HOW TO GET THERE AND WHERE TO STAY

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