Frequently Asked Questions

There are always natural or common questions on these trips. As a starting point we try to answer a few for you here.

  • What is an Escorted Dance Tour?
    HSDT’s escorted dance tours are salsa holidays to Cuba with a difference:
     
    HSDT tours are multi-centred, so over 12 nights we spend time in 3 contrasting and beautiful locations (Havana, Trinidad and Varadero) in 3 different areas of the country each demonstrating a different authentic side of the cultural richness of what Cuba has to offer.
     
    HSDT arranges all the elements of your trip from your arrival in Havana to your departure (airport pickup/dropoff, accommodation, currency exchange, meals, dance classes and optional sightseeing activities, evening entertainment, transport to activities and transfers between tour locations.
     
    Our Tour Management have tried and approved all elements of your tour itinerary so you have the reassurance your itinerary has been put together by our professional team who know the country and will give you the very best tour experience.
     
    Throughout the trip you will be accompanied by our Professional Cuban Tour Manager who is there and available 24/7 to ensure your experience runs smoothly, give you personal insight into Cuba and Cuban culture, provide translation assistance to overcome any language barriers, and share his wealth of knowledge on where to go, what to do, and takes you to amazing places to eat, drink and dance salsa.
     
    Our Tour Manager’s knowledge and personal experience ensures that you will get to see beyond the classic commercial tourism experience to the authentic, real, and off the beaten track Cuba.
     
    All you take care of is your flights, meaning that you can sit back, relax and enjoy the adventure experience to the full, safe in the knowledge all the little details are taken care of!
  • Is there a minimum age?

    Yes, the minimum age is 18.

  • Can I get by without speaking Spanish?

    Cuba is a Spanish speaking country. Many Cuban people speak a good standard of English. If you wanted to learn Spanish that is something we can factor into your tour.

  • How can I access the Internet?

    Wi-Fi is usually available at most hotels and in many open-air plazas and city parks. 

  • Is Cuba safe?

    Yes. In fact, Cuba was awarded the title of ‘Safest Country’ by FITUR in 2018. Nevertheless, as with any country you should take normal precautions in order to stay safe.

  • What is a Casa Particular?

    Casas particulares are Cuban private homestays, mainly colonial mansions in Havana. Casas have been a popular choice of accommodation in Cuba ever since Fidel Castro allowed Cubans to open their doors to tourists since 1997. They are a great way of getting an authentic insight into Cuban life.

    These Casas have been hand picked based on our very selective criteria. We support responsible travel and working directly with the locals is the best way for us to contribute to Cuban families and local economy. We want you to stay in a home which will offer all the comfort and privacy you need and bring a unique touch to your holiday.

  • Do I need injections to travel?

    There are no mandatory inoculations required for travel to Cuba, but please check with your GP prior to departure.

  • Do I need a Visa?

    British nationals travelling to Cuba must have a full passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of your return, you will also need to complete a Tourist Card (which can be provided by us). Other nationalities will need to check with their embassy for full visa requirements. Please note if you are flying via USA you will need a different Visa. We will provide the standard green card VISA if you require something extra/different for your travels, you will need to acquire yourself the relevant travel documents.

  • Can I change Pound Sterling into CUP?

    We suggest that you take pound sterling  (GBP)or Euros or Dollars, this money can only be exchanged when you are in Cuba. Your tour guide gets the best rates of exchange in Cuba for you.

  • What are the dates of your trips?

    We currently have 3 tours per year, March, August and October. Usually the last 2 weeks of those months, the exact dates are partially dependent on the flight dates released by the airlines.
    Please see our home page for details of each trip.

  • How do I Book?

    You can now book your place/s here on our website, and you can opt to pay just the deposit (see terms and conditions for refund information).
    We will send out an information pack with next steps. Alternatively please email us directly for a booking form – [email protected] and alternative payment options available.

  • Is the tour suitable for beginners or non dancers?

    Yes, we have classes for Beginners on our tour, we have taken Beginners on our tours before, they have been submerged into Cuban Salsa. loved it and gone back home to continue with classes in their local area. If you have a friend /partner who is a non dancer we can look at alternatives to salsa lessons, we can look at: Percussion/drumming workshops ; Spanish classes ; Cuban cooking lessons ; Museums and gallery tours. We have access to this all, and we can accommodate all, so that all tours to Cuba are unforgettable and enjoyable.

  • Do you have an information pack?

    Yes, we can send out an information pack out to you, with all the relevant details.

    Request a brochure

  • Is it ok to travel solo?

    Yes that is completely fine, the groups are filled with like minded individuals, couples and sometimes small groups, which is what makes our tours so unique. Please be aware there is a single occupancy charge of £250 if you do not wish to share a room. We will provide you with all the details you need with regard to accommodation options.

  • How do we book flights?

    Flights are not included in the package price of our holidays, however we can help bring together all the best information on flights for you to make a decision.

    Booking flights yourself gives you the flexibility of choosing where to book your flights from, as well as the ability to stay for extra/less days in Cuba, outside of the official tour dates. You may also wish to make travel arrangements to other destinations at the end of the tour.

  • What are the luggage requirements?

    Your chosen airline carrier will provide you with the information you need regarding luggage and other aspects of your flight.

  • How do I pay the deposit & full balance for the tour?

    Deposit and full payments are now made securely here on our website. You can choose to pay by debit card or credit card.

    Please contact us for further information about our payment plan option.

  • What if I am Vegetarian/Vegan?

    No problem, more and more restaurants, hotels, cafes in Cuba now have Vegetarian and Vegan options.

  • How much money should I bring?

    This is very much dependent on your own needs but we usually recommend on average approx. £600(GBP) per person.

  • What Classes do we get and what level?

    The classes include: Partner work, Body Movement, Casino styling, Rueda, Afro Cuban Orishas dance and Rumba technique.

    All levels of classes are available from beginners to intermediate. The classes you attend will be dependent on your own level but you have the choice to attend any level.

  • I want to join you from outside the UK. How do I arrange this?

    Anyone wishing to join us from outside the UK is more than welcome. We will provide you with the details you need, from there, you should arrange your own flights and join us at the hotel in Havana.

    You will need to secure your own Visa from the Cuban Embassy. 

    You will need to supply your flight details to enable us to arrange your transfers between Havana’s José Martí International Airport and the accommodation in which you will be staying.

  • Optional Excursions are very much optional

    There is an amazing daily itinerary, however there are optional excursions depending on availability, Tour of Rum Museum, Vintage Car Tour,  Rumba Show, Havana Fortress, El Faro, Waterfall excursions in Trinidad, Excursions to Valle de los Ingenios, Varadero Excursions etc that can all be paid for in Cuba with the tour guide.

Got a Different Question?

If you can’t see what you are looking for here in the FAQ page, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line and one of our team will respond as soon as we are able.

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