Not sure how relevant this post will be now that the current administration decided to limit how easy it is for Americans to get there… oh well. Who knows? Hopefully someone finds this useful!

I originally planned to go to run a Spartan race (LOL) as a legal way to get there, but it turns out there are other ways to go. Salsa dancing, anyone?

So here is what you need to do to get there:

1. Solidify your reason. American Airlines legit called me to make sure I had a valid reason to go. Educational/People to People encompasses many things, for me I learned to dance Salsa at Salsa Express. Feel free to email Damian at salsaexpressdamian@gmail.com to book an amazing class. They even take you to cool places to dance with locals at night. We saw a Real Housewife… something the other girls cared about when they recognized her. Too bad I don’t watch…
2. Book travel and take care of the visa. Several airlines scaled back due to limited demand after opening commercial flights. I flew American the first time and Spirit the second time. I got my visa both times through Cuba Visa Services without an issue.
3. Find accommodation. Fun fact, the old city basically dies down at night with the exception of Obispo and a few random clubs scattered near the main park. Each time I stayed, I chose Vedado. It’s about a 5-10 CUC ride to old town (depending on how good your Spanish is and how Cuban you look, if you’re blonde you might as well add a few CUC). There are also amazing restaurants, nightlife, access to the Malecon, expensive hotels, and great ice cream. I recommend reaching out to my homestay lady, Amalia. She can hook you up with a great place at a cheaper price when you book directly. Email her at Amalia@hodfr.sld.cu

You could book through Airbnb but it’s not really a thing there.

Other tips:

• Bring cash. American credit cards DO NOT WORK. Even European cards don’t work well. It’s a very cash run state. I brought about $400 each time I went.
• Euro > USD. USD gets an additional fee attached thanks to our limited diplomatic relations.
• Convert cash at a hotel in Vedado or Old Town. I once waited 2 hours to convert money at the airport. So annoying. Cabs will take USD since CUC is fairly equivalent and they can change it elsewhere. Also, everyone will harass you for tip so budget $100 more just in case.
• Bring or befriend a Spanish speaker. My friends have told me they wouldn’t have survived without me and another Spanish speaker in the group.
• Leave the “grammable” blogger clothes at home. Cubans live a very casual lifestyle, and you will stick out like a sore thumb in super cute clothes. While there, I hardly saw any clothing stores. Hard to explain til you see it. All my cute dresses went unworn; I opted for shorts, a cotton tank, and jean jacket most days. Jeans work. Locals make like 20-30 CUC per MONTH so keep that in mind.
• Plugs are American. No issues here!
• Download maps.me. Since wifi isn’t a thing, this is the best alternative to google maps.
• Etesca. You can buy wifi in increments of 1 and 4 hours by showing your passport and waiting in line at these govt run shops. Not fun if you do this in old town. Hotels sell cards at a premium. My friends enjoyed unplugging, but I liked being able to post an Instagram once a day and let my parents know I’m alive!
• You can bring back rum and cigars. Easy. I got 12 high end cigars on a tour of Vinales for 50 CUC. SO worth it.

Some recommendations:

• Salsa Express. SO MUCH FUN. A skill you will use your entire trip.
• Malecon. People love to walk along this during the day and drink here at night.
• Beaches. Santa Maria del Mar is close to Havana and very picturesque. If you have more time drive a little further to Varadero!
• Cooking class. We chose Artchef. The bartender was hot, they made funny jokes and told us weird lobster stories, and we got to make Mojitos and Lobster Enchilada which is literally incredible and I dream about it once a month.
• Restaurants and Bars: Atelier, El Litoral, San Cristobal, Floridita (so effing touristy but it’s Hemingway and it’s central and there is live music), there is also the number 1 restaurant that Beyoncé went to which you need to book months in advance. Can’t remember the name now but maybe I’ll update this later. Café Laurent is MY FAVORITE. YOU MUST GO. Beautiful rooftop bar overlooking Vedado with amazing food. The weird thing about this place is it isn’t marked well; you have to take a residential elevator to the top floor to get there and it feels real awk. Loved this place the 2 times I went!

Cuba is a super misunderstood place and deserves visitors. The people who took care of me like Amalia and Damian are amazing people! If you can go, DO IT!