On March 15, 2016 President Obama announced that two Cuban embargo's that since the 1960’s placed economic sanctions against the Communist island nation which sits just 90 miles off the coast of Florida. The lifting or “relaxing” of the embargo would allow easier travel and more commerce between the countries. Most other embargo restrictions still remain in effect. Once this news hit, everyone and their mama (including me) was booking a flight to the island to finally explore the once forbidden land.

Like mostly everyone making travel plans to visit, I scoured the internet for where to go, where to stay, things to do, and where to eat. I spent countless hours on YouTube watching vlogs about Cuba, getting even more excited about my trip. I knew the basics like I would be without internet for the majority of the trip and that hotels were expensive and far and few in between. Oh and let’s not forget about the whole currency exchange debacle.

Okay, so let me break it down for you really quick. I traveled to Havana, Cuba in May 2017 (I know this blog is mad late [Insert eye roll emoji]). As I was researching Cuba there were stories of people who ran out of money [How Sway?!]. For one, US issued debit and credit cards do not work in Cuba therefore, you must bring enough cash for your entire stay with some contingency. I suggest making an itinerary and budgeting at least $50USD/Day for food and transportation. In Havana, you can walk (depending how close you are) or take a taxi to Central Park where you can get a local bus to a number of points of interests like the beach or travel to Viñuales. For food, our AirBnb host made breakfast for us each morning. Here’s a link to $40 off your first AirBnb stay and if traveling to Cuba, this is the only way to stay as they are known as casa particulares. For lunch and dinner we ate at local restaurants. The food portions were huge so we had leftovers to share for lunch and dinner the next day decreasing our food expense.

Before leaving the US, I exchanged $400USD into EUR and then once I arrived in Cuba, I exchanged the EUR for CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso). The reason for this is because the Cuban government levies a 10% tax on the US dollar. You could also exchange for Canadian dollar as well as the EUR without an extra tax. Be sure to calculate exchange rates for changing your money into a different currency before traveling to Cuba. It might be that it works out to the same price. Tourists are not allowed to use CUP which is the currency locals use. Be aware, some taxi drivers will give you your change in CUP instead of CUC. Learn the difference in the two and what the exchange rate is because some will try to get over on you. You can use the CUP in local shops so it’s okay to have some in possession.

I had a local guide in Cuba that I communicated with beforehand through a recommendation from a Facebook friend that had traveled to Cuba recently. This was the best way to explore Cuba in my personal opinion. He gave us a really detailed history of the country and the buildings as well as the US/Cuba relationship. I even asked a few locals how they felt about Fidel Castro and the US government. Some people loved him and others feared him. I guess that can go for any leader in any country. We as Americans view anything that is not a democracy as a bad thing. Everywhere in the world, people just want to make an honest living and enjoy life. We might not always agree on the regimes and tactics of other world leaders, but we also have to recognize our differences and embrace those as well.

For a more detailed behind the scenes look of my trip to Cuba, check out my Cuba Vlog below. Be sure to leave a comment and tell me what you thought, I’d love to hear from you!

Indya

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