Holguin Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Holguin might lack typical tourist discount cards, but many free activities and local practices make your funds go further.

Free Activities

Enjoy the parks like Parque Calixto García.
Walk up Loma de la Cruz for free city views.
Explore city streets at your own pace.
Relax on public beaches; they cost nothing.

Transportation Smart Choices

Opt for bicitaxis or walking for short distances.
Viazul buses are cheaper for intercity travel than private taxis.
Negotiate taxi fares in CUP before starting a trip.
Shared taxis offer a balance of cost and speed.

Dining Savings

Look for 'menus del día' at paladares for good value meals.
These fixed-price meals are often the best deal.
Happy hours are not common, focus on daily menus.
Local eateries offer better prices than tourist-focused spots.

Accommodation Alternatives

Prioritize staying in casas particulares for savings.
Casas offer a more authentic experience than state-run hotels.
Many casas particulares often include breakfast.
Significant savings are possible compared to resorts.

Carry Small Bills

Bring small bills (CUP) for daily purchases and tips. This makes transactions easier and avoids issues with change, which can sometimes be scarce.

Financial Flow

Small denominations facilitate quick payments.
Avoid large bills for small purchases.
Makes tipping simple and appreciated.
Keep your wallet organized with various bill sizes.

Payment Insights

Card acceptance is limited; cash is king.
Change can be difficult to come by for large bills.
Budgeting daily expenses with small notes is straightforward.
Local vendors prefer exact change.

Currency Exchange Tips

Bring non-USD currencies for better exchange rates.
US dollars incur a surcharge.
Exchange currency at official CADECA offices.
Banks offer official rates, usually similar to CADECA.

Affiliate Card Considerations

Consider a travel rewards card like Capital One Travel.
Such cards often have no foreign transaction fees.
Accrue miles or points for future travel.
Review card benefits like travel insurance or car rental coverage.

Local Insights

These practical insights bring an awareness of Holguin.

Common Tourist Missteps

Relying solely on credit/debit cards is not advisable.
Not learning basic Spanish means missed opportunities.
Staying solely in resorts might cause you to miss authentic culture.
Expecting Western amenities without adjustment.

Local Customs

Patience is good; things often operate at a slower pace.
Cubans are resourceful; expect improvised solutions.
Be polite and engage in conversation, even with limited Spanish.
Be aware some services operate through unofficial channels.

Phrases that Impress

"Qué bola?" (informal greeting, like "What's up?").
"Asere" (a very informal term for "friend" or "mate").
"No hay problema" (No problem - often heard as a response).
"Gracias" and "Por favor" are always appreciated.

Language Learning

Even a few phrases go a long way.
Use language apps like Babbel to learn basics.
A basic phrasebook can be quite useful.
Local communication enriches your experience.

Tailored Travel Advice

Tailor your approach based on who you are traveling with.

Solo Traveler Tips

Holguin is generally safe; practice common sense safety.
Casas particulares are great for meeting locals.
Hosts often act as informal guides and offer social opportunities.
Politically decline unsolicited services from "jineteros."

Family-Friendly Guidance

All-inclusive resorts in Guardalavaca suit families well.
Casas particulares present a more authentic family experience.
Bring familiar snacks and specific medications for children.
Guardalavaca beaches are generally safe and shallow for children.

Group Travel Logistics

For groups, consider booking larger casas or multiple rooms.
Private vans/taxis offer efficient group transport.
Book group transport in advance to secure availability.
Make restaurant reservations for larger groups.

Accessibility Note

Pre-planning and communication are useful for travelers.
Discuss specific needs with accommodations and tour providers.
Confirm accessibility features directly.
Some areas may present challenges for mobility.

Helpful Item

Carry a Small notebook and pen. It assists with writing down directions, addresses, or prices, especially when there is a language barrier.

Efficiency on Your Trip

Efficient travel means you see and do more in Holguin.

Skip-the-Line

Generally not needed; crowds are rare. For Viazul or ETECSA, arrive early or book online if possible.

Attraction Timing

Visit Loma de la Cruz early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and good light for photos.

Transport Speed

Private taxis move faster than Viazul buses for intercity journeys, though at a higher cost. Choose based on urgency.

Pre-Booking Recommendations

Travel & Stay

Book Viazul bus tickets in advance, especially in high season.
Pre-book popular casa particulares, notably for peak travel times.
Arrange airport transfers in advance for comfort.

Further Arrangements

Make a list of attractions you wish to visit.
Consider private guides for specific tours.
Confirm international flight details prior to departure.

Good to Know