Dr. Lili Nasseri - Freelance Travel and Health Writer

How to pick the best all-inclusive family vacation in sunny Cuba Maritime Traveller Times & Transcript, Moncton N.B. Published: Saturday Apr 5, 2008 Page: G2 Cuba is the Caribbean's largest island. Shaped like an alligator, it is an archipelago made of 4195 islets. The largest of these, appropriately named Isla Grande, boasts 5746 km of coastline, 300 natural beaches and one of the largest tracts of coral reef in the world. Every winter, sun-worshippers flock in droves to Holguin, Varadero and Cayo Coco. In April, you will find rock-bottom prices to these idyllic destinations. Depending on what type of vacation you're looking for each city presents a very different opportunity. Here is what you should know before booking your next trip: Holguin The province of Holguin is located in the south of Cuba. It features some of the countries most stunning and serene landscapes. Columbus described the coast of Holguin as one of the most beautiful he had ever laid eyes on. Few would disagree. The turquoise beaches, verdant green hills, pastoral drives and pristine national parks are in abundance in Holguin, thus making it an ideal family destination. The resorts are distributed along the areas three beaches: Playa Pesquero, Playa Esmeralda and Guardalavaca. The best beach is Playa Esmeralda where you will find two resorts, Sol Luna y Mares and Paradisus. Along Playa Pesquero sits the resort of the same name. The latter is not only one of Cuba's top hotels, but it is also their largest hotel, with 933 rooms and land the size of a small village with activities and services to match. Varadero The city of Varadero is located in the Matanzas Province. It is Cuba's second most industrialized province after Habana. The infrastructure is based on petroleum, fruit production and sugar milling. Varadero's 20 km of white sandy coast is dotted with one non-descript hotel after another. This is the place to go if you are young, single and want to party. The main advantage to a vacation in Varadero is that it is close enough to allow a day trip to Havana. Cayo Coco This is Cuba's fourth largest island and the main tourist destination after Varadero. Interestingly, Cayo Coco was largely uninhabited till 1992 when the first resort was opened. It is now closed to all Cubans other than those who work at the hotels. The only activities and sights on the island are the man made Parque Natural, the Marlin Marina which offers deep sea fishing and the Marlin Dive Center. This makes Cayo Coco an ideal destination if you don't want to leave your resort and plan on doing nothing other than spending every day at the beach. Not necessarily a bad way to spend your vacation, but you won't get to experience much Cuban culture either. Picking Your Hotel In Cuba, if you want to be able to eat the food, don't travel at anything less than a four star. Even then, not all four stars are created equal. Ask your friends, your travel agent, or better yet, look up other traveller's reviews on the internet. Otherwise, you risk being disappointed. The best website for reviews is www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com. If you want a read deal, book at the last minute. It can be stressful to book your trip three days before departure, but that's when you will find the best prices. I know people who book their trip on the eve of their holiday! If you are more than two people travelling however, this tactic is a little risky. I also wouldn't try it in December, but in April it can save you hundreds of dollars. Enjoy the sun and don't forget to wear sunscreen.

How to pick the best all-inclusive family vacation in sunny Cuba

Maritime Traveller
Times & Transcript, Moncton N.B.
Published: Saturday Apr 5, 2008
Page: G2

Cuba is the Caribbean's largest island. Shaped like an alligator, it is an archipelago made of 4195 islets. The largest of these, appropriately named Isla Grande, boasts 5746 km of coastline, 300 natural beaches and one of the largest tracts of coral reef in the world.

Every winter, sun-worshippers flock in droves to Holguin, Varadero and Cayo Coco. In April, you will find rock-bottom prices to these idyllic destinations.

Depending on what type of vacation you're looking for each city presents a very different opportunity. Here is what you should know before booking your next trip:

Holguin

The province of Holguin is located in the south of Cuba. It features some of the countries most stunning and serene landscapes. Columbus described the coast of Holguin as one of the most beautiful he had ever laid eyes on. Few would disagree. The turquoise beaches, verdant green hills, pastoral drives and pristine national parks are in abundance in Holguin, thus making it an ideal family destination.

The resorts are distributed along the areas three beaches: Playa Pesquero, Playa Esmeralda and Guardalavaca. The best beach is Playa Esmeralda where you will find two resorts, Sol Luna y Mares and Paradisus. Along Playa Pesquero sits the resort of the same name. The latter is not only one of Cuba's top hotels, but it is also their largest hotel, with 933 rooms and land the size of a small village with activities and services to match.

Varadero

The city of Varadero is located in the Matanzas Province. It is Cuba's second most industrialized province after Habana. The infrastructure is based on petroleum, fruit production and sugar milling. Varadero's 20 km of white sandy coast is dotted with one non-descript hotel after another. This is the place to go if you are young, single and want to party. The main advantage to a vacation in Varadero is that it is close enough to allow a day trip to Havana.

Cayo Coco

This is Cuba's fourth largest island and the main tourist destination after Varadero. Interestingly, Cayo Coco was largely uninhabited till 1992 when the first resort was opened. It is now closed to all Cubans other than those who work at the hotels. The only activities and sights on the island are the man made Parque Natural, the Marlin Marina which offers deep sea fishing and the Marlin Dive Center. This makes Cayo Coco an ideal destination if you don't want to leave your resort and plan on doing nothing other than spending every day at the beach. Not necessarily a bad way to spend your vacation, but you won't get to experience much Cuban culture either.

Picking Your Hotel

In Cuba, if you want to be able to eat the food, don't travel at anything less than a four star. Even then, not all four stars are created equal. Ask your friends, your travel agent, or better yet, look up other traveller's reviews on the internet. Otherwise, you risk being disappointed. The best website for reviews is www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com.

If you want a read deal, book at the last minute. It can be stressful to book your trip three days before departure, but that's when you will find the best prices. I know people who book their trip on the eve of their holiday! If you are more than two people travelling however, this tactic is a little risky. I also wouldn't try it in December, but in April it can save you hundreds of dollars. Enjoy the sun and don't forget to wear sunscreen.