What Travelers Need to Know about the October 2024 Massive Blackout
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It is no secret that Cuba´s economy is in very bad shape after decades of internal mismanagement and because of the economic sanctions imposed by the United States. Therefore, blackouts are not unheard of on the island nation. However, on October 18th, 2024 a massive blackout plunged the entire country into darkness for several days affecting locals and travelers alike. Here, we break down what happened, how it affected travel, and how visitors to Cuba can prepare for similar situations in the future.
What happened?
On October 18th the country’s primary power plant unexpectedly went offline causing a massive blackout. Despite this incident which triggered the loss of energy, the October massive blackout stemmed from a combination of aging infrastructure, fluctuating fuel supplies, and recent weather impacts that disrupted power generation. Power was fully reestablished in Havana on October 22nd, while other parts of the country had no electricity for more than 5 days.
How did the Blackout affect tourism?
- Limited Access to Wi-Fi and Internet: As the blackout extended, locals and tourists alike had no way to recharge their phones. Access to Wi-Fi and Internet was very limited. Cubans living abroad had to call landlines at high costs to check in on family and friends.
- Reduced Transportation: In some cities, there were almost no buses running. Tourists using private companies and taxis fared better since private drivers had already stored fuel in advance.
- Reduced Availability of Certain Services: Restaurants, shops, and other businesses had to adapt to power constraints. Some locations closed temporarily, while others operated with a limited menu or reduced hours.
- Hotel Adaptations: Larger hotels and resorts with backup power sources were able to operate normally, but smaller guesthouses (casas particulares) faced longer outages. Many travelers reported adaptations such as dining by candlelight or reduced air conditioning in some accommodations.
How did Havana Journeys deal with the massive blackout?
The blackout was not a pleasant event to deal with. On the one hand, we had several guests visiting Cuba at the time it happened. We did our best to minimize the effects on our guests and we were assessing the situation every single day so that we could keep our customers informed on the situation at all times. Sometimes we even forwarded the different travel advisory that different embassies were issuing as a response to the crisis. Some of our guests decided to cut short their trips and return home, while others stayed until power was reestablished.
On the other hand, it was a very stressful situation for our staff whose families were also directly hit by the power shortages. Some of us live outside of Havana, and our families endured more than 4 days without electricity. Food was getting bad, and the water supply was intermittent. At least, our customers fared better at the casas particulares, most of which had private generators.
Tips for Future Travelers:
Even though, we do not expect massive blackouts like the one in October to occur frequently, please keep in mind that you might experience a blackout for a few hours while in Cuba, unless you are staying in a big resort. Especially if you find yourself traveling outside Havana. Here are some tips for future travelers:
- Bring Power Banks: Having a few portable chargers for your devices is essential, especially if you’ll be moving around the island. These can be lifesavers for staying connected during unexpected outages.
- Stay in casas particulares with Backup Generators: If access to electricity is a priority, especially for devices or air conditioning, look for accommodations with backup power. Some casas particulares are equipped with generators and they advertise these in their websites.
- Stay informed: Always rely on your Cuban Host or on the private company you are traveling with. Cubans have become quite resilient with situations like these and know what to do.
At Havana Journeys, our priority is helping our guests experience Cuba as authentically and comfortably as possible. We aim to keep our clients informed of any current events or potential issues that might affect travel plans, from weather events to power outages.
If you’re planning a trip to Cuba, reach out to us for the latest updates on the situation and any recommendations to make the most of your experience. We are here to guide you every step of the way and help you prepare for a trip that balances adventure with practical advice.
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