Whether it's the friendly people, the beautiful scenery, or the vibrant culture, Varadero is so full of life! It is known for being a very budget-friendly destination that has tourists coming every day. Unfortunately, many vacationers spend most of their time stuck in their resort and have no idea what the city has to offer. My name is Alizay, and I've been to Varadero 4 times (3 times this year alone!). Here are my tips and what you need to know to make your trip to Varadero an enjoyable one:
Let's Talk Money!
Since you cannot exchange money to Cuban pesos beforehand, you must bring your currency to your resort. USD, EUROS, and CAD are all accepted. I suggest that you opt out of changing it at the airport or at the banks in town to avoid poor rates and long wait times. I recommend that you speak to your accommodation host or hotel employees about where to exchange your currency to theirs. For the most part, they'd rather keep your country's currency to exchange it themselves when their rate is at its best. I personally kept CAD money and tipped in 5's. Their money is experiencing rapid inflation, so what you can get from one person, another person can offer a different amount, so be sure to ask around to get the best rate. For a more thorough understanding, you can click here.
Bring Your Own Seasoning
Many people will say the food at the resort is bland. This is subjective. The seasoning is actually quite sparse. This is due to the lack of resources – everything in Cuba was state-controlled and farmers were forced to grow what they were instructed to. There are lots of braised and roasted meat and stews, rice, beans and other vegetables. I'd say the food is quite natural compared to what we're used to in Canada.
You will find a lot of pork and chicken dishes, and definitely fish and shrimp. My favourite is the soups they offer. Many have pureed squash with pork, it's absolutely tasty! For those who need a little more, pack your own salt, pepper and hot sauce. They do have ketchup and mustard but you have to ask for it, so just bring your own or anything else you might want to add to your food to give it a little more pizazz. I personally had no problem because we felt very fortunate to be there and not have to cook or do dishes for the duration! The food off the resort though, is a little different. There is more variety but that's if you're willing to venture out and pay a little more.
Bring Toilet Paper!
Your room will have toilet paper plus they refill it every so often but you won't be spending all of your time in your room will you? Exactly. As you tour the resort and use their washrooms along the beaches or common area, you will notice that there isn't much toilet paper around and if there is, it isn't the best quality. You would have to ask one of the maids for a roll and they're very, let's just say - mindful of how much they give you, eventually you will get tired of asking, so just bring your own.
On top of that, if you venture out of resort, you will have a hard time finding toilet paper without an attendant handing it to you and expecting a tip for it. If you don't feel like paying per square for something to wipe with, then don't forget to pack a roll of that soft Charmin.
Wait, No Toilet Seats?
Yes, you read that title right. Your resort will have toilet seats but if you leave to tour the town, you will have a tough time. Toilet seats are considered an unnecessary luxury in Cuba. If you go into a store in Cuba, most brand new toilets that are sold still have no seats. This poses such a problem for people who sit down to use the washroom and especially those traveling with children. That's why the toilet paper comes in handy to line the seat or you better get those hovering skills ready for your trip, I mean, unless you really want to carry around a toilet seat, but that would just look weird.
Here's a tip: TIP!
Tipping in Cuba is highly encouraged. Tips are not only a big part of their income for the service staff at Cuban hotels and restaurants, but they are also a way to let them know that you appreciate their service and they would most likely treat you a lot better.
Cubans make an average of $25 a month. Although this meets their economy, they must ration. So, tips are a way for them to make extra money to afford more necessities. Even though we're not sure if they're a 3rd world country, to this day, Cuba remains a mystery to the vast majority of Americans.
Take Advantage of the Excursions!
There are so many things you can do that you probably wouldn't be able to do back home, and for such amazing prices! Pictured below is my daughter snorkelling on our catamaran ride, then horseback riding on a farm where we had a nice lunch and then swimming with the dolphins!
Most of these are all day and include a lunch. Prices vary from $80-$100 per person, with some cheaper when you do a group package. Sunwing offers tours & attractions at the resort or you can book beforehand on their website/app. We did a Jeep Safari, Catamaran ride, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Dolphin Swimming and so much more. Be sure to take part in at least one of these because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I definitely can't do most of these in Canada! They take payment by credit card only. Visa and Mastercard are acceptable forms of payment unless your Mastercard is a Capital One, -because it's an American company, it is not accepted. That also goes for your American Express.
Bring Bug Spray
This goes without saying for anywhere you go. It's not just mosquitoes you need to watch out for, you also need to be careful of sand fleas.
Cuba has mosquitoes all year round but mosquitoes worsen during the rainy season. The wet season in Cuba runs from May to October. Since mosquitoes love damp, wet weather, you’ll see way more of them during the wet season.
Sand fleas thrive on the sandy, warm-weather beaches. Avoid sand fleas by going to the beach at midday. You have the best odds of avoiding these little pesks by hitting up the beach at midday or after sundown. They tend to be active the most during the cooler times of the day like the morning.
Try not to sit in the sand. I know, I know, you want that beautiful beach pic ( I would know, I have a few ;) ). But put a towel down because they tend to hang out in the sand near the water.
I know it's super hot but try to cover your arms and legs if you can. This will prevent them from biting you as quickly as if you were bare. And trust me, these little buggers bites hurt!
Gift The Cuban People
According to the locals and resort employees, they get a monthly ration of food:
rice, sugar, coffee, beans, and olive oil.
Everything else, they have to buy. They also said that they don’t have enough income to cover their basic needs because as I mentioned before, their wages are too low and can only cover bare minimum essentials.
Remember, it's hard for them to get supplies because of the cruel effects of the US economic blockade of Cuba.
The intended purpose of this policy is to hurt the Cuban people, so this is why they're so appreciative when you can leave them some things that they can't acquire in their own country or it would be highly expensive. After speaking to locals, here are some items that can help them out:
Clothes - Clothing is hard to acquire in Cuba because they lack wholesale provisions, so "mules" will hand carry everything into the country which makes the price of clothing pretty expensive. Leaving behind clothes from children's size to adults is very helpful to the people. This includes shoes (which are expensive there) and flip flops. Don't forget, they're a tropical island and so flip flops and sandals are a must.
Hygiene Products - Because of the monthly rationing, they only get a certain amount and there seems to be a shortage of such. Things like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, toilet paper, and especially feminine hygiene products like pads & tampons. Basically, if you need it, they need it too.
Medicine - Also a shortage of supply or none at all at their Pharmacies. Painkillers, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, allergy medication and children's medication are always handy.
Children's Items - Although, education is free, they have to obtain their own supplies. Things like pens, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, writing books and anything kids need for school are appreciated and much needed. Also, toys, puzzles, art supplies, and books are also good.
Use your own discretion and be mindful of what you would need but don't think of everyday, like batteries, towels, bathroom and kitchen supplies.
After speaking with a few people, I found that the locals outside of the town need these supplies more than the resort workers. Not saying they don't need it also but they receive these goods first hand and have a lot more opportunity to be gifted than someone who doesn't work at a hotel. I found that you can find locals at the beaches, or local restaurants. Even when you're just passing through a small town, you can find people in need. They usually will send their children to greet you, these are the people you want to gift.
Sometimes, I would make friends with a worker and they will provide their needs and they would properly distribute it to people.
Carry Your Chalice of Choice!
A water bottle is a definite must bring but one with a built in water filter feature is even better. Water pollution in Cuba is still a thing and even though they only serve you from water bottles anyway, it's nice to be able to carry your own around and not have to ask for some just to get served those small cups at a time. With that said, it's all-inclusive! Which means - you want as much alcohol as you can possibly handle, and like I said, the cups are small.
You will see most of the tourists bringing their own thermos', water bottles or anything they can fill up with cervezas and cocktails, The bartenders can fill up your cup so you can enjoy the weather and not have to make frequent trips to the bar. Cheers!
Life's a Beach...Towel.
Towels for the room will be changed when needed but for some reason, they are very serious about their beach towels. Sometimes, you would have to get a ticket from the front desk just to get one, or they will ask for your room number. You will only get one per person, and you cannot get another one until you return the first one. If you lose it, well, good luck. They will make you pay for it. So, bring your own unless you really want to take care of it while sipping all those cocktails and possibly forgetting where you put it. The bulkiness of a regular towel may be concerning unless you're Marie Kondo. But for those who are not, invest in a towel like this one which is super lightweight, compact and easy to carry.
Late Check-Outs
Check-out is usually around 11am or noon. But what if your flight isn't until 10pm? The front desk usually offers a room where you can keep your luggage. You can ask for a late check out which will only buy you until about 1-2pm. What about the next 6 or so hours? Depending on your flight, it's better to pay extra for the room for the day. For us, it was about an extra $20-$50 dollars depending on how much time we had to kill. If you are with a big group, I suggest picking one room (closest to where you want to be) and using it to store your stuff, freshen up or use to nap. You would want to make the most out of the last day so why not go to the beach, shower in your room and then head out instead of lingering around with nowhere with privacy.
Junk Food Junkie?
We've already touched on the fact that there is a food shortage in Cuba plus the United States embargo against Cuba which prevents American businesses, so no snacks! Unless, you get it from the airport which will run you a pretty penny. If you're hankering for a snack like Doritos, cookies, gummy bears and chocolate bars, they're very hard to find. Bring whatever supply of snacks you need. I personally brought chips in different flavours, some chocolates, and cookies that my kids like for in between meals and after swimming snacking.
Dance The Night Away!
The nightlife in Varadero is very live! Make sure you call a taxi (get their business card and ask if they can pick you up at a specific time too) and ask them where the best spot is to party. The strip is pretty small so you would probably end up at the same places as other tourists from other resorts. Don't forget to bring your cash, some places require an entry fee and also, this isn't your resort, so you're going to need to pay for your drinks. A drink varies from a few dollars to $5 for a beer. Some of us opted on getting a whole bottle of rum as it was only $10-$40 depending on location. It's a steal in my opinion compared to the clubs in Toronto, Ontario where i'm from. There will be a lot of locals, so brush up on your high school Spanish, but many speak English. I've also had people use their phones to Google translate a conversation. Places I suggest are Havana Club if you want that nightclub scene, locals say it's the best in town. Another similar club is La Comparsita, it has live performers on stage and an MC that is sure to hype you up. If you want a more chill vibe with just good music, try The Beatles Bar, where the live band does amazing covers of your favourite rock bands from the 70's, 80's and early 90's. They do such a great job too if you're into that vibe where you can just sit, drink and listen to music. I also visited Calle 62 which is right in front of the entertainment strip where you can start your night off with drinks and sometimes if you're lucky, they have snack foods. If you want a bar vibe with a live singers - karaoke style, visit Piano Bar, mind you, it's an open window bar on the second level, if you decide to sing your heart out, the passersby can hear you all the way outside.
Lots of Strays
There are lots of stray dogs and cats on the streets of Varadero. They're usually very friendly and used to people petting them and will stay beside you to get some food. The resorts sometimes have their own resident dogs that follow you around and will become your best friend for the duration of your trip. At my last resort, I counted 11 different dogs, and 2 cats that I felt were my sole duty to feed. I took some food from the buffets to feed them as I walked to my room. If you're allergic, bring that allergy medication with you and if you're a softy like me, pack some kibbles or even some easy open cans of dog or cat food. The tourists sometimes will feed them in the dining room but just having some good nutrition dog/cat food might just make their day.
Reusable Zipper Bags or Containers
Sometimes, you can't wait for the buffet to open and you don't want to go to the snack bar. Having kids with me taught me that they can work up an appetite and just need some fuel to continue. I brought small containers and reusable Ziploc bags to pack dry foods they can eat during the day, like plantain chips, fries, even some fruits. This is especially handy when you need to leave to catch your bus for the airport and the buffet hasn't opened yet. You can store the food for the bus ride so no one is hangry. I actually had cheese in the Ziplocs originally that I brought for the plane and just put it in the fridge when I got to my room, but thats another section!
BONUS: Tip for Plane Ride
This tip actually is for the plane ride and also benefits when you land too. If you've ever been on a plane, you know how over priced and expensive the airline food is. It's also not the greatest. If you take Sunwing like I did, they offer a Cup Noodle for about $5 CAD each. That is insane considering you can get them at the grocery store for 0.97 cents CAD. So, bring some food on the plane! I had packed them in my carry-on and backpack. I bought a few of the Cup Noodles, the ones from the Asian supermarkets as well. As long as you can add water in it and don't require anything else, the airline will provide hot water. I also had packed crackers, sliced cheese, cut up Kolbassa and pâté for an adult Lunchable or a not so fancy charcuterie. As long as your food is properly wrapped and contained (no liquids), the airline will allow you to bring it. I have also packed sandwiches, wraps and pizza on past trips. The best part is, if you bring enough extra instant food that only require hot water, your room at the resort may have a coffee maker or kettle that you can enjoy in your room for a late night pre-hangover meal. Don't forget to pack disposable cutlery. Also, the containers you pack will help double as a bowl too if needed.
Phew! Is that all?
I have gone enough times that I feel like an expert now and I'm only continuing to learn more. I am a very grateful traveller and I am blessed I have the means to do so. I never complain because as you can see, it's harder out here for some people and count your blessings applies here. These are just some of the things I experienced in my travels that I wish I knew before going and hope to help some other people make their trip a little more enjoyable. I hope this was helpful, leave a message and let me know what else I missed that is a "must know before going". Thank you for reading and safe travels!
- Alizay
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