Travel

What to pack for Cuba

Last Updated on March 2, 2017 by Jane

Over the years I have traveled to Cuba a handful of times. Varadero to be exact where the most beautiful white sand beaches can be found. I always found that the beaches are what Cuba can brag about whereas the food was always a bit lacking. Even if you found something delicious (I will never forget one of the best beach burger and fries combos) there is no guarantee they won’t run out of something mid week. What does this mean for what to pack for Cuba? It means pack everything you need, don’t assume you can buy things there because well it is not guaranteed.

what to pack for cuba


What to Pack for Cuba

  1. Tularosa Sid Wrap Dress in Roselle – On of the things I like about packing for an all inclusive vacation, including one in Cuba is he excuse to dress for dinner. I love the drama of this high slit dress.
  2. Lia crocheted cotton pouch – When is comes to packing for Cuba or any other warm country I like to pack a smaller bag that can handle a room key and lipstick and not much else.
  3. GOA CIAO Tote – part of visiting Cuba is spending time at the beach so having a beach tote is a must.
  4. Nina Slides – These sandals would be great for days at the beach but are dressy enough for dinner too. 
  5. Girlfriend Material Dress – Doesn’t this dress just scream vacation?! Kind of has a safari feel.
  6. Need I Say Shore? One-Piece Swimsuit in Noir – I have this swimsuit in a different print. The black and white is so classic looking.
  7. Mara Hoffman Asterid High-Waisted Swim – I think I speak for curvy girls everywhere that rejoice at the availability of high waisted bottoms. I mean not everyone looks like a bikini model so I am not sure why we are expected to all wear bottoms that only look good with flat waists. I like to feel comfortable in my swim suits don’t you? That said Cuba is much like other Caribbean islands and it doesn’t seem to matter your size – everyone wears a bikini.
  8. Flora Two Toned One Piece – this style swim suit has the best of both worlds. Cool cut outs give it a bikini look but it is actually a one piece.
  9. SCALLOPED V-NECK ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT IN ITALIAN MATTE – the plunging scalloped neckline give this one piece a more sexy look.
  10. Coco embellished embroidered cotton-gauze mini dress – when summer rolls around I want to go full on boho. Which then translates to vacation as well. Cuba has a very latin flavour so a dress like this would be a perfect fit.
  11. FION Suede Ruffle Sliders – LOVE the ruffles on these and they are super affordable.
  12. Elisha Sandals – how amazing would these tassel sandals look with the boho dress?! It is like they were made for each other.
  13. Linen embroidered tunic – unless you only eat at the beach bar you are going to need a cover up to grab a bite or even to wander to and from your room.
  14. Printed striped cotton-jersey top – If you are going to Cuba you need to at least once visit Havana. This city is both beautiful and stuck in the past. And yet you can see how time has ravaged this city. Still it is a must visit. This would be the perfect top for an excursion. 
  15. The Boyfriend distressed denim shorts – these shorts with the stripe top would be a perfect sight seeing outfit. Pair it with some cool sneakers  and you are set. Don’t forget your camera!
  16. Rickrack-trimmed broderie anglaise cotton dress – This dress has vacation written all over it. The white with red and white stripes makes it have a bit of a riviera feel.
  17. Metal Top Sandwich Cat Eye Sunglasses With Pink Lens – Sunglasses are a must for any sun filled vacation.
  18. Straw Fedora Hat – ever since having a sunstroke attack on an all inclusive vacation I always make sure to pack a hat. This paired with cool sunglasses makes the heat and sun bearable.
  19. XL Palm Leaves Beach Towel – while it might not seem like a thing you need to bring we always pack our own towels. It makes finding your beach chaise easy in a sea of resort towels plus an extra large one like this is more luxurious. The only trick is making sure they get dry which can be hard with all the humidity.

The trick with packing for Cuba is to make sure that you bring all the essentials form home. Cuba isn’t like vacationing in Europe or the US or even other Caribbean countries. They do run out of items since they are restricted in trade. They also don’t carry the brands we are necessarily used to so it is better to bring things from home. Which means pack all your toiletries including shampoo and soap because you aren’t necessarily going to get restocked with these items daily. Bring your toothpaste, toothbrush and sunscreens. Don’t leave things to be purchased at the hotel because you might find they are either very expensive or are not available.

What is on your what to pack for Cuba list?

Jane is an over 40 style and travel blogger.

4 Comments

    • jane@chiceverywhere.com

      I have actually heard conflicting reports. That the stuff you bring ends up being confiscated or sold on the black market for high prices and that those in need don’t actually get the stuff you bring. That being said when we were touring Havana my brother had many Cubans asking for my Brothers retro Toronto Blue Jays hat. They were running after the bus asking him to give it to them. So baseball items are a hit.

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