What is included in your cost

Air transportation (from Tampa  to Havana)

Or From Ft. Lauderdale to Santiago (depending upon itinerary chosen)

Visa

License for "Support for the Cuban People" - People-to-people

Ground transportation to / from airport

Daily transportation per itinerary

Lodging

Breakfast

Museum entry fees

What is NOT included

Tips to airport porters

Tips to drivers

Lunch / dinner / entertainment

Transportation costs/ fees for optional excursions

What you may wish to take with you

Extra towel

Extra rolls of  toilet tissue

Extra bottles of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel  (hotel complimentary sized)

Cash for Tips (credit cards are not routinely accepted)

Sunscreen

Insect repellant

Good hat, good walking shoes

Study some of the history, be prepared to understand the significance of the monuments and history

Some helpful links to review now, and info to keep with you

Netflix 8-part documentary “Cuba Libre”



Some helpful links to review now, and info to keep with you

State Department Travel - Country Information - Cuba  (hyperlink to website)

State Department - Cuba Information

State Department Traveler's Checklist

  • Apply early for a passport, or renew your old one. It should be valid for at least six months after you return home, and needs to have two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter. Check all family members’ passports because those for adults are valid for 10 years, but children’s passports only for five. U.S. citizens must use a U.S. passport to leave and come back to the United States. 
  • Get a letter from your doctor for medications you are bringing. Some countries have strict laws, even against over-the-counter medications, so read about your destination before you go.
  • Make two photocopies of all your travel documents in case of emergency.  Leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative at home and carry the other  separately from your documents in case of loss or theft.
  • With very few exceptions, U.S. credit and debit cards do not currently work in Cuba. Please bring enough cash to last your entire trip. U.S. Dollars can be exchanged into Cuban convertible currency (CUC) at most airports, hotels, and exchange houses.

    • Additional important information

    ·         Health insurance is paid for at time of booking

    The Cuban Government requires all Passengers traveling from the U.S. to Cuba to have local Cuban health insurance to enter the country. When purchasing a Southwest ticket to Cuba, Cuban health insurance is included as a mandatory Cuba Health Insurance Fee. Terms and conditions of the health insurance can be accessed from the ESICUBA website.

    ·         You must have your boarding pass to receive health care services in Cuba

    Do not dispose of your Southwest boarding pass, as it is proof of your Cuban health insurance. A Southwest Customer Service Agent will return your boarding pass after scanning it at the gate prior to boarding.

    ·         Southwest allows two (2) checked pieces of baggage per ticketed Customer. Size and weight limitations apply

    If you plan to check luggage, you will be required to do so at a Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter upon arrival to the airport. You cannot checkin or check luggage at curbside.

    ·         Arrive to the airport early

    ·         Making purchases in Cuba

    With very few exceptions, U.S. Credit and Debit cards do not currently work in Cuba, so remember to bring enough cash with you to last your entire trip. U.S. dollars can be exchanged into Cuban convertible currency at the airport, hotels, or exchange houses.

    The major legal currency for Cuba is the Cuban Convertible Peso, CUC. It's what you exchange your foreign currency for and make all your purchases with in Cuba. Most tourists will only ever deal with CUC. For international exchange purposes 1.00 Cuban Convertible Peso = $1.00 USD. 



    The U S Embassy in Cuba pages

    United States Embassy

    Calzada between L and M Streets,
    Vedado,
    Havana, Cuba

    Telephone: +(53)(7) 839-4100

    Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(53)(7) 839-4100 and dial 1 to speak with the emergency operator

    Fax: (+53) 7839-4247