Okay, so I decided to go to Cuba for my June holiday. It was kinda spur-of-the-moment, to be honest. I’ve always wanted to go, and I saw a cheap flight, so I just booked it! First thing I did was hit up Google – you know, the usual “what to do in Cuba” searches.
I started looking at places to stay. I didn’t want anything too fancy, just somewhere clean and safe. I ended up finding a “casa particular,” which is like a local guesthouse. Figured that would be a cool way to experience the real Cuba.
Planning the Trip
Next, I needed a rough itinerary. I knew I wanted to see Havana, of course. So I started making a list:
- Old Havana: Just wander around and soak it all in.
- Classic Car Ride: Everyone says you gotta do this!
- Museums: Maybe check out the Revolution Museum, or something about cigars.
I also wanted to get out of the city, so I did some more digging. I read about Viñales, which is a valley with these crazy-looking hills. Looked beautiful, so I added that to the list. And Trinidad – a colonial town with colorful buildings, sounded perfect.
Getting Ready
Before I left, I had to sort out some practical stuff. I got some Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC), although I heard they were phasing those out. Made sure I had my passport and visa sorted, obviously. Also, I packed pretty light – mostly just summer clothes, a good pair of walking shoes, and some sunscreen. Oh, and my camera! Couldn’t forget that.
The Actual Trip
The flight was pretty long, but I was too excited to care. When I got to Havana, it was like stepping back in time. The old cars, the crumbling buildings… it was amazing. I checked into my casa particular, and the family was super welcoming. They gave me some tips on where to eat, and even helped me book a taxi for the next day.
I spent the next few days exploring Havana. Walked around Old Havana, which was just as cool as I imagined. Got lost in the little streets, listened to live music, and just enjoyed the vibe. I did the classic car ride – totally touristy, but totally worth it!
Viñales was next. Took a bus, which was an experience in itself! The scenery was incredible, though. Those weird, round hills (mogotes, I think they’re called) were unlike anything I’d ever seen. I went horseback riding through the tobacco fields – definitely a highlight.
Trinidad was my last stop. It was a bit quieter than Havana, but just as charming. I loved the colorful buildings and the cobblestone streets. I spent a lot of time just wandering around, taking pictures, and drinking mojitos.
Coming Home
The trip went by way too fast. Before I knew it, I was back at the airport, heading home. I felt like I’d only scratched the surface of Cuba, but I loved every minute of it. Definitely a place I want to go back to someday!
