for its Abu Simbel temple. Also in Aswan, tourists are offered an unforgettable trip on sailing boats on the Nile, excursions to local tombs, a cozy botanical garden, and the Aga Khan mausoleum. Entrance fees to any of the temples do not exceed $4 per person.

The Egyptians themselves prefer to relax in Alexandria on the Mediterranean Sea in the summer, and in Aswan in the winter.

Conclusion

Egypt is not only an ancient country with a unique and mysterious culture, but, undoubtedly, the main “health resort” and a place of tourist pilgrimage for residents of the post-Soviet space. Be that as it may, this country is truly captivating. Despite the peculiarity of local customs, flaws in the tourist service and the unusually hot climate for a Soviet person, a visit to this country will bring a lot of unforgettable impressions, pleasure and will reveal all the facets of the exotic beauty of the East.

Türkiye is an excellent choice for your first holiday abroad. What you need to know before traveling to Turkey to ensure that your trip leaves only positive impressions.

Beach holiday

Türkiye is washed by four seas: the Black, Mediterranean, Aegean and Marmara. There are beautiful resorts on all coasts. But for the first time it is recommended to go to the Antalya coast.

The Mediterranean resort has a number of advantages:

  • Antalya Airport, located 10 km from the city of the same name, accepts direct flights from different cities of Russia.
  • The resort has a large selection of hotels and entertainment venues to suit every taste and budget. All hotels on the Antalya coast have Russian-speaking staff.
  • Price lists in stores, tariffs for services in beauty salons, dry cleaners, and menus in cafes are in most cases translated into Russian.
  • The tourism and trade infrastructure is well developed here. Water parks, aquariums, amusement parks, shopping centers and much more have been built for resort guests.
  • There are a large number of attractions located near Antalya. You can visit waterfalls, nature reserves, museums, ancient cities and much more.

Even a short holiday on the Antalya coast will leave a positive impression.

Resorts offer comfortable conditions for couples with children. Quiet bays and small hotels create an atmosphere of calm and comfort. The beaches of Ulash, Damlatash, Cleopatra with golden sand will appeal to both children and adults.

– a resort with luxury hotels and golf courses. The coastline is conditionally divided into Central and Kadriye. Accommodation prices are higher than average, but the service is also better. Elderly European couples prefer to stay here.

The resorts are suitable for families with children and young people. Family people prefer Kirish and Camyuva with few entertainment venues.

Kemer is also great for active youth. You can jump with a parachute or go to a disco in the evening.

– a universal resort. Families with children and young people come here. There is a lot of entertainment - surfing, diving, sea excursions.

Excursion holidays

Educational tourism is well developed in the country. For your first acquaintance, we recommend choosing Istanbul with its unique history.

Places worth visiting if you are visiting Istanbul for the first time:

  • The Blue Mosque is a symbol of the city, erected at the beginning of the 17th century. e.
  • St. Mary's Cathedral is a historical monument included in the UNESCO list.
  • The Galata Tower is visible from almost all points in the center of Istanbul. Its height is 61 meters.
  • Rumelihisar Fortress is a fort on the banks of the Bosphorus.
  • Istiklal street. The name translates as "independence".

If you have time and desire, you can buy a tour that includes visits to Istanbul, Troy and other famous cities.

When is the best time to go on vacation?

The choice of month to travel depends on your financial situation and health.

  • People who cannot tolerate heat should go in May, June or September, October. The weather and prices during this period are pleasing.
  • If you come between the end of June and August you will be able to get a good tan, but in the high season the prices are high.

But not everything is so simple; at any time of the year you can choose the best option.

They take standard tourist documents confirming the legal right to stay in a foreign country.

These include:

  • international passport;
  • round trip air tickets;
  • insurance;
  • hotel voucher/reservation;
  • seasonal wardrobe.

And, of course, the amount of money based on personal needs.

How tourists are greeted at the airport in Turkey

Upon arrival at the airport, passengers undergo standard procedures:

  • passport control and baggage claim are well organized and do not take much time;
  • at the exit from the airport, tourists are greeted by a guide with a sign indicating the name of the company listed in the voucher;
  • A representative of the company checks the last name and first name against the list and adds it to the new list of arrivals.

The Turkish hotel business is aimed at different categories of citizens.

Service features:

  • Check-out time is 12:00, check-in is 14:00.
  • Upon arrival in advance (before 14:00), tourists check their luggage in the hotel storage room and can use the hotel services: visit the restaurant, swim in the pool.
  • At the reception in 90% of cases there are Russian-speaking staff who help with accommodation.
  • After registration, the reception staff can keep the documents of those checking in for 2-3 hours to verify the data. These are normal standard security measures.
  • If the proposed number does not suit you, you can ask for another one. Vacationers decide for themselves whether to thank (give a tip) for the service provided or not.

The Turks are a clean people. Cleaning is carried out daily and at the request of vacationers.

Meeting with a private guide

The next day after arrival, a separate guide meets with tourists. He briefly explains the basic rules and offers a variety of excursion tours.

As a rule, their cost is higher than that of local companies. You should not immediately accept the guide's offer. Visit local travel agencies, find out the conditions and prices for tours from them.

What currency to take to Turkey. Currency exchange

The amount is calculated based on the number of family members, friends and their needs. It is better to take dollars as the main currency in the country. Before departure, it makes sense to exchange 100-200 dollars into liras to pay for small purchases and transport fares. When exchanging currencies at exchange offices, pay attention to the last line on the board indicating the exchange rate.

Rules for a safe holiday in Turkey

There is no such thing as too much caution. To make it easier and faster to adapt to a new country, it is better to buy a tour for the first time. This will allow you not to waste time and energy on booking a hotel and air tickets, and insurance will give you confidence in a foreign country.

To ensure your trip goes smoothly, here are some tips:

  • valuables and large sums are stored in a safe;
  • dollars, euros and other currencies are exchanged at exchange offices, and not from random people on the street;
  • When walking or shopping in the city, they take a passport.
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages on the street is strictly prohibited and will result in a fine;
  • It is not advisable to photograph local residents without asking. In Turkey, there are institutions in the background or inside of which it is prohibited to take selfies. There are warning signs in such places.
  • in public places they dress and behave modestly.

Communication with locals

Turks are sociable, hospitable people. Cultural behavior and friendliness are welcome anywhere.

Subtleties of communication:

  • It is undesirable to contact the opposite sex with a request in a city or a store. A man addresses a Turkish man, a woman addresses a woman.
  • When denying or refusing, they say “khair” (no) or click their tongue. Turning your head from left to right is perceived as “I don’t understand.”
  • When greeting, only men shake hands; they always give the right hand.
  • When addressing older people, it is customary to add “bey” or “khanym” to the name - master and madam, respectively.

For help or service, they thank you with a gesture, putting your hand to your chest.

Learn Turkish words and phrases

Travelers should learn a minimum set of phrases in Turkish.

This will help win over the locals.

  • hello – merab;
  • goodbye - khoshcha kalyn;
  • thank you – tešekürederim;
  • please - lutphen;
  • bon appetit - afiet olsun;
  • yes – evet;
  • no – khair;
  • where the toilet is - toilet nerede;
  • how much does it cost - ne kadar.

At all the resorts beloved by the Slavs, they speak Russian quite well. As a last resort, you can use the Translator application on your phone.

What to watch out for on Turkish beaches

The resorts are very comfortable, time flies on the beaches. Prolonged exposure to the sun threatens heat stroke and burns. They put on hats while in the water, often water their heads or take a complete plunge.

At the height of the season, the temperature rises to +50° C. People with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases have a hard time withstanding the heat. To avoid health problems, it is not recommended to sunbathe from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mobile communications and Internet for tourists

The state has a well-developed telecommunications system. There are 3 large mobile operators with excellent coverage: Turkcell, Vodafone, Turk Telecom. The choice of provider depends solely on personal needs.

Of the three companies, Vodafone offers the most favorable conditions for international and local calls and mobile Internet. For 105 liras, a subscriber purchases 300 local minutes, 30 international minutes and 30 GB of Internet. You can buy a card in communication shops that are open at resorts.

Successful shopping in Turkey: How to make profitable purchases

The state is famous for its bazaars, where they sell almost everything - from food and clothing to exotic souvenirs. The famous Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is open from 8:30 to 19:00 every day, except Sundays and religious holidays. Every year, from July 1 to July 31, shopping festivals are held in the country's main shopping city.

At bazaars, if there is no price tag on the product, they are traded. Disputing about price is a whole art for the Turks; they love to do it and willingly give in.

Those who are not fans of bazaars and haggling can go shopping in malls. The most widespread chain is Migros, there are stores in Kemer, Antalya, Manavgat. In Antalya, vacationers with children can visit the TerraCity shopping center. Outlet centers are suitable for those who want to buy clothes from famous brands at a low price.

What will surprise you for the first time in Turkey?

The country has its own peculiarities that you need to be prepared for in advance:

  • There are many military checkpoints and inspections. Numerous fences and bars make it unpleasant. At the entrance of large supermarkets there are metal detectors and searches of items.
  • In all crowded places there is a cloying smell of perfume. Women and men generously spray deodorants on themselves, indoors, and in transport.
  • The shouts of mosque servants (azanchi, muezzin) calling Muslims to prayer. A pleasant but powerful voice is heard at five in the morning and several more times throughout the day. In the first days, the chants are very annoying.
  • Nervous taxi drivers. Turks do not like queues and wait; when they get stuck in a traffic jam, they shout and swear loudly. The situation became worse with the ban on smoking in taxis.
  • Persistent street barkers. They offer to buy things, invite you to a store or a small restaurant. You cannot give in to persuasion; in response you should nod and say: “Yaryn,” which means “Tomorrow.”

The country loves cats, even stray animals are clean and most have collars. They walk everywhere: on hotel grounds, on cafe terraces.

For whom a holiday in Turkey will be difficult

It is comfortable to vacation in Turkey at any time of the year. In summer, tourists can enjoy warm sea beaches, in winter there are ski slopes, and the off-season is suitable for excursions to ancient cities.

But there are no ideal places; the following categories of citizens should refuse to travel to the country:

  • For lovers of a quiet meditative holiday. The temperamental characteristics of local residents make them “loud” and overly intrusive in the eyes of some travelers.
  • Citizens who do not love their compatriots.
  • People smoke a lot in the republic; the smell of tobacco is everywhere. It will be difficult for those who cannot tolerate a specific aroma.

People who, for health reasons, cannot be in the sun can go on vacation in winter or autumn.

Conclusion

Türkiye is a hospitable country. In any place, the owners, regardless of nationality or social status, are always happy to see cultured, friendly guests who respect their home.

The first thing a tourist is interested in is where Cuba is located on the world map, are travel packages expensive and what are the hotel prices? It’s a little expensive, of course, but only because Cuba is too far from us, and otherwise on the island itself the prices are not so high, but the beaches and recreation compensate for everything

"Cuba libre", or Island of Freedom. White sand of sunny beaches, endless ocean expanses, vibrant nature, unique architecture, rum and cigars - all this and a little more will tell you Good THERE about Cuba.

General information about Cuba

Where is Cuba

The free Republic of Cuba is located near the shores of the North and South American continents, separated from them by the waters of the Strait of Florida. The state occupies the islands of Cuba, Juventud and about 1,600 smaller islands with a total area of ​​110,860 km².

The southern coast of the country's main island faces the waters of the Caribbean Sea, and the northwestern and northeastern beaches are washed by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Cuba on the world map

Population

According to data from the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the population of the republic in 2017 is 11.4 million people.

Currency

The national currency is the Cuban peso CUP, CUC. At the rate of 1 peso = 1 US dollar.

Useful phone numbers

  • Country dialing code: 53;
  • Havana telephone code: 7;
  • Call from Cuba: 119 – your country code – area code – phone number.
  • Call to Cuba: 8 – international call code – Cuba code – area code – phone number.
  • Embassy of the Russian Federation: (+53 7) 204-10-85;
  • Consulate of the Russian Federation: (+53 2) 268 61 46.

Emergency services (Havana):

  • Police: 116;
  • Honey. help: 40-50-93;
  • Firefighters: 78-85-41.

On the territory of the country:

  • National police: 82-01-16;
  • Firefighters: 81-11-15;
  • Honey. help: 24-28-11.

Payment and exchange in Cuba

In areas intended for tourists, convertible pesos are in circulation. Because of the warm relations between the island communist state and the Empire of Good, which is jealous from the other end of the Florida Strait, it is better not to fly with the evergreen presidents on vacation. When exchanging American dollars, you may be charged a commission of 10 to 20%. Therefore, experienced tourists recommend coming here with Euros. Interestingly, it is almost impossible for a tourist to come across a non-convertible Cuban peso (CUP).

If it is more convenient for you to use Visa/MasterCard cards, please note that:

  • Visa is accepted in more establishments than Mastercard;
  • When visiting small shops or cafes, it is better to have cash with you, as there may not be a payment terminal;
  • Card transactions are subject to a tax of 11.24%.

Tourist reminder

Your stay in Cuba should be as colorful as possible, and you may need to add some color to your everyday wardrobe. You have every chance to become a fan of Cuban cigars after visiting their homeland, but smoking in public places is prohibited.

If you encounter a cow on the way to the beach or during an excursion, be extremely careful. This animal is sacred to Cubans, and the death of a cow in your presence can lead to unpleasant conversations with the local police.

It is also important for tourists to know that photographing government institutions, military equipment, soldiers, and police officers is prohibited. In addition, before taking a photograph of a Cuban, you should definitely ask his permission.

What are the Cuban people like?


Cuba is a multinational and multicultural country, where the blood and traditions of the peoples of Africa, Spain, Italy, Britain, Germany, Cuban and American Indian tribes, immigrants from China, France, as well as Jews resettled during the First and Second World Wars, are mixed.

Local, friendly people. Do not rush to refuse an offer to play dominoes or share a meal. Don’t be surprised if they ask you to drink in a cafe at your expense. And if hotel or hostel employees ask you to leave personal hygiene products (razors, shaving foam, etc.), remember that this is due to the high cost and inaccessibility of the latter for poor citizens.

Security on Cuban soil

The people in the communist republic are friendly, but poor. It is better not to show cash and expensive accessories. Keep an eye on your belongings to avoid becoming a victim of petty scammers and pickpockets. It is not recommended to walk in poor areas at night due to the high likelihood of being attacked.

Climate in Cuba, when is the best time to go?

The most favorable time for relaxation is from November to April.

Windsurfers will love it in the summer, when the rainy season brings the biggest waves. The dominance of hurricanes between October and November can overshadow your vacation, but in fact you can plan a vacation in Cuba at any time of the year.

Thanks to its small area, you can travel around Cuba in just a few weeks of vacation. So that you don’t miss anything important, our website has prepared for you a list of cities and resorts that you must visit.

Capital Havana is a city of opposites. Here, modern skyscrapers stand next to colonial pre-revolutionary mansions in which ordinary people live. The city is full of architectural monuments and interesting places. Havana dazzles with white beaches, treats you to exquisite cuisine and entices you with the sounds of salsa. The El Floridita bar, one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite places, is especially worth a look. If you're not interested in a bar, visit the writer's house museum and then head to the Roma Museum. For those who are not tired of daytime excursions, it is important to know that closer to night the city turns into one big disco filled with unbridled energy. It's time to visit the Tropicana cabaret show, which has been famous throughout the world since 1939.

Santa Clara

Santa Clara A memorable place for the Cuban revolution, where Comandante Che Guevara derailed the armored train of the dictator Batista. The wreckage of that same train remains at the crash site to this day, they are a pride and attraction for the residents of the country. In addition, a mausoleum named after Ernesto Che Guevara was erected here, and if you are an American citizen, you may not be allowed into it.

Santiago de Cuba

The birthplace of street culture – Santiago de Cuba. Music on the streets of the town sounds on every corner. This place is rightfully considered the cradle of Cuban melodies and rum, because Don Facundo Bacardi was born here.

Trinidad

If you are interested in seeing the island as it was in the 18th century, then the city Trinidad– the best place for this. The authentic ambience of this place is amazing. Cobblestone roads, colonial-style houses, sugar plantations and slave cabins, all reminiscent of times gone by.

Matanzas

Matanzas the capital of the province of the same name is known for its large number of bridges, for which it was nicknamed the “Cuban Venice.” The province of Pinar del Rio is an interesting place to visit, where you can visit tobacco plantations and admire the views of the Viñales Valley, which received the title of “Cultural Landscape of Humanity” in 1999.

Cuban resorts

Varadero

Varadero- the oldest of the resorts, a popular and truly heavenly place with turquoise ocean waters and snow-white beaches. The resort can be called a classic holiday in Russian style, everything is always included here. 24-hour bars, buffet in a restaurant with cuisines from all over the world.

Holguin

Holguin– elite business VIP class resort. The hotels are mostly five star. People visit this place for luxury, tranquility and sophistication.

Guardavalaka

Guardavalaka, one of the best diving resorts, famous for its coral reef. Esmeralda is a place of emerald beaches. For lovers of original parties, it will be interesting to find yourself in a cave disco on the island of Cayo Coco.

Juventud

Juventud, known as the Island of Youth (located 100 km from the island of Cuba) is interesting for its natural reserves. They say that R. L. Stevenson described the image of “Treasure Island” precisely from the landscapes of Juventud.

Cayo Largo

Speaking about pirates, it’s hard not to mention La Yana - this is an ancient tree located on the island Cayo Largo. According to legend, it served as a landmark for pirates of the Caribbean when they buried their stolen gold.

This is just a small part of the places you can visit during your stay in this country. Even if you come to Cuba several times a year for several years, this country will always find something to surprise and entice you.

Entertainment and relaxation on Liberty Island


The very thing for which thousands of tourists come on vacation every year is diving. The underwater world is interesting not only for its beautiful coral reefs, but also for the many shipwrecks off the coast. Windsurfers can catch waves off the sandy shores, while those who don’t want to (or don’t know how to swim) dive into the ocean’s embrace in a submarine.

The main monuments of Cuban architecture are concentrated in several of the most famous cities among tourists. In the capital of Cuba, Havana, you can see many cathedrals, including the Cathedral of St. Christopher. And it is better for you not to brag that you have been to Cuba without visiting the Armory, Cathedral and Old Squares of the capital of the state.

Che Guevara Memorial in Santa Clara, cigar factory " Francisco Donatien» in Pinar del Rio, caves with rock paintings of Mantanas. There is a prison on the island of Juventud Presidio Modelo", which is a copy of the former place of detention of F. Castro, the prison " Joliet"(Illinois). Natural landscapes and national parks more than make up for the small number of architectural attractions; many natural areas of Cuba are under the protection of UNESCO.

When you come on vacation from July 15 to August 15, be sure to visit the carnivals that take place in Havana and Santiago de Cuba, as these are unforgettable colorful events full of music, dances and colorful costumes. And smokers will be interested to know about the international festival of Cuban cigars taking place at the end of February.

Where would we be without shopping?, because you need to buy something truly Cuban - cigars, rum and coffee. Black corals and products made from them are popular among tourists. In shopping centers in Havana or in the Casa del Habano chain stores you will not be deceived and will sell goods of good quality.

National Cuban cuisine


Creole cuisine predominates in Cuba. The main national dishes are prepared from pork and chicken. Meat is prepared in many different ways. Among the national dishes cuisines – “Creole ajiaco” is one of the main ones. It is prepared from pork and vegetables with the addition of a good portion of spices. Also you should try:

  • lobsters with lemon;
  • crocodile meat;
  • turtle meat and eggs.

Fresh fruit slices are often served with each dish. They brew delicious and strong coffee. The main national drink is rum, which is included in almost all local cocktails.

Restaurants are mainly concentrated in resort and tourist areas; it is recommended to visit them with cash. The cost of a meal for one person in a good establishment is from 30 to 40 pesos, simpler establishments will cost no more than 15 pesos, and in an eatery you will leave a maximum of 5 Cuban coins. The tip is 10% of the check amount and it is better to give it to the waiters. And if you decide to eat at a bar, you are unlikely to succeed. In colorful Cuban bars you need to drink, and from food you will get the most nuts, or chips.

Cuban hotels

The most common hotels in Cuba are 4-star hotels, although for those who do not particularly plan to stay within four walls, there are a sufficient number of 2 and 3-star hotels. But for lovers of luxury, there is not much to choose from; there are literally only a few 5-star hotels. Most of the hotels on Liberty Island represent well-known global chains that operate on an “all inclusive” system. Check-in at a hotel in Cuba is at 15:00, check-out is at 12:00. Cunning Cubans leave themselves three hours to clean the room before the arrival of the next guests, so you can safely make a claim if you find unwanted traces of previous guests.

How to get to Cuba

No matter how heavenly a place Cuba may seem to you, Okay THERE recommends paying attention to negative sides holidays in this beautiful country:

  • the sun is much more intense and brighter than residents of the CIS countries and Russia are used to; to avoid sunburn, stock up on sunscreen;
  • Evening beach holidays can be spoiled by small insects; it is a must to have protective sprays and creams with you;
  • do not drink raw water, and ask for chilled alcoholic drinks without ice, since Cuban water contains a lot of bacteria that are harmful to an unaccustomed tourist;
  • beware of marine life: moray eels, sea snakes and urchins and “Portuguese man-of-war”;
  • Remember the poverty of the population, which may provoke the desire of some individuals to rob you if you openly display your valuables and cash.

All these are just warnings, because it is better to prepare in advance so that your vacation is not overshadowed by anything and you can enjoy positive aspects trips:

  • feel the atmosphere of freedom;
  • enjoy the snow-white beaches;
  • absorb the cultural spirit of Cuba by visiting festivals and carnivals;
  • admire the beauty of Cuban nature;
  • try cigars and rum in their homeland;
  • dive into the depths of the ocean to explore its treasures;
  • meet and communicate with new people.

The video will complement our article

Video – Interesting facts about Cuba

There is something interesting for everyone in Cuba. Expand your borders, the world is not in our apartments and phones. Travel, feel, learn new things. Fine THERE wishes you a pleasant stay on Liberty Island.