Only in Cuba …

Cuba, a gem tucked away in the Caribbean, calls with a seduction beyond simple travel. The reasons you fall in love with this energetic island will be as varied as its scenery, whether your dreams are of its sun-kissed coastlines or you are really planning a trip. Cuba presents a fascinating and transforming experience from the rich tapestry of its culture to the enchanted simplicity of life.

Holidays Without the Internet

Cuba offers a novel exception in an era of digital connectivity: a holiday free of the ceaseless buzz of the internet. Families can thus fully enjoy the island’s natural beauty and cultural diversity without being distracted by social media. The friendliness of the Cuban people, especially their love of children, generates an inviting environment that promotes real relationships. Visitors are urged to savor the moment since internet access is both limited and expensive—$6 for a temporary connection, few dollars more for wireless access, and only few hotels providing it. For those tired of the digital world, this detachment can be a freeing experience that lets one interact more fully with the surroundings and the people.

Driving in a Car Older Than Your Parents for 40 Cents

Imagine driving in a vintage car across Havana’s streets, its vivid paint chipped but elegant, a relic from another age. Often driven by kerosene and held together with adhesive tape, these vintage vehicles are more than just means of mobility; they are evidence of the tenacity and inventiveness of the Cuban character. Hailing a shared taxi for just forty cents, you can slide into a seat next to other passengers, each ride an adventure full of laughter and stories. As you negotiate the vibrant streets dotted with colonial architecture and the echoes of history, the rhythmic hum of the engine and the wind in your hair create an exhilarating sense of freedom.

Two Currencies

The twin currency system of Cuba gives its economic scene still another level of mystery. For visitors, the coexistence of the convertible peso and the Cuban peso generates a special dynamic. Although there are many stories about the complexity of this system, visitors can savor its affordability. One can have a filling lunch for just $1 and view classic movies that once graced Hollywood’s silver screen for just cents. This economic duality improves the travel experience and encourages discovery of the island’s active markets and local restaurants, where the tastes of Cuba come alive.

No McDonald’s

Cuba distinguishes itself in a world where fast food chains rule the gastronomic scene by not including so-called franchises like McDonald’s. Rather, the island boasts El Rapido, a native fast-food chain where the cuisine might include pizza and overcooked spaghetti. Still, El Rapido really changes at night, turning into a vibrant club where both residents and visitors come to dance and enjoy the active nightlife. The red and yellow colors of the establishment call, offering an experience clearly Cuban, a celebration of community and culture.

No Advertising

One of the most arresting features of Cuba is the clear lack of advertising. There won’t be any billboards begging for attention or commercials fighting for your eye as you travel the island. This revitalizing lack of commercialism enables a more real experience whereby the richness of the culture and the beauty of the surroundings take front stage. Many visitors start to consider the ubiquitous nature of advertising in their own life and value the clarity and peace that results from a society free from continual marketing messages.