I like to share some of my experiences.

The “jinetera/jinetero” issue seems to be blown out of proportions. I never felt really hassled – if you say NO it is usually accepted and with a second NO the issue is certainly solved. I found countries like Nepal, China, Thailand much worse!

It turns out that most travellers have same airport of entry and exit. Please note that certain European airlines (i.e. Condor) fly to Havana, Varadero and Holguin. Combining Holguin with the western destinations saves the travel/flight back.

I was leaving from Holguin. It was arranged to be dropped of by Viazul (against tip) at the junction. From there it is 250 m walk to the terminal. The in order to spend the last CUC, do it only at the duty free after passport control, which has 10-20% lower prices compared to the shops at the departure hall and elsewhere in the country

I received my visa by Cubana airlines on the spot, and they issued it with 1 night casa particulares booking. So check if hotel is really mandatory!

Arrived late evening to Varadero in order to go straight to Havana. It seems that there is always a small official minibus for each flight which charges CUC 20-25 and brings you straight to your accommodation - even casa particulares.

Viazul: If no tickets available, check with Cubatur as they may have still some (as happened Santiago-Baracoa). Very often they have also transfers between cities in addition to the Viazul bus for the same price or slightly more, but faster and more convenient. At Cienfuegos I was told by Astro and Viazul that tourists can not use Astro busses to Trinidad, the same happened at Trinidad regarding bus to Camuguey.

Like to recommend following casa particulares, as being exceptional good:

Baracoa: Casa Colonial, Yalina & Gustavo, Flor Crombet no. 125, Tel +53 (0121) 642536, email nelsars@toa.gtmo.sld.cu. Huge spotless room in lovely colonial house. CUC 20 including excellent breakfast was best value for money I had. Other guests praised the dinner as superior. Both hosts speak very good English.

Cienfuegos: Casa de la Amistad, right beside Parque Marti Av. 56 no 2927. No noise as rooms are to the back. CUC 20 plus CUC 3 breakfast. Basic English spoken. Great colonial house at best location in town.

In general speaking I found the Cubans in the East more pleasant, and the non-whites had more genuine friendliness and were not so CUC-orientated.