part 2 of my trip to Cuba: my day trips to the tobacco valleys of Vinales (where we go horseback riding, visit amazing caves and smoke the iconic Cuban cigars) and Varadero, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Watch part 1 where I show where to go/what to do in Havana, give my first impressions of Cuba, and offer more advice/ tips. Read below if you're planning to come to Cuba:
• HAVANA, CUBA travel vl...
Tips:
-Reason for travel is SUPPORT FOR THE CUBAN PEOPLE, since tourism is not technically allowed
-Plan all your excursions and transportation to/from the airport ahead of time! I booked ours through my airbnb hosts but still paid in cash when we got there
-Take out as much CASH as you think you will need for your entire trip! Your debit/credit card won't work or be accepted anywhere in Cuba. I recommend getting a lot of $1 bills because most places will give you change in Cuban pesos, which does not equal the same
-The most common rate we saw for US dollars was $1=120 Cuban pesos
-Do not buy cigars/drugs off the street or exchange money on the streets with random people
-We paid for our visa ($85 per person) and filled them out at the airport as well as went to a website called Viajeros to fill out a form online
-Our flight tickets with Southwest included travel health insurance (which is required to have in Cuba!) so make sure your airline you fly with has that or buy your own. You must carry your boarding pass/health insurance proof with you at all times in Cuba
-Download an offline maps app since your phone will not have any service while in Cuba! You can purchase a local SIM card or Wifi once there, but it is not great connection and very limited so be prepared to be UNPLUGGED in Cuba. Make sure your loved ones understand you will be offline/ won't have much service to connect.
-Only drink bottled water while in Cuba and pack lots of snacks since there are no convenience stores there.
-Bring wipes/toilet paper everywhere you go in Cuba since most public restrooms will not have toilet paper since you cannot flush paper due to sensitive sewage system there!
-We stayed in Central Havana, a 30 minute walk to Old Havana, so everything was pretty walkable
-I listed my favorite places to eat and see in the videos!
Comment if you have any other questions and follow my Instagram to see my highlights of the trip!
@edenswilliams