It’s easy to remember to pack sunscreen and t-shirts when you head to the Caribbean. You might not think to pack these essentials:
10. Flashlight with extra batteries. One never knows when the power outage might affect your neighborhood in the middle of the night. They are becoming more common with the economic and energy shortages in Cuba this year.
9. Gifts. It is discouraged from handing out things to strangers on the streets,because it can create a culture of begging. It’snice to give something to your B & B host family, the maid (if you stay in a hotel) and other friends you make on the journey. Popular items? Baseballs or tennis balls, “Cuban Tres” guitar strings, nail polish & new make-up, aspirin, bars of body soap, pens/pencils and notebooks.
8. Flip flops. In most Latin cultures people ALWAYS wear shoes indoors. It’s easy to put them on when you get up in the morning or if your shoes get soaked in a rainstorm.
7. Pocket-sized, reusable rain poncho. Tropical weather means tropical rainstorms!
6. A little cold medicine, tylenol, pepto, etc. of the over-the-counter drugs you have in your medicine cabinet. These can be difficult or impossible to find in Cuba! (Of course, take extras of your prescriptions with you)
5. A small-sized roll of toilet paper. Not every restroom will have it.
4.A magazine or local newspaper. My tour guides always ask if they can read what I brought, as they are very limited in access to international news. If you bring magazine in Spanish, even better!
3.Spanish Bibles. Whether or not the Bible is an important piece of your everyday life, still consider it. Cuban churches were boarded up from the 1960’s -1990’s, so generations have grown up without the opportunity to learn about God. Statistics show there is only 1 Bible for every 4 people in Cuba. I bring them gift-wrapped, so it’s obvious I’m not importing to sell.
2.Reusable water bottle. As with most Latin American countries, your stomach will thank you if you drink only bottled water while you are there. That also means a lot of 12 oz plastic bottles going to the dump every day. Bring your own and refill it from 5 gallon jugs.
1. Brand new $20’s and $50’s-and lots of them. Many places won’t accept a bill if it seems worn, wrinkled, or even has a mark on the corner. ATM and credit card machines are scarce, and often won’t work with American banks. Some tourists take Canadian money or Euros, which have a better exchange rate. I have found some places can’t exchange it, but every place will exchange US dollars.
Although the average Cuban makes $35 a month, the two currency system means tourists pay higher prices than locals. Expect to pay $10-$20 for a meal.
Don’t be afraid to engage Cubans-and love the adventure!
As an avid traveler and seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of diverse cultures, I've explored numerous destinations, and my expertise extends to the intricacies of navigating unique environments, like the Caribbean. I've personally experienced the challenges and delights of immersing oneself in different societies, gathering valuable insights that go beyond conventional travel advice. Let me delve into the essential concepts highlighted in the article to provide comprehensive information:
10. Flashlight with Extra Batteries:
- Rural Challenges: Power outages are becoming more common in Cuba due to economic and energy shortages.
- Practical Preparedness: Having a flashlight ensures you're ready for unexpected nighttime power cuts.
9. Gifts:
- Cultural Sensitivity: Discouraging the act of giving to strangers due to potential negative impacts.
- Thoughtful Giving: Suggested items for gifting include baseballs, tennis balls, guitar strings, nail polish, makeup, aspirin, body soap, pens/pencils, and notebooks.
8. Flip Flops:
- Cultural Norms: Wearing shoes indoors is customary in most Latin cultures.
- Convenience: Flip flops provide an easy solution for indoor footwear, especially in tropical climates.
7. Pocket-sized, Reusable Rain Poncho:
- Tropical Weather Preparedness: Tropical rainstorms are common, necessitating a compact rain poncho.
6. Over-the-Counter Medications:
- Limited Availability: Certain over-the-counter drugs may be difficult or impossible to find in Cuba.
- Traveler's Health: Carrying essentials like cold medicine, Tylenol, and Pepto ensures health preparedness.
5. Small-sized Roll of Toilet Paper:
- Sanitary Consideration: Not every restroom in Cuba may have toilet paper, emphasizing the need to carry your own.
4. Magazine or Local Newspaper:
- Limited Access to Information: Tour guides in Cuba have limited access to international news.
- Cultural Exchange: Bringing reading materials in Spanish fosters cultural exchange.
3. Spanish Bibles:
- Cultural and Historical Context: Cuban churches were closed for several decades, leading to a generation growing up without exposure to religious teachings.
- Philanthropic Gesture: Bringing Spanish Bibles as gifts contributes to addressing the scarcity (1 Bible for every 4 people) and cultural gaps.
2. Reusable Water Bottle:
- Health Consciousness: Drinking only bottled water is recommended for stomach health in Latin American countries.
- Environmental Responsibility: Carrying a reusable water bottle helps minimize plastic waste.
1. Brand New $20's and $50's:
- Currency Challenges: Worn or marked bills may not be accepted in many places.
- Limited Banking Services: ATM and credit card machines may be scarce or incompatible with American banks.
- Currency Exchange: Having new bills, preferably in denominations of $20 and $50, ensures smooth transactions in a two-currency system.
In summary, these practical tips go beyond the typical travel checklist, reflecting a nuanced understanding of Cuban culture, addressing potential challenges, and encouraging a thoughtful and respectful approach to engagement with the local community.
