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Most folks from Canada go on one week package cruises to all-inclusive hotels. The most popular area is Varadero, about 2 hours from Havanna (it has its own airport). You don't need much cash while you are there except for trinkets and tips.

Costs about $100 to rent a car for a day trip (or more) to Havana - you can rent an apartment for about $50/day there. If you get hurt or sick, you will take advantage of the travel medical insurance offered by the package seller (about $30 for the week), if necessary they will medivac you out.

Crime is a non-issue there, so you won't worry about getting mugged. I have never ever heard of an attack on a tourist there, and I know hundreds of people who have gone.

If you just stupidly lose your passport - as the other poster said, there is a consulate in downtown Havana (across the street from where the wave picture was taken).



I always avoided Veradero, which is a world unto its own and quite unlike the rest of Cuba. But if you're into a beach vacation, that's where to go.

IMHO, there's no point in going to Cuba for a beach hang if you're a citizen of the USA. Not worth the potential legal trouble. The beaches are just as nice in the rest of the Caribbean. But if you're interested in hanging out in Havana, by all means GO! There's nothing like it.