Anyone travelled to Cuba by themselves before?

Am going to Cuba in July on my own to Holguin and Santiago and I was wondering if you could give me some tips to a first time traveller to Cuba..I hear that you have to stay in a Hotel for the first few days of the trip, but i don't want to stay in a hotel, I want to stay in a casa particular (more cheaper) and mingle with the locals...anything i should look out for, things to and not to bring to Cuba..any hussle at the airports? Anything would be most appreciated..thanks