When you travel abroad in most countries, the question of the best way to get around isn’t really addressed before you leave… but it should be when travelling to Cuba. A hire car, or a well worked public transport system would usually make transportation concerns an afterthought for when you get there, but with its less well developed road network, travelling in Cuba can be a real experience – and a crucial part of any tailor made holiday! Cuba’s transport is a real adventure – here’s a guide to some of the ways you can get around:

The City Hopper – Cuba travel by Train

In theory there are trains between a handful of the island’s major destinations, including Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, Pinar del Rio and Santa Clara, negating the need for one of Cuba’s car rental services. The truth is that the majority of the trains are unreliable, and many locals actually find hitch-hiking in a Cuban car a more reliable option! That said, those that are not easily frustrated and want to explore Cuba’s rail network, unperturbed by unexpected breakdowns can find approximate schedules under different city descriptions at the stations.

The one exception to the unreliable rule is the Tren Francés service between Havana and Santiago de Cuba. This is considerably more reliable than the other services, due to being donated by France just a few years ago. The service runs on alternate days and is a good bet to get you between two of the island’s biggest cities for those not wanting to chance Cuban car rental.

The Adventurer – Government Hitch-Hiking Service

The Cuban government has initiated a novel state run system of allowing visitors to travel the island by road without using a hire car in Cuba. “El Amarillo” (“the yellow guy” – a reference to their uniforms) administrators run stretches of road where certain vehicles are required to stop and pick up hitchhikers. During the day, this will set you back around 20 pesos from one city to the next, making it by far the cheapest way of getting around Cuba.

As well as being cheap, this is an exciting system. As most of the hitchable rides will be on the back of large trucks, basking in the sunshine may sound like the most romantic way to see the Cuban countryside. Some may think it sounds a little dangerous, but thrill seekers will delight in the experience – especially as the roads are almost completely deserted by Western standards!

The Car Buff – Catch a ride in a Yank Tank

Cuba’s car rental services offer a day’s usage from CUC 65 (£35.80) including insurance, plus the cost of a full tank of petrol. Most of the available cars for hire in Cuba are modern European and Asian models, but in certain quarters, car buffs will be able to catch a ride in a classic yank tank – cars from before the revolution kept in tip-top condition due to the trade embargo preventing newer models flowing in. As these are privately owned, this is usually negotiated with the owner, but its not unusual to negotiate a private ride in a classic American car.

Those who are tempted in by car travel on the island should be aware that car hire in Cuba is (comparatively) expensive, the roads are not well sign posted, and confusing one-way systems can make driving a real challenge for visitors. That said, most car enthusiasts will probably see this as part of the fun, and anyone with an interest in cars owes it to themselves to hire one for at least a day and enjoy road transport in an entirely different environment on their tailor made Cuba holiday. Just don’t forget that your Cuban car must be driven on the right!

The Athlete – Cuba travel by Bike

If you’re feeling fit, and like seeing the real beauty of the island, you’ll find travelling in Cuba by bike pretty hard to beat. The calm roads and stunning scenery make Cuba a perfect and safe place for cycling – outside of Havana, you’ll hardly see any Cuban cars! The only problem is that you may be best off bringing your own bike into the country, as the bicycles readily available on the island aren’t really suitable for off-road trekking. And of course, the same goes for spare parts – you don’t want to break down in the middle of nowhere, with nowhere stocking the spare parts you need to get moving again!

Cyclists are often treated as a curiosity by locals, so don’t be surprised to be approached by some enthusiastic Cubans intrigued at your mode of transportation!

The Sailor – Cuba travel by Boat

Finally, if you’re looking to explore some of the islands off the southern shore of Cuba, you have little choice but to set sail from one of the two main bases – Cienfuegos or Trinidad. Cuba’s waters are calm and tranquil, and this is a delightfully relaxed way of getting to your destination – very much in the spirit of the Caribbean lifestyle!

However you choose to travel in Cuba, you’re guaranteed a unique holiday experience. The best option to get a good feel for the island is to mix up a few, and blend in with the unique cultures and atmosphere the Cuban public transport system promotes. A tailor made Cuba holiday wouldn’t be bespoke if you didn’t explore all the peculiarities of the island’s transportation!

About the Author

Emma Lelliott is the general manager of Captivating Cuba, an independent Cuba holiday specialist. With offices in Havana and the UK, Captivating Cuba can offer advice on every aspect of your tailor made Cuba holiday from accommodation to the best diving sites.

 

Dubai is now officially the land of extreme building projects and, as a result of some of the unique and exciting attractions springing up in the area, tourism is growing fast. A bevy of luxurious and opulent hotels and some glorious beaches to match are making luxury holidays in Dubai extremely popular.

Much of Dubai’s growth is attributable to its remarkable ruler, Sheikh Mohammed, who has overseen the development of many of the projects on this list. If you’re planning a Dubai holiday, make sure to visit some of the amazing sites, buildings and luxury hotels in Dubai - there really is nothing else like them! Here is a countdown of the top ten.

10: Jebel Ali Port

Dubai’s port, Jebel Ali, is the world's largest man-made harbour and the biggest port in the Middle East. The area is also home to 5,500 companies from 120 countries.

9: Dubai Airport

A colossal new airport called Dubai World Central International Airport is currently under construction. Many times larger than the Dubai International Airport, it is expected to be the busiest in the world, with a passenger capacity of more than 120 million - almost 30% more than Atlanta, currently the world's busiest passenger airport.

8: Palm Islands

The three Palm Islands, Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Jebel Ali and The Palm Deira, are the largest land reclamation project in the world and will result in the world's largest artificial islands and a major Dubai holiday attraction.

Each settlement will be the shape of a palm tree, and between the three islands will house over 100 of Dubai’s luxury hotels, exclusive residential beach side villas and apartments, marinas, water theme parks, restaurants, shopping malls, sports facilities and health spas. The Islands will add 520km of beaches to the city of Dubai and construction will be completed over the next 10-15 years.

7: Sports City

The Dubai Sports City is an entire sports city, about an hour’s drive from the beach, consisting of apartment buildings and sports facilities. This Dubai holiday attraction’s main sports structure is a 60,000 seat, multi-purpose outdoor stadium, to be used for athletics, football and rugby union. Other venues include a 25,000-seat cricket ground, a 10,000-seat indoor arena, a 5,000-seat field hockey stadium and an 18-hole golf course.

6: Dubai Towers

Dubai Towers is a stunning four tower complex in the shape four shining flames, intended to create a dramatic new landmark for Dubai holiday makers and to form the centrepiece of The Lagoons, a mega project which will consist of seven islands. The towers have between 57 to 94 stories and, although the heights are not known, it is believed the tallest will top 400 metres while two others will exceed 300 metres.

5: Dubailand

The soon-to-be-opened Dubailand will take the crown for theme park size. The development is expected to be a full featured city divided into six theme worlds. Developers hope to create a tourism, entertainment, and leisure destination that will attract Dubai holiday makers not only from surrounding countries but also from Europe and Asia.

4: Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab is one of Dubai’s luxury hotels and, at 321 metres, the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel. However, another luxury Dubai hotel, the Rose Tower, which has already topped Burj Al Arab's height, will take away its title upon its opening in April 2008.

The Burj Al Arab stands on an artificial island 280 metres out from the coast, and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge. The gigantic luxury Dubai hotel is an iconic structure, designed to symbolize Dubai's urban transformation and to mimic the sail of a boat.

3: Burj Dubai

The Burj Dubai has been the world’s tallest building since July, and when it is completed later this year its tower will reach a stomach-churning 800 metres plus. The 164-floor building will be occupied by September of 2009. The building will be used for many purposes and is expected to be a major attraction for Dubai holiday makers.

2: The World

The World is a man-made archipelago of 300 islands in the shape of a world map. This spectacular creation was completed in January this year and, like the other man-made islands in Dubai, was built primarily using sand dredged from the sea, and covers an area of 9 km long and 6 km wide. Rod Stewart is rumoured to have bought the ‘Britain’ island and Irish business consortium Larionovo plans to develop ‘Ireland’ into an Irish-themed, luxury Dubai holiday resort, including a recreation of Ireland's famous Giants Causeway.

1: The Universe

The Universe is going to be the next stage in the Gulf’s surreal property programme, made by the same people as The World. A cluster of islands in the shape of the solar system, with the Sun, the Moon and a string of planets in between, The Universe will accommodate 300,000 people, including Dubai Holiday makers, and will take 15 to 20 years to build. The project, which was announced in January, is still in the planning stages.

About the Author

Rosella Colella is a Dubai expert for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in luxury holidays to Dubai, Australia, Cuba, the Caribbean, Europe, the Far East, the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles, Egypt and Southern Africa.