I traveled to Cuba in December 2016. I am a bit of an over planner so I did a lot of research (even though my trip was only 2.5 days). I’ve gotten a ton of questions from friends and have a bunch of helpful tips to share so here it is.
GETTING THERE
I flew directly into Havana via JetBlue. A few days after booking, I got an email asking me to verify my purpose of travel (as an American, legally there are only 12 reasons for which you can go to Cuba choose the one that is appropriate for your trip). I filled it out for me and my husband. It’s a pretty simple form. All parties traveling under the same itinerary have to be traveling for the same reason. JetBlue sells the visa required for entry to Cuba so I didn’t need to do anything additional. They also include health insurance, which is also required.
THE AIRPORT
If you are the type that likes to arrive 5 minutes prior to your gate closing… do not do it to yourself when you are going to Cuba. You want to be chill and prepared. JetBlue people, you will have to get in a separate line for your visa so that might add an extra 30 minutes.
PACKING and PREPARING
Here are a few things my husband and I did and packed that helped a bunch on our trip:
- A Power Strip – there was only one outlet on my side of the bed and it was occupied by the lamp. You never know.
- Money – Bring all the cash you think you will need. You will NOT be able to use your credit card anywhere.
- Speaking of Money – Bring EUROs because they are easier to exchange and you’ll save money. The American dollar gets taxed 10% more than any other currency in Cuba. Not every bank has EUROs so call in advance to find out if your branch does… I learned this the hard way and had to run around the day before my trip.
- Hire a driver in advance- our driver Jose is legit going to be a friend for LIFE. If you want his info I fully vouch for him – just email me. He is reasonable and has a cool old car.
- Bring all the meds you might need. I traveled with Excedrin (I got a migraine so I was sooo happy I did), Imodium, Tylenol, Benadryl. Looking for a pharmacy that carries this sort of stuff might eat up a couple of hours of your day.
- Snacks! – Do not skip this one. There is no bodega. There is no mini bar (ok I had a mini bar but it was all rum lol). Getting a meal is a process. You wait, then sit, then wait again… so there’s no grabbing a quick bite. Bring protein bars, things you like to eat that travel well. I would go as far as bringing a bag of bagels and PB+J next time I go. Don’t over do it but account for at least two filling snacks a day per person. The way my hanger is set up…. I was not trying to put my hubs through that on the trip.
- Seasoning – Bring your hot sauce, Sazon packets and salt … whatever you like to season your food. You will thank me for this one. TRUST. I was really popular at dinner with friends when they found out I had hot sauce with me. Yahve was so embarrassed but I had NO issue busting it out at the table.
- Toilet Paper – When we landed back in NY, I heard some other passengers say “UGH, I will never take toilet paper for granted. I’m going to find the softest roll I can find and buy 20 rolls.” That was not my experience because… your girl packed TP and carried TP everywhere she went. Our hotel was well stocked with… single ply but restaurants and other places often charge you for a very stingy amount. You will be happy you carried your own. There are travel sized rolls but I just put TP in Ziplock bags.
- Giveaways – I didn’t bring anything of real value to giveaway but I had tons of sample sized makeup, lotion, soap etc that I packed. We gave them out as tips to waitstaff. They were SO appreciative. Those things are rationed so anything extra is a treat!
HOTEL
- We stayed at Hotel Florida in Old Havana.
- Turns out there is an ATM across the street. There are two security guards outside and after the second night, we asked what they were guarding. LOL
- The AC in our hotel was very good.
- There is Wifi in the lobby. You buy a $5 Wifi card and it lasts you an hour.
WHILE YOU ARE THERE
- People, Cuba is so safe. I mean, don’t go being imprudent but of all the places I have traveled this is not one to worry about your safety. Yahve and I walked around late down dark streets and thought nothing of it…. well there was that one run in with a rat (who had to be at least 15 pounds…. UGHHHH).
- The people are nice but not exactly warm so don’t take it personally. The customer service isn’t exactly we are accustomed to just yet. Be patient.
- If you have a driver, like I suggested above (again, Jose it the man!) you will have someone to help you negotiate (like getting to the front of a long line – he actually did this for our friends who went the week after us!), translate and answer questions.
- If someone offers to get you a good deal on cigars… 9 out of 10 times they are not authentic.
- There are not a lot of beggars but a few.
- Especially in Old Havana people will approach you to sell you stuff but sometimes they just want to talk to a foreigner and find out where you are from. Be open to the experience.
COMING HOME
Give yourself enough time at the airport in Cuba. That line was serious! When we arrived back in the states, customs here was a breeze. No fuss at all.
QUESTIONS?
Hit me on email and I will do my best to answer specific questions you may have.
This post is all the basic stuff. I will do another post with pictures and share tips on places we went and places we wished we had time to visit. I wanted to make sure to get this up in time because so many people I know are planing to go in the next couple of months.
HAPPY TRAVELS!
