A Cuban woman shared on TikTok the harrowing details of her recent visit to the island. The user @diviertete_con_made recounted her chaotic experience during a recent trip to Cuba. According to her testimony, the journey was fraught with difficulties from start to finish. “From the moment we left here, from the time we arrived at Miami International Airport until we returned seven days later, the trip to Cuba was a nightmare,” Made explained.
One of the main reasons for her trip was to deliver a generator to her mother-in-law due to the frequent power outages on the island. However, she chose to transport the equipment via a charter flight, which she described as a "huge mistake." “With charters, you can bring anything, even an elephant if you want, but those flights are a mafia, it's a disaster, it's a scam,” she noted.
Her troubles didn't end there. At the Cayo Santa María hotel where she stayed with her family, none of the four specialized restaurants were operating. “Only the buffet was open, the food was poorly prepared, and only three stations were functioning,” she added.
In her extensive account, the young Cuban mother also expressed her frustration and sorrow over the general conditions in Cuba: “Each trip I take, things get worse; you can't go to Cuba.” Despite this, she reaffirmed her commitment to continue visiting the island for the sake of her family: “I go to Cuba because my family is there… and I will keep going because I won't forget my family for anything or anyone.”
In her detailed testimony, she also revealed her decision not to bring her children to Cuba again due to the deplorable conditions. “I had booked a hotel because, with the kids, it's impossible to stay in houses with the power outages; the heat is unbearable, unsustainable,” she explained, asserting that she wouldn't expose her children to that reality anymore. "There are so many diseases I can’t even explain."
The reactions to the video were swift, ranging from messages of empathy and personal testimonies to specific questions and criticisms. Many offered recommendations and shared their own experiences.
Questions and Answers About Traveling to Cuba
Given the challenging circumstances described in the article, here are some commonly asked questions and answers that might help future travelers to Cuba.
What are the main issues travelers face when visiting Cuba?
Travelers often encounter problems such as frequent power outages, poor hotel services, and subpar food quality. Additionally, transportation can be challenging, and there are concerns about health and safety due to the country's deteriorating infrastructure.
Is it advisable to travel to Cuba with children?
Given the current conditions, it may not be advisable to travel to Cuba with children. Issues such as power outages, extreme heat, and the risk of diseases make it a challenging environment for young travelers.
Are charter flights to Cuba reliable?
Charter flights to Cuba can be problematic. Many travelers report issues such as poor service, lack of organization, and additional costs, making it a less reliable option compared to regular commercial flights.