We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Meg, to complement an earlier one from Claudine. Both are members of the Solo Travel Society: Meg is from the United States and Claudine is from Canada. They both submitted reports from their solo trips to Cuba, each from their own unique perspectives. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Languages spoken: Spanish, English
Havana
Reasons to Visit Cuba
Meg's Story
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Why should I recommend Cuba for solo travel? Why not? It's Cuba!
Being from the United States, Cuba has this forbidden fruit aspect that has made it one of my bucket list destinations. I found Cuba to be challenging, different, warm, and inviting all at the same time. I have never met such wonderful and friendly people in my life. While Cuba is still developing its tourism infrastructure and tourist and travel activities are mostly planned by casa families or tour organizations, I was never without beautiful scenery and chances to learn more about Cuba.
Throughout my trip I always felt safe and was never afraid to walk around or try new things. I met several other solo travelers from London and Barcelona while I was there. Cuba is a little expensive when it comes to transportation and tourist activities, so if you meet up with a couple of like-minded solo travelers, it will help lessen your expenses. Apps like Cuba Junky and travel blogs like Two Goats on The Road or Expert Vagabond are great resources for planning your trip. So go to Cuba, ride in an old car, smoke some cigars, drink at least one mojito a day and enjoy!
Admiring the landscape
Vinales
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 4 is most difficult)
Varadero Beach
Claudine's Story
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
I recommend a visit to Cuba at least once in your life. It's a country of its own, different, innovative and simply beautiful, from its inhabitants to the scenery to the beaches.
The history of Cuba is so enriching: from Ernest Hemingway to Fidel Castro, you can't get bored.
Old Havana is a must-see, with its rich history, beautiful colonial architecture, many old cars, the famous Capitolio, and Partagas Real Fabrica de Tabacos (established in 1845). Make a stop at the famous restaurant/bar La Bodeguita Del Medio, made famous by the personalities that have stopped there, like the writer Ernest Hemingway. It's also known as the birthplace of the Mojito cocktail, prepared in the bar since its opening in 1942.
While in Cuba you cannot forget the beautiful beaches, from the resort towns of Varadero, Cayo Coco and Holguin with endless white sand beaches, to Cayo Largo that has one of the world's top 50 best beaches, Playa Paraiso.
From the rooftop of the Hotel Parque Central.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)