Life on Island Time
Words by ESM Travel Editors
Whether your perfect island experience involves lounging lazily on a white sand beach or you prefer venturing into the unknown, our travel editors have rounded up a list of global experiences sure to satisfy all types of travelers.
Heavenly Havana
It’s easier than ever to visit Cuba, but those eager to experience the colorful architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant street life of historic Havana will still face a few hurdles.
Namely, obtaining a visa, or general license, from Cuba’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) can be challenging. Americans can’t legally visit as tourists, but there are twelve available paths to gain access to the country, including for humanitarian projects, educational activities, and family visits.
Havana welcomes visitors with its tropical climate and a deep heritage to explore. Old Havana boasts monuments that date to its 16th century Spanish colonial rule. Its dense, narrow streets, and historic architecture make it one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Cuba.
Beachgoers will enjoy Vedado, a waterfront neighborhood with a bustling boardwalk and popular restaurants near the Maclecón area.
Of course, no visit to Havana is complete without a trip to La Casa del Habano, rated as one of the world’s best cigar stores. While you’re at it, have a mojito in La Bodeguita del Medio in Old Havana, Ernest Hemingway’s famous drink-of-choice.
Regardless of its current accessibility, Havana offers plenty for cultural connoisseurs and is certainly worthy of a spot on the bucket–list!
