How To Plan the Ultimate 3 Day Getaway To Aruba | Aruba 3-4 Day Itinerary

Welcome to the island of Aruba! Aruba is a small island in the Caribbean with a population of just under 100,000 people. The island is the most popular vacation spot in the Caribbean and for good reason. There are several things that make this destination so special including its natural beauty, white sand beaches, world-class resorts and restaurants, and stunning diving sites with plenty of marine life. It has been voted as one of the best places to live and work on many occasions due to its stunning beaches, great weather, and friendly residents. Aruba is an enticing destination for most travelers, like myself, but it can be hard to plan your itinerary for such a short visit. Because of that, I have put together this ultimate 3-day itinerary for you to ensure you get to experience all of these wonderful aspects that I have been lucky enough to experience myself!

Why Visit Aruba?

What makes Aruba so special? Besides the obvious—the gorgeous beaches, resorts, marine life—it is one interesting island. Here are some interesting facts to get you excited for when you visit Aruba.

• The island is actually three islands connected by bridges: Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire.

• It has the second-longest bridge in North America

• There are over 200 natural freshwater springs on the island - one for every square mile! 

• The country has become known for its casinos, being one of the first islands to offer casino gambling, since they were legalized in 1976.

• The average temperature ranges from 75° to 85° F year-round, with consistently gorgeous weather (as long as you avoid hurricane season)

• The island is situated just above Venezuela. You can even see the country from certain parts of the island. 

• Aruba is a constituent country of the kingdom of the Netherlands - right along with Netherlands, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.

• The locals speak Papiamento, a Creole language rooted in Dutch, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French(along with a few other languages). That’s not all though. Most of them speak 4-5 languages. Had this American feeling really bad about my 1.5 languages spoken. 

• Aruba is incredibly diverse, a true melting pot with over 90 nationalities represented across a population of over 100k people.

• YOU CAN DRINK THE WATER!!! Thanks to a desalinization plant, the island is known for its refreshingly tasty tap water. No need to buy water bottles. Just bring your own to refill. 

• Aruba produces lots of Aloe Vera. You’ll probably need some after spending your days in the sun. 

• Despite the tropical climate, Aruba is a desert island.

• There are over 40 beaches to be found in Aruba, famous for the white sand that can be walked barefoot even at the hottest time of day.

• Aruba is known for some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean (bring an underwater camera!)

• Aruba’s nickname is “one happy island”, and it def lives up to its name!

Where to Stay in Aruba

The first step in your planning your itinerary is finding where to stay in Aruba. I cannot tell you how great my stay at Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa was.

Set on tranquil Eagle Beach and recently named one of the “Top Ten Beaches in The World” by TripAdvisor, Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa occupies perhaps the most enviable oceanfront hotel location in Aruba. Mánchebo offers yoga, Pilates classes, spa services, dining options, pool access and beach access.

You’ll be welcomed with a mojito upon checking in and you have four restaurants to choose from if you’re feeling hungry after a long day of lounging on the beach. While I LOVED eating at The Chophouse, my favorite part of staying at Manchebo was the free breakfast. This wasn’t just your standard continental breakfast buffet, but instead a full food and smoothie menu! Plus, it was included in the cost of your stay. What more could a traveler ask for?

Book your stay here!

What to do in Aruba

Now that you know where you’re staying, you need to find out what to do in Aruba. There are countless experiences to be had, it can be hard to figure out how to fit it all in! But don’t worry—That is what I am here for. Of course, you can change up the activities and days to your preference, but hopefully this will be a start to getting you prepared for the trip of a lifetime!

Aruba is definitely known for its beaches and if you love adventure like myself, you might be wondering what else there is to this island. Don’t worry, I gotchu! There’s definitely something for everyone! 

Day 1 – Kick back and Relax

The day you arrive might be a tiring one. Plus, you’ve arrived at one of the most laid-back islands out there! Give yourself some time to relax and take in the beauty of Aruba.  Unpack your bags before exploring your hotel and journeying to the nearest beach. 

Head down to the famous beaches - I mean, aside from the food, isn’t this what you came for? Choose from beaches like Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Arashi Beach, Manchebo Beach, Malmok Beach & Boca Catalina Cove(ideal for snorkeling), Boca Keto, and many more! 

Do Yoga on The Beach - Many hotels, like the one I shared above, will offer yoga and it makes sense that they do— Aruba is so laid back and peaceful that if only makes sense for you to find some Zen.

Nap in a hammock – enjoy the sound of the waves and the beautiful weather while recouping from your travel.

Try some local food – There are plenty of tasty restaurants to choose from,  but I’d really recommend kicking things off with some Aruban cuisine! Consider trying Zeerovers, a local favorite that serves up fresh seafood right on the beach. As an alternative, hit up The old Cunucu House. This 150-year-old home has been converted into a charming restaurant that serves up authentic Aruban plates. They’re known for their goat, lamb, and oxtails!

Scroll to the bottom of this post for all of my food recommendations! 

Day 2 – Explore The Island 

One of the best things about Aruba is the sights to see and you’ve got a full day to explore. I recommend taking a day to appreciate the beauty and charm of the island. Here are some great options:

Tour Arikok National Park - This national park takes up 20 percent of the island and you can explore the landscapes via ATV or 4-wheeler. You can also do a day hike with a park ranger if you’re in need of a physical challenge. Book with ABC Tours Aruba!

Go snorkeling – This is a must at least once! The reefs are unlike any other. You can spend a day on a catamaran, where you can snorkel, swim, and chill while sipping on Aruba Aribas, the National drink!

Tour Natural Springs - You can take a tour of one of the many natural springs at Casibari National Park or Piscadera Bay Resort & Marina- both offer snorkeling opportunities as well as guided tours through subterranean caverns which provide access to cold, deep freshwater pools.

Visit a natural pool and Indian cave on a Jeep Safari Tour – Take half of your day and get a tour around the island, with the opportunity to see one of the most beautiful natural highlights. The Natural Pool in Arikok National Park is a perfect place to swim and snorkel with other adventurous types who have made the arduous 4x4 Land Cruiser road trip. You will stop at various attractions along your journey, like Dos Playa beach or Fontein Garden before arriving at this serene natural poolside setting where there are rock formations on either side of you as well! This is a great way to combine both Arikok National Park and natural springs! I HIGHLY recommend ABC tours - ask for Boss Lady! 

Spend a day on a catamaran - There’s no better way to explore an island! You can snorkel(if diving is too much for you), swim, slide/jump into the water or just chill while sipping on Aruba Aribas - the National drank. I sailed with Delphi Watersports!

Jump on a party bus - Looking for a nightcap? Hop aboard the Kukoo Kunuku bus, where you’ll party on a wacky bus trip while cruising through both city streets and country roads. It might sound cheesy, but it’s a great way to make new friends and while seeing the island. 

Day 3—Go on an adventure

You cannot visit Aruba without taking part in an adventure. Get out of your comfort zone and have an experience that will stay with you forever!

Go diving – Aruba is a great place to get your dive on. Divers may want to explore Antilla Shipwreck, which has been listed as one of the largest shipwrecks in Caribbean waters! You can even sign up for an intro/discovery swim if you don't have any experience - there's no better way to learn than by doing it yourself right?

Take Kite Surfing Lessons - This is the place to take your kiting skills up a notch! The strong trade winds make it an ideal destination for this exciting sport.

Go Cliff Jumping - Cliff jumping in Aruba is an adventure! The natural pools are beautiful and it's easy to get yourself into the water if you're feeling adventurous. I went for a dive at Conchi pool, which can only be reached by 4x4.

Learn to cook a traditional meal - Foodie alert!! If your idea of a good time is getting adventurous with some food, then this one is for you! IMO, food is one of the ultimate paths to learning about a new destination. Instead of just eating, learn about the ingredients, process, etc. This can be found on Airbnb Experiences linked here! 

Eat your heart out!!

This one isn’t reserved for any particular day! Here are some other restaurants worth trying during your time in Aruba! 

Oneil’ Caribbean Kitchen - Another local fave!! Another spot that combines Aruban and Caribbean flavors with dishes like Jerk Chicken, Ribs, lamb, etc. This came highly recommended but the locals that I met. 

Screaming Eagle/ @screamingeaglearuba - Sit out on the porch and enjoy tasty seafood in a relaxing atmosphere! Everything we ordered here was on point so you’ll just have to see for yourself. Be sure to make a reservation!

Flying Fish Bone - Ever ate with your feet in the ocean? Well, you can at this seafood spot! I honestly thought this would be one of those places where the views surpassed the food quality 👀 but everything was on point…including the service! This spot definitely lived up to the hype and it was incredible to sip on Aruba Ariba(Aruba’s signature cocktail) while the sunset over the sea. 

William’s Dutch Pancake House/ @dutchpancakesaruba - I’m a sucker for a solid breakfast and this is def one of the top 10 breakfasts that I’ve enjoyed around the world. You MUST try the traditional Dutch Pancakes - particularly the Poffertjes (Dutch style silver dollar pancakes). From this point on, If my pancakes aren’t mini then I don’t want them! Arrive early, but know that this breakfast is def worth the wait! 

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Additional tips for visiting Aruba

Rent a car in Aruba - Taxis can cost you up to $30 one way and the island is very spread out, so you’ll save time and money by renting a car. You’ll also be able to explore to your heart’s desire! Be prepared to drive through non-stop roundabouts. 

Pack plenty of sunscreen and mosquito spray - While the weather isn’t extremely hot, you’ll def want to bring sunscreen. Mosquito spray will save you during late evenings on the beach.

Bring a water bottle - Aruba is known for its refreshing water, so I’d recommend bringing a water bottle to refill on your daily adventures! 

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If you’ve been to Aruba and you have any recommendations, please drop them below! What‘s been your favorite restaurant experience while traveling?

I hope you can find some inspiration in this post for your next trip to Aruba! Let me know what you think of the itinerary and which recommendations from this 3-day adventure might work best for you. If nothing else, it should be a good start as you plan your own perfect vacation on one of our favorite Caribbean islands!

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9 Unforgettable Experiences in Cuba | Cuba Candela

I was nervous about my 2-week trip through Cuba. I’d read about the challenges of traveling through a country that is on the brink of major changes, in both a political and cultural sense. I wanted to feel the island’s magic, without jeopardizing the opportunity to experience the real Cuba we so often hear about. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, so I did more research than usual for this trip. I wanted to make sure I made the most of my time in this unique country that I’d been dying to visit.

When I plan trips, I  search for experiences that reveal a country’s culture - cooking classes, language immersion (via classes or homestays), etc. When I was researching the best of Cuba, I stumbled across the CUBA CANDELA's website. I liked their focus on immersive travel because that’s how I always aim to explore a country.

I reached out to CUBA CANDELA to arrange handpicked experiences. I selected a cooking class, classic car tour, a day trip to Vinales, and dinner at one of the most well-known restaurants in Havana (yup - Beyonce ate here!). It’s safe to say, the journey was so much more than that! Here’s what went down:

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1. I ate dinner with Beyonce. Okay, Okay...not at the same time, but I ate at the same restaurant as Beyonce. Close enough, right? *WE* ate a La Guarida, a Paladar (private restaurant) where the Oscar-Nominated Fresa y Chocolate was shot in 1993. Set in an unassuming building in Central Havana, La Guarida’s scene was the setting that so many people envision when they think of Cuba.

*note: reservations at La Guarida must be made in advance. With lack of internet & cell service, it was nice to have this taken care of ahead of time.

2. I got the chance to cruise through Havana in a lime green candy-coated vintage American car with the top down. This experience has yet to sink in. From the upscale homes along the Oak Tree lined Miramar neighborhood to Santeria sacrifices at Almendares Natural Park, I was able to see the colonial city through a completely different lens. Did I mention this was all to the sound of reggaeton? Y'all know I love my reggaeton!

3.   I was able to disprove the myth of Cuban food being mediocre by taking a cooking class at a Paladar (private restaurant). After learning about sustainable farming techniques, I witnessed how some private restaurants are forced to thrive on creativity to work around Cuba’s strict food regulations. This was a hands-on experience that allowed me to feel, smell, & taste the flavors behind the country’s innovative food scene.

4. I learned how to make a Cuban Mojito the REAL way and it was truly the best d*mn Mojito I’ve ever had. Did you know that the mint leaves aren’t supposed to be muddled? Now I’m going to have to side-eye every Mojito I see!  

5. I rode horseback through Vinales, Cuba’ s lush green countryside. I was blown away as I looked out over the rows of tobacco fields & limestone mountains in the background. This is what you call, tranquilo (calm).

6. I smoked a real Cuban Cigar alongside a tobacco farmer and it was legendary.

7. I had the best Ropa Vieja (Old Clothes —a traditional Cuban dish) of my life. I won’t explain further.  You just have to go try it for yourself.

8. I visited an artists’ home & community that has been entirely decked out in colorful mosaic tiles. We’re talking benches, fences, and entire homes! Think Gaudi’s Park Guell on steroids.

9. I got the chance to connect with my local guide and gain some real insight into life in Cuba. He pointed out his gym, home, school, etc. along our drive through Havana as if they were his own personal landmarks. If felt special to connect with a local who not only knew the history of his country but has lived it.

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There is a side of Cuba that can’t be found on the internet or in guidebooks. It’s even more difficult to arrange experiences once you arrive in the country due to lack of internet and the developing tourism infrastructure. A combination of CUBA CANDELA’s  cultural insight and my self-selected activities ultimately led to the Cuban experience I dreamed of.

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CUBA CANDELA Overview

I spent two days journeying with CUBA CANDELA, and the experience couldn’t have been better. I arrived in Cuba with a rough 14-day itinerary, but overall I was completely unsure of what to expect. It felt satisfying to have two days completely taken care of, logistically speaking. I didn’t have to waste time trying to figure out how to get somewhere and I didn’t have to worry about being scammed. The tour was completely private & handcrafted, so each activity will be based on your interests and their insider-knowledge of the country. This would be perfect for a family, couple, larger friend group who is looking for peace of mind in a country that can be difficult to travel through, especially for less experienced trip-planners and non-Spanish speakers. Pre-departure communication was exceptional and the execution was top-notch. Finally, this trip falls under legal travel to Cuba, directly benefiting the locals & private establishments they work with.CUBA CANDELA knows their stuff and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a seamless, yet highly cultural experience in Cuba.

Don’t just take my word for it. Always check the reviews.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Search for flights to Cuba via Skyscanner

Don't forget travel insurance! It is required in Cuba! I use World Nomads ! 

 CLICK HERE to get $45 off your next Airbnb stay. This is where I stayed in Cuba! 

You Might Also Enjoy:

• What To Know Before You Go To Cuba in 2018
• How to Book a Casa Particular in Cuba | My best Airbnb experience yet!
• My Experience Learning Spanish & Doing a Homestay in Guatemala
• Here's What Really Went Down on my Solo Trip Through Latin America After Quitting my Job 
• Confession: I'm Obsessed with Reggaeton After Traveling Latin America

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PIN ME!  ⇣⇣⇣

Are you headed to Cuba Soon? What type of experiences do you want to cross off your bucket list? 

This post was made in collaboration with Cuba Candela, all opinions are my own. 

What to Know Before you go to Cuba | Cuba Travel Guide 2018

What to know before you go to Cuba. Is Cuba on your bucketlist? Are you headed there soon? Are you worried about getting into the country as a US Citizen? Keep reading for information to help you plan & get the most out of your trip to Cuba.

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In December 2017, I spent 2 weeks traveling through Cuba. I dreamed of visiting the Carribean Island - to feel the spirit of a country so different than my own, to engage with the people, and to soak in the island's culture. However, I never thought it would be possible due to the trade embargo that was implemented over 50 years ago. Like many Americans, I was excited to feel the island's magic once US travel restrictions were lifted in 2016. When the rules changed again in November 2017, it seemed like I missed my opportunity to visit Cuba. After digging a bit deeper, I found out that it was still possible to travel there as a US citizen. On short notice, I booked my flight with a plan to spend 2 weeks exploring the country.

After returning, I can say that Cuba is one of the most captivating places I've ever visited. Traveling through Cuba was a challenge at times, but it's well worth the reward. To make the most out of your visit, There are some things you should know!

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CAN US CITIZENS VISIT? 

YES! I traveled to Cuba independently in December 2017, after the US regulations changed. I flew with Southwest Airlines directly from the US and had zero issues entering/exiting the country. US citizens can still travel to Cuba independently or with a tour group!

CATEGORY SELECTION

Technically US "tourism" is not(and has never been) allowed. However, you can visit under one of 12 categories. 

Under the Obama administration, US citizens could visit Cuba independently through the "People to People" category. This category is no longer available as of November 2017, but independent travel & group travel is now available under a new category called "Support for the Cuban People". 

Under this new category, you must spend the majority of your time doing activities that support the livelihood of the Cuban people. This might include: 

• Staying at a Casa Particular(Cuban home) 
• Eating at Paladares(privately owned restaurants) 
• Attending cooking classes, salsa classes, etc. hosted by locals

The whole idea of the new changes we're to limit support of the Cuban military, so these changes make it necessary for US visitors to travel in a way that directly benefits the citizens. In my opinion, this is the best way to travel anyway! 

You are technically required to put together an itinerary/schedule for each day before entering the country and keep this schedule on record for up to 5 years if the US decides to verify that your visit met the requirements. 

You can travel under this category as an individual or join a tour group, as long as your activities meet the criteria - more details here. Obviously, traveling independently cost less. However, tour groups are great for people who might not speak Spanish or just need a bit more comfort & guidance while traveling through the country.  

I traveled independently, but spent two days exploring & creating content for Cuba Candela.

HOW TO GET TO CUBA

I flew directly from the US with Southwest Airlines. Other US airlines that fly direct include JetBlue, American, United, Delta, and Southwest. When US citizens book a flight online, a 'notice' will pop up about the 12 category requirements. This is self-determined, meaning that you just need to check the box to purchase your ticket.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

All visitors must have a valid passport, return ticket, Visa, and proof of travel health insurance to enter the country. 

Some airlines include insurance & visa costs in the ticket price. My airline ticket included travel health insurance, so it wasn't necessary for me to buy separately. If you need to buy insurance separately, you can search HERE. The health insurance must cover medical evacuation by air, medical emergencies, and repatriation, so be sure to check the details before buying!

If your airline ticket doesn't include a Visa, then you can simply purchase it at the airport. After checking in my for my flight, I was able to purchase my tourist card/visa at the Southwest ticket counter. The lines can be long, so be sure to arrive at the airport early. 

I must admit that I was nervous about the entry process, but I had zero issues. Things couldn't have gone smoother. 

FORGET ABOUT WI-FI

Be prepared to disconnect. Internet access is certainly available in Cuba, but not in the way most of us are used to. It's probably better to enjoy being disconnected, but there some things you should know if you do need to access the internet. Wifi access is very limited in 2 ways:

1. Wifi is restricted to certain areas, for both locals & tourists. There are public wifi-spots around the city - mostly in parks. You can find these spots by asking locals or simply wandering around until you find a large group of people with their heads down looking at their phone. Certain hotels & restaurants also offer wifi, but first, you must buy an internet card...

2. Free wifi? Forget about it! You must purchase a wifi card to use in public spots. The official card price is $2 an hour, although it may cost up to $5 an hour at tourist spots. Etesca is the country's official internet service provider. If you purchase a card from the Etesca store, it is $2 an hour. If you purchase it from someone on the street, it is likely $3 an hour. Hotels usually charge more, but I was able to find out that Hotel Mercure Sevilla only charges $2 an hour. You don't need to stay there to purchase a wifi card. If the Etesca store is closed, buy one off of a local in a public park area or visit a hotel. You should probably buy multiple at once to avoid wasting time in long lines.

Good to know: You don't need to use the wifi card continually. For example, you can use 30 minutes at one point and then use the remaining 30 minutes later.

MONEY! MONEY! MONEY! MONEYYYY!

CURRENCY CONVERSION

Cuba has 2 currencies, CUP(for Cubans) and CUC(for non-Cubans). 1 USD = 1 CUC = 24 CUP. You probably won't have to deal with CUPs, unless a Cuban gives you change back at a stall or store. In this case, be sure to check your change. CUC and CUP look VERY similar, so it's easy for Cubans to short-change you if they desire.

It is not possible to get CUCs before arriving in Cuba, so you will need to exchange your money upon arrival. You can exchange your money at the airport currency exchange counter. 

US Citizens will need to exchange all of their money at once because US debit cards do not work at Cuban ATM machines. ATM machines are available for use for non-US visitors, but the lines are typically very long. 

note: There is an automatic 10% penalty when you exchange USD to CUC conversions, so it's recommended to exchange your US dollars to Euros before arriving and THEN exchange your Euros to CUC. 

COST OF TRAVEL

How much does it cost to travel in Cuba? Let's just say It ain't as cheap as you might think. You should plan to spend a minimum of $30 - $45 a day. Your costs will obviously increase with activities, dance lessons, car rental, and/or pricier meals. Prices in tourist areas are comparable to the US. 

If you're a US citizen, bring all the cash you need & more because you won't be able to use your US debit/credit card. Better safe than sorry! You can exchange any leftover money at the airport currency exchange office when you are leaving the country.

WHERE TO STAY

There are a variety of hotels available in Cuba that you can find on sites like Booking.com, but I HIGHLY recommend staying at a Casa Particular for cultural immersion. A casa particular is essentially a private room(or the whole apartment) you can rent in a Cuban's home, similar to a bed & breakfast. Everyone & their mother rents out a room or two to tourists, so you shouldn't have trouble finding one. Traditional breakfasts & other meals are usually offered at an affordable price. 

The experience I had at my Casa in Havana was the highlight of my entire trip. My host(mother) treated me as if I was her daughter and I ended up spending most of my time with her. This provided me really special insight that I could never get at a hotel. Not to mention, staying at a casa particular puts money directly into the hands of locals and many have said that the hotel prices in Cuba don't match up to the value. 

Also,(as of Nov. 2017) the US Government has restricted US citizens from staying at certain hotels. You can view that list HERE to avoid any issues. 

HOW TO BOOK A CASA PARTICULAR

• Online - I booked through Airbnb prior to leaving for my trip. The options are endless. As always, be sure to read the reviews very thoroughly before booking. If you choose to go with Airbnb, you'll need to book before you land in Cuba due to restrictions. If you happen to be in Cuba and need to reserve an Airbnb last minute, you can ask a friend back home to book it for you OR you request a room by messaging the host.

• You can simply show up at a Casa Particular and ask. For example, I arrived without a place to stay in Trinidad so I just knocked on several doors. Every casa particular will have a sign outside - red for tourists, blue for Cubans. The downside? No reviews, so you'll have no idea what to expect.

Keep in mind that living conditions in Cuba are extremely different than in the US(and other western countries). 

HOW TO GET AROUND

DIRECTIONS

First things first, download Maps.me BEFORE arriving. Trust me on this. Once you download the app, you will need to download the OFFLINE version of Cuba so that you can use it without internet service. On the map, you can mark your casa particular or certain places you want to visit. I met a few other tourists who were clearly struggling(especially at night) with their large paper maps. Don't be this person.

note: I'm a fan of Google Apps & initially tried to use Google Maps, but it wasn't as up to date as maps.me in Cuba.

TAXIS

Okay, you need to know this. There are two types of taxis in Cuba - Tourist taxis & Taxi collectivos.

• Tourist Taxi - A traditional, private taxi where the price can be negotiated. Yes, you can and SHOULD negotiate the price. Drivers will shout out random prices simply because they know tourists are willing to pay. Things are pretty spread out around town, so taxi costs can add up very quickly if you're not careful.
• Taxi Collectivo - A shared taxi(with locals) where the priced is fixed - usually 1 CUC/1 USD. Pickup & Drop off spots are also fixed, so you won't be dropped off directly in front of the stop. This is how I got around Havana on a daily basis. Most tourists won't know about this and have no idea where to find these. There are no set pickup spots and it's pretty difficult to explain. I only knew about this because my Casa particular host showed me around town using these on my first day in Havana. These classic cars have not been repaired, there will likely be no A/C, you'll be sitting in a car/truck full of locals, and it's unlikely that anyone in the car will speak English. This is definitely not for everybody, but I'd recommend asking a local about it if you're interested. 

MOVING FROM CITY TO CITY

• Bus - Viazul is the official bus company for transportation from city to city. You should probably show up at the Viazul bus station 1-2 days ahead of time to purchase tickets before they are sold out. I tried to purchase a ticket from Havana to Trinidad 1 day prior to leaving & the tickets were sold out so I had to ride via a collectivo.

• Collectivo - Right outside of the bus station, you'll find drivers who are offering shared rides from city to city. They will usually pick you up at your casa/hotel and drop you off at your desired address in the final destination. In the end, this is typically the same price as the bus. Ask the driver if drop-off at your casa(or preferred destination) is included in the price. Also, ask about A/C because Cuba can get HOT! 

SAFETY

Violent crime in Cuba is relatively low - this is something I constantly heard from tourists and locals alike. As with any place in the world, petty theft happens. Keep your valuables with you at all times, hold your bag in front of you in large crowds, and avoid taking your valuables out at night. Always be conscious of your surroundings. 

The economic situation in Cuba is very difficult, so you can expect people take interest in you as a tourist with tourist dollars. Always ask multiple vendors about pricing, avoid women asking for milk for their babies, don't buy cigars from people who are selling them on the street, double-check your bill to make sure food or drinks weren't added on(this happened to me), and avoid strangers dragging you to a store/restaurant to leave you with the bill.

PLEASE remain respectful of Cuban citizens(or any other humans around the world) that may ask you for money or try to sell you something! I understand that this can be frustrating, but it's necessary to consider that most Cubans are paid $25-$35 a month. It's an unfortunate reality that creates economic scarcity. You can respectfully decline, while still remaining compassionate and grateful. 

SOLO TRAVEL

As a solo traveler, I never felt unsafe in Cuba. However, you will deal with a large amount of catcalling as a solo female traveler. I usually just brush off catcalling, but it was next level in Cuba. I couldn't walk a block without being hissed at and it definitely affected my experience at times. I told a local how much this bothered me & he seemed perplexed. "They are just calling you beautiful", he said. He truly didn't understand how constantly(and i mean...nonstop) being blown kisses and hissed at could be offensive, or annoying in the least. In the end, he said they truly meant no harm. Nobody ever approached me or touched me, but this is something (solo) female travelers should prepare for. My best advice? Simply ignore & avoid eye contact with anyone who attempts catcalling.

SPANISH IN CUBA

Hablas Espanol? If not, you may have some trouble. Spanish is the official language in Cuba. Most Cubans don't speak any English, so communication can be a challenge for non-Spanish speakers. Travel in Cuba will be a bit more challenging, but it's still possible. I met plenty of people who didn't speak any Spanish. Sure, they struggled, but they made it work.

It may be useful to hire a Spanish speaking guide to navigate. 

If your Spanish skills are lacking, I'd highly recommend downloading Google Translate, a Spanish translation app before arrival. Don't be embarrassed to use the app in the middle of a conversation. If you want to practice your Spanish before visiting, the Duolingo app might also be helpful.

DAILY LIFE IN CUBA

The reality is that Cuba is much more than vintage cars & cigar smoking. Remember that you are traveling in a Communist country, so daily life is probably quite different than what you may be used to.

The standard of living is completely different than most western countries. Be aware that heat, hot water, wi-fi, punctuality, dietary restrictions(gluten intolerance, Veganism, etc) building infrastructure, and even A/C are luxuries throughout most of the country. Feel free to ask about specific needs you have, but don't be upset if they cannot be accommodated.

Be sure to pack any special toiletries or products that you use, because they likely won't be available for purchase in Cuba. You can also pack additional toiletries or products to gift to local citizens. 

MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION

• Do NOT throw away your tourist card, visa, or any other documents that were given to you upon arrival. You will need them when you depart. 
• A Taxi ride from the airport is a fixed price of 25 CUC per car, not person. 
• Download any apps, books, music, etc. or anything else you need for entertainment BEFORE entering the country because you likely won't be able to once you arrive. 
• Do not drink the water - buy water bottles.
• Print out or save any important documents on your phone. 
• Talk to the locals, ask them questions - this is a great time to understand how people live differently in a country that is probably both culturally & politically different than your own. 

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I can tell you everything I've learned about Cuba, but it's a place you must experience on your own. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty of the island and the warmth of its people. 

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Don't forget travel insurance! It is required in Cuba! I use World Nomads ! 

You Might Also Enjoy:

• How to Book a Casa Particular in Cuba | My best Airbnb experience yet!
• My Experience Learning Spanish & Doing a Homestay in Guatemala
• Here's What Really Went Down on my Solo Trip Through Latin America After Quitting my Job 
• Confession: I'm Obsessed with Reggaeton After Traveling Latin America

 

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Headed to Cuba soon? Drop any comments or questions below!