Dario Fattore, an Italian influencer who presents himself on social media as a Social Media Manager and founder of the agency Whosdigital.it, has shared a list of essential warnings for those planning to travel to Cuba.
On his TikTok account, where he identifies himself as @whosdaf, the digital creator posted a video summarizing 10 essential tips following his recent vacation experience in Cuba, a trip that was not exotic but rather a confrontation with a harsh and suffocating reality.
The 10 tips a tourist should know before traveling to Cuba, according to Dario Fattore
- Hire a private driver for several days: Instead of taking different taxis each time, it's better to arrange a package with a single driver. You will save money and travel more safely.
- Exchange currency with reliable individuals: Although it's illegal, street exchanges are much more favorable than at banks or hotels. Fattore assures that this is a common practice among travelers.
- Avoid walking alone at night: Whenever you go out, especially in the evening, it is advisable to have your driver accompany you from the hotel to the places you visit.
- Prepare for dirty and poorly lit streets: Although Cuba is a picturesque destination, many streets are dirty and in poor condition. This is especially important for those with any physical condition.
- Take your medications from home: Pharmacies in Cuba are scarce and often empty. Even basic medications can be impossible to find.
- Only drink bottled water and be cautious with ice: Do not consume tap water or drinks with ice unless you are sure of their source. Always use bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
- Stay in private homes: Private accommodations are often cleaner than state-run hotels, and they also contribute directly to the local economy.
- Trust local guides: A local guide knows the authentic and safe areas. If you don't have one, you can look for trustworthy recommendations on social media.
- Download a VPN before traveling: Internet access in Cuba is limited and many applications are blocked. Having a VPN can make connectivity easier.
- Attention to prices in establishments: Some places have two menus: one for locals in Cuban pesos and another for tourists in dollars. Try to access the menu in national currency to save money.
A hotel with cockroaches, a lot of scarcity, and communist propaganda
The influencer not only shared advice but also publicly denounced the deplorable conditions he experienced during his stay at the Memories Miramar hotel in Havana.
“I never expected that in a four-star hotel I would have to sleep in a room infested with cockroaches,” he recounted in one of his videos, assuring that he counted more than 30 insects in the room.
Despite requesting a change, they were assigned another room under similar conditions and without running water. “We couldn’t take a shower or use the bathroom. At breakfast, I even found a cockroach among the supposedly clean cutlery,” they added. So far, they have not received any refund for the complaints made to the tourist institution.
In another video, the most viral of his series about Cuba, Fattore provided a critical view of the reality he encountered: “This is the real Cuba, not the one of classic cars and dances. Here, poverty is everywhere. The streets are dirty, public restrooms are scarce, and tourists run the risk of being scammed,” he denounced.
Testimonials like Fattore's reflect the current conditions faced by visitors in Cuba and dismantle the idealized image that the Cuban state tries to project to the world. Although the regime often blames independent media for damaging the reputation of the tourist destination, the reality experienced by thousands of travelers speaks for itself.
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Cuba according to the experience of Dario Fattore
What are the main warnings for tourists traveling to Cuba?
The main warnings for tourists in Cuba include hiring a private driver for greater safety, exchanging currency on the street despite it being illegal, avoiding walking alone at night, and bringing medications from home due to shortages in pharmacies. Additionally, it is recommended to drink only bottled water and stay in private homes to help the local economy and avoid unsanitary conditions in some hotels.
What problems did Dario Fattore face during his stay at a hotel in Cuba?
Dario Fattore faced deplorable conditions at the Memories Miramar hotel in Havana, where he had to sleep in rooms infested with cockroaches and without running water. Despite requesting a room change, he was assigned to another room with similar conditions. Furthermore, he did not receive any reimbursement for the complaints he made to the hotel.
How does Dario Fattore describe the reality of Cuba compared to the tourist image?
Dario Fattore describes the reality of Cuba as a harsh and suffocating experience, with visible poverty everywhere, dirty streets, a shortage of basic products, and a collapsed healthcare system. He points out that the tourist image of vintage cars and street dances conceals the true situation of the country, which is marked by communist propaganda and an economic crisis.
Why is it important to bring medications from home when traveling to Cuba?
It is important to bring medications from home when traveling to Cuba because pharmacies on the island are scarce and often empty, making it difficult to obtain even basic medications. The shortage of pharmaceutical products is one of the challenges faced by both tourists and locals, so it is crucial to be prepared for any medical situation.
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