What are the Dos and Don'ts when traveling to Cuba?

Question

Haven't been out of the country for a while (since I was 5) and I'm planning on staying in a Varadera in Cuba with my girlfriend. We are flying out of Toronto, Canada. We're staying at a 4 star hotel on the beach for about a week. So what should I, or shouldn't I do in Cuba? What kinda shots should i get taken before going? Is it safe? What places should I go to, what places should i avoid? Also I haven't been on a plane either. any info would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

As some people say,  the best is not go there for now

Answer 2

There's just one.......DON'T!

Answer 3

You are in for a wonderful time.  Cuba is so great , the people are some of the friendliest you will ever have the good fortune to meet and there is most everything to do that you will  wish to do on a Caribbean vacation and the prices aren't expensive.  Since you are going to Varadero be sure to take at least a day trip into Havana, most tourists agree it's the highlight of their visit.  I'm Canadian and after nine visits I've never taken any shots nor been ill at all.  Bottled water will be provided free by your resort.  It's a good idea to take a thermal mug with you, they are great for water  or beer on the beach.  Resort employees depend very much on tips to make a living a Convertible Peso (CUC), the currency used by tourists is the usual tip for bars and the buffets.  You can't buy them in Canada but you will be able to do so on arrival either at the airport or your resort.  Put 25 CUC aside per person to pay thedeparture tax.  If you don't use all your CUC you can save them for your next visit, chances are you go once you will be back.  You can check the link below for approximate rates.  Also check the tripadvisor site for reviews of your resort.  I've included a couple of other sites which you may find helpful. Have a great time, I'm sure you will love Cuba.

Answer 4

Don't drink the tap water. Only drink bottled.

Answer 5

LOL what more to say? Havanalover and Riki gave you excellent advice. One thing I'll add is to make sure you take your regular vitamins and minerals to keep your immune system up since travel can be a little hard for some people and your body might need a couple of days to adjust to change. Make sure your food is well cooked and handled properly, wash your hands before eating ESPECIALLY after being on the beach...and of course after the facilities. If everybody did that everywhere, then most sickness and flu bugs would be prevented, especially with buffet lines lol........

ANYWAY, enough with the health lessons lol...

I'll add in that you should make sure you have enough sunscreen with you. If you haven't been away for quite some time as you say (and perhaps haven't been to a really hot beach place), you'd want to be sure to start out slowly in the sun because it's really hot there.

Make sure you take the necessary adapters/converters for any appliances you bring...and enough batteries and a charger for your camera/recorder. Those things tend to be really expensive at the resorts.

The flight is only 3.5 hours and will go by in no time. Air Canada is a great airline to travel with. And if you go with them, your check out time is extended until 4 pm for free (if you have a late flight home, which will most likely be if you're coming from T.O.).

Most hotels require 12 pm checkout and you'll probably end up waiting around with your luggage :-(

With other tour groups, you're required to pay about $30 CUC to be able to extend your room time to 5 pm (unless you have VIP bookings...then it's included).

Cuba is VERY safe. They love Canadians. Just relax, have a great time and make some amazing Cuban friends. They'll be your friend for life.

You're in a great location being very close to Havana. And there are so many things to do and sites to see...there's also a dolphinarium where you can swim with dolphins if you want.

Check out the sites and see what appeals to you.

But just have an amazing time! You'll love it!

Just ONE little suggestion...since you haven't been away for a long time, might I suggest that you go for longer than 1 week. By the time you start unwinding it will be time to go home. If you can afford your time to spend at leat 10 days if not 2 weeks, then try that. You'll be more relaxed and will feel great...trust me!

Enjoy Cuba!

*Edit: if anyone has any misconceptions about Cubans being allowed to stay at resorts, they've been allowed to stay since at least 10 years ago. I have been at resorts where Cuban families were there on vacation. There seem to be a lot of misconceptions.

Answer 6

The best don't is don't go to Cuba at this moment

To Tropical

Correct me if I am wrong, but I am getting the feeling that you are making propaganda for fidel

Answer 7

Well, the basic Don't is simple: Don't speak anything against the government. If you do, they will take you to Villa Marista,  the State administred hotel and you will spend a very looong time there.

The good news, it won't cost you a cent

The bad news, room service is terrible

Answer 8

Varadero is a good location for couples. The resort will work very hard to keep you entertained. Varadero is pretty sanitary when it comes to problems since it is prohibited for most Cubans to visit Varadero without government permission or actually living or working there. A reasonably safe vacation spot. No shots needed (I drink the same water the Cuban drink and have never had a problem, you will get bottled water and it will be fine).

The Dos? ENJOY YOURSELF.

The Don'ts? Beward of pickpockets or leaving items unattended on the beach, there is not much crime in Varadero but there is some.

Answer 9

If you're staying in one of those beach resorts you'll basically be like fattened cows eating and drinking all day and lying on the beach and really you won't know what cuba is like at all... so you'll have no worries. BTW, the government only let Cubans stay in those hotels since the beginning of the summer this year, and the potatoes and beef you eat in the hotel would all have to be bought on the black market if you were out among the people - they still live on rations....

Answer 10

planes are fun take off is alot of fun just remain calm they might give you a drink and stuff, never been to cuba but maleria or something is out there and also have fun =]

Answer 11

Cuba is one of the safest places in Latin America, but take the usual precautions. No shots needed, don't drink tap water even if they say that it's ok. Some anti-diarrhoea meds and or antibiotics can be useful. Don't walk alone at night on the streets, criminality is low compared to the US but robbing a wallet or snatching off a handbag happens. Don't wear golden chains or expensive jewels, watches etc.

Watch out for money exchangers, only exchange in official places such as your hotel , a bank or a Cadeca ( official Governmental exchange bureau). And each time count your change, shortgiving is a plague in Cuba.. Cuba is a wunderful country, be sure to visit Havana

If you only go for one or two days to Havana it's best to buy a guided trip at your hotel or tour operator a taxi to Havana will cost you +/- 60 $ (single trip) and Havana is a big city nearly 2.5 million people.

Check out this : http://www.havana-guide.com

Havanalover