Urbantravelista | Cuba: Everything I expected and more

So my first adventure of 2017 kicked off in Cuba. Over the summer, a good friend of mine propositioned me to join her group trip she was organizing. Cuba had definitely on my bucket list, especially with the travel restrictions being lifted for US tourists. If you follow my blog or know me in “real” life, then you know I had to derail my travel and adventure when my mom passed away back in November. Needless to say, this trip was well deserved and long overdue. Initially, I started to cancel my travel plans. My heart just wasn’t in it. But I’m glad I went against myself. Cuba did not disappoint. It was everything I hoped for and more. As you scroll and read further, you’ll understand why.

Preparation

Even with travel restrictions being lifted for US travel, there are still a few thing you need to be aware before booking your trip to Cuba. First and foremost, travel strictly for tourist activities is prohibited. When you book your flight, you will need to certify the reason for your visit and meet the regulations and conditions of a general license. The most common condition used is “educational activities or people-to-people exchanges”. To apply for a license or for an extensive list license conditions, you can visit the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) License Application Page.

Visa Requirements: Visas are not a requirement for regular tourists who plan to spend up to two months in Cuba. Instead, you get a (tourist card) valid for 30 days, which can be extended once you’re in Cuba. Tourist cards can be purchased for around $25, at the gate from your carrier prior to boarding.

Travel Insurance: As of 2010, health insurance that is accepted by Cuba is mandatory for travelers visiting abroad. Proof must be presented at the time of flight check in. Policies range from $25 to $50 per person and can be purchased through an agency that specializes in travel insurance. It can also be included in the cost of your flight through carriers such as Delta, United, and Jet Blue. Check with your carrier at the time of booking.

Currency: The standard currency in Cuban is the Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC). The exchange rate is 1.00 CUC = $1.00 USD. US currency and debit/ATM cards are NOT accepted in Cuba at this time. When you arrive, you will need to convert your money into Cuban currency before leaving the airport. The Cuban government levies a 10% penalty followed by a 3% financial transaction charge when converting from USD to CUC. So, for every $100 you exchange, you will only receive $87 CUCS. To avoid this penalty, some travelers will convert from USD to Euros (or Canadian currency), then convert to CUCs upon arrival.

Internet Access: Internet access and cellular access is VERY LIMITED in Cuban. For internet access, wifi cards can be purchased at local hotels for about 4 CUCs per hour. Cellular service is very random. Some people are able to get access and others are not, depending on the type of phone or carrier. Check with your cellular provider beforehand. But don’t be surprised if your phone still doesn’t work, even if they promise service.

Accommodations

In Cuba, accommodations fall into two options: Hotels and Casas Particulares (private houses). Hotels are usually state owned and can cost almost four times what you would pay in a private casa. In my group, we took advantage of what Cuba had to offer and stayed in a private casa. Choosing a casa and living with the locals gave us the opportunity to experience Cuba’s beautiful culture. By the end of the week, I felt like a resident. Private casa range any anywhere from 15 to 50 CUCs per night. Some offer single, double, and triple rooms. So the cost can decrease drastically if you have a roommate. Many of the hosts offer breakfast (home cooked) for 5 CUCs. The hosts are very responsive and helpful. They also enjoy sharing their culture with you and making you feel at home. This satisfies to license requirement for Cuban travel for “educational activities or people-to-people exchanges. Hotels are state owned and can cost almost four times what you would spend for a private casa.

Transportation

Taxis, bus, and walking are the most common modes of transportation. Most people navigate Havana by foot and use a taxi to travel outside Central Havana.

Things to Do

Before the trip, I wondered if I would have enough to do being in Cuba for 7 full days. But there is so much to do that I’m planning a return visit before the end of the year. Cuba has plenty to offer inside of Havana, as well as outside.

Havana

Almacenes San José Artisans’ Market: This is considered to be Havana´s largest flea market. Hundreds of booths are housed here and offer clothing, paintings, tourist souvenirs, ceramics, and other creative wares. It is open daily 9am-5pm.

Floridita: This spot is a historic fish restaurant and cocktail bar in the older part of Havana (La Habana Vieja). It’s known for its daiquiris and for being frequent hangout of Ernest Hemingway.

Plaza Vieja: This area makes up one of the seven wards of Old Havana. The plaza was the site of executions, processions, and bullfights. Today, it is adorned with shops, restaurant, and nightlife with live music and salsa dancing. Think of the Vegas strip, Cuban style.

Museo del Ron Havana Club: The Havana Club Museum offers daily tours tracing the origins of rum in Cuba’s history. You can learn about it’s history, production, and exportation. They also have rum available for purchase under their trade name, as well as cigars and other souvenirs.

Callejon de Hamel: This area is considered to be the artistic headquarters of artist and muralist, Salvador Gonzáles Escalona. Callejon de Hamel offers beautiful displays of Afro-Cuban art and cultural education on Afro-Cuban religion, traditions, and spirituality (Santeria).

Excursions/Day Trips

Valle de Vinales: We explored the countryside and tobacco farms of Cuba with a day trip to Vinales. We had the opportunity to visit one of the tobacco plantations where many of the cigars are harvested. The photos don’t do the lush greens and mountains justice. You will take a lot of pictures!

Santa Maria Del Mar Beach: This beach is one of Havana’s most popular beaches, probably because it’s the closest. It’s located at 25 km from Central Havana (about a 20 minute ride by taxi). Santa Maria offers full beach activities (jet skiing, diving, and sailing), massage, Cabana service, souvenirs, and a restaurant. The taxi ride from Havana was about 30 CUCs.

Las Terrazas: This is an eco-village community located about 2 hours outside of Havana. It’s a very rural town, similar to Vinales. We had the opportunity to go zip lining and to visit the home of the late Cuban singer Polo Montañez.

Other Tips

Go with an open mind. Don’t expect the same modern accommodations that you normally find in the states or all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Traveling to Cuba is like traveling back in time. And what it lacks in convenience, it more than makes up for in culture and aesthetics.

Remember, internet access is VERY limited. You will need to purchase a wifi card to access the internet. Cards can be purchased at hotels for around 4 CUCs per hour.

Pack toilet paper/disposable wipes. Many of the public bathrooms (even the more swanky establishments) do not have toilet paper in the bathroom stalls. Some even “charge” for toilet paper. Make sure you have some with you when you’re out and about. Also, although your casa or hotel will most likely provide toilet paper during your stay, it is often rationed out.

Pack antibacterial sanitizer or hand soap. Again, some restrooms do not have it available or charge for it.

If you decide to stay in a casa, pack as if your going to stay in a dorm for a few days. Bring your own towels, hand soap, etc.

Some restrooms don’t have toilet seats, even in the casas. Don’t be alarmed, this is normal. Remember what I said about keeping an open mind? Don’t worry, you’ll live.

Budget your money accordingly. After converting your currency at the airport, you won’t have much opportunity to convert again. US issued ATM and debit cards do not work in Cuba. Converting your money multiple times causes you to lose money when you add in the transaction fee.

Meals: Average meals dining out ranges from 10 to 20 CUCs. Most of my meals were under 20 CUCs which often included an alcoholic drink and dessert.

Safety: I never had a safety issue in Cuba. In fact, I felt safer there than I do at home in Chicago. I walked through dark alley at night, with other females in my group and a couple of times alone.

Cuban people are very friendly and take pride in their culture. They love Americans and enjoy sharing and talking about their culture and history. They also have interest in our way of life and enjoy hearing about our customs, too.

Tipping is customary. Make sure you factor this into your spending budget.

Cuban men are very flirty. Keep this in mind if you’re easily offended by cat calling, blowing kisses, and other unwarranted advances. Whether you smile and say thank you or ignore it, they’re still gentlemen about it and will leave you alone.

Visit the Almacenes San José Artisans’ Market for your souvenirs first. They prices are a little cheaper and they have a wider selection of wares.

Bring an EU power adapter. Some outlets accommodate the North American standard and others do not. It’s pretty mixed.

Bring a copy of your travel/health insurance. You will need to present it when you check in for your flight.

If you’re a cigar aficionado, check out Partagás. Thank me later!

Make sure you experience the Classic City Car Tour.

My group spend 7 days and 6 nights in Cuba and this barely touched the surface. Hopefully, you will find these tips useful and be motivated to visit before the year is over. Travel to Cuba is not as complicated as it seems. It’s very affordable and you will get more than your money’s worth.

In Memory of Mom

Urbantravelista | Five money saving ideas to fund your travel in 2017

Let’s be real, it cost money to travel. I don’t care how savvy a person claims to be, you need money to travel. Everyone has mastered their own budget travel hacks. Some people rack up hotel points. Some people rack up frequent flier miles. And others subscribe to alerts or use apps to snag ridiculously low flight deals or error fares at a moment’s notice. Regardless of the scenario, you need money to book those flights and hotels to accumulate the needed points throughout the year. You need to have funds available to catch that low travel deal or error fare. It doesn’t matter if it’s a $100 round trip flight to the Maldives. If you don’t have the funds readily available, your dream trip will remain just that, a dream.

I think the beginning of the year is a great time to implement a strategy to start saving for travel, especially if you’re looking to travel over the summer or for the holidays. If you start in January and want a plan a getaway in June, you will have 6 months to prepare. If you want to take a family Disney vacation for the holidays, saving until June will at least give you hefty a down payment. Here a 5 ideas you might what to consider:

1. Digit

Digit is a savings app that saves money based on your spending habits. How does it work? First, the user connects the app to their checking account. Digit will then analyze the user’s income and spending and transfer small amounts of money to set aside. They use 128-bit bank-level security, and do not store bank login information. Every 2 or 3 days, Digit transfer money (usually $5-50) from your checking account to your Digit savings. According to their user agreement, they will never transfer more than you can afford, eliminating the risk of over-drafting your account. They also have a no-overdraft guarantee. You can access your money at anytime by simply sending a text message. Digit will transfer your funds back to your checking account the next business day. They all unlimited transfers, with no minimums or fees.

My experience: I started using Digit over the summer and can attest that it works. I’m terrible when it comes to saving. Money management has always been a challenge for me. Digit works for me because it withdraws the money in small amounts and operates on the “out of sight, out of mind” concept. You’ll be amazed by the amount of money you will be able to save in such a short amount of time.

2. 52-Week Money Challenge

The 52-Week Money Challenge surfaced on Facebook a couple of year ago. There are many variations of the challenge allowing you to save as much as $5,000 in one calendar year. The challenge involves putting away small amounts of money, based on a weekly schedule. Depending on your discipline, you can put your money in a jar or canister or transfer it to the savings account of your choice.

My experience: It works in the beginning, unless you’re REALLY disciplined. Unfortunately, I’m not that chick. If you’re able to stick with it, I think it’s a great way to visually see your progress. But by February, I usually end up dipping into my money jar for food delivery or gas to hold me over until payday LOL.

3. 5-Dollar Money Challenge

The 5-Dollar Savings Challenge is similar to the 52-Week Money Challenge. Instead of following an established schedule, the strategy is to put away every 5 dollar bill you acquire throughout the year. Again, depending on your discipline, you can put it away a jar to be designated for your travel fund. But what if you use your debit card and don’t utilize cash? You can opt to receive a 5 dollar cash back when you make a purchase and put it away.

My experience: I haven’t tried it yet. And since I struggle with the 52-Week Challenge, this one may not be for me. But if you’re discipline enough, you can visually see your progress and over time, accumulate and nice egg.

4. Credit Union

This is an oldie, but nonetheless still an effective savings strategy. Take advantage of the credit union offered by your employer or the military (depending on your status). You can create a “vacation club” account. Contribute as little as $25 per pay period through pre-tax payroll deduction or manually transfer it to your account.

My experience: It works for me. By utilizing the payroll deduction amount, I find I don’t miss the money. Again, out of sight out of mind!

5. High Interest Yielding Online Savings

In lieu of a traditional savings account plans offered by your local bank, online banks offer high yielding savings options. With a higher interest rate on your return, you’re able to save more. Most high yielding online savings account plans are just that: online. Limited access allows you to stay disciplined. Without ATM access, you’re more likely to stay on track and use your account for it’s intended purpose. You can link it to your primary account and schedule monthly deposits based on your payroll calendar or make manual deposits. And, there is usually no minimum deposit: Here are a few recommended by Magnify Money: Goldman Sachs (1.05%), Ally (1.00%), Synchrony Bank (1.05%), and Barclays (1.00%).

My experience: This strategy works. I opened a Goldman Sachs account about a year ago and found it to be an effective way to save additional cash. This account is perfect for people like myself that lack discipline, because limited access deters you from dipping into funds.

I hope these tips are helpful. Depending on your level discipline, some will prove to be more effective than others. Whatever strategy to use, I wish you much success and abundant travel and adventure in 2017!!

@urbantravelista

So long 2016: 20 moments in travel that inspired us all

While 2016 may have not been the greatest year for many of us, it certainly was another great year for travel. It’s no secret that Instagram has been my “go to” for travel inspiration. From celebrities to regular people like you and me, your travel experience is incomplete if it wasn’t captured and re-posted on Instagram. From the sandy beaches of the Caribbean to the sandy desert of the United Arab Emirates, Instagram has graced us with some of the most spectacular travel images from women all over the globe. These women represent freedom, empowerment, and embracing the unknown. These women are fearless and live by the creed of “creating the life you deserve.” It was hard to narrow down, but here are 20 travel moments that inspired me the most in 2016:

That time @stripesofjoy sat on that camel fearless and unafraid in front of the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt

When @gabunion scaled the Great Wall of China and did it so effortlessly

When @mmikaelajoy showed us how life imitates art in Aruba

When @crissyluv to fine dining to a whole new level in the Maldives

When @_bawsey and the squad held each other down in front of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Chichen Itza in Cancun

When @juliembaby gave us squad roadtrip goals through Texas

When @virginalovers gave us squad goals in the sandy desert of Dubai

When @latoyaluckett showed us how to play your hand and how to play it well

When @ellegee08 showed how to embrace the beauty of the Musee du Love in Paris, solo style

That time @itsrhee60 made us jump for joy at the Taj Mahal

When @ashcaldc served us pretty girl squad goals in Rio De Janerio

That time @oneika showed us how the beauty of living in the now in Monument Valley, Arizona

That one time @beyonce gave us motherhood goals with Blue Ivy in Paris

When @enikobaby gave us bridal squad goals when she became Mrs. Kevin Hart in Punta Cana

When @brienneyvonne made Old Havana look beautiful and new

When @passportprissy repped that AKA in Dubai

When @livinglifetravel inspired us to relax and let go at Volcan del Totumo in Cartagena, Colombia

When @solarkimmy showed is how to take the perfect selfie while swimming in the waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

When @naturally_nakyia broke the internet and gave us natural hair squad goals in Punta Cana

When @janique_jaja let us know the we will never forget losing Prince (Liverpool)

Urbantravelista: 2016 Year in Review

Twenty years from now, if someone ask me about the year 2016 , I won’t know where to begin. This has certainly been a tumultuous year for many. There’s been birth, growth, and a lot of loss. No one was exempt. I mean, we lost Prince. That alone was enough to send many of us over the cliff. But for me, the first half of the year actually started off on a good note. Exactly this time last year, I was scouting my favorite shopping malls and boutiques in search of THE perfect dress to celebrate NYE in Dallas with one of my besties. I brought in the new year surrounded by good friends, good people, and positive energy. We spent the first day of 2016 enjoying a fabulous champagne brunch at a friend’s home. We fellowshipped, prayed, and spoke our goals for 2016. The following day, I boarded my flight back to Chicago feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to smash every goal and intention I set for myself. And things went well in the beginning. They really did. But by July, 2016 turned on me like a rabid pit bull. But such is life, right? Sometimes, a year will give you everything you hope for and more. And other times, it will leave you wondering how you survived it at all. In spite of 2016’s tragedies and having to put some of my adventuring on pause, I did have a few great moments in travel and adventure.

The birth of my brand

In April, I gave birth to my lifestyle/travel blog, Urbantravelista™. I created it as an outlet to share my personal life and travel experiences. I debuted my blog recounting my first international solo vacation experience. BTW, if you missed it, no worries. You can read it here: Solo Travel: Tips for a first time “Urbantravelista” . This is my second run at blogging and it’s the longest I’ve ever stuck with a writing project. Truthfully, running this project and growing Urbantravelista has kept me sane and grounded in the midst of 2016’s insanity. I guess I finally found my niche. I look forward to seeing it’s growth and evolution in the forthcoming year. My goal is to encourage others to create their own fulfilling experiences by embracing the unknown and stepping outside of their comfort zone. I want to inspire others to live their truth (the good, the bad, and the ugly) and to make lemonade in the midst of life challenges…and be fabulous while doing it. Life is imperfect. Therefore, we don’t have to be perfect. But we do have to LIVE.

The Iceland Blackout

Also in April, I had the opportunity to join a meet-up experience in Reykjavik. We dubbed this event “The Iceland Blackout” as we collectively represented a group of over 70 black likeminded travelers from all over the world. You can read about it here: Don’t sleep on Iceland . This adventure was special to me, because I had NEVER travelled this far away from home alone. Iceland was a destination that I never fathomed I’d ever visit or even have the desire to visit. Well, I completely underestimated it’s DOPENESS. I basked in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon, rode the Reykjavik bus system by myself, danced with Icelanders in a Reykjavik hip hop club, toured the Golden Circle, felt the chilling magnificence of Gullfoss Waterfall, learned about Icelandic culture, walked the path between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates, and danced in the middle of nowhere under the Reykjavik stars while chasing the Northern Lights. I’m looking so forward to my return in March of 2017. Stay tuned!

Golfing

When spring opened up, one of my best friends introduced me to the game of golf. It started with drink and appetizer outings at Top Golf. To my surprise, the more I practiced, the more I wanted to experience going out on a real course. So we did just that and after a few outings, I got to be pretty good at it. I do have a long way to go before I become proficient at it, but my performance and interest motivated me enough to invest in a set of clubs of my own.

Being Bobby Brown

He may not be significant to you, but he’s very much important to those of us that grew up during the New Edition era. My mom found out he was in town for a book signing in my neighborhood. Because she was a bigger fan than I was, I braved to two hour wait in line and got an autographed copy of his new book for the both of us. It was a couple of days for before my birthday and he was the first person to give me a hug and wish me Happy Birthday. How cool is that? Thanks Bobby!

TouristInMyTown Summer Challenge

Over the summer, I launched a “TouristInMyTown Summer Challenge” campaign to encourage people to take advantage of the culture and tourism in their own backyard. I promoted this campaign by patronizing the various festivals, events, and tourist attractions in my city and challenging others to do the same in their respective cities. I kicked off the challenge at the Wells Street Art Festival held in historic Old Town. This festival featured over 225 artists from across the continent. Next, I attended the Taste of Randolph, a food and music festival similar to the Taste of Chicago, but on a much smaller scale. As summer progressed, I took the challenge to the south side where I attended house music’s signature summer event, The Chosen Few Old School Picnic. This event is held in Hayes Park and takes place during the Fourth of July holiday. This was my third time in attendance and it gets bigger and better every year. Next, I headed back to the western suburbs and attended Naperville’s Rib Fest. This event is also held during the Fourth of July holiday and expands over four days. My final festival of the summer took place at Lincoln Park’s Hot Dog Fest. I stepped far outside of my comfort zone by trying a hot dog for the first time in 30 years. Yeah I know, pretty groundbreaking. And in between my summer “festivaling”, I reacquainted myself with Oak Street beach, a Chicago attraction I haven’t enjoyed since my childhood. Sunbathing on the beach with my city’s beautiful skyline as the back drop was everything.

Ex-Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn

Saying Goodbye

After experiencing one of the best summers I’ve had in years, travel and adventure came to a screeching halt when I experienced my biggest heartbreak ever, saying goodbye to my beautiful mother. Death is an event that you never see coming. It doesn’t send an invitation for you to prepare or RSVP. It just shows up on your doorstep completely uninvited and gives zero f*cks. My fall and winter itinerary suddenly became replaced by profound grief and sadness. Discovering my “new” normal and picking up the broken pieces of my heart has become my newest adventure. It’s all a very unwelcomed adventure, but still an adventure that most of us will face some day nonetheless. Looking back, I came into 2016 feeling empowered and inspired. Although my year took a tragic turn, I still find joy in the goals I was able to accomplish. I find solace in the positive experiences I was able to create and the possibility of inspiring at least one person to create some positive experiences of their own. I’m not sure what’s in store for 2017, but the only thing that keeps me optimistic is my desire to continue living the way my mother wanted. She lived vicariously through my adventures and I look forward to honoring her memory by creating more awesome experiences in 2017. Sure, it’s dark now, but joy comes in the morning. Let’s hope the sun shines brightly in 2017 with more travel and adventure.

@urbantravelista

#TouristInMyTown: Wells Street Art Festival

So this past weekend, I kicked off my #TouristInMyTown Summer Challenge at the annual Wells Street Art Festival. Usually held the second full weekend of June, the event takes place in historical Old Town, on Wells Street between Division and North Ave. Sidebar: For almost 3 years, I used to work on the same block as this event and never ever attended SMH!!!

The Wells Street Art Festival features over 225 artists from across the continent with an estimated 50,000 patrons in attendance over the entire weekend . Many of the disciplines represented include: traditional painting and sculpture, artisan woodworking and metalsmithing, jewel craft, and digital arts. There is also live entertainment, a children’s play area, and over 20 food and drink vendors from most of the restaurants in historic Old Town. The festival is located in close proximity to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, walking distance from North Avenue Beach, and very accessible via public transportation. The cover charge is usually based on whatever donation you would like to give. This year, they requested $7.00 from each attendee. The gate donations support various community organizations and causes such as homeless services, local schools, hunger initiatives, health education, and arts and culture organizations.

Overall, this event made my weekend. It was peaceful and the first Saturday that we saw 90 degree weather. And, I also appreciate the festival’s efforts in providing a social platform for unknown and upcoming artists to share and promote their work to those of us that don’t usually get the opportunity to enjoy it.

For vendor or sponsorship opportunities regarding next year’s festival, please visit their website at http://www.wellsstreetartfest.us/#!contactus/c24vq