No Frontiers 1

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Cuba

• Rarely out of the news, Cuba is a country that polarises opinion. From the Cuban Missile Crisis to the health of dictator Fidel Castro, the Caribbean Island is better known for its politics than its tourism. However, many tourists are now flocking to Cuba before Castro dies and capitalism re-asserts its influence.
  
  While the government has attempted to present the best possible image of an upstanding communist country to the world at large, there are many Cubans who are deeply unhappy with the economic depravation they suffer, largely as a result of the economic embargo imposed by JFK in 1962 and Fidel's defiance of America ever since. Visitors frequently report that despite economic hardships, most of the people of Cuba remain fiercely proud of the country and a great many still profess allegiance to Fidel.
  
  The capital Havana is a strange blend of vibrant culture and crumbling infrastructure. After the communists came to power in the fifties, the USA imposed crippling trade embargoes on Cuba that have been present ever since. One of the most striking results of the embargo's are the vintage 1950s cars that are still used by Cubans to get around and the best way see the city is to hop into one of these classic cars.
  
  A drive through Old Havana will provide some key sights of the city, such as the Castillo del Morro Fortress and the Great Theatre.
   
  The Hotel Nacional is as famous for its list of famous guests as its unique Art-Deco architecture. Winston Churchill and Marlon Brando are just some of the guests who stayed at this famous old hotel. A five star hotel in name only, The Nacional makes up for any shortcomings in luxury with its historic charm.
  
  Interest in Cuban music worldwide has soared since the unexpected popularity of the Buena Vista Social Club documentary and album and the band regularly play at the Hotel Nacional. Across the road from the hotel is the One Eyed Cat Jazz Club, a bar that attracts the most fashionable locals, and it is the closest the city has to a "designer" bar. But these nightspots are the safe, government-approved tourist areas. For real Cuban nightlife a trip to the Malacon is essential. This is the strip by the sea where the Cuban people hang out after dark and it is a great place to people watch and soak up the unique Havana atmosphere.
  
  But Havana is not all there is to understanding Cuba. Aside from the bustling city, the country boasts a beautiful landscape. A trip through the lusciously green Pinar Del Rio province, littered with wooden houses and tobacco and coffee plantations leads to the Vinales Valley. This UNESCO World site dating back to the Jurassic Period is dramatic not only in its contrast to the rest of Cuba, but also in itself, with its cliffs rising like islands from the ground, adorned with forests and caves to explore. The best way to explore this natural beauty is to hop on a horse and take a gentle gallop through the amazing countryside.

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Cuba Price Information

• Air France
  Dublin to Havana via CDG Paris
  From €711 per person return incl taxes.
  www.airfrance.ie
  01 605 0383
  
  Zara's Planet "Hidden Cuba" package includes:
  6 nights accommodation
  All transfers and tours (excluding horse riding and jeep safari tour)
  From €999 per person excl flights
  www.zarasplanet.com
  01440 7477
  Horse Riding in Vinales Valley
  The Los Jasmines Hotel
  From €15 per hour
  Jeep Safari Tour Vinales Valley
  The Los Jasmines Hotel
  From €40 per hour
  
  Destinations
  www.destinations.ie
  Sunway holidays
  www.sunway.ie
  Twohigs Travel
  www.twohigs.com

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Tonga

• "Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away".
  Few holidays offer tourists a chance to take part in a once in a lifetime experience. But the chance to swim with humpback whales in the tropical waters off the coast of Tonga certainly delivers on that promise.
  
  When fully grown, the whales average between 15-17m long and weigh 27-45 tonnes. The sheer majesty of actually seeing these creatures in the water and the sense of their awareness and gentleness with swimmers make for a very emotional experience. Swimmers talk about feeling connected with the whales and a sublime feeling of relaxation in the presence of these massive creatures.
  
  Whaelswim Adventures have been taking swimming trips to search for whales for the past eight years. The entire team are made up of environmentalists and conservationists and they take people on expeditions during the whaling season from August to October each year.  Snorkelling with the humpback whales is preferred to scuba diving because it results in closer contact with no stress for the mammals. And even if you miss the whales, Tonga is a snorkellers paradise because of the clear waters and colourful corals. Off the coast of the island of Kapa is Swallows Cave. Snorkellers can swim into this underwater cave with a drop of about 30 metres. You can surface in the cave and look at the nests of starlings above your head.
  
  It is estimated that there are only 10,000-15,000 whales remaining worldwide and recent news that the Japanese whaling industry plan to increase their whaling quotas is likely to reduce those numbers even more. In fact Tonga is only one of three places around the world where people can swim with humpback whales. . Whilst you are not guaranteed to see whales, there is a very good chance that you will have some sort of encounter with them as Whaleswim's crew are very experienced in locating the animals around the coast of Tonga.
  The Kingdom of Tonga is located north east of New Zealand and is made up of a cluster of islands. But it is the group of islands called Vava'u that attracts South Pacific humpback whales to breed after a long trip from the rich feeding grounds in Antartica.  Vava'u is truly a tropical paradise with a coastline that looks made for postcard pictures. The Blue Lagoon resort is located on the otherwise uninhabited island of Foi'ata in Vava'u. It is surrounded by beautiful clear waters and a white sandy beach. The resort is made up of six bungalows that were crafted from local materials and it is a great place to spend some time n between whale finding expeditions.
  
  The newly built Reef Resort on Kapa island is another place where visitors stay. The Reef Resort offers luxury detached accomodation on another beautiful island. Each bungalow has its own private deck with a sea view and the beach side bar is a great place to recount tales of your whale watching encounters. When you return to Vava'u you will be based in the Toula View Harbour Resort.
  
  The Whaleswim package also includes an invitation to a traditional tongan feast. The best thing about it is definitely the music and dancing provided by the locals in traditional clothing. But there is no doubt who is the star of the show in Tonga. It is a real privelige to be able to swim with whales and these magnificent creatures leave a lasting impression on everybody who comes in contact with them.

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Tonga Prices

• Air New Zealand
  Dublin to Tonga via London and LA from €1545 return incl tax
  www.airnewzealand.co.uk
  0044 208 600 7610
  
  Airlines Tonga to Vava'u
  www.airlinestonga.com
  
  Whales in Paradise Tour - 7 days
  -All accommodation
  -6 boat trips to the whales
  -Education and guidance in the water
  -Snorkelling
  -Tongan Feast
  -Dancing and Kava Ceremony
  -Transfers
  
  Tour running from the 22-30 August 2008 and the 19-27 September 2008 and costs approx €2370
  www.whaleswim.com
  
  The Ministry of Tourism
  info@tvb.gov.to
  www.tongaholiday.com
  
  BLUE LAGOON RESORT www.foiata-island.com Approx €98 per night (1-2 persons)
  REEF RESORT www.reefresortvavau.com/ Approx €140 per night (1-2 persons)
  Approx €35 airport/boat transfer reef@kalianetvav.to
  
  VAVA'U HARBOURVIEW RESORT   Approx €53 a night (1-2 persons)
  www.harbourviewresort.com

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