First Time Travel To Cuba Made Simple

Cuba? Why travel to Cuba? How do I get there? Where should I stay? What do I need when I am there? What will it cost? What am I waiting for?

If you have asked yourself any of these questions, then this is the article for you.

To be honest, Cuba (Cuba, n.d.) is not the easiest of places to travel to but with a little knowledge and preparation you will have the best time.

I first travelled to Cuba in February 2010, and I instantly fell in love with the island and the local people. From the moment I first stepped off the plane, I literally felt as if I had just exited a time machine and was transported back in time to 1959; the year of the revolution when time stopped for Cuba and its people.

I was so intrigued by the history, simplicity and beauty of the island and people that I wanted to explore and know more about this mysterious island so rich in history and raw beauty. One of the most impressive books I read about Cuban History was Havana Nocturne, How the Mob Owned Cuba and Then Lost It to the Revolution written by T.J. English. (Worrall, 2016)

Since that first trip in 2010, I have travelled to Cuba many times and to different areas of the island. In 2016, I rented a car and drove from Havana in the north to Holguin in the south and truly experienced the island culture and took in the sites. It is through these many travels to Cuba, I have learned many tips that would be important to first time travellers in making their vacation to Cuba more pleasurable. I have not been to an area of Cuba that I didn’t like.

The easiest and cheapest way to see Cuba is to book an all-inclusive vacation package.

These all-inclusive packages are the best for your buck and include:

• the flight to and from Cuba, transportation from and to the airport and resort upon arrival and departure
• all meals, snacks, and drinks – both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages
• non-motorized water sports – snorkelling gear, paddle boats, and catamaran rides
• entertainment and games at the resort
• A week consisting of 7 nights, all-inclusive can cost as little as $700.00 or under depending on the time of year for travel and area chosen.

When researching my next Cuba destination, I like to start with Trip Central. (Trip Central, 2019), it’s a great website and provides:

• a clear visual of links to travel areas in Cuba with prices at a quick glance suit your schedule and budget
• filters for choices by length of stay, month of travel, star ratings, inclusions, and more
• access to customer reviews, travel advisories, and flight information
•  easy online booking if you wish to book through their site

Once armed with this information, I also like to check and compare with other providers to see if they are cheaper for the same package and travel date.

I also came across a very cool website called the Cuba Travel Network to help you research where you may want to start your first trip to Cuba. This website lists all fifteen provinces (Cuba Travel Network, n.d.) in Cuba with links to information for each province.

Okay, so now the destination is booked. What else is on a need to know basis?

Most Important:

Language: Spanish

Documents Required: (Government of Canada, 2019)

• Valid Passport – make copies – leave copy with family at home, on phone in case you lose or damage yours
• Tourist Visa (usually provided on plane and included in cost of trip)
• Valid Health Insurance
• return flight ticket
• sufficient funds to cover your stay (do not need a lot of money in Cuba)
• Departure tax usually paid in all inclusive packages

Currency: (Tour Republic, 2019)

CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso) – Tourist’s money – can exchange dollars to CUC at most Cuban airports, resorts, Cadecas (small currency exchange office), or banks.

CUP (Cuban Peso) – Local’s money

Part of Cuba’s beauty is that you won’t find any of the modern conveniences we have become so used to at home. There are no Burger King, McDonald’s, KFC, Walmart, Canadian tire, or grocery stores. Like the campaign ad for Cuba promotes “Autentica Cuba” ( Kauremszky, I, 2010 July 5), and that is what you get. Cuba is limited in its imports so access to items is very limited and what is there can be expensive to purchase.

As a result of this travel, I have compiled a list of extra things to know and bring along with you to ensure you have a great experience.

• Water – only drink bottled water, can brush teeth with tap water, do not swallow – buy bottled water and always have some in room fridge
• Toilet paper – Bring some of your own and never leave the resort without taking some with you. Toilet paper is like gold and most washrooms off resort will not have any or you may have to pay someone manning the washrooms in pesos for a couple of sheets, even at some of the Cuban airports (no one ever thinks to pass along this little important tidbit)
• Take your favourite snacks – potato chips, crackers, candy, etc.– very limited selection in Cuba and it’s fun to share with the Cubans
• Spices, sauces, salt/pepper, peanut butter, ketchup, pancake syrup, etc. – food is very bland, condiments are available but different than home,
• Re-usable drinking/thermos cup (Bubba style) – reduces waste, refill and take everywhere, keep drinks cold
• Some sort of flashlight or headlamp – power outages can occur
• Electricity adapter (Wiki Connections, 2019) for plug ins – chargers, hair straighteners, etc.
• Water shoes – protect feet from hot sand and shells, slippery pool tiles and marine life in the ocean
• Meds – prescription medications in original containers, Tylenol/ibuprofen, band-aids, afterbite and/or calamine lotion, Benadryl (antihistamine), Gravol and/or charcoal pills
• Sunscreen – better to take more than not enough
• Mosquito repellant
• Dukoral (Dukoral Canada, 2018) – be sure to avoid traveller’s diarrhea – not required but I can vouch for its benefits

I hope I have piqued your curiosity and interest in Cuba so you will visit soon to experience the magic for yourself. For all its flaws and imperfections, it truly is a diamond in the rough paradise and a must see for everyone.