Reasons To Vacation in Cuba… and Others Not To
By Amado Viera
HAVANA TIMES – Is it worth visiting Cuba these days? Is it safe? Does going there imply contributing to the enrichment of a dictatorial regime?
Many citizens of Canada, Europe, the USA and other countries often ask themselves such questions when considering the possibility of traveling to Cuba. Answering them is not always easy.
Views about the island are extreme. Travel agencies present it as a tropical paradise with dream beaches and classic cars meticulously preserved. Meanwhile, the complaints from opposition activists describe a society marked by scarcity and oppression.
It is hard to distinguish the true face of the country between these two narratives. To help those who may be considering taking (or not) a flight to the island, Havana Times has compiled a list of pros and cons of such a hypothetical trip to the only communist nation in the Western Hemisphere.
1- Against: value for your money. Despite having relied on tourism as its main economic activity for over 30 years, Cuba still does not live up to other Caribbean destinations. Many hotels have accumulated criticism for their lack of cleanliness, poor condition, limited menu variety, and unprofessional staff. In contrast, the prices for rooms and most non-hotel offers (excursions, etc.) are as high as those of their mid-to-high-range competitors in the rest of the region.
2- Against: bad roads and fuel shortages. According to the authorities, more than 70% of the roads are in poor or fair condition. Due to this situation, the free-roaming livestock grazing near the roads, and the large number of vehicles driving without lights and other basic safety elements, many agencies recommend tourists not to drive. Another obstacle to overcome is the chronic fuel shortage. Outside Havana and the main tourist centers, its availability is intermittent, even for those paying in dollars.
3- Against: health crisis. Before the pandemic, Cuba had kept diseases like dengue and chikungunya under control by investing millions of dollars annually in preventive measures. The economic crisis forced a cutback in those expenses and in garbage collection, which has allowed for the spread of vector-borne diseases. This situation does not affect the tourist areas of the Keys, but it is noticeable in Havana and other inland cities, prompting some countries to issue travel alerts for their citizens.
4- Against: blackouts. This is another phenomenon that tourist resorts avoid but is intensely felt in the interior of the country, and to a lesser degree in Havana. While all hotels and most private rentals have backup power sources, long service interruptions—sometimes over 20 hours a day—can affect various activities, from visiting museums to refueling. It’s recommended to travel with a power bank and cash.
5- Against: potential travel problems to the United States. Given that the US government designates Cuba as a “state sponsor of terrorism,” those who travel to the island may have trouble entering the United States later. This restriction is not automatic and is usually lifted after a few months, but it constitutes a significant inconvenience for businesspeople and others who need to travel regularly.
1- In favor: safety. Although there has been an increase in crime in recent years, the safety levels in Cuba remain much higher than in the rest of the continent. Additionally, there is the perception, not entirely unfounded, that crimes against foreigners are investigated with greater diligence. Even the average citizen tends to adopt a protective attitude toward foreign visitors. In January, dozens of Havana residents stopped and handed over to the police an assailant who had attacked an elderly British man to rob him.
2- In favor: a rich and diverse cultural scene. Thanks to the innate talent of its population and numerous art schools, Cuba has an active cultural life, more vibrant and diverse than that of other countries in the region. Foreign visitors can access it by paying a symbolic price or for free. As a workaround to the blackouts, several inland cities have created “cultural corridors,” areas where theaters and other art centers are grouped, and which are less affected by service interruptions.
3- In favor: free from overcrowding. It’s the ideal destination for those seeking tranquility. Even during high season, the beaches and other tourist spots do not suffer the overcrowding seen in other Caribbean destinations. In 2024, the hotel occupancy rate averaged 25%; despite this, government-managed chains insist on keeping as much staff as possible, so that more employees can be available for each tourist.
4- In favor: experience a completely “different” country. Traveling to Cuba, to some extent, also implies a journey through time and to an unusual reality for many. Likewise, there are many terms used in everyday language that are unknown in other countries or used with completely different meanings in Cuba. The most authentic “Cuba experience” is not intended for everyone, but it’s hard to compare it with any other experience elsewhere in the world.
5- In favor: support for civil society, and thus, the democratization of the island. Despite the government’s efforts to capture the largest possible share of the tourist income, tourism remains Cuba’s most transversal economic activity. Thousands of families maintain their financial independence thanks to private rentals, car rentals, artisan sales, or food services. Measures such as Trump’s 2017 total ban on US citizens traveling to Cuba forced many of these family businesses to close, impoverishing a significant portion of the population and making them more dependent on the government. Tourism revenue plays a fundamental role in developing civil society and, eventually, also, in a future democratization.
Safety. There is nothing safe in cuba. I was born in cuba and cuba is not the same it was 30 years ago. There is no food for the actual working people. There is food in the dollars market. But a regular person in cuba gets pay 30 dollars a month. What u are going to buy with that. Now look at the family of the ones in power the have everything. They just bought a 20 million dollar falcon airplane. For what. Spend that money on the people there. I was born in cuba. I was raised in cuba until i was 13 years old. I can tell u anything u want about Cuba
Going back to Cuba soon. If you choose good resorts….particularly Melia, Iberostar or Royalton, you will be OK. But do check trip advisor. You get what you pay for. We go every year and have never been disappointed. Pockets of Russians tend to go to the cheaper resorts mostly around Veradero. What keeps bringing us back is the kindness of the Cuban staff, feeling safe, the incredible beaches, access to good medical care in clinics at, or near the resort (we are seniors), and great uniquely Cuban music. Love being with fellow Canadians from across the country most of all and have my Canada shirt packed for Canada Day.
Cubans had such hopes for a better relationship with the US under Obama and Biden changed the designation from being a terrorist country. But Trump tightened the US blockade and redesignated it a terrorist country again. That bullying has created many problems and some alliances the Cubans would rather not have. Am bringing medical supplies packed by Not Just Tourists, which they are grateful for.
I enjoy reading the diversity of opinions expressed in the comment section. This diversity reflects the freedom to express individual opinions enjoyed by folks who live outside of Cuba. I would encourage the pro-Castro types who commented to read the comments expressed by Cubans in the blogs published inside of Cuba. Check out CubaDebate for example. Also, while I agree with the general consensus that tourism in Cancún, México is in a much higher league than Havana, Cuba, the real question is the comparison between Cancún pre-1959 and Havana pre-1959. As a tourist destination, Cancún didn’t exist. However, prior to the revolution, Havana was known as the Paris of the Caribbean. Cancún has grown from largely swamp and jungle to a world-class tourist destination while Havana has plummeted to a literally becoming a garbage site. The claims that there remains any redeeming qualities to offer tourists that can’t be found easier and cheaper elsewhere is just false.
My wife and I have been to Cuba 12x in the last 13 years. After our most recent trip, January 2025, we will never be going back. Prices have doubled for pretty much everything down there. Our regular resort had no hot water to shower with, the buffet food was absolutely disgusting, the main coffee machine only worked for only 8 of our 14 days, no eggs to eat for breakfast so I had to mainly eat fresh fruit and dinner rolls(good luck finding butter for them). They ran out of carbonated drinks for mix, as well as beer. The beach which was normally well maintained was littered with cups, and the life guards were almost never there. 2 of the pools had a green slime build up on the bottom. The resort and the main strip was like a ghost town. We used to go to Varadero to help support the tourism industry, but I work too hard for my money to want to come back home a week early because we felt trapped. We ate off the resort minimally once a day for 2 weeks and that added up quickly, leaving us short for money because we were not expecting dining prices to be so outrageously high compared last year. Cuba used to be a great bang for your dollar but I will spend what we spent on dining and add that to our budget when looking for a different Caribbean destination next winter.
Adiós Cuba
Guajiro, other countries have the same problem with their electricity – other supposed good countries – and their crime rate is absolutely shocking. Take South Africa for example where the famed Cape Town and Table Mountain is located – they have regular blackouts, the cities are crumbling, and they have a murder rate of 73 murders everyday! and 131 rapes every day! it is simply disgusting and the most dangerous place on the planet – even more dangerous than being on the front lines of any war around the world. So yes Cuba has it’s problems and they are severe but not like some other “tourist” countries.
Laura V: I empathize with your struggles at the airport. I too have had encounters while trying to get into Cuba. But having said that, you can’t blame them for your brother in law’s lack of research on what is and isn’t allowed into Cuba. If he was bringing pain medications – which are considered narcotics even here in Canada – what would make him think Cuba would be okay with that?
Regarding your stay I think you were unfortunate, and your specific hotel sucked – maybe some additional research would helped there as well. I too just returned (end of January) from Varadero, and my hotel had plenty of everything. I went solo yet everyday my room was freshly stocked with 2 rolls of toilet paper and 2 one litre bottles of purified water. The food was sufficient and so were the desserts. The coffee was fantastic and plentiful. No complaints from me.
I am a Canadian and just went to Cuba Jan 18/25. This was my first time back to the island since covid. Previously I have been to Cuba 5 times and absolutely loved it. I have stayed in Havana and Veredero and cherish my memories!
My last visit however was different. There is a massive shortage of supplies like toilet paper and even simple foods. No more do you receive pop or enough water in your room for each day. The biggest problem I experienced was in the airport . Firstly, my brother in law brought his medication for his back pain (his back was broken many years ago) they treated him like a drug dealer! We didn’t know that its illegal to have certain pain meds in Cuba. Also, the staff checking our bags and scanning them were incredibly rude to every guest I watched them interact with. Shame on them to not care about how they treat people!! This really affected our trip. All other staff on the resort, drivers, and food service at the airport were lovely!
All over the world people are struggling. War is not the answer!
Is sad to see Canadians travelling to Cuba, expending their money in hotels controlled by the regime. All the money you expend there goes to fatten up the Castro family acct in Europe and US banks and whatever left is used to buy antiriot gear to kill and beat up cubans when protesting for freedom. Cuba is the worst choice for a vacation destination, filthy streets, where the garbage accumulation goes for 4-5 feet hight, and blocks in lenght, occupying the entire side walk and have of the street, no fuel for cars, for power generation, cubans live with days after days of total power blackouts.
Whatever amount you expend there wont make cubans free.
Deanna, suenas insensible. Most people go to Cuba go to support the people, not the regime. We know how bad it is, but without our contribution the people would suffer even more. Many of us bring clothes, toiletries, and medicines which are almost impossible to find on the island. We hand these items directly into the hands of the locals.
Cuba’s problems are much bigger than worrying about supporting the tourism sector. The majority of the regime’s money comes from other forms of exploitation and military oversight in basic operations at home and abroad. To change Cuba’s dire situation requires a global intervention or sanctions to their elite class, forcing them to acknowledge their failures and their antiquated, corrupt, and oppressive systems.
I am Cuba-Canadian. I can’t wrap my brain about all of you travelling to Cuba to give your money to the Communist Party and Dictatorship regime! I love my island. But most Cubans have no electricity, food, coffee, meds and zero human rights! And you all just don’t even see it. I returned in 2007 and it was hell coming in and leaving the island. It’s psychological torture just because you “left”. Please stop supporting evil.
I have been to Cuba a few times. The first time was to see what Cuba was all about – mainly the beaches, the people, and the architecture – and all three did not disappoint. My following trips were based on their value-proposition at the time; low cost. Cuba was by far the least expensive Caribbean destination. But it is now evident that their communist regime do not understand the term “value-proposition” as now, just today, as I search for vacations, Cuba is on par with, and if not more expensive than, parts of Mexico and the Dominican Republic. One has to ask, “What the hell are they thinking?”
Cuba is not in the same league as either Mexico or the Dominican – not by a long shot. I would place the Dominican in between Cuba and Mexico, but it still had excellent food, clean beaches, attentive and polite staff, and affordable and excellent excursions. Mexico is above the others for sure – amazing food, pleasing staff, clean hotels, beaches, and restaurants, and excursions… well, Mexico is simply an amazing country with a mix of amazing cultures and landscapes. A hotel entertainment show in Mexico was an outstanding, and professional, Mexican version of cirque de soliel – truly awe inspiring. Meanwhile, for entertainment in Cuba you’re offered a group of dancers barely out of their teens prancing around shaking their asses. Cuba has lost it – the question now is, “will the regime finally recognize that their attraction, and advantage, was the low cost, and will they curtail their ridiculous hotel rates?” And how about showcasing the island’s professional artists, musicians, performers and dancers – I suspect with the demise of everything on the island culture and common sense has taken a back seat to the regime’s need for complete control and their misguided attempt at recouping lost revenues.
I am Romanian, living in US and I never been to Cuba. I want to, I’ve seen many Romanian bloggers going there and have beautiful time. Even if communist regime takes lot of money from tourism, people of Cuba get a little percentage too and that is something for them. I lived my first 12 years of my life under communism, under Ceausescu’s dictatorship, the life in Romania was like in Cuba now, even worse because we didn’t have tourists. Scarce food, medicines, fuel, Media, we had only 2 TV channels to tell us how great the dictator is, who knew about American movies, or life outside Romania? As a kid we got cartoons only 15 min each saturday and sunday, that’s it. My grandparents had a small farm, in every week we were going to the general store to give eggs and milk because was the collecting day, the communist securists come to collect it. Her animals were counted so you can’t slaughter them to eat, because you got to give most of them to the regime. All of our little farmers contributed with food and crops, still, people dying of hunger. That’s why I said, if you have the possibility to travel to Cuba then go, you help alot the Cuban people❤, I feel them. At the end I don’t want to go into politics, but I don’t want not even one square meter of Ukraine under Russian communism, under socialism and dictatorship, who is not living under communism don’t have a clue how the life is.
I liked Cuba Varadero when I was once there, but I prefer to smoke marijuana during on my vacation, which is problem in Cuba, so that is why I prefer always travel to Mexico, there is can enjoy smoking good quality of weed, and of course much bigger choice of food in hotel restaurants. And also I didn’t see drunk Russians in Cuba, but I saw too many drunk Americans with bad behavior in Mexico.
I can hardly believe what Canadian Ben Dover said above about Cubans having gone to Russia to kill Ukrainians! Most likely Cuban doctors have gone, and not military personnel. Besides, why is it wrong to support Russia and not wrong to support the most corrupt country in Europe (Ukraine)? I know lots of people (family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, and acquaintances), who support Russia 100%, as do I. We know that the conflict was started by the US. How about Canada having sent 400 military trainers to train Ukrainians to kill Russians? Is sending Ukraine billions of dollars in money, weapons and military equipment okay when so many Canadians are homeless and overburdening soup kitchens?
Cuba is my favorite Island in the Caribbean.
Iv been there many times ,there are no shortage of activities. Cuba reminds me of how I grew up in Grand Cayman when everyone was so kind and loving.
Whenever I feel like I need someplace to unwind,Cuba comes to mind,Varadero takes my breath away. I’m heading there very soon.
Cuba was the place to go and Canadians have always cherished it. Been there 20 plus times.
The last few years however, Cuba is NO LONGER the place to visit, and it’s not because of the people who are wonderful. It’s the result of poverty, lack of basic amenities, blackouts, lack of food, and fuel shortages. Just read the TripAdvisor reviews. Better still … go visit for yourself, and I promise you’ll never go back. It’s sad … what was once a great destination, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world … and I mean in the world, is no longer. If you like drunken Russians, shortages in toilet paper, no air conditioning, blackouts, then Cuba is for you. If you enjoy a fist fight over the one remaining piece of bacon, then Cuba is for you. Good luck it’s your hard earned money.
I was in Cuba only in December 2024. Lovely country,lovely and courageous people even amidst a tough overstrethed US blockade. Love it and wished could go again and again.
I’ve travelled to Cuba three times.l had hoped the comments would be all good and incourging. Of course life is never wholly black or white.
I am a Canadian who 1st came to Viñales, Cuba in 2007 to rock climb. The town is about 3 hours west of Havana and has more rental rooms and quality private restaurants than you can imagine. Here we are in 2025 and I have been splitting my time living here in Cuba and back home in Canada. Despite the difficulties, it is a great place to spend the winter. Whether you like music, dance, hiking, bird watching, rock climbing, or visiting the tabaco plantations and trying a “Puro”, this is the place for you.
You won’t regret it.
we visited more than 25 times with family and friends celebrated 50th wedding anniversary at playa de oro in varadero 2017 everyone enjoyed every moment of the holidays do not have negative feelings god bless cua
Just spent a week in Havana and loved it, ignore the stupid ignorant comments on here, there was plenty of food, drink etc. If you’re stupid enough to stay in any all inclusive hotel anywhere you deserve what you get or not get.
Cuba is very beautiful, with a beautiful people full of good values that is badly hit by the usual poor economic planning, bad strategies, wrong criteria of the management, and today only privatization will get Cuba out of the hole it is in.
Well I have been to cuba 19 times. Know. I stay at hotel dhawa. Because it’s the perfect snorkeling spot it is also on the large island. Last year 2024 I went to cuba 3 times and it dosent dissappoint. The people on and off the resort are the nicest and most courtesy I have ever met always and I have been to alot of countries. The food was ok and i always had eggs for breakfast. I have never been ill in cuba .I was very ill in dominican with the food and i was not the only one in are party there who got sick.know things are tough in cuba especially outside the resort to travel so unless I’m walking I don’t go that’s common sense. At dhawa there was no power outages. We have always had hot water and a very clean room and clean resort. I have had no problem with mixed drinks but I usually drink beer and straight rum. Dhawa has a 24 hr open bar. And a 24 hr bar to eat or drink. So I will be going back to cuba again this year 3 to 4 times . It is also the cheapest and safest place I have ever been cuba . Know as for sending troops to Russia I will resurch that. I am a Canadian military vet . My opinion is there is no innocent side in that war. Or any war. The countries who give aid to Ukraine are also doing it for there own agenda. On bothe sides . And major corporations are involved. And we will never know bullshit of that war as in other wars as well.
Eddie Conrad, Jr.
In 2023 I visited Cuba for my 80 birthday. Cuba’s travel in
Miami set up everything. I flew United Airline from New Orleans to Houston to Cuba. I was there from September 6- 14 & I loved every minute. My hotel was in Havana located above
La Victrola. My guide who is now my friend is Onel. We traveled all over Havana & we went visited several Cities. We visited a tobacco farm where Honey make organic Honey. Day & Night I played Flute at La Victrola with many Cuban Musicians
I’ve made Videos while playing & singing. I loved everything about Cuba & I’m planning to Return soon.
I Sincerely love Cuba & wish Drumpf would remove all sanctions against Cuba. I’ve lived in Jamaica & ran my own business in Cancun, Mx
Please feel free to contact Me Any time in New Orleans
where I’m a Concierge at Chateau Lemoyne Holiday Inn. My ☎️ 504-554-0211
Viva Cuba
The World’s My home & Everyone my Brother
I’m also an Actor, Comedian
Photographer, SCUBA diver
Retired Car Salesman with many Awards
As a Black Man in Cuba I felt right at Home.
I have only been to Cuba six times and during the last five, I stayed at local homes and stayed 30 days at a time. I treasure all those memories and my love and admiration for the Cuban people is boundless!
The reason why I will not return now is not because of the all the inconveniences it will cause for me, but rather, I do not want to have access to any resources at the expense of the Cuban people! Even during the times that I was there, there were shortages of goods and people would have to line up for hours waiting to make their purchases. And now, it breaks my heart to learn about all the suffering and the inconveniences that faces Cubans on a daily basis!
You support the Russians and send your citizens to kill Ukrainians…i will never spend 1 second in your country ever again….
All Canadians should boycott your country
I have been to Cuba over 35 times. I went in January and I won’t go back. All inclusive vacation package at the hotel there were no eggs, pork or chicken the whole week I was there. No mix for the drinks at the bar. No vodka, no Havana club. Beer bar closed at midnight. No hot water for a shower the whole week.
If you’re staying in hotel, it not expensive, but if you are traveling outside, it’s very expensive, more than other Caribbean countries, example car rental and fuel.
If you want explosive diarrhea, then cuba will not disappoint.
I agree that outside of the hotel network that if exchange money at 330 to 340 to the U S prices are the as in Mexico and lower than many countries except for transport and fuel certain medical supplies
I disagree with Cuba being safe unless staying major hotels or getting off the streets before 9 pm if the power is turned off outside of tourist spots like center of Havana or veradaro. The biggest problem now is the police and most other gov agencies are lacking the resources to do the job properly in my opinion.