Stephanie’s Blog

What to take to Cuba

The list is below after my short reasoning behind it.

My reason behind this list and post is that while checking my stats, which I know everyone who has a blog does, the phrase, what to take to Cuba, ranks very high.   So I thought that I would do my best to make a detailed list to help people who are their first adventure to Cuba.

First and formost, go with an open mind and NO attitude.  This though should be the case no matter where you are travelling to.  Remember, this is not home and things WILL be different.  You are a guest in their country.   Customs and rules are different and you should respect that.  What may seem just damn outrageous to you is the norm in Cuba.  This is a latin country and the art of communication between sexes is most definitely different than our culture.  Do not be alarmed, take it in your stride and savour the compliments!  Remember too that Cubans work long hours but do not work at the same pace as we do.  So do not get frustrated and angry if you are not attended to right away or something is not “fixed” right away.  You will be served, it will get fixed.  Relax, enjoy your vacation.  You got a deal.  You are in the warmth away from the gray days of winter.  So the list, here we go.

1. Couple rolls of toilet paper – it may not always be available to you.
2. Mosquito repellent if you are anywhere near lagoons.  Yes, the resorts are sprayed, but lagoons are natural breeding grounds.
3. Emergency medical supplies – just a small plastic bag, for example: antibiotic cream, q-tips, alcohol wipes, bandages, head ache pills(you just may need them one morning), rehydration salts (gastrolyte) – just in case, and ladies don’t forget sanitary towels.
4. Batteries and/or charger – also you may want to get an AC adapter, not all hotels have our outlets although you can get one from the larger resorts
5. Suntan oils, lotions and after sun tan lotion – you will need it.
6. Extra shampoo and or conditioner – just the little bottles is fine.
7. Pack light.  You will not need a suitcase full of fancy clothes.  Swimsuits, shorts, t-shirts, sarongs, sandals, some kind of sun hat – you get the picture.  My suitcase gets lighter each time I visit.
8. Baby clothes as gifts.  Everyone and everybody knows someone with a baby.  These are expensive to buy there and are greatly appreciated.
9. Extra cash for tips.  Sure you bought an “all inclusive” but TIPS does stand for “to insure prompt service” – and a peso or half a peso means a lot.  Make sure you keep 25 pesos to leave Cuba!
10. Safe sex.  Don’t just have sex with a Cuban – fall in love with a Cuban.  Just thought I would add that one for the singles out there reading this.

Go, have fun.  Take some trips outside the resort.  Introduce yourself, make friends – it will not be hard in Cuba.  My list may not be complete but it should give you a pretty good idea of where to start.  And try to pick up a little Spanish while you are there …….. hasta luego ……

Sunrise Cayo Coco