This past Wednesday, a Cuban doctor living on the island took to TikTok to share how her much-anticipated getaway to Varadero turned into a nightmare, leaving her more drained than before she left. The trip, which cost her $315, was anything but relaxing.
"The worst vacation of my life cost me three hundred fifteen dollars, and I ended up coming back more stressed than when I left," began the woman, known on the platform as @unadoctoracubana. Her video quickly garnered 25,000 views, 779 likes, and 128 comments.
The doctor recounted that she traveled with her husband, daughter, and six-month-old baby after a full year of hard work, hoping for some well-deserved relaxation. "We arrived with modest expectations given the country's situation, but we never imagined it would turn into a horror story," she revealed.
Upon arriving at the all-inclusive hotel after a six-hour journey, they found it lacking even the most basic comforts. They were assigned a sixth-floor room with central air conditioning that "barely cooled" and no hot water. She described the overall condition of the rooms as disastrous.
Disappointing Amenities at the Varadero Resort
The all-inclusive beverage service was equally disappointing: beer and wine were only available once a day during the evening show. The food, she said, was of poor quality. "I never had to struggle this much in my life, not even when I was a student," she lamented.
The only redeeming quality was the staff's human touch. "The workers' attention was the only positive aspect. They did everything they could, but good service can't fix infrastructure and organizational issues," she pointed out.
The doctor emphasized that her intent was not to harm anyone but to highlight the financial strain such a vacation imposes on a Cuban family. "When you pay three hundred fifteen dollars for a vacation, the goal is to relax, not return more exhausted," she stated.
The Economic Burden of a Costly Getaway
The expense becomes even more significant considering that, according to the Cuban Ministry of Labor and Social Security's Resolution 17/2026, a newly graduated doctor earns 7,045 Cuban pesos monthly, while a second-degree specialist makes 8,880 pesos. The $315 vacation package equates to between 35 and 45 months of a Cuban doctor's salary.
This isn't the first time the same doctor has gone viral from Varadero. On Tuesday, she revealed that she spent 9,990 Cuban pesos—more than a month's salary—on a simple snack at Los Icacos shopping center's pastry shop: five pastries, three sodas, and two espresso coffees.
The testimony comes at a critical time for Cuban tourism. The government admitted on July 30 that 73% of the country's hotel facilities remain closed, with about 25,000 sector workers "on standby." International arrivals fell by 55.8% between January and April 2026, and Cuba ended 2025 with a hotel occupancy rate of 18.9%, the lowest since 2002, excluding the pandemic.
Varadero, boasting over 57 hotels and 23,000 rooms, is not immune to this reality. Reports of power outages, water shortages, scarce food, and deteriorating rooms have become commonplace on social media, where more and more Cubans share experiences similar to that of this doctor.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuban Tourism
Why was the vacation in Varadero disappointing for the Cuban doctor?
The vacation was disappointing due to poor hotel conditions, inadequate room amenities, subpar food, and limited beverage availability. Despite the staff's efforts, infrastructure and organization issues prevailed.
How does the cost of the vacation compare to a Cuban doctor's salary?
The $315 cost of the vacation is significant, equating to 35 to 45 months of a Cuban doctor's salary, highlighting the financial burden on Cuban families seeking leisure activities.
What is the current state of the Cuban tourism sector?
The Cuban tourism sector is struggling, with 73% of hotel facilities closed, significant drops in international arrivals, and low occupancy rates, all contributing to the challenges faced by the industry.