Accommodations & Packing

Accommodations

In Havana, groups stay in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Center guesthouse, in casas particulares (B&Bs), or a modest hotel with air conditioning. For all of these accommodations, you may need to walk up a flight of steps to get to the rooms.  If you have any accommodation needs, please let CGEE know in advance so we can do our best to make arrangements (if possible) prior to your trip. Outside of Havana groups stay in modest hotels or guesthouses, or in casas particulares (B&Bs). Accommodations may be more basic. You may not always have access to hot water or standard mattresses. We are confident that this experience will enhance your understanding of the country in a challenging, experiential manner.

Electrical Current

The electrical current in Cuba varies greatly. Some sockets are the same as in the United States (110 volts, 60 cycles). Other newer ones take 220. It is good to check first before plugging anything in. Although sockets in Cuba usually accept both continental European (round) and U.S.-style (flat) plugs, some outlets cannot accommodate a grounding prong or wide flange. If you are bringing electrical appliances, you will need to bring a two prong adapter to fit any outlet with two narrow slots.

Luggage and Packing

Pack as lightly as you can.  In general, if you cannot comfortably walk five city blocks with all of your gear, you have packed too much.

International travel baggage restrictions and fees for excess cargo vary by airline and destination.  In general, the maximum allowance per piece of checked luggage is 50 pounds and 62 linear inches (total length + width + height) for international flights.  For specific information, check with your airline. 

Packing Tips

Be sure to put essential items such as medications and toiletries in your carry-on bag in case of a delay or lost luggage.

Pack comfortable, modest clothing. Cotton slacks, neat blue jeans, t-shirts without logos and button-down shirts are appropriate – shorts, sweat suits, athletic gear, and tank tops or any other revealing clothing are not. For church, government, and professional speakers and visits, pack at least one dressier outfit. 

Pack as lightly as you can.  Plan to wear outfits at least twice during the trip.  Remember, you can hand wash items during the program.  Laundry facilities may be available as well. Plan to bring items that are lightweight and can be layered in case of temperature or weather changes or air-conditioned rooms.

CGEE strongly recommends leaving expensive jewelry/watches or any unnecessary valuables at home.

Recommended Packing List:

• Passport and photocopy of photo page (pack separately), Cuban visa, and D'Viajeros form 

• Daypack or small bag for daily excursions

• Mostly summer clothes with a pair of comfortable walking shoes and sandals. A long-sleeved shirt, jacket, hoodie, etc. and 1-2 pairs of pants for cooler nights and places with a/c. One professional casual outfit for more formal visits and dinners at nicer restaurants.

• Refillable water bottle with a wide mouth that allows for easy refilling and cleaning. There is filtered water available at MLKMC and this will be provided during our travels outside Havana as well. (Tap water is NOT safe to drink in Cuba). Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated!

• You are discouraged from bringing t-shirts or other items with U.S. flags or other patriotic symbols on them. There is heightened sensitivity in Cuba regarding U.S. foreign policy. Clothing with logos from your university are fine to wear.

• Sunscreen, sun glasses, and a cap or hat with a brim to protect your face from the sun.

• Swimsuit and a towel for swimming. (We recommend a quick dry travel towel for easy packing. You might not be able to use towels from your casa particular for swimming.)

• Insect repellent that can be used to prevent dengue. Natural repellant that still works for dengue is suggested for inside areas such as the bus and in lodging. (Lemon Eucalyptus oil is the only non-DEET insect repellant approved by the CDC to protect against the transmission of dengue). If you are using a DEET based product please be mindful to not use it before going into inside spaces or on the bus as some may be sensitive to chemicals.

• Prescription medications, over the counter medicines and toiletries (bar/body soap will be provided in lodging) that you anticipate needing. Keep all medications in their original bottles. We recommend bringing common over-the-counter products like Tylenol or Pepto Bismol as these will likely not be available in Cuba.

• Snacks to tie you over between meals or if you have specific dietary needs. For example, there are no gluten-free bread options or non-dairy milk options in Cuba. There is not as wide of a variety of foods available in Cuba. Protein bars are also great, especially if you are vegan or vegetarian.

• Toilet paper/Kleenex (not always available in public restrooms)

• Hand sanitizer 

• Ear plugs and/or travel noise machine if you're a light sleeper

• Adapters if needed (if appliances are 3 prong will need adapter to put in 2-prong outlets in Cuba)

• Some masks and a COVID test or two if possible in case you get symptoms or test positive for COVID during your travels. (These can also be provided if needed).

• Consider bringing small gifts or donations of chocolates, cookies, and/or common over the counter medications to donate in Cuba