Is it possible to travel to Cuba as an American in 2023? Yes, it is! Here are 5 important things you need to know before visiting Cuba next year.

Cuba is a beautiful and fascinating destination that was cut off for many decades.

In the 1960s, Cuba closed to American travelers, and it was very difficult to visit the country until diplomatic ties were restored in 2015.

Cuba closed again in 2020 due to government restrictions to the pandemic, but it’s now open for travel again.

With Delta resuming flights to Cuba in spring 2023, and other airlines including American and JetBlue already offering nonstop flights to Cuba, this destination is accessible for American travelers once more.

Here are 5 things to know before you go:

1. You must declare a “category” for your trip.

While it’s still not technically possible for Americans to visit Cuba for “tourism” purposes, you can choose from 11 other categories for your trip.

These categories include things like family visits, journalism, humanitarian projects, religious activities, and support for the Cuban people.

Support for the Cuban people is the category that most travelers put because it’s very broad.

And there are plenty of ways to actually show support for the Cuban people on your trip: Shop from local artisans, hire local tour guides, attend live music or dance performances, and stay at casa particulares (more on this later.)

2. Obtain a Cuban Tourist Card.

In order to visit Cuba, you’ll need a Cuban Tourist Card, which is like a visa. This can be purchased directly from your airline, typically at the gate at the airport (or in some cases, online in advance.)

The Cuban Tourist Card costs between $50 and $100 if you buy it from your airline, or around $144 if you buy it directly.

3. It’s harder to stay connected in Cuba.

Although the Internet situation has been improving in Cuba over the past few years, it’s still not what most American travelers will be accustomed to.

Internet in Cuba is controlled by one government provider, ETECSA. There are currently more than 1,000 WiFi hotspots around the country (with the majority in Havana.) These hotspots are located in public parks and hotels. Private homes do not have Internet access.

You can purchase a WiFi card from an ETECSA office for around $1 USD per hour. You can buy the cards at hotels too for an inflated rate, usually $2 up to $10 USD per hour.

Your American phone plan may work for texts and phone calls in Cuba if you have AT&T or Verizon, but roaming charges are high.

Also, since the government controls the Internet in Cuba, lots of websites and social media networks are blocked.

4. Stay in casa particulares.

Casa particulares are one of the most popular forms of accommodation in Cuba and the best way to experience the country.

In a casa particular, you are staying in a local’s home instead of supporting a hotel that is partially or fully owned by the government. Typically, a casa particular will include a homemade breakfast.

They’re also much more affordable than hotels in Cuba. This is a great way to support the Cuban people on your trip and gain a deeper understanding of what life is really like in Cuba.

5. Cash is king.

Unsurprisingly, your American credit and debit cards will not be accepted at most places in Cuba.

Cuba is still very much a cash-based society, and since they have a closed currency, you will not be able to change your U.S. dollars for Cuban pesos before you arrive. Instead, you’ll want to bring cash to change at the airport when you arrive in Cuba.

To avoid having to bring a large quantity of cash, you may be able to use your credit or debit card to pre-book many elements of your trip, including casa particulares and local activities or guided tours.

Traveling is an exciting venture, and naturally, you’d want to take pictures of everything. Here’s how to keep your camera safe during your trip.

The world is full of beautiful places, from the photogenic scenery in the Swiss Alps to the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park. Even if you aren’t traveling to one of the most photogenic places in the world, it’s always a good idea to take your camera with you to document your adventures.

However, traveling with your camera is a risky business. Photography equipment can be ridiculously expensive as well as delicate, so there’s always the constant threat of damage or theft.

Just because it’s risky doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Here are eight helpful tips to make sure your camera is safe and sound when you travel.

1. Use a Padded Camera Bag or Case

When it comes to carrying your camera around, it’s best not to cheap out. A camera is an expensive piece of equipment that can easily be damaged, so you need to use a decent camera bag (or camera case).

When you’re on the hunt for a high-quality camera bag, there are some things to keep in mind. First, the material must be durable. Second, it’s best if it’s waterproof; weather can be unpredictable. Third, there needs to be a lot of padding or cushioning inside. And lasty, make sure the bag has an adjustable, strong shoulder strap, especially if your camera is heavy.

If you’re rushed for time and can’t find an acceptable camera bag before your next trip, we’ve got a quick tip for you. Wrap it up tightly in clothing, pillows, or a towel and place it in your suitcase in a snug position. This isn’t the best way to travel with your camera, but it works as a last resort.

2. Don’t Check Your Camera Bag at the Airport

When you’re flying somewhere with your camera gear, it’s best to keep it as close to you as possible. The absolute worst option would be to check your camera bag as luggage. You’ve seen how the handlers load and unload luggage, it’s bound to cause some serious damage to your precious equipment.

Luckily, most camera bags are small enough to tuck away into the overhead compartment or under a seat without and issue. However, before you do anything else, contact the airport or read through their rules and regulations about checking luggage.

3. Keep Your Equipment Organized

Before you even think about going out and taking photos of your travels abroad, make a list of all the equipment you have with you. You should already have a record of everything you own, but maybe you don’t plan on bringing everything out with you. If so, just check off the pieces you’ll be using for the trip.

A quick tip to organize your smaller pieces of camera gear is to use a caddy box or a tackle box. These boxes have different compartments in various sizes, making it easy to store and keep track of everything from extra batteries to spare memory cards.

4. Always Prepare for the Worst

No matter how hard you try to keep your camera safe, bad things happen, and it could end up stolen. Crime happens just about everywhere in the world, and you could be a target if you carry a lavish, shiny camera.

To avoid becoming the next target, make sure your camera bag doesn’t look too fancy and new. It’s better to go for a bag that looks ordinary. It’s also a good idea to cover up the brand of your camera with a sticker or some tape.

While it’s easy to replace a camera, it’s not so easy to replace all those memories that you captured. When you’re out and about, use multiple memory cards throughout the day, just in case something happens.

5. Don’t Travel Alone

Traveling alone can be scary, and you may become a target if you put yourself in a vulnerable situation. Thieves usually go for tourists who are alone and have expensive valuables with them, like a fancy camera!

Don’t walk around alone with a target on your back, either travel with a friend, another group of tourists, or find someone else who’s also taking photographs and tag along. You’ll be safer in a crowd, plus, you’ll have a friend who can keep an eye out for anyone suspicious.

6. Use a Safe Storage Place

It doesn’t matter if you stay in a fancy hotel or camp in the woods, you always need to store your camera and equipment in a safe place. Depending on where you’re staying, you might have access to a safe in your room, but these safes can sometimes be too small to fit in all your equipment.

If all else fails, consider handing your camera and your gear in at the front desk, so they can lock it away. If you do choose to do this, remember the previous tip about keeping a record of everything you have, you can never be too careful.

7. Clean Your Camera Regularly

Traveling is exciting, so you might find yourself completely forgetting to clean your camera regularly. If you’ve been to different places around the world, you’ll know that each place comes with its own set of problems.

For example, there’ll be plenty of dust and sand if you’re visiting a desert area, like Namibia. Traveling close to the sea means excess moisture, which can lead to fungus growth on your camera lens. Ideally, you should wipe your camera lens off every time you use it.

There are two main reasons you need to always keep your camera clean; preventing little specks of dirt and dust from ruining your photographs, and granting your camera a longer lifespan by looking after it properly.

8. Plan Ahead for Different Weather Conditions

If you’re traveling to Japan, you could face a lot of snowfall. Perhaps you’re visiting Hawaii, which is well known for being wet and humid. You know that you need to clean your camera regularly, but are you prepared for the different weather conditions you could face?

Whether it’s snow, rain, sand, extreme humidity, or wind, you need to know how to keep your camera safe. Consider buying a rain cover for your camera. It won’t just protect it from the rain, but also from small grains of sand and dust.

If you’re out taking photos in harsh weather conditions, always bring a dry cloth with you in the event that your camera does get a little wet. The worst decision you could make would be to change lenses when you’re shooting outside in bad conditions. Rather, choose your lens and put it on before you go outside.

Traveling With Your Camera Can Be Easy, Safe, and Fun

Your camera is exceptionally important to you and probably very expensive, so is it possible to travel wherever you want and still keep your camera safe? Of course! With these eight tips, you can travel safely and forget about all the anxiety. Always take your camera along with you when you travel so you’ll be able to capture amazing photographs everywhere you go.

Sydney is home to some of the finest and most expensive restaurants in the world.

The continent of Australia offers more than just beautiful sceneries. The country has some of the busiest airports in the world since tons of tourist visit it yearly. If you want to be in a specific place where food is undoubtedly top-notch, Sydney is the place to be. It offers fine dining at ridiculously high prices. Sydney’s stunning fine-dine restaurants mean serious, delicious business, mixing in both time-tested favorites, now renowned worldwide, and ambitious newcomers who relish pushing the boundaries and testing the city palette.

Sydney, Australia, is one of the best options if you’re on the go for food hopping or want to experience something new to your taste buds. It is a place that offers plenty of opportunities and also good treats that will require you to fill up your pockets. You can find a compilation of the most expensive restaurants in the Sydney area. You might want to take out your family or friends and enjoy an exceptional dine-in experience.

10. Bistro Guillame Sydney

A restaurant with French vibes and serves authentic Australian dishes? That sounds about right. Bistro Guillaume has been one of the go-to restaurants ever since.When it comes to the menu, it changes regularly. However, some constants include grilled Dover sole with spinach and parmesan risotto and slow-cooked lamb shank with risotto and saffron jus.

On average, a person spends about $85 on a full course meal. The Bistro Guillaume is located at 259 Street, Ground Floor, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000.

9. The Bridge Room

Tickle your taste buds with high-quality food served with an artistic flair. The Bridge Room offers more than just expensive dining. What’s different about this restaurant is it has a regular menu change. But what makes it distinct is it has dishes that are developed specifically for the place.

On average, a person spends about $100 on a full course meal. It is located at 44 Bridge St., CBD, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000.

8. Restaurant Hubert

Restaurant Hubert is ready for celebrations of any size with its three bars, spacious central dining area, two cozy and luxurious private dining rooms, and the Theatre Royale. This art-house movie theater hosts events and is available for private hire.

On average, a person spends about $150 on a full course meal. Once you step at Restaurant Hubert, you might want to try out oysters mignonette, duck parfait, beef tartare, chicken fricassee, and cote de boeuf. Pair it with some French-focused wine, or choose any from their delicious cocktails.

7. Bennelong

Bennelong offers a culturally relevant and inspirational cuisine displaying the magnificent production of Australian food and wine as part of its celebration of the Sydney Opera House and its outstanding architecture.

You can never go wrong with a dish like grilled lamb with fresh oregano. Get a taste of all this when you drop by Bennelong. On average, a person spends about $180 on a full course meal. Check out Bennelong at the Sydney Opera House Bennelong Point Sydney, New South Wales 2000.

6. Aria Restaurant

Aria Restaurant is the perfect place when you’re up for casual drinks alone or with a friend. The restaurant offers over 1,000 wines to choose from. Pick your best shot and pair it with a cuisine that will leave you with an unforgettable taste. On average, a person spends about $190 on a full course meal. Aria Restaurant has different branches worldwide, but it is located at 1 Macquarie Street in Sydney.

5. Bentley Restaurant + Bar

Sometimes, a modern and innovative food menu is all you’ll ever need. Bentley Restaurant + Bar offers a top-notch dining experience in an industrial-chic setting in Sydney’s CBD. The restaurant founders have a well-deserved reputation for excellent food, wine pairing, and service, bringing them a slew of industry honors.

On average, a person spends about $220 on a full course meal. Kurobuta pork loin with macadamia nuts is one of their best sellers. Find this bar and resto at 27 O’Connell Street Sydney, New South Wales 2000.

4. LuMi Dining

While Japanese and Italian may not seem like your ideal fusion for food, Federico Zanellato proved that it can create something uniquely wonderful. LuMi Dining creates an intimate atmosphere with its multitude of pendant lights. The aesthetic vibe gives you a more relaxing and lavish dining memory.

On average, a person spends about $255 on a full course meal. Hapuka (grouper) wrapped in daikon (winter radish) are only some dishes you’ll try in LuMi. The restaurant is located at 56 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, New South Wales, 2009.

3. Quay Restaurant

Located in the heart of Sydney Harbour, experience fine dining with panoramic views encompassing Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Quay offers an immersive dining experience with good feels.

On average, a person spends about $260 on a full course meal. Choose from beetroot jelly to tarragon mayo on toast, poached egg with caviar, and scallop ceviche with quinoa. All menu sure has an expensive taste to them! Try out their desserts too.

2. Tetsuya’s Restaurant

Tetsuya Restaurant is your pick if you’re up for one of the best Michelin restaurant in Sydney. From sashimi to salads, this place is filled with all the good stuff you want in an expensive restaurant. It has intimate vibes and is perfect for a date or family night.

On average, a person spends about $285 on a full course meal. However, going here during the weekdays is highly recommended as it is often crowded on weeknights. Tetsuya is located in the center of Sydney at 529 Kent Street.

1. Rockpool Bar & Grill

Located in a heritage-listed City Mutual Building in Sydney’s CBD, this bar-and-grill restaurant is a good starter for a high-end restaurant experience. On average, a person spends about $650 on a full course meal on Rockpool Bar & Grill.

You can never go wrong with this place, as it offers over 3,800 wines on sale. Amazing, right? Each wine is designed to match the menu’s versatility and character. Rockpool Bar & Grill showcases beef and seafood as their best-selling menu. All beef meat is dry-matured and comes from Australia’s top beef suppliers.

With , more and more tourists have been flying out to experience the wonders, culture, and history of the popular Southeast Asian destination over the past few months. to Phi Phi Island and can finally be experienced once again by travelers visiting. We’re practically bursting with joy to be able to make our way around the famous Thai food scene and eat our favorite dishes again.

With all the excitement and planning, making a set budget for the trip kinda sounds like a downer. Well, it doesn’t have to be! That’s no problem with our Thailand travel guide on making the most of your trip without breaking the bank. We’ve rounded up a couple of tips and tricks that could help you stay on the right track when it comes to the M-O-N-E-Y situation if you’re traveling to Thailand on a budget!

Tips for Traveling to Thailand on a Budget

1. Fill up your bellies with the wonders of Thai street food

When in Thailand, eat like the Thai, am I right? Right! The answer to the best way to taste the mouthwatering flavors of authentic Thai cuisine without having to spend too much baht is the streets. Thailand’s iconic street food is an experience of its own. There’s no doubt you’ll always be able to try something new with all the food stalls, pop-up cafes, and local markets you can stop by for a taste. My oh my will you be able to eat a lot with the affordable prices of favorites like Pad Thai, Satay, Papaya Salad, and more. To our International Influencers, these street food must-eats and freshly cooked dishes make for quality content for the feed, so don’t hesitate to snap away!

If you’re in Bangkok, they say that only the best food survives in Yaowarat, and they are not wrong! Yaowarat or Chinatown is famously known as one of the must-eat locations in the city for its endless options of places to dine at. We recommend checking out Pa Tong Go Savoey for delicious Pa Tong Go or crispy golden doughnuts. Those in Phuket can head over to the Phuket Weekend Market for a blend of local favorites like fishcakes, to the more exotic delicacies like deep-fried insects!

2. Shop til you drop at local markets

Let’s be honest, everyone is a sucker for great deals. Us included! The best place to shop at if you’re in Thailand on a budget? The local markets of course. When we tell you that you have endless options, we’re not kidding! One of the most popular markets to visit in Thailand, the Chatuchak Market, is considered the world’s largest weekend market with over 15,000 stalls across 35 acres and 26 sections! It may even take you more than two days to fully make your way around the entire place.

If you don’t want to deal with the big crowds or get too overwhelmed with the options you can pop by the Pak Khlong Talat in Bangkok or the Krabi Night Market in Krabi for a good feel of the lively local culture and bargain shopping experience. We suggest having loose change in your pockets if you’re scheduled to visit the markets in the morning so you can shop easily and sellers won’t have problems giving you change.

Tip: Bargaining is fine when shopping, but just make sure it isn’t too low because it can be considered offensive. Try negotiating at about 50% and haggle from there. If it’s still too high you can always price check at other shops in the area.

3. Take public transportation, like buses, taxis, and trains, when in the city

Riding a tuk-tuk or a motorized rickshaw is a popular travel experience when in Thailand, BUT it boasts a pricey cost if you choose it as your main mode of transportation. Tuk-tuks are an easy way for tourists to be charged with hiked or inflated prices. Once makes a memorable time, but more than enough may hurt the pocket.

There are so many other modes of transportation you can use, from public buses, trains, taxis, ride-sharing apps like Grab, and even a good ‘ol walk to locations where popular landmarks stand side by side. If you’ve got a bit of an adventurous side to you, read further down our list for an exciting transportation suggestion you may want to consider during your visit!

Tip: When taking a taxi, it’s not recommended to bargain a flat rate with the taxi driver. You’ll most likely get an inflated price if you do. Instead, insist on following the taxi meter because it’s illegal for taxi drivers to refuse it!

4. Visit smaller monasteries or temples that offer free admission

While visits to iconic temples like Wat Pho in Bangkok or White Temple in Chiang Rai are a must if it’s your first time traveling to Thailand, some popular monasteries and temples may charge a pricey admission fee for visitors. However, you’re in luck, because the country is home to so many temples where you can experience the rich religious heritage of the country.

Smaller monasteries and temples even offer free admission and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the religious culture, away from the busy tourist crowds. Off the top of our head, temples with free admission you can check out are the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi or the Blue Temple if you’re in Chiang Rai (open daily, from 7:00 to 20:00!).

Tip: Don’t know which temple to visit? It’s time to socialize! Why not try asking friendly locals for their recommendations on what nearby temple or wat you should visit in the area.

5. Convenience stores are your best friend, especially for alcohol!

If you’re looking to satisfy the small cravings or thirst as you tour the city, convenience stores are your go-to. From snacks to soft drinks to travel essentials, convenience stores like 7-Eleven always offer a wide range of products at reasonable prices. They’ve even got a pretty good selection of sandwiches, like ham and cheese croissants, rice burgers, and sweet buns, you can check out if you don’t want to spend too much for breakfast.

The real shining moment of convenience stores, the affordable beer and alcohol prices for our party people! For our Merry Makers or Solo Escapists looking to experience Thailand’s thrilling nightlife, a word of advice, the alcohol at bars and clubs can cost up to three times as much as convenience stores. If you’re hesitant in spending big money at the bar for drinks, you can always consider getting your drinks at the convenience store. We recommend buying local beer brands like Singha or Chang because imported beers tend to be priced higher.

6. Rent a bike to easily get around the city

Adrenaline Chasers or cyclists traveling to Thailand on a budget are most definitely bubbling with excitement with our mention of exploring the city on 2-wheels – and rightfully so! Thailand is considered one of the recommended destinations for cyclists, especially with all the considerate bike lanes installed on their roads.

Instead of bringing your trusty mountain bike with you (think of the airline baggage costs, no thank you!), consider renting out a bike as your main transportation in the city. Some even suggest it’s the best way to get around! Not only do you get from location to location quicker, but your wallet will also breathe a sigh of relief. Bike rentals can range from THB 50 per hour to THB 300 per day.

Tip: If you’re planning a day of cycling around Thailand’s landmarks consider exploring the routes of Bang Krachao, known as the green lung and hidden oasis of Bangkok. More experienced cyclists can test their endurance at the challenging routes of Chiang Mai, like the Samoeng Loop with a whopping 100km round trip distance!

7. Pack or wear the right clothes when visiting temples

Okay, you may be wondering why this tip is even on our list. How is packing or wearing the right clothes related to staying on budget? Hear us out! One of the most popular experiences, when you travel to Thailand, is visiting the country’s numerous historical temples. The most important rule when you visit: wear the appropriate attire.

Aside from it being respectful to their culture, temples also enforce a strict dress code policy for those who want to visit. Inappropriate outfit, no entry! Some places like the Grand Palace may even have you buying or renting out clothes on site if your outfit doesn’t make the cut. To avoid any issues (and any unnecessary depletion of funds, yikes!), make sure you dress appropriately if you’re heading out to visit temples.

Tip: Unsure of what the right dress code is? Just remember that you need to cover up – this goes for both men and women! Make sure to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and you’ll be okay.

8. Spend a day checking out admission-free historical and cultural attractions

Thailand is a country filled with vibrant and rich culture and history, and the best thing about it is you can still immerse yourself and experience the beauty of their heritage both in paid and free experiences. Yes, you read that right, not all historical and cultural landmarks in the city require admission! We have to admit, we spent hours looking at the contemporary and modern art exhibits hosted at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.

To our Scenic Enthusiasts, we haven’t forgotten you! We highly suggest making time for a relaxing day with the green landscapes of Lumphini Park in Central Bangkok and the city skyline in the backdrop at sunset would make quite a picture-perfect memory. On some occasions, the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra even holds free concerts at the park, which we hope coincides with your dates!

9. Experience Thai culture with the variety of paid and admission-free entertainment and cultural shows​​

After making your way through all the Thailand island hopping tours or visiting the famed historical landmarks, your pocket money may be asking for a little breather. Enter the lively entertainment scene Thailand has to offer! From live music, traditional puppet dancing, to epic sports shows, you can experience Thai culture with a variety of bang for buck or admission-free shows in the city.

Sports fans or those looking for some adrenaline-pumping action in Bangkok may want to catch one of MBK Fight Night’s free Muay Thai matches, hosted on the last Wednesday of the month. Culture Vultures, if you already have a ticket to Erawan Shrine (costing around THB 100), you’re in for a treat with the free cultural experience of a traditional Thai dance show during your visit.

10. Exchange your pocket money to the local currency in advance!

To our fellow Detail Commanders, you’ve got to note this down: when traveling, it’s always best to have the currency of your destination beforehand. Not only will it be easier for you to get around and pay for things, but you can actually avoid the additional fee your bank charges you when you need to withdraw from a local ATM!

If you aren’t able to exchange your money before you travel to Thailand, have no fear because there are money exchange shops around the city that can accommodate you. We suggest exchanging a small portion of your pocket money at the airport just so you can make it into the city, then find a money exchange shop in the city to change the rest. Money exchange shops in the city tend to have better rates than those in the airport.