Put life on the front burner.

Since U.S. credit/ bank cards will not work in Cuba, it is extremely important that you bring enough cash to last for the duration of your stay in Cuba. I recommend a minimum of $100- $150 usd per day. This is probably the single most important thing to remember because once you run out of cash, it will be nearly impossible to get anymore while in Cuba.

Cuba can be a very challenging place to visit. One of  the biggest challenges to U.S. travelers will be communication. Not only will you find a bit of a language barrier, you'll also find yourself without cellphone service.

There are plenty of free online resources to help you plan your trip. Social media is a great tool for finding anything from the best tour guides to the best restaurants and accommodations.

My best advice would be to find a local Cuban guide who can plan your itinerary.

This should be the very first thing on your list when planning a trip to Cuba. 

Check our website for links to the U.S. Embassy website. There you'll find the most current information about entry requirements for U.S. citizens. Do not travel to Cuba without understanding the guidelines.