A trip to this Caribbean nation, which is both vibrant and intricate, is like travelling back in time. There will be rum, cigars, and classic vehicles waiting for you!

Defoes Lifestyle Travel Team

Blog featuring travel tips, packing guides, videos and photography from around the world.

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Final stop: CUBA

Cuba is a country that has a history that is both confusing and fascinating to learn about. Because of the trade embargo, American citizens were unable to go to Caribbean islands for many years. When the limits were finally eliminated in 2016, though, everything began to shift.

Even if the regulations have been altered once more as recently as 2019, it is still feasible to travel to the secret island. It is important to check on the regulations and limits that are currently in place before making travel plans because these things are subject to change.

As soon as you set foot in this country, which is less than a hundred miles away from the United States, you will have the distinct impression that you have been brought back in time to the 1950s. It is not surprising that classic convertibles line the streets, crumbling Spanish buildings are everywhere, and there is live street music on every corner. With all of these attractions, it is not surprising that it has become so popular with travellers from all over the world.

Because of Cuba’s warm and humid tropical climate, travelling there does not necessarily have a best or worst time of year. The country does, however, have well delineated dry and wet seasons throughout the year.

During the months of December through May, which make up the dry season, you can look forward to clear blue skies and bright sunshine, while the months of June through November make up the wet season.

Even though a little rain might not sound like such a big deal, the country is at risk of being struck by a hurricane between the months of August and October, therefore it is advisable to steer clear of the area altogether. As a result of the growing number of people who are interested in visiting Cuba, hotels are filling up quickly during the dry season. This means that an increasing number of people are willing to take the chance that the weather will be unpredictable in order to visit the country sooner rather than later.

WHAT SHOULD BE EXPECTED

Language: Spanish is the official language of Cuba, and around 90 percent of the population speaks Spanish as their first language.

Currency: The Cuban Peso (CUP) is the country’s official unit of currency; however, the Cuban Convertible Peso is also widely accepted and used (CUC).

Credit Cards & Automatic Teller Machines: At this time, it is not possible to use any credit or debit card issued in the United States in Cuba. This also includes attempting to withdraw cash from an ATM in Cuba using a debit card issued in the United States. If you are making a payment using a card issued in another country, such as Canada or Europe, there is a possibility that your card may be accepted; nevertheless, there will be a fee of three percent added to each transaction. Although Cuba does have an expanding network of ATMs, you will not be able to use a card issued in the United States with the machines there. It is possible to use a card issued in any other country, but you should be prepared to pay a significant cost.

Plugs: In Cuba, the power plugs are of the type A, B, C, and L, the standard voltage is 110 / 220 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. Cuba’s standard frequency is also 60 Hz. I would suggest investing in a universal adapter (check to be sure it has surge protection) and using the use of a converter for any hot instruments like hair dryers.

Security: Violent assaults are quite uncommon in Cuba, making the country as a whole a safer place to live than a great number of other countries. It’s not uncommon for people to steal minor items, especially at the beach or in hotel rooms, but taking even the smallest precautions can make a world of difference. The same is true for the crime of pickpocketing.