Cuba

Cuba is characterized by a cultural diversity from Spanish, African, French and Asian influences. The grand buildings from colonial times are still stunning, though a lot of them go rack and ruin. Havana was (and is still!) the cultural capital of the Caribbean. Che Guevara in Fidel Castro are still alive, their likenesses are everywhere in Cuba. And so is socialism. Cubans are catholic by the majority.

You don’t need any special vaccionations to travel Cuba. A vaccination against hepatits A is recommended. If you stay longer a vaccination against hepatitis B, rabies and typhus may be to consider. There is also the Zika-Virus and Dengue-fever, but there aren’t vaccinations against that. Cuba is malaria-free. Health care definitely doesn’t meet western standards in general, but there are hospitals especially for foreigners.

You need a visum to go to Cuba, the so calles „tourist card“. You will get them at the Cuban embassies or from your airline. Some tourist agencies also provide tourist cards. With these, it’s allowed to stay up to 90 days. Also you have to fill in a declaration about you health conditions. Be aware that every immigrant needs an health insurance which is valid inside Cuba. It’s sensible to ask your health insurance for a confirmation. Be sure to have a Spanish translation of the confirmation with you!

Cuba is one of the safest countries in Central America. There may be some pickpockets, but you don’t worry that much. It’s still a socialist one-party-country, so there is no freedom of spech or freedom of the press.

Cuba isn’t the cheapest travel country as you may think. There is still a lack of nearly all important goods, as groceries or technology. You won’t notice that at the 5-star all-inclusive hotels in Varadero or Cayo Coco, but the people are still very poor. You can do it cheap though: stay with locals at „Casa Particulares“ for 25-30$/night and eat at local restaurants.