Despite the lovely sphincter muscle President Trump’s recent travel ban / restrictions to Cuba, YOU CAN STILL TRAVEL TO CUBA.
Only cruises are banned. And now all flights EXCEPT FOR FLIGHTS TO HAVANA are banned.
I recently went to Cuba and met 2 tourist from Boston. It took them 27 hours to get to Cuba from Boston. It should have been a quick nonstop 4 hour flight. Sadly they didn’t know better.
They flew to Panama, then to Cuba because they thought they weren’t allowed. They were also afraid of putting the wrong reason to travel, since technically Americans are not allowed to go as “tourist.”
They were shocked when I told them I flew on a direct flight from Newark. It was only 3.5 hours.
That being said, do your research and don’t be a tourist, be a traveler.
I have gone to Cuba 7 times....every time I go I seem to fall into a deeper rabbit hole or falling in love with the people and environment, despite some issues that are happening.
I have always gone under “Support for the Cuban People”
Supporting the Cuban people falls under staying at an air bnb which is usually a local’s home....don’t stay at a hotel.
1: Hotels are pricey and overrated. They are all government run. As a tourist we’re not supposed to “support their government “ therefore, just stay at an Air bnb.
2: You won’t get the full Cuban experience being at a hotel
3: They see tourist coming from a mile away and will scam the shit out of you at hotels. They charge $6 for beer when you can get that shit for $1-2 at a local spot.
Supporting the Cuban people also means eating at paladares, which are family owned restaurants....Or buying street food from a viejito who’s selling homemade tamales and empanadas.
Lastly, supporting the Cuban people means supporting humanity.
Because of the lack of food and resources, I feel that this helps to support the humanitarian crisis happening in Cuba.
Locals depend on tourist for extra help with income.
Cubans make roughly $25-42 a month. With the help of tourists, any extra money they can get goes towards things they need outside what they’re allowed to get.
Lack of resources due to rationing and the embargo makes it very difficult to buy basic items like toilet paper, soap, batteries, or even food such as chicken and eggs. For example, Cubans get only 8- 10 eggs PER PERSON a month. I know some guys that eat 6-8 eggs for breakfast.
Toilet paper is considered a luxury, you would think with the average salary of $30 that items would be cheaper, but because of the embargo everything is inflated.
Want to know what humbled me the most my last trip?
Trying to buy a water bottle.
I had to go to 3 stores just to buy a bottle of water.
In one store, when I asked a guy if he has water, he laughed and said “No hay agua, pero tenemos ron” which means ,
“We don’t have water, but we have rum.”
Their optimism warms my heart.
On my way out he told me, “Agua estas perdido...” that translates to the water is lost.
He wished me luck in finding water as I marched my sweaty ass back into the 90 degree sun.
Despite the poverty and lack of resources Cuba has a magical energy in the air.
Cubans are strong and very resourceful.
I realized when you constantly suppress people and tell them no, they will find a way to 👏make👏it👏 work. No just means another chance to find an alternative in life.
Maybe it’s all the Santeria, or maybe it’s the lack of WiFi, but never have I ever met people as humble and resourceful as a Cuban.
Another Cuban local told me, “They can ration our food and cut our resources, but if they cut our cigarettes and rum there will be another revolution.”
You would think with all this going on there would be beggars asking for money in every corner right? Wrong
I have more people ask me for money in New York and Paterson than in Havana.
What’s crazy is anyone that came up to me to ask for something asked to either borrow my lighter, or asked for the time.
Because I definitely don’t look like a local, another common question was “de donde eres?” Which means where did I come from.
Cubans were not allowed to fraternize with locals until 1998. Some ask out of curiosity, some ask to make you buy stuff. Just don’t be mean…
If you’re going to support the Cuban people, really go and support them.
I always recommend to bring an extra bag of items to donate.
Art is very big in Cuba, especially because of the lack of WiFi. Kids don’t sit on iPads and watch other kids on YouTube in Cuba!
I always bring crayons and coloring books to donate for the kids.
Because of the embargo, simple items like wipes, toilet paper, maxi pads, batteries and lighters are almost impossible or super inflated to buy in Cuba. So make sure you bring some for you and a little extra to leave behind would be nice. It’s very much appreciated.
I also collect scissors and hair products for stylist in Cuba because I volunteer at Arte Corte.
One time I left an entire suitcase of clothes because that trip made me become more unattached to materialistic items.
Whether you’re rich or poor, we as humans will always long for more...your values determine what is important.
Thanks to Cuba I’ve been learning to value this precious time were given on earth. I’ve learned to value my family and friends, and to appreciate food and water so much more than I ever have. I’ve learned to be unattached to materialistic items. And most importantly I’ve learned that the energy of love is the only thing that makes this world go round.
I’m starting to think “this ban” is happening to try to prevent people from seeing the magic in Cuba, so you can be forced to be a basic bitch and go to Aruba or Punta Cana.
Don’t be a basic bitch.
Go to Cuba, get your visa at the airport, and immerse yourself into the beautiful Afro-Latino culture that is eclectically mixed with Europeans and Asians as well.
From Capoeira, to salsa, Kizomba and African conga music, you’re bound to want to move your hips -even if you don’t know how to dance.
I have other post on where to eat and visit in Cuba. This is just a reminder for you to visit while you can 🌎