When and why to book a holiday to Cuba as warmer ties with the US put the Caribbean nation on the cusp of a tourism boom
TRAPPED in a 1950s time warp with its vintage cars and colonial buildings it’s best to see Cuba now before it’s too late.
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ITÂ’S the country trapped in a 1950s time warp, where vintage American cars line the streets and paint is peeling off the pastel-coloured colonial buildings. But Cuba is anything but tired and worn.
Tourism is booming in the Caribbean island nation, particularly since relations with the US appear to be improving.
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“As Cuba becomes more connected with the world, it will start to change and Aussies in particular are flocking to Cuba to experience it before it loses that old-world quality that makes it so unique,” Geckos Adventures Cuba destination manager Rachel Uberti says. “Cuba has been an increasingly popular tourist destination for Australians for the past two years and is only getting more popular.”
WHY VISIT
People travel to Cuba to experience the country that has existed in a bubble since the US severed relations in 1961. Life is simple; you won’t see Coca-Cola or McDonald’s signs in the cities and aside from beautiful museums, there are no major attractions.
Instead, salsa music spills out of Havana’s clubs, watching the sun set on the Malecon – the 8km seaside cement wall – is a daily event and you can get a fresh lobster dinner for as little as $10.
“People go to Cuba for the history, to learn about what happened during the Revolution, to see the paint-peeled colonial buildings and walk the beautiful cobblestone streets,” Uberti says. “It’s a real magnet for younger travellers who love the party atmosphere of Havana, where you can drink mojitos and dance in the clubs. Cubans are passionate about dancing; they’ll even dance on the streets.”
But Uberti adds it’s also worth getting out of the cities to see rural Cuba. The most popular tourist trail will take you from Havana to the Bay of Pigs, Trinidad, Camaguey and Santiago.
At Vinales to the west of Havana, you’ll see the tobacco plantations and meet the farmers who roll the world-famous Cuban cigars.
“We have just added a day tour to a place called Cayo Jutias around 60km from Vinales and it’s beautiful,” Uberti says. “There are no hotels and only two cabanas that sell food, but the white sand beach and crystal clear water is worth the visit. It’s a great opportunity to relax and get off the beaten track.”
Australian visitors often combine a trip to Cuba with a visit to Mexico or another part of Central America, or will visit on the back of a holiday to America.
WHEN TO VISIT
Although the weather is pleasant year- round, it is hurricane season from July to November, with September the riskiest time to visit. In contrast, the peak season covers the cooler months of December, January and February.
WHEN TO BOOK
You might get earlybird specials to Cuba if you book four to six months ahead of departure, Uberti says.
“Our tours to Cuba are booking up faster than ever. We are pretty much booked through March, so plan well ahead to avoid disappointment.”
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