Cuba's subtropical climate is generally pleasant: temperatures average 77 degrees F. Summers can be hot, however, reaching 90 degrees F or higher. Midwinter can be chilly, when temperatures can plummet to 50º F. The northeastern trade winds furnish most parts of the island with a gentle breeze all year round.

Cuba has only two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from December to April while the rainy season falls between May and November. People accustomed to drier climates may be uncomfortable since the humidity averages 78%, and often creeps higher in the summer months.

Hurricanes can lash Cuba anytime from August through October, and occur in other months on occasion. Because Cuba is so close to southern Florida, travelers can find out what to expect by following Miami weather reports.

Health & Inoculations

Cuba's public health system is the finest in Latin America, and in some respects its quality exceeds that of the United States. In 1996, Cuba had one doctor for every 200 citizens, in contrast to the United States, which had one doctor for every 405 residents. A child born in Havana is twice as likely to survive as a child born in Washington, D.C. Health care is free to Cuban nationals, but tourists who require treatment will be charged nominal fees. Please be aware that the U.S. trade embargo has made many medicines hard to come by on the island for emergency treatment. Also, since Cuba is not tolerant of drugs or drug smuggling, if you take prescription medicine, please bring it packaged in the original container with full labels on the bottle.

Even though no inoculations are required for travel to Cuba, we urge you to get a check-up before you depart. If you haven't had a booster shot in a while, some of the shots you may need to bring up to date include: polio (every 5 years), typhoid (every 3 years), and tetanus/diphtheria (every 5-10 years). Either gamma globulin or Havrix vaccine for hepatitis A is also recommended. Since some shots require a time window of several months before immunity takes effect, please look into getting shots as early as possible before you leave.

Please check with the Centers for Disease Control for the latest health updates.

Wear mosquito repellent in rural areas. We suggest repellents that contain at least 20% DEET (N,N-diethyl meta-toluamide). Repellents containing more than 50% DEET are probably not any more effective than repellents that contain 20 or 30%. Please be aware that DEET is a toxic chemical; in concentrations over 90% it eats through plastic. Continued use of DEET over extended periods of time could be harmful to your health. Citronella, a natural insect repellent, does not contain any DEET. Unfortunately, it is also not as effective. Taking B-12 vitamins and garlic pills are also said to help ward off mosquitoes. DEET-containing repellents can be purchased in drugstores, hardware, backpacking or military surplus stores. Citronella can be found in health food and outdoor activity stores.

Water quality in Cuba is generally very good. However, people have varying tolerances to different kinds of water, so the decision to drink or avoid drinking tap water is ultimately up to you. As a precautionary measure, you may want to ask the hotel management about the water quality and fill up one or two empty bottles to take with you for the day. As an alternative, bottled water is readily available in all restaurants and dollar stores, with or without carbonation. Please drink even if you're not feeling thirsty, since it's easy to become dehydrated without knowing it.

The following websites provide a wealth of health and travel information:

• www.tripprep.com
• www.cdc.gov/travel
• www.who.org
• www.istm.org
• www.travel.state.gov

Baggage

Travel as lightly as possible. You, and the group as a whole, will have a much easier time if you keep your baggage to a minimum. AeroCaribe Airlines allows a maximum total weight of 20 kilograms (approximately 40 pounds) free of charge. A handbag is also permitted. Any additional luggage will be subject to charge by the airline (about $2-$3 per kilogram; 1 lb. = 2.2 kilograms).

Suggested Packing List

• Passport
• Two photocopies of the front page (vital statistics page) of your passport. Carry one with you in a separate place from your passport. Leave the other one at home with a trusty friend or relative with a fax machine. This will make replacing your passport much easier if it gets lost or stolen.
• Two passport-sized photos - these will also facilitate replacing your passport if something happens.
• Your yellow inoculation record, if you have one
• A money belt or passport wallet that goes under your clothing
• Money. Please bring cash only, in Euros or Canadian dollars only (not US Dollars).
• A form of identification other than your passport
• Any medication you take, packaged in its original container
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Sunhat, visor, sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Travel alarm clock
• Water bottle
• Flashlight and batteries (for unexpected blackouts)
• Small amount of laundry detergent
• Travel sewing kit
• Toilet paper or small tissue packets
• Moist towelettes
• Handkerchief
• Pepto Bismol and/or Immodium A-D
• Notebooks and pens
• Camera and film
• Contact lenses kit, glasses, and prescription
• Tampons or sanitary napkins
• Beach towel or sarong
• Extra batteries (for watch, camera, etc.)
• Book
• Mosquito repellent
• Day pack
• Bathing suit
• Earplugs (in case your roommate snores!)
• Luggage locks
• Sweater or light jacket
• Gifts for new friends
• Material aid / donations
• An empty bag to bring souvenirs back in
• Please don't bring anything you'd be heartbroken to lose!

Note: Since voltage is the same in the United States, you won't need an adapter for Cuban outlets.