What’s the weather typically like?

It is going to be very hot during the day. From May through September (rainy season) the evenings are warm and humid and it will rain heavily for a short period most afternoons. The average temperature is approx. 35°c. For the rest of the year, the average temperature is approx. 26°c.

What do we bring?

Clothes for hot weather, lots of T-shirts, Laundry detergent (for clothes washed in room) Bathing suit, sunscreen, hat, sandals Hand soap, face cloth, beach towel, Comfortable shoes for walking Camera, Sunglasses, Hair dryer, Female hygiene products, Shampoo, soap and toothpaste (hotels provide soap, but you may prefer your own brand) Small packages of facial tissues (toilet paper substitute for washrooms outside of hotel) Battery powered travel alarm clock, Aspirins, Imodium, Peptobismol, Insect repellent, Individual water bottle, snacks, English/Spanish dictionary

How are the Tipping customs here?

Tipping is becoming common, a $1 – $2 CUC tip (per table) is adequate for wait staff. It is traditional for each person to contribute $2 CUC per day for the guide, and $1 CUC per day for the driver. Hotel maid – one dollar per day per room is acceptable (cosmetics or good quality clothing items may be substituted).

Are the people there friendly?

Yes, Cubans are exceedingly friendly people by nature. Cubans are approachable and will talk to you about anything. Don’t be surprised if you end up being invited to their homes. You may choose to invite your Cuban counterparts to participate in social activities with your group, however, you as their host are expected to assume the cost of the invitation as the cost will be beyond the means of most Cubans.

What are the entry requirements?

A valid passport is required for entry into Cuba. Passports must be valid for 6 months after your expected date of return. Any passenger without a valid passport will not be allowed to board. Landed Immigrants must also present a Permanent Resident card. The Cuban tourist visa will be handed out on board your flight to Cuba. Passengers who are not Canadian Citizens are advised to contact the Cuban Embassy to determine if a special visa is required for entry into Cuba. Please note that American citizens are no longer allowed to travel to Cuba with us under a General Travel License from the U.S. Treasury Department, they must apply for a Specific License. New: Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travelers with a valid Canadian visa. A visa-exempt foreign national is a person who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, and who does not normally need a visa to enter Canada. Please click on the link for more info. Please note that entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete.

How will the group travel around?

Your group will be provided all ground transportation via a modern air-conditioned coach as outlined in the itinerary. Taxis are also readily available from the hotel for those wishing to go out in the evenings.

Cuban Custom concerns?

Entering Cuba: In addition to personal jewelry, cameras, cell phones, laptops, and other valuables, visitors are allowed to bring into Cuba, duty free, 2 bottles of liquor, 1 carton of cigarettes and up to 10 kilograms of medicine. Gifts up to a value of $250 CAD can also be brought in. Of that, $50 is duty-free; the rest is 100 % taxable.

What is the food like?

Lots of it, although it may look different than what you are used to. Most meals are buffet-style so you can pick and choose what you like. There are no North American style fast food restaurants in Cuba.