Cuba is a very safe country. Single travelers face no real specific threats or dangers. That said, don't throw common sense out the window. Single travelers -- and women in particular -- should still be careful when walking alone at night, both in Havana and in other more remote destinations. Cuba is also a somewhat typical "macho" Latin American nation, with an open and extroverted sense of sexuality. Single women can expect their fair share of catcalls, whistles, and propositions, especially in Havana. The best advice is to ignore the unwanted attention, rather than try to come up with a witty or antagonistic rejoinder. Women travelers should check out the award-winning website Journeywoman (www.journeywoman.com), a "real life" women's travel-information network where you can sign up for a free e-mail newsletter and get advice on everything from etiquette and dress to safety; or the travel guide Safety and Security for Women Who Travel by Sheila Swan and Peter Laufer (Travelers' Tales, Inc.), offering common-sense tips on safe travel.
Perhaps the biggest issue facing single travelers is that of jineterismo, which is a way of life in Cuba. In its most disturbing form, it has become synonymous with prostitution. Sex tourism and prostitution flourish in Cuba, and single travelers of both genders and any sexual persuasion will encounter constant offers for companionship, and usually more. In some cases, the terms are quite clear and a cash value is set. In others, the jinetera or jinetero is just looking for some restaurant meals, store-bought clothing, food, daily necessities, and sometimes even a good time. Many are looking to cement relationships with foreign tourists that could lead to marriage and a means of improving their standard of living on a longer-term basis, either on the island or abroad. See appendix A for more information on jineterismo.
