Why You Must Visit Cuba Now Before This Untouched Island Changes Forever

Cuba is changing, there’s no doubt about it. Whether it’s the reforms that Raul Castro has introduced over the last few years or President Obama’s recent visit, times are definitely changing. If you want to see an authentic and untouched Cuba go now before too much changes, and the authentic travel adventure is lost forever.

There are 3 distinctly different ways to vacation in Cuba. You can take a beach vacation, you can trek in the mountains, or you can tour the island to explore the fascinating towns and cities. You can of course combine elements of all three and this is perhaps the best way to get under Cuba’s skin.

Do people really take vacations to Cuba?

Thousands of Europeans have vacationed in Cuba over the last 10 to 15 years and it is now well established as a cheaper Caribbean beach destination. Obviously it has not been a major US destination for some time now so you will still have a big novelty factor.

Are the people friendly?

The Cuban people are warm, friendly and inquisitive. Expect lots of questions.

Is Cuba expensive?

As a tourist to the island you will be using CUCs or Cuban Convertible Pesos. This tourist currency means that you will be paying more than the locals for what you buy - because no matter how great your Spanish is, they’ll know you are a tourist. Cuba is not exactly expensive but because of the two currency system it isn’t dirt cheap either. Expect to pay up to $2 for a soft drink or a beer, up to $5 for a cocktail and around $10 to $25 for a meal.

How can I travel around Cuba?

Carry both currencies and you should be able to do a complete tour of the island using taxis and buses for no more than around $250. The bus service is the more fun of the two, since you’ll be traveling with locals and the bus drivers don’t take the schedules too seriously. We do not recommend flying for safety reasons. Book excursions through the state run tourism offices only. If you book anywhere else you are likely to be paying the 3rd party a cut for their services.

What are the things that any traveler to Cuba must do?

Cuba is a very safe destination (if you apply all the common sense you would anywhere else) so there are no areas to avoid. Our top 6 places and things to see are:

• Havana - Cuba’s soulful & atmospheric capital city
• Mantanzas - once one of the island’s cultural centers, it was the birthplace of Rumba
• La Gran Piedra mountains - for a visit to an original coffee plantation

Cameaguey - it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, need we say more?

Trinidad - also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city showcases Cuba’s colonial past

Cuba’s beaches - avoid the tourist riddled Varadero and head instead for the white sand beaches near Trinidad

Any other tips?

Always carry cash - you’ll be using cash to pay for everything outside of the hotels and resorts. You can also use US Dollars and effective March 2016 the 10% tax on US Dollar exchange has been lifted. Credit cards including Amex, Visa and Mastercard are not widely accepted in Cuba yet.