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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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National Express
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Rating:
9
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National Express carries more than 12 million passengers to 1200 destinations across Britain. They offer regular services to airports, and destinations include cities in Europe and Ireland. Students, the over 50’s and young people aged 16-25 can save 30% on fares by purchasing a coachcard. Amazing special offers are often available online, with fares from as little as £1! Points are earned through booking online.
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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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The Met Office has to be the most comprehensive website for UK weather. It shows regularly updated weather warnings for the UK and offers a 5-day forecast for most towns. This website is a great place for UK statistics, with charts showing average temperatures, rainfall, hours of sunshine and even number of days of air frost for each month for regional weather stations. World weather forecasts and past weather statistics are available with detailed information on world climate for countries, major cities and holiday destinations. A 5-day UV index, shipping forecasts, satellite information, rainfall animation and a UK 4 week forecast are available. A great website for those wanting more detailed information and statistics.
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Direct Holidays
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Rating:
10
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Direct Holidays is the UK and Ireland's leading tour operator for direct sell holidays. By selling direct they are able to cut out travel agents commission and pass the saving on to the customer. For added convenience, they fly from main and local UK airports. They have a huge range of late deals and special offers on their website.
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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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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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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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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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Avis offer car hire within the UK and in over 5000 destinations worldwide including airport locations. In addition to standard car hire services, they also offer chauffeur driven and prestige car hire and special services for business customers.
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Europcar have a huge fleet of over 220 000 vehicles to suit all your requirements, from economy to prestige including minivans and trucks. They are based in over 2800 locations in 143 countries including all major airports. Their website includes details of special offers including hourly rates available from major UK airports and affordable longer term hire.
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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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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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Essential Travel
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Rating:
9
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Essential Travel offer highly competitive rates on airport parking at 17 main UK airports. You could save up to 30% by booking in advance online. Get an instant quote and choose from a selection of car parks and rates available, with information on distances from the airport and frequency of transfer services.
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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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With a choice of over 50 properties located throughout the UK, Ramada Jarvis are likely to have a hotel which suits your needs. Choose from airport, city or beautiful countryside locations with extensive grounds. Packages are available for family or romantic breaks, sports and activities, murder mystery weekends, theatre breaks, or special interest. There are special offers online and photos and information for each hotel, to help you make the right decision.
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Canterbury Travel - Santa Holidays in Lapland
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Rating:
9
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Canterbury Travel provide specialist holidays to Lapland and Finland to see Father Christmas. They offer everything from 1 day breaks to 5 day tours, with a choice of activities such as reindeer, sleigh and husky rides and snowmobile driving. You could also choose to visit the North Pole Post Office or Santa's workshop where you'll meet Santa's elves. Tours include a personal meeting with Father Christmas and all children between the ages of 2 and 11 receive a present. The tours are designed to avoid commercialised areas, and you can even spend the Christmas period there! It's the perfect romantic setting and weddings can be arranged in a beautiful outdoor wooden chapel. Departures are available from many regional UK airports and special offers such as free places for children or for group bookings are offered online.
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Canterbury Travel - Christmas Weddings in Lapland
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Rating:
9
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For a wedding day that's unique and special you could have a Christmas wedding in Lapland. Set in beautiful surroundings with stunning scenery, you can travel from regional UK airports during December and January. The day starts with the tinkling of bells as the bride is picked up in a sleigh led by reindeer (a skidoo for the groom) and taken to the special outdoor wooden chapel. After the ceremony you could choose to have a meal in a local restaurant specialising in Lappish cuisine which caters for 2-90 people. This really is the perfect wedding location if you are looking for something a little different and it is ideal if you are travelling with children as they can enjoy the holiday and visit Santa's elves in the North Pole Post Office or in Santa's workshop, and they can even visit Santa and receive a present from him!
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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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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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Record Rent a car
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Rating:
8
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Record Rent a car offer discount rates on car rental in mainland Spain, the Balearics or Canary Islands. They have offices based in all main Spanish airports and cities. Prices are all-inclusive with no hidden charges or extras.
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British Airways Holidays
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Rating:
8
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British Airways Holidays offer hotels, car hire, sightseeing and transfer options in over 250 destinations worldwide. They negotiate special rates including many value for money bonus offers such as free child places and free nights.
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Hotelpronto specialise in offering quality accommodation at discounted prices. Choose from hotels in city or coastal resorts, or airport locations, from budget to luxury. The price quoted is the price you pay, with no additional surcharges, taxes or booking fees. All prices include breakfast unless otherwise stated.
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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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Air France are the leading European airline. They fly from 10 main airports in the UK and Ireland to destinations across Europe and worldwide. Electronic ticketing is available online and you can even choose your seat and print your boarding pass for certain destinations. Special offers are always available on their website.
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