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Ahoy, fellow travelers!
Captain Anthony here, at the helm of the Travel Droner channel, and today, we're setting sail
to the land of sunshine and salsa: CUBA!
But before we embark on this journey, I have to give you a heads-up about a few things
you shouldn't do on this island paradise.
Now, I know you're probably thinking, "But Captain Anthony, I'm a seasoned traveler;
I know how to behave!" and you're right; you do!
But trust me, Cuba has its rules, and it's best to be prepared before you set foot on
its shores.
So, sit back, grab a mojito and let's go on a journey of discovery as we explore the "Don'ts
of Cuba"!
But don't worry, it's all good fun, and I promise you'll still have a blast.
After all, this is a vacation, not a prison sentence.
So, join me on this adventure as we navigate the waters of Cuba, and make sure to follow
my lead, or else you might end up on the wrong side of the law!
NR.1 Don’t Bring Bling Well, my friends, the economy in Cuba is a
bit of a tricky thing.
While there are fancy resorts, the country is primarily poor.
You might see signs of this economic struggle everywhere, from small towns to the streets
of Havana.
I know the average salary in Cuba is about $20 per month, which sounds pretty rough,
so people in Cuba don't have much money to spend.
So, what does this mean for you, the tourist?
If you're walking around with flashy jewelry, designer watches, smartphones, and earbuds
for your iPod, you might as well be waving a big sign that says, "Rob me!"
Street crime can happen anywhere, and when the "haves" show off their valuable possessions
to the "have-nots," it can be like a red flag to a bull.
So, I advise you to leave the bling at home and instead pack a good book, a comfortable
pair of shoes, and a good attitude.
That way, you won't look attractive to pickpockets, and you'll be able to enjoy your vacation
without any worries.
NR.2 Don’t Fall for the Jineteros/Jineteras Jineteras and jineteros are terms used in
Cuba to describe individuals who engage in illicit business with tourists, including
prostitution.
Jineteras are women, and Jineteros are men who hustle; they're like the Cuban version
of the hustlers you see in movies.
But before you get any ideas, let me tell you something, Jineteras and Jineteros are
not your average streetwalkers.
They are streetsmart and know how to spot a tourist from a mile away.
And trust me; they will try to hustle you in every possible way, from trying to be your
guide or bringing you to a shop where he gets a cut of whatever you buy; you get the idea,
right?
So, when you're in Cuba, watch out for the Jineteras and Jineteros; they're like the
Cuban version of a shark in a pool full of tourists.
But don't worry, just say no and enjoy your vacation without any hustle.
And remember, when in Cuba, stick to the legal activities and avoid any hustles.
And enjoy your vacation!
NR.3 Don’t talk about Politics or Fidel.
Now, before you get excited and start spouting off your opinions about communism and the
embargo, let me give you a friendly warning: politics in Cuba is like a minefield; one
wrong step, and BOOM!
You'll find yourself in a heated debate with a passionate local.
Now, I know you might be thinking, "But Captain Anthony, I just want to express my opinion!"
and that's great, really it is.
But the thing is, in Cuba, expressing your opinion can be a bit tricky.
You see, freedom of speech is not exactly at the top of the government's agenda, and
discussing politics can be seen as a threat to the government's authority.
So, unless you're looking to spend your vacation in a Cuban prison, I suggest you steer clear
of any political discussions.
NR.4 Don’t Use Drugs or engage in Illegal activities.
Ladies and gentlemen, listen up!
As a tourist in Cuba, there are a few things you need to know before you pack your bags
and set off on your adventure.
First and foremost, let's talk about the elephant in the room, or should I say, the "donkey"
in the room?
Yes, I'm talking about prostitution and drug use.
Now, I know you might be thinking, "But Captain Anthony, I'm a good person; I would never
do something like that!"
And I believe you, I really do.
But let's be honest; when you're on vacation, it can be tempting to let loose and maybe
bend the rules a little.
But let me tell you, my fellow travelers when it comes to these activities, there are no
"bendable" rules in Cuba.
Prostitution and drug use, even if it is only a joint, are not just frowned upon; they're
illegal and can land you in a Cuban prison faster than you can say, "¡Hola, Cuba!".
So, before you decide to "negotiate" a deal with that "friendly local" or buy that suspicious-looking
bag of Magic powder, just remember, you're not in Denver anymore, Toto.
You're in Cuba, and the rules are different.
And trust me; you don't want to spend your vacation behind bars.
So, let's all play it safe and stick to legal activities, like sipping mojitos on the beach
and dancing salsa.
NR.5 Don’t Drink tap Water.
It is not only happening in Cuba.
It's good advice for people who want to visit many developing countries.
This is a friendly reminder about the liquid gold that is water.
You see, the tap water in Cuba might not be up to the same standards as the tap water
in your home country.
And let's be honest, no one wants to spend their vacation running to the bathroom every
five minutes, right?
So, to avoid unpleasant surprises, it's best to stick to water in sealed bottles and use
it to brush your teeth.
That way, if you get a stomachache, you can blame it on the mojitos, not the water.
Now, I know you might be thinking, what about the ice cubes at the resort?"
Well, some resorts do use filtered water to make their ice cubes, but why risk it?
You're on vacation, so why not play it safe and stick to sealed water bottles.
Trust me, your stomach will thank you.
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NR.6 Don’t Forget to Bring a Few Gifts It is an excellent idea to bring a few gifts
to give to the locals you'll meet on your trip can go a long way in making a good impression
and showing your appreciation.
So, what kind of gifts should you bring?
Well, how about a cash tip for the hotel staff or a package of diapers for a family in need?
Or maybe some fishing gear for a local fisherman or a pack of school supplies for a school
teacher?
And let's not forget about the little ones; toys always make great gifts for children.
I know some people might think that giving gifts like these might encourage people to
beg or hurt national pride.
But let's be real; when you're on vacation and want to help, it's hard to find fault
with someone who wants to be generous.
So, pack a few gifts in your suitcase and make some new friends in Cuba.
Trust me; it will make your trip even more memorable.
NR.7 Don’t forget to tip
When it comes to tipping in Cuba, it's not just about showing appreciation for good service;
it's also about supporting the local economy.
You see, the average salary in Cuba is like a tightrope walker's salary, not much.
And many of the hardworking locals rely on tips to supplement their income.
This is particularly true for service workers such as hotel staff, tour guides, and restaurant
servers, who work hard to ensure that tourists have a comfortable and enjoyable experience,
and often go above and beyond to make sure that visitors are happy.
So, when you're out and about in Cuba, don't forget to bring some cash for tipping.
A small tip can make a big difference in someone's life, and it's a way to show your appreciation
for the service and hospitality you receive.
Plus, it's a way to ensure your hotel room is cleaned and your drinks keep coming.
And remember, tipping in Cuba is not just about the money; it's also a way to show respect
and build a relationship with the local people.
It's a way to say "Thank you, I appreciate you" in a very tangible way.
So, pack some extra cash, and don't be stingy with the tips.
It's not just a nice thing to do; it's a way to make sure you have a fantastic vacation
in Cuba.
NR.9 Don’t Take Unlicensed Taxis People who go to Cuba want to ride in one
of those cool American cars from the 1950s!"
I don't blame you, they're pretty cool.
But, before you jump into one of those "yank tanks" or "máquinas," it's essential to make
sure they're licensed.
On the other hand, many private taxis don't have meters, so you'll have to agree on a
price before getting in.
And let's not forget about the yellow three-wheeled coco taxis and pedal cabs; they're perfect
for short trips, but make sure you agree on a price before you get in.
But watch out, there are also unlicensed taxis, and they might be cheaper, but it's technically
against the law to ride in them, and you might be setting yourself up for a scam or robbery.
So, to stay on the safe side, stick with licensed taxis and make sure you agree on a price before
getting in.
That way, you can enjoy the ride without any worries.
NR.10 Don’t Take Pictures of Police or Soldiers Attention all shutterbugs!
This is a friendly reminder about taking pictures in Cuba.
Now, I know you're probably thinking, I just want to capture the beauty of the country
and its people!" and that's great, really it is.
But when it comes to taking pictures of the police or military in Cuba, it's best to exercise
caution.
You see, in Cuba, it's against the law to take pictures of anyone in the military, police,
or airport.
Now, I know you might think, it's just a picture; what's the big deal?"
Well, my friends, the authorities in Cuba take this law very seriously, and they might
think you're a spy or question you poorly if they catch you taking pictures when they're
around.
So, to avoid any unwanted attention from the authorities and ensure you don't get mistaken
as a spy, it's best to keep your camera in your pocket when the police or military are
around.
And don't worry; there are plenty of other beautiful things to photograph in Cuba, like
the architecture, the beaches, and the locals.
Trust me; your camera will have plenty to do.
NR.11 Don’t Order A Papaya Daiquiri A quick lesson on the do's and don'ts of ordering
drinks in Cuba.
But, before you order a papaya daiquiri, let me tell you something, you shouldn't use the
word "papaya" anywhere in Cuba; it's like a swear word.
It's rude slang for "Vagina," and it's very offensive to many Cubans.
So, the delicious fruit was renamed "Fruta bomba."
So, the next time you go to a Havana fruit stand, or a bar, ask for a "Fruta bomba" instead.
And trust me; it will taste just as delicious as a papaya daiquiri, but without the uncomfortable
conversation.
So, remember, folks, when in Cuba, stick to Fruta bomba and avoid any awkward situations.
And enjoy your drink!
NR.12 Don't click pictures of locals without asking them.
Before you start clicking away, let me remind you of something important.
Like you, the locals don't want to be captured without permission.
Think about it, would you like it if someone took your picture without asking first?
So, no matter where you are, always remember to ask permission before taking a portrait.
It's polite, and it's the right thing to do.
And you know what?
By doing so, you'll not only get permission to take a great picture but also the chance
to get to know the locals and their stories.
So, when you're in Cuba, remember to ask permission before taking pictures and try to get to know
the locals.
Trust me; it will make your pictures and your vacation even more memorable.
And remember, when in Cuba, respect the locals and enjoy capturing the beauty and culture
of the place.
That wraps up our list TODAY .Would you add anything to this list of things not to do
in Cuba?
Let us know in the comments box below.
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