Cuba off the beaten track?

We are looking into Cuba for just one week, but would do anything to actually experience the culture and not have to stay in Veradero with all the other tourists. Has anyone taken kids to Cuba and not done the typical all-inclusive thing? Is it safe? Is it possible in such a short period of time?

Any comments would help.

Thanks

Hi,

Are you aware of the 2 centre package holidays? It's not independant travel, but is better than total all-inclusive (it's a half and half).
We did a 2 center holiday, I think it was with Conquest, with our then 18 month old. It was 3 days in Havana and 4 in varadero from toronto. I chose it because I also hate touristy all inclusive things, but since we only had a week I didn't think we would have enough time to do any thing else, especially with the toddler.

I think they also do other centre combos, like Trinidad (the cuban town) and whatever the nearby beach is.

I thought it was a nice compromise, Havana for me and the beach for my daughter.

Just thought I'd let you know of this alternative that works well for kids. You can also do a full week in Havana.

BTW we went all over Havana and felt completely safe. We loved it, my husband really wanted to go back again this year, but I can't have any of that 2 times in a row stuff:)

Hi, we visited Cuba with our (then) 3 year old daughter. If you go independently you can always arrange a short tourist tour type thing at the last minute, if you're finding it difficult. Cubans love kids and you can expect lots of interest in yours. We did a 3 day tour of the western part (Pinar del Rio) and that was pretty interesting. You should be able to find independent accomodations in Havana with a little bit of research. Travel can be frustrating because it's so difficult for the Cubans, so that's why so many visitors end up doing the pkg thing.