11 Reasons Why You Must Visit Machu Picchu At Least Once In a Lifetime: Surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and at 2,430 meters (7,970 ft) above sea level, the great Inca Ruins in the sky are truly amazing. Words fall short when trying to describe this place, which makes it even more important to go see it for yourself. Here are the 11 reason why you should make Peru your top bucket-list priority. THE ARCHITECTURE: The engineering genius and precision of the Incas is simply stunning, especially on this little bit of land in the clouds. The Incas mastered the technique called ashlar where blocks of stone are cut to fit together tightly without mortar. The stones are so tightly fit you can’t even fit a blade between them. It is also a testament to the structural integrity of the site that it still stands, through earthquakes, constant torrential rain and, now, heavy tourism.
THE SIGHTS: At a dizzying 2,430 meters above sea-level, the view form Machu Picchu on a clear day is breath taking. The famous ruins are surrounded by towering peaks (apus, which means “sacred peaks� in Quechua) and have views of the surrounding valley.
THE MYSTERY: The function of these ruins is still a debate amongst archaeologist. The consensus opinion is that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the great Inca Pachacuti. It is also considered a pilgrimage site that Incas would take to pay respects to the great Inca leader. The pilgrimage taken to the site is the route now called the Inca Trail.
THE INCAS: While admiring the site, you’re also marveling at the brilliance of the Incas and their culture. At its height, the remarkable empire extended from Peru to Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and parts of Colombia. Their profound impact is found all over Peru and other parts of South America.
May not be around much longer: Huge flocks of tourists descend upon the ruins each winter and this popularity now threatens its very existence. UNESCO is considering putting Machu Picchu on its List of World Heritage in Danger and Peru is now limiting the number of visitors to the site each day, in an attempt to preserve it. THE HISTORY: From the Incas to Hiram Bingham’s “discovery” and all the controversy that it brought, Machu Picchu’s history is long and layered. You’ll spend days – really you should spend longer – learning about the long history of the Incas and Machu Picchu.
THE INCA TRAIL: The Inca Trail is just as well known as Machu Picchu and the trail each year fills up quickly. The trek takes you through ruins and beautiful landscapes and leads to the ultimate destination, Machu Picchu. THE CULTURE: Cusco and the areas that surround Machu Picchu are rich in culture interest. It is a combination of Andean traditions and Peruvian culture, with people speaking both Quechua and Spanish in the area. Everything from the cloths to the language is unlike anything else in the world.
THE ADVENTURE You’ll feel like you’re discovering something for the first time when you step onto the sacred grounds, especially if you just finished the 4-day Inca Trail. Bragging rights Machu Picchu is the holy grail of all backpacker destinations and is certainly deserving of bragging rights. You’ll never stop telling people that you visited this incredible place.
THE MEMORIES: When it’s all said and done, you’ll never forget your trip to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Make sure to take plenty of pictures because you’ll want to relive these memories for the rest of your life.
10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mexico Mexico is one of the year’s hottest destinations, what with its secret island escapes, Caribbean coastline and cosmopolitan capital city, as well as its thriving restaurant scene and quirky colonial towns that are ideal for day trips. However, if you’re still undecided on why exactly you should stop by this oftenmisrepresented North American country, here are ten reasons that might convince you exactly why you should visit Mexico.
THE CUISINE IS AMAZING AND VARIED: Mexico is a country of delicious food, that much is clear, but it’s not all tacos and tortas. In fact, the culinary scene from north to south varies wildly, although each dish remains just as delicious as the last. Whether you want carne asada or cabrito in the north, seafood on the Pacific coast in Sinaloa, hangover busting tortas ahogadas in western Jalisco or Mayan delicacies in the Yucatán Peninsula, one thing’s for sure – you’ll never be short of options.
THE MUSIC SCENE IS OFF THE CHART: Even though clubs in Mexico tend to blast out the tracks that are doing the rounds internationally, whether in Spanish or English, the traditional music of the country is diverse, excellent and shouldn’t be overlooked. From the emblematic mariachi groups, to the bands that blast out banda or son Jarochos, live Mexican music is far more varied than people often give it credit for, and often much better than the headline-stealing Justin Bieber remixes of reggaeton hits.
THE PEOPLE ARE WELCOMING AND FRIENDLY: If there’s one thing everyone will agree on about Mexico, it’s that the locals are warm, welcoming and always willing to help, whether you need directions or advice on what street food stall to eat at. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, you’ll soon realise that Mexicans will go out of their way to give you the information you’re looking for, even when that means escorting you to a tourist desk or ringing their niece for advice on bus routes. So, don’t believe everything the popular press tells you about Mexico’s ‘bad hombres’.
IT’S HOME TO SOME TRULY UNIQUE ANIMALS: Mexico as a whole is a breathtakingly biodiverse country. Although it doesn’t come close to rivalling Costa Rica, there are some animals you can pretty much only find in the forests, jungles and waters of this North American country. If you’re lucky, you might spot a critically endangered axolotl, or even the native Mexican mammal known as the cacomistle. Head north and you have a chance of glimpsing a Mexican prairie dog, and in the waters around Baja, you might see a vaquita porpoise.
TEQUILA,MEZCAL AND PULQUE TASTE BETTER IN MEXICO: Mexico’s booze heritage has been exported worldwide, and you can find Corona and José Cuervo in pretty much any country, but honestly? The drinks taste better in Mexico. In Jalisco, you can sample tequila that’s better than the commercial brands, whereas Oaxaca is the home of smoky mezcal that’s got a real kick. Remember that both are to be sipped leisurely, possibly accompanied by wedges of lime or orange. Pulque is the lesser known of the three, and you have to visit the country to try it, as this Mesoamerican beverage is only available in Central Mexico.
YOUR MONEY WILL GO FURTHER: It’s no great secret that Mexico is a pretty affordable destination for most travellers coming from further afield, and even though prices are higher in heavily tourist populated areas like Cancún and Baja California, you’ll still get more bang for your buck. Due to the fluctuating Mexican peso right now, travellers from both the US and the UK can really benefit (although, sadly, locals are massively losing out). Even so, you should visit Mexico as soon as possible to take advantage!
THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE, FROM DESERTS, TO JUNGLES While we’ve already mentioned the variety of wildlife in the country, it’s worth remembering the range of climates and conditions that Mexico can offer the casual traveller. Deserts dominate the dry northern states, whilst western Mexico and the states of Jalisco are often considered to be destinations of eternal spring. Head to the Yucatán Peninsula and you’ve got turquoise seas, the south has lush jungles and the Pacific is humid and hot. Plus, pretty much all of Mexico is crisscrossed by mountains and volcanoes just waiting to be explored.
THE BEACHES ARE AMONG THE BEST IN THE WORLD: While there’s plenty of options to choose from in Mexico, it’s clear that most travellers visiting the country are split between those wanting to lounge on the beach and those wanting to explore the cities and colonial towns. We have to mention the world class conditions of Mexico’s beaches, from the waters around Baja California where you can whale watch, to the crystalline seas of Cancún and pristine white beaches of Tulum. If you love surfing, Oaxaca and the southern coastline have the conditions for you.
MEXICAN CULTURE IS ENDLESSLY FASCINATING Mexican culture is a mishmash of influences, from the Mesoamerican to the indigenous to the Spanish, and that makes the country all the more fascinating. To learn more about the native people living in rural, indigenous communities and speaking in languages other than Spanish, you can head to Oaxaca or the mountains of Jalisco and Chihuahua, whereas Spanish Colonial history can be explored in Taxco, QuerĂŠtaro and Guanajuato. Pretty much the entire country shows signs of its mestizo heritage though.
THERE’S SO MUCH HISTORY TO EXPLORE: Moving from culture to history, you really can’t go wrong in Mexico. The south and central regions of the country are dotted with numerous world-class archaeological sites like Teotihuacán, Chichén Itzá and the circular pyramids of Guachimontones in Jalisco. Even if you can’t make it in person, Mexico City museums like the Museo Nacional de Antropología can give you an in-depth introduction to the history of Mexico, dating from the Mesoamerican period. Basically, if you’re a history buff, you absolutely have to visit Mexico at least once in your lifetime!
10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Bali Among the more than 17,000 islands in Indonesia, Bali still shines the brightest in terms of tourism. There are countless other tropical destinations, but for millions of tourists each year, this fascinating island is the favorite. Here are ten reasons why you should visit Bali. Idyllic Beaches The unending list of stunning beaches is probably the most obvious reason to visit this tropical paradise in the Indonesian archipelago. Each beach has its own charm, from soft white sand and limestone cliffs to extreme water sports and diving. From the mainstream Kuta and luxurious Nusa Dua neighborhoods to hidden, remote beaches away from the crowds, there’s a beach for everyone, every need and every mood.
Captivating Cultural Scene Bali’s beauty goes way deeper than its beautiful appearances. The island is also home to many traditional cultural traditions that are still practiced. The Balinese hold many ceremonies and celebrations throughout the year, many of which can be enjoyed by curious tourists, from the Omed-Omedan kissing
festival to the monster parade before the day of silence (Nyepi). Tourists can also enjoy Bali’s culture through music, dance and architecture.
Lively Religious Scene The Balinese are spiritual people, predominantly Hindus, and their houses are furnished with a small temple, at which they pray every day. Temple tours are particularly popular among tourists, not only for the religious value but also for cultural insights and aesthetic pleasure. From majestic sea temples overlooking the ocean to a soul-soothing grand temple complex up on the mountain, Bali’s temples shouldn’t be missed.
Never-ending Adventure There’s an activity for every adventurous soul in Bali. Catch the surf breaks at Bali’s most popular surfing spots or rent a board and start learning to ride the waves. Jump from the cliffs and slide down a natural waterslide in Aling-Aling Waterfall, or enjoy intricate artificial slides and other activities at the Waterbom. Descend into the sea inside a submarine, dive by yourself or experience walking on the seabed. You name it, Bali has it.
Every Kind of Natural Beauty Beyond stunning beaches and magical temples, Bali has virtually every kind of natural beauty. Glorious mountainous areas with lush greenery, scenic lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, iconic rice fields, flower gardens, gushing sacred rivers and secret canyons all make up the island’s landscape.
Awesome Accommodation Matching Bali’s natural wonders are its ever-growing choice of awesome accommodations. From lavish resorts to affordable hostels, developers go allout to create outstanding, well-equipped and enjoyable places to stay. Private villas can even be rented at unbelievably affordable prices. Many resorts and hotels have splendid swimming and infinity pools, most of which are attractions in themselves.
The Culinary Scene Bali’s rich and fertile soil, and also its fascinating traditional recipes, have created a distinctive cuisine. Bali’s traditional meals can be enjoyed as street food or fine dining. Many international chefs are drawn to Bali to learn, create and modify recipes, resulting in neighborhoods lined with restaurants, each with their own concepts. Bali also has no shortage of restaurants with international menus — American, Mexican, Greek, Chinese, French, Indian… There are also many restaurants serving organic, vegan or even raw food.
Artistic Vibe The Balinese create art wherever and whenever possible. Luckily for tourists, that means galleries in every neighborhood, traditional art products in many stores, murals on every corner, and an overall artistic vibe throughout the island. So many people on the island are involved in artistic pursuits, as dancers, traditional instrument players, painters, craftspeople, designers, and more. Tourists can shop for handmade arts, from humble wood key chains for less than $1 to high-end artistic pieces.
Endless Shopping Opportunities From homemade traditional souvenirs to high-end designer clothing, the shopping scene in Bali extends from traditional markets to stylish boutiques. Tourists from countries with strong currencies will benefit the most, so bring an extra suitcase, or be willing to pick one up along the way!
The Warmth of the People Most people who have been to Bali will agree that the Balinese are the friendliest people. Making new friends is easier here than anywhere else, as locals are often interested in engaging in a conversation with anyone, including tourists. Their friendliness and genuine warmth have made tourists feel at home for decades.
Balinese people | Š John Y. Can/Flickr
8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Dubai at Least Once in Your Lifetime Dubai is undoubtedly one of the most unique cities in the world. For those with an untreatable case of wanderlust, this city is a traveler’s dream. Dubai has historic sights, futuristic architecture, active night life and out-of-this-world attractions. See the Desert Before the skyscrapers and luxurious automobiles, Dubai was only sand. Although the city has long evolved from the days of Bedouin villages, the desert is still a sight to see. When visiting Dubai, go on a desert safari and eat a traditional Arabic barbecue, go dune bashing, watch belly dancing and ride camels. Tours pick visitors up from hotels and take them to a camp in the middle of the desert, surrounded by sand dunes. This is an ideal way to better understand what life was like before the city boomed.
The desert of Dubai | © Thais Kelly
Cultural Diversity Cities like New York and London are known for their cultural diversity, but Dubai takes diversity to a whole new level. Approximately 85% of Dubai’s population are expats. This brings a level of cultural interaction that is rarely seen anywhere else in the world. Traveling to Dubai is one of the greatest anthropological experiences one can have, as it is allows visitors to travel the entire world from one place.
Unique Architecture Dubai is known worldwide for its architecture. It’s hard to believe that only four decades ago, the city did not have a single building. Now, the Dubai skyline is
full of unique skyscrapers designed by some of the best architects in the world. A drive down one of UAE’s main roads, Sheikh Zayed Road, will leave anyone in awe. Buildings come in all shapes, sizes and styles. Anything Dubai does, it does in style, so even the metro stations are architectural wonders.
Dubai’s skyline | © lam_chihang/Flickr
The Palm Jumeirah For those looking for an island holiday, Dubai offers unique artificial islands. While most are still under construction, The Palm Jumeirah has been around for over a decade and offers beaches, hotels and restaurants. Inspired by Dubai’s traditional tree, this island is shaped like a massive palm tree spreading into the ocean. Even better than visiting the Palm Jumeirah is to take a helicopter tour and see it from above.
The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai | © Rodrigo Kelly
Burj Khalifa The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, and making a trip to the top is a memorable experience. From the beach to the desert, the whole of Dubai can be seen from up there. The building is over 800 meters tall and has 163 floors. The Burj Khalifa is home to numerous hotels and restaurants, and is an ideal place to watch the sunset.
The Burj Khalifa, Dubai | © Tom Sespene/Flickr
Dubai’s Nightlife For those who like to party, this city is all about its nightclubs and bars, open every night of the week. With some household names such as White Dubai, Blue Marlinand Cirque Le Soir, this city doesn’t take a single night off. Bars are also open every night and come in different themes and styles.
Gardens in the Desert Considering Dubai’s climate and geography, it’s hard to believe that it would have any greenery. However, the artificial gardens will leave anyone amazed. In winter, when flowers bloom, driving around Dubai will allow visitors to see colorful and impressive gardens in the middle of the city. For those who love nature, Dubai Miracle Garden is a must visit, known for its sculptures made solely of flowers that mimic castles, airplanes and even the Burj Khalifa.
The Dubai Miracle Garden | © Oiva Eskola/Flickr
The Gold Souk Dubai is widely known for its amazing Gold Souk, which offers dozens of jewelry stores selling gold, silver and precious stones. Check out the world’s largest gold ring, weighing almost 64 kilograms. The gold souk is located in
old Dubai, and is a real contrast to the newer side of the city. The traditional market looks simple until one starts window shopping and sees some of the most astonishing jewelry designs. The most impressive part? None of the stores have security guards protecting the priceless jewelry. Dubai is largely a safe city, and theft is not a concern in the Gold Souk.
CARTAGENA’S EXQUISITE BEAUTIES The sea breeze and the sunset that transform the colors of 400-year-old houses enchant visitors in Cartagena de Indias. A World Heritage Site, this city was founded by Pedro de Heredia in 1533; the colonial architecture of its buildings is protected by the most complete set of fortifications in South America. Cartagena, Colombia is the sum of its incredible parts; its colonial, republican and modern architecture, the temptation of its vibrant nightlife, its cultural festivals, exuberant landscapes, magnificent beaches, outstanding gastronomic offerings and its important hotel and tourism infrastructure. It is a fantastic city that guards the secrets of its history in its walls and balconies, its buildings and its narrow, cobbled streets. Framed by its beautiful bay, Cartagena de Indias is one of the best preserved and most enchanting cities in the Americas. Cartagena de Indias, one of the most popular destinations on the rise in the world according to TripAdvisor. CARTAGENA’S HISTORY The historic center enclosed by the walls of Cartagena is the soul of the city that inspired Gabriel García Márquez, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982. In addition to taking in the history of centuries-old cobblestone streets, you can explore the Castle of San Felipe, experience the wonder of the city’s many churches, and even enjoy a leisurely swim in a nearby mud volcano. It’s a pleasure to stroll through the streets of Cartagena and observe its colonial treasures, such as the Palace of the Inquisition and the Clock Tower, and enjoy the warm and gentle breeze that wanders through its parks and squares. TOURISM & GASTRONOMY Gastronomy in Colombia and specially in Cartagena is an important part of the city's spirit. The range of cuisines and choices are multiplying by the day as travelers seek new and exotic flavors in both local and international cuisine. There is a wide range of accommodation options. Visitors can choose between traditional colonial hotels and exclusive boutiques, all of which offer a unique experience thanks to their personalized service and attention to detail. Cartagena de Indias exhibits all the charm of its history and the legacy of its ancestors, ensuring its greatness and turning it into one of the country’s most important tourism destinations. If you’re a sea and beach lover then learn more about Santa Marta, the city that’s home to the crashing waves of Tayrona Park, an unforgettable nature reserve, and the pretty beaches of Rodadero. Cartagena’s mythology and its historic legacy invite tourists to explore a radiant and generous city, where they will find the space to interact with nature and learn the culture, customs, memories and stories of a people who carry the flavor of the Caribbean in their folklore.
Well-known for its imposing 11km wall, built by the Spaniards, Cartagena has a historical center designed to be wandered without hurry, where its colonial treasures can be enjoyed in peace. In this city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, there are festivals dedicated to cinema and to classical music. Cartagena, Colombia is the ideal place to spend a honeymoon, dive and arrive on a cruise ship, among others.
Cuba Travel Guide: Things To Do, Costs, & Travel Tips
Cuba Travel Guide Learn how to plan your visit with my Cuba travel guide — featuring travel tips, costs, things to do, where to stay, and more. Experience the best of the country! The island of Cuba was “discovered” and claimed for Spain by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage to the New World in 1492.
While it’s been a popular travel destination for years, due to an economic embargo, Americans haven’t been able to visit easily until now. Cuba Budget Travel Guide 2019 However what draws people to the tropical Caribbean island of Cuba is much more than beaches and antique 1950’s cars, although there are plenty of those! In Cuba, you can wander bustling city streets, go hiking in the mountains, learn about the history of tobacco, or simply soak up the country’s 1950’s time-warp appeal. Get a taste of what it’s like to live in a socialist country. While Cuba can sometimes be a confusing and challenging place for many travelers, I invite you to give it a try anyway and experience some Cuban magic for yourself. There are many wonderful reasons to visit Cuba for your next vacation.
Cobblestoned Streets in Trinidad
Planning A Trip To Cuba Cuba is generally pretty affordable, especially compared to other Caribbean Islands, yet is more expensive than other parts of Latin America like Mexico or Central American nations. With a special 2nd currency just for tourists, you’ll be forced to pay tourist prices most of the time.
Budget travelers can survive on around $50 USD per day. Cuba’s local currency is the Cuban Peso (CUP- ₱) and it translates to ₱24 CUP for $1 USD. However as a tourist, you’ll be using Cuba’s secondary currency just for tourists, the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC – $) which is pegged to the US Dollar. So $1 CUC = $1 USD. You will need to exchange US dollars for CUC, but there is a special 10% penalty fee for this service. So it’s often cheaper to exchange Euros, Canadian Dollars, British Pounds, or Mexican Pesos for CUC instead. If you’re an American, you still can’t use your credit cards or ATM cards in Cuba. They won’t work because of the economic sanctions in place. So you MUST exchange cash to fund your whole trip unless you’re on a pre-paid tour. The other option is buying a foreign prepaid debit card from banks in Canada or Mexico.
There’s an official currency exchange booth outside the airport in Havana. You can exchange your leftover CUC back to US dollars (or whatever) when you leave the country too.
How Much Did I Spend In Cuba?
How Much Did Cuba Cost? TOTAL DAYS = 10 TOTAL SPENT = $900 USD DAILY AVERAGE = $90 USD Please use these numbers as general guidelines only. Remember, everyone travels differently. Your personal travel budget in Cuba may vary. When I traveled through Cuba for 10 days in 2016, I spent a total of $900 for an average of $90 USD per day.
Some of the things I splurged on included renting a car for more freedom to explore the island on our own. Rental cars in Cuba aren’t cheap — ours was $83 CUC per day (which we then split 4 ways with friends). Scuba diving, tickets to Havana’s famous Tropicana Show, cigars, and a classic car city tour were some other activities I chose to include in my own trip. Your own choices will affect your travel budget in Cuba.
Casa Particular Sign
Our Casa in Trinidad
Where To Stay In Cuba While you can find fancy hotels in Havana and all-inclusive resorts in Varadero, the best accommodation options in Cuba are called casas particulares. Casas particulares are like local guesthouses. The Cuban government allows some residents to rent the spare rooms in their homes for extra income, and as a traveler, you get a more local experience. To find a casa, you simply walk around a neighborhood, pop in and ask to see a room, and decide if you want to stay there. Most are easy to find because they’re marked with a special sign that looks a bit like an anchor.
Prices will vary depending on the region. A double room costs between $25 – 40 CUC with breakfast included. If staying with locals isn’t your thing, there are other options too. Just a lot more expensive. ● Casas Particulares: $25 – $40 per night ● Mid-Range Hotels: $90 – $150 per night ● Resorts & Fancy Hotels: $200 – $400 per night
I always prefer using Booking.com and AirBnB to find great deals on hotels & accommodation when I travel.
Cost of Food & Places to Eat
Cuban Pizza is Very Cheap!
Eating Cuban Food While many travelers complain about Cuban food and its availability, I found food in Cuba pretty cheap and tasty. Not to mention those famous Cuban mojitos for only $1 or $2! The lowest-cost options are Cuban sandwiches or Cuban pizzas at street-side stores called “paladares”. These meals can cost as little as $1, but are super basic too. Cuban pizzas reminded me of frozen microwave pizzas. Nothing to write home about… If you’re a dedicated foodie, and need more choices, you can find large plates of lobster, shrimp, crab and fish for about $7 at restaurants near the coast. There’s also traditional Cuban cuisine called ropa vieja (old clothes) which is basically pulled pork with gravy, served with rice and beans for about $5.
Larger restaurants are generally set up for tourists, with high tourist prices around $15-$20 for a meal. Most Cubans can’t afford to eat at these places. They cook at home, using government rations called Libreta de Abastecimiento to pay for basics like rice, sugar, and cooking oil.
Classic Car Rides in Havana
Horse Cart Taxi
Transportation In Cuba
Flights The major airports in Cuba are in Havana (HAV) and Santiago de Cuba (SCU). For years, many Americans traveled to Cuba through foreign gateway cities like Cancun, Mexico City, or Toronto. However in 2016 the US government started allowing commercial flights to Cuba from the United States. New York, Miami, and Los Angeles all offer flights.
Buses In Cuba Bus travel in Cuba is pretty comfortable. There’s one main bus line called Viazul. Cuban buses are cheap, but the routes fill up quickly, so you usually need to get your tickets in advance either online or in person at least a day or two early.
Cuban Taxis Taxis are available in the more developed cities of Cuba like Havana, Varadero, and Trinidad. Official taxis, in modern cars, will be marked and some even have meters. Old classic car taxis are more expensive, often with set rates of $8-$10 per ride. Try to negotiate a price before you get in. Almendrons are local shared taxis that run in some cities. It’s the cheapest option at 0.50 CUC per ride, however they aren’t easy to figure out if you don’t speak Spanish. They run on set routes, simply flag one down and jump in with everyone else. Usually old 50’s vans or Toyota Landcruisers.
Bicycle Taxis are another option. Officially they aren’t allowed to pick up tourists, but they still do. A ride costs about $1 CUC. You could get kicked off early if the driver notices police nearby.
Renting A Car Renting a car in Cuba is possible, but it’s not easy. The online car rental systems there generally don’t work for foreigners. The best option is to inquire by email or phone about a rental a few weeks or more before your trip. Don’t expect to just show up at the airport and book a rental car, they simply don’t have enough for the demand.
Playa Jibacoa Beach
Wreck Diving the Bay of Pigs
Things To Do In Cuba Havana It’s impossible to skip the capital of Havana on a trip to Cuba. Havana Viejo (Old Havana) is the historic city center, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The city is full of beautiful old architecture, interesting people, and of course – all those incredible classic cars. ● Rent a classic car for a tour through the city, $30 CUC for one hour. ● Visit some of Hemingway’s old hangouts, like La Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio. ● Smoke a Cuban cigar overlooking the ocean at Hotel Nacional ● Walk the Malecon at night with a box of cheap corner-store rum. ● Attend the world famous Tropicana nightclub for a colorful show.
Want more travel tips for Havana? Make sure to read about my full experience here: Best Things To Do In Havana
Varadero Located on the Hicacos Peninsula about 140 km from Havana, Varadero is a popular resort town for tourists. The ivory-white sand beaches are gorgeous! While many beaches in Varadero are part of private resorts, there’s a large free public beach section too, which is just as beautiful. ● Grab a beach chair, buy a few Cuba Libres, and work on your tan. ● Rent a kayak or sailboat and cruise along the coast. ● Eat at one of Varadero’s amazing seafood restaurants.
Viñales been restored.Viñales is a lush green valley surrounded by mountains located west of Havana. It’s a fun small town to visit if you’re into nature, caving, rock climbing, or learning about the art of cigar making. Viñales is Cuba’s tobacco capital, home of the best cigars in the world. ● ● ● ●
Visit a tobacco farm and learn how to make Cuban cigars. Rock climbing on the karst limestone cliffs. Rent an ATV for an off-road trip through the valley. Go horseback riding, or join a cave tour.
Want more travel tips for Viñales? Make sure to read about my full experience here: Riding Horses Through Tobacco Farms In Viñales Trinidad
Trinidad is a picturesque colonial town lined with cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses. It was the epicenter of the Spanish sugar trade in the 18th century, where sugar barons become extremely wealthy off the back of African slave labor. Many of the old buildings have ● Hang out on the steps of Plaza Mayor with a mojito to watch the sunset. ● Visit some art & history museums, like Museo de Arquitectura or Museo Romantico. ● Climb the bell tower at Iglesia de San Francisco for great city views. ● Ride a bike to Playa Ancon, a beautiful white sand beach. ● Go swimming under waterfalls at Topes De Collantes National Park
The best place to travel
Italy
History Italy, a European country with a long Mediterranean coastline, has left a powerful mark on Western culture and cuisine. Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican as well as landmark art and ancient ruins.
The best place in Italy 1. Rome 2. Florence 3. Milan
4. Venice
5. Pisa
Tips 1. Greet everyone with two kisses 2. Don’t order a cappuccino after 11 AM because it is strictly a breakfast drink. 3. Don’t put ketchup on pasta or pizza 4. Speak with your hands
Rome
Things to do in Rome Rome, Italy’s capital, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture on display. Ancient ruins such as the Forum and the Colosseum evoke the power of the former Roman Empire. Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, has St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.
1. Admire Ancient Ruins at the Roman Forum 2. Visit the Colosseum 3. Gaze at the Architectural Marvel That is the Pantheon 4. Transport Yourself to Baroque Rome at Piazza Navo