Trees have a secret life that is only revealed to those willing to climb them. Reinaldo Arenas
Packing:
Packing light is a comfortable way to travel study abroad. It is much easier to get around when you pack light. I only recommend taking a standard size carry on and a small bag with you. Chartered airlines to Havana charge you a fee for each checked bag and they measure the weight to determine cost so its wise to pack as light as you can to avoid expensive checked bag fees.
My Packing List:
Transportation: Havantour charter bus is the main form of transportation for the organized class tours in Havana. The best way to get around Havana is walking, the city is not that big and is easy to get around. You can use a Maquina for a direct ride from one point to the next by hopping on an old American 50's era car. It only costs about $10 national pesos for a ride. La Guagua or bus is a really cheap way to get around the city. It only costs about $1 national peso for a one way ride.
Technology: I would not advise that you pack your laptop to Cuba because internet is extremely limited and you will just be carrying on extra weight around you. I think you will be fine bringing your phone for pictures. You will not be able to use a cell phone to make calls, you can pay for an internet card at a five star hotel if you really need to stay in contact with family. I would recommend not worrying about internet use in Cuba so that you can live and enjoy the moment.
Money: I brought $1,000 with me to Cuba and it was more than enough for the duration of the four week program. I think you can live on a budget with $500-$1,000 in Havana Cuba since all you need to pay for is lunch during the week, since breakfast and dinner is covered by the program. Think about how much you want to spend on souvenirs and going out when budgeting money for personal expenses.
Safety: Havana is the safest capital city in all of Latin America. I felt safe because nobody owns guns, their is no violent organized crimes, police brutality, kidnappings or gang violence that is experienced in neoliberal countries. However it is important to be aware of your surroundings just as you would back home. It is relatively safe to walk out at night but I would recommend that you go out in pairs for safety. I did not experience pick pocketing in Havana but that does not mean you shouldn't be careful with valuables such as phones and money, especially in crowded tourist spots.
Site Seeing: I would suggest researching historic sites before departing to Cuba so that you have an idea of what sites to visit. The major historic monuments are covered by the program tours. Walking around the city and exploring was one of my best memories of Havana. When you have free time I recommend going out with your roommate and explore the city.
Where to eat: I recommend eating at the non tourist spots to save money during lunch break. You can tell right away when a restaurant or cafe is catered towards foreigners because it is usually priced with convertible pesos instead of national pesos. There are a couple of corner cafe's walking distance from the Jose Marti Research Center, where you will be taking classes.
Packing light is a comfortable way to travel study abroad. It is much easier to get around when you pack light. I only recommend taking a standard size carry on and a small bag with you. Chartered airlines to Havana charge you a fee for each checked bag and they measure the weight to determine cost so its wise to pack as light as you can to avoid expensive checked bag fees.
My Packing List:
- 1 carry-on-size bag
- 1 carry-on rolling suitcase
- 4 cotton pants, 6 shirts, 2 sports shorts, 12 sets of underwear and socks
- 1 pair of walking shoes and 1 pair of shower sandals
- 1 swim trunk
- 1 money belt
- 1 journal book and 1 note book
- 2 text books
- 1 small day bag
- school supplies (pens, and pencils)
- travel documents (passport, passport photo copies, flight documents)
- debit and Credit cards won't work in Cuba so bring at least $1,000 for personal expenses
- 3 toilet paper rolls, travel size toiletry bag with toothpaste, insect repellent, toothbrush, deodorant, nail clipper, shampoo, 3 body soap bars, shaving razor and cream
- small shower towel
- smartphone
- outdoor/ waterproof camera
- water bottle
- Gifts for host family: two chocolate boxes, bathroom wash cloths, 4 dress shirts and two hats.
Transportation: Havantour charter bus is the main form of transportation for the organized class tours in Havana. The best way to get around Havana is walking, the city is not that big and is easy to get around. You can use a Maquina for a direct ride from one point to the next by hopping on an old American 50's era car. It only costs about $10 national pesos for a ride. La Guagua or bus is a really cheap way to get around the city. It only costs about $1 national peso for a one way ride.
Technology: I would not advise that you pack your laptop to Cuba because internet is extremely limited and you will just be carrying on extra weight around you. I think you will be fine bringing your phone for pictures. You will not be able to use a cell phone to make calls, you can pay for an internet card at a five star hotel if you really need to stay in contact with family. I would recommend not worrying about internet use in Cuba so that you can live and enjoy the moment.
Money: I brought $1,000 with me to Cuba and it was more than enough for the duration of the four week program. I think you can live on a budget with $500-$1,000 in Havana Cuba since all you need to pay for is lunch during the week, since breakfast and dinner is covered by the program. Think about how much you want to spend on souvenirs and going out when budgeting money for personal expenses.
Safety: Havana is the safest capital city in all of Latin America. I felt safe because nobody owns guns, their is no violent organized crimes, police brutality, kidnappings or gang violence that is experienced in neoliberal countries. However it is important to be aware of your surroundings just as you would back home. It is relatively safe to walk out at night but I would recommend that you go out in pairs for safety. I did not experience pick pocketing in Havana but that does not mean you shouldn't be careful with valuables such as phones and money, especially in crowded tourist spots.
Site Seeing: I would suggest researching historic sites before departing to Cuba so that you have an idea of what sites to visit. The major historic monuments are covered by the program tours. Walking around the city and exploring was one of my best memories of Havana. When you have free time I recommend going out with your roommate and explore the city.
Where to eat: I recommend eating at the non tourist spots to save money during lunch break. You can tell right away when a restaurant or cafe is catered towards foreigners because it is usually priced with convertible pesos instead of national pesos. There are a couple of corner cafe's walking distance from the Jose Marti Research Center, where you will be taking classes.