MY PERSONAL TIPS

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.