Ultimate Female Packing List for Cuba (in a 30L backpack)

The following female packing list for Cuba was submitted by Osereme. See all packing lists.

I vacationed in Cuba for 2 weeks and completely fell in love with the Caribbean nation. Cuba is a country that has expansive coastlines with beautiful, turquoise waters, an abundance of fresh seafood, and lively outdoor markets filled with traditional handicrafts and beautiful Cuban music.

I stayed in a resort called Iberostar Playa Alamenda, located in Varadero, Cuba, but I also visited Havana (or as the locals call the vibrant capital, La Habana), and Cayo Blanco, a pristine island just 1 hour off the coast of Varadero. Most of my days were spent lounging by the beach, sipping virgin Pina Coladas in cute swimwear, and walking the streets while learning about Cuba’s checkered past with the Spanish and the Americans.

In every activity, my clothing was light and airy because around late July, it can get sweltering hot in Cuba. This female packing list for Cuba, all of which fits into a 30L backpack, will work for any time of the year.

Clothing

• 3 dresses – I love dresses because you can wear them as a swimsuit cover up or for a nice dinner.

• 4 tops – I brought only tank tops, but you can bring short sleeves if you like.

• 2 shorts – Avoid bringing jean shorts because Cuba is hot and humid. Choose linen or athletic shorts to keep yourself comfortable.

• 1 maxi skirt/pant – These are great for cooler evenings.

• 1 pair of spandex shorts – Ladies, don’t go on vacation without spandex shorts!! Otherwise, the heat and humidity will make your thighs suction together underneath your dresses and skirts. Gross!

• 1 sleeping clothes set

• 1 flannel/light cardigan – When travelling by tour bus, the AC was always on full blast. I was thankful to have my light flannel to keep me warm. Plus, I could wear the flannel as a swimsuit cover up.

• 2-3 bras – If you’re going to be active, make sure to bring a sports bra in addition to your everyday bras.

• 6-7 underwear – I like to bring more underwear than usual because Cuba is humid, so it can take longer for items to dry after you wash them.

• 1 big scarf – You can use this as a blanket or pillow on the plane, a beach towel, or even a sarong.

• 1 hat

Bags

• 1 small carry-on sized suitcase/30L backpack – All of my items fit into a 30L school backpack from High Sierra.

• 1 foldable tote/backpack – Because I was spending less time at the beach and pool compared to going on excursions, I brought a foldable backpack. However, if you’re going to be spending most of your time near the water, I would recommend bringing a foldable tote as your beach bag.

• 1 cross body bag – Bring a small bag that will hold essential items like your phone, wallet, etc.

>>Read reviews of the best travel backpacks for women.

Shoes

• 1 pair of walking sandals/shoes – If you’re going to be doing some physical activity or participating in walking tours, then pack a good sandal or walking shoe that will support your foot all day long. If your vacation will mostly consist of relaxing on the beach, you can leave these at home.

• 1 pair of flip flops

• 1 pair of cute sandals/flats – These are great if you want to dress up for outfit for an evening out.

Toiletries

Note: I stayed in a resort and used the toiletries provided, so the following list is quite limited. If you’re staying in a private house, a Casa Particular, I would recommend bringing your own toiletries or Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap as I didn’t see many places to purchase toiletries in non-resort towns.

Entertainment

• Smartphone & Charger – The only technology I brought on my vacation was my iPhone 7 and I was not disappointed. I took excellent photos and downloaded audio books on my phone, instead of bringing a Kindle and a camera.

• Headphones

• External Battery & Charger – This is nice luxury item to have if you’re going on an all day excursion.

• Cards/board game – It’s great to have an alternative to your technology. I didn’t bring any with me and I really regretted it when I was waiting around between dinner and my resort’s night show.

Others

• Gifts for the locals – The Cuban locals really appreciate gifts like toiletries, school supplies, or anything that you use daily.

• Spare cash for internet and tips – Make sure to bring extra paper money (foreign coins cannot be exchanged in Cuba) to exchange into CUC for tips and to buy internet (1.50 CUC/hour). Note: If you have the opportunity, exchange your money at a Cuban bank instead of at your resort to get a better rate.)

• Plastic sandwich bags – I love to put my phone in one of these to protect it from the water and sand.

• Toilet paper – In most restrooms, there is no toilet paper so make sure to bring your own from home or take some from your hotel room to put in a plastic sandwich bag.

• First Aid Kit – My kit included Band-Aids, polysporin, anti-itch cream, Tylenol/Advil, and motion sickness medication.

• Hair accessories – Hair bands, hair elastics, bobby pins, etc.

• A couple pieces of cheap jewelry – Bring some cute pieces to dress up an outfit for evening time.

• Basic makeup – I don’t wear makeup, but if you do, just bring the essentials that won’t melt off your face like BB cream or waterproof mascara.

• Prescriptions

And that’s all folks! Cuba is certainly a great country to explore and with the right gear, you’ll have an excellent time. In the comment section below, tell us anything else you would recommend adding to this packing list for Cuba!

About the author: Osereme Omosun is a first year business student who absolutely loves to travel! When she’s not trying new foods, planning to study abroad, or running, Osereme is posting new travel DIY’s to her blog, Etana Travels, or running her Etsy store that sells travel scarves. You can also find her on Instagram.