"In Cuba, there is no electricity. The country is experiencing a massive blackout crisis," warns @cubansalvi503, a Cuban resident in the United States, who explained in a video why she does not consider the island a good tourist destination for non-Cubans. With a mix of practical advice and personal stories, she outlined the reasons behind her recommendation.
According to the creator, constant power outages and intense heat require visitors to be prepared. “Bring a rechargeable fan and mosquito repellent,” she advises, outlining the challenges travelers may encounter.
The quality of food was also a central theme in his testimony. "Food here doesn’t taste at all like it does in other countries. It's decent, but maybe a 5 out of 10," he noted, adding that even five-star hotels do not meet expectations. Furthermore, he mentioned that basic medications, such as painkillers, are in short supply throughout the island.
In her account, she shared a personal experience in Pinar del Río, where her husband nearly fell victim to a scam attempt. "A young man told him he needed to pay to park in a public lot. When he saw that I was Cuban, he ran away," she recounted. This type of situation, combined with the rise in insecurity, led her to warn tourists about potential issues with currency exchange, car rentals, and other services.
Despite the difficulties she describes, the creator does not hide her affection for the island. "My country is beautiful, but right now it is going through a terrible crisis and is not even a third of what it once was," she reflected at the end of the video.
The video of this Cuban woman – who previously shared on the same network how she prepared for her trips to the island to visit and support her family – sparked a wave of reactions among those who expressed their concern and those who disagreed with her perspective. “I went to Cuba and I liked the hotel food; the country is very beautiful,” commented one user. However, others expressed sadness about the current situation. “Poverty brings desperation. I feel very sorry for Cuba,” wrote another.
On the other hand, some defended certain achievements of the Cuban system. “Cuba has the best doctors. Millionaires travel to Cuba to have surgeries,” stated one supporter. At the same time, there were plenty of criticisms regarding the economic and political management of the island. “It’s a shame Fidel didn't know how to govern,” lamented another user.
The testimony of @cubansalvi503 clearly highlights the realities that Cuba faces and serves as a warning for those considering a visit to the island, urging them to make informed and realistic decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Cuba Today
Why is traveling to Cuba discouraged as a tourist destination?
The main reasons to discourage travel to Cuba include the energy crisis characterized by frequent power outages and shortages of food and medicine. Additionally, the conditions of tourist services, such as hotels and restaurants, do not meet expectations, and there are risks of insecurity and scams.
How does the energy crisis affect tourists in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba leads to prolonged blackouts that impact the quality of tourists' stays, forcing them to cope with a lack of air conditioning, fans, and challenges in preserving food. These outages make the travel experience uncomfortable and unpredictable.
What is the security situation and the risk of scams in Cuba for tourists?
Although some tourists report having no security issues, there are accounts of attempted scams, particularly related to services such as parking and car rentals. Insecurity and scams pose potential risks for tourists in Cuba.
What do people recommend when considering traveling to Cuba right now?
It is recommended that those who decide to travel to Cuba do so primarily to visit family and be prepared to face the current challenges, such as bringing electric generators, mosquito repellents, and medications. Staying informed about the situation before traveling is crucial.
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