Wondering how you can find cheap travel to Cuba?
Looking for a travel destination that is inexpensive, frugal, and fun? With beautiful people?
Look no further than Havana, Cuba. Below are some tips on how to travel to Cuba cheap.
Wondering how you can find cheap travel to Cuba?
Looking for a travel destination that is inexpensive, frugal, and fun? With beautiful people?
Look no further than Havana, Cuba. Below are some tips on how to travel to Cuba cheap.
Disclosure: There are some affiliate links below and I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I love the lyrics in grammy winner Camila Cabello’s song Havana, especially when she sings the line: ‘Half of My Heart is in Havana, My Heart is in Havana.’
That’s exactly how I felt after my first visit with a cheap flight to Cuba.
My then job sent me to Atlanta for a national training conference.
I made a phone call to my favorite cousin to meet me in Atlanta for a few days.
I tacked on a few vacation days after the conference ended, and we found cheap flights to Cuba for a 4-day getaway.
Finding Cheap Flights to Cuba
Our Delta flight was less than $300 round trip from Atlanta and it was non-stop (my favorite way to travel).
When searching for cheap flights to Cuba, look at flight booking search services such as Kayak, CheapOair, and flights.google.com.
My time in Cuba was one of the most authentic trips I’ve ever taken.
My cousin and I both enjoyed our time there so much that it’s on our calendars to become an annual or semi-annual trip.
There were two things that had an impact on my enjoyment of Cuba.
First, I ordered a travel guide on Cuba (Real Havana…Explore Cuba Like a Local and Save Money) and devoured it before leaving. I even gifted a copy to my cousin via Amazon.
I had purchased guides before but had never taken the time to consume them from cover to cover.
Knowing so much about the culture and people before arriving gave me insight on what to expect and an appreciation of the history of the country.
For instance, did you know that the average local Cuban family only makes the equivalent of $30 US a month?
We chose a homestay versus staying in a hotel.
Our hosts were the second most amazing part of our trip.
Havana Cuba Bedding available on Amazon.
They were a referral from a friend that visits Cuba often, and their place has since been turned into an Airbnb.
Our accommodations were $30 a night with an additional $5 for breakfast, which came to a grand total of $20 a night for both myself and my cousin.
Our hosts live on-site and their apartment is steps away from the Hotel Libre, and smack dab in the middle of the tourist area.
We felt like one of the locals as we looked out the open windows daily from our host’s second-floor apartment.
We could see tour buses parking and tourists from all over the world getting out to explore.
At times, we felt as though we were watching an old Hollywood movie as we saw all of the old cars driving by, which Cuba is popular for.
We chose to travel independently rather than taking tours. We sought suggestions from our hosts and tourist references from our guide book.
We were also just a short walk away from the Malecón (officially Avenida de Maceo) in the Vedado neighborhood.
The Malecón is a roadway in Havana that stretches 4.97 miles.
On a Saturday night, the Malecóna is a very popular place to hang out.
It seems there are literally thousands of people enjoying the coastline. It is really an amazing sight to see.
My cousin, myself, and our host.
There are so many places to consider seeing during your trip to Havana, Cuba.
I highly recommend getting a guide book before going and reading as much of it as you can before departing.
You will love the prices of cheap drinks in Cuba.
Here are the Top Ten Cuba Tips from my purchased guide book (Real Havana…Explore Cuba Like a Local and Save Money).
- Negotiate prices when shopping with local merchants. Don’t feel hesitant about offering a counter price from the original price you’re given.
Bartering prices for souvenirs in the open markets is expected and I had fun doing that.
- As it should be with most places you visit…Don’t act like a tourist, i.e., having a large SLR camera, speaking loudly in English, and wearing novelty clothes, such as a Panama hat.
- Be safe. If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it in Cuba.
- Use Moneda Nacional, which is the monies that Cubans receive their salary. The other monies used is called CUC.
- Enjoy a sit-down meal daily. This was one of our trip highlights as we chose a different local restaurant each day. We found our meals to be simply prepared and tasty.
- Immerse yourself in the culture. We were treated very pleasantly and so many people speak English. What would have made my trip even more amazing was knowing some Spanish. They were very kind and the people are beautiful.
- Have an open mind, as Cuba is about more than politics. Don’t be afraid to talk to a variety of people.
- Explore! Explore! Explore! The Cuban people are fascinating.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff or allow things to put a damper on your trip. Long lines? Sweating from the heat? Your taxi breaks down? You’re in Cuba. Take it as a way to slow down, interact with the people, and enjoy your surroundings.
Enjoy the entertainment. It’s inexpensive and great!
There are a variety of free things to do.
We enjoyed walking on the Malecón to shopping and talking with the locals in Old Havana to walking the grounds of the university that Castro attended.
Havana is a wonderful place to visit.
Our time in Havana was certainly too short and we’re planning on a longer stay the next time.
Who knows? Perhaps this will inspire you to take a cheap travel trip to Havana or make a return trip to Cuba.
You may visit and feel as I did upon returning home, that you’ve left part of your heart in Havana.
Here’s hoping you enjoy your cheap travel to Cuba as much as we did!
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