WARDROBE

Slight wardrobe, cotton fabric is recommended.

For the winter and acclimatized places garments of fine wool or gabardine are suggested.

Practicalities:

•  Bring a small day pack or camera bag.

•  Don't forget: Passport, Airline Tickets, Traveler's checks, and other documentation.

•  Leave your posh jewelry at home.

•  Bring any specific medications you think you'll need.

•  Cuba is mostly hot and humid. It is recommended to wear loose-fitting shirts and pants. It can get chilly in midwinter, specially at night. Pack a sweater and/or a jacket, which you'll need to cope with the bone-chilling air-conditioning in buses and many restaurants.

•  Pack plenty of socks and undergarments; you will need a daily change.

•  In the wet season, a small fold-up umbrella is recommended.

How to dress?

Cubans do not stand on ceremony, and most travelers will not need dressy clothes. People in Cuba dress informally, but always very neatly. Still, pack a pair of slacks and a dressy shirt for discos and fancier restaurants.

Shorts are acceptable wear. A pair of lightweight sandals or low-heeled walking shoes are de rigueur. Sneakers will do double - duty for most occasions.