Here are some simple tips that will help you book an affordable, memorable holiday online.

Compare Prices
When you decide to book your vacation, look at a variety of different travel sites and find the one that offers the best deals on the hotel room, car, or vacation package that you desire. There can be a wide variation in the fares and prices offered from site to site so it really does pay to shop around.

Check out Customer Reviews
One helpful feature of using the internet to book your vacation is that there are many websites dedicated to travel that feature customer reviews. Make sure you go to several of these web-sites and read customer’s opinions of the hotel or resort you are considering staying at. Of course you shouldn’t base your opinion completely on these reviews since some people might have a very different experience than others. However, if several customers seem to have similar bad experiences at a resort, it might be worth considering booking elsewhere.

Read the Fine Print
Once you have decided upon a package and are considering booking it for your holiday, read the details carefully. Make sure you are aware of any cancellation policies at your resort and pay attention to check-in and check-out times to ensure they will work well with your transportation. After booking, print out any types of confirmation information and bring this with you on your holiday. If any miscommunication or errors occur, it will be helpful to have the details of exactly what you were promised readily available.

Research your Destination
Take advantage of the internet while you are home to make sure you have maps of your location and lists of recommended restaurants. You can make a note of where the nearest doctor and hospitals are located and whether there is a 24 hour chemist readily available. This is also a great time to see if there is a bank machine that will accept your debit card and make a note of its location.

Here’s a circa ’54 Buick in South Havana sporting some optimistic paint and decal work, with the implication that this old buggy goes really fast. Top speed? About 40 mph.

Blue & Shiny Bling Machine

The chrome-and-paint-job on this late 40s Chevrolet is top notch. Many Cuban/American jalopies sport similar decals on the windshield.

Cuban Cops (Undercover)

One of the last imports to hit Havana, this 1960 model Oldsmobile has been enhanced by a subtle two-tone paint job, and chrome hubs.”

This great looking, mid-50s Ford Custom 300 has a custom paint job and matching hubcaps.

Surfer Wagon

Here’s a ‘58 Cadillac gussied up by custom decals or fine art. Gives the impression of a surfer vehicle.

Just Do It

Stripped bare of visual details, this old Chevy, probably a Bel-Air, still has spirit – check out the Nike “Just do it” symbol in the rear window.

Grease Lightning (with a Roofrack)

Here’s another old car – looks like Ford taillights and a Chevy hood ornament – which has a major rack on the roof – to hold spare tires and other needed parts. Not the greatest automotive paint, but a very creative design.

Last Ride, in Style

This glorious hearse stands ready to roll at a moment’s notice. Notice the depth of the shine, and the integrity of its chrome. For a final ride, in style.

In 1959, the Revolution in Cuba led to an embargo of US products and the free trade that had once existed between Cuba and the United States came to an abrupt end. In Cuba, time stopped in the mid-20th Century, at least as far as the automobile population on the island was concerned. Suddenly, Cubans were faced with the prospect of never buying a new car. The way in which they rose to meet this challenge illustrates the creative spirit of the Cuban people, who thrive with almost no material help from the 21st Century.

The cars that remained on the island of Cuba when the political situation changed (about 150,000) could not be replaced, and so instead, they have been nurtured and repaired, restored and recreated in the decades since. Sixty thousand of these classic cars are still on the streets, and they reflect both good original craftsmanship and materials, and the ingenuity and determination to save these vehicles.

About half of these classic cars were made in the 1950’s, and half from the 30’s and 40’s. All are an extraordinary mix of necessity and invention, and bring a certain sensual satisfaction just to see them. Some survive in the United States, pampered and restored perfectly or rusting out in a field, but Americans have turned from theses behemoths, certainly wisely so, in terms of environmental impact and conservation of resources. Nevertheless, there is something about these cars that catches in your throat, something like pride and gratitude: pride in the original creations, and gratitude that this heritage has been preserved.

Images courtesy of Flickr, MSNBC and Dan Heller

1. Light Colored Clothing

Light-colored cotton clothing. Cuba’s climate tends to be humid and warm, and it’d be a shame to stay inside simply because you lack the proper outdoor wardrobe. Light-colored materials keep you cool by reflecting the sun, and breathable cotton gathers moisture (particularly sweat) away from your skin.

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2. Sweater or Jacket

A sweater or light jacket. While the idea of wearing cool-weather clothing in the tropics might seem strange, consider this: many indoor places are heavily air conditioned, and those cool breezes that keep you comfortable in the sun can become downright chilly at night.

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3. Toothpaste & Toothbrush

Toothpaste and a toothbrush. Unlike many travel destinations, it’s not always easy finding basic toiletries in Cuba; store shelves are often empty of items that travelers take for granted. It’s wise to pack your dental hygiene supplies before you leave home.

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4. Shampoo & Conditioner

Shampoo and conditioner. Even if you’re able to find hair care products in Cuba, they’re likely to be far more expensive than in your home country, so bring them with you.

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5. Mosquito Repellent

Mosquito repellent. In Cuba, mosquitoes are present year-round, and become particularly pesky during sunrise and sunset. Unless you want to become the main course for a swarm of hungry insects, buy the best repellent you can and pack it.

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6. Medications

Prescription and over-the-counter medications. Medications are another commodity short in supply (and high in demand) in Cuba. Pack any prescriptions, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medications you need — and bring an ample supply. If you wind up with extra over-the-counter drugs at the end of your trip, you can always donate them to the locals before you leave.

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7. Flashlight

A flashlight. Along with being handy while walking the beaches at night, a flashlight will save you a lot of hassle if you experience one of Cuba’s power-rationing cuts or blackouts, which can last for hours.

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8. Toilet Paper

Toilet paper. It may be hard for foreigners to imagine, but toilet paper is in low supply in Cuba. Be sure to pack some — because it may not be available at the times you need it most.

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9. Snacks

Small, high-density snacks. Snack items in Cuba are expensive and often scarce, so it’s a good idea to take some with you. Granola bars, trail mix, and dried fruit provide plenty of energy without taking up too much room in your suitcase.

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10. Donations

Humanitarian donations. Because Cuba is so low in basic supplies, locals are grateful to receive gifts from travelers. Cosmetics, toiletries, lighters, children’s toys, pens, pharmaceuticals, soap, shampoo, and other small items make wonderful donations. Also consider leaving behind some of your clothing when it’s time to leave; everything from shirts to shoes is highly desired.

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Tickets for Britain’s Royal Ballet performances in Cuba sold out within just a few hours, but free viewing screens were provided for the public to watch the shows outside. The show featured 96 dancers and several dozen musicians for a five night series of performances. The Royal Ballet’s appearance in Cuba was hailed by dancer Carlos Acosta in a statement to the press as “a moment that all Cubans should treasure… it’s the most important event in 50 years.”

The Wednesday night performance of Britain’s Royal Ballet in Cuba, featuring Acosta, was dedicated in tribute to Cuban ballet legend Alicia Alonso. Alonso was a Cuban-born internationally famous prima ballerina who danced with several prominent companies during her career.

After a long and notable career, Alonso returned to Cuba after the 1959 revolution and founded the Cuban National Ballet. At 88 years-old, Alonso still manages the ballet despite being nearly blind. Britain’s Royal Ballet performed “Giselle,” Alonso’s signature dance, to pay tribute to her. The Royal Ballet also performed “Chroma,” “A Month in the Country,” and “Manon.”

Tickets to Britain’s Royal Ballet performances in Cuba sold for under 20 Cuban pesos (or 91 US cents) each due to government subsidies of the arts, allowing the general public the ability to see a cultural phenomenon at an affordable price. Britain’s Royal Ballet performed three nights at the Gran Teatro in Central Havana before switching to the Karl Marx Teatro for its final two performances.

Royal Ballet dancer Carlos Acosta hopes that the once-in-a-lifetime performance series will inspire Cubans to free their minds and aim high with their expectations and dreams. Prior to one of the Royal Ballet’s rehearsals in Cuba, Acosta said the visit was “an event that’s a bridge between two cultures.” Carlos has danced with the English National Ballet and the National Ballet of Cuba. He has been with Britain’s Royal Ballet since 1998.

The last major, non-native ballet company to perform in Cuba was the Bolshoi, nearly 30 years ago.

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This is the Ministerio del Interior building. It is world renown for having a giant wire sculpture of revolutionary leader Ernesto “Che” Guevara placed boldly across the whole front side of it. It also has the words “Hasta la Victoria Siempre” below the face sculpture, which translates as: “Ever Onward to Victory”.

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This is a picture of a female Tropicana dancer. Their beautiful hats and plumage make for an exotic look and feel that is completely Cuban.

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El Moro or officially Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro is a castle fortress that was built to protect the port entrance of Havana from pirates and invaders during the area’s period of Spanish control during 1589.

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Classic cars still line the small side streets of Havana just like they did in the time Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra used Cuba as their stomping grounds. The eclectic and kitschy vibe of old Havana makes it a photographer’s wonderland.

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The classic look of buildings lined up in El Barrio Chino, Cuba’s very own Chinatown.

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This is a perfect look into the natural and long since untouched urban landscape that can be found all throughout the Cuban countryside.

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Cayo Iguana or Iguana Island is a small outlying island off the coast of Cuba that has the most original inhabitants that you may come across anywhere.

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The Old Havana Market has been a popular destination for tourists and locals since the 1920’s.

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Ernest Hemingway was known to love the bar La Floridita in Cuba.

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This is just an example of one of the many colorful buildings in Sancti Spiritus, Cuba

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This is an example of some of the local street art.

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This is a popular tourist taxi called a Coconut taxi.

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These are some beautifully painted tiles in Old Havana.

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This is a picture of an artfully colorful wall in Cuba.

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Pictured is the beauty of decay in Old Havana.

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A revolutionary monument erected for Cuban hero Jose Marti.

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This is a photo of a Cuban Masonic Lodge.

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Domino playing is a common practice on the streets of Cuba.

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This is a statue commemorating The Old Man And The Sea by Ernest Hemingway.

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The morning light gracefully shines on the capitol building in Havana.

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A sugar cane farmer tends to his work on a Cuban plantation.

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By motorcycle is how many Cubans get around.

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This is a look into the world famous tobacco fields of Cuba.

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An older Cuban man is rolling the highly valued Cuban cigars.

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This is a picture of the beautiful royal palms famously known in Cuba.

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This is a bird’s eye view of Havana from the rooftops.

The locations of the restaurants are secret until the day of your reservation. On the day of your reservation, travel directions are made public and you will be on your way to the most unique and exciting dinning experiences around! You can consider it Guerrilla Dinning! Chefs with local restaurants that invite you to come and dine in their homes host each of these Secret Paladares.

Each of the Paladares offers an adventure as well as fine dining in a variety of themed dining experiences. These secret restaurants have been around since 2007 and have become so increasingly popular that the Michelin guide has even given them a top rating. There are variety of Paladares, which are host to a variety of cuisines.

Of course, you can find Cuban Paladares Restaurants. After all, that is where this type of dining originates from, but now other ethnic restaurants are opening as well. Adventurous eaters can dine on Indian, Chinese, Italian, Colombian, and a variety of other ethnic Paladares. The variety of these dining experiences is amazing and the idea of Guerrilla Dining is becoming increasingly popular. It a great way to experience fine dining and have an adventure at the same time.

Although this type of dining might be exotic and exciting for some, you should keep in mind that the UK had taken this fantastic idea from Cuba, and turned it into a sort of cultural ‘experiment’. They want you to choose from many different ethnic meals rather than only authentic Cuban. The UK does make note that this concept has originated in Havana, but they have made Cuba seem rather unimportant and created it as just one of their ten ethnic restaurants. True Cuban cuisine definitely leads the way.

For more on Cuban cuisine, why not try the Floridita Eat Cuban cook book?

Contrary to what a lot of people assume, Cuban food is really not that spicy. However, in no way does it leave it at a disadvantage as it’s just as characteristic, flavoursome and varied.

The sheer range of delicious Cuban foods can’t possibly be covered in one post. However, below is a list of some common dishes:

1. Sofrito…

Now, sofrito isn’t a dish in itself, but is worth a quick mention as it’s a base that’s used in many Cuban dishes (rice, stew, beans, etc). It contains onions, garlic, green peppers, dried pepper, oregano and olive oil all simmered down to a paste, then stored and used when needed. Some also tend to add tomatoes, bay leaves and cumin to their sofrito. It all boils down to preference.

(p.s.: the word ‘sofrito’ is Spanish meaning ‘well-cooked fragrant sauce’)

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2. Ajiaco Cubano…

Ajiaco Cubano (or Ajiaco Criollo) is a hearty combination of meat, vegetables and garlic all stewed/ souped together in mouth-watering harmony. The meats commonly used in this thick delicious soup are pork, chicken and beef, mostly pork. Vegetables used include sweet potatoes, plantains (which look like massive bananas but aren’t), corn, pumpkin, taro root and yucca root (both are tuber vegetables – taro root is also called ‘eddo’ or ‘dasheen’, and yucca root’s commonly called ‘cassava’).

Because Ajiaco’s quite filling, all that’s usually needed when eating it (and going ‘mmmmm’) is a side helping of bread.

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3. Fufu de platano…

Originally an African recipe, Fufu de platano (or Fufu) is made from plantains that are boiled in their skins. Green or ripe (yellow) plantains are used. The riper the skin of a plantain is, the sweeter it is.

Once the plantain is cooked, the skin’s removed and the yellow flesh is mashed until it thickens into a paste. Sofrito is added along with pieces of pork. Some also add chicken or beef stock.

Fufu de platano is usually served with a side dish of bread or rice and fresh salad.

(p.s.: fried plantain is also another common favourite. They are sliced and fried on both sides in vegetable oil until golden. Can be eaten on its own or as a side dish.)

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4) Yuca con mojo…

If it’s the holidays, then you’ll most likely smell the strong fragrance of yuca con mojo. The main ingredient is the yucca root (cassava); but it’s nowhere near complete without its partner-in-crime, mojo, which is poured over the cooked yucca. Mojo is a combination of olive oil, fresh onions, crushed garlic cloves, cumin, salt and lemon juice and is quite literally what gives the yucca its mojo (so-to-speak!). Lime juice or sour orange can be used instead of lemon juice.

Nothing goes to waste. If there are any leftovers from this dish, it can be fried to make a really fragrant version of home-made fries.

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5) Beans and Rice…

Beans and rice is a popular staple dish. However, it’s prepared differently depending on the area. For instance, in the eastern part, white rice is cooked with red kidney beans and sofrito to create a dish called ‘arroz congri oriental’. In other areas, black beans are used instead – a dish known as Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians). It’s called that to illustrate the Moors’ (black beans) and Christians’ (white rice) historical influence on Cuban cuisine.

This dish tastes great on its own (maybe with a small side salad) or as a side helping to a main dish.

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6) Flan …

We can’t NOT talk about dessert, can we?!

Walk into almost any Cuban restaurant and it won’t take you long to find flan on the menu. Lots of bakeries are also awash with the rich yummy thick custardy stuff!  Served warm or cold with caramel syrup, it’s great as it is – however, if you want to up the ‘treat-myself’ factor, it’s an absolute super-extra cloud of heaven when eaten ‘con coco rallado’-style (coconut shreds – sweetened).

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7) Arroz con Leche…

Can’t face the world? Then have a nice bowl of arroz con leche! It’s the epitome of comfort food!

Arroz con leche means ‘rice with milk’ in Spanish and is like rice pudding but richer. Rice, milk, sugar, salt, a cinnamon stick, vanilla extract and lemon/lime or orange zest are combined to create this ludicrously-delicious pudding. Some choose to add raisins as well.

The finished product is then dusted over with ground cinnamon (and sometimes nutmeg).

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One of the top golf courses on the island is the Varadero Golf Club located on the thin Hicacos Peninsula.

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Built in 1933, this was the first golf course on the island. This is a narrow, 7,000 yard, 18 hole course with spectacular views of water on both sides set in the magnificent Caribbean landscape. This par 73 course features five par 5s and five par 3s with the longest hole at 587 yards while the shortest is 179. However, they saved the best of last as the most exciting hole is the 18th where the green sits on top of a cliff. Completing the course are 70 bunkers and numerous dog legs.

Carts are required and the green fees will cost about $100 but there are other amenities also. There is an excellent restaurant, a terrace bar and a well stocked pro shop. The old Dupont mansion, with all of it’s’ grandeur and luxury, now serves as the clubhouse.

Golfing is not all that there is to do in Varadero; there are many more activities designed for the visitor’s enjoyment. Close to the golf club is Varadero Beach which is the most popular beach in Cuba. With its’ sparkling white sand beaches and warm, clear water, this is a paradise for the beach lover. For the swimmer, there are wide sandbanks so they can venture far out into the ocean.

A wide variety of water sports are also available. Excellent scuba diving is offered that includes underwater caves, a huge variety of sea life, and beautiful coral reefs. There are sailboards, aqua bikes, Catamaran rides and parasailing plus many other fun things to do.

If that isn’t enough to keep the visitor occupied, cars, bikes, and motorbikes can be rented.
Other entertainment facilities in Varadero include a go cart track, an amusement park, and a marina that offers yacht cruises. Nearby at the Dolphinarium, dolphins perform show for the audiences to enjoy and visitors can even get in the water and swim with them.

Once nighttime falls, there is no drop off in activity. Live concerts are performed nightly by salsa orchestras and there are more than 10 discos to insure that the party doesn’t end. The resort has over 30 first-rate hotels offering fine dining and luxurious accommodations.

Varadero is a fantastic tropical paradise although it is not very well known outside of Cuba. Vacation in Varadero and you won’t be disappointed.

Ladas

Older Russian Ladas are seen frequently on the poorly maintained streets of Cuba. The Lada was an economical option meant to mimic the Fiat in size and looks. It’s boxy looking, but easy to maintain while getting relatively good gas mileage.

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Ford Zephryr

Britain’s Ford Zephryr  was a six-cylinder sedan that found its way to Cuba in the 1950s. You’ll see quite a few of them in the area.

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Chevrolet Bel Air

Produced by General Motors in 1953, the Chevrolet Bel Air came in two-door and four-door sedans, station wagons and convertibles. Many Bel Air’s are found in Havana and other towns.

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Ford Edsel

While it proved to be a flop in the U.S., Ford’s Edsel is still seen on the roads in Cuba. Manufactured from 1958 to 1960, you’ll see plenty of 1958s along the streets.

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Studebaker Packard

Studebaker entered the automotive market in 1902 with an electric vehicle. Their final Packard was build in 1956, but Cubans still love them.

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Packard Caribbean

Packard also released the 1953 Caribbean. The leather interiors made these a car to own, and many Cubans still do.

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Austin A30

In the 1950s, Austin and Nissan Motor Company reached a deal allowing Nissan to manufacture a new line of Austins. These cars are still popular in Cuba.

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Ford Consul

From 1951 to 1956, the Ford Consul was a heavy competitor among family vehicles. The Consul is still found on the streets of Cuba.

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Chevrolet Suburban

Chevrolet Suburban first hit the market in 1935. It is the 1959 model that is spotted frequently. The Suburban seats a crowd and withstands the rough roads.

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Ford Woody

The Ford Woody is found frequently in Cuba. This bulky station wagon fits a number of passengers and included a manual start in case your battery died.

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Wages in Cuba are generally lower than those in the UK or the US. This limits the number of households that are able to purchase vehicles. Those who do own cars stick to vintage cars that they restore.