Winston Churchill described Cuba as a "...large, rich, beautiful island..." and despite the political turmoil that sometimes gets in the way of Cuba travel, the country remains one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Cuba is the most populous country in the Caribbean, and also the most diverse. From the fields of sugar cane to the white sandy beaches, and all the young salsa dancers in between, travelers booking flights to Cuba will experience a country as rich in its culture as it is in its history.
Cuba is certainly not without its turmoil. As far back as the 1950s, the United States and Cuba became increasingly hostile with one another. From the Cuban Missile Crisis to the Bay of Pigs, and with recent political strains forced on both countries, Cuba and the U.S. continue to battle over social and political ideologies. But Cuba has a lot to offer travelers. Book Cuba flights to the tourist sector of the country and sip mojitos while enjoying local Cuban food and music with the locals or in some of the countries all-inclusive resorts.
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The wet season in Cuba is July to September, with hurricane season June to November. The dry season is December through to April or May. However, the temperature is high throughout the year, averaging around 80 degrees (F) and falling only to an average of 71 degrees (F) from November-January.
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Peak season:
The most popular time to visit is December-January, though this time of year is also prone to cool evenings. The months of July and August are also very popular with vacationers. Booking flights to Cuba around national holidays – Christmas, Easter, New Year and July 26 (the anniversary of the revolution) – is also very popular with tourists hoping to join in the festivities. In the towns such as Havana and Santiago de Cuba, peak season runs for most of the year.
Off season:
Unsurprisingly, off season is October and November when hurricanes are most likely. Of course, this is also the best time to find cheap flights to Cuba and discount accommodation are likely to be found.
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Flying is an easy way to get around the island; Cubana Airlines offers a good network of local Cuba flights to popular destinations.
The cheapest way to get to most destinations is by bus. The excellent tourist bus service is run by Viazul, which operates coaches with air-conditioning, video and toilet. The route network connects most towns in Cuba that you could wish to visit. It may be worth brining a jumper, as temperatures are much more “refreshing” than those outside. There is also a slightly cheaper service run by Astro bus, which is used mainly by locals. For the smaller fare, it is less reliable and often slower, with fewer spaces for foreigners. However, if you’re travelling further off the beaten track, it may be the only way to go.
Renting a car is easy and there are many rental companies. The road network is excellent, but there are many other dangers to beware: if you’re visiting in high season, book in advance as all rental cars can get reserved. Attempts at parting foreigners from their cash are even more common at less-reputable rental companies in Cuba than the rest of the world. A good tip is to take a photograph of your car when you drop it off at the airport, so you have proof that you did not cause any damage to it. English will not be spoken everywhere you go, so take a good road map to find your way and learn enough Spanish to ask directions. Always ensure you have enough gas and fill up when you can – don’t just assume you will pass a gas station when the tank is running low, on many roads they are few and far between.
The following chart gives approximate travel times from Havana (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Cuba.
| | Air | Road |
|---|
| Varadero | 0.15 | 2.00 |
|---|
| Trinidad | 0.20 | 5.00 |
|---|
| Santiago de Cuba | 1.15 | 17.00 |
|---|
| Pinar del Rio | 0.15 | 2.00 |
|---|
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- Havana is the first port of call for most visitors. The country’s capital is an aesthetic mixture of Spanish colonial architecture, dilapidated buildings and, of course, the 1950s American finned cars. When in Havana, don’t miss a walk the Malecon – the huge sea wall. The views are spectacular, it is the perfect place to see El Castillo Havana (the castle), the sea, the town itself and also to people spot. Try and visit both in the day and the night, when it comes alive with bars and music.
- Cienfuegos City, often referred to as the “pearl of the South”, is on the southern coast of the country, built into a natural bay. Today a world heritage site, the city was settled by French colonialists in 1819 and its buildings reflect its past. As well as numerous attractions such as botanical gardens, a cemetery and stunning beaches, Cienfuegos is also home to the world’s highest stalagmite. Housed in the Martin Infierno Cave, the stalagmite is 67m high. Visiting it is an adventure in itself: head east to the mountains from the city, and enter the cave through the Yaguanabo Beach.
- The Caribbean beaches are one of the biggest draws of Cuba, and many holidaymakers don’t leave their all-inclusive resort. For the most idyllic beaches, head for Cayo Largo del Sur on the Caribbean side of the island. This island lies just offshore and has all you could want from a Caribbean beach: white sand, palm trees, grapefruit fields, parrots and excellent diving.
- Be alert to potential scams and attempts to make money. One popular trick, described by many tourists is the request for “milk for my baby”. A tourist is approached and asked, not for money, but just to buy some milk for the Cuban’s baby. Both go together to a local shop to buy milk, so the tourist knows their money is going on the actual product. However, the next day, the milk is returned to the shop for real money. Don’t get angry if you fear you are being scammed. Maintain a good humor with any hustlers and politely refuse.
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Major airports in Cuba include:
Jose Marti International (Havana)
Cayo Coco
Maximo Gomez Intl (Ciego De Avila)
Frank Pais (Holguin)
Juan G. Gomez Intl (Varadero)
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A Tourist Visa Card, costing US$25 or equivalent, may be issued by tour operators, travel agents or airlines for a single holiday trip of up to 30 days, provided land arrangements are pre-booked and paid. A return ticket or proof of further destination travel is required, as well as sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay (US$50 or equivalent per day). Passports of nationals with diplomatic representations in Cuba need to be valid only at the moment of entry, but passports of nationals without diplomatic representations in Cuba must be valid for two months beyond date of entry.
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U.S. citizens must be licensed by the Department of Treasury in order to travel to Cuba, but travel to the country is strictly controlled and only select categories of travelers are licensable. Tourist travel is officially impossible due to the U.S. Embargo and travel for business reasons is heavily restricted. U.S. citizens who are licensed require a passport valid for at least three months and a visa for entry.
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