Cuba is the largest of the Caribbean Islands, and in recent years tourism packages to the country have become more popular with the country now actively encouraging it. For their part, Americans too are beginning to travel to Cuba as the United States embargo has relaxed slightly.

In adddition, financial help from the old Soviet Union has ceased and this has impacted on the economy. Power blackouts can be quite common but nevertheless it is possible to get a good standard of accommodation with modern amenities, including up to 5 star hotels. Inoculations are strongly advised before traveling to Cuba, particularly for Hepatitis B and Tetanus.

Important Information Regarding Visas And Currency

A Tourist Visa Card is usually required for entry, and different terms apply to different countries. The major airport, Jose Marti International Airport,is situated near the capital city of Havana. Many visitors like to move around on the local bus network that includes luxury, air-conditioned buses with toilets and refreshments for sale. Spanish speakers who travel to Cuba should note that whilst it is the official language, Cubans speak it in their own distinct dialect. The unit of currency is the Cuban Peso and there are few ATMs around, even in Havana. Travelers Checks drawn on American banks are not acceptable strictly speaking because of the embargo, although some tourist hotels will cash them for you.

Favorite souvenirs for tourists tend to be cigars, coffee or rum. Rum and rum based cocktails are particularly popular in the bars and beer is readily available too. However, people who travel to Cuba may be disappointed in the cuisine which is generally not as inventive as in other parts of the Caribbean, the national dish being rice and beans. Restaurants are owned by the government with the exception of restaurants operating in private homes, called Paladares, where the standard of food tends to be better. The staple meat dishes are chicken and pork and vendors sell pizzas. Visitors are recommended to drink bottled water and not water from the tap.

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Cuba?

Havana is without a doubt a very exciting city with lots of nightlife and attractions, including the Museum of Revolution and Capital Building. There are also tours available round a cigar factory or a rum factory. Varadero, on the other hand, is a popular beach resort and is the site of the only golf course in the country. Divers and snorkelers usually go to the small village of Maria la Gorda where there is a beach and a diving center. For mountainous scenery, there is the valley of Vinales.

As more and more people are now choosing to travel to Cuba as it offers something different from the usual tourist trail, now may be a good time to go before it gets too popular, crowded and over-commercialised.