Saving money on travel to Cuba

Here's what I learned while planning our trip to Cuba.

Five-star hotel for $44/night

I found an amazing hotel deal. We paid $44 a night, including breakfast, for the five-star Tryp Havana Libre Hotel. It opened in 1959 as the Havana Hilton. It is not up to international five-star standards, but it has a very friendly staff, a great breakfast buffet and it is very centrally located. There are nicer hotels in Havana, but this is a steal at $44 a night.

I found the deal on a London travel website called Travel Republic.

It is one of the few websites that allows direct booking from the U.S.

Casas Particulares - Private Homes

Casas Particulares are a popular option for accommodations, giving you an authentic experience by staying in a Cuban home.

Airbnb has 2,000 options in Cuba, for any budget.

Air Travel

For now, U.S. airlines cannot sell tickets to Cuba. You need to purchase tickets through an air charter company. Our flights were operated by American Airlines, but we purchased the tickets from Airline Brokers in Miami. We paid $450 roundtrip for the 45-minute flight from Miami to Havana. Vivian Manerrud, owner of Airline Brokers, told me the lowest prices of the year are in January, when you can find roundtrip tickets for $350. I called several Miami charter companies and found Airline Brokers to be the most helpful. (305) 642-5002.

Complying with U.S Law

U.S. law requires you to certify that you are complying with one of twelve approved categories of travel to Cuba. People to People may the easiest way to comply. You do not need to buy an expensive packaged tour. Vivian Manerrud, owner of Airline Brokers, a Miami travel agency, says you should keep a travel diary and take photographs of your engagement with Cuban people. You can use it as proof of a People to People trip to Cuba, if challenged by the U.S. Treasury Department.

Hiring a guide

You may want to consider hiring a guide in Havana, especially if you do not speak Spanish. We hired Michel Perez-Oliva and his assistant for $50 a day. They work with tourists from around the world. michelperoli@yahoo.es

Restaurants

You'll want to eat in private restaurants called Paladares. The food is much better than government restaurants. Many are in old homes, like La Guarida, where the movie Fresa y Chocolate was filmed.

Our guide took us to a place called King Bar. It is a nightclub inside and a patio restaurant outside. Two fresh grilled lobster tails cost only $10.

Credit Cards

As of now, U.S. issued credit cards cannot be used in Cuba, because of the U.S. embargo. Check with your credit card company, as the policy is expected to change soon. Plan on taking cash and factor in the 13% currency exchange surcharge when converting dollars to Cuban Pesos.

Cell Phones

Under new rules, some U.S. cell phone carriers have agreements in Cuba. My Verizon phone worked for voice and data. Check rates and sign up for an international plan before departure.

Enjoy your planning. Let me know if you have any questions and how you liked your trip to Cuba.