Cuba: My Top 5 Travel Picks
Posted July 30, 2009 , add a commentWhy am I fascinated with Cuba? Well there are two Cuba’s as far as tourism goes, and they are quite different. One is the string of beach resorts strung (along Cuba’s best beaches) on the north coast – with direct charter flights from Europe or Canada and all-inclusive resorts. It can probably be compared to the next Cancun or Costa Del Sol – great if that’s what you are looking for.
The other Cuba is the one the Cuban’s live in, and it is an intoxicating mix of Caribbean color with Spanish heritage with the uniqueness that the 47 years of blockade and its own unique blend of communism have brought. Cuba is the largest Caribbean island and there is a real diversity of places and people to explore. So here are my top 5 places to visit in Cuba:
#1 - Trinidad
Trinidad is my absolute favorite. A small town of only 60,000 people on Cuba’s southern coast, Trinidad is a picture postcard of what we all expect Cuba to look like. All cobblestones and pastel Spanish architecture, but not flash and renovated like Havana; it has more character, if character is a mix of the renovated, and the well worn, and the completely derelict. A great place for salsa lessons, and there are dozens of places to indulge in dance. There’s the Casa De La Trova for the traditional Buena Vista Social club style, great to practice those salsa steps. There’s afro-caribbean and drumming clubs for a more frenetic pace. There is the free band and dancing in the town square every night, another great place to practice your dance steps with the locals.
An old Cadillac on the streets of Trinidad
There’s even Ayala, the disco in a cave up the hill, yes a real ’80s retro nightclub with lasers and videos projected on the cave walls and Madonna and Latino boy bands on high rotation – it was enough to drive me to drink – another rum and coke thanks.
There’s fascinating museums, old bell towers to climb, and little illegal hole in the wall pizza shops that pop up every lunch time and then close down within an hour when their stock is sold – you don’t know where they are going to open but you’ll recognise them from the queue, delicious and about 50 cents each. There is the classic white sand turquoise water Caribbean beach at Ancon beach, a couple of miles out of town ( the town sits slightly inland these days) Float in the warm water, soak up the sun, watch the sunset, sit under the palm trees or catch a hobicat out to some good snorkeling spots.
#2 - Camaguey
Camaguey, in the centre of the island and the centre of cattle country. Yes this is as close to being in Argentina you are going to get in Cuba. It’s still the most “Spanish” of the Cuban cities, and the locals look more Spanish than afro caribbean here too. It traditionally had been a wealthy centre, and that still shows in the architecture – the houses are bigger (but may have many more families and generations sharing them now), the churches more numerous and impressive, but the limitations on maintenance clearly show.
It’s a very “lived in” city centre compared to Havana, the kids are playing stick ball in the streets, the old men or woman are sitting on the doorsteps watching the world go by. I loved walking every city in Cuba but this was the most walkable and most interesting of all. The streets are a maze designed to confuse the pirates of centuries ago (I never quite understood that given it is about as far from the coast as you can get in cuba but its not too hard to use the church spires to navigate your way around. So many art galleries here too, a thriving artist population, from the traditional to the avant-garde.
My favorite was to visit the house of Ileana Sanchez & Joel Jover, two well known Cuban artists, Their front door opens onto the Plaza de la Independence, and the public are free to visit their two front rooms – absolutely covered from floor to the very high ceilings with a maze of their own art, other artists they have collected around the world, as well as things that inspire them – it is a veritable treasure trove. We were lucky enough to get invited into the rest of the house, their amazing sculpture garden, and met the artists themselves around their kitchen table. I loved their art and left Cuba the proud owner of a Joel Jover original.
There is a process to getting a licence to take art out of cuba, mainly designed to make sure the artist is declaring their sales to the government I think, if you don’t have the requisite licence they will confiscate your art at the airport when you leave as they assume you bought it on the black market. However the artists know this process does put us off buying and so they do it for you – I made my purchase at about 10 pm at night, just after dinner, and they had arranged the licence and had it ready for me before my bus left at 8am the next morning – I have no idea how they managed to get a government office to do that in the middle of the night but they certainly made it easy for me.
Camaguey was one of the places hit hard by the three huge hurricanes in 2008, and many of the shops were still being repaired, but luckily for us at least one of the ice cream parlours’ had reopened – the Copellia’s are not to be missed.
#3 - Havana
Havana - the original Vegas before there was a Vegas. The old town, all cobbled streets and beautiful Spanish buildings and pastel colors and a wonderful European flavor. Much of the old town has been restored with UNESCO money, the plaza’s have cafes and great coffee and handmade chocolate shops, along with the expected rum, cigars, Hemingway nostalgia and the home of the mojito’s. Walk through the old town, zigzagging around every block, until you hit the Prado, browse the art on display while walking towards the Malecon, the sea wall and walkway around the seafront that runs for miles. Walk it in the evening and see the teenagers hanging out, the families cooling down after the heat of the day, the couples out on a date.
Old Town, Havana
And walk it again in the daytime and see the kids swimming, the families strolling, the jazz musicians (playing for the tourists, but boy it still sounds good), the fishermen, the cyclists, the sheer variety of life. When you get tired of walking catch a coco cab – like a tuk-tuk with a large round plastic shell, looks like a motorized coconut – or hire one of the old Cadillac convertibles that run as taxi’s and get them to take you sightseeing for an hour –the other visitors will be snapping your photo as you go past.
Visit the outdoor book market in treelined square at the northeast of the old town, or the artisan market stalls by the canal at the northern end of the old town, for the best selection of souvenirs you will find in Cuba. When things get too hot or too crowded, there are many rooftop bars where you can retire and relax with a cool drink.
#4 - Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba – the port town with a great old castle. With its location on the southeastern tip of Cuba, Santiago has been a key defense spot for cuba for centuries. Castillo del Morro is a 16th century citadel with turrets and a drawbridge and dungeons and cannons and a maze of stairs and tunnels and everything a great castle should have, high on a promontory at the harbor entrance, with fantastic views up the coastline, so the defenders could see the enemy coming.
Your inner child can play happily here for hours. The castle was last used in the Spanish/US war, the Spanish army were in Cuba and Cuba had sought help from the US to get rid of them and gain independence (yes the US and Cuba were once friends) They say that when the Spanish troops in Castillo del Morro saw the US ships coming, they didn’t stay and fight, they turned tail and ran, so the US didn’t even have to fight to win. Our local guide described the spanish troops as “sissy”.
For a great lunch break, take a 10 minute boat trip from the yacht club to Cayo Granma in the middle of the harbor. Before the revolution the island was being developed as holiday homes for the rich, and after the revolution became the home of local fishing families, it is very run down and charmingly decrepid now.
However a lobster lunch with cold cervesa sitting on a terrace over the harbor is wonderful, followed by a stroll around the island. Santiago de Cuba is also famous for its role in the Cuban revolution, here Fidel Castro lead the failed 1953 attack on the Moncada Barracks, which led to his capture, trial, incarceration and eventual release, followed by his travels to Mexico when he then met up with Che Guevara - and the rest, as they say, is history.
You can visit the Barracks and go through the fascinating museum, the only downside is you have to go around with an assigned guide, and what could be an intriguing one hour tour is, in perhaps the most stereotypically traditionally communist style I met in Cuba, turned into a 3-hour endurance test that completely sucked all interest out of me!
#5 - Baracoa
The hottest and steamiest of them all. Baracoa is about as far away and hard to get to as you can get in Cuba – on the far southeast coast – go through Santiago, keep going past Guantanamo Bay (yes that one) and head over a mountain range of tropical rainforest on a very twisty road, and eventually you will get to Baracoa.
It is noticeably hotter and more humid than the rest of Cuba, which was warm enough anyway. The beaches are black sand, the coastline is jagged black rock, the sea is rougher, the pace of life seems slower and more brooding, it is a dark clouds and thunderstorm type of heat, not a sunshiny heat. It didn’t seem at all surprising that the lovely Casa Particular we stayed at was next door to the Funeral Home, it was just that sort of place!
But out of this seemed to come some very vibrant art and music, great food and drink, and the dancing is a whole lot raunchier down this end of the island too. There is swimming and kayaking and waterfalls and treks to do, or just laze around town and watch the world go by, and understand that this is like no where else in the world.
-Victoria Pottering
Interested in Cuba? Read Victoria’s previous blog post about Cuba.
Nova Scotia Tourism Launches ‘iLove Nova Scotia’ Contest
Posted July 22, 2009 , add a comment) Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (July 10, 2009). Nova Scotia Tourism announces the “iLove Nova Scotia” Video Contest giving travelers and residents alike the opportunity to show others what they love most about the ocean province.
Entrant videos will be shown on the Nova Scotia Tourism website, with the Grand Prize winner decided by popular vote. The iLove Nova Scotia Grand Prize is a custom built Nova Scotia dream vacation worth $15,000 that includes travel and accommodations plus allowances to enjoy fine Nova Scotia entertainment, tours, attractions and events.
The contest entry period opened on Monday, July 6, 2009 and closes on August 31, 2009 and is open to everyone, residents as well as visitors and anyone who has ever wanted to experience Nova Scotia’s charm and beauty firsthand. From its picturesque ocean coastline, to the dramatic cliffs of Cape Breton, to the charm of its hundreds of fishing and country villages, to the unique hospitality of its port cities, the contest welcomes video submissions of all sites and experiences.
Contest submissions are made simply by uploading videos to the iLove Nova Scotia Contest entry page where users can find complete rules and regulations. This is also where users vote for their favourite videos and can email the page to a friend or share with their social networks.
The iLove Nova Scotia contest will also be promoted throughout Nova Scotia’s Visitor Information Centres (VIC), which will be equipped with cameras to record “iLove Nova Scotia” stories from visitors and upload on site.
Information about Nova Scotia travel and tourism can be found on Nova Scotia’s Official Tourism Website .
First All-Inclusive Staycation Package in Atlantic Canada
Posted , add a comment) July 10, 2009 - West Bay, Nova Scotia. As many Maritimers are facing tight travel budgets this summer, they are seeking vacations close to home. Dundee Resort is making it easier for vacationers to get the most out of their hard-earned dollars by introducing the first all Inclusive Staycation Package in Atlantic Canada.
Florida, Cuba, Mexico and other sunshine destinations are popular for their all-inclusive packages, which you do not generally see in Atlantic Canada. However, Dundee Resort on Cape Breton Island has just introduced an all-inclusive package to give tourists an easy economical staycation in Nova Scotia.
“Times are tough but everyone needs a getaway. For a very affordable price, this package gives visitors access to all resort amenities-it’s everything you need to have a great time, said Scott MacAulay, Owner of Dundee Resort. “By getting creative and developing an all-inclusive package, we are introducing an ideal spot for a staycation. This is the first of its kind, that I am aware of, in Atlantic Canada”, he added. Dundee Resort is located 20 minutes from Port Hawkesbury on the Bras d’Or Lakes. With an 18-hole championship golf course and a supervised children’s program, Dundee is the perfect place to getaway on Cape Breton Island. Dundee also has an indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, spa and a fully equipped water adventure centre where kids of all ages can have fun on the lake. Dundee offers spacious hotel rooms and one and two bedroom efficiency cottages.
Xcellimark Launches OrlandoTravelHotels.com in Partnership with WCT, a Division of Travelocity Partner Network
Posted , add a comment) Orlando, FL July 1, 2009 — OrlandoTravelHotels.com is a new destination travel site launched by Xcellimark in partnership with WCT, a division of Travelocity Partner Network. OrlandoTravelHotels.com provides everything visitors need to plan their vacation or travel to the Central Florida Orlando area such as information on hotel accommodations, favorite restaurants, local insight into events, local activities, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, theme parks, beaches, spas, recreation, transportation, parks, museums and science centers, water parks, tours and sightseeing.
“Xcellimark designed OrlandoTravelHotels.com with the unique needs of the travel consumer in mind. Visitors can book a room online using an intuitive hotel search widget to help them select the best hotel option based on price, rating, proximity to landmarks and more. There is also the option to search by type of hotel such as Family Friendly, Luxury, Disney, Universal, Orlando Airport, and Downtown Orlando hotels. For price conscious travelers, Hot Deals and Last Minute Deals in Orlando are available and updated continuously to help travelers save even more on their travel plans or vacation packages,” said Scott Lambert, President of Xcellimark. “Visitors can also purchase tickets to local attractions without ever leaving the site. This makes for a convenient and personalized vacation planning experience.”
Once visitors secure their flight to Orlando and hotel in Orlando, they can look around at the comprehensive information listed on the site to plan the rest of their trip. OrlandoTravelHotels.com provides everything travel consumers need to know about hotels, Orlando car rental companies and local area attractions with complete contact information including an address, telephone number, and map to make getting around Orlando as convenient and easy as possible.
“When travel consumers book their Orlando vacation packages online, they want a comprehensive travel website that has everything they need in one location. From the beginning, Xcellimark set out to create a travel website that would be a one stop destination website for anyone looking to travel to Orlando Florida. From the ‘Best of Orlando’ lists that feature highly recommended, top rated restaurants, luxurious spas, popular attractions, thrilling entertainment, and more, to being able to purchase tickets to theme parks online, OrlandoTravelHotels.com offers every feature travelers desire,” said Nancy Lambert Vice President of Xcellimark.
In addition to providing travel and vacation planners with everything they need to plan a trip to Orlando on one convenient website, OrlandoTravelHotels.com is also backed by a 110% Best Rate Guarantee from WCT. What this means for vacation planners is that if they find a lower rate on another website for the same room, at the same hotel, on the same dates, within 24 hours of booking, a price match is guaranteed, plus the traveler gets paid 10% of the difference in price.
About Xcellimark
Xcellimark is an award-winning Internet Marketing firm based in Orlando, Florida with clients throughout the US, Canada, UK, and Barbados. Xcellimark specializes in providing clients with exclusive, qualified sales leads using a skilled online conversion process that includes design, search engine marketing strategies and copywriting. Through their unique approach to internet marketing, Xcellimark has significantly increased their client’s qualified sales inquiries. For more information on how Xcellimark can help you improve your bottom line, contact Scott Lambert or visit www.xcellimark.com
10 Backpacker Stereotypes You’ll Meet on the Road
Posted , add a comment10 Backpacker Stereotypes You’ll Meet on the Road
There is no doubt that having an open mind and a level of tolerance for differences in cultures is essential for any backpacker during their travels overseas. I also believe that there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ traveler, that not all backpackers from the same country necessarily bear resemblance to each other, and that where in the world an individual comes from should not affect how they are perceived and treated when traveling.
However, in the spirit of poking fun, and with a hint of political incorrectness, below is a list of the top ten backpacker region stereotypes (including my own!) that you may have encountered during your world travels…
1 - The American Backpacker
You will hear this backpacker immediately upon entering the hostel. Loud, enthusiastic and friendly, the American Backpacker either travels in large groups of young college girls or guys, or, if a little bit older, travels hans solo. The delightful college girl American Backpacker wears pajamas during the day and tight bright clothing at night, and is never without numerous layers of make up and hairspray, and the college boy American Backpacker has usually found their way to Central or South America on a cheap flight from Miami and are ready for a week of drinking and partying.
In contrast, the older single American Backpackers are usually travel bloggers, photographers, or hippies that are trying to find the deeper meaning in their travel experiences. All American backpackers give themselves massive kudos for being one of the 20-30% of American citizens that own passports and like to brag about anything remotely ‘foreign’ they have done on their travels. Depending on the type, great for partying the night away or discussing the meaning of life.
2 - The European Backpacker
Usually travels in pairs, stays in the private rooms, and spends much of the time speaking to only each other in their native language. The European Backpacker is ridiculously good looking but very quiet and reserved, until copious amounts of red wine are consumed.
Usually has way more money than the rest of the hostel combined and can tell smug stories of expensive trips and activities which others could only dream of. Great for when you want to pretend you are not a grimy backpacker and go to a nice restaurant or bar for once.
3 - The Canadian Backpacker
Can spot these a mile away due to the prevalence of Canadian flags sewn on to their backpack and the ‘ey’ at the end of every sentence (“Canada, ey”).
Always friendly and impeccably polite (unless you mistake them for their louder cousin, American backpacker). Often stoned. If you hit them, they will apologize. Great for switching rooms to get away from the snorer.
4 - The Israeli Backpacker
The Israeli backpacker tends to travel in large packs after doing their time in the army. Easy to find as they will be the ones haggling at every spot. Friendly and always speak impeccable English, but are slightly scary and a little smelly. Great for when you want the best deal at the local kebab shop.
5 - The Asian Backpacker
Very rare breed of backpacker. Quiet and courteous (until they have a beer), the Asian Backpacker usually travels in small packs with large cameras and a multitude of electrical equipment in a Hello Kitty backpack. Great for when you need that s150 charger you left at home.
6 - The English Backpacker
The English Backpacker travels in a massive group with other suntanned/burnt/fake-tan orange English Backpackers. Friendly but often spends time whinging on a hostel balcony.
Usually has enough money to find English booze and fried food thanks to the pound. Usually on a Gap Year. Always up for hostel drinking games, and able to drink nearly as much as the Australian Backpacker (and often goes home with one). Great for having a laugh at the pub.
7 - The South African Backpacker
Another rare breed. Usually men. Very arrogant and most have the crazy eyes, but they come complete with a divine accent and amazing abs. Can handle a shotgun. Great for when you need a handyman to fix the hostel bunk, someone to protect you in a dangerous part of town, or when you have a hankering for a backpacker fling.
8 - The Australian Backpacker
Friendly, adventurous and laid back, but can be annoyingly loud and is the centre of every party once drunk. Always the one that does the stupid dares.
Can be found traveling in packs, pairs or alone, but if alone will often have run into a cousin/friend/acquaintance at every stop, however remote (“maaaaate, didn’t realise you were over here in the middle of the amazon jungle. lets go for a drink.”).
Great for when you want to start drinking at 9am and have a skinny dip in a public fountain.
9 - The New Zealand Backpacker
Often confused with its Australian cousin; can be distinguished by their questionable fashion sense and hilarious pronunciation of the phrases “fish and chips” and “six, please”. Very friendly but usually a little reserved in large groups. Well experienced in camping and ‘tramping’ (hiking) and is at home in cold and mud and snow.
Extremely loose on the booze and has the ability to do even crazier things than the Australian Backpacker when provoked, especially if from Dunedin. Great for a laugh when ordering six beers, or for borrowing clothes when the weather is chilly.
10 - The Irish Backpacker
Not to be confused with the English Backpacker, the Irish Backpacker is usually a little older and travels in pairs or by themselves. Like a homing pigeon, this gem of a backpacker always manages to find the best deals on a pint at any time of the day and is friendly and inclusive of all other travelers.
Loses the ability to speak English after a few alcoholic beverages but good at miming their usually hilarious drinking stories. Great for a friendly face if traveling alone.
Photo credits:
Americans by greggoconnell on Flickr, Canadian by wisely on Flickr, Irish by Barnacles Hostels on Flickr, English and Drinking by Happy Little Nomad on Flickr