Darcy's Cuban Adventure: A Journey Through Time
Guest blog by Darcy Luoma, participant on Laura's January 2025 Cuba trip
A personal travel diary through Cuba, capturing the warmth, challenges, and authentic experiences of this unique island nation while supporting the Cuban people through humanitarian efforts.
Day 1: The Adventure Begins
We started the journey to Cuba by traveling to Chicago with my friend Julie to stay overnight to catch our super early flight in the morning.
All smiles the morning our travels commenced.
We are traveling under the humanitarian visa to support the Cuban people. I'm learning so much, which is one of the reasons I enjoy traveling. The US has an embargo on Cuba and so that essentially means that we will "punish" any country that tries to trade or cooperate with Cuba. As a result, there is a huge deficit of normal supplies of daily living, medication, toys, eyeglasses, etc. in Cuba. Americans are not able to travel to Cuba as tourists.
So the group of 13 women I'm traveling with all brought extra suitcases filled with hundreds of donations. It is absolutely incredible. These supplies will go directly to local families, community centers, and medical facilities that desperately need them. It feels meaningful to know our trip has a purpose.
The impressive collection of donated supplies we brought – everything from medications and toiletries to school supplies and clothing for Cuban communities in need.
Our luggage packed with humanitarian donations – travelers brought extra suitcases FILLED with essential supplies for Cuban families.
To all of you who generously gave me donations to bring, a huge THANK YOU!!
And a special thanks to Josie Gilbert for help creating the Amazon wish list for people to donate and for organizing and packing all the donations!
Day 2: Chicago to Miami to Havana, Cuba
Alarm went off at 1:30am—thought it was part of my dream. Pretty sure this is my first time in my life getting up that early!
Hotel shuttle at 2am to O'Hare with 5 other amazing women. Because of the Cuban embargo, we had to go through a special line at the airport to ensure we had the correct visas and intentions.
Excitement levels were sky-high on our flights to Cuba!
Slept like a rock on the plane to Miami (guess that's one benefit of getting up so early!). 2nd flight to Havana was quick.
Got through customs in a breeze and stepped outside to sunshine and 80 degrees. Aaah!! (Meanwhile, Wisconsin is bracing for -30°F windchill. Not missing that!)
Rode to our casa in a peacock-colored 1956 classic car with no seat belts. Windows cranked down by hand like the good ol' days. Poverty is noticeable—old, worn buildings, and laundry flapping out windows.
Cruising through Havana’s streets—we have arrived.
Inside our classic car taxi – a glimpse at how Cuban ingenuity keeps these vintage automobiles running despite the embargo's challenges.
Posing next to one of our vibrant rides for the week.
Exchanged $200 for 54,000 pesos (feeling rich!). Ate lunch and then went for a run 5.5 miles along the Gulf of Mexico—got more catcalls than I've heard in years. Thanks, Cuba!
Met up with the rest of the women on the rooftop for cocktails at sunset and walked to dinner on a charming street with lights and music.
It's important to note that we're staying in privately-owned casa particulares rather than government-run hotels. This is a conscious choice that ensures our money goes directly to Cuban families rather than the state, which is a key part of our visa requirements to support the Cuban people.
First Impressions:
Traffic? Surprisingly light.
People? Amazingly friendly.
Weather? Heavenly.
Day 2? Nailed it.
Day 3: Old Havana
8am: Alarm goes off, and I am deep in the land of sleep. I could've won an Olympic gold medal in snoozing. But alas, the world had other plans for me, so I hopped out of bed and made my way up to the rooftop by 8:30am for breakfast. No complaints, though—the terrace has the kind of views that make you feel like you're in a movie.
Breakfast was a solid 10/10: an omelette that had the perfect fluff-to-cheese ratio, plus a fresh fruit medley that could make anyone's Instagram feed jealous. And, oh, the weather? Sunny as a postcard—perfect for a lazy breakfast while watching Havana wake up.
Rooftop breakfast at our Havana casa particular.
After basking in the sun, we had a two-hour Cuban history crash course with our awesome local guide, Andres, who schooled us on Cuba's past, present, and the massive impact of the American embargo. I walked away feeling like I had just attended a TED Talk, but with more coffee and less PowerPoint. Understanding the local history and current challenges helps us be more thoughtful about how we interact with and support the communities we're visiting.
We then went on a walking tour of Habana Vieja (Old Havana), where we explored the main squares and iconic attractions. Of course, we had to stop by Floridita, the bar where Hemingway was practically a regular. And yes, I took the obligatory photo with his statue—because if it's good enough for Hemingway, it's good enough for me.
A literary pilgrimage to El Floridita – posing with the famous bronze statue of Ernest Hemingway in one of his favorite Havana haunts.
1:00pm: Lunchtime! We sat down at a charming little spot outdoors—a family-owned paladar restaurant rather than a government establishment. Our guide mentioned that eating at these private restaurants is one of the most direct ways we can support local entrepreneurship.
And guess what happened? A 3-person band immediately showed up, guitars in hand, maracas ready to shake, and started playing just for us.
We made sure to leave a generous tip, knowing that musicians and artists are particularly affected by the economic challenges. Music is literally everywhere here. I've heard it in the streets, in cars, in cafes, and even in the casas. It's like Cuba's version of background noise—but way cooler.
Encountering the vibrant culture of Old Havana – street performers in traditional Cuban attire add color and character to the historic streets.
After lunch, we wandered back to the hotel at around 2pm. Some of the crew went shopping at local artisan markets to support independent craftspeople, but I was feeling more of a "chill, read, nap, then go for a random jog" vibe. It's 82°F today, which feels like 88°F with the humidity.
My BFF, Nancy texted me that it's -8°F back home... I'm trying not to laugh at her, but also I kind of am.
By 4:30pm, I was ready to hit the streets again, so I went for a jog. The plan was to run to the Capitol, but surprise! I got totally lost. I asked a few locals for directions, but it seemed like the phrase "how do I get back to where I started?" was more confusing than I thought, especially given that I have zero knowledge of Spanish and their English was broken at best. Finally, I just asked, "How do I get to the Gulf of Mexico?"—because, well, worst case, I could navigate home from the water line.
Language barrier? Definitely. But I eventually saw the water (praise be!) and made it back to the hotel just as the sun started setting.
In the end, I logged almost 7 miles. Got back around 6:45pm, showered, and was ready to hit the town for dinner. At 7:15pm, we rode in the most adorable little yellow cocotaxi—basically a tiny round go-kart on wheels. It felt like I was in a live-action bumper car game, except, you know, no seatbelts and actual traffic. A thrill ride in real life.
The famous 'cocotaxis' of Havana – these quirky yellow three-wheeled vehicles are a fun way to zip around the city while supporting local drivers.
Our guide explained that by using these local transportation services, we're directly supporting Cuban drivers who are often self-employed.
Dinner was at one of Havana's famous spots, and the food was just as flavorful as the adventure to get there. We walked back to the hotel by 9:30pm, and I was feeling so good—like I'd just had a day packed with history, culture, exercise, and excellent food.
Before I turned in, I stood on my wraparound porch for a good while, just watching the hustle and bustle below. I love that my balcony gives me a view of four different streets—it's like I've got the best seat in the house for Havana's daily parade.
Day 4: Havana to Viñales
Woke up at 7:20am to the delightful sound of every school kid in Havana gathering below. I didn't shut my patio door last night (rookie mistake), so I got the full city symphony: honking, shouting, car alarms, and salsa music blaring from every angle. It's amazing how alive this city is. I guess if you live in New York City, you're used to it. But for me, not having air conditioning and sleeping with the patio doors open was definitely an…interesting experience.
Thankfully though I slept like a baby—thanks to last night's rainstorm. Mother Nature really delivered.
After my wild urban wake-up call, I packed up and went up to the rooftop for breakfast. Think mango, papaya, and guava piled high, scrambled eggs with cheese (a match made in heaven), and coffee that could wake the dead. Honestly, the view alone made the noise worth it.
By 9am, we were off to Viñales in a classic car—six of us jammed in like the best road trip ever. Our guide mentioned that by hiring these private car services, we're helping sustain a vital income stream for the drivers and their families. We were leaving the hustle and bustle of Havana behind and heading west to the serene, untouched regions of Cuba. The weather was perfect: it was raining when we left Havana, but by the time we got to the farm, it was overcast, cool, and breezy.
Our local driver and his classic turquoise Chevy – using privately-owned classic cars is a key way to support Cuban entrepreneurs under our humanitarian visa.
Riding through the Cuban countryside in our classic car – enjoying the camaraderie of fellow travelers.
First Stop: Local Family Farm
Our first stop was a local family farm in a remote village that felt like a time capsule, where tourism hasn't arrived yet. Think wooden houses, horse-drawn carts, and an overall vibe that says, "we do what we gotta do." There were adorable baby goats, pigs, horses, and chickens.
Basically, my version of a petting zoo but with 100% more authenticity.
We were welcomed with open arms, and fresh Cuban coffee that was brewed outside, having been picked straight from their coffee tree. No Starbucks here, my friends. This visit was particularly meaningful as we were able to provide some of our donated medical supplies to the family, who mentioned they struggle to get basic medications.
They served us lunch in true Cuban style—family-style. The humble setup had love all over it. The effort it took for them to gather all this food was incredible.
Road Trip Hiccups
By 2pm, we headed to Viñales, but of course one of the cars broke down. We waited for a while to see if they could fix it, but when you're on "Cuban time," waiting just feels like a natural part of the adventure.
Finally, we made it to our neighboring rooms in private homes (casa particulares) around 4pm, only to discover that the electricity had been out for 10 hours. We asked when it would come back on, and they said, "When the government decides." That's some serious unpredictability right there! With no AC and no power, I went for a 4-mile run. It was nice and cool when we arrived, but by the time I finished, I was drenched in sweat—humidity in full force.
Got back around 6pm, still no power. I did the bare minimum to freshen up—aka a sink bath—because, you know, sometimes you gotta get creative when life gives you no electricity.
Dinner with a View
Dinner time! We drove 10 minutes up a bumpy road (to put it mildly) to a hillside restaurant, Finca Agroecológica El Paraiso, with terraced gardens growing all the food they served. This organic farm-to-table experience is exactly the kind of sustainable, independent business our visa requires us to support.
Dinner at a rustic restaurant in Viñales.
Seriously, the kind of place that makes you think, "This is what eating local is all about." Stunning views, farm-to-table meals, and a bunch of happy locals who knew we were there for the real deal.
The best part? I came back to the casa around 9pm and hallelujah, the power was back on! Hot shower time. You'd think I won the lottery with how happy I was about it. Andres, our amazing Cuban tour guide, said the electricity can go out for who-knows-how-long, and the government doesn't give any heads-up. But the woman at the house was hopeful it'd be on by the time we got back—turns out, she was right!
Day 5: Viñales, Cuba
6am rolls around, and I'm rudely awoken by the neighborhood rooster choir. Seriously, if these guys had a band, they'd be called "The Roosters of Viñales", and they'd be the loudest, most energetic group in town. I decided to roll with it and journal for a bit. The best part? No internet! So, for the first time in ages, I'm not distracted by my phone. Honestly, I'm kind of loving it. No FOMO here.
At 6:40am, I stumbled to the bathroom only to find that—surprise, surprise—no electricity. Again. I was this close to waiting until the morning to shower, but because my post-run sweat was still sticking to me like glue, I made the decision to shower last night. Thank goodness I did.
Breakfast on the rooftop was prepared by the lovely family whose casa we're staying in. The spread? A glorious omelette with cheese and fresh fruit. I'm definitely not starving here. Our hostess mentioned that hosting travelers like us is her family's primary source of income, especially since the pandemic devastated Cuba's tourism industry. It felt good knowing our stay was directly helping her family.
Breakfast with a view at our casa particular in Viñales.
Horseback Riding with Cuban Cowboys
At 10am, we set off for some horseback riding with Cuban cowboys. We walked down the road to the entrance to the national park to meet our trusty steeds and headed out for a ride through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stunning views on the way to the family tobacco farm.
Our group's horseback riding adventure through Viñales Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage site with spectacular limestone mogotes and tobacco farms.
After arriving, I immediately relaxed with a coconut water in hand—while the others enjoyed homemade mojitos.
Refreshing with coconut water after horseback riding through Viñales Valley.
I spent some quality time petting the tiniest dog I've ever met—this thing was 1 pound 4 ounces of pure cuteness (I know because I weighed it!). I also had a lot of bonding time with the cats (I swear, animals are always the highlight of my day). Kudos to Laura Ericson for brilliantly bringing cat food!
We distributed some of our medical supplies and children's vitamins to the cowboys' families.
Their gratitude was overwhelming—apparently, basic over-the-counter medications we take for granted are nearly impossible to find in rural areas.
Tobacco Farm Tour
Then came the tobacco tour. It was fascinating to learn the intricacies of how they make every cigar—by hand. They have to give 90% to the government and can sell 10%. As part of the tour we each got to smoke one, along with a shot of guayabita del Pinar (locally made rum) to enhance the experience. Purchasing cigars directly from the farmers was another way to support the local economy, ensuring they receive the full value of their work rather than the government-controlled prices. We also purchased coffee and honey directly from them, providing much-needed income that bypasses government intermediaries.
I've been doing my best to stay healthy (okay, minus the cigar)—Travelan with every meal, drinking tons of water, and keeping up with my probiotics and vitamins. So far, so good. Knock on wood!
Trying hand-rolled cigars at a family-owned tobacco farm in Viñales.
Learning about Cuba's famous tobacco cultivation directly from local farmers.
After all that action, I headed back while most of the others stayed to continue imbibing with the local cowboys. My introverted self was craving some alone time, so it was time for a two-hour hike. Beautiful, peaceful, and totally worth the sweat. An hour into my hike right when I was about to turn around, I looked up and saw a dinosaur mural in the distance through the treeline. It was like the universe was on my side!
Got back and guess what? No electricity. Again. Did my best to clean up for dinner, and I walked back to our place alone in the pitch-black dark around 10pm.
It was about 15 minutes and I felt completely safe.
Still no power. I guess I'll shower in the morning… if the electricity ever decides to come back on.
Fast-forward to 1am, when I woke up for a bathroom break. And lo and behold—the power was on! Naturally, I jumped at the chance to take that shower. I'm so glad I did, because by 6am, it was pouring rain and—yep, you guessed it—no power again.
Day 6: Viñales, Cuba - A Day to Slow Down
It was one of those mornings where the rain decided to be the ultimate mood-setter. Cool, rainy, and perfect for staying in. So, we skipped the rooftop and huddled inside the kitchen for breakfast instead. The owner of the house was hands-down the sweetest woman you could ever meet—like, if kindness were a currency, she'd be a billionaire.
A heartwarming moment with our casa particular host in Viñales – these family-owned accommodations provide a genuine Cuban experience while supporting local families.
Today was the day to just slow down. Total vacation vibes. I spent hours with my book, listening to the rain tap on the windows like nature's lullaby. Seriously, the most chill day ever. I was in a total do-not-disturb mode.
Exploring Viñales Town
Later in the morning, Tricia, Julie, and I took a walk into Viñales. No rush, just meandering down the streets, popping into local stores, and browsing through whatever caught our eye. We made a point to buy souvenirs only from local artists and shop owners rather than government-run tourist shops, ensuring our money directly benefits Cuban families.
Shopping at a local artisan market – supporting Cuban entrepreneurs by purchasing handmade crafts, artwork, and souvenirs.
It was one of those "this is the life" moments.
No stress, just easy conversation and random souvenirs. I snagged some cute earrings and a couple of trinkets—because, obviously, I needed them.
We stopped for cappuccinos and ended up lingering for hours at a family-owned café. I had the most delicious lamb and vegetables. My taste buds were dancing in happiness. The owner shared stories about starting his business and the challenges of entrepreneurship in Cuba, which gave us incredible insight into the resilience of the Cuban people.
Birthday Celebration
In the evening, we walked to dinner, and let me tell you—this place? So quaint. A tiny, cozy hut that felt like something straight out of a postcard. It was perfect for Andrea's 40th birthday celebration. They served cake and the cocktails were flowing. Cue the salsa music! The energy was contagious—suddenly, we were all salsa experts (or at least the mojitos helped with pretending to be!).
Surprise birthday celebration for Andrea in Viñales.
We presented our host with some of the school supplies we had brought, as she mentioned her children were struggling to find basic items like notebooks and pencils. The look on her face was worth every pound of extra luggage we carried.
Overall, it was one of those days that makes you realize vacation is about moments like this: calm, happy, and full of spontaneous joy, all while making meaningful connections with the people who make this country so special.
Day 7: Back to Havana & Salsa Lessons
Woke up in Viñales, had breakfast (typical Cuban morning fuel—so good), then jumped into our classic cars for the drive back to Havana. Think: old-school vibes, wind in your hair, and feeling like you're in a James Bond movie—minus the espionage.
On our way back to Havana.
We made a pit stop roadside for lunch. Most people grabbed sandwiches from a stand. We gave the rest of our children's vitamins and some medical supplies to the family running the stand, who told us they hadn't seen basic pain relievers in months.
By 2:30pm, we rolled up to our Havana casa, where I pretty much melted into a chair and spent the next hour reading and being lazy. Then, Julie Strenn and I made our way to salsa lessons with Marcos and Juan Carlo. Holy cow, it was AMAZING. Marcos is like the salsa whisperer—he made it all seem so easy. Supporting local dance instructors and artists is another way our visa allows us to directly help Cubans who are trying to make independent livings.
Salsa 101:
Salsa runs on a count of 8. Simple enough, right? But here's the catch: beats 4 and 8 are silent, like salsa's version of a dramatic pause.
Ladies always start with your right foot on beat 1. Beat 5? Left foot. And yes, you must take a solid pause, or you'll throw off your partner. We're talking, "1-2-3 mojito, 5-6-7 tequila" levels of pause to get it right.
Tiny steps are your friend. Like, "don't crush your partner's toes while being nimble enough to avoid embarrassing yourself" kind of tiny.
The man leads with all the power, so ladies, we just have to trust him and follow his lead (but just during the dancing!).
Celebrating our salsa moves with our amazing dance instructors – a perfect cultural exchange that directly supports local Cuban artists.
To turn right, you pivot on beat 3 (right foot, 90-degree angle—like, "yep, I got this"). Then step forward on 5 with your left and twirl around on 6-7 like you're on a float in a parade.
Mastering the art of the Cuban salsa turn with Marcos – tiny steps and perfect timing are key to this traditional dance.
To turn left, start on beat 7 (where your feet are parallel), pause on 8, and then spin like you just got the world's best news on 1-2-3.
I'll be honest: I wasn't exactly shaking my hips like a pro by the end of it—but I loved every second. Seriously, one of the highlights of my week.
Learning the salsa basics with lots of laughter and high-fives!
Evening Stroll on the Malecón
Got back around 5:15pm, quickly changed, and headed out for a walk along the Malecón. There's something about strolling along the Gulf of Mexico in a t-shirt, especially when it was minus 30 degrees back home! It's officially called Avenida de Maceo, and served me every time I was strolling along it as a place to get lost in my thoughts.
I saw artwork and statutes and buildings that I swear weren't there the last time!
It was eerily empty. Like, empty empty. The waves were huge, crashing like they were auditioning for a disaster movie. A rogue wave hit me on the way out, but that was nothing compared to the monster wave that came over my head on the way back. I was soaking wet from head to toe, but honestly, it was kind of exhilarating.
The weather was misty and dark—definitely the kind of vibe where you could imagine spooky things happening. But Cuba is safe, so I just stayed in the moment, feeling the wind and the sea.
By 7pm, I realized I still had two miles to go, so I decided to run—because why not? I accidentally overshot my turn (Havana streets by our casa are a maze, folks), but it turned out to be a happy accident. I stumbled across this charming street with a castle and a guy playing the trumpet like he was serenading the whole city.
An evening (and long) run along Havana's famous Malecón seawall.
I ended up running over 6 miles (what's a couple extra miles, right?). Got back at 7:25pm, drenched and a bit dazed, but quickly changed and headed downstairs to meet the group for dinner at 7:30—no time to waste (yes, my turnaround was that amazingly fast!).
We walked around the corner to a cozy little pizzeria, sat outside, and had a delightful meal under the stars. Our guide explained that this family-owned restaurant had only opened last year after new regulations allowed more private businesses to operate. The perfect end to a pretty unforgettable day.
Enjoying dinner at a family-owned paladar restaurant – supporting local Cuban entrepreneurs is a key part of our humanitarian visa.
Day 8: Havana - Convertibles, Mafia, and Mojitos
Woke up to the ultimate breakfast on the rooftop terrace, with the kind of views over Havana that make you feel like you've just stepped into a postcard from the 1950's. Sun shining, city buzzing below—perfect start to the day!
We piled into classic car convertibles—because, obviously, when in Cuba, you do it in style. Our driver explained that maintaining these vintage cars is becoming increasingly difficult with parts shortages, but tourism keeps the tradition alive and provides essential income for him and his mechanics. Our tour kicked off with a drive through the heart of the city. First stop? Revolution Square. Felt like I was starring in my own history documentary, surrounded by all that iconic revolutionary energy.
Posing with one of the classic convertible in our fleet in Old Havana.
Next, we cruised over to the National Park. Honestly, just driving through Havana in those vintage cars made the whole experience feel like a scene from The Godfather—but with way more sunshine.
From Mafia History to Cocktail Class
Post-tour, we sat down for lunch, which was just as relaxed and flavorful as you'd expect in Havana. But the real fun began after: we took a mafia tour. No kidding, learning about the mafia's influence in Cuba was a wild ride through history, from the casinos to the cigars, and the "good old days" when Havana was basically the underworld's playground. I half expected a mob boss to pop out from behind a pillar at any moment.
After a strong afternoon cappuccino (because they laughed at me when I asked if they have decaf!), we headed back to freshen up at the casa.
Then, the real adventure began.
We hopped into bicitaxis—imagine a rickshaw, but with a driver pedaling like a maniac through the streets while you and a buddy cling to the back, feeling like VIPs on a roller coaster. It was hilarious, exhilarating, and oddly charming. This is another example of supporting local transportation providers—many of these drivers are university-educated professionals who can earn more through these entrepreneurial ventures than in their trained professions.
Experiencing local transportation in Havana – Andrea and I enjoy a ride on a traditional bicitaxi through the narrow streets of the city.
Finally, we arrived at one of the most stunning rooftops in Havana for a Cuban cocktail class. The bartender teaching us was a former chemistry professor who started this business to better support his family. You haven't lived until you've shaken up a mojito on a rooftop with a view of the city at sunset. We learned how to make three cocktails—yes, three—including the Cuban classics: mojitos, daiquiris, and some other concoction I'm pretty sure would make Hemingway proud.
Learning to make authentic Cuban cocktails at a rooftop mixology class – a highlight of our last day in Havana.
Then came the grand finale: a delicious dinner to wrap up our last night in Cuba. The daiquiris were flowing like they were on tap, and let's just say, some folks took the "last night" very seriously, staying out until 3am. As for me? I was happily tucked into my bed, living my best life, well before midnight. 😉
We used our last evening to distribute the remaining medical supplies, school materials, and other donations to our hosts and guides, who were incredibly grateful and assured us these items would reach families in need.
Day 9: Farewell to Cuba
Woke up at 8am, feeling the Saturday vibe in the air—mostly because the school kids weren't out at 7:20am buzzing below (ah, sweet silence). I headed up to the rooftop for breakfast, where I had a quiet moment to myself, chatting with Lola, the incredible Italian woman who owns the casa. She's the kind of person who feels like a warm hug, and she even gifted me some olive oil from her farm (seriously, the best gift).
By 9 AM, it was time for my final run before heading to the airport. The morning was chilly and windy at breakfast, but I decided against wearing a sweatshirt, and thank goodness I did because the sun came out and turned the day into pure perfection—absolutely stunning.
Exploring Old Havana's vibrant plazas on my last run before heading home.
Cuban Life Insights
On the tour yesterday, our guide casually mentioned something I couldn't shake: always walk in the middle of the street because the balconies above are a bit... well, untrustworthy. Apparently, a balcony fell and killed three young girls, which made me a little more cautious during my run. It's crazy how aware you become of things you never think about back home.
In my time here, I've learned so much about the Cuban economy and way of life, and honestly, my respect for the Cuban people has grown tenfold.
Their resilience is mind-blowing.
One of our guides shared that the drivers had been saving gas for six months just to make sure they could transport us around this week. Gas here is all imported, and they sometimes wait more than five hours just to fill up. The education system and college is free, and the doctors are incredibly well-trained. But guess what? They make more money as servers or tour guides than they do practicing medicine. For example, his mom, a physician, makes $40 a month. Wrap your head around that.
It's wild to think the government owns all the hotels on the island, as well as many of the restaurants. As U.S. citizens, we're not allowed to stay in any government-run hotels or eat at their restaurants, which is why having a guide is so important. They know which spots are privately owned and which are government-run, and it's an important distinction to keep straight while traveling on the visa to support the Cuban people.
As I reflect on our trip, I feel immense gratitude that our journey wasn't just about sightseeing but about making a real difference through our humanitarian visa.
The supplies we brought, the businesses we supported, and the connections we made with local people all contributed to a more sustainable and ethical way of experiencing this beautiful country during challenging times.
Laura and I right before heading to the airport.
Cuban Transportation
Transportation around the island is an experience in itself. You've got horse and buggies, bicitaxis (bikes with two seats behind them), coco taxis (those adorable little Pac-Man-shaped cars), and regular taxis that are often just private citizens driving their classic cars. Then, there's the bus system, which is packed. People are literally hanging out of the windows because there's no room inside. The crazy thing? Traffic isn't half as bad as it could be. No wild, near-death driving moments like in Bali or Ghana, which makes running here kind of a dream. That said, the roads? Potholes for days, but hey, they're still drivable.
The Journey Home
Got back at 10:30am, showered (yay, there was electricity!), and then it was off to the airport. Flew to Miami, breezed through customs and immigration without a hitch, and then made our way to Chicago O'Hare. Landed at 10 PM, and by 1:30 AM, I was back home in my own bed. Sweet, sweet bed.
Part of the group leaving from Havana's José Martí International Airport.
One of the reasons I love traveling so much is how much it renews my appreciation for my own life and home.
And it deepens my empathy for the struggles others face, which reminds me how much love and support the world needs. I'm leaving Cuba with a full heart, knowing that our trip went beyond tourism—we directly supported local communities, shared resources that are desperately needed, and formed meaningful connections that align perfectly with the humanitarian mission of our visa. It's humbling, to say the least.
Darcy Luoma traveled to Cuba under a humanitarian visa with Laura Ericson Group Trips to support the Cuban people, bringing donations and experiencing the authentic culture beyond typical tourism.
Darcy Luoma is a Master Certified Coach, creator of Thoughtfully Fit®, and CEO of her coaching and consulting firm. She helps build high-performing leaders and teams across diverse industries. Learn more about her work transforming organizations through strategic team development here.
