Finding and booking discount travel vacations packages to Cuba is no big deal. But actually ending up with a cheap Cuban holiday is a different matter, and it needs some smart planning and knowledge of how things work here. But let's start with booking the package first, and then look at the practical travel tips for cheapskates.
Cuba is the Caribbean's biggest island, and straddles the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Atlantic Ocean to the north, facing the United States. It is just a quick 90 mile hop from Florida. Canada isn't that far off either, with a 3-1/2 hour flight between Toronto and Havana.
These two particular points are important, because first - US citizens can't go to Cuba as tourists. Secondly, most people assume that Havana, being the country's capital and most famous destination, is the only gateway in and out. Not so, because international charter flights operate right out of resort destinations like Varadero.
When the cost and hassle of local transportation between Havana and the resort is tabulated, the charter looks a lot cheaper and easier. It is indeed easy, because many of the popular resorts are on the island's North Atlantic coast. The easy to reach destinations include Varadero and Havana, islands like Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Coco, and hotspots in Holguin such as Guardalavaca.
The trip could be even cheaper if the direct flight to the resort destination could be booked as part of a vacation package. It should include hotel stays, flight tickets and airport pickups. These packages typically shave a healthy amount off the tab.
Since the Cuban weather is sunny and bright all year long, visitors can enjoy the magnificent white sand beaches during any season. Even the mojitos, Cuba Libre and the local rum taste just as good, regardless of the month or season. The only difference is that the hotels and beaches are not crowded and the package rates are lower during the off-season.
That's not to say that summer vacations should be reconsidered. Au contraire, there are plenty more ways to save. For instance, those able to pick up a smattering of Spanish will find their daily local expenses suddenly going down. If traveling around is called for in the itinerary, a rental car will be a life-saver because the alternatives are likely to be expensive or too ramshackle.
It may also help if visitors can get used to digesting rice - lots of it, with beans and pork and chicken, and wash it down with local rum in the bars. In fact, it might be an interesting experience to eat at small restaurants with the locals, instead of in fancy diners attached to the hotel. Think of it as getting to know the real Cuba.
After one of two visits, most travelers will end up with a fair idea of where the savings lie and how to live on the cheap without giving up too much. To get this balance right, it's best to book a package, and try to find one which has a direct flight to the destination. Look around a bit, because there are many operators with attractively priced discount Last minute vacations to Cuba.
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