Cuba

Unfortunately, we did not receive enough information before our trip to Cuba, neither from the Foreign Office website, the language school, nor from other travel blogs. Had we known more in advance, we would have been better prepared and started the trip with different expectations.

We came to the conclusion that traveling to Cuba during the current economic crisis might not be the best idea, as there is more scarcity of food and drinking water than before. Since the currency reform on January 1, 2021, and the abolition of the CUC, many things have become more expensive for the locals in Cuba. Previously, locals paid with the CUP, and tourists paid with the CUC.

Many children and parents beg on the streets, and there are people who touch and harass you.

Taxi drivers need special permits to transport tourists, and the government tries to keep locals away from tourists. Many beautiful places are not accessible to non-locals, and there are passport checks on the streets.

Basic foodstuffs are rationed, and households are given a booklet detailing how much of each food they are entitled to.

During our trip in Cuba, we only stayed in Airbnbs, so we had no access to basic food items like flour, eggs, and more. We noticed that the milk looked and tasted different, and our host told us that milk is rare in Cuba. Powdered milk is mixed with water and used instead. We often waited outside supermarkets and candy stores, averaging about 30-45 minutes. Bottled drinking water is also rare in supermarkets, and locals boil tap water. However, it smelled so unpleasant that we decided against it and only drank it in emergencies.

We wanted to learn more about Cuba’s history in museums, but we didn’t gain any more insight than before. We had previously gathered more information from documentaries we watched in Germany before our trip. After visiting the “Museum and Monument, Memorial Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara,” some of our fellow travelers asked questions to our guide. She replied, “My mouth is prohibited from talking about politics. In Cuba, we don’t talk about politics.” We already knew that many political topics are not discussed in Cuba, but it was different to experience it firsthand.

If the economic situation and the lives of the locals were to improve, Cuba would have great potential as a holiday destination. However, if you’re looking for adventure and can handle the fact that not everything will go as planned or be possible on your trip, Cuba is the place for you. After reading my detailed blog, you’ll be perfectly prepared! Be sure to check out my checklist.