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robt65

Nov 16, 2011, 7:28 PM

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Taking a Family Holiday Out of Mexico

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OK . . . . I am searching for some responses from folks who most likely have lived here in Mexico for a while and have traveled out of Mexico to some other Caribbean countries and South American countries by plane, which I absolutely hate to travel on. After our home is finished being remodeled, we (my wife, almost 2 year old, our 8 year old and my MIL) are contemplating going to both Cuba and Dominican Republic for 10 days. None of us has ever been to either country before. Leaving Queretaro and going to Cuba for five days followed to Dominican Republic for another five days and then home again to Queretaro.
I should have stated that I travel on a Canadian Passport and the rest of my family has their Mexican Passports so there are no conflicts that I am aware of for traveling to and from Cuba. We all enjoy Cuban music and want to have a day or so at a beach and to see some museums, artisan small villages and go to some traditional Cuban and Dominican Rep restaurants, as well as take in their versions of a local Mercado. We would prefer to stay out of the traditional tourist trap areas. We are also pretty content with a three star hotel with a swimming pool and is known to be clean and safe. We would also be taking about five days in each country mentioned in South America.

Some questions:
1. Does anyone know if there is a direct flight from QRO to any city in Cuba? Or. . . must one take a connecting flight out of Mexico City?

2. Does anyone have a particular city in either country they have personally been to in the past few years or know about from a family member or friend and would suggest that city to a new visitor to that country? Anything special in either of these countries that we for sure should not miss?

3. Does anyone know if there are direct flights to or from Dominican Republic to Mexico?

4. Next year we are planning to travel to Ecuador, Colombia and Peru for five days also in each of those countries. Any information from anyone who has been in any of those countries recently would also be appreciated.

Any other related information would also be appreciated.
Thanks,
robt65

Altahabana

Nov 17, 2011, 4:43 AM

Post #2 of 5 (1091 views)

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Re: [robt65] Taking a Family Holiday Out of Mexico

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I had a relationship with a Cuban-American girl (whose family lived in Havana in the barrio Altahabana) and travelled there many times from 1997-2004. I also have been to the Dominican Republic a couple of times although those trips were back in the mid-90s. I can give you some general advice about Cuba, but I suggest you go to the Cuban branch of the Thorn Tree forum where you will find a wealth of information and many helpful forum participants.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/...orum.jspa?forumID=14

1. Does anyone know if there is a direct flight from QRO to any city in Cuba? Or. . . must one take a connecting flight out of Mexico City?

The only direct flights from Mexico to Cuba are from Mexico City and Cancun and maybe one flight a week out of Merida. Aeromexico and Cubana (not recommended) are the prinicipal carriers although one of the newer Mexican airlines may be servicing Cancun. Mexicana was the dominant carrier before its demise.

You will of course need a passport and a Cuban tourist card which is sold at the airports by the airlines at a cost of about $20. There are really no issues for Americans travelling to Cuba because the Travel Restrictions for tourist travel have not been enforced for several years.

2. Does anyone have a particular city in either country they have personally been to in the past few years or know about from a family member or friend and would suggest that city to a new visitor to that country? Anything special in either of these countries that we for sure should not miss?

With the short time you have available you will probably be limited to the Havana area which has more than enough to see to occupy your time. Logistically you would have trouble moving around too much. I have only been to Santo Domingo in the DR. Personally I would reverse the itinerary and spend 10 days in Cuba and five in the DR.

Beaches in Cuba are not particularly attractive with the exception of a few which are primarily tourist enclaves. Again with such a short time the only decent beach for a day trip from Havana are the Playas del Este, about 20 miles east of Havana. Veradero has some of the better beaches in Cuba but it is too far for a day trip.

Post on the Thorn Tree or send me a PM for particular things to see in Havana. Parque Lenin, which has an amusement park your children would appreciate, is the largest park in Havana and on a Saturday or Sunday is a good place to pass the time with family along with thousands of Habaneros. A day trip from Havana that is doable would be to the Vinales Valley in Pinar del Rio province. Google it and you will get an idea about there is to see.

3. Does anyone know if there are direct flights to or from Dominican Republic to Mexico?

I doubt there are direct flights from Mexico. There are limited flights from Havana to Santo Domingo. The best and probably least expensive connection would be on COPA, the Panamanian carrier, out of Mexico City through Panama City. Can't help much with attractions since I was there for business and didn't get to see much of the country. I much prefer Cuba.

Flights from Cuba are fairly expensive, but you can get some decent deals which include hotel from Mexican travel agencies. Taino Tours is a good place to look.

Most independent travelers prefer accomodations in private, state licensed homes known as casa particulares. Posting on Thorn Tree will give you the pros and cons. With small children I think hotels would be a better option particularly given your short time there.

Hope this gives you a starting point.

robt65

Nov 17, 2011, 5:43 AM

Post #3 of 5 (1078 views)

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Re: [Altahabana] Taking a Family Holiday Out of Mexico

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Thanks Altahabana,

That gives me a lot to look at. I will certainly take your suggestions and run with them. What time of the year (weather wise) is the best climate for these places. Also after looking at some of the information I have been able to glean, I agree with not only reversing the number of days in each country to 5 and 10 but also the direction. Going first to DR and then on to Cuba because of the flights available and the restrictions of entering and leaving Cuba for things such as prescriptions and dollars allowed into and out of Cuba. Thanks again.

robt65

tashby

Nov 17, 2011, 8:17 AM

Post #4 of 5 (1056 views)

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Re: [robt65] Taking a Family Holiday Out of Mexico

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I think Interjet just added flights to Cuba from, I presume, Mexico City.

Altahabana

Nov 17, 2011, 12:46 PM

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Re: [tashby] Taking a Family Holiday Out of Mexico

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I did a quick search and Interjet does fly to Havana from the DF. That is the carrier I referenced in my earlier post.