Photo by Kirk Webster
What do you think of when you think of Cuba? Pastel-colored buildings and cars? Warm friendly smiles? The inviting tones of Latin music? Blue-water beaches? When it comes to vacationing, there’s no doubt that Cuba has it all, and it’s a great place to escape the winter chill. Get there now to experience the authentic and simple culture while it’s still free of most commercial noise.
Cuba’s relative isolation from much of the Western world means that it is still easy to experience the authentic cultural warmth of the place. Be ready to disconnect as internet and phone access can be spotty—but this is all the more reason to schmooze with the locals. Be sure to catch a live music show or drink a mojito at the bar to get chatting with locals. This is a perfect time to brush up on your Spanish—consider staying with a local family at a Casa Particular to get a real authentic feel for the culture and surroundings.
Photo by Kirk Webster
History and photography buffs will marvel at the architecture. Spend some time in Old Havana, people-watching in the Old Square and gazing at beautiful buildings and vintage cars. If you’re a Hemingway buff you can take a peek into the museum dedicated to the famous writer. The Christopher Columbus cemetery is also a tranquil place to spend an afternoon. And for dinner you absolutely must try one of the local Paladares, or home restaurants, for the most authentic dining experience.
Photo by Kirk Webster
Beach fans will have no problem finding the perfect place to rest, swim and snorkel at one of Cuba’s near-perfect beaches—consider Veradero or Playa Paraiso if you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort. Nature buffs will surely want to hit up at least one of the island’s many national parks for magnificent scenery, hiking, swimming and diving.
Photo by Kirk Webster
A note for US citizens: Visiting Cuba was off-limits for US travelers until 2015 when US-Cuba relations were repaired. Just last year, several major airlines began offering direct flights between the US and Cuba. If you are from the US, there may still be some travel restrictions in place even now, so be sure to do your research before making any bookings.