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Despite the best efforts of the power to its north, the
sun still shines on Cuba. It's the Caribbean's largest and
least commercialized island and one of the world's last
bastions of communism. The island's relative political isolation
has prevented it from being overrun by tourists, and locals
are sincerely friendly to those who do venture in - even
blockade runners from the US get a warm welcome! The Helms-Burton
Act has allowed Cuba to find its place in the post-Soviet
world gradually, without the sudden destabilizing shock
of mass consumer tourism from the United States. It's only
a matter of time before American-imposed travel and trade
barriers fall. No doubt millions will come when flights
from Miami resume. Clearly, the time to go is now.
Although you can't quite hear the colonial architecture
peeling in the streets, even Cuba's larger towns are pretty
relaxed. The most frenetic it gets is in the middle of an
enthusiastic chachachá, and the loudest it gets is
behind one of the huge finned American cars chugging the
streets. If you want it even quieter, Cuba's backcountry
and beaches are perfect chillout destinations for hikers,
swimmers, cyclers, spelunkers or those who just want to
smoke a fine cigar under a palm tree.
Cuba has undergone a transformation since it first opened
its doors to global tourism after almost three decades of
isolation. Most noteworthy has been the rapid growth in
private accommodation, the extensive network of casas particulares
allowing the independent traveller the opportunity, not
only to experience life more as it is lived by the average
Cubano, but also to explore corners of the country that
had previously been inaccessible or off-limits. Good news
for the tourist is the growing choice of resorts and the
number of new or refurbished hotels that are opening in
towns across the country. While eco-tourism is still in
its infancy and much of the island’s extraordinary
natural beauty remains to be discovered, the government
is already making strides in the right direction
Cuba really can offer something for all types of travellers
and holiday makers. Whether you are looking for a picture
perfect paradise with palm trees shading the pure white
sand beaches and blue lagoons, or for an interesting baptism
into a culture moulded by its unique history and political
climate, next time you draft up your short list of vacations...
make sure Cuba is on it.
VITAL STATISTICS:
• Full country name: Republic
of Cuba
• Location: Caribbean, island between the Caribbean
Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Florida
• Geographic coordinates: 21 30 N, 80 00 W
• Map references: Central America and the Caribbean
• Area: total: 110,860 sq km
• Land: 110,860 sq km
• Land boundaries: 29 km
• Water: 0 sq km
• Population: 11 million
• Capital city: Havana (pop 2,200,000)
• People: 60% Spanish descent, 22% mixed-race, 11%
African descent, 1% Chinese
• Language: Spanish
• Religion: 47% Catholic, 4% Protestant, 2% Santería
(many Catholics also practice Santería
• Government: Communist republic
• Head of State: Fidel Castro
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One of the UK's leading budget airlines, Flybe.com specialise in regional flights to prominent European destinations such as London, Paris, Milan & Geneva. Flybe operate from many regional airports making them the ideal airline wherever you are based in the UK. They offer a number of great deals so be sure to check in regularly to keep up to date on the best offers.
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Virgin Atlantic
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Rating:
10
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Founded in 1984, Virgin Atlantic is now one of the UK’s largest long-haul airlines. Flights depart daily from Heathrow and Gatwick to over 20 worldwide destinations including the USA, Caribbean, Africa, India and the Far East. Their Flying Club enables you to earn air miles on almost all flights including full fare Economy class. Virgin Atlantic regularly wins awards for business and leisure travel, including those for Best Long Haul Airline, and Best Transatlantic Airline, and has received numerous awards for their innovative in-flight entertainment, which includes individual seatback TVs with a choice of at least 8 channels. Flying Upper Class enables you to experience their award-winning Upper Class suite, which boasts an on-board bar area, and the largest fully flat bed offered in business class by any airline. Virgin Atlantic provide a great in-flight experience and excellent customer service.
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Singapore Airlines
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Rating:
9
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One of the leading Asian flight operators, Singapore Airlines have extensive coverage across central Asia and the southern hemisphere as well as important European and US destinations. They operate daily scheduled services to long haul destinations in key eastern cities. Their service has been highly commended over recent years and is supported by one the youngest fleets within the industry.
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The Royal Dutch Airlines have built an enviable reputation as one of Europe's leading airlines. Having recently merged with Air France, KLM are now in a position to offer an even greater service with over 500 destinations world wide. Frequent flyers can earn air miles to be used on all KLM and Air France routes. They have extensive coverage across many regional UK airports and have an excellent reputation for first class service and hospitality on their scheduled services worldwide.
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With Eurostar you can travel from London to Paris in under 3 hours. Eurostar travel direct to cities such as Paris, Lille, Brussels and Avignon and offer connections to over 100 destinations across Europe. You could take advantage of the huge range of special offers available by booking your hotel and travel together and save money. Travelling on Eurostar is convenient and simple, and the carriages are spacious and air conditioned. It's easy to see why Eurostar now carries more passengers between London and Paris than all of the airlines put together!
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OpenJet search for flights from 13 major low-cost airlines, to allow you to compare and combine tickets and book online, ensuring you get the best deal available. The website is designed to be easy to use and they aim to provide a high level of customer care.
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Pioneers of the online travel experience, Travelocity remains the most popular travel site on the world
wide web today and is now the sixth largest travel agency in the US. Wherever your destination, whatever your requirements Travelocity provides the solution
by incorporating what is probably the best flight search engine available. Like all leading travel sites, it doesn't stop there with a wealth of information
and other travel facilities including hotel reservations, car hire, vacation packages, insurance... Without doubt the best travel site bar none.
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A highly polished travel site which has established itself as a leading internet travel company. Expedia
offers an extensive list of flight options and searches making it easy to find the right flight at a budget to suit.Of course, like all good travel sites
they don't just provide flights but also offer a whole host of travel amenities including car hire, hotels, holidays, insurance... Quite simply one of the
best.
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Lunn Poly is a leading travel retailer, offering holidays from the UK’s major tour operators. They offer
a huge range of UK and overseas holidays including cruises, flights, ski holidays, city breaks and sun holidays. Their website has special offers which are
exclusively available online, and plenty of late deals to choose from. The website also offers online auctions where you can bid on Thomson late deal
package holidays from £1. They have a high level of customer service and excellent value for money. Booking online is easy, and can be done in 5 simple
steps.
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Expedia give you access to the same information as a high street travel agent, enabling you to choose and plan your travel. They offer great deals on holiday packages, flights, hotels, car hire and city breaks. The website is packed with detailed information on destinations and you can view photos of hotels and read reviews before making your choice. Loads of special offers online, including late deals and even discounted holidays from regional UK airports
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Airtours.co.uk
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Rating:
10
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For the best holiday deals online it really is hard to be beat Airtours, one of the UK's leading tour operators! You can choose from 1000s of holiday deals to all the popular destinations and many more exotic places plus cruises, skiing and flights. There are many exclusive online discounts and of course children and infants can travel for free! Whatever you do... make sure you check Airtours for your next holiday.
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Last Minute.com are the definitive internet travel and lifestyle company. With so much more than just
booking flights online, you really could organise your whole life with Last Minute.com!! They offer a multitude of special deals and as the name suggests
last minute options. Add to this a highly sophisticated search and booking system, Last Minute.com have created a site that truly is a delight to use.
Without doubt one of the best travel sites online and it would appear they keep getting better and better...
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Established in 1998, ebookers.com specialise in discount airfares for mid and long haul flights.
They have an extensive range of special offers always available from the homepage with a fast, efficient flight search engine. Of course, they offer much
more than simply air travel with sections for car hire, hotel bookings, travel insurance and holiday packages.
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Going Places.com
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Rating:
9
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Going Places.com is the website of one of the UK’s leading high street travel agents and offers great value package holidays and flights direct from established, and well-respected tour operators including Airtours, Aspro, Escapades, Manos and Panorama.
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For secure airport parking across the UK, Purple Parking offer a park and ride service from your car to the terminal and even help with your luggage. They also offer a meet and greet service at major UK airports where they park your car for you while you catch your flight to save you valuable time.
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My Travel are a leading UK holiday group. They offer thousands of holidays to all major destinations, with exclusive discounts for holidays booked online. Special offers on late deals, skiing holidays, cruises and flights.
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XL are the budget airline with a difference. Their planes are fitted with leather seats and linen headrests for maximum comfort. They have an excellent punctuality record and you can save money by booking your in-flight extras online of which there is a huge range, including meals for those with special dietary needs and seats with extra legroom. Destination guides include forthcoming events, so that you can see what is happening there before deciding when to travel.
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Online travel are part of Last Minute.com plc and are one of the UK's leading online travel providers. They offer great deals on flights, holidays, city breaks and hotels and you can build your own holiday to suit your needs. There are detailed descriptions of hotel facilities and locations so you can be sure you are making the right choice.
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Thomas Cook have over 160 years experience and sell millions of holidays every year, making them one of the UK's leading and most trusted travel companies. In addition to holiday packages, they offer flights, cruises, UK breaks and have special online deals. They also have a price promise for added peace of mind.
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James Villas are specialists in providing holiday villas. They offer quality villas in 22 popular destinations including Spain, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Florida. All James Villas have their own private pool, from simple farmhouses to luxury villas by the sea. Simple online availability and booking with a shortlist facility to make it easier to keep track of your favourite properties before making a decision. James Villas can also take care of flights, car hire and insurance at competitive prices.
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Online Travel are part of Last Minute.com and are one of the UK's leading travel providers. They offer great deals on UK and international flights. Search for flights departing from over 40 regional UK airports. Exclusive flight deals are available online, and special flight and hotel packages. Detailed desriptions and photos are available for all locations and hotels.
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Thomson fly from over 30 regional aiports throughout the UK and Ireland to over 50 destinations across Europe. Thomson aims to provide honest information and publishes the opinions of past holidaymakers on their accommodation pages. Amazing deals on flights are available online.
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With over 160 years of experience and selling millions of holidays each year, Thomas Cook are one of the UK's leading and most trusted travel companies. They offer cheap flights to Europe and great deals on long-haul flights. To ensure you are getting the best deal, they offer a price promise and exclusive online offers.
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Part of the highly successful LastMinute.com group, Travel4Less specialise in air travel through their
sophisticated flight search engine. They provide an extensive list of flight options to many global destinations making them ideally suited to the business
user. Car hire facilities are also available online.
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If you are looking for a low cost, no frills airline then Germanwings may literally be the ticket. With budget flights available from as little as €19 to 22 destinations in Europe, there really is nothing to fault them on. Germanwings also fly you direct to the centre of many popular european cities reducing onward travel to the absolute minimum. Quite simply budget flights without the budget service...
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Thomson Flights
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Rating:
8
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Specialising in low cost charter flights, they offer a number of great deals especially for the holiday maker. Formerly known as BrittanniaDirect.com, they are of course operated by the Britannia Airways fleet. The site offers a straightforward flight search for a large number of charter destinations. Bargain flights can certainly be found so for a low cost charter option to many popular holiday resorts, Thomson Flights could be just the ticket.
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Thomsonfly is a new low cost airline. Flights depart from Bournemouth, Doncaster and Coventry airports, to cities and popular resort locations across Europe. Great bargains are always available on their website. Thomsonfly are commited to providing an excellent all-round service, especially regarding punctuality, flexibility and hospitality.
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Airfares Basement
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Rating:
8
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Airfares basement aim to offer you the most competitive holidays and flights in the UK from over 400 leading and specialist tour operators. They are not aligned with any tour operator and therefore are able to offer you a truly impartial travel service. Customer service is a priority and their website is easy to use with a fast live search facility and 3-click bookability.
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Travelbag offer discounted flights, hotels and car hire worldwide. They are an independent travel company and are therefore able to offer impartial advice. They aim to offer the traveller more choice. The website includes lots of useful features including a route planner for around the world trips or for the USA or Australia, and a personal itinerary feature.
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