have a question?
Purposeful Nomad knows from experience how important it is to feel informed and prepared for travel abroad. We always want to make sure we’ve answered your every question and provided you with all of the details you need. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you've got a question that isn't answered here.
What requirements do I need to travel to Cuba?
Visas, tourist card and letter will all be provided and we will be traveling in compliance with the "support for the Cuban people" category. Our itineraries satisfy all the requirements set forth by the USA to travel to Cuba.
Is it safe for women to travel Cuba?
Yes! Cuban people are generally very welcoming and accommodating. The government welcomes tourism and has gone to great lengths to ensure safety of foreign visitors. In fact, tourism is now a vital part of the growing economy. We will be with group almost all of the time in addition to having a local guide, driver and private van. Like most countries in Latin America it is not uncommon for men to cat call or whistle. Generally this is pretty harmless and best to ignore.
Do you have a payment plan for this trip?
Yes! After paying the deposit for the trip, you can chose to pay the remaining balance in 3-5 installments up until 90 days of departure.
Can I drink the water?
No. It is not recommended to drink tap water. We will have big jugs of filtered water. Having said that, please bring a reusable water bottle as most hotels and tourist destinations offer refilling stations.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
It is certainly not a requirement but always fun to try! Every group has a bilingual guide so there is nothing to worry about.
ENTRY & VISA REQUIREMENTS
This program will fulfill traveling under the Support for the Cuban People category. You will need to check this box when you buy your plane tickets. All visas can be purchased directly through airline for around $50. You will have the option to get them sent directly to you or get them at the gate when you leave. ***regulations may change***
What does Support for the Cuban People mean? A key component of “support for the Cuban people” is interacting with locals, so include activities that provide genuine interactions. We will be staying at privately run accommodations (not government-owned hotels) eating in local restaurants, taking salsa classes, interacting with local communities and photographing the Cuban people and culture. The chance that you will be questioned is highly unlikely but you will be provided with a copy of the itinerary and schedule that you should print and take with you to the airport.
Here are some great links about travel to Cuba if you are wondering about the rules and regulations:
www.viahero.com/travel-to-cuba/travel-to-cuba-with-a-us-passport
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE:
As of May 2010, Cuban authorities require all travelers to the island have insurance coverage for medical emergencies. The cost of your airline ticket INCLUDES insurance covering travelers while in Cuba. Please note, pre-existing conditions are not covered. The boarding pass will serve as evidence of the insurance policy should any emergency medical services be required during the trip.
Make sure you have sufficient supplies of any prescription medicine, it might be wise to bring a small personal first aid kit, including any patent medicines you prefer. You are responsible for taking all necessary health precautions before and during your trip. It is the client's responsibility to ensure they seek professional medical advice before traveling and to take all necessary health precautions and preventative measures.
Vaccinations: Be an informed traveler! Ultimately it is up to you to consult a physician. We are here to help but can not legally provide medical advice. Here is a great website:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/cuba
FLIGHT INFORMATION:
Unless you are purchasing the airline insurance it is a good idea to wait until departure is confirmed to buy plane tickets.
ARRIVALS- Please arrive anytime on Day 1- into Havana International Airport (HAV) We will have an airport transfer waiting for you upon your arrival.
DEPARTURES- Book your departure on Day 9- out of HAV. It is a 5 hour drive back to Havana that day so make sure your flight leaves anytime after 2pm.
MONEY & TIPPING:
PLEASE BRING USD CASH. Make sure the bills are crisp and clean with no tears or writing. No checks or credit cards are accepted in Cuba. We will exchange money in banks and exchange houses. Your local guide will assist with this upon arrival. Tipping in restaurants is customary between 10%-20%. If you feel moved to leave a tip in your casa it is always appreciated. Generally a few dollars a night is fine. For driver and local guide a tip of 5-7$ per day per person is a normal rate but again, at your discretion.
We recommend bringing USD cash to exchange at official exchange houses as some ATM's will not except US cards. Most everything is included in the trip cost but you should budget for anything extra like souvenirs, tips and alcohol.
WHO IS OUR IDEAL TRAVELER?
We like to say: It’s not about age but all about attitude! Our ideal client is open to trying new things, getting their hands dirty, looking to engage with local communities and most importantly they have an open-minded, curious attitude. All types of ages, sizes and women come on our trips.
IS PURPOSEFUL NOMAD INSURED?
Yes. Purposeful Nomad is a fully insured through American International Group, Inc. Here at Purposeful Nomad we do our best to ensure that every program is a success. However, in the event of something unexpected we want you to be fully protected. We REQUIRE that you purchase international medical insurance. This is different from your health insurance. International medical emergency travel insurance is short-term protection for any medical costs incurred outside your home country. It’s incredibly easy and usually below $100 depending on the coverage you want.
Purposeful Nomad is an affiliate partner with World Nomads. You can review and purchase travel insurance HERE.
WHAT IF I GET INJURED ON A PURPOSEFUL NOMAD TRIP?
Your safety is paramount and will be taken very seriously. In case of an emergency our drivers will be at hand to take anyone to the clinic or hospital. Because we will be in rural areas and partaking in adventurous activities having your own travel insurance in addition to our company insurance will protect you from any unwanted costs in the end.
WHAT IF I DON’T SPEAK THE LANGUAGE?
No worries at all!! Included in all our trips are local, bi-lingual guides. Wherever needed there is a translator.
DOES PURPOSEFUL NOMAD ACCOMMODATE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
There is a spot in the application to note all allergies and food restrictions. Purposeful Nomad will work with you personally to make sure this is something that we can accommodate.
CAN I ENJOY SOME ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON THE TRIP?
You may. Alcohol is not included in the price of the trip and where available you may choose to purchase that on your own. We ask that you use more precaution in high elevation areas such as in Ecuador as the affects of alcohol are greatly increased past 9,000 feet. There are certain settings during some trips where alcohol should not be consumed for cultural reasons, but our guides will give you a heads up when we encounter those moments.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Once you have applied for the trip you will be sent a recommended packing list specific to that trip.
ARE THERE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS TO TRAVEL WITH PURPOSEFUL NOMAD?
Each trip has varying levels of activity so it depends on the itinerary. Overall, everyone must be healthy and physically able to move about without complication. You are responsible for taking all necessary health precautions before and during your trip. It is the client's responsibility to ensure they seek professional medical advice before traveling and to take all necessary health precautions and preventative measures. Having said that, every activity is optional and should you choose not to participate in everything that is completely fine. We encourage everyone to take it at their own pace. Every hike will have different levels of length and difficulty, as well as different activities to choose from.
WILL THE GROUP BE TOGETHER THE WHOLE TIME?
Yes. Groups travel together at all times in a private van with driver and guide. There are specific days where you are welcome to choose your own adventure or wander out on your own if desired. A few meals are not included and they are noted on each itinerary.
HOW DOES PURPOSEFUL NOMAD VET AND SELECT IT’S PARTNERS?
The Purposeful Nomad team personally meets with the communities and/or non-profits which we partner with during the trip creation process. We ask the hard questions, for example: where do you get your funding? And, who benefits from the work being done? We also ask about the needs and strengths of each community and if we could provide a service, activity or new skill for one of our upcoming trips. Most importantly we listen to their answers. If we don’t like what we hear or it doesn’t align with our values then we simply move on. Meet some of our amazing partners!
Did we miss something? Feel free to contact us here and we’ll get right back to you.