We changed $100, $50 and $20 bills at the hotel with no problem except on one occassion where they would not accept a bill that was torn and damaged.

The $500 amount per person was enough for us and probably for most people except if significant purchases of art were made.

What denominations of cash is recommended to take that would make it easier to convert to local currency? Is the $500/person recommendation enough?

Good place for current information (including info about many choices you might make for the free night/dinner in Havana) : http://tinyurl.com/d8onasl

Hi, Paula!

As you will learn when you get to Cuba, they have a far better program of maternal and infant care than we have in the U.S., producing an infant mortality rate below that of the U.S., so, no, I wouldn't devote any of my 44 lbs. to bringing a book on pregnancy to Cuba!

Past participants: I have a lightly used Spanish-language version of the book "What to expect when you're expecting". If space/weight allows (44lb limit!) would this be helpful to bring along as a donation?

Anyone know the best way to get from Ft. Lauderdale Airport to Courtyard Marriott?

Louise, Sorry but our government does not allow us to "vacation" in Cuba. We are allowed to visit only on an educational or perhaps humanitarian trip. As such, you will be kept quite busy as Roxann said well into the evenings and you can wander around on your own before (usually around 0830) in the mornings or after the scheduled dinners in the evenings. We did wander around some and never felt threatened although some understanding of Spanish would be of great help (we didn't have any). There is plenty of night life to participate in if you choose as the music would go on until the whee hours of the morning. If beach time is what your looking for, the Cuba trip may not be your best choice.

Another question--is there a single supplement?