What to Know Before Attaining a Cultural Experience in Western Cuba
Cuba isn’t quite like other countries. Although every country is unique, Cuba provides a distinctive culture that remains influenced by decades of the United States embargo and rule by the Communist Party.
Nonetheless, this unique history can provide insight through tours of Cuba and the one-of-a-kind Western Cuba culture. For this reason, our team from Airline Brokers wants to offer some of our tips when exploring Western Cuba.
1. Bring Cash
Cuba remains a cash economy primarily. Credit and debit cards issued by American banks are not accepted anywhere in Cuba. Unless you want to end up begging on the Havana streets, ensure you take alone some cash during any Western Cuba sojourn. Although some hotels and car rental agencies in Western Cuba will accept credit cards, 99% of the island will not, so it’s best to not depend on this.
Additionally, ATMs and credit card machines aren’t exactly reliable. For this reason, it is best to plan a careful budget on how much you think you’ll need, adding a bit extra just in case something happens during your tours of Cuba.
2. Travel as Light as Possible
When you travel to attain an experience of Western Cuba Culture, bring along cabin luggage only if you can. This will help you avoid worrying about losing items or potential damage that can occur during any long trip.
Additionally, you may appreciate traveling light during tours of Cuba looking at other visitors struggling to carry heavy, large bags in and out of tiny Cuban doorways, as well as traversing tight staircases.
3. Visit During the Right Times of Year
With any destination, the seasons impart good and better times to attain a West Cuba Culture experience. Between mid-November and March is the cool, dry season in Western Cuba. However, this is also the busier time of year as a result of the lower temperatures and humidity levels.
Between May and June represents the wetter season when things can get a bit sweatier in Cuba. Nonetheless, this is when Cubans typically harvest tobacco, and Carnivale takes place, two of the most popular highlights of tours of Cuba.
4. Learn as Much Spanish as Possible
One of the most important Airline Brokers tips is to learn as much of the local language as possible. Even the simplest words or sentences can go a long way in Western Cuba. The local Cubans love to talk, especially when you understand some of their language.
When you understand and speak a little Spanish, they may be even friendlier, and this can help facilitate things in some of the casa particulars, enabling you to converse with your generous hosts.
5. Get Your Documentation in Order
You will need travel insurance to travel to Cuba. Cuban customs do spot checks, and unfortunately, if you cannot produce policy documentation, they will likely make you purchase insurance on-site.
Additionally, technology is challenging to come by in Cuba. You need to print any documentation before your tours of Cuba, in addition to your next destination.
Finally, most nationalities will need a specialized visa for Cuba called a Cuban Tourist Card. You can purchase this through a local Cuban embassy or before officially arriving in Western Cuba.
Tips on a Western Cuba Cultural Experience from Airline Brokers
The most important thing to remember while attaining a Western Cuba cultural experience is to appreciate that this isn’t something everyone gets to do. The country is unique, and a low crime rate and is not dangerous.
Use common sense and respect the local culture, and you can experience a substantial amount of fun while in Cuba. To learn more about tours of Cuba, direct your attention to our blog, or contact Airline Brokers today to learn more!
