#7572210 - 02/24/14 06:52 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: Screamin' Type-R]
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Choco 'Nuck
Proud Member of BLM
Post Master Supreme
Registered: 07/10/01
Posts: 17569
Loc: Somewhere out there
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#7572279 - 02/24/14 07:17 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: Choco 'Nuck]
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xza8
Sr Member
Registered: 12/18/09
Posts: 1065
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I've never been to Cuba but I can give you tips getting to/from the airport
- check in 24 hours before taking off
- wear comfortable clothing the day of the flight, I like to wear jeans, t shirt, hoodie and a fall jacket depending on weather... Getting to the airport may be chilly but don't think you will make use of a jacket so try to tough it out or get those light down jackets that you can compress into a bag (uniqlo)
- arrive to airport 2.5 hours before, maybe 3 hours depending where and when you fly (e.g. It's super busy in the morning to the states)
- go see baggage drop counter and drop off your bags
- go to gate entrance
- go through customs (if traveling through US and make sure you fill in the US customs form) otherwise it's straight to CATSA screening); grab extra US customs form if necessary so you can prefill)
- go through screening, take off your shoes, belt, wallet, phone, liquids in a zip lock bag), HOODIE, everything and put it in a bin (small goods in your jacket/bag)
- in another bin, put your laptop WITHOUT the case (no need to take out iPads)
- walk through metal detector (it should just be you, your pants, and your inner layer of clothing... Nothing else)
- pickup your shit and walk over to the seat and get dressed, organize
- grab a small meal and wait at your gate, boarding is 30 mins before take off; do not drink coffee or any other caffeinated/alcoholic drink
Tools to make the process easy
- NEXUS card
- TD Aeroplan Infinite Privilege Card (priority checkin, boarding)
- AMEX Platinum Card (skip the CATSA line when traveling with non NEXUS members and lounge access: free beer, food, drinks)
- Noise cancelling headphones, the Bose around the ears are good but it's annoying that you cannot wear them during takeoff and landing
- A small carry on bag to put under the seat in front to use as a foot stool
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#7572289 - 02/24/14 07:21 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: xza8]
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Risky Business
Post Master Supreme
Registered: 05/17/10
Posts: 46615
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Cuba is awesome, so is driving there.
This is me doing about 100km/h getting all 4 wheels off the ground on some dip in the road outside of Cayo Coco...when we first hit it i flew inside the car and hit my head in the headliner. Had to stop and do a double take, wife was filming.
You mad THO?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1hFuCpntpc
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#7572294 - 02/24/14 07:23 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: Risky Business]
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Risky Business
Post Master Supreme
Registered: 05/17/10
Posts: 46615
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Make sure you rent a scooter, a Cuba trip without scooter rental is super ghey. I wish I had pics of the wheelies and shit we used to do 
My buddy looped his scooter, the whole thing was trashed, cost like $9 to fix hahahahah. Take lots of pix.
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#7572380 - 02/24/14 08:24 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: Simon_the_Pieman]
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Screamin' Type-R
The R stands for exactly what you think it does.
Post Master Supreme
Registered: 02/20/01
Posts: 48117
Loc: T.O. - Canaduh
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amazing you've never traveled...but at least you're starting  - i HIGHLY suggest reading anything from Lonely Planet (guide books or online), they have excellent info. i've used them in many of my travels.
as for cuba, instead of US cash tips always, you can bring cheap stuff from the dollar store from here to cuba and leave it for the maids. they will take good care of you/you're room for leaving them basic necessities - many of them can't afford or dont buy such things often enough, and they'll get fired if they take it from the hotel. ie. shampoo, toothbrushes, slippers, hair brushes, small makeup kit/mirror, or more non-personal use items i guess would work nowadays.
if not, US cash always does it haha. bring a CC with you but ALWYS have US cash on you in small denominations. also, try to make sure they're new / crisp bills as some wont take old bills. also keep it in different spots - ie. some in your travel bag, wallet, socks or shoe, etc. - it'll come in handy if you lose it or get jacked.
bring some meds for ANYTHING....pepto, exlax, advil and for sure benadryl.
Stick to name brand taxis and always get the price for your destination before getting in.
First thing u grab when checking in is a couple of business cards of the hotel you're staying at - ideally the front desk mngr. Good for issue in/out of resort but mainly best for using for a taxi to just show them the name n address of your hotel...prevents issues from language barrier. I always get a local map too.
also, if you plan on hitting up clubs/bars often during the week, get to know the bartender early (use the same 1-2 guy/girl each time), give them a 'group tip' at the beginning of the night (ie. you and buddies all give like $5-10 ea.) to tender and he'll hook u up all night. if not free drinks, then not the watered down shit at least. or they use a non-premium alcohol instead of the good stuff most of the time...boooo.
most of all, be friendly/respectful of the locals and workers, and they'll treat you the same back. tho be mindful of ppl selling shit (be it on the street/beach of at markets...they'll be BUDDYBUDDY with u but at still ripping u off lol. Alawys haggle price.
buy some sorta insurance from your agent or at least your credit card. it's a cost worth investing in and it's cheap. i have mine thru my work and it covers a LOT. just have the card in your wallet.
make copies of your ID and passport before leaving home and store it in a seperate location in your luggage/carry bag.
also for cuba, dont be shocked if local girls will wanna fuck you ... but most may expect $25-$100 USD
ALWYS drink bottled water. most resorts u can brush your teeth from the faucet nowadays though....but that's as far as i'd go.
be weary of dudes selling "items" no the beach, usually trying to sell drugs (not sure if it's that common in cuba) and there are undercover cops walking the beaches (true for jamaica and other islands ive been to). they'll be watching.
if you do rides like jetski/parasailing from the back of a boat, etc. be careful of the company and ensure they have legit insurance for tourists. many locals will try to get you into using them and if shit does go down, you're not covered.
cuba relies on tourism...so the local cops are protective of you and are usually on your side. (unless you do stupid drunk shit like others have and get into trouble).
if you buy cuban cigars...you can only fly direct back to canada iwth them. you cannot have a US stopover. dont buy for americans either, the Gov. takes tha shit serious if smuggling into usa lol. there are many quality levels of cigar..."you get what you pay for" in this case.
oh...and Ron is cheap and your best friend  
Edited by Screamin DC2R (02/24/14 09:22 PM)
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#7572468 - 02/24/14 09:28 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: Screamin' Type-R]
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LNXGUY
Post Master Supreme
Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 108516
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
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Who's Ron?
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-Bill The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children. Left foot, right foot, just keep moving!!! -Jeffrey P. Murphy 
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#7572515 - 02/24/14 09:52 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: Simon_the_Pieman]
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LNXGUY
Post Master Supreme
Registered: 08/06/00
Posts: 108516
Loc: Barrie, Ont,
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After searching, I'm no rum drinker man
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-Bill The GN would OWN you, your children and your children's children. Left foot, right foot, just keep moving!!! -Jeffrey P. Murphy
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#7572783 - 02/25/14 08:02 AM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: SiZ]
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furball
Post Master Sr
Registered: 09/24/03
Posts: 9594
Loc: Toronto, ON
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We rented a scooter once, but as soon as we left the 'compound', the gf freaked the fuck out, so we just ended up riding it for another hour in the parking lot... (She would counter-lean, which really fucked up any turns we made....)
Allergy pills are an important thing to bring, especially if you get bit my mosquitos 'n shit... I was itching all over, and that shit calmed it down.
Sunscreen, no matter how brown you are. I went once with some brown guys, and they were LOLing how they don't burn. Wouldn't you know it, they were burnt for half the trip.
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#7573969 - 02/25/14 05:13 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: Choco 'Nuck]
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SiZ
Post Master Sr
Registered: 09/15/00
Posts: 8774
Loc: Longdon, Ontario
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Screamin, that's really good info!
Thankfully I'm flying out of London, and the airport is 5 minutes from my house! Really good call on the allergy meds, something I would have totally forgot about. My uncle also told me that they charge by the square for TP at the airport, so I'm going to bring a roll just to be safe!!
As for sunscreen, I'm a closet ginger, so no matter what I do, I'll be burning.
There's speedboats and a river?! Is there seadoos in vardero does anyone know?
Has anyone gotten sick from the food there? My friends got SUPER sick in Dominican last summer and I'm worried about it.
I don't even understand half the acronyms in xza8's post, but I appreciate the stuff that I can decipher!!
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#7573981 - 02/25/14 05:25 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: SiZ]
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titty sprinkles
Post Master Supreme
Registered: 08/22/05
Posts: 17609
Loc: Toronto,Ontario
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dukoral is never a bad idea when going on a vacation. i took it when i went to jamaica even tho it's not called for. better safe than sorry.
the scooters are fun, but i've seen so many ppl fuck themselves up on it. the last time i was in cuba i was like 15 or 16, there was this white kid who was booting all around the compound like a mofo. well at one point he took a dive and we see him with road rash all down his arms and legs and back. a friend of mine went and was a little tipsy and took a turn at an intersection too hot and broke his collarbone; it was funny because he rides a CBR 1000..lol i did the ATV tour and upgraded to a off road buggy with a toyota 4cyl. shit was a blast so i'd rather spend money on something like that rather than just renting a scooter. also, try to do some water stuff, you can't do it here so go snorkeling, do all that kinda shit.
anyways, whenever i travel i put together a little med kit. gravol, benedryl, tylenol, advil, a tensor bandage,reactine etc, never bad to have. also, i always bring bug repellent and every single time it's come in useful.
Edited by titty sprinkles (02/25/14 05:27 PM)
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#7574036 - 02/25/14 05:57 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: titty sprinkles]
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Risky Business
Post Master Supreme
Registered: 05/17/10
Posts: 46615
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Why is everyone such a nancy here? Holy over prepared batman...
Bring a pharmacy why don't you ?
SiZ people are over hyping Cuba wayyy too much. I've been there a lot, I pretty much average a Cuba trip once every two years for a wedding or whatever (going again this Oct).
it's not that bad, food can be questionable depending on resorts, but you will be fine. I don't get sick from it, don't really know anyone who does unless they are some frail hobo.
Rent a scooter, don't do anything stupid, don't drink and ride, that's stupid to begin with Cuba or Canada. Use common sense, the people are friendly, but annoying. They are harmless though, if they touch a tourist they will get deaded quick as tourism is their main money provider. Don't be scared to say no, fawk off, whatever...if you go into town they will try to sell you everything including 12 year old girls as prostitutes.
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#7574685 - 02/26/14 03:34 AM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: Risky Business]
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titty sprinkles
Post Master Supreme
Registered: 08/22/05
Posts: 17609
Loc: Toronto,Ontario
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Why is everyone such a nancy here? Holy over prepared batman... Bring a pharmacy why don't you ? SiZ people are over hyping Cuba wayyy too much. I've been there a lot, I pretty much average a Cuba trip once every two years for a wedding or whatever (going again this Oct). it's not that bad, food can be questionable depending on resorts, but you will be fine. I don't get sick from it, don't really know anyone who does unless they are some frail hobo. Rent a scooter, don't do anything stupid, don't drink and ride, that's stupid to begin with Cuba or Canada. Use common sense, the people are friendly, but annoying. They are harmless though, if they touch a tourist they will get deaded quick as tourism is their main money provider. Don't be scared to say no, fawk off, whatever...if you go into town they will try to sell you everything including 12 year old girls as prostitutes.
You do realize that you only need to take a couple tablets of each right? Put them all into one advil bottle? Common sense 
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#7574821 - 02/26/14 08:31 AM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: titty sprinkles]
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Risky Business
Post Master Supreme
Registered: 05/17/10
Posts: 46615
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Why is everyone such a nancy here? Holy over prepared batman... Bring a pharmacy why don't you ? SiZ people are over hyping Cuba wayyy too much. I've been there a lot, I pretty much average a Cuba trip once every two years for a wedding or whatever (going again this Oct). it's not that bad, food can be questionable depending on resorts, but you will be fine. I don't get sick from it, don't really know anyone who does unless they are some frail hobo. Rent a scooter, don't do anything stupid, don't drink and ride, that's stupid to begin with Cuba or Canada. Use common sense, the people are friendly, but annoying. They are harmless though, if they touch a tourist they will get deaded quick as tourism is their main money provider. Don't be scared to say no, fawk off, whatever...if you go into town they will try to sell you everything including 12 year old girls as prostitutes. You do realize that you only need to take a couple tablets of each right? Put them all into one advil bottle? Common sense
Frail hobo confirmed 
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#7576283 - 02/26/14 03:26 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: Risky Business]
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titty sprinkles
Post Master Supreme
Registered: 08/22/05
Posts: 17609
Loc: Toronto,Ontario
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Why is everyone such a nancy here? Holy over prepared batman... Bring a pharmacy why don't you ? SiZ people are over hyping Cuba wayyy too much. I've been there a lot, I pretty much average a Cuba trip once every two years for a wedding or whatever (going again this Oct). it's not that bad, food can be questionable depending on resorts, but you will be fine. I don't get sick from it, don't really know anyone who does unless they are some frail hobo. Rent a scooter, don't do anything stupid, don't drink and ride, that's stupid to begin with Cuba or Canada. Use common sense, the people are friendly, but annoying. They are harmless though, if they touch a tourist they will get deaded quick as tourism is their main money provider. Don't be scared to say no, fawk off, whatever...if you go into town they will try to sell you everything including 12 year old girls as prostitutes. You do realize that you only need to take a couple tablets of each right? Put them all into one advil bottle? Common sense Frail hobo confirmed
i go to cuba and pretend i'm one of the poor ppl there, then ppl give me money
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#7576320 - 02/26/14 03:33 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: robbbby]
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xza8
Sr Member
Registered: 12/18/09
Posts: 1065
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- grab a small meal and wait at your gate, boarding is 30 mins before take off; do not drink coffee or any other caffeinated/alcoholic drink
why the hell not?
caffeine/alcohol makes you dehydrated in an already dry atmosphere and also, you don't drink as much water on the plane ride so you'll be very dehydrated
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#7576405 - 02/26/14 03:54 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: xza8]
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Lost^
Lost^
Unregistered
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Cayo Largo ftw
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#7583880 - 03/02/14 07:51 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: ]
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The Postman
A-List Member also The Man
Post Master Sr
Registered: 02/13/02
Posts: 5237
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I just walked in the door from Cayo Santa Maria Cuba. Trip number 15 or so. Had a great time as usual.
Varadero is great for touristy type stuff, but the Cayos are much nicer overall IMO.
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#7585113 - 03/03/14 03:17 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: Risky Business]
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Kid Bro Sweets
Post Master Sr
Registered: 11/09/06
Posts: 6774
Loc: GTA
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Why is everyone such a nancy here? Holy over prepared batman... Bring a pharmacy why don't you ? SiZ people are over hyping Cuba wayyy too much. I've been there a lot, I pretty much average a Cuba trip once every two years for a wedding or whatever (going again this Oct). it's not that bad, food can be questionable depending on resorts, but you will be fine. I don't get sick from it, don't really know anyone who does unless they are some frail hobo. Rent a scooter, don't do anything stupid, don't drink and ride, that's stupid to begin with Cuba or Canada. Use common sense, the people are friendly, but annoying. They are harmless though, if they touch a tourist they will get deaded quick as tourism is their main money provider. Don't be scared to say no, fawk off, whatever...if you go into town they will try to sell you everything including 12 year old girls as prostitutes. You do realize that you only need to take a couple tablets of each right? Put them all into one advil bottle? Common sense Frail hobo confirmed
the irony is that a hobo probably has better immune system than all of us
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#7585175 - 03/03/14 03:38 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: xza8]
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TheRealCSnapper
Post Master Supreme
Registered: 12/05/02
Posts: 31956
Loc: Toronto, Canada
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- grab a small meal and wait at your gate, boarding is 30 mins before take off; do not drink coffee or any other caffeinated/alcoholic drink
why the hell not? caffeine/alcohol makes you dehydrated in an already dry atmosphere and also, you don't drink as much water on the plane ride so you'll be very dehydrated
geez. he's going to cuba not australia. he'll be FINE.
on my flight back from amsterdam this past weekend, i crushed 4 glasses of champage in like an hour and a half, the flight attendant was trying to empty the bottle or somtehing.
to OP, there's not much to worry about. you're going to a cuban resort, not exactly backpacking the streets of Rio.
no liquids/gels in your carry on, unless they're under 100ml each and in a clear bag. for the sake of making life easier, just check everything.
as long as you have your passport and access to money, you can always get home. anything else is secondary.
sure bring all the pharm you want or need, but chances are you won't need it.
have fun.
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#7593197 - 03/08/14 12:09 PM
Re: So, Cuba?!
[Re: TheRealCSnapper]
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SiZ
Post Master Sr
Registered: 09/15/00
Posts: 8774
Loc: Longdon, Ontario
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Had a great time!
HATE flying, but more the process than the actual act.
Thought the food was actually quite good, but definitely miss the tastes of home. Me and wife will be eating like its our last weekend on earth here.
I did drink 1000 beers for the record.
Rented jet skis and had dolphins swim right up to us on them, that was a major highlight of the trip.
Got hammered at the pool pretty much every day, me and wife grinded on eachother in front of the entire pools after doing beer chugging contest, I don't even remember what we were trying to win.
Cars were awesome.
Not having a fishing pole with me killed me, never again.
REally needed more money for excursions and such.. I didn't want to blow a lot since I was there, but spent a couple hundred on tips and my one excursion. Next time I'll know I need double.
Cuban people are great, but don't seem to work very hard!
Missed home like crazy. Sun is fun, but I love Canada.
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