The Caribbean

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 […]

Cuba might not have a lot of things in common with its US neighbor, but 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, they have also become a

Cuba has a wide array of accommodation options, from Havana’s emblematic Hotel Nacional – where Winston Churchill and Frank Sinatra once filled the halls with cigar smoke – to a humble homestay in bucolic Las Tunas. Your biggest decision will be whether to opt for a privately-run casa particular (private homestay) or a state-owned hotel.

While Cuba is best known for its sandy beaches lapped by see-your-toes transparent water, the country also has a seldom-explored network of national parks and protected areas that are worth hiking. Unfortunately, trekking here can be challenging, and hikers face badly maintained trails, nearly nonexistent signage and limitations to roaming around unaccompanied. But with some

The Biden Administration took several steps toward thawing US-Cuba relations on May 16, 2022, after five years of tightened restrictions. While the measures don’t fully restore the openings of the Obama era, they mark an encouraging start for struggling Cubans and aspiring US travelers. What has changed? Of direct interest to US travelers is the

Cuban cuisine has come a long way in the last decade. Until the late 2000s, shortages were a way of life, and the nation’s default snack was a sandwich stuffed with tinned ham and rubbery cheese (the real Cuban sandwich is an invention of Cuban Americans in the US). Reforms in the early 2010s widened

In this series, Smarttravelly’s team of writers and editors answers your travel problems and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. This week, Brendan Sainsbury, who has been traveling to Cuba for over 25 years as both a guide and a guidebook writer, shares his top tips on currency in the

At first glance, Cuba has a transportation network to make traveling around the country an easy ride, including an extensive train system and 900km (560 miles) of highways that link up towns throughout the island. But getting around Cuba isn’t easy. Public transport isn’t well designed for visitors – you need to book ahead or

There are many ways to visit Cuba. Many price points, too. While the country’s unique circumstances may not make the island the best place in the world for shoestring backpackers, you can certainly save money if you understand a bit of the local mecánica (Cuban way of doing things). The bulk of tourists head to

Cuba is a Caribbean paradise, but because of the island’s tumultuous history and international relations, its visa rules can be complicated – especially for visitors from the US. We’ve rounded up all the key information you need to know about Cuba’s entry requirements, including details on the various types of visas, how to secure them