YOU GUYS. Cuba has been on my wanderlust list for so long and the fact that I was able to go this year just delights me. In January, I spent a week in Havana, Cuba with my boyfriend, Michael, on a cultural adventure. Despite all the differences – like no cell service and paying for Wi-Fi a la calling card method – we absolutely enjoyed the country and embraced it with open hearts. Cubans are industrious, intelligent, and incredibly hopeful. I honestly cannot wait for the day when I can return to this amazing country!
Getting There
Ok, so one major thing – As an American it’s still illegal to travel to Cuba for purely touristic purposes. It is much easier to go now, though, like the fact that there are direct flights from NYC to 4 airports in Cuba (thanks, JetBlue!) Instead, you can declare 1 out of 12 purposes for travel which qualify on a General License, create and itinerary, and go! There’s a little more to it, so I encourage that you do some further legal research. You also need to take into consideration things to pack for your trip, and my previous post details some of the things I took. I personally declared “people-to-people exchange” on my license, which meant that I would stick to a full-time itinerary of activities that enhanced my interaction with the Cuban people. Here’s a peek at some of the things I did:
Eat at a paladar, or privately owned restaurant
Stay with a family at a casa particular – yes, there is AirBnB in Cuba!
Take a tour of Havana – learning about architecture, history, and culture
Take a cooking class – I highly recommend you reach out to Cafe Ajiaco in Cojimar!
Visit art galleries and have conversations with artists
Visit museums and go on a guided tour
Visit a farm in Viñales to learn how cigars and coffee are made
Now what are you waiting for? Go, go, go!
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Jenna says
These are great tips and the photos are beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
Cheers, J
Gisel says
Thanks, Jenna!!
Leanne says
Great tips! Cuba is high on my list of places to go. Thanks for sharing!
xo,
Leanne
http://www.thestyledsuburbian.com
Gisel says
I keep telling people – GO, GO, GO!
Thanks, Leanne!
Leah says
This looks like such an amazing trip! & I just love all your outfits!
x- Leah
http://www.ellemaebloom.com
Gisel says
Thanks so much Leah!
Gail says
This seems like such an amazing trip. So many people are visiting Cuba these days and I’m loving all the photos. I didn’t realize that there were still so many restrictions but thanks for the tips and the great shots! Xoxo
Gisel says
Gail – Yep!! It definitely takes a lot of planning, but so worth it. Thanks for your kind words 🙂
Amy says
Love hearing more about your trip! Looks like there’s so much to do there!
xoxo,
Amy
http://www.styleandsequins.com
Gisel says
It’s a great, beautiful country! Highly suggest everyone visit!
Emily Soto says
Your list of activities sounds amazing! What an amazing cultural experience!
Gisel says
It really was so much fun!
Thanks, Emily!
Lem says
Wow! greats shots of the place! It’s very inviting.
Comfy but stylish outfits you got there!
I wish I could visit this place soon.
Xoxo,
Courtney Bentley || http://www.courtneyvioletbentley.com
Gisel says
I Highly recommend it!!
Courtney Bentley says
Wow! I love your outfits! Cool pictures BTW 🙂
Xoxo,
Courtney Bentley || http://www.courtneyvioletbentley.com
Gisel says
Thanks so much Courtney!! 🙂