YOUR GUIDE TO A SOLO VACATION IN CUBA
CUBA CALIENTE
YOUR GUIDE TO A SOLO VACATION IN HAVANA CUBA
YOUR GUIDE TO A SOLO VACATION IN CUBA - From arrival to departure!
Cuba is one of the Spanish speaking Caribbean Islands, its capital is Havana. I have been to many of the other Caribbean islands, but this was my first time in Cuba. Reasons being, 1. With the price of the ticket, you can visit Miami twice (so it’s not cheap). 2. Previously, there were no direct flights (under 4 hours) between Trinidad and Tobago and Havana, Cuba. So, here is your guide to a solo vacation in Cuba.
Currently you can fly direct to Havana twice a week with Caribbean Airlines. It is my favorite airline, with the friendliest air stewards/stewardesses, worldwide. It is the only airline I have flown, with so much legroom in economy, seriously.
I have been on over 30 different airlines (double-decker planes, airbuses, etc.) and none with as much legroom as Caribbean Airlines economy seats. Passengers can pass in front of other passengers without anyone getting up. You can’t go wrong when booking with Caribbean Airlines, you get free meal/snack, headset, first 23 kg bag free and the airline has a perfect safety record.
What to expect on arrival at Havana's Airport!?
Firstly, to visit Cuba some countries need a simple visa or tourist card, this you can get at your embassy in advance or airline counter for US$25.00. You also need travel insurance. I took the brochure that came with my credit card, to show that I have travel insurance, nothing else, I wasn’t willing to pay for extra insurance, because with my credit card I’m covered.
On arrival into Havana, Cuba at the Jose Marti International Airport, we disembarked on the tarmac, as I walked down the steps of the plane the heat was overwhelming, it was muy Caliente!! I then walked through what looked like a back door and entered into the airport building, 20 steps from the door was the line for immigration. The line was short and moved rather quickly.
I presented my passport and Tourist Card to the Immigration Officer but was never asked if I have or to present my travel insurance, neither did anyone else at the airport, (FYI), it doesn’t seem to be a “must-have”. The officer spoke little or no English and was very cut and dry but quick. After immigration then came the scanning of your carry-on luggage, followed by a “pat down” by T.S.A. Officers, this line was long and slow. The immigration and the luggage pick up, was in one room separated by a partition and a narrow door
Luggage pick up was next, talk about a confusing, long wait for luggage, took me 1 hour and a half waiting for my luggage.
This airport looked like an open market with lots of haggling going on. Seriously!! This was the first time I have never seen such a disorganized airport. I was advised by a Guyanese traveller who frequents Havana, to stand in between the two luggage carousels to see which one my luggage is coming from. One carousel shows your flight number, but the luggage came from a different carousel. The carousels all had plastic balls of luggage in many colors instead of suitcases, some with clothes hanging out of them, this was rather amusing to me.
If you need to use the bathroom at the airport, please walk with your tissue. What I found strange on arrival, (I thought maybe that day it was a one-off incident, but it also happened on departure), a lady was standing in the bathroom with a roll of toilet paper in hand and tearing off small pieces of toilet paper and handing it to you as you entered. (there isn’t any in the individual stalls). I don’t know how hygienic this is, so this is just a “heads up” if you are visiting for the first time, ladies.
Si Muy Caliente!!
Yes!! It is very hot in Cuba like back home the heat was almost at boiling point. I felt the heat once again as I exited the airport terminal to get my taxi. Outside the airport, you can feel the heat of the afternoon sun and a faint smell of petrol in the air. The men were all staring at me and I can hear a few saying “Alta Bonita” I am accustomed to such stares whenever I travel, so it was a normal thing. I entered the waiting area and my prearranged taxi driver was there waiting for me holding up the sign with my name.
I was quite surprised he waited so long for me, so I am going to recommend this taxi company – TAXIinHavana, (check TripAdvisor and book there or send them an email with info and you are booked, no payment in advance). They Offered excellent service and price both ways. Yes, so back the heat, from what I see, the men also looked Caliente. with special salsa walk. reminds me of the men in the Dominican Republic, who has a similar walk lol!
Gifts to take to Cuba
It is always nice to take souvenirs to any country that you vacation. I always take T-shirts with the country’s name/flag on it any county I visit, if the hotel staff or host is nice to me, I give it to them as a souvenir gift from my country.
It’s a nice idea when visiting Havana to take with you some items for the locals (esp. the children) as in examples below:
- Flip flops
- Toothbrush for the kids (esp. movie character ones) and toothpaste
- Toiletries (esp. soaps, mouth wash, dental floss shampoo, and conditioner)
- T-Shirt (with country’s symbol or name)
- Feminine hygiene products
- School supplies
- Make up for the ladies
- Small electronics
These items seem to be the top gift items in Havana. It gives you a happy feeling to see you can help someone else and bring such great joy to the locals who receive them. Such small items are not going to cost you a lot, neither adding too much extra weight to your suitcase, so think about the joy it will bring someone else.
Feel at Home with the locals with a Cuban Cigar and Mojito
When you are a female solo traveller, be ready for lots of attention, especially when you look a bit different than the locals, females tend to stare and so the men even more so with their whistling. Havana is no different, soon enough, you get accustomed to the attention and whistles and even whistle back to make a light moment.
The men here are quite respectful nonetheless. I love it when I get the opportunity to practice my Spanish (can write it much better than to speak it) so it’s no problem asking simple questions etc.
From my observation, Cubans are not big on smiling or being overly friendly, they tend to stare more, (I think maybe it’s because many think I am also from Cuba). It was the regular question, “you Cubano??” but after it was made known to them that I am not Cuban they were much friendlier. It was also very easy generally, to stop and anyone to take my pictures, they were only too happy to do so. As a solo traveller you need to know how to ask strangers to take your pictures…(see My FAQs).
Havana is the cigar capital. Everywhere you can see and smell the cigar from visitors and locals alike, smoking them. Men decked off in their Fidel hats sipping their Mojitos… which were quite delicious, whilst listening to sweet Salsa music, by live bands almost everywhere.
So, sit back and relax with the locals and have one of the delicious mojitos. Point to note, if you are a female visitor, and you hang out with the locals, for drinks or food, whether it may be a man or a woman, know that you will be the one paying for everything.
The Cuban Classic Cars
For classic car lovers, Havana is the place to be. Here is where you will fall in love all over with 19th and 20th-century classic cars, in mint condition too, I might add. I have seen a few of the newer model cars (all imported by the Government for re-sale, rent or taxi service). However, I wasn’t expecting these cars to be in such a pristine condition. All models, all sizes and shapes and amazing and beautiful colors. Visitors love them, they are either rented (at a hot price) or you can be chauffeured driven around the city for a nice price. I am loving these well-preserved beauties.
Recommendations on Where to Stay
If you are visiting Havana for more than 3 nights, I suggest a reasonably priced B&B rather than a hotel, especially if you are on a budget or planning another vacation (see how to plan a solo vacation).
If you are visiting just a couple of days, then an all-inclusive hotel package deal would be a good option, without the hassle of looking for meals, etc. your focus would be more on getting as much site seeing done with limited days (remember Havana is huge with lots to see).
For a longer stay, you will want to get a cheaper room option, with a clean room, air-condition and in a great location. My no. 1 recommendation would be Casa de Tito & Martha. Located in Havana Vieja (Old Havana) and 2 blocks from Plaza Vieja (the happening spot in Old Havana). It’s close to the bus, taxis, and restaurants. It’s an excellent option with great reviews on Trip Advisor and best of all reasonably priced with great hosts. It tends to be booked up months early so (check it out on Booking.com).
Recommendations on Where to Eat
The first 3 days in Havana, I realized the food was nothing to shout about, many of the restaurants served tasteless and very expensive food until I discovered 2 restaurants I liked.
I have had almost all my meals at these two restaurants located at Plaza Vieja. La Vitrola (the table mats are old records) and Pizza Retro for delicious pizza, Italian food, and Calzones. Both restaurants were reasonably priced with great tasting food and always had a crowd. Remember Cuba is expensive when it comes to food and many restaurants charge a high price for tasteless food. Therefore, I recommend these two for price, taste and great spot in the liveliest part of Plaza Vieja.
I loved some of the cuban food like the Croquetas (a mixture of flour cheese and ham fried) Ropa Vieja means old clothes in Spanish. lol, but it is a tasty meal of shredded beef served with rice or tortillas. Moros y Cristianos (black beans and rice).
Everyone knows I love Ice-cream and always search for the best in any city I visit. I was beginning to lose hope in Havana where ice-cream is concerned, until I discovered Mangos Gelataria & Cafe (one corner from Vitrola). I will highly recommend it as the best in Havana, my favorite flavors were the Pineapple and chocolate coconut. Previously to having Ice cream here, I tried 4 different shops and they were all horrible, including the one recommended and touted to be the best in Cuba (no name called) but the lines were very long, to be seated, for this ice cream shop and the ice cream was tasteless and melted in less than 3 minutes.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND POINTS TO NOTE WHEN VISITING HAVANA CUBA
I will never recommend visiting any city for 3 days only, especially if it’s a big city. Cuba is no exception, a minimum of 5 nights in Havana is ideal.
If you visit Havana Vieja for 3 days and remain only in the city, it’s almost guaranteed you may leave disliking Cuba, because you didn’t venture out to see the New City, the lovely beaches or the many beautiful sites. It is a big city with lots to do and see, therefore, you need to go with an open mind as you step back into time and enjoy the 19th and 20th centuries to some extent.
To enjoy the people, sites, the culture, the food, etc you need to pace yourself a bit and not be hurriedly running from one site to the next especially with the heat of the city. (The sun sets around 7:30 pm).
Honestly, the first day I arrived in Havana Vieja, I was like “WDH am I doing here” the second day still tired and learning the streets (Havana Viejo is like a maze of old high-rise buildings).
I was not impressed, especially with tasteless, expensive food in an old and burning hot city. By the 3rd day as I started to explore a bit more in and around the city it was beginning to grow on me. Then by the 4th day, I was only too happy to be there. I begun to see the true beauty of Havana and found food I liked.
Ladies (mainly) and guys I met in Cuba from around the world.. who love to travel..
Here are my main recommendations and points to note when visiting Havana
- I recommend that you stay in Habana Vieja (Old Havana) if you want to be in the heart of the true Cuban experience and lively tourist spots. Then you can take a day trip to new Havana and explore. If however you do not like the crowds and the music etc. and want to be in the quieter, cleaner and less touristy part of Havana, then stay in New Havana (remember you cannot walk from one to the next, you must take a taxi or bus) and this area is a bit on the dull side. (Point to note, I find the restaurants in New Havana are much cheaper than Old Havana).
- Do the Habana Hop on Hop off bus tour on the first or 2nd day of arrival to get a better feel of the city and to see what it has to offer, it costs 10.00 Cuc. (Keep in mind this is Cuba, so there are no headsets nor selection of languages, the sites are related in Spanish and then English by the lady on the bus).
- Walk with an umbrella (see my travel essentials and must-have gadgets) available on Amazon (#Ad), a hat and sunblock. It is extremely hot.
- Know that your USD, Euro, and GBP are not worth that much. At the Cambio or the bank, you will see 93.00 Cuc = US$100.00. but after tax and commission, it’s the same as the airport 87.00 Cuc for US$100.00. The Euro and GBP are barely 100.00 Cuc for 100 Euro/GBP. If you receive 1.00 Cuc for US$1.00, you are quite lucky. The B&B I recommended earlier gives that exchange rate.
- Be prepared for long lonely nights. Wi-Fi/internet is a “bummer” almost non-existent here and you pay for the internet that goes fast and the internet here is downright BAD (It was taking me almost 2 days to upload a 4 minutes video on Facebook) so be prepared to chat shorter, with a bad connection or not at all.
- Taxis are very expensive (seems there is currently a petrol shortage in Cuba, lines of vehicles, can be seen for miles leading to petrol stations).
- Havana is not a city for Foodies. The food at lots of restaurants can be a bit of a “hit and miss” and expensive. (The previously recommended restaurants are good).
- You cannot walk to the beach from new or old Havana. You must use a taxi or bus. There is a beach bus down at the Capitolio building (bordering Old Havana and Central Havana) that charges 5.00 Cuc two-way to the beach.
- Supermarkets here are not like in your country, they are more like shops with a line, with limited items.
- Have an average US$35.00 per day for 3 meals (no mojitos, Ice-cream, etc. Just basic meals) this is for 1 person of course.
- Credit cards esp. the ones issued by US banks, are frown upon here it seems…the first question they ask is if its American card, then you say No! they go to the machine and return saying it’s not working. (I even tried at duty-free on leaving Havana and no luck). Therefore, my advice to you is to walk with extra cash to be on the safe side.
- If you buy a painting, and take it to the airport in the frame, know that after customs, you must visit the lady who sits to the right, to have it checked and certified with a stamp, and you must pay a fee, so remove the frame and put it in your suitcase if you don’t wish to pay extra (no credit card accepted here either).
- Forget looking for your favorite fast-food chains like KFC or Burger king etc. for cheap fast food, there aren’t any.
DEFINITE MUST VISITS
- El Morro
- The Christ Statue (El Cristo De la Havana)
- El Malecon
- El Capitolio (located Paseo del Prado St. in the center of old Havana and beginning of central Havana, Built-in 1926 to 1929)
- Fusterlandia
- Beaches – El playa Santa Maria and Playa de Este
- New/Old Havana/Plaza Vieja
Plaza de Revolucion
Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana - Trinidad (if you have the time, it’s almost 6 hours’ drive)
I LOVE HAVANA CUBA
With all its little draw-backs, I still love Havana Cuba. Laid-back, low-keyed lifestyle, SAFE, beautiful beaches, exotic classic cars, and a thriving tourist industry.
These are what I like most about Havana. Full of history and quite safe for the solo traveller. I liked this the most…you don’t have to be looking over your shoulders or feel like a target in any way. Night or day, you can walk the streets of Havana with assured safety. Normal caution is required of course, because nowhere in the world is 100% safe.
Cuba is truly Caliente, the weather the prices, the mojitos, the guys..lol. So, whether it may be with company or alone, Havana Cuba is a must-visit. I hope you have enjoyed my total guide to a solo vacation in Cuba.
A special thank you to my Russian internet/Data saviour – N. Sutyrin, who not only saved the day but my entire vacation. With your kind gesture I was able to access internet for my entire duration of stay, even thought it was slow, it was much appreciated.. after all it was Cuba..Shows there are some kind Russians out there..lol.. Thanks again.
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