Cuba Holidays
Although famed as the one time playground of the West Indies, Cuba holidays have far more to offer than our stereotypical images of beautiful beaches, cigars and the writings of Hemingway and Greene. For example the Sierra Maestra, Caribbean coast and Zapata wetlands play host to wildlife as diverse as the bee hummingbird, the pygmy frog and the whale shark. Culturally, Cuba is a true melting pot, where the faded grandeur of colonial churches fuse interestingly with stark revolutionary plazas, while whisperings of salsa emerge from bars and mingle with Castro's political campaigns.
The Communist system, a struggling economy and the US embargo are evident, yet so too is a determination amongst the Cuban people to survive, dance and enjoy life. Whilst on holiday in Cuba, whatever opinions you have about communism and capitalism, you will see that Cubans today have a better health service, education system and employment status than any other Latin American country.
Whilst travelling around Cuba you have to prepare yourself for an 'interesting' concept of service and quality, timely 'communist restrictions' and the 'need', though often charming, to relieve any traveller of their supply of foreign currency.
Despite its difficulties, anyone prepared to explore Cuba will be fully rewarded for their efforts. It is without doubt a beautiful, varied destination that will thrill and excite even the most experienced traveller. As Christopher Columbus wrote in his logbook after landing on Cuba in 1492, "Never have I seen a more beautiful country or friendlier people."
Cruise Havana in an old 1950's Chrysler, relax on secluded white sand beaches, sip a mojito cocktail in Hemingway's favourite bar, smoke a fine cigar at the Partigas factory and then salsa till dawn with locals to throbbing live music.
Journey Ideas for Cuba