CUBA TRAVEL TIPS– What to Pack
I like to travel light – one carry-on bag, one day pack – no matter where I go, or for how long . . . If I'm staying for an extended period, that just means doing or sending out laundry.
The following checklist is my personal checklist, which I modified for Cuba . . . follow, alter or ignore as you see fit.
CHECKLIST
Documents: (and copies – kept separately)
• Flight info (Printout e-tickets, flight itinerary)
• Insurance info, medical info
• Passport
•Visa/tourist card (purchase en route to Havana)
• Pre-departure information (invitation, affidavit, program itinerary)
Other Essentials:
• Cash (credit and debit cards, not for Cuba but en route)
• Money belt (recommended!)
• Snacks!
• Reusable water bottle
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries/charger)
• Phone (charger, ear buds) – also used for alarm clock
• Watch and alarm clock
• Umbrella (for sun or rain!)
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, band aids, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs)
• Flashlight/headlamps
• Lock for bag (If you’re using a lock, make sure it’s TSA approved)
• Toiletries/make up
Clothes: (Note – Havana is humid! I prefer wearing loose-fitting dresses/skirts)
• Fleece top/sweater – cool evenings, or travel
• Shoes, sandals
• Sun hat/bandana/scarf
• Long pants
• Shorts/skirts
• 4 Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Bathing suit
• Small travel towel
Note: Bring a pair of closed shoes if you plan on taking in the Tropicana or similar show, and semi-formal attire (dresses/skirts/long pants/dress shirts). No sandals or shorts are permitted into the theatre.
Laundry: Laundry facilities are offered by the hotels for a charge. Prices vary, so be sure to ask how much it will cost beforehand. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so I suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. (Baby shampoo works well!)
BUEN VIAJE!
-Nancy Yamada
415.484.9948