Cuba travel guide: travel tips

Cuba is a place that instantly grabs your attention: one minute you're rushing for the door, and the next you realize you never want to leave. The unique culture, the colonial fascination of the buildings, the vintage cars, all make Cuba a dream come to life. But for the traveler who aims for an enjoyable experience, a trip to Cuba can also be a daunting experience. Therefore, carefully planning your visit and knowing the key travel tips for Cuba is the key to a successful and memorable vacation.

Cuba offers stunning beaches and plenty of activities such as kitesurfing and fly fishing, especially in the famous tourist area of Varadero. You can also enjoy a variety of food and entertainment in the evening. Another plus is Varadero's close proximity to Havana and other Cuban attractions.

If you come to Cuba for diving, it is definitely worth visiting the islands that make up the Royal Garden. This is truly the best place for diving. There is even the option to go on a five or ten day dive boat tour there. However, such a trip will cost around $2,000 to $3,000 per week.

The second most popular dive site is the small town of Maria La Gorda, located near the forest. Finding transportation and lodging there can be a little more difficult than in Jardin De La Reina, but prices are more affordable. In addition, Santa Beach, which is connected to Camagüey, also offers shark diving tours.

Staying in guesthouses, also known as “casa particular”, is a better and more economical way to immerse yourself in Cuba. One of the key tips for choosing accommodation in Cuba is to pre-book your stay in a casa particular. Hotel rooms sell out faster than “casa particular” and those who don't book in advance may be left homeless.

Tourists can take advantage of various modes of transportation in Cuba. In rural areas such as Santa Clara, horses and buggies are the main means of transportation.
Intercity buses are offered by the state-owned Viazul, the only company in the country that provides transportation services between cities. However, be aware that buses depart at their own discretion, so it is recommended to arrive at the bus station one hour before the specified departure time.
Also popular are collective shuttle buses, which can be ordered for an additional fee during the trip. They can be found in almost any city. Locals can help with hailing a cab on the street. Also popular are vintage cars that also operate as collective cabs, but their services can be more expensive. You will usually be offered a car that is between 10 and 30 years old.

Before traveling to Cuba, it is important to clarify the need for a tourist visa or card, it depends on your country of residence. Be sure to take care of medical insurance, which covers the entire period of stay in Cuba.

When planning a trip to Cuba, it is important to consider financial aspects: currency exchange, accommodation and transportation costs, and additional expenses.
There are two currencies on the island: the convertible Cuban peso (CUC) for tourists and the Cuban peso (CUP) used by locals. Due to government subsidies on many products, subsidized products are not available to tourists, making the CUC the primary currency for foreigners.

Before traveling, it is important to prepare your budget properly:

• It is important to plan expenses in advance and bring enough cash with you to avoid high fees at ATMs, access to which is limited in Cuba.
• It is recommended to take euros instead of US dollars, as they are widely accepted and the exchange rate is more favorable.
• Although credit cards are accepted at some hotels and restaurants, the fees can be significant.

Armed with knowledge of the local currency and carrying some cash, you can avoid many financial inconveniences and fully immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the island.

Learning a few key Spanish expressions can make it much easier to interact with locals in Cuba. Mastering basic phrases will improve your communication and make your trip more comfortable. Start with phrases such as “I want/need...”, “do you have a room?” and “can I order another mojito?”.

When traveling, take items with you that will help you be prepared for different situations during your trip:

• Summer clothes and long-sleeved items for cooler evenings.
• Comfortable walking shoes and special shoes for outdoor activities.
• Plastic bags for storing belongings and shopping.
• Snacks, as local foods may not be available.
• Insect repellent for protection against insects.
• Socket adaptor and necessary medications.

The optimal time to visit Cuba is April and October. In these months, the climate is milder, there are not so many tourists, and prices are more affordable. However, it is worth avoiding the Easter period in April because of the possible influx of travelers.Period that is better to avoid: May, June and September. During this time, the weather in Cuba is hot and humid. In addition, June through October is hurricane season, which increases the likelihood of precipitation. Some tourist areas may be closed during these months.

• Rum: up to five bottles of rum per person may be purchased at Duty Free.
  Cigars: up to 25 packaged and labeled cigars per person are allowed. An unlimited number of unlabeled cigars can be purchased at tobacco farms. The most famous brand is Cohiba.
  Colonial-style tablecloth: a traditional tablecloth, costs 35-40 CUC for a size suitable for a table for six people.

A trip to Cuba is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the island's unique atmosphere, enjoy its culture and nature, and bring home a piece of its warmth and hospitality. Follow these tips and your trip will be unforgettable!