Should i vacation in cuba

We go for sun, the beaches and the people. Food gets better each time we go but we can always find something to eat. Been on excursions to Havana and Mantanza and on a boat to scuba dive. We love Cuba and have never had any problems with theft or scams or any other crimes. Hi there any suggestions of where to stay in Varadero please and what was the weather like in May please. It needs to be said that many problems within Cuba can be directly related to challenges for the Cuban people and government from the US embargo of 60 years duration.

Not every problem in Latin America is caused by US policy, but if we took responsibility to understand the policies that we are responsible for, we would not only make the lives of Cubans easier, but life as a tourist would be easier as well. I think your blog is very informative, it is a good resource for travelers who want to be safe. Things like how to deal with people there, are very useful. I think that if you now that you are safe, you can enjoy your trip much more.

I think it needs more information about the weather. I think that your blog needs more information of how to be prepared in the case that a hurricane hits. I researched a bit and found out that because of the climate change there are even more hurricanes in Cuba. Did you now that the whole population of Havana knows how to be prepared from a very early age, and that every neighborhood in Cuba has an elected official who goes from house to house warning of the danger of the approaching hurricane?

What could I do as a tourist if a hurricane hits? I landed on this blog looking for something else and scotched reading comments :. Please, font worry about what to do in case of a hurricane.

If you are staying in resort, you will be taken care very well and safely. I bet you will be put in a place where turists from resorts are sent. Enjoy your travel and always use common sense! I wandered around in downtown Havana in the evening with a friend and felt safer than downtown Ottawa or Toronto. People will approach you with trinkets or food to buy or to play some music, but if you are not interested, say so and they will leave you alone.

The concierge a Canadian expat at our hotel told us a few things. So all of the government sanctioned restaurants and hotels some are privately owned are required to use filtered water for ice, food prep, etc. So fresh fruits and vegetables are safe to eat.

Eating foods from street vendors could be a problem. Never got sick. Second, if a Cuban were convicted of a crime against a tourist it carries a 20 year prison sentence. Could explain the safety aspect. Of course people will try to make extra money so buyer beware when it comes to street sold goods.

All in all, a very safe place to visit and relax. Where did you stay in Cuba? I went to Havana last year and have never observed or experience any safety issues or problems. Best experience ever!!! While I am vigilant, I believe Cuba is the safest of all of the many islands I have visited.

There is much police everywhere to assure order and security. Re: money.. Strongly suggest, you find out what time bank opens and be in line 30 minutes before opening. Only 2 or 3 people allowed in bank at one time.

I also discovered that some high end hotels can accomodate guest for a credit card withdrawal but to a maximum amount. Do have to get all of the cash you need before flying in to Cuba? I am thinking about going here for a medical mission. Thanks so much!!! For more tips on how to deal with money in Cuba, please check out our Cuban currency article.

Hope it helps! We are travelling from havana to trinidad then onto matanzas over a period of 10 days. Tour Republic April 11, 12 Min Read. Cuba Travel Resources. Share Article:. Tour Republic Tour Republic is a travel marketplace where local entrepreneurs offer memorable experiences in Cuba. Wondering what to bring to Cuba? From the capital city of Havana in the west to Santiago , in the east and the quaint towns in central Cuba like Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Santa Clara , Cuba is an extremely casual country.

When you visit Cuba , wear comfortable shoes because Havana is the ultimate walking city. Leave your jewelry at home. Bring sunglasses, a wide-brim hat and sunscreen. It is very hot and sunny. When planning what to pack for Cuba in the summer months , you may want to bring rain gear like an umbrella and light poncho.

Summer showers are brief but can be intense. Remember most personal products like, sun screen, feminine hygiene, deodorant, etc. Bring your own when considering what to pack for Cuba.

Cubans are among the friendliest and warmest people. They will ask you questions about yourself and share information about themselves freely.

Cuba is very safe but it is still prudent to exercise caution as on any visit to a different country. If you are a U. Credit cards from U. ATMs in Cuba will not deliver funds drawn on U. You need to buy it upon arrival in Cuba. The Cuban government formally ended its dual currency system on January 1, The local currency, the moneda nacional, or CUP will be pegged to the U.

The CUC, the former currency will be phased out completely by June leaving the island with one currency for the first time in over 20 years. As you can now pay for some expenses in U. This is located to the right as you exit the airport. You will need local currency to pay for the taxi to Havana. The cost of the taxi to the Havana city center is about the equivalent of 25 tp 30 U. Make sure to have small change for tips or to purchase bottled water or some local transportation.

Many of these are rated 4 and 5 stars. These ratings do not adhere to any internationally recognized rating system. A typical 5-star government hotel in Havana is the equivalent of a 2 or 3-star hotel in any other Caribbean nation.

The prices, however, are very much in keeping with a standard 5-star hotel. This results in an exceeding poor value for your money. For the past several years, the government has allowed private citizens to engage in certain private-sector pursuits including renting out rooms in their homes to visitors. They are similar to Airbnb, homestays or your typical Bed and Breakfast establishments. In other words, a Cuban guesthouse. On average these casas go for much less than a regular hotel room would cost.

Many are modest but clean and well located for seeing the sights. Most offer a decent breakfast and any other meal for an additional, affordable cost. Besides the price and quality, the advantage of staying in a casa is that you are interacting with a Cuban family and giving your money directly to them.

Barbara Maseda. A living museum of old cars. A place frozen in time. Great weather. See socialism with your own eyes. Beautiful beaches and landscapes. Buy great cigars. A musical country. A country of dancers. The easiest way to get your Cuban Tourist Card is online in advance through sites like Cuba Visa Services , but you can also buy one from your airline contact your air carrier to find out where an how to purchase.

The internet is basically nonexistent in Cuba…and it is better that way! Consider this your digital detox. Let your work and family know you will be mostly out of reach. Still have questions about travel to Cuba?

Our local Cuban travel planners are here to help. Message us to get started. And before your trip, make sure to check out:. Work with a local to plan your trip. Can I legally travel to Cuba even with the new Trump-era regulations? Find a Travel Companion While traveling to Cuba solo is easy and fun, you will probably enjoy having a friend with you for the experience.

Decide When To Go Do you want to see a certain festival? Book Your Flight Spend time researching your flights before booking anything. Find a Casa Particular Forget about hotels in Cuba — they are overpriced and dingy.