Cuba: The Communist Idyll!
Cuba is perhaps the most culturally fascinating and exciting place to visit in the Caribbean. There is plenty there for everyone to enjoy, from white sandy beaches, sun and surf to absorbing the atmosphere of the once majestic colonial towns and relaxing with a strong cup of coffee to the sound of traditional, lively music.
You won’t find many American tourists there, since Americans are forbidden by their own government to travel to the Communist state, though one or two brave the trip regardless. Dollars and American credit cards aren’t accepted in the country, although sterling is accepted. Sterling can be changed for CUC (Convertible Pesos) but Cuban Peso are also used, so be wary when counting your change bearing in mind the differing values of each.
If you’re planning on visiting, the best times (in terms of weather) are during the months of November to April, when it’s warm and sunny. Either side of these months, in October and May, it’s still warm but a bit wetter. Avoid July and August if you want to avoid humidity, extreme heat and thunderstorms. A good length of break, that will let you have some time on the beach and some time to explore the cities, would be a fortnight, but you’d still have plenty to see if you made it three weeks or even longer.
The best towns to visit are Havana (especially during weekends in February, which is when the Havana Carnival happens) and Trinidad, though you may want to take in the sights at Santiago de Cuba. The nicest beaches are at Varadero and Guadalavaca.
Don’t forget to pick up your souvenir Che t-shirts and cigars!