Tips for upcoming trip to Cuba?

Question

next month, i'm taking a trip to Cuba. i'm an amateur class boxer, and i've always been fascinated by the Cubans dedication to the sport, which has been borne out by their results internationally, primarily the Olympics. i have a feeling it's totally unlike here in the U.S., and i'd like to get a firsthand look at exactly how and why. so i'd like to visit some gyms there, and local neighborhoods. i grew up poor here in the U.S., and i've heard the people there are fairly poor as well, so although i will be a tourist, i won't be staying in tourist areas, which is why i need some help with the aforementioned areas, starting with in Havana. i've also heard i can get there through Mexico, primarily Cancun, so anyhelp on this would be a ppreciated on exactly how to do that, and how much. and if i wanted to bring somethings back with me to the U.S., i'm sure the U.S. probably wouldn't let me, but i was wondering if i could mail them back to the U.S via Mexico? since the hurricane has hit there, they will likely need aid. medicine, clothing, etc. any specific tips on that as far as how to distribute those items and where? thank you for your help.

Answer 1

Do you speak Spanish ? Otherwise, you will not make much progress

You are right. It is totally unlike the USA

Answer 2

Many Cubans speak english.  The language barrier won't be a problem.

Answer 3

You can stay in a casa particular which is like a bed and breakfast. There are links below that will help you find places to stay right in among the locals...and which area you are considering. As well, the costs are listed for you.

If you were going as a amateur boxer to attend an event and even participate, you would be able to apply to the OFAC and actually get a travel licence to go to Cuba directly from the US. But if that is not your case, then you'd have to travel via 3rd as you'd mentioned.

Take a look at this information in regards to your travels:

http://www.cubatravelusa.com/FAQ.htm

http://www.cubatravelusa.com/Travel_Tips...

http://www.cuba-junky.com/cuba/travel_in...

These sites also give you an idea of the kind of things you can bring as gifts to the Cuban friends. You have a good, kind heart. They will appreciate your kindness.

You won't be able to bring anything back into the US from Cuba if is recognizable as a Cuban product. But Mexican souvenirs are like Cuban souvenirs as long as 'Cuba' isn't written on anything. So in that way you can bring things back. If something is recognizably Cuban, you may still have a hard time sending it from Mexico into the US as the US may open and inspect the package. If it's from Cuba, it will be confiscated.

Enjoy your trip to Cuba. Have a great time making Cuban friends and living right in amongst them, learning their culture, hospitality, life and everything else.

Answer 4

I assume you have the necessary permission Americans need to go to Cuba if you are going next month. But it appears you have not booked your flights. Yes, you can go through Cancun with Cubana or Mexico city, but would have to overnight if you went via Mexico City with Mexicana.

Have a look here for some details on Cuba. http://www.fascinating-travel-destinatio...

We are not American, but did have to go via the States.You would have to be careful what you tried to take back.Check so it is not confiscated.

You will find quite a few people do actually speak quite good English despite not having been out of their country. Especially those in tourism type jobs.

I have no idea about getting aid in. That would be a very big job! And probably need to go through the correct process.