Traveling to Cuba for backpackers is a fantastic experience. Well, it’s all because it will show you how unique the country is in so many ways. However, there are a few pros & cons for backpacking Cuba, which you must consider. In this article, we would discuss them in detail to help you make your holiday exciting and effortless.
Pros & cons for backpacking Cuba –
Pros Of Cuba Travel –
The experience
Cuba is the least expensive and the largest island in the Caribbean. Besides, for travelers, it is perfect for exploring the city during winter. Moreover, the white sandy beaches are the best part. Cuba has around 300 white sand beaches.
The popular landscapes are Vinales Valley, colonial towns like Trinidad, and Havana, the capital city. These are various places which you must not miss while you visit Cuba.
Accommodation in Cuba
The best part of Cuba is it’s amicable and welcoming for backpackers. Well, in Cuba, accommodations are available in huge numbers, and it is easy to find. Besides, travelers, backpackers, and foreigners can get a chance to stay with Cuban families. It is a homestay and better known as “Casas particulares,” which means you can stay with Cuban families.
Besides, it offers tourists an authentic experience and allows them to know about Cuba more deeply.
Safety in Cuba
Cuba is a safe place to travel with a meager crime rate. Well, this is the plus point that attracts a lot of tourists every year. Also, there is no foul play or underhanded activity or any threat. Backpackers, tourists, and foreigners can explore the city at night as well, with cameras and backpacks.
Moreover, Cuba has a clean reputation for having low crime and low criminal record. They have almost no violence, robbery, no gun, gang culture, or dangerous areas around in Cuba. It is mainly because tourism is one of the major sources of their income, and they make sure that tourists are safe over there.
Cheap cigars
Cuba is known for its Cigars. You will get to see a variety of cigars in Cuba because every person smokes a cigar. Besides, the cigar is very cheap, and you can get a box of 5 Cuban cigars at $10. Moreover, if it is allowed, one can quickly sell it back in their home country and profit from these cigars.
The music
Cuba is famous for its music and salsa. Well, in Cuba, you will find people playing salsa music everywhere. Besides, you will get to see everyone grooving in the music in restaurants, bars, streets corners, and homes. Also, you can not control yourself to dance with them. Besides, the quality of the music bands is electrifying, and they play various kinds of music such as salsa, rumba, afro-drums, meringue, jazz, etc.
The Cons Of Cuba Travel
Cash is important
Cuba runs in cash. In Cuba, Mastercards are not accepted at all, and only visa cards are accepted in some places. Besides, people have to pay for the things they purchase in cash. This is one of the cons for travelers and backpackers in Cuba because everyone has to bring cash with themselves.
Moreover, the government charges an extra 10% for using USD in Cuba. If you intend to withdraw cash from ATMs, you will have to pay a lot of fees. Thus, you can get cash from the airport during your arrival in Cuba.
No internet
In Cuba, the internet is limited and too rare to find. Well, the government controls the network connection, and it is allowed for a few special circumstances. There are a few places that will have internet for tourists or travelers.
Moreover, the internet in big hotels and resorts are way too expensive. If you use the internet anywhere, then it will cost you at least $7-12 per hour, but the network is too slow.
Public transportation
Public transportation in Cuba is very horrible. It takes too long to get from one island to the other. Well, you can also see long lines of people to catch busses. Moreover, if you ditch busses, then the cars are available on rent, but it’s too expensive.
Thus, if you want to explore Cuba, then take a ride with the three-wheel bicycle taxis or Bici Taxis. Well, in this 3 people can sit, but you have to squeeze for 3 in the double seat behind the driver. Besides, it can be a great and fun way to explore the city this way.
Well, if you are travelling to Cuba, make sure to book a tour by an organized tour where you can easily enjoy your trip and get the best out of it.
Visa requirements for US travelers to Cuba
An US citizen can visit Cuba only if the US Dept of Treasury permits their travel. Moreover, tourism is prohibited for US travelers in Cuba under the “1960s US trade Embargo against Cuba”.
Moreover, for American citizens, the “People to People” travel category scheduled for educational activities is essential for traveling to Cuba. Also, US travelers should have a pink tourist card if they want to travel to Cuba. They can get it from the Cuban consulate or at the airport itself.
Dual Currency
Cuba has a double currency. The locals utilize Cuban Pesos (CUP), and for tourists, it is Cuban Convertibles (CUC). The value of both differs a lot. For instance, a local can buy a cone of ice cream at 1 CUP, and for a tourist, it is 1 CUC.
However, in terms of value, if we calculate then with 1 CUC, a local can buy 24 cones of ice-cream. Therefore, you can do the math and check the difference yourself. So, the tourists or a backpacker end up paying more for the same thing.
Therefore, these are some of the pros & cons for backpacking Cuba. If you plan to visit Cuba, you must go through all the pros & cons for backpacking Cuba to make sure you don’t miss anything. These will also help you to avoid confusion during your visit.
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