A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Step back in time to experience the authentic heritage and unique atmosphere of the 1950s that Cuba offers. Immerse yourself in the vibrancy of Cuban culture, from the lively cities of Havana to Trinidad, indulging in local cuisine, salsa dancing, iconic bars, and signature cocktails, all while engaging with the rich, flavourful experiences provided by the Cuban people.
The largest of all Caribbean islands, Cuba is a captivating nation situated south of Key West, Florida. This enchanting country frequently appears on numerous travel itineraries, and for good reason! The colonial towns of Cuba have remained largely unchanged over the years, yet their grandeur continues to impress, with charming facades embellished with occasional touches of opulence.
Situated at the convergence of the Caribbean Sea, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico, Cuba stands out as a prominent island nation that attracts travelers globally. Renowned for its sugar-white beaches, internationally acclaimed cigars, 1950s classic Cadillacs, and rich cultural heritage, Cuba is adorned with breathtaking beauty that includes pristine coastlines, stunning mountains, and a diverse ecosystem.
The secluded nation of Cuba has captivated adventurous travelers for decades. With the recent opening of tourism to visitors from the United States, now is an opportune moment to explore this distinct Caribbean island.
Endless music, classic cars, beautiful seas, and cultural swagger ensure that memories from a family vacation to Cuba will last a lifetime. This colorful and vibrant nation is simply mesmerizing. Cubans have a deep affection for families, which means your children will receive exceptional treatment. However, it is essential to remember that Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis can make traveling here a bit challenging, particularly with transport.
The adventurous family that can embrace the unexpected will undoubtedly get the most out of this fascinating island. Here’s how to make a trip to Cuba with kids enjoyable and memorable.
There are numerous ways to visit Cuba, each with varying price points. Although the unique circumstances of the island may not position it as the ultimate destination for shoestring backpackers, you can save money by understanding the localmecánica(the Cuban way of doing things).
Known as the no-winter island, Cuba cycles through mild to warm to hot-as-hell weather with the changing seasons.
From gorgeous cities swaying to the beat of tropical rhythms to unspoiled, lush forests, Cuba delights travelers with a wide variety of contrasting places.
Travelers will find eclectic architecture, white-sand beaches, and prime wildlife-watching spots across the country. Here are 10 places worth adding to your Cuba itinerary to truly experience the Caribbean’s biggest and most fascinating island.
There’s no better way to gain a local perspective on life in Cuba than by embarking on a road trip. While Cuba’s roads may be challenging with limited signage, the experiences awaiting you are well worth the drive. From short excursions to extensive tours, here are seven of the best scenic road trips across the island.
For first-time travelers, Cuba can appear as a perplexing jigsaw puzzle, especially if you’re venturing beyond resorts and exploring independently. The fast-paced Spanish, dual street names, and intricate monetary system can be daunting. Nevertheless, the rich experiences Cuba offers make it worthwhile to prepare adequately before your journey.
Cuba has a wide array of accommodation options, ranging from Havana’s emblematic Hotel Nacional, where notable figures such as Winston Churchill and Frank Sinatra once filled the halls with cigar smoke, to humble homestays in bucolic Las Tunas. Your biggest decision will be whether to opt for a privately-runcasa particular(private homestay) or a state-owned hotel.
Pack a sun hat and some loose-fitting clothes, and get ready to uncover the buoyant and sophisticated magic of Cuba.
Cuban cuisine has evolved significantly over the past decade. Historically, food shortages were common, and basic meals often consisted of tinned ham and rubbery cheese. However, recent reforms have sparked a culinary renaissance in Cuba, allowing private entrepreneurs to flourish and innovative restaurants to emerge.
Cuba might not have a lot in common with its US neighbor; however, in the six decades since the two nations cut economic ties, classic American cars have ironically become one of the country’s most recognizable symbols. Offering a vivid reflection of Cuba’s decadent 1950s heyday, these cars have also become a popular tourist attraction.
Known for their stunning white sands and clear blue waters, Cuba’s beaches are deliciously uncrowded and full of tranquility. Varadero and the islands of the Jardines del Rey archipelago are just a few essential stops on the long list of flawless turquoise-edged strands surrounding the island.
Cuba is home to some of the Caribbean’s best-protected ecosystems, which give visitors a chance to take in natural beauty and native wildlife.
Being in social isolation doesn’t stop us dreaming of all the places we’d like to visit; in fact, now we’ve got even more time to daydream. Escape on a virtual vacation to bring a little piece of Cuba to your living room.
Five-hundred years since its founding,Cuba’scapital city remains as resilient as its rundown buildings and elegant as the vintage cars still rolling in the streets. After nearly four centuries of Spanish rule, over 50 years of US-backed governments, and 60 years of socialism, Havana’s people (Habaneros) continue to thrive and are ready to celebrate.
Despite recent bans on cruise liners and ‘people-to-people’ trips, US citizens can still apply for a ‘general license’ to travel to Cuba under11 different categorieslisted by the US Department of the Treasury. These range from public performances to athletic competitions to humanitarian projects. Independent travelers with no specific affiliations are best off qualifying under the ‘support for the Cuban people’ category, a relatively open classification which states prospective visitors should:
In the space of three years, US-Cuban relations have evolved from cautious cooperation to a state of uncertainty. On June 4, the Trump administration introduced new measures that seemingly wiped out the relaxation of US travel restrictions instituted by Obama between 2014 and 2016. For American citizens, Cuba seems to be, once again, a forbidden fruit. Or is it?