How to go to Cuba
It made me
super awesome 
"Unlike anything I have done before!"
How I did it: I worked at a fast food restaraunt part time for 5 months, saved every penny. It cost me $1400 all inclusive for 2 weeks.
My boyfriend and I went to Sandiago De Cuba: swam with the dolphins, went on a boat cruise, ate lobster, went snorkeling and drank our faces off.
The Brisas Sierra Mar in Santiago De Cuba
It's absolutely gorgeous in Santiago. If you do go, Go to the Brisas Sierra Mar. It's one of the only resorts actually on the beach. We drove past some other hotels in the area and they didn't even compare to the Brisas Sierra Mar. The food was wonderful - they had fresh caught fish almost every night. They had all different kinds of food. If you do go to the brisas sierra, make sure you make reservations at the outdoor restaurant (included with the price of your resort). It's tiny - it only accomodates only 10 people at a time. It's completley candlelit, and expect to get drunk because the wine pours freely there.
Also take the catarmaran cruise to a private island and order the lobster - fresh caught right off the island - you will NEVER find lobster as good as there. (the catamaran trip is exta $ ... but worth it.)
Lessons & tips:
If your canadian, fly with Sunwing. The food onboard is great. pay the exta 20 bucks and get the legroom... it can get a little congested. Entertainment is great on board. Sunwing has the cheapest prices.
Even if it's all inclusive, your going to want to bring a couple hundred extra for the little side trips (like swimming with the dolphins) or souveniers, or the odd 'cervesa' (beers!) on your side trips.
Also, bring LOTS of gum and makeup - these things are very uncommon in Cuba and make GREAT tips for your room-cleaner or bartenders. They will really appreciate it. (you can buy tons of makeup from the local dollar store, it really doesnt cost you much.) You can also buy little teddy bears and stuff for the kids.
Also, attempt to learn some basic words in spanish to show you respect the hotel staff.
Gracias (GRASS-EEE-ASS) - Thank you
Cervesa (CER-VAY-CA) - Beer
Uno (OO-No) - One
Dos (doh-s) - Two
Tres (t-rez) - three
Granata (Gran-ah-tah) - Your welcome
Muchos (moo-choh-s) - 'alot' 'many'
Por favor (poor-FA-vor) - Please
"Dos cervesas porfavor" - 2 beers, please!
The people there are wonderful and LOVE to answer your questions. Always talk to the locals and your hotel staff. The bartender liked my boyfriend and I so much, he introduced us to his family! It was a great experiance.
Resources: None really, we booked the trip though a local travel agent and just winged it.
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