Cuba had long been on my travel wish list—sun-soaked streets, vintage cars, live music on every corner, and a culture so rich and resilient it practically dances. When the chance came to visit, I packed light, booked bold, and stepped into a vibrant adventure that I won’t soon forget.

Here’s a full breakdown of what I packed, what I experienced, and what I wish I’d done just a little differently.

📍 My Cuba Itinerary: Highlights from Havana & Beyond

This wasn’t just a vacation—it was an unforgettable cultural deep dive. My itinerary was packed with color, rhythm, and the occasional spontaneous salsa moment:

Old Car Museum – A classic start! Cuba’s vintage car culture is alive and well, and the museum was a car lover’s dream.

Vintage Convertible Ride Through Havana – Picture this: top down, palm trees swaying, and pastel buildings flying by.

Tropicana Show – Sequins, feathers, and big band sounds under the stars. Need I say more?

Viñales Tour – I explored the lush Cuban countryside, rolled my own cigar, and drank strong, farm-grown coffee with views that belong on a postcard.

Varadero Beach Day – Crystal blue water and soft white sand made for the perfect coastal escape.

Havana Cigar Factory Tour – A behind-the-scenes peek into one of Cuba’s most iconic traditions.

Afro-Cuban History Tour – Deeply moving and rich in spiritual and historical insights. A must.

Nightlife Walking Tour – From rooftops to rum bars, I danced my way across the city after dark.

Cuban Salsa Lessons – I didn’t just watch the locals dance—I joined in! Taking lessons added so much flavor to my nights out.

All tours were booked through Airbnb Experiences and Civitatis, which made navigating the city easy and local.

🏠 Where I Stayed

I stayed in a Casa Particular, a local homestay that gave me an authentic glimpse into Cuban hospitality. My hosts were incredibly helpful, offering local tips, breakfast, and even arranging a few rides. It felt like staying with family.

💡 Travel Tips I’m Glad I Knew (and a Few I Learned the Hard Way)

Money Matters:

Bring euros, not USD – The exchange rate is better and you’ll avoid extra fees.

No U.S. bank cards work – There are no U.S. banks in Cuba, so you’ll need to bring enough cash for your entire trip.

Exchange at the airport – I did this right away and kept small denominations for taxis and tips.

Check-In with the U.S. Embassy:

I made a point to check in when I arrived, just in case of any emergencies. With limited WiFi and cell service, this gave me peace of mind.

 

🎒 What I Packed (and Why It Mattered)

✅ Clothing & Accessories

Lightweight, breathable dresses for warm days and cooler nights

Swimsuits and cover-ups for beach and pool days

Comfortable walking shoes and sandals

A wide-brimmed sunhat and sunglasses

A dressy evening outfit for dinner or shows

✅ Health & Wellness Essentials

Sunscreen (lots of it!)

Bug spray – the mosquitoes don’t play

Pepto-Bismol + electrolytes – I got food poisoning from ice in a drink. Lesson learned!

Toilet paper & wipes – many public restrooms don’t provide any

Mini first-aid kit – always better safe than sorry

✅ Tech & Extras

Power adapter (Type A/B/C/L) + voltage converter

Refillable water bottle – but I mostly stuck to bottled

Offline maps and printed confirmations – WiFi was limited and slow

Travel journal – because Cuba is a place worth remembering in detail

😅 What I Wish I Had Brought

More snacks – especially for long tours

A small portable WiFi device or local SIM

Extra meds – probiotics, ibuprofen, and tummy relief

More printed cash reserve – always helpful in rural areas

A sarong – so versatile for the beach or a last-minute wrap

💃 Final Thoughts

 

Cuba is a land of contrasts—music and stillness, celebration and struggle, modern life and nostalgic charm. It’s not a place you just visit. It’s a place you feel. From dancing with locals to sipping fresh coffee in Viñales, every moment was alive.

Just remember: pack smart, stay flexible, and whatever you do—skip the ice. 😉