Warm tropical breezes, bright sunny days, and evenings filled with entertainment.  Cuba offers it all, along with some rainy days and lots of walking to cultural and historic sites.  When planning what to pack for Cuba, there are several things to keep in mind

Here’s our list of suggested items to bring along.  As you read it remember to pack as light as possible. There is a baggage fee for checked luggage between Miami and Havana.

Day to Day Clothing:
Items made of cotton and natural fabrics help you stay cool and comfortable
Pants – Good for evenings and dinner
Shorts – Better for the day instead of evening and dinner.  In Cuba, men do not wear shorts to evening events or important venues.  And suits and ties are not required for dinner either.
Short sleeve shirt – Work well for daytime and evening.
T-Shirts – Made of cotton are comfortable and easy to layer with a sweater when needed
For ladies, skirts or skorts work fine too.  Especially for evenings. Lightweight dresses work well day or night.
A light jacket or sweater for restaurants and on the tour bus
Swimsuit – While lounging around all day on the beach is still not open to American tourists, beach resorts such as Varadero Beach, provide quick beach access, and there is the swimming pool too.
Comfortable shoes – This isn’t a trip to break in new shoes. Bring along your favorite comfortable shoes.  There is walking and more walking.  Many streets will be cobblestone and uneven. Shoes with rubber soles work well and will help prevent slipping when rainy. Pack a pair of light weight socks for sneakers and closed shoes even if you do not usually wear them, you may find they help keep feet dry and comfortable with all the walking.
Dressy shoes – If you would like to explore some of the nightlife on your own, bring a pair of more fashionable shoes.
Waterproof sandals – Shoes which work well
Sunglasses – A pair with UV protection.  The cool factor is important too.  If you find cool and eye-healthy, buy that pair!  And, if they’re polarized that’s another plus.
Prescription and reading glasses – Don’t forget your prescription glasses. It will be difficult to replace them.
Sun hat or cap – Keep the sun out of your face with head protection. Bring along your favorite cap.
Jeans are great too for day.

Safety and Security:
Money belt or fanny pack – There is not a lot of petty crime while touring with a group. It is important to keep your documents, money and personal items safe. There are many versions of this including ones you wear around your neck.
Suitcase Lock – I always suggest locking your suitcase when leaving the room.  A small lock will work fine – combination or key.
Cross-body bags – Ladies, small cross-body bags work well. Bring one which holds your personal items, money, and a small camera. I use my cell phone for many photos, and it fits perfectly in a small cross-body bag.  This type bag keeps your hands free, and you still have everything close and secure.

Telephone, Camera, Guidebooks & Other Electronics:
My iPhone goes everywhere with me. Even to Cuba where U.S. cellular phone are inoperable.  But! It works for photos, video and recording my trip.
Telephone – Bring you phone because you will need it in Miami and can use it for other features while in Cuba. There are SIM cards you can purchase. I have not used them but there is a company offering them. Check out their site and see if it is something you’d want to try.  SIM cards are offered by One SIM Card – click here to find Cuba rates.   Cuba rates are listed under the “View all Rates” button.
Ipad – Works well for recording and taking photos.  Most entertainment shows allow you to record them.
Kindle – There may not be a lot of time for reading, but bring you Kindle for those rare moments. And, you may have loaded your book about Cuba on your Kindle.
Camera – Photo opportunities are everywhere! Bring a camera with extra memory cards and batteries.
Chargers – Remember cellphone, iPad, Kindle and camera chargers.
Electric shavers – check your shaver for dual voltage.
Electricity – You’ll find 110 and 220AC  – An adapter will be useful
Guidebooks – Either bring along a hard copy or Kindle.  A reference book is always handy to have with you.  Click here for a few Cuba Book suggestions.
Alarm Clock – Power outages could cause hotel clocks to have incorrect time. Battery operated clocks or use the alarm on your cell phone.

Journal – Cuba is changing rapidly. Many tourists like to write and journal about their trip – noting what you see, how you feel and the people you’ll meet. If you like journaling bring along a small journal and pen or pencil.

Emergency and First-Aid:
I travel with an emergency first-aid pack.  Mainly because I want immediate relief for minor things – a headache, stomach issues and sprang ankles. I have what I need, and it’s not necessary to run out, find a pharmacy and purchase meds.  Click here for travel pharmacy suggestions.
Sewing kit – Casual dressing usually doesn’t require much mending; but just in case bring along a small sewing kit with safety pins, rubber bands, and super glue.  I also like to bring along a couple of large zip-lock plastic bags. You can pack wet or dirty things and other things you want to keep clean.

Insect Repellent:
Cuba can be rainy.  Bring along your favorite insect repellent. Avoiding bites is the best solution.  Here’s a link from the CDC with recommendations.

Sunscreen and Sun Tan Lotion:  Bring your preferred brand.  It’s hard to find in Cuba and expensive.

Hygiene Products:
Bring along any personal hygiene products you require. Toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash, vitamins, etc. Pack a small amount of products like moisturizers, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, bath wash – these items can add weight to your bag. I suggest only what you think you’ll need in a small container.  Pack these items in the plastic bag to prevent any spills and stains to clothing. Bottle tops can pop open during flight and spill onto clothing and shoes.

Food and Snacks:
A few snack items will keep you satisfied. There are a few stores to purchase items.  Crackers, nuts and candies are good to bring in small amounts.

Packing aids:
If you’re planning to bring Cuban Rum home, you may want to purchase and bring along bubble wrap.  The bottles will be placed in your checked bags.  You are allowed to bring $400 of goods from Cuba, which includes $100 of alcohol and cigars – combined.

Cash and Credit Cards: 
Your tour includes the majority of your meals.
Credit cards are still not an option for U.S. travelers.  I have read reports that some banks are opening transactions with Cuba, but I would strongly suggest bringing cash for all your needs in Cuba. The amount varies.

You will need money for:
– Meals not included in tour
– Evening activities – Shows like La Tropicana are an option and very popular with tourists
– Taxi rides to events and locations outside of the tour itinerary
– Shopping – local markets offer a variety of Cuban crafts, art, and souvenirs
– Havanna Rum and Cigars
U.S. Dollars are subject to a 10% surcharge.

 

Other Items
Pack a small umbrella

Do Not Bring
Satellite phone
Hand-held GPS devices
Fresh fruits and vegetables