Cheap Travel to Cuba…I Left My Heart in Havana
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 cheaply.
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 cheaply.
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-winning Camila Cabello’s song “Havana,“ especially when she sings, ‘ 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 enjoyed our time there so much that it’s on our calendars to become an annual or semi-annual trip.
Two things 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 into what to expect and an appreciation of the country’s history.
For instance, did you know 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 impressive part of our trip.
Havana Cuba Bedding is available on Amazon.
They were referred by a friend who 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, for a grand total of $20 a night for both my cousin and me.
Our hosts live on-site, and their apartment is steps 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 like we were watching an old Hollywood movie as we saw all the old cars driving by, which Cuba is popular for.
We chose to travel independently rather than take tours. We sought suggestions from our hosts and tourist references from our guidebook.
We were also just a short walk away from the Vedado neighborhood’s Malecón (officially Avenida de Maceo).
The Malecón is a roadway in Havana that stretches 4.97 miles.
On a Saturday night, the Malecóna is a popular place to hang out.
It seems that literally thousands of people are enjoying the coastline, which is an amazing sight.
My cousin, myself, and our host.
There are so many places to consider when you visit Havana, Cuba.
I highly recommend getting a guidebook before going and reading as much of it as possible 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 hesitate to offer a counter price to 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., carry a large SLR camera, speak loudly in English, and wear novelty clothes, such as a Panama hat.
- Be safe. If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it in Cuba.
- We used Moneda Nacional, the money Cubans receive as their salary. The other cash used is 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. Knowing some Spanish would have made my trip even more amazing. They were very kind, and the people were 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 dampen your trip. Long lines? Sweating from the heat? Your taxi breaks down? You’re in Cuba. Please take it as a way to slow down, interact with the people, and enjoy your surroundings.
Enjoy the entertainment. It’s inexpensive and fabulous!
There are a variety of free things to do.
We enjoyed walking on the Malecón, shopping and talking with the locals in Old Havana, and exploring the grounds of the university that Castro attended.
Havana is a wonderful place to visit.
Our time in Havana was undoubtedly too short, and we plan to stay longer the next time.
Who knows? Perhaps this will inspire you to travel cheaply to Havana or return to Cuba.
Upon returning home, you may visit and feel as I did 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!
