GOING TO CUBA, anything i should get to be prepared for anything?

Hi All-

Kidding aside, avoiding tap water is a common-sense health precaution. This is especially true when traveling in foreign countries that aren't as committed as the United States towards public health and safety. Bottled water is plentiful and generally inexpensive in other places around the globe. Other easy-to-follow suggestions include:
  • Do not drink tap water
  • Do not brush your teeth with tap water
  • Do not use ice cubes in your drinks
  • Keep your mouth closed when showering
  • Do not eat salads, raw vegetables, or raw fruit unless YOU peel them
  • Avoid ice cream, especially if you know of a recent power outage
  • Avoid ready-made foods like pizza
  • Carry a small bottle of hand-sanitizer and USE it
  • Pack an anti-diarrheal like Imodium
  • Fill prescription for Zithromax in case of BAD infection
  • Consider booster shots for polio, flu (if available), and hepatitis
  • Carry sufficient "backup food" like PowerBars when traveling
  • Make multiple copies of your passport in case of theft
  • Bring a large carabiner to attach bags to waistpouch if shopping
  • Purchase camera film in the United States, it's cheaper here
  • Make sure your digital camera has LOTS of memory
The old yarn about "an ounce of protection beats a pound of cure" could not be more true when away from home. The other stuff everyone probably knows already like blending-in with the population, know some of their basic laws and customs, when in doubt...wear long pants and long sleeves, avoid public demonstrations / areas of unrest, etc., etc.

Most of all: HAVE FUN!

~ Blue Jays ~
 
Alot of good tips if you're travelling in unfamiliar territory, but I think he'll most likely be staying in and around Havana. I mean, it's an old urban capital, not some remote Indian village in the Amazon. There are lots of historical sites to see as well as "tourist" zones in Havana where the locals don't have much access to anyways. Still, it's a good idea to play it safe. Lots of Canadians visit Cuba as do many Europeans and South Americans. It's "Yanks" that are restricted from entering the country. American citizens are prohibited from travelling to Cuba unless they obtain a special license.
 
Hey Aaron, why not go to Puerto Rico instead? It's history and culture is practically the same as Cuba's, except that Puerto Rico is a U.S. Territory and the currency is the US dollar. San Juan is very modern and the island has has all the stuff you can find in the mainland U.S. and Canada. No Roots apparel though! :D
 
parents already got tickets, and were going with good friends, apparently they have relatuives there who will be our guides, but were staying at a resort.
 
I went to Havana about a year and a half ago for a week. I wouldn't worry about crime, the commie police have the populace on the same page....don't mess with the tourists, they support the economy. The entire time I was there not one person asked for a hand-out, but they will try to sell you something or provide a service. Be aware of inflated prices for tourists, and try to stay off the beaten path for both the best prices and the most authentic experience. Check out some live shows at local joints, not the tourist traps. Try to tour the Partagas factory, it's difficult to get a tour but well worth it. Don't expect any great cuisine, it just is not there. They really do not have a lot of the things that we take for granted here, so bring some menial objects for gifts to people that you meet in the streets. I would highly reccomend ball point pens (cheap bic ones) and .99 cent bandanas. I'm not joking. Pens are hard to come by there for the populace, and so are bandanas (it's very hot and humid, and they love them). The people that you come across will really appreciate this act of kindness. Also, all of the good cigars are only in the tourist shops, and are sold full price, no discount. I reccomend passing on the offers in the street for "real" Cohibas or Partagas that have been "smuggled" out of the shop, and just buy a bundle of 25 from the commie market on the corner for $2. They are still Cuban tobacco and very tasty, and practically free. I would however spend the extra dough and get the good rum Havanah Club from a tourist shop, it's still cheap and 100% better than the commie rum. I would also suggest a trip to the Floridita bar, an old haunt of Ernest Hemingways, and the birthplace of the daquiri, although I would get the mojito.
 
Watch out for some of those steps, I heard if you are not careful, you will fall on your face!! :D
 
Regardless of your political opinions, remember that you are going to a country with a proud cultural herritage. If you come across as a crass gringo, don't be suprised if you are treated with lots less than respect.

On the other hand, remember also that you are going to a place that has had to make due with lots of shortages in consumer goods. Do a bit of research. Talk to Cubans in your community (suprise, there are some!), and find out what people really need. Carry along some stuff that you might want to give as gifts to the new friends you will make during your trip.
 
aaron_simkovich said:
GOING TO CUBA, anything i should get to be prepared for anything?
Click to expand...

Be prepared to bring back cigars for all the forum members who cannot go there due to government restrictions. ;)


KS
 
I worked with a former Cuban, who made yearly trips back to see his relatives. I regret not being able to ever go with him (he's offered a few times) His nephew, (all younger relatives are nieces and nephews, regardless of the actuall relation) works in a Cigar manufacturing business, and would give him the real deal in Cigars. It was always a bitter/sweet trip for him. The people were the reason for making the trip, and putting up with everything else. Yes, it can be expensive to visit as a tourist. I still would go with him, if he asks again.

Have fun!

DD
 
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