Tips For Cuba You Should Know Before You Go
Many travelers are rushing to get to Cuba, a country that has been disconnected from the outside world since the U.S. enforced an embargo in 1960 during the Cold War. Now that the embargo is loosening, the floodgates for American tourism could open. If you want to explore this island country, here are a few quick tips to make the most of the experience.
1. Level Your Expectations
Because Cuba has been locked out of the Western world for more than 50 years, I expected to find a country unprepared for tourism. I was pleasantly surprised to find otherwise. Sure there is a lot of crumbling colonial architecture and decay, but the country still delivers a smooth trip for travelers who are aware of certain limitations. For instance, there are likely to be hiccups, especially regarding power outages And the WiFi in Cuba, if existent, is notoriously slow and outrageously expensive. But if you’re willing to partake in a little digital detox this is not necessarily a bad thing.
2. Interact with Locals
You will find most everyone speaks English, making it easy to talk with locals who know are very open to giving uncensored opinions on the government. One of my favorite ways to get in on a local scene was to run around the makeshift dirt track near our hotel. While run down, it was enlightening to see a world without wealth. I ran along with other locals and watched as they transformed an old aluminum playground set into an outdoor fitness center for pull ups and declined pushups. Though it can be depressing, venture into places the locals frequent to have an experience beyond tours. The grocery stores are gloomy and are filled with processed foods and candy. Fresh fruit and vegetables are hard for locals to get their hands on because while the land is prime for agriculture, Framers don’t have the needed equipment to produce a larger amount of food.
3. Bring Gifts
I wish I had brought more. Of course, this being a country that has so little, they bubble over with excitement for even the little things. Some people in our group brought things like shampoo, conditioner and pencils, coloring books and notebooks for younger kids. It’s always a good feeling when something as small as a pack of stickers elicits a smile from someone who may not ever have them otherwise.
4. Shake Your Routine
I left mid-performance from the Buena Vista Social Club one night and wish I hadn’t. Our mornings generally started around 8 a.m. and it’s tough to sway me away from a morning workout and 8 hours of sleep. I saw the first half of the show, which featured impressive dancing and live music, but decided to leave early so I could stay on top of my morning routine. The next day, fellow travelers talked about how spectacular the grand finale was. They even got up on stage and danced with the performers. I thought about my time in the gym, and wished I had sacrificed sleep and a workout for the same experience.
5. Let Your Guard Down, At Least A Little.
I never felt like my safety was compromised while visiting Cuba. Although pre-arrival I was thinking that my laptop should be locked in a safe the entire time, and I needed a white-knuckle grip on all my belongings all day, I quickly learned I was being paranoid. This is not to say that you shouldn’t have some caution and your wits about you but don’t let fear take away from your experience. Several Cubans talk about how safe they feel here, which also carries over for tourists. The only thing we were warned about was getting incorrect change back after purchasing something from markets.
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