Frequently Asked Questions
If you're unable to find the answer to your question in our F.A.Q, please do not hesitate to Contact Us at Big Planet Adventures.
- Is there an age restriction for the tour?
- Can I call or email home from Cuba?
- Is Cuba safe?
- Do your tours include international airfare to Cuba?
- What is a Local Payment?
- What are CUC (Cuban Dollars)?
- Who are my traveling companions?
- What happens if there is a hurricane?
- I'm a single traveller, will I be charged a single supplement?
- Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation in Cuba before or after my tour?
- Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at in Cuba?
- Can I join the tour late or leave it early?
- Are airport transfers included?
- What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring to Cuba?
- What clothing should I pack?
- Can you help arrange my travel visas to Cuba?
- What vaccinations are recommended for this adventure?
- Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?
- Why do I need travel medical insurance?
- Where can I get good value travel insurance?
Is there an age restriction for the tour?
Anyone 18 years or older can join the tour. Most tour participants are in the range 25 to 45, however there are no restrictions and people have enjoyed the tour of all ages as long as they are ready for some fun and adventure. We firmly believe that age doesn’t matter and that attitude is more important. For older travellers we stress that adventure travel is inherently more rigorous than conventional vacations and can be physically demanding. In Cuba you will be expected to carry your own bag and participate in group activities. We cannot accept bookings from unaccompanied minors.
Who are my traveling companions?
For privacy reasons we cannot provide you with advance details on your traveling companions. However, the tour of Cuba appeals to a wide range of travellers, most of whom share an adventurous spirit and a desire to experience this destination at a grass-roots level. The tour is conducted in English, so this tends to attract many travellers from North America, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Most participants find the mixture of nationalities an interesting and enjoyable part of the experience.
The average age is from late 20's to early 30's although tour groups can be made up of people from all ages.
What happens if there is a hurricane?
In the event of a hurricane prior to the tour, the tour dates can be changed to accommodate for alterations to flight schedules etc. We recommend that travellers purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover them in event of such circumstances. This should also cover you if a hurricane affects your travel arrangements after you have left for Cuba, and while on the tour.
Hurricane season is September and October, although occasionally hurricanes also occur in the other months between July and November. Cuba is very organised as far their preparation for hurricanes. Cubans are used to dealing with such phenomena, and evacuations are comprehensive and well organised, and tourists are well protected.
I'm a single traveller, will I be charged a single supplement?
The tour does not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if you are travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another traveller of the same sex. If there are an odd number of group members and you have to have a room to yourself, you do not have to pay extra. If at some stage during the tour you wish to have a room to yourself, the tour leader can arrange this on a request basis and charge you the difference in cost. This is subject to availability.
Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation in Cuba before or after my tour?
Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotel. You can order this on your booking form. Click here for information about the joining hotel.
Can you provide me with a list of the hotels and places we will be staying at in Cuba?
When we confirm your booking on the tour, we will provide you with a list of telephone numbers you can give to friends and relatives in case they need to contact you while you are in Cuba. We suggest that they use this only in the case of an emergency as phone calls to Cuba can be costly and it usually takes a little while to locate someone, especially as we are on the move a lot.
Can I join the tour late or leave it early?
It's quite difficult to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary please contact us before you go on your adventure.
Are airport transfers included?
We do not include airport transfers. It is very easy and safe (and more economical) to take a taxi from the airport to the hotel in Cuba. Click here for further information.
What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring to Cuba?
We strongly recommend bringing to Cuba, a backpack or duffel bag, or a small travel case with wheels. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and along cobblestone streets. If you need to leave some luggage in Havana, this will be possible and you can ask the tour leader to help you arrange this. See also What to take on the tour.
What vaccinations are recommended for this adventure?
It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. Our traveller's resources page does provide links to a number of websites that contain excellent background information related to travel health issues. Nevertheless these websites are no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional.
Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?
Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion. Click here for some further suggestions. .
