12 Reasons To Go To Cuba Right Now

12 Reasons To Go To Cuba Right Now
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It seems as if everyone is going to Cuba right now. And why not; the beaches are perfect, the rum is delicious and the culture will leave you wanting more. Here are a few of the many reasons to start planning your trip there.

Perfect Beaches

Just a short 2 hour drive from the Havana Airport is Varadero – a beautiful town with 22 km of white sandy beaches. The palm trees, pineapple drinks and crystal blue water will leave you breathless.

World Class Entertainment

Whether you are at the Tropicana, Buena Vista Social Club, seeing the ballet or just in a random bar on who knows what street you will see some amazing live singing, and dancing.

The Cigars

Tessa Juliette - http://travelwheretonext.com

Tessa Juliette - http://travelwheretonext.com

Tessa Juliette - http://travelwheretonext.com

Unless you live under a rock you know Cuban cigars are considered the best in the world. You can visit the Partagas Cigar Factory in Havana for a guided tour or head to Vinales and roam an organic tobacco farm.

Casa Particulars

Cuba had AirBnb before it was cool – and it comes in the form of Casa Particulars. The government allows locals to host tourists and you can live in houses and buildings along side a family. It will give you a unique insight into what Cuban life in like.

The Vintage Cars

Ride (or just admire) the vintage cars. If you do ride in one make sure to negotiate fares before you leave, there are no meters in any of them. Good news is they are everywhere and easy to find.

Get Off The Grid

Enjoy being off the grid without a connection of wifi or social media. Or if you have a job like my husband (lawyer) enjoy the office not being able to reach you.

The Dancing

You could just go to any local restaurant, or street corner, and dance the night away but I suggest taking a salsa lesson while in Havana. I recommend Salsador a Cuba they charge $14 per person per hour and the lesson is one on one. They start with the basics and work all the way up to advanced combinations. It is not unusual to plan 3 or 4 days of lessons, actually it is what most people do! Start with one and you will be hooked!

The Rum

Havana Club is the most popular brand and is sold in every restaurant and bar. Mojitios are typically the drink of choice and are quite refreshing in the hot Caribbean sun.

The Food

Of course what vacation is complete without massive amounts of great food? Don’t worry, Cuba has tons. Between low cost street food, trendy tapas and cervezas places and locally run paladars you won’t go hungry. Here are my top food recommendations.

Experience Real Cuban Life

Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path. Cuba is very safe and walking around REAL Cuban neighborhoods is both an eyeopening and enlightening experience. You will see kids playing in the streets, groups of men working on vintage cars, local bakeries and street vendors selling fresh fruit.

Scuba Diving at the Bay of Pigs

If you are certified you can go to some of the best and clearest waters in Havana. We used Barracuda Divers and did two dives over the course of an afternoon at the Bay of Pigs. Full Review here.

Horseback Riding

Tessa Juliette - http://travelwheretonext.com

Tessa Juliette - http://travelwheretonext.com

Tessa Juliette - http://travelwheretonext.com

A day trip to Vinales is a must do when in Cuba. Taxis from Havana are cheap to get there and back and the country side is straight out of a movie. You can horseback ride, hike, tour organic farms or just walk the pretty city. Full guide to Vinales here.

Anyway you stack it Cuba is going to be an amazing time. If you want to learn more my website has a full guide on how easy it is to get a Visa and tons of other posts for planning your trip.

Follow me on Instagram for more amazing photos of Cuba and other travels.

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