With a name like El Barbudo, it'd be a shame if I'd never been to Cuba.
(Guevara, the Castros and the rest of the revolutionaries were known as Los Barbudos when they lived in the jungle and didn't shave).

Cayo Coco barely existed when I went to Cuba in the mid-1990's and it wasn't one of the places I visited but I believe it's a purpose-built resort, so you're not going to see "real" Cuba there but, from friends who have been, I understand that you can get guided day-trips to Havana etc.

We booked and travelled independently to get around Cuba and saw a fair bit that way, and that method had its advantages and disadvantages.
I'm guessing though, that if you're thinking of Cayo Coco, you're inclining towards a nice relaxed, all-inclusive, beach holiday?
From what I hear that's what you get there.

I agree. I passed through Cayo Guillermo a bit further along the coast and had a couple of days chilling there while back packing. I remember travelling independently to get to the resort you have to show your passport as only locals with clearance can get to the resorts. The sand and sea is amazing up there though.

I recommend getting on some trips to see the rest of the country. It's hard to do independently from a big resort as you'd have to get a taxi to a nearby town and then a bus (which are infrequent and can take ages). Havana and Santa Clara I recommend.

Been three times, but always mixed it with a vista to Havana for 3 or 4 days, staying in the National on the sea front and had some trips down to Pina del Rio and other spots of interest before a beach stint to wind down. Fantastic country and people, will be making it four times soon.

So, who's an expert on Scotland who can recommend good places for camping?

I like a bit of activity but nothing too strenuous, a bit of scenic hiking or bike riding. Also like castles and things like that! Thinking of going for a few nights in October camping then finishing with a night in a hotel in Edinburgh or Glasgow just because I have a voucher.

Thanks in advance.

Not an expert but I've enjoyed the couple of times I've spent here............

avoid Arbroath - just smells of fish !

Lovely part of Scotland, sanjunien; quite agree. I go up a couple of times a year, my brother lives in Turriff and my niece in Banff, so I know the area well.

the wifes cousins have just moved to Turriff from Fraserburgh for work

great golf courses as well - a mate from Aberdeen, a 0.1 handicapper reckons Buckie GC is the most challenging course he's played ( as a real hacker, EVERY course is a challenge !)

Thanks a lot guys. The north east does look the best, Cairngorms national park or loch ness, bloody long drive though!

Anyone hired a campervan ( or RV as they call them ) to drive around the US? Just wondering on experiences, value, ease of parking it up to sleep, actually driving the thing etc?

Looking at doing the West Coast next summer, starting in Vegas, then San Diego, LA and San Francisco, and any places we find en route to each....