Is Cuba ready for influx of American tourists?

Now that much of the red tape and restrictions for travel to Cuba from the U.S. have been lifted, is the country ready for the influx of American tourists?

If you’re planning to take the trip from Florida to Havana, make sure you plan ahead.

The communist country’s tourism standards may fall short of what’s expected by most U.S. visitors.

It’s clear there’s a shortage of beds in Havana and travel agents predict the problem will likely continue as the number of visitors flooding the island is expected to surge.

One south Florida travel agent confirmed every hotel room in Havana was booked during our trip last week.

When stormy weather wouldn’t let our plane take off the day we were supposed to leave, we had to find a place to stay the night.

Havana is home to many “casas particulares,” houses converted into bed and breakfasts similar to hostels. Many travelers prefer the accommodations at the casas.

With bargain rates averaging $25 to $30 per night.

Another sign Cuba may not be quite ready? Roadblocks for visitors.

WINK News tried to visit the home of Ernest Hemingway around 3 p.m. one afternoon, but it was already closed.

Nobody could tell us why the Havana must-see went dark so early.

At the home Che Guevara, they told us we’d need government approval to take video. Even with journalists visas, we were still told we’d have to pay the equivalent of around $75 in cash if we wanted to take video.

U.S. travelers should also be warned that some of what you see, you might find to be insensitive. We were surprised to find the torn wing of a downed U.S. Air Force plane left for display on the concrete at a tourist stop.

You might also have a tough time stomaching the sight of the thousands of once-beautiful historic homes, lining Havana’s streets, and in various states of disrepair.

They once belonged to Cuba’s wealthy families. Castro displaced the families and took away their homes making them the property of the new communist government.

Regardless of how visitors may feel the country falls short, Cubans will be the first to tell you their island is ready. According to them, they’ve been ready for visitors from the U.S. for more than half a century.