An American in Cuba in 2015: Internet, Money, Food, Nightlife

I just spent a completely legal week in Cuba, split between Havana and Viñales. An American in Cuba in 2015 is a six part series on the trip. This post will focus on things I wish I'd known about internet, money, food, and nightlife in Cuba before going

Other Posts

Entry, Exit, and Legal Requirements
How to Book Flights or Ferries Into and Out of Cuba

Coming soon posts on lodging, transportation, Havana, and Viñales.
Money
There are two Cuban national currencies:

Convertible pesos: abbreviated CUC.

An American in Cuba in 2015: Entry, Exit, and Legal Requirements

I just spent a completely legal week in Cuba, split between Havana and Viñales. An American in Cuba in 2015 is a six part series on the trip.

How to Go to the Panama Canal on a Layover at Panama Tocumen Airport

You can very easily go to the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks on a multi-hour layover at Panama City's Tocumen International Airport.

Review: Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali

My friend and I stayed two nights at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka'anapali last weekend that cost me 12,000 SPG Starpoints and $31.25 per night.

Best Lounge at Bogota El Dorado Airport, Colombia

This post should have narrow appeal, but should be of great use to people flying through Bogota El Dorado International Airport in Colombia. Priority Pass members--free with an American Express Platinum--get free access to the Salon VIP LAN and Avianca Sala VIP. Which is better?

I flew from Bogota to Dallas today on American Airlines.

Trip Report: Allegiant Airlines Giant Seat

Monday I flew Allegiant Air in a Giant Seat, one of their First Class-sized seats up front, from Los Angeles to Honolulu.

Allegiant Air is a Las-Vegas-based low-cost carrier that survives by selling bundled hotel-air-entertainment packages, charging a fee for almost everything, and keeping its costs low.

It was a First Class-sized seat at an economy-class price.

Review: Great Wall Hiking Company

Last week, I did a 2 day/1 night hike on the Great Wall of China near Beijing that included 10 miles of hiking on the Wall, several meals, transportation, lodging, and a massage. My brother and I paid $370 per person.

Hiking the Great Wall was one of my best travel experiences ever. The history, the scenery, the outdoor exercise, and spending time with my brother were a potent combination.

I went with Great Wall Hiking (which gave me no discount and doesn't know I'm writing this review), and I enjoyed the tour immensely.

Trip Report: Seoul to Los Angeles in Asiana First Class A380

I just arrived in Los Angeles after 10 hours flying Asiana First Class on its brand new A380. I booked my seat last month for 70,000 United miles (at pre-devaluation prices using this trick.)

This is a really important trip report because Asiana First Class is a true luxury product that is extremely easy to book with miles!

Champagne wishes & caviar realities in Asiana First

Award space on the Asiana A380 is wide open in Business Class and First Class between Los Angeles and Seoul, especially at the last minute.

How the 72 Hour Transit Without Visa Works in Beijing China

Visa entry requirement change frequently. I will not update this post.

Hike to Sai Wan Village, Sheung Luk Stream, Hong Kong

A few days ago, I hiked to Sai Wan Village and Sheung Luk Stream in Hong Kong on the advice of an American friend who'd done the hike last year.