Cuba - Homestay: experiences / advice

[gerry balding]

Hi,

On our forthcoming trip to Cuba we are spending 10 nights homestay. What are other peoples' experiences (good or bad) of homestay in Cuba and do you have any practical advice?

Many thanks

Gerry

[debandpat123]

hello. we just returned from CCC on jan 6 2013. i was pretty freaked about the homestays, but they turned out to be a wonderful part of our time there. our "casa mamas" as we called them were all so nice and kind. (well, except that one... and we were given the chance to change casas the next day.) everyone was so lovely, and the homes all so different. i don't feel that i would have "gotten a taste of cuba" without these wonderful opportunities. don't give away all of your soap, as you may need some towards the east! buen viaje, deb (you can ask more stuff if you would like, but didn't have any electronics so can't help with that.)

[gerry balding]

deband pat many thanks for your reply. It is certainly helpful especially regarding the soap. Like you we thought that we wouldn't experience the real Cuba unless we did homestay. Over a number of years Tricia and I have had foreign language students stay with us so we know about homestay from the other side. Most of our students were great, many have remained friends and we have even had a couple of memorable holidays abroad as a result. We are looking forward to our trip, just over a month to go. If we have anymore questions, we will get in contact.
Best Wishes
Gerry

[debandpat123]

hi again, just another word of advice i must share, though not concerning the homestays... the sunset picnic on the beach in trinidad was great, but we were all eaten alive by sand fleas, no see-ums, etc.. we all used different kinds of repellent, and were all affected in varying degrees. i was the worst! none of us had calamine lotion or other anti-itch meds with us, but were able to get some triamcinolone ointment at the pharmacy, which helped a lot. next time i would definitely put on thick socks for the party! deb

[gerry balding]

Thanks for the warning! We shall add it to the list of things to bring!

[kylesmith]

I also have plans to have a vacation in Cuba, we're 6 people and its our first time to go to this place. Such suggestions are very much helpful in our travel plan.

[alicia_vancouver]

I was on the Cuba Colonial trip last March. The homestays were absolutely one of the highlights! The hotels we stayed at were not nearly as comfortable. Do not worry one bit. The Casa Mama's & Papa's are fantastic! All of the rooms were clean & very comfortable. It was a little awkward at the first casa, as we had never experienced staying in someone's home before. As the trip went on it became just like checking into a hotel.

Alicia
Vancouver, BC