Anyone out there been to cuba?

Travel Info
am going to cuba in sept and was wondering what to expect.

Travel Tips

I've been to Cuba twice and I absolutely love it - Varadero is the hot spot beach destination about 2 hours outside of Havana. If you get a chance to go into Havana - don't miss it - the architecture, history, museums, and local culture is incredible. Cuba is a typical Spanish caribbean island - laid back and the people are very easy going. The people are very warm and friendly, happy and content with very little in the way of worldly possessions. My favourite part of Cuba was the people, the music and the old cars. Don't bring any walkie-talkies or cell phones with you - they assume you are leaving them for some desperate Cuban who wants to leave the island. Be sure to bring some small change in US dollars for tipping - US Dollars are not used on the island officially but locals can use it to purchase things on the black market. Don't take pictures at any of the airports or security personnel. I took some pencils and crayons to hand out to the kids down there, and I took extra shampoo and soap in my suitcase to give out as well. The local people are truly appreciative of gifts like that.

Be sure to try Mojitos - minty drink - they rock!! Cuba has been frozen in time for years and its just a fantastic place to go! You will have a great time.Sherob, as a US Marines I spent great deal of my career in the American Interest Office down there in Havana. I can tell you first hand that as an American in Cuba the ladies are going to love you!
As you were told before me Varadero is a wonderful beach, but trust me my friend, do not waste your time cause there is nothing there beside that, a beautiful beach and a bunch of Hotels Cancun style.
Stay in Havana and RENT A CAR!!, if you are not the shy type or even if you are just pull over to pick up one or two of the hound res of girls and guys that are asking for ride everywhere and trust me my sister, they will take it from there. You just be ready to spend your money in cheap food and alcohol since for the most part that is all they are going to ask you for before giving you the time of your life. NOW BEFORE YOU PICK ANY GIRL or guy AT ALL BE SURE THAT YOU LIKE IT, BECAUSE THERE IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE MORE A FEW BLOCKS DOWN THE ROAD AND IT SUCKS THAT YOU GET STUCK WITH THE UGLY one FOR BEEN IN A HURRY.
If you are into dancing go to a private party, don't waste your time in a hotel night club. If you like to be part of history stop by the BOGEDITA DEL MEDIO in La Catedral, you like it there, (do not forget to order a diakiris or a MOJITO my favorite. Go to the CAPITOL, it is just like ours here in AMERICA. EL MORRO, GO TO PINAR DEL RIO IF YOU HAVE TIME PLEASE, IT IS AMAZING THERE!
As far as crime, don't worry, the cuban police is on top of things down there taking care of tourist, but do not walk by your self or too late into the night in HAVANA VIEJA.. Something else, before you get back to AMERICA and star talking &^$ about how good Cuba is, remember to put attention to their suffering, for tourist Cuba is a paradise, but Cuban people suffer as much as Iraki did under Saddam... If you can spare a dollar or two, do not waste on the kids, pass it along to the old people, they need it the most.