TOP Questions About Travelling to Cuba Cayo Coco Santa Maria Varadero (OUR TOP 9)  

Love your Cuba video series. You’re a kind and good person 👍.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your Cuba videos. We were in Cayo Coco at Memories Caribe and learned alot from your video. Thanks so much and keep up the great work. I have spred the word of your channel and hope to see you reap the benefits.

Cuba …. THE best value for your dollar in the Caribbean ❤

I love the way you present CUBA. I went to CUBA more than 15 times in the past 10 years and NEVER I had to complaint about cleanliness. CUBA still CUBA, not a place for gastronomy, but for well warming people that does their best with what they have. What I look for, think of, may be not what you look for. For what they have to offer, beach, service, kindness, i think you get more than what you pay for.

Thanks Mike for these vlogs. I booked a trip to go to varadero next week. I made mistake of reading reviews and feel a lot of them were so negative. I will go with what you say.... I'm expecting to go with flow on possible shortages etc and hopefully it's a relaxing time. I'm going for the beach.

Refreshing honesty Mike. Keeping expectations in check. Guests to Cuba have the sun (not guaranteed but hopefuly), the sand, a full belly (as long as you're not too picky), your thirst quenched and a roof over your head. But the best is the beautiful smiles and warm reception from the resort staff who truly are appreciative that you have chosen them for your vacation. It is a beautiful thing and it's not like that in some other countries when it comes to tourists and tourism. So relax, immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy the time away from snow, work and everyday pressures. There will be time enough to be miserable when you get back home.

I love Cuba, I've always had a great time in all the different resorts I've been to...sure there were small issues but that's life, it gets fixed and we move on. Love your videos and have fun in Thailand.

Grate video again sir You hit the nail on the head with this one. Thanks Mike

Fab video! Hopefully this puts some minds at ease and/or helps people set reasonable expectations.

Great video and helpful info! You are awesome!

Going into town and donating clothing to the local is a great as they are certainly have greater challenges.

I've always had a great time in all the different resorts I've been to..Cuba. Cuba has most beautiful beaches -Love your videos thanks so much ...Maik😊..love your wife and you..💞

I bring a suitcase full of white material and good thread. Baptism, Confirmation, Graduation and Wedding dresses can be made. And...I bring sewing patterns for dresses. Also, dress trimmings....rolls of beads, sunflowers, daisies. Anything to stitch on to projects.

Thanks Mike, this last video was very helpful. I’m in Cuba for the first time and enjoy it. It’s true that some things come and go but I don’t care about little stuff. The people I met and the ocean waves are what makes my memories. Here in the Paradisus Varadero there’s even rose wine. No shortage at all except for the eggs. But we have cheese and other pastries. Hot water, toilet paper no problem. Thanks for the explanation. I found out that they really like US dollar.

Smart.. Thank you, and enjoy. Remember... I'm watching you..😂😂😂

Another good one. Thanks Mike!

This was a very informative video Mike, thanks for doing it! I shared it on my Facebook page (not the Hidden Jackpots one, but my personal page it'll get more views). Can't wait for your video on Grand Aston

Mike, I really enjoy your video. I got eaten alive at the memories flamingo beach by sand flea. 2 months past, still haven't healed. I wasn't sure what they were initially but they were super itchy. Thank you for sharing that topic.

Biggest shortage we encountered Grand Memories Cayo Santa Maria Mar 5-12 no toilet paper! Never even got a roll in our room despite asking housekeeping. Still had a great time because I had packed TP & wipes but I couldn’t imagine if I hadn’t.

Great Info Mkke. Thanks Steve S

Hello Mike - another informative video. My husband and I have been to Cuba many times between the 2 of us. We have gone to different resorts each time. We can honestly say that every resort we have been to from Playa Costa Verde to Hotel Kawama to the Sols in Cayo Coco and Cayo Largo have been very clean. Are they dated yes, we prefer smaller low- rise resorts to newer higher rise, that's just us. We have had some maintenance issues that the staff are more than happy to help if they can. The food has always been great. The time we went to Hotel Kawama for a last minute deal, the food was delicious. I believe it's one of the first resorts in Varadero, very old needing some repairs but quaint. We love Cuba and will continue to go for the beach and of course the people. Can't wait to see your videos on Thailand.

Best food ever....Los Cactos, Varadero. Best steak dinner of my life.....Josone Park, La Campana.

Hey Mike. Another great video!👌👏👏🍻

Yes, but, I don't remember what I eat that day. I was told in hospital, it's a water, they knew...I have sensitive stomach, other people eat, drink what ever, no problem..I start using Ducoral, my dr. told me, and, no problem. I was drinking and brushing my teeth,from botled water 💧. I never had problem after. Cuba has most beautiful beaches . Mosquitoes, well...they eat me once, very good 😢😅

❤❤

Great Video. The question about food quality is like asking if all restaurants have the same food quality in a city, it varies so i think it is what it is. One of the issues is that there are all inclusives and you dont decide "I'm not going to eat here anymore" like you would at home in your city and not use the particular restuarant again. You can't goto another resort and eat :-). Thanks for the video and bon voyage.

You are one Awesome guy. Great video 👍🏾🇨🇦

Great video, lots of good information. Thank you.

Hello Mike! Great video. Can't wait to see your videos on Thailand.

Your tipping advice is exactly correct. Please if you mention it again, try and encourage people to NOT bring bags of coins into the country. There's literally people on social media who are telling others to brings rolls of loonies and toonies, and that's how it all starts. Gracias.

100% agree with you. The food I still have;t figured out either. Last resort we were at there pastries were not good, but the resort before that had tons of pastries. Great video Mike

That hint about the coins is huge. Still saw people changing Cdn money into pesos and we told them NO!!!! don't do it. And I agree 1000% about taking care to give stuff to those who do not directly serve the customers.

Great video as always!

Hola,Hola Amigo...I had water poisoning over there 2, water, but, I learned, so, before travel to Cuba, I take Ducoral, I think that's the name, and, no problem whatsoever ❤

It may be helpful to know Canadians can bring 3 bottles of wine into the country - that’s plenty of white wine for a week long visit - if you can’t live without it. Just grab it at the duty free shop at the airport.

Thanks for sharing your travel videos. Love your Cuba series It's been a few years since I have been there so nice to have honest go with flow reports. Just got back from Varadero...it has changed for sure! Looking forward to seeing your Thailand videos! Wendy from NS

Thanks for the honest reviews. I've been to some resorts in Cuba and always had a great time. And for the money you pay you really get a lot, considering the amazing climate, nature the country offers. I'm not surprise that the tourist industry suffers when the country is under sanctions, but they really try hard to make things nice for you and that I utterly appreciate. Looking forward to going back to Cuba.

Another informative video Mike. I am a Frequent CSM visitor. Also Love the Memories Caribe Cayo Coco. Not a fan of the beach at Grand Aston. Water shoes are a must there. Looking at Cayo Cruz for the next trip. Check it out. Looking forward to your review

Last time we went to caribe I think my boyfriend single handedly drank all their rum cause they ran out around day 4😂 came back though of course

Also things like ppl leaving dishes outside the rooms in the public ash tray that might be there a day two before its picked up

I love to bring good shoes to Cuba … but it’s hard because they take up so much space in my luggage ‼️‼️🇨🇦

Nice! I want to go back now! We watched your videos prior to going to Cuba and my friend ran into you and said hello. I didn't know and thought I recognized you but didn't know how. Sorry for looking like a creep haha

I was in Cayo Coco a couple weeks ago and sadly I likely wont be back there for awhile. Having been to Cuba numerous times it has definitely deteriorated in the last year. We were at Memories Caribe and although the beach was amazing...everything else was quite the disaster. I hope things turn around for them but for now I will be heading to new destinations. Cheers brother. See you on the next one

Long pants and shoes in the evening. Forget sandals. Bug spray. The mosquitos go for ankles.

First time in Cuba was April 5th, we didn’t have crazy expectations and personality I was surprised it was really good, I’ve had worse food in DR so to each their own

Just across your "Survivor" video and the intro was hilarious. Amazing videos so far! Regarding supplies i know you mentioned theres no pattern as to which resorts get supplies and which dont. But do you see any difference with the blue diamond resorts which I've read have arrangements with cuba to bring supplies from Canada, ie, sunwing resorts? Cant wait to watch more videos. Thanks!

Hi! I love your videos and just returned from flamenco because of your videos! Can you please do a video of Grand Aston? A lot of people were asking about this resort. Thank you ♡ -steph

Gonna be a good day. Keep up the honest reviews. Mike what camera or cameras are you using to video your adventures? And what size video format are you uploading them? Thanks.

We love Cuba too 10 + trips, three trips in 2023. When are you going to Thailand? We have a trip planned Feb 23rd to March 10th this year.

When any resort says all inclusive, does that mean you can have food and drinks from any place of the resort like buffet, diamond or beach bar, pool section if any etc.. And another question please, is the tap water drinkable in cuba. Appreciated, thanks!

Thanks for another great video Mike!! I have a question about ice in drinks. I know there are no guarantees but generally are we safe to have ice in our drinks? We are off to Mystique Casa Perla next Tuesday and every time We view one of your Cuba videos We get more and more excited!!

Great video, thanks for your honest feedback, this is really very helpful 🙏 one question if I may: Based on your experiences, how long does the water/power shortages last ? Is it more hours or days ? And what is the frequency ? Is it more once a week or could it be few times a week ? IMO these are the only critical shortages especially when you travel with kids and there should be more visibility on it from the travel agencies

Im probably going to Las Dunas in a couple weeks. Did you visit it recently, did you like it ?

Hi Mike, I have a question about locals vacationing in Cayo Santa Maria. It seems this location is over run by local guests. Have you noticed many local tourists in the Grand Aston? Thank you for your videos.

Good morning Mike, NIK here we are planning to go because to Cuba Santa Marie Iberostar Coral Enchonachos because of your video we greatly appreciate your review. Is there anything else you can tell us about the resort?

The administration has a system for conserving electricity. The power outages are allocated grid by grid so all people share the cuts and have access to the outage schedule so businesses and households can better manage their usage. Heavily populated areas have always had systematic power and water cuts - Cuba has been managing shortages since the embargo was imposed in 1962, and more recently during the Special Period in the 90s caused by the dissolution of the Soviet Union, one of Cubas most important trade partners. What Cuba is experiencing now is difficult if not impossible for the Canadian resort seeker to understand. And since the SP, the current period of supply depression is the worst. People aren’t just hungry. People are starving. I know resorters don’t want to hear this, and it makes them uncomfortable, but the egg issue doesn’t only affect the resort. It has been an issue with the Cuban for decades. The ration (when I was last there in 2022) was for two eggs per person per month. If vacationers want endless supply, go elsewhere and let the Cubans have the eggs. Foreigners will seldom see the suffering because Cubans are dignified and proud and have become really expert at concealing the truths of their struggles. This horrid lack isn’t new to them. There is a reason nearly 425,000 Cubans left for the United States alone in 2022 and 2023. And more left to live in other countries in Europe and South America. The workforce (people between the ages of 20 and 40) are bleeding out of the country. They deserve a better life. They deserve opportunity, and personally after living in Cuba half of every year prior to Covid, I can attest that the country is becoming the land of retired people (many of whom have been called back to work). It’s heartbreaking and I’m simply not confident that Cuba’s travel & tourism industry is going to remedy the problems. Personally I refuse to go back until stability is established and my dear friends have food and water along with the services they deserve. I can’t justify eating their precious eggs so I can indulge and enjoy their beaches. It feels wrong to me. Just my opinion. Sorry if this offends. But investing huge amounts of resources to keep mostly empty resorts open doesn’t make much sense to me. Give the fuel and food to the remaining Cubans. Tomorrow fuel costs in Cuba will triple. It’s truly diar. I’m saying all of this because it has to be understood. This is the truth. 😢

Good morning Fish. :) One last question, did you say you get the best deals thru Trip Central. I'm seeing the odd deal at there site but there's not much. Is there another good site to use? I'm also wondering if it's best to book the trip a day or 2 before leaving? Any help here would be great. Many thanks.

what about wheater ?

Do many resorts have milk alternatives? Like even coconut milk?

Hi mike, I am planning to go to cuba Iberostar Ensenachos in may, how do I get a good deal for the resort and a good price? When should i book it?

Hey Mike. Another great video!

Hi! How do you find such cheap deals? We are living outside of Ontario, in Québec. We tried several options with different sites but never found something cheaper then 800-900 for 4 days. Can you tell us you secret :) ? By the way, you are making great videos about Cuba.

Hi Mike, have you been to the Iberostar Bellavista Varedero any review?

Cuba is making millions of dollars from the tourist trade. Why is the quality of food not improving. It was a real challenge for me to find things to eat when I was there with my 2 kids. If they prepared more of their national dishes it would probably improve the taste a lot. Everything other than bread, pizzas and omelettes is awful. That’s why the lack of tourists. Loved the people, the beaches and the resorts but the food is a downer

you must hate cuba lol