9-Day Trip

$2,400 – Trip cost (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)

I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?

If you would like a single room throughout the tour, you can purchase the “single supplement”. The single supplement fee for this trip is $400. If you would like your own room, the additional supplement can be purchased at check-out. We have made the single supplement fee as affordable as possible so that those traveling solo are not discouraged from traveling with us.

If you are comfortable sharing a room with another traveler of the same gender and would like us to pair you with someone to avoid paying the single supplement, we can arrange this for you. Pairing with another person of the same gender comes on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, there will be a questionnaire pertaining to this. Please complete it accurately so that we can try our best to accommodate your preferences.

IMPORTANT: If we cannot find a roommate for you, you will need to purchase the single supplement. Roommates will always be the same gender. We try our best to pair roommates based on preferences (i.e. non-smokers, no snoring, night owls, early birds, etc.), but this is not always possible. If you are a light sleeper, sensitive to certain smells, etc., we recommend purchasing the single supplement. We will put you in contact with your roommate after booking. If you wish to have your own room at any point during the trip, you will need to purchase the single supplement pro rata. This will also be subject to availability.

What is included :

  • 8 nights accommodation in casa particulares (double occupancy)
  • Private Cuban guide throughout
  • Private, air-conditioned transportation
  • Activities as noted in itinerary
  • All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners

What is not included :

  • 2 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Airport pick-up & drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Souvenirs
  • International flight
  • Cuban tourist card (visa)
  • Supplementary insurance

  1. Each group consists of 4 – 12 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into a society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.

    A small group number also means that group members will receive more personal treatment from the guide who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.

  2. The minimum age on our trips is 18. Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.

    We like to think of our trips as get-togethers at amazing destinations. Past travelers have told us that the group dynamic and the friends they made were highlights of the trip.

    Check out the pictures from our last trips to get an idea of the group composition by clicking HERE.

  3. While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time during which the guide can help arrange any activity that might interest you. Most of the activities can be arranged with little to no notice. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and are to be paid at your own expense.

    Below are some examples of optional activities and their approximate costs per person:

    • Horseback riding (≈20 USD)
    • Scuba diving (≈35 USD)
    • Cooking class (≈45 USD)
    • Salsa lesson (≈10 – 15 USD)

    These activities can be arranged and paid for in cash only through the local guide once in Cuba.

  4. On our trip, you will be staying at guesthouse/bed and breakfast style accommodations called casa particulares. A casa particular is owned and run by private Cuban citizens. All rooms have air-conditioning and a private bathroom. Some will provide shampoo or soap, but it is best to be prepared and bring your own. Also, a hair dryer is not always provided so if you need one, we suggest bringing it with you.

    Guests are served breakfast every morning at the casa. Breakfast usually includes eggs and bread, fruit, fresh fruit juice (i.e. guava, papaya, mango), coffee, and tea.

    If you’d like to know more about what you can expect for meals during your trip, check out our blog about Food in Cuba.

    Typically, the group is split into different homes with between 2 and 6 group members in each home. We use a number of different houses depending on the group size, season, and availability. Most casa particulares in Cuba usually have 2 – 4 rooms for guests. However, with a recent change in laws, some homes now have up to 9 rooms.

    While every family and every casa in Cuba is unique with slightly different levels of comfort, the houses we use in Cuba on our trips are much nicer than the average Cuban dwelling. The rooms for guests are required to meet a certain standard of comfort for the house to obtain a license to rent. The fee that the owners of the houses in Cuba pay to the government for this license is substantial.

    For our groups, we choose one house as a “base house” which typically has more rooms and a spacious area for the group to meet. We use this house as an arrival and departure point for the group and as a meeting point for any excursions or activities with the local guide. Participants are distributed among different casas situated within a short walking distance of the base house.

    For examples of the casa particulares in which we stay, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab.

    Get a more in-depth perspective of what accommodation is like in Cuba by reading our blog about it.

  5. Cuba currently uses the Cuban peso (CUP) and the US dollar (USD) or euro (EUR). It is important to note that the Cuban peso is a closed currency so you can’t buy, sell, or trade it outside of Cuba. This means you won’t be able to legally exchange other currencies for pesos before your trip and can only do so once in Cuba.

    Exchange rates are determined by the Cuban government and are subject to change at any moment without notice. You can see the government’s most recent exchange rates on CADECA’S WEBSITE. This website may not be updated regularly or have the most current rates.

    The Cuban convertible peso (CUC) is no longer legal tender in Cuba!

    *You may see and hear the term MLC. It stands for moneda libremente convertible and is a term created by the Cuban government for foreign currencies, usually USD and EUR.

    Simply put, the best currency to bring for purchases and exchange in Cuba is the US dollar (USD) or the euro (EUR) for Americans. 

    Cuba is experiencing one of its worst bouts of inflation so prices in CUP at most places are extremely elevated.

    At the official government exchange houses, 1 USD/EUR is approximately 110/117 CUP respectively. However, USD/EUR are accepted at many private food and beverage establishments which are the only types of places we dine at on our trips.

    When paying in US dollars or euros, you will often receive change in CUP. You can use this to tip your server, bartender, etc. Be sure to ask at every place you visit what their USD/EUR to CUP exchange rate is. 1 USD/EUR is valued at varying amounts of CUP at private restaurants, bars, and cafes. For more information about what to tip, check out our blog about Tipping in Cuba!

    PRO TIP: When bringing US dollars or euros, it’s best to bring smaller bills of 20s, 10s, and 5s. Avoid bringing too many bills above 50.

  6. PRO TIP: As most taxis at the airport will accept USD or EUR, we recommend that all Globe Drifters travelers wait to buy any Cuban pesos (CUP) until they meet with the guide on the evening of Day 1 of the trip. He will offer guidance on exchanging money at the first meeting when you arrive.

    If you would like to exchange your money for CUP, the most common place for travelers to do so in Cuba is the CADECA which is the official government currency exchange office. You will see these offices at the airport as well as in major cities and/or tourist destinations. The exchange rates are set by the government and do not vary too much from place to place so there’s no need to search for the best deal. 

    Many hotels exchange money, but it is not recommended to exchange there because of the inflated exchange fees they may charge.

    There are many unofficial money exchangers on the street, but we do not advise our travelers on how to do this. If you choose to exchange in this way, it is at your discretion and own risk.

    At the end of your trip, you can exchange your remaining CUP back to an available foreign currency at the airport. CADECA in the city may exchange CUP back for foreign currency for you depending on availability. You can also try to spend the rest of your CUP. Keep in mind that CADECA in the city or at the airport may impose a $100 USD/EUR limit when exchanging back from CUP.

    We do not advise on which currency (USD vs EUR) to bring for exchange. It is up to the individual traveler to weigh the pros and cons as well as to calculate any exchange fees in order to determine if it is best to bring USD or EUR.

  7. Cuba is primarily a cash economy. Please be aware that if you are an American, there is no way to withdraw US dollars from an ATM in Cuba. Therefore, should you run out of cash while in Cuba, there is NO WAY to get more. Debit/credit cards are accepted in some hotels and government-run shops. However, any US and US-affiliated credit and debit cards will not work in Cuba.

    You will not, in any case, be able to withdraw money from an ATM using any American card. Travelers with non-US cards may be able to withdraw cash, but no matter what country you are from, we advise only bringing cash and not relying on a debit/credit card.

    Western Union and other wiring services are generally only offered to Cubans with a linked bank account. Please note that if your home bank has any affiliation with a US bank, your card will not be accepted in Cuba.

  8. Cuba has a very modest but very present tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis, and for personal services, all tips are at your discretion, and if you do decide to tip, around 10% of the total bill is appreciated. Many locals, especially those working in the service industries, are quite poorly compensated for their work so tipping helps them earn decent wages. Read more about tipping in Cuba at our blog!

    Tipping your bus driver and guide: At the end of the trip, if you are satisfied with the service that you received from your Cuban guide and bus driver, you are more than welcome to tip them, especially if you feel they did an exceptional job and helped you have a great trip. Below are recommended amounts based on past travelers’ feedback:

    • Cuban guide: $10 – $15 USD per day*
    • Cuban driver: $3 – $5 USD per day*

    *Your guide and driver will accept tips in USD.

    For more information about tipping your guide, please see our blog on tipping your tour guide.

  9. Based on past travelers’ feedback, an estimated minimum total to bring for spending is between 600 – 900 USD in cash. WE HIGHLY ADVISE BRINGING MORE MONEY THAN YOU EXPECT TO SPEND IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

    As most components of your trip are included, you will only need money for the few lunches and dinners that are not included as well as tips, souvenirs and any optional activities you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy big nights out, please consider these costs when planning your budget for this trip.

    Many travelers find Cuba to be a lot more expensive than other developing countries they have visited so be prepared to pay as much for food and services as you would in a ‘developed’ Western country.

    Below are some approximate prices for food, drink, souvenirs, etc. to help you budget for your trip:

    • Meal at a nice, sit-down restaurant: 20 – 30+ USD
    • Cocktail: 5 – 10 USD
    • Can of beer: 2 – 3 USD
    • Wifi (1-hour card): 1 USD

    Please note that these are only approximate prices so please consider your personal preferences and habits as well when preparing your budget for the trip.

    You can read up on tipping by checking out our Tipping in Cuba blog!

  10. Almost all travelers to Cuba no matter their nationality must purchase a tourist card (visa). To learn about the tourist card, please call the airline with which you would like to fly. Most airlines will be able to sell you the tourist card upon check-in at the airport or prior to departure to Havana. Most tourist cards with US airlines cost around $50 – 100 USD and are payable by card only with your airline.

    Visit our blog on how to get your Cuban visa for more information!

    As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

  11. Some US mobile phones will work in Cuba. When you land in Cuba, you will likely get a text message from your provider with rates. For most US phones, calls are about $2 – $4 USD per minute and texts are about $0.50 cents per message. Data on your phone will not work in Cuba and you’ll likely be charged for incoming and outgoing calls. We strongly recommend contacting your service provider to ask if they offer international plans to Cuba. Please note that even if your provider says your phone will work in Cuba, it may not.

    Please inform your family and friends that you will have limited contact with them during the duration of the trip.

    We strongly recommend bringing a fully charged, rechargeable battery for your cell phone due to the recent power outages throughout Cuba.

  12. In larger cities and towns, you’ll be able to find access to Wifi at telepuntos (small telecommunications kiosks) and ETECSA (national telecommunication group) stores, but because of high demand and weak connection, usage can be quite difficult and frustrating. You’ll need to purchase a card to access the internet for usually about 1 USD per hour. Many hotels also provide Wifi access which can be purchased for 1 – 2 USD per hour. Please note that Wifi is not guaranteed to work even when a card is purchased. Your Cuban guide will be able to point you in the right direction regarding where to purchase Wifi cards.

    IMPORTANT: Do not expect a high-speed internet connection in any Wifi spaces. You may not even be able to get a connection at all. Once again, please make sure that your family and friends aren’t expecting an email or video chat from you every day while on the trip.

  13. Most outlets have only 110V (60Hz) for US appliances and some have both 110V and 220V (60Hz). In most accommodations and throughout Cuba, a US outlet is present so US travelers will NOT need an adapter. If you have European, round-pin 220V appliances, you will need an adapter and/or converters.

    Most plugs will look like A and B below, and in some hotels, you may find plugs looking like C:

    Image result for outlets in cuba

  14. It’s generally not advised for travelers to drink tap water in Cuba. Your guide will help you find larger jugs of water to avoid less plastic waste. You can fill a reusable bottle from this. The water in Cuba is generally fine to shower and brush your teeth with, but not for consumption.

  15. You will be on the move a great deal so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. We recommend a mid-sized suitcase with wheels. Weather can be warm or hot during the day and sometimes cool at night so we recommend bringing lightweight, breathable clothes and a light jacket for nighttime or the occasional cold front.

    Read more about what to pack for your Cuba trip in our blog!

    Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:

    • Sunglasses/hat
    • Flashlight/headlamp (for possible power outages)
    • Light jacket
    • Bathing suit
    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Flip flops/sandals
    • Mosquito repellent (DEET strength) 
    • Sunscreen (biodegradable, if possible)
    • Small, secure across-the-shoulder day bag or backpack
    • Any prescription medication and over-the-counter medicine
    • Shampoo/conditioner/soap  (casas particulares don’t always offer)
    • Hair dryer (if needed)
    • Snacks for the road
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Rechargeable phone batteries (fully charged in case of power outages)

    If you have extra space in your suitcase and would like to help out the Cuban people, please read our blog about what you bring as Gifts for the Cuban People.

    Please note that power outages are common in Cuba. They’re typically only for a few hours, but we very strongly recommend bringing a headlamp/flashlight and fully charged, rechargeable batteries for your cell phones.

  16. At most casa particulares, you can have items laundered for a fee depending on the quantity, but on average it usually costs approximately $5 – 10 USD per load depending on the size. If you want to have laundry done at your casa particular, make sure to give it to them in the morning as it takes about 24 hours to dry due to the high humidity.

  17. Cuba is one of the safer countries in the Caribbean for travelers. This is, in no small part, due to the swift and severe penalties handed down for even minor crimes. Stealing from a tourist is one of the more serious crimes for which relatively lengthy sentences can be given. However, crimes against tourists can occur in Cuba so it is advised to take the same general precautions you would when traveling in any other country. Try not to flaunt your wealth excessively and announce yourself as a potential target.

    Other precautions we recommend while traveling in Cuba are not to carry lots of unnecessary cash around with you, travel in groups of two or more, and take a taxi late at night whenever possible. If you keep in mind these basic safety precautions, you most certainly will have a very enjoyable and safe visit to Cuba.

    Cuba, as a general rule, is much safer than any major US or European city and there is no known terrorist threat to Cuba.

  18. Vegetarians will find it pretty easy to adhere to a non-meat diet in Cuba, but may find the options to be a bit monotonous and the variety less than you may be used to in your home country. Vegan diets can be a bit harder to accommodate as the offerings aren’t as diverse, but vegans will enjoy the fresh, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables of the season. We recommend bringing supplementary vegan food if you feel you’ll need it. Gluten-free diets can also be accommodated fairly easily.

    When making your reservation, make sure to notify us of your specific dietary requests so that we can try to accommodate your dietary needs.

    You can read more about food in Cuba in our blog about it.

  19. Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Cuba for any recommended vaccinations.

    If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise checking with a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.

  20. If you’d like to bring items to help the Cuban people, most are happy to receive gifts from visitors even if they are items that are lightly used or you might throw out at home. Below are some suggestions that are highly appreciated:

    • Sports equipment – Soccer balls, baseballs, tennis balls, pumps for the balls, etc…
    • Lightly used clothing, especially for children.
    • Toiletries – Scented lotions, perfumes, body sprays, etc…
    • Crayons, coloring books, toys, etc…
    • Over-the-counter medicine – Ibuprofen, antihistamines, antacids, etc…
    • Rechargeable batteries and lightbulbs

    Although they are usually most happy to receive them, it is not necessary to bring gifts for your host families as they are a bit better off than other families in Cuba and will be happy enough with just your friendly presence. Those employed to clean the accommodation are very suitable and deserving recipients of any gifts you may bring because they typically get paid around $80 a month or less for their part-time work.

    We think it is a great idea to give gifts spontaneously to people who treat you with respect, don’t ask for anything, are poorer than the average Cuban, and/or with whom you have some sort of positive interaction.

    Be mindful of your baggage weight limit when bringing gifts or you may end up paying a lot in excess baggage fees.

    You can read more about supporting the locals by bringing gifts for the Cuban people in our blog about it.

  21. We are excited to see a country that has been frozen in time so to speak. Because it has been frozen in time, you might experience and find some of the following things uncomfortable:

    • Electricity outages with little to no notice
    • No toilet seats on many public toilets
    • No toilet paper in many public bathrooms or toilet paper for purchase from the bathroom attendant (small change is appropriate as payment)
    • Used toilet paper goes in the trash bin, NOT in the toilet
    • Minimal water pressure in showers and sinks
    • Scarcity of basic things such as batteries and chargers
    • Scarcity of brand-name products
    • Scarce and expensive Internet
    • Lack of air-conditioning in many restaurants and public buildings
    • Smoking allowed in many establishments

    You may experience none to all of these things. Many of them exist because there is an embargo still in place and access to materials is low.

    For more travel tips and what to expect in Cuba, read our Top 10 Cuba Travel Tips blog.

  22. Yes, we offer private trips to Cuba for groups of 4 or more people. The itinerary can be tailored to your needs so that you may enjoy a personalized experience with our guides and your friends and family.

    Please contact us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.

Flights

The group will officially meet for the first time on Day 1 in the evening at your accommodation. This will be discussed in greater detail in your pre-departure notes that you will receive by email approximately 1.5 weeks before your trip.

Your arrival city and departure airport are Havana (HAV). Once you reserve your spot on the trip, we will contact you regarding your flights to and from Havana. We recommend using Skyscanner to find affordable flights as many booking sites such as Expedia and Orbitz do not allow you to book flights to Cuba since they are American owned and run.

*Please do not purchase any flights until you receive an email confirmation from us which will be sent to you 24 – 48 hours after booking your trip.

Visa

Almost all travelers to Cuba no matter their nationality must purchase a tourist card. To learn about the tourist card, please call the airline with which you would like to fly. Most airlines can sell you the visa (tourist card) upon check-in at the airport or prior to departure. Most tourist cards cost around 50 – 100 USD.

As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

Cuba’s weather is warm to hot year-round. Please note that overall nighttime temperatures are almost alwyas cooler than in the daytime. Winter months may experience the occasional cold front and temperatures can drop into the 50s°F. This season (November – March) does not coincide with hurricane season and there is a very small amount of rainfall making it an ideal time to travel to Cuba. Nonetheless, rain gear is essential year-round as tropical weather can be unpredictable. Below are the average low and high temperatures in Cuba:

Maps of current tropical storm activity in Cuba can be seen on the following websites:

Casa Particulares

For most travelers, the guesthouse (casa particular) accommodation is a major highlight of their visit to Cuba. The guesthouses provide a great opportunity for travelers to interact with everyday Cuban citizens.

Our travelers consistently describe the casas as comfortable and one of the best parts of their time in Cuba. They provide a very different experience than staying in hotels. The rooms are basic but very comfortable and clean. The families in Cuba will try to make you feel at home as much as possible.

All rooms have air-conditioning and a private bathroom. Some casa particulares provide shampoo or soap, but it is best to be prepared and bring your own. Also, a hair dryer will not usually be provided in the accommodation so if you need one, we suggest bringing it with you.

Guests are served breakfast every morning at the casa. The breakfast usually includes eggs and bread, seasonal fruit, fresh fruit juice (i.e. guava, papaya, mango), coffee, and tea. The families will try to make you feel at home as much as possible. Most Cubans are very friendly and love to talk to guests. In some houses, the family members speak English quite well, while in others they are practiced at communicating with their non-Spanish speaking guests simply by gesturing and smiling. Overcoming these communication challenges is seen by most as part of the fun!

While every family and every casa in Cuba is unique with slightly different levels of comfort, the bed & breakfast-style houses we use in Cuba on our tours are much nicer than the average Cuban dwelling. The casa particulares are a type of accommodation for foreigners in Cuba that is legal and formalized. The rooms for guests are required to meet a certain standard of comfort for the house to obtain a license to rent and the fee that the owners of the houses in Cuba pay to the government for this license is substantial.

The surge in tourism in Cuba has created a strain on the infrastructure, including the casa particulares. Replacement parts for basic things such as TVs, air-conditioning units, cars, etc… are hard to come by and if a replacement part is needed, Cubans have to improvise with whatever they have. They cannot simply order it on Amazon. Please understand that things might break and there is not usually an ‘easy’ way to fix it. There is still an embargo placed on Cuba and although it has opened up for tourism, it still lacks what many consider basic needs. The surge in tourism has created a large demand and in Cuba there is a low supply of almost everything. Please come with an open mind and we will always try our best to make sure everything is in working order.

Below are some examples of a casa particular: 

We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.

For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 09-0984.

*Effective Aug 02, 2011, Travelex and their underwriters have made a business decision to allow limited coverage for trips to Cuba. Please contact our customer service department at 1-800-228-9792 for options.

Trip insurance get a quote travelex

Please be prepared to answer the following questions:

  • Name of Traveler(s)
  • Date(s) of Birth
  • Dates of Travel
  • Primary Traveler’s Phone Number, Street Address, City, State, and Zip Code
  • Reason for Travel – Support for Cuban People (515.574)
  • Name of Travel Agency/Service Provider – Globe Drifters Inc.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N