Caribbean Holidays in CUBA...!

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5 Things You Didn't Know About Cuba
By Emma Lelliott

Cuba is a fascinating country, and not just because of its revolutionary history. Indeed, there are several interesting tidbits that few people know about - here are my 5 favourite interesting facts about Cuba - I'm confident there will be at least a couple of surprises in here! If you're planning on taking a Cuban holiday, a little research into the country can prove an eye opening experience...

Castro's speeches are longer than most feature-length films

Much has been written and said about Cuba's former president Fidel Castro, but few can argue that he's an incredible man. The 81 year old has lived through an estimated 600+ assassination attempts, the Cold War and 9 US presidents. He also is known for his long speeches - indeed, he holds a place in the Guinness book of records for his 1960 speech to the United Nations which lasted 4 hours and 29 minutes. Amazingly, this pales in comparison to his best within Cuba - a jaw dropping 7 hours and 10 minutes at the 1986 Communist Party Conference in Havana. Now he's retired from the role, there's no risk of being stuck listening to one on a Cuba holiday!

The country has outstanding free healthcare despite its poverty

Despite widespread poverty and being free for all, Cuba's healthcare is amongst the best in the world. An interesting fact about Cuba is that the average life expectancy is around 76 years, and its medical technology is amongst their most successful exports. Indeed, Cuban scientists were behind vaccines for hepatitis B and meningitis B. If you get sick on your luxury Cuba holiday, you are entitled to the same excellent healthcare as the locals.

The locals think Cuba looks like a crocodile...See Map

Cubans often refer to Cuba as El Cocodrilo. The reason for this is simple - viewed from above, the island is said to resemble a crocodile. Despite this bad omen, Cuba's wildlife is actually surprisingly benign - it's one of the few countries to have no animals or plants which are dangerous to humans, so you can feel safe on your holiday in Cuba.

Cuba has a national bird, tree and flower

Here's some interesting information on Cuba: it has a national bird, tree and flower. Each has its own special meanings: The flower is the Butterfly Jasmine, and represents purity, rebelliousness and independence. The national tree is the Royal Palm for its strength - it can survive storm force winds and hurricanes. Finally, the national bird is the Tocoroco, which shares the colours of the Cuban flag - red, white and blue. Nature lovers should be able to find all of these on holiday in Cuba.

Che Guevara Wasn't the First Celebrated Revolutionary

Although you can't get very far in Cuba without seeing the iconic image of Che Guevara, he and Castro weren't the first Cuban revolutionary heroes to be celebrated. Jose Marti was a revolutionary who died in 1895 in battle fighting for independence from Spain - the war ended 3 years later. He spent his time in and out of prison, writing papers and fighting for the cause - it's no wonder he's still revered to this day as a hero.

His legacy is still felt in the island - many streets bear his name and you'd be hard pressed to miss the Jose Marti Memorial in the Plaza de la Revolucion! Indeed, when you take your Cuba holiday, you may well touch down in Jose Marti airport! There's no shortage of stories and information in Cuba about the man.

There are many more interesting facts about Cuba which will surprise and intrigue, just through reading through the island's action packed history. Certainly a little research into its history means that you'll get a lot more from your luxury Cuban holiday.

Emma Lelliott is the general manager of Captivating Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday specialist. With offices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba can help you tailor-make the perfect Cuban holiday experience.

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Travel and Leisure
Travelling in Cuba - Transport For Adventurers, Car-Buffs and Athletes
By Emma Lelliott

When you travel abroad in most countries, the question of the best way to get around isn't really addressed before you leave... but it should be when travelling to Cuba. A hire car, or a well worked public transport system would usually make transportation concerns an afterthought for when you get there, but with its less well developed road network, travelling in Cuba can be a real experience - and a crucial part of any tailor made holiday! Cuba's transport is a real adventure - here's a guide to some of the ways you can get around:

The City Hopper - Cuba travel by Train

In theory there are trains between a handful of the island's major destinations, including Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, Pinar del Rio and Santa Clara, negating the need for one of Cuba's car rental services. The truth is that the majority of the trains are unreliable, and many locals actually find hitch-hiking in a Cuban car a more reliable option! That said, those that are not easily frustrated and want to explore Cuba's rail network, unperturbed by unexpected breakdowns can find approximate schedules under different city descriptions at the stations.

The one exception to the unreliable rule is the Tren Francés service between Havana and Santiago de Cuba. This is considerably more reliable than the other services, due to being donated by France just a few years ago. The service runs on alternate days and is a good bet to get you between two of the island's biggest cities for those not wanting to chance Cuban car rental.

The Adventurer - Government Hitch-Hiking Service

The Cuban government has initiated a novel state run system of allowing visitors to travel the island by road without using a hire car in Cuba. "El Amarillo" ("the yellow guy" - a reference to their uniforms) administrators run stretches of road where certain vehicles are required to stop and pick up hitchhikers. During the day, this will set you back around 20 pesos from one city to the next, making it by far the cheapest way of getting around Cuba.

As well as being cheap, this is an exciting system. As most of the hitchable rides will be on the back of large trucks, basking in the sunshine may sound like the most romantic way to see the Cuban countryside. Some may think it sounds a little dangerous, but thrill seekers will delight in the experience - especially as the roads are almost completely deserted by Western standards!

The Car Buff - Catch a ride in a Yank Tank

Cuba's car rental services offer a day's usage from CUC 65 (£35.80) including insurance, plus the cost of a full tank of petrol. Most of the available cars for hire in Cuba are modern European and Asian models, but in certain quarters, car buffs will be able to catch a ride in a classic yank tank - cars from before the revolution kept in tip-top condition due to the trade embargo preventing newer models flowing in. As these are privately owned, this is usually negotiated with the owner, but its not unusual to negotiate a private ride in a classic American car.

Those who are tempted in by car travel on the island should be aware that car hire in Cuba is (comparatively) expensive, the roads are not well sign posted, and confusing one-way systems can make driving a real challenge for visitors. That said, most car enthusiasts will probably see this as part of the fun, and anyone with an interest in cars owes it to themselves to hire one for at least a day and enjoy road transport in an entirely different environment on their tailor made Cuba holiday. Just don't forget that your Cuban car must be driven on the right!

The Athlete - Cuba travel by Bike

If you're feeling fit, and like seeing the real beauty of the island, you'll find travelling in Cuba by bike pretty hard to beat. The calm roads and stunning scenery make Cuba a perfect and safe place for cycling - outside of Havana, you'll hardly see any Cuban cars! The only problem is that you may be best off bringing your own bike into the country, as the bicycles readily available on the island aren't really suitable for off-road trekking. And of course, the same goes for spare parts - you don't want to break down in the middle of nowhere, with nowhere stocking the spare parts you need to get moving again!

Cyclists are often treated as a curiosity by locals, so don't be surprised to be approached by some enthusiastic Cubans intrigued at your mode of transportation!

The Sailor - Cuba travel by Boat

Finally, if you're looking to explore some of the islands off the southern shore of Cuba, you have little choice but to set sail from one of the two main bases - Cienfuegos or Trinidad. Cuba's waters are calm and tranquil, and this is a delightfully relaxed way of getting to your destination - very much in the spirit of the Caribbean lifestyle!

However you choose to travel in Cuba, you're guaranteed a unique holiday experience. The best option to get a good feel for the island is to mix up a few, and blend in with the unique cultures and atmosphere the Cuban public transport system promotes. A tailor made Cuba holiday wouldn't be bespoke if you didn't explore all the peculiarities of the island's transportation!

Emma Lelliott is the general manager of Captivating Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday specialist. With offices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba can offer advice on every aspect of your tailor made Cuba holiday from accommodation to the best diving sites.