Family visit post-Irma- any advice?

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quickair
quickair

Hello folks,
I've read plenty of advice and trying to keep up with Havana Times, but thought I might ask the community- has Irma drastically affected Havana and Northern Cuba?
We are travelling to Havana on Oct 20 with a 5yo, our (Australian) travel alerts are saying there are many problems with water and power still. Any further updates?

We're not too fussy and don't plan on staying in high-end resorts- any tips in terms of interesting locations?

Laid back and local probably preferred, historical/ cultural and fun highlights welcomed. I think we will have enough funds- did I read I can use Comm Bank Mastercards in ATMs now? But will use trav cheques, Euros etc as well.
Thanks in advance!

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CubanWaters
CubanWaters

How long will you be in Cuba for?

Have you browsed through the on-line LP Cuba guide for suggestions?

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cuba


"They trailed in with tumbleweed following them, as if tumbleweed was their pet."
-KR
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beardouk
beardouk

The northern cayos / keys are still closed.

Where, other than Havana, are you thinking of going ?

Fidel Castro :
"Christ chose the fishermen, because he was a communist,"
"When we fulfill our promise of good government I will cut my beard."
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YanquiBoy
YanquiBoy

Hurricane Irma was one for the books for Cuba and I think it's going to take a while for Cuba to get back up to speed.Many residents of Cuba including Havana don't recall seeing a hurricane so powerful. The tourist areas should bounce back faster than the rest of the island.I would be concerned about shortages of things like bottled water once you're outside of the big towns and cities.Cuba is not the most comfortable travel destination during normal times so it maybe less so now especially for a 5 year old.I would keep an eye out for trip reports here and on Trip Advisor for conditions on the island.Err on the side of caution and safety.

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quickair
quickair
In response to #1

Yes! Thanks cubanwaters. We are only there for around 16 days.

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greslogo
greslogo

Havana should be fine...

Why smoke good cigars when there are great cigars.
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smilecu
smilecu

As far as 2017 is concerned, there have been no problems in western Cuba.

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quickair
quickair

We had a fairly open itinerary (thanks to advice read here and in other guides) but thought we would head west after spending 3-4 days in Havana. I don't know much apart from Pina Del Rio that way- anything we should prioritise?
Then maybe Cienfuegos and Trinidad? I'm not sure if they were hit hard by Irma or just the Northern areas. Appreciate all the advice, it's a long old trip from Oz.

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beardouk
beardouk

Vinales is the main attraction west of Havana. smilecu will stay avoid Vinales because he is allergic to tourists.

Also La Terrazas reserve, Soroa waterfalls.

Cayo Levisa and Cayo Jutias on the north coast.

Most guidebooks will give details.

Fidel Castro :
"Christ chose the fishermen, because he was a communist,"
"When we fulfill our promise of good government I will cut my beard."
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bobmichaels
bobmichaels
In response to #8

Vinales is the main attraction west of Havana. smilecu will stay avoid Vinales because he is allergic to tourists.

I spent my first 5 full days over 3 different trips to Vinales without seeing another tourist except when I chose to go to a tourist restaurant or tourist bar. But I am one of a small minority who believes there is much more to Vinales than the popular places the majority of tourists go.

Independently verify anything important that a stranger tells you on the internet, even this advice.
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