Your Gateway to the Best Travel Experiences
When the seemingly endless sunny days finally come to an end, locals take to the Havana streets. Nightlife in Cuba’s capital is best enjoyed under the moonlight, where cocktails include plenty of ice and fruity flavors with mint leaves. The Havana nightlife scene is filled with salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious tapas. Hitting the Right…
6-Day Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip to Havana, Cuba Joe Sandillo is a member of iBestTravel’s A-List, a collection of the top travel advisors in the world. Below is an example of the type of itineraries he creates. To work with Joe, you can contact him directly at joe@almazjourneys.com. Day 1: Arrive in Havana Upon…
Understanding US-Cuba Travel Regulations: What US Travelers Need to Know US-Cuba relations have rarely been straightforward. The path to improvement is often characterized by two steps forward and one step back. After several years of rapprochement, new travel regulations announced by the Trump administration on June 16, 2017, appear to have stalled some of the…
Discover Trinidad and Viñales – A Journey Through Cuba’s Vibrant Culture From the copper-hued farms of rural Viñales to the rainbow-colored plazas of Trinidad, the places beyond Cuba’s capital offer up a mix of contrasts. Spend a day hiking sunbaked trails, practicing salsa moves in the center of town, or swimming in the Bay of…
The Decline of Cuba’s Cinemas In 1953, Cuba was home to an impressive 694 cinemas and theatres. Havana alone boasted 134 venues, surpassing the combined number of movie theatres in New York and Paris at the time. These theatres, mostly built and managed by American companies such as 20th Century Fox and MGM, served as…
Travel to Cuba has recently become more challenging for Americans following the announcement from the Trump administration, which implemented a ban on cruise ships, private planes, and boats to the Caribbean island. These fresh regulations arise amid a Cuban tourism boom that was on the brink of reaching record-breaking figures—projected to be 5.1 million visitors…
US Travel Regulations for Cuba: What You Need to Know In the space of three years, US-Cuban relations have evolved from cautious cooperation to a state of uncertainty. On June 4, the Trump administration introduced new measures that seemingly wiped out the relaxation of US travel restrictions instituted by Obama between 2014 and 2016. For…
How to qualify for travel to Cuba? Despite recent bans on cruise liners and ‘people-to-people’ trips, US citizens can still apply for a ‘general license’ to travel to Cuba under 11 different categories listed by the US Department of the Treasury. These range from public performances to athletic competitions to humanitarian projects. Independent travelers with…
Celebrate Havana’s 500th Anniversary Five-hundred years since its founding, Cuba’s capital city remains as resilient as its rundown buildings and elegant as the vintage cars still rolling in the streets. After nearly four centuries of Spanish rule, over 50 years of US-backed governments, and 60 years of socialism, Havana’s people (Habaneros) continue to thrive and…
Being in social isolation doesn’t stop us dreaming of all the places we’d like to visit; in fact, now we’ve got even more time to daydream. Escape on a virtual vacation to bring a little piece of Cuba to your living room. Whether it’s the fluid movements of salsa dancers, the blare of a trumpet,…
Cuba’s Tourism Reopening Plans Amid COVID-19 With only one COVID-related death recorded since May 30, the Cuban government has announced tentative plans to reopen for tourism, which is the country’s second-biggest money-earner after healthcare. The reopening will take place in three phases, with the first phase expected to begin in late June, allowing Cubans to…
Cuba and I go back a long way. As a travel writer and occasional tourist, I’ve been traveling to the country for nearly 25 years, from the economic crises of the 1990s to the heady days of 2016 when President Obama and The Rolling Stones dropped by in the same month. I secretly dreamed it…
Cuba is home to some of the Caribbean’s best-protected ecosystems, which give visitors a chance to take in natural beauty and native wildlife. Usually associated with the hectic pace of Havana and all-inclusive beach resorts like Varadero, the island has 14 national parks that aren’t well known – but should be. At reserves throughout the…
Traveling to Cuba: What You Need to Know in 2023 Throughout much of the past two years, Cuba’s borders were closed, grinding the country’s tourism industry to a stop. In November the country reopened to visitors, and here’s how to navigate your journey safely. Low Cases and High Vaccinations Having last visited Cuba in October…
Travel Restrictions and Requirements for Visiting Cuba Midway through its peak travel season, and with Omicron cases spreading rapidly, Cuba has enacted tighter entry requirements for travelers. New Entry Requirements for Travelers Travelers heading to Cuba must now provide proof of vaccination to enter, along with a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior…
Known for their stunning white sands and clear blue waters, Cuba’s beaches are deliciously uncrowded and full of tranquility. Varadero and the islands of the Jardines del Rey archipelago are just a few essential stops on the long list of flawless turquoise-edged strands surrounding the island. Cuba’s beaches are open to all, though American travelers…
Classic American Cars in Cuba – A Unique Adventure Cuba might not have a lot in common with its US neighbor; however, in the six decades since the two nations cut economic ties, classic American cars have ironically become one of the country’s most recognizable symbols. Offering a vivid reflection of Cuba’s decadent 1950s heyday,…
The Rolling Stones’ Historic Concert in Cuba In a landmark event, The Rolling Stones became the first major international rock band to perform in Cuba. This monumental concert took place at the Ciudad Deportiva in Havana, attracting an impressive crowd of over 100,000 people. The air was filled with excitement and joy, showcasing a vibrant…
Discover the Charm of Cuba with iBestTravel This year marks a significant moment in history as the United States and Cuba have reestablished diplomatic relations that ended in 1961. As a result, a new era of exploration and cultural exchange is beginning. Visitors now have a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Cuban life,…
Discover Cuba: A Journey through Havana’s Vibrant Culture Cubans dance the tango in the middle of the famous Prado boulevard in Habana Vieja. U.S. tourists crowd into old American cars in Havana. Cuba is scrambling to accommodate an influx of visitors. A man rides his modified bicycle past a vintage American car in Havana. A…