Everyone says you should visit Cuba before it gets commercialised by the United States and before big corporations eventually expand onto the island putting an end to a place untainted by McDonalds and Starbucks. So I visited Cuba back in 2017 and I could already see some of the changes being made by the US, only slightly, but still noticeable. The country is changing and more hotels are being built to cope with the demand for accommodation, but it still remains one of the most unique places you can visit so make sure it is on your
2022 holiday bucket list!
The Cars!
The first thing that catches your eye when you exit the airport in
Cuba are the cars, all bright, colourful, and vintage. You will hardly find any other country with these vintage American cars in use. It is like stepping back in time and it feels like you are walking around a movie set with its bright colourful houses and buildings. The architecture catches your eye and never fails to captivate.
Amazing Architecture
One of the most amazing architectural buildings you must see when visiting
Cuba is the incredible Catedral de la Habana. Designed by Italian architect Francesco Borromini and built in 1787, the church became a cathedral and is one of the oldest in the Americas.
Sandy Beaches
Cuba is not all about the history and architecture, it also has some of the best beaches in the world. A total of 300 to be exact, but who’s counting. Some of the best beaches include Playa Los Flamencos on the island of Cayo Coco, Player Pilar in Cayo Guillermo and Playa Ancon on Cuba’s South Coast.
When visiting
Cuba I would recommend exploring with a guide. Guides can create opportunities for you to speak with the locals and can potentially arrange a visit to a cigar factory if you are lucky. They can also help you with local recommendations and show you some hidden gems.
Switch Off and Relax
One thing to note is be prepared to switch off from the rest of the world. Unlike other countries internet is that reliable even now. Not saying you can’t have access to it, but you will have to purchase internet cards from shops or your hotel that can last for up to an hour should you need to. You won’t have the best connection but to be honest when you are in such a place like this, you don’t want to be disturbed. Enjoy this time away from the world.
Hints & Tips
The Cuban National Peso (CUP) is the only legal cash currency in Cuba and you can only exchange currency once you arrive in the country. Some private hotels, bars and restaurants may accept cash payments in dollars or euros. It is also recommended not to change money anywhere other than at Cadeca exchange houses, large hotels or banks, due to the prevalence of forged currency.
The best time to visit
Cuba is during its dry season, November to April. It’s also an amazing place to be for Christmas as most places remain open for you to visit.
With so much to do from relaxing on the beach to exploring the old streets of Havana, Cuba is one of the unique and untouched gems in the world and is highly recommended to visit. If you do decide to go, remember stay safe and follow the Covid guidelines when travelling. Keep an eye on the FCO website for
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba
Safe travels!
