Any advise for trip to Cuba.

Fly.
Even though swimming might seem popular

Do it!

The real Cuba out of the resorts is not for everyone.

We loved Cuba. We went to Cayo Santa Maria....gorgeous! We also did a tour of Santa Maria and area. The beaches were clean and beautiful. The only thing I recommend is to bring salt and pepper and any condiments you can't live without. Food is bland

HP sauce is non existent

Ketchup was scarce. I saw people that had brought peanut butter, jam, ketchup, seasonings from home then leave them with their servers who were so grateful.

Don't just stay in the resort get out and visit Havana.

yes food is bland. we travelled from one end of the island to the other, no resorts at all. Baracoa, Trinidad, havana, Vinales. A day trip to Havana does not Cuba make.

advice

We found the food in Havana really good!!!! Use tripadvisor for advise on restaurants. The resort.....not so much.

If you are at a resort I strongly recommend Ducoral before you go. Most of the food was served at room temperature.

Pretty sure the chicken is dog, and I stayed at a sandals! Never give anyone your passport (I bring photocopies).

If you want a real cuban experience stay at casas and get away from the resorts. We loved our visit to Holquin, Guardalavaca, and Santiago. Santiago is a terrific place to visit. Don't be afraid to get around the City centre in the evening. Great music. Terrific walking street with no cars. Check out trip advisor.

I do have to say that both my husband and I got food poisoning at the resort.

Which resort did you stay if you don't mind letting me know. Thanks

Case particulars are great!!!! Wonderful experience.

I've been to Tryp Cayo Coco and to one of the Melia resorts in Varadero too. Beaches are gorgeous and food is atrocious. We both had terrible gastro illnesses, definitely take dukoral.
If you stay in Varadero take the public bus to Havana, about $8 from what I remember. The city is gorgeous.

Thank you for all your comments. Are tourist cards given on the plane before landing in Cuba. Also I heard that with the embargo if you want any special snacks or food to pack them. Any foods that are band from entering except for the usual fresh fruit, meats, and plants ?

yes they give tourist cards on the plane.

Thanks Marilyn. Did you have a great experience? What you find you needed to bring that Cuba that did not have and any kind of Potatoes chips, spices etc. Any suggestions.

We stayed in a resort so it may be a different experience from yours. Just remember that they do not have any American products.

We didn't find the food bland but rather it was served at room temperature which is not good in the tropics. Also service was slow in clearing tables, getting coffee. but that may have just been the resort.

bring candy for the kids and leave your toiletries for them as it's hard to come by

Even a 4 star resort will have bland food. Condiments were there at the beginning of the trip then ran out. Food stands serve much better food in Varadero. The beaches are fantastic. Don't miss Havana as I think it's much better than Varadero. I have not been to Cayo Coco, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin or Santa Clara but know people who have they are far away from Varadero and Havana. They ended up just staying in their resorts. Very walkable city and safe.

Make sure you take cash with you so you can exchange at the hotel. Other wise you have to withdraw from your credit card.

Bring peanut butter

Stay in people's houses and eat with them (this is normal, they have to buy a license from the government) and learn about the real Cuba. Take 3 weeks if you can. The art markets are great! Visit artist studios... Enjoy! (And try if you can to take extra things you can leave there)