We don't do all inclusive. Usually we rent a place and go as "local" as possible. Said that, we are planning to go to Cuba. So far, I couldn't find how much one would spend a day with meals and transportation in Cuba. Also, I know I won't find Mega or Wall Mart (like in México). But I am trying to figure how to buy groceries in Cuba. Anyone knows how it works? Thank you!
p.s family of 4 (kids are teens) planning to stay 16 nights.

You can try asking on this page too

Thank you

Where in Cuba?? No matter where, you most likely will have to go quite local. In Havana, their transit is quite different. From taxi, cuban buses, collective taxi etc. No schedule, dirt cheap, other than taxis which are mostly a tourist trap.

Havana and Varadero

When I was in Cuba, near Varadero, the grocery stores were basically empty. When researching, I read about Casa Familiares, which is basically when you stay with families and they cook for you.

When we were researching Cuba last month, we came upon this too. It’s like a homestay or b&b

airbnb is now open in Cuba. We can have our own place. I just need to figure where to buy food

Hopefully someone can provide more info; I don’t think it is that easy.

In Varadero there was a market store at the little mall of America place

We just came back from Varadaro and there was no where to buy groceries. Friends of ours visited some of the farms and the hurricane wiped out 90% of their crops.
The mall of America grocery store had booze, cleaning supplies, some cheese, juice boxes and cereal.

Spent a month there some time ago but trying to do your own groceries might be a bit challenging. Second the idea of staying at a casa - hosts are super nice, can give you tips on what to do and sometimes free transport, and often will offer meals for a nominal upcharge. Flying solo there cost around $30/night for accoms + $5 for breakfast (in 2011 or so). Not sure about Varadero though, sorry.

I like this way more than going to the "all included" resorts where all the money goes to the government and not to the people. Hope you enjoy your stay there as a local

It is not very easy, but if you can find market or tienda type places that will take Cuban pesos instead of CUCs it's easier. Your hosts will still have to buy rationed food for you (usually eggs, bread, meat, milk). Or you can line up and hope there is some left over, but we never did that. We had no problem buying fruit and snack food but other things are hard. air bnb mostly they cook for you too. We've stayed in many casas and it is routinely fantastic food.

Feisal Lakha

Canadian/Cuban family. Awesome place. They’ll make you breakfast and also happily help you figure out how to shop local (and so very cheap!) including exchanging some of your CUC for pesos to use at the market (there’s one just down a few blocks from their place) https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/16533543?locale=en
AIRBNB.CA
CASA EL REMANSO - King Suite with Private Bath - Bed & Breakfasts for Rent in La Habana, La Habana, Cuba

They have three rooms, two beds each that can be pushed together as one or pulled apart as two (for the kids!)

Also outside of accommodations, just food and fun, I think $50 per person per day is reasonable without limiting you! Obviously can go up or down depending on where you eat and what types of activities you get up to...the museum is like $12 CUC per person...a fancy taxi ride is about $50 an hour...meals can be anywhere from $2-20 per person.

Thank you very much it did helped a lot!

Can't answer your question but I like your style. We also avoid ais with a passion and prefer to take the less traveled path. Good luck but as always, be careful!

Thanks! We're born and raised in South America. We know the survival tricks.

Are you into dehydrated food? Maybe you can take some dehydrated meals with you (lightweight and don’t need refrigeration).

I went to an all-inclusive and felt like I only met other tourists (except for my 2 days scuba-diving). Next time I will do a home-stay for sure.

Let me know how it goes! I’m like you while in Mexico! But haven’t done it anywhere else and am hesitant for some reason

Lots of small fresh food stands, places to get essentials. Eating out is cheap too. Food stalls with individual pizzas only $1. Your cash particular will supply s good breakfast and are always happy to serve dinner. Lobster dinners are about $15

Great! So if I can't buy groceries. Eat out every meal is easier. Is more available?

Accommodation for $30/night will give you decent amenities and good breakfast for 2-3 people.

Trinidad is a great place and the snorkelling at Ancon beach is amazing!