A family clapped as the plane touched down in Havana. Children were about to meet their grandma for the first time; a trip likely aided by the lift of U.S. travel bans to Cuba. This was a first for me too. Not only was it my first time to Cuba, but also my first trip outside the United States. It was April 2019, arriving in Havana during the 500th year anniversary of its foundation. There were bands, food, and dancing on streets to rooftops. If you ever wanted to learn how to salsa, this was the time and place. I did not partake, but I had a good time watching as I drank my bottle of Cristal, (the beer not the champagne) looking down from a rooftop at all the classic cars below. I couldn’t believe I was here, at this celebration, in a place few Americans have seen since the 50’s.

U.S. Travel to Cuba

If you like stories about revolution, read or watch something about Cuba from the past 100 years. Because of the former strife between the United States & Cuba, there is still an exhaustive list of establishments you’re not suppose to visit, since they’re owned by the Cuban government: hotels, restaurants, marinas, etc. These rules are written by the U.S. government specifically for people traveling from the states. As an American, if you wish to go to Cuba, you must travel under a category that is legally permitted. The category my travel fell under was “Support of the Cuban People.” You can purchase local accommodations, eat at family owned restaurants, buy art, volunteer, take tours, etc. to fulfill this category’s requirements. The law requires you to have a detailed itinerary to present to officials, if requested, of what you did while in Cuba. I’ve done research on how the U.S. has enforced this itinerary rule, but it seems it’s never asked for unless you are applying for a United States Global Access pass. In my opinion, it seems these measures are meant to deter Americans from visiting Cuba (boo). It didn’t stop us, because I love making plans! I’d make a powerpoint about our stay if they asked for one. On the reverse, Cuba seems to welcome U.S. tourism. There was no extra paperwork involved when we landed in Cuba, and locals were genuinely welcoming and happy to have us. They made a few Trump jokes here and there, but can we blame them? Countries surrounding the U.S. don’t have the same travel restrictions when it comes to Cuba. The Christmas after our trip, a funny thing happened while I was walking down the street in Toronto. I noticed a sign advertising Varadero Beach, the most beautiful beach in Cuba, which is definitely not a billboard you’d see in the United States.

Driving Through the Past

Red 55 T-birds, Old Cadillacs, and cars that mostly go unmentioned when thinking about Cuba, prohibition mobster rides like the Ford Model A, were everywhere. Even though I was only 100 miles or so from the U.S. coast, I felt much farther. Other than the models above circling around the city center, there weren’t many cars I recognized. All these cars I’d never seen before. The Boxy Russian Ladas really stuck out to me. I mainly stayed in Havana, where they’re known for classic car tours, but even in rural areas it’s impressive how well the Cuban people maintain their vehicles. Old school motorcycles, convertibles, trucks, all appear in prime condition. The lack of trade between the U.S. and Cuba has made it hard to find repair parts, so people have come up with creative ways to keep these cars running! Replacing old motors with boat motors is a popular example. If you have a love for mechanics, you have to visit Cuba!

Travel Tips

I’d be lying if I said traveling to Cuba wasn’t a bit nerve wrecking, and not just because it was my first international trip. There is some intense planning required beforehand. Our credit/debit cards didn’t work anywhere we went, so it is a necessity to have cash for everything. A mother and daughter we talked to at the airport did not get this warning and had a very hard time trying to get sufficient funds for their trip. Luckily, a lot of accommodations can be paid for online ahead of time, but definitely need booked before arriving. We were only able to purchase internet by the hour in some places; other times we used our (pricey) international phone plan. There were places to buy SIM cards, but our stay wasn’t long enough for the investment. AIRPORT TIP: We flew Southwest Airlines and the terminal for our plane was VERY FAR away from the main international airport. There are no buses or trains between these terminals so make sure, during your departure back home, you are going to the correct building. We did not (eek), but we quickly got into a taxi and didn’t miss our flight! Also, if you ever need medical assistance, make sure to hold onto your plane ticket. This is your insurance card in Cuba (the fee was included in the Southwest airline ticket). I had to go to a clinic while there, and the medical staff were some of the most kind, attentive people I’ve ever met. Plus I didn’t have to pay a dime, including an ambulance ride. As an American, thats a shock to hear! If you’re wondering what happened to me, I was severely dehydrated (whoops). See pics below.

I’m grateful and fortunate I saw some of the most incredible architecture, art, and beaches in the world. Surrounded by all the rich culture and history, I was humbly reminded that we’ll all be a part of history someday. Thank you Cuba for letting us see Havana’s 500 year anniversary live and in person. I’ll always think back to how it felt sitting on the seawall, listening to the waves crash. Even though I was only there for a small spec of time, I will remember the kindness the Cuban people showed me forever.