Cuba Trip Tips Ep. 4 | Getting Around | Made to Order | Chef Zee Cooks

[@reginalewis1150]

You are helping me so much watching these videos! I am going to Cuba solo in September and these videos are a lifesaver!!! Thanks so much!

[@Chefzeecooks]

+Regina Lewis you are very welcome 😊 feel free to let me know if you have any questions. Have a safe and fun trips. Thanks for watching the videos!

[@xoRose07]

I had sooooo many questions and asked a lot of locals here in the US and they just said "oh you'll figure it out, don't worry." Anxiety on another level ! I literally found this video THE DAY before I had to go and I am sooooooo at ease! I'm one of those that has to have an itinerary lol. This was perfect! 🤗thank you

[@Chefzeecooks]

You're welcome! So happy that it helped :)

[@jenuary25]

Great to know you can go from US now to Cuba. I am Canadian and never had the challenges you had. I been to Cuba from 2000 and still going for vacation and visit friends and family.

[@Chefzeecooks]

Thanks for watching! Yes, going for Canada is MUCH MUCH easier. Canadians and Europeans having visiting Cuba for a long time. It was great to vacation where there weren't much US tourists lol It was such a different experience.

[@lissettevargas4939]

This series is awesome and super informative! Thank you for putting it together. How much of this information did you know before embarking on your trip to Cuba, or did you learn it all as you went along? I'm typically a get-up-and-go traveler that doesn't do much planning beforehand, but I'm thinking that may not be the wisest choice for a trip to Cuba.

[@Chefzeecooks]

You're welcome! This series is a combination of research that I did beforehand and things that I learned while I was in Cuba back-packing. For example, I didn't know beforehand that the public bathrooms in Cuba don't always have toilet paper. However, because I knew I'd be backpacking, I packed wet-wipes from experience on other trips. They ended up really coming in handy while in Cuba. The same goes for the offline map. I knew that I wouldn't have cell service so I figured an offline map would be key in getting around and so forth. As a whole, I would say I'm a combination of get-up-and-go-traveler & the plan ahead traveler. I travel so much that I always have my survival kits ready to go lol Thanks for watching!

[@danielleheslop4926]

Hey, I’m going to Cuba this summer. Can you give me recommendations with AirBnB and Hotels? Much appreciated!

[@msvandy1]

Your advice about domestic flights is appreciated. I was considering a flight from Havana to Holguin, but based on your Viazul bus recommendation, have decided to go that route. But I'm faced with the decision to fly from Santiago de Cuba to Havana to catch a flight back the states. Based on what you said, either I'll have to find my inner patience at the airport or extend my stay another day just for the bus ride back to Havana. Thank you for his info.

[@Chefzeecooks]

You are very very welcome! Overall, I enjoyed my backpacking trip to Cuba. The domestic flights were one of the only things that I regretted doing while I was there. lol It took such much inner strength not to lose it at the airport. Buses are the way to go. And remember, you can take buses other than the Viazul. You can also use the Cubanacan which are bit more modern than the Viazul. You just can't book ahead of time unless they've changed their system since my trip. Hope you enjoy your trip! ^_^

[@jessicarussell6560]

Such a helpful video! How do the viazuls handle luggage? My boyfriend and I are going Havana - Cienfuegos - Trinidad - Varadero - Havana at the end of this month and were thinking of using them. I'll have a pretty big suitcase with me, do you think that will be ok? Thanks again for the video, very helpful!!

[@Chefzeecooks]

+Jessica Russell you'll be fine. People travel with big suitcases all of the time lol. I would also look into traveling with cubanacan. There slightly more expensive but a good alternative if the viazul is sold out.

[@jessicarussell6560]

Thanks so much for the reply, very helpful. :)

[@vicksdoll15]

Hey Thank you for this video it's so informative !!! I have a question about hotels in varadero . My Bestfriend and I are going in July and we are staying in Havana for part out your trip but def looking to explore. We are going to 7 days and was thinking of staying in a hotel for a couple of days . I hear a lot about varadero. How did you book your hotel and how much was it vs the Casas particulares.

[@Chefzeecooks]

Hey girl, thanks for watching! Varadero is beautiful and definitely worth the trip if you can make it. I chose to stay at a Hotel since it was at the end of the trip and had spent 3 weeks hiking and backpacking. I chose to splurge on the hotel since I was dog tired and needed pampering lol. Nonetheless, you can choose to stay at a hotel or casa particular while in Varadero. Most of Varadero is taken up by resorts, but there are casas that have beach access. The hotels were more expensive and they had the typical amenities of an all-inclusive resort. I booked the hotel via a European website. Once I get home, I'll send that link over to you. I hope this helps!

[@vicksdoll15]

Ok I checked the link you posted on your video. It's pretty awesome but I'm not sure if I want to book a hotel yet I kind of want to wait till I get there not sure if that's smart but we want to kind of go with the flow of things . Please send the European website also I will def check it out. Also, probably a stupid question of you don't use all of your money can you get in converted back to euros in Cuba ( I'm changing my US $ to euros ). Thanks a Million the way you explain everything so far I'm ready to get packing.

[@Chefzeecooks]

+vickie sanchez you can definitely convert your money back from euros to US just make sure it's not too much money since you'll lose out on the conversion. I'll dig up the European link. I thought I had it on my iPad but I think it's on my boyfriends phone. Hang tight! Thanks for coming by ☺

[@eimmartlmn]

Hi Vickie! When are you going to be in Cuba? My bf and I will be there July 1-8!

[@vicksdoll15]

Tram Nguyen OMG I'm ill be there July 3-10. Havana one day Cienfuegos, Trinidad and back to Havana for the weekend.

[@karsoncheng6110]

hey thanks for the awesome video! I will be backpacking in Cuba for 2 weeks! Do you know if there are any buses or taxis that run during the evening/night? I will be arriving in varadero airport around 7pm but I am not staying in a resort, so I'm not sure if I'm allowed to take the shuttle bus to the city :s

[@Chefzeecooks]

Hey! Thanks for stopping by. Are you staying in Varadero the night that you arrive? If so, you can arrange a taxi pick up with your host family/air bnb. There will also be taxis as the airport since Varadero is a popular destination. The Viazul buses are usually packed when they pass by the Varadero airport because it is a popular pickup. Therefore, I would suggest that if you plan on taking the Viazul out of Varadero airport that you book it ahead of time online and double check the schedules. There's a Viazul office in the Varadero Airport. Just as a heads up-- if you're staying in Varadero the night that you arrive, the taxi will be your best bet. If you're traveling to Havana or any other city the night you arrive, then double check the bus schedules. Also, contact your host family/airbnb host who will also help you arrange travel for the evening. I hope this helps!

[@arturoandarianorellana3815]

How did you like Cuba I went 3 years ago and I thought it was beautiful 🙌🏼💯🇨🇺

[@stavrosantoniou2080]

Hello Xenia, Thanks for the advice... I have been thinking of visiting Cuba before it becomes spoiled with too many tourists!!! Merry Christmas and happy New Year 2017...

[@Chefzeecooks]

There are definitely more tourists today than there were 6 months ago! I had the same concerns when I visited which is why I chose to backpack across the country. I did the touristy things but I also did a lot of lowkey things that helped me connect back with my roots and enjoy my father's country :)

[@shante-a.9762]

How did you get from the bus station to your casas in other cities? Can the company call you a taxi to get to your casa?

[@Chefzeecooks]

+Shanté- A. I got to my casa a few ways. Sometimes I walked, sometimes my host family would pick me up. Many times my host family would arrange a taxi for me. You can grab taxis from the bus stations, there's always a ton there but it can also be overwhelming because of how busy it can get. Nonetheless, you have options!

[@shante-a.9762]

Thank you !!

[@shante-a.9762]

The Viazuls bus tickets sold out quick! I'm trying to get from Havana to Varadero and from Trinidad back to Havana (without splurging on a taxi) if I just go to a cabanacan associated hotel and ask for a rep, I should be fine ?

[@Chefzeecooks]

The cubanacan is a great 2nd option but it's also really tricky because you have to go the day before you want to leave and see if they have room on the bus. It's possible that they're policies may have changed since I was there this past October, but I'm not sure. If Cubanacan is also sold out your best may just be a taxi which you can split with others for the same price as the bus. It all really depends.

[@HeyLetsGoGetLost]

Thanks for the info - will definitely avoid domestic flying in Cuba : D

[@Chefzeecooks]

No problem! My pleasure. Happy to help :)

[@alfredocampos4502]

Do I need any type of Insurance Coverage in order to enter Cuba?

[@timrathcke1006]

we have tickets from varadero til santiagos..for two peroson...

[@welles2002]

Air BNB is the way to go in Havana super reasonable as opposed to hotels

[@Chefzeecooks]

+welles2002 agreed 💯

[@gabriellewilliams396]

You didnt mention taxis. Did u only use bus system?

[@bigdogbulldog9912]

Patience is something iam lacking so no I won't fly within Cuba, you are very funny,lol

[@Chefzeecooks]

haha it was the worst. Thanks for watching

[@ricardomarcel6251]

There are many problems with the Viazul online tickets.They take your money, and tell you there you have to buy a ticket. They also do not reply to requests.

[@Chefzeecooks]

Dealing with Viazul can definitely be a headache-- I can relate. When I bought my ticket online, I printed it out and checked in 2 hours early on the day of my departure. I wasn't required to buy another ticket. If you would like a much smoother travel experience and much comfortable, I would recommend Cubanacan. They have buses and tours as well and they just slightly more expensive than the Viazul. I couldn't book my Cubanacan tickets online from the US but you may have better luck from Europe. I hope this helps and thank you again for stopping by :)

[@ricardomarcel6251]

I had a look at Cubanacan site. Those with hotels works wonderful. But the bus section is...frozen!! I am sure I have better luck later when in Cuba. I was told that any Cubanacan Hotel can make a reservation in entire Cuba for the bus.

[@cg8029]

honestly, Cuba IMHO is the most BEAAAAAUTIFUL country ive been to thus far! but man, homegirl is right lol they is DEF throwback! like odee! i loved everything about it when i just went in July. except the hassle with transportation and shockingly, i also could care less about the food. and this is coming from a foodie at heart! i just missed my Dominican sazon too much lol. im not saying anything tasted BAD persay neither, it was just bland to me. im used to flavor! i never saw nor tasted not once no onions, i never tasted any cilantro, and shockingly, lime nor lemon was ever available to accompany my chicharron. and boy do Cubans love them some chicharron! lol i ate it on a daily LITERALLY but it just tasted off wit no lime lol. please no offense to nobody! im just saying i can do with or without their food lol. Cubans from Cuba are the most friendly, genuinely caring, and THEE most HELPFUL people ive met on any island, on any country, any city that ive ever been to! i cant wait to go back! im excited to try these buses, and ESPECIALLY to travel to the southern part of Cuba! i traveled thru taxi mostly within the city, and hired the taxi drivers as tour guides. it did the job, but getting back to my hotel after a late night out was a drag. thanks for these tips Zee! What do you recommend for means of transportation late at night, after partying?? lol

[@Chefzeecooks]

Hahaha! So happy to hear that you enjoyed the trip. I felt the same way about the food. The best food that I had was at the casas that I stayed at. I did some research into Cuban food and interestingly enough, learned that Cuban cuisine on the island has gone a revolution of its own once Fidel took over. Because everything is so regulated, the Cuba of today doesn't have as much access to spices as the Cuba pre-revolution which is why you don't find iconic Cuban dishes like ropa vieja and rabo easily on the island as you do in Miami for example. It's almost like there's pre-revolution Cuban food, post-revolution Cuban food, and now a "New Age" Cuban food since they're interacting much more with the international community. As a foodie myself, I find these things fascinating lol. .... Now to how to travel when you're out late? There's a few ways. You could become buddy buddy with a taxi driver, get their cell number, and coordinate pick up ahead of time. This requires you to have a cell phone but it's not that tough. I'll be uploading a video on how you can get a cell in Cuba sometime next week. Also, if you stay at casa particular then your host can also set this up for you. Another option is walking. I know that sounds crazy, but Cuba is really safe for tourists. Half the time I was out late, my boyfriend and I walked home with no problems. Keep in mind, I wasn't alone and I partied relatively close to where I was staying. I would definitely recommend option 1 lol. Hope this helps and thank you for watching!

[@cg8029]

ahh ok! that makes sense, now that you mention it. yeah i heard that. i had asked many locals and they all said the same thing about nothing that they own is ever really "theirs". like you can own a farm with cows and chickens and whatnot but you cant slaughter your own. youd have to send them off to government owned slaughterhouses. i noticed that they dont have much variety when it comes to salads either, so it must all be a related, to the lack of resources. and yeah i did that, i kept 2 or 3 cab drivers numbers thruout my whole trip and just payed them personally as tour guides and for coming back home late at night, but the service mannn lol what is uppp wit this whole everybody from the city having to meet up in one spot just to get wifi and/or signal! lol like deadass i was posted in a corner wit mad heads on they lap tops and cell phones cuz signal is non existent anywhere else lol. i had to pay for wifi at my hotels but it didnt even last a minute at a time, it just kept dropping. so i wasnt sure weather to rent a car or not next time, due to lack of communication on the island. i guess id rather try staying at a casa particular next time, and move from house to house instead of hotel, so that way i can stay close by to night life when i go out, so traveleing wont be as hard. (but thats my plan after i see ur new video on how,to get that cellphone and if i doesnt work out for me by the way lol its good to have a back up plan) when you booked thru airbnb, u rented a room right?? not the whole house?? so that way u had full contact/guide from your host?? ive been having that app for YEARSS now, just too scared to try it until now! lol my struggle in Cuba and ur review has convinced me to get wit the program! lol im so excited to have found ur channel, to find someone who went to cuba for a leisure trip like i did to explore, and NOT cuz of school or business lol just a regular degular girl lile meeee lol

[@arturoandarianorellana3815]

C G Cubans make some fire sasonjust like Dominicans Cuba is communist if you want some good Cuban food go to miamim🔥🔥🔥

[@timrathcke1006]

it cost 12 cuc per person til Varadero..

[@JoelARuiz-js1vy]

You're pretty cool

[@Chefzeecooks]

+Joel Ruiz thank you! You are too. Thanks for watching 😊

[@caryalvarez]

You're Cuban?

[@Chefzeecooks]

+Cary Alvarez yep. I'm half Cuban and half Dominican ☺️

[@kato69ish]

Ok ok I'll marry you! 😁