More travelers are flocking to Havana than ever before, especially since Cuba has been off limits for years, so now is the time to take advantage of looser travel restrictions and head over to Cuba. If you will be traveling to Havana soon, remember these 10 tips for traveling to Havana.

Don't Wait To Make Travel Arrangements

With so many people visiting Cuba, it's best to make travel arrangements early. There aren't as many flights or hotels here as there are at many other destinations so it's not uncommon for them to sell out quickly. If you have your heart set on visiting Havana at a certain time it's imperative that you make your travel arrangements early. Some travelers are opting to book private rooms through AirBnB and stay in a locals' homes. It's a great way to not only save some money, but to get to know some of the locals as well.

Pick Your Exception

You can only travel to Havana by choosing one of 12 exceptions that are regulated by the U.S. Treasury Department. Tourism travel is still not allowed to Cuba. You won't need any sort of pre-approval, but you should know which travel exception applies to you just in case you are asked about it.

Life in Cuba

Life in Cuba is a lot different than the United States. The pace is slower and they are used to waiting for things. Try not to become inpatient or frustrated when you find yourself having to wait longer than you'd like. It's just the way of life in Havana. Instead of being annoyed with it just try to go with the flow.

Have Plenty Of Cash

You can't use United States credit cards while you are in Havana. Because of this you need to make sure that you have plenty of cash. While you can use American dollars, they are taxed at a rate that is higher than some other currencies. You are better off exchanging your money for either Canadian dollars or even euros.

Don't Drive

It's probably tempting to rent a car and drive around Havana. However, it's not advised for several reasons. It can be fairly difficult to try to navigate the roadways. The roads aren't always in good condition and there aren't a lot of road signs. You are better off using a taxi. They generally aren't that expensive and can be a wealth of knowledge.

Be Prepared To Unplug

There isn't a lot of connectivity in Havana or the rest of Cuba. What this means is that your cell phone isn't going to work and the internet connection is really bad. During your time here you will be forced to disconnect. However, this isn't a bad thing and you should embrace it and just focus on enjoying your time in Havana.