WHAT SHOULD I TAKE TO CUBA?
When packing for your trip to Cuba, the best policy is “if in doubt, take it”. When you go to Cuba make sure you have everything that you think you may need for your holiday in Cuba. Don’t look at that tube of toothpaste and think “I will buy one when I get to Cuba”. You can not assume you can buy it in Cuba. If you go expecting to buy things in Cuba, you will be disappointed and you will wish you had packed said item before leaving to go to Cuba.
CAN I BUY TOILETREIS AND CLOTHES IN CUBA?
Cuba is not a shopping destination; you will be surprised how few shops there are in Cuba and how few products or range of products you will find in the shops in Cuba. When you travel to Cuba, it is better for you to bring everything you need from home to Cuba.
WHY DON’T CASAS PROVIDE…… IN THEIR ROOMS?
So when you get to Cuba and you find yourself asking, “why don’t Casas in Cuba have a hairdryer in the rooms?”, just remember that Cuba has been in an embargo for over 50 years. You may think to yourself that offering a hairdryer or a safety box is such a simple thing to make the guest experience better, but because of the embargo, finding such items in the shops in Cuba is not so easy. These items are only just starting to appear in the shops in Cuba and they usually get snapped up quickly; there is not always enough to meet the demand.
In general you should ensure you include the following items in your luggage when travelling to Cuba:
1. TOILETRIES
You will not find many supermarkets or chemists in Cuba and when you do you will either find unknown brands at inflated prices or you will find that they are sold out of what you need. So do not hesitate to take:
Shower gel, razor, deodorant, shampoo & conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, face creams, hair gel, hair spray, nail clippers, tweezers, scissors, itch cream, ear buds, band aid or a first aid kit.
2. SANITARY ITEMS
Plan ahead as you will not find Tampax in Cuba or any other recognisable sanitary products.
3. MEDICATION
If you are prone to headaches, get a dodgy tummy or find that the air-conditioning gives you a sore throat; you don’t want to get stuck without your trusty, feel good products. You will not find the following very easily in Cuba:
⦁ immodium, paracetemol, ibuprofen, nurofen, aspirin, digestion / diarrhoea solutions, throat lozengers
⦁ don’t forget to take any prescribed medication from your doctor.
4. BATH TOWELS
Casas in Cuba do provide bath towels but they are generally smaller than what you are used to. If this is a problem then bring a soft fibre compact travel towel as they pack up small in your luggage.
5. HAIRDRYERS
Things are changing but not all Casas in Cuba supply hairdryers in their rooms.
6. SARONG
Casas in Cuba do not provide beach towels in the rooms and they do not really like you taking bath towels to the beach. As beach towels can take up a lot of space in your luggage, I recommend bringing a sarong to Cuba instead.
7. SUN PROTECTION
The sun is hot in Cuba especially in the middle of the day so you will need;
Hat, sunglasses, sun protection, lip protection, after sun, aloe vera lotion, umbrella, fans.
8. COMFORTABLE SHOES
Walking on cobbled streets in Cuba with stilettos is not a good idea.
9. EAR PLUGS
Cuba is noisy; you may be woken up by cockerel’s crowing, dogs barking, vendors selling bread on the street at 7am!
10. MOSQUITO SPRAY
Protection and after-bite.
11. SMALL LUGGAGE LOCKS
Not all Casas in Cuba have safety boxes in their rooms, so take a luggage lock and keep personal items locked in your luggage in your room.
12. TRAVEL WASH
There are no laundries in Cuba so you might want to hand wash in the shower.
13. TRAVEL ADAPTER
Cuba voltage is 110V, but some casas in Cuba now have the odd 220V plugs in rooms. You will need a UK/EUROPE/ASIA to US adapter:
⦁ 2 pin flat head
⦁ 2 pin thin round head
14. ELECTRICALGADGETS & THEIR CHARGERS
If you like your gadgets, take them with you:
Travel speakers to listen to music, cameras, ipads, portable battery chargers etc.
FEEL FREE TO ADD TO THE LIST
If you find this list helpful but then go to Cuba and then think of something else to add, please feel free to share……..
EXPERIENCE THE REAL CUBA – SUPPORTING CUBAN BUSINESSES
Experience the Real Cuba offers Casas Particulares in Cuba as well as cultural activities and programs in Cuba supporting local Cuban private businesses.
To find out more about Casas in Cuba and our courses and programs (Spanish lessons, Dance lessons, Music lessons, Photography Experiences, Art & Pottery workshops) check out our website:
