An American traveler who journeyed across Cuba from west to east this August captured a nation plagued by endless blackouts, fuel shortages, halted transportation, empty pharmacies, and a noticeable lack of tourists. His conclusion at the end of the journey was stark: "We might be near the end."
Tommy, the creator of the popular YouTube channel Sabbatical, traveled with his partner Simona from Santa Clara to Camagüey, passing through small towns in the heart of the country.
"Cuba is experiencing its worst crisis since the communist revolution. They almost have no fuel. Most of the time, there's no electricity," he summarized in a video uploaded on August 19.
Darkness and Desperation: Life in a Powerless Cuba
One of the most striking images for Tommy was the blackouts. He described how in some towns, electricity was available for just two hours a day, while at night, Camagüey was almost completely dark except for a few places with generators.
Even the restaurant where they attempted to have dinner stopped serving food to save fuel.
Transportation Woes and Economic Struggles
The deterioration was evident in the transportation system as well. Interprovincial trains now operate only once every 16 days, highlighting the sector's severe crisis.
During their trip, Tommy also showcased long lines outside banks, pharmacies practically empty, and private stores with prices beyond the reach of most Cubans.
At a private supermarket in Camagüey called Prague International, prices were set in US dollars: a bag of sugar cost $310. Despite being labeled European, most products originated from Russia or China.
Healthcare and Tourism: A Grim Reality
Pharmacies, on the other hand, had bare shelves. "Cuba used to be famous for its doctors. Now, if you get hurt, you're in trouble. There are no supplies. Hospitals are closing. Pharmacies are a joke," Tommy remarked.
International tourism, one of the few remaining sources of foreign currency for the regime, plummeted 60.7% in the first half of 2026, with just 387,591 visitors.
Tommy experienced this firsthand: "What a feeling to be literally the only tourist in this entire city, in this whole region. I think the last time I felt this was in the Congo."
Final Farewell: A Journey's End
Leaving the country was not without its challenges. Tommy and Simona found a weekly flight from Camagüey to Cancun, but the taxi taking them to the airport broke down. They arrived late, yet a delay in the flight allowed them to finally board.
At the airport, Tommy explained his motivation to return to Cuba, fearing it might be his last chance to witness the island as he remembered it.
"The Cuba of the 1950s Chevrolets, the ration books. Communist Cuba," he listed nostalgically.
Understanding Cuba's Current Crisis
What are the main challenges Cuba is facing today?
Cuba is grappling with severe blackouts, fuel shortages, a deteriorating transportation system, empty pharmacies, and a significant drop in tourism, among other socio-economic issues.
How has the tourism sector in Cuba been affected?
The tourism industry in Cuba has seen a dramatic decline, with a 60.7% drop in international visitors within the first half of 2026, significantly impacting one of the country's few sources of foreign revenue.
Why are pharmacies in Cuba empty?
Pharmacies in Cuba are empty due to a lack of medical supplies, part of a broader healthcare crisis affecting the availability of basic necessities and the operation of hospitals.