Cuba
What to expect from La Perla del Caribe
Traveling to Cuba leaves no one indifferent. I’ve seen beaches so beautiful they seem unreal — but I’ve also experienced the small frustrations that come with traveling to a country where resources are limited and things don’t always run smoothly.
If you’re thinking about a trip to Cuba, especially in an all-inclusive resort, I want to give you a clear and honest perspective. From the way hotels are managed to what’s really included (and what’s not), there are things I wish I had known before going — and I’m here to share them with you.
This page is not a tourist brochure. It’s a personal overview based on what I’ve lived, observed, and learned — both through my own trip to Cuba and through deeper research on how things work across the island. You’ll find practical advice, my impressions, and direct links to detailed reviews.
What You Need to Know Before Going to Cuba
💧 1. Electricity and water aren’t guaranteed
One of the first things I realized in Cuba is that electricity and running water aren’t guaranteed — not just in people’s homes, but also in resorts. Blackouts happen regularly across the country. Most resorts are equipped with gas-powered generators, which kick in shortly after the power goes out. But here's the catch: those generators are typically only strong enough to power the essentials — like lights, kitchen equipment, and sometimes the bar. Don’t count on having air conditioning during a blackout; it demands too much energy and often gets left out of the priority list.
🏨 2. Hotel brands don’t work the same way
If you’re booking a well-known hotel chain like Iberostar, Meliá, or Blue Diamond, you might expect the same standard you’d get in Mexico or Spain — but that’s not how it works in Cuba. Hotels are always state-owned, and foreign hotel companies operate under a joint venture with the Cuban government. In the early years of a hotel’s operation, the foreign partner often has more control over quality, staff, and supplies — and can even import goods like wine, food or linens. But over time, that control decreases. Imports get replaced by Cuban supply chains, repairs take longer, and the guest experience slowly shifts. A hotel that looked amazing in photos when it opened in 2018 might feel completely different today.
🍽️ 3. The food is part of the experience — for better or worse
Food in Cuba, like everything else, is affected by the country’s supply limitations. Variety can be minimal, even in higher-end resorts. I often saw the same proteins day after day — chicken, pork, maybe fish — with very few fresh vegetables or dairy products. That being said, I personally don’t believe in bringing food from home. When I travel, I try to experience the local reality, not recreate my own. It’s not always comfortable, and it’s certainly not gourmet, but I believe that embracing these differences is part of traveling respectfully — and honestly.
🌍 4. Understanding the local reality makes a big difference
Traveling to Cuba isn’t just about beaches and resorts — it’s about entering a very different reality. During my trip to Holguín, I wrote openly about what I saw beyond the resort gates — including the contrast between the hotel’s appearance and the real-life living conditions of the staff. If you haven’t read it yet, you can find the full story in my Iberostar Selection Holguin blog post.
Most hotel staff are hired through the state, not by the hotel brand itself. Their daily lives are shaped by government policies, low wages, limited access to goods, and tight internet restrictions — which stem from both political controls and outdated infrastructure. For travelers, this means that standard SIM cards often don’t work in Cuba. You’ll need to buy a local one if you want mobile data — and even then, don’t expect the standard 5G ... 3G is more likely what you'll get.
I always encourage people to learn a bit of the language and culture before visiting. A few words of Spanish and a genuine effort to understand their world go a long way. It’s not just about being polite — it’s about connecting, human to human. And in Cuba, those moments of connection are often the most beautiful part of the trip.
💵 5. Bring cash — and understand how it’s handled
I strongly recommend bringing cash when traveling to Cuba. Canadian dollars are still widely accepted, while U.S. dollars are not ideal — but you should know that using credit cards can be unreliable or impossible, especially those linked to American banks. Plus, you’ll need cash to tip anyway.
One thing most people don’t realize: Cubans can’t just walk into a bank and exchange any foreign bill. Only new, pristine-looking paper money — no folds, no writing, no damage — is accepted. That’s why a good trick I’ve learned is to bring one crisp $50 or $100 Canadian bill and offer to break it on your first day with a bartender or trusted staff member. They’ll likely have smaller bills or coins they can’t exchange themselves, and they’ll be happy to trade. You’ll get usable change for tips, and that person will remember you all week — often with a smile and great service in return.
Even though Canadian currency is legal to bring into Cuba, Cubans are cautious. A folded $20 might be useless to them. This little exchange trick benefits you both — and sets the tone for a good human connection.
🎒 6. What you pack can make someone else's day
Of course, you'll want to pack the basics — sunscreen, bathing suit, medications. But if you feel inclined, I also suggest bringing a few extra items that could bring joy to someone else. Inflatable beach toys, small games, spare toiletries like toothpaste or shampoo, feminine hygiene products… even children's clothes! These things are surprisingly hard to find for many Cuban families.
I’ve often left small items as tips for hotel staff or passed them along when I met locals at public beaches. One great example is Playa Pesquero, a public beach near the Iberostar Selection Holguín, where Cuban families often gather alongside tourists. You’d be surprised how meaningful something small — like a beach toy or a fresh tube of toothpaste — can be when offered with kindness and respect.
It's not about being charitable or heroic. It’s about being human, and recognizing that what feels ordinary to us might be genuinely helpful to someone else.
Stories & Reviews From My Experience
- How to Choose the Right Hotel in Cuba: Julie’s 3 Expert Tips
- Iberostar Selection Holguín Review: Dreamy Beaches, Cuban Realities
My Final Word on Cuba
If you're planning a trip to Cuba, I hope this page has helped you see the island a little more clearly — and a little more honestly. I’m not here to sell you a dream or sugarcoat the experience. Cuba is beautiful, but it’s also complex. It challenged me at times, but it also gave me moments of deep connection, reflection, and simplicity.
If you're looking for perfect service and polished luxury, you might be disappointed. But if you're open to seeing the reality behind the postcard — and connecting with people who live that reality every day — you might come home with something even more meaningful than a tan.
Thanks for reading. And wherever you decide to go next, I hope you do it with curiosity and compassion.
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