If you're an American traveling to Cuba, this list is going to be really helpful. If you're from somewhere else traveling to Cuba, this will still be helpful.
Getting into a 1980s Russian car and driving into Havana was surreal. As we drove I watched as beautiful and not so beautiful old cars went by with puffs of black smoke following them. I went by graffiti that said things like, "socialism or die" and "I love this island". Beautiful gardens and a combination of run down and modern store fronts were seen from our little car. It became hard not to question everything I've ever learned about this country. It quickly became clear that this place was different from everything I've heard about it (unless you've heard it's a beautiful country that values its citizen's rights and nature). If you're planning a trip to Cuba, I highly recommend it.
American airlines like American Airlines (hehe), JetBlue, and a few others are allowing flights ($60 for JetBlue in November) from a number of different American airports. Also, there are charter flights from Havana Air (Eastern Airlines) and Aruba Airline. I use Google Flights to research flights, but some of these flights don't show up there yet.
Tip! Turn off Cookies on your browser when researching flights.
2. Bring lots of CASH!
Bring lots of Euros! I found very few places in Cuba took credit cards and a lot of the ones I did find couldn't get their credit card machines to work.
3. You'll be hard pressed to find internet
Some places offer internet if you pay for a card first, but good luck. I'd tell everyone you won't be able to contact them just in case you don't find any internet so they don't worry too much about you.
4. The locals are friendly, so ask them where to go and how to get there
They are so friendly! And they love Americans ($_$). Don't be afraid to ask them where they like to eat, drink, or dance. What events are going on? What's the best place to see the sunset? Ask them!
5. Bring toilet paper
Many bathrooms don't have toilet paper or toilet seats around Cuba. Just in case, bring a roll from home.
6. Don't forget bug spray and sunscreen!
7. Brush up on some Spanish phrases
A lot of people in Cuba speak English, but this is good just in case you run into someone who doesn't, which did happen to us and I was so thankful I'm fluent in Spanish. I'd still recommend to just learn some common things like, "where are the bathrooms?" and "check, please".
8. Food is cheap, but good lodging is not
Although you will hopefully pay for your lodging beforehand (I used AirBNB, but found some hotels I almost wished I'd stayed in (almost because AirBNB was a lot cheaper), there will be a definite trade off when paying for things. Food and drinks are super cheap in Cuba, though!
9. Try to find a ride from the airport
Taking a taxi is fine and all, but if you want some things pointed out to you along the way and someone who will know where you are going exactly...definitely arrange for an airport pickup. Our AirBNB offered us one and I think it was one of the best decisions we made.
10. Go SCUBA diving
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