timcc Loc: Virginia

I spent 8 days circumnavigating the island on a small ship cruise last April, and it was wonderful. As indicated in earlier comments, the people are friendly and there are endless photo opportunities from the tobacco farms in the western area (Viñuales Valley) to the museums and architecture in Havana (much of which unfortunately is in disrepair) and the beautiful city of Santiago de Cuba in the east.

I wandered freely in the streets with no worries about my safety or the security forces, and if you ask people if you can take their photo (just point to your camera and smile), they are almost always happy to do so.

I've posted my pictures on my Shutterfly page (below) if you want some photo ideas. Enjoy your trip!

ballsafire Loc: Lafayette, Louisiana

You could visit "Fidel's" grave in a hole in a bolder where his ashes are----in the cemetery...just ask.

TnBob

I just returned from a cruise to Cuba and the currency exchange is $100.00 US dollars gets you 87 CUCs. If you use Euros you will get 1 for 1. On the boat all the ATMs and currency exchanges were closed until we left Cuban waters. Have to keep declaration paperwork for 5 years due to possible interview with state department. Visa was done on the boat so not sure who would get that. You are correct that military owns most of the high end motels.

TnBob

I also wanted to say that the Cuban people were always friendly and everyone is correct that it is safe to walk and photograph. We never approached any military installations so it was never a concern. Our guide told us that most of the people in Havana have some type of family in Miami ( not sure how true it was) and that most get money sent to them to supplement their income which is a pittance of a few hundred pesos a month. The cars are really great to photograph and like everyone says are used mainly as taxis. Amazing architecture but not much money to repair some of the beautiful buildings. The fall of Russia really hurt them buy having their economy subsidized by Russia. We were told once Russia fell that all monies were basically cut off. You will definitely enjoy the sights so let you camera shoot away.

Rrmaas

Cuba was a trip I enjoyed and would recommend. For people who say you are contributing to the status quo, you can tell them they have it backwards. I felt like I was helping the tour guide and her family tremendously. She would not have the work without tourists. The little restaurants in homes were a way for average people to have a better life. Many people count on tourist money. Granted, you can’t condone the government policies, but you can benefit a lot of poor people by your visit and meet some interesting families, hear some fantastic stories, and take some incredible photos.

stuparr935 Loc: Dallas, Texas area

If ya want to shoot cars and the other sights, I just got back 2 weeks ago using only my nikor 24-70mm f2.8 lens. I was a little nervous as I usually travel with a Nikor 29-300mm and get about 98% of the shots I want. One lens is all you'll need. My newish iPhone 10XR actually out shot my Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100-2 pocket camera for dinner time shooting. Your travel will be fairly closely contained to a long list of things to see with little time to wonder off or shop. We got about 30 minutes at a flee-market to get souvenirs... Nice people, coffee bad, drinks got better later in the week and weather was great... Have a great trip and shoot the cars,K!