{"id":8007,"date":"2024-01-12T14:33:11","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T03:33:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/?p=8007"},"modified":"2024-01-18T12:31:02","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T01:31:02","slug":"what-i-learned-travelling-in-cuba-for-a-week-solo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/what-i-learned-travelling-in-cuba-for-a-week-solo\/","title":{"rendered":"What I Learned Travelling in Cuba for a Week Solo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>North America\u2019s enigmatic island country is a kaleidoscope of colours, cultures and bygone charm \u2013 and is notoriously misunderstood. Writer Madeleine Keck unravels some of its secrets.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWho let me do that?\u201d I think as I stand in line to board my flight out of Havana after a week of exhilarating experiences (and a few mishaps) in the Cuban capital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Caribbean island state is renowned for testing even the most experienced travellers: it\u2019s rich amalgam of cultures and distinct political history uniting to form a country that is entirely unlike anywhere else.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are five things I learnt as a solo female tourist in Cuba.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"lux_UI lux_offer_carousel\">\n\t\n\t<h3>Discover the Caribbean<\/h3>\t\n\t<section class=\"splide lux_offer_carousel_feed\" aria-label=\"Discover the Caribbean\">\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"splide__arrows\">\n\t\t<button class=\"splide__arrow splide__arrow--prev\"><\/button>\n\t\t<button class=\"splide__arrow splide__arrow--next\"><\/button>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t<div class=\"splide__track\">\n\t\t<div class=\"splide__list\">\n\t\t\t\n<div id=\"offer_006RF00000c2NViYAM\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_hotel cacheid_73aaa9032811ad724885863091204478\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/offer\/w-punta-cana-adult-all-inclusive-dominican-republic-north-america\/006RF00000c2NViYAM\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"offer Flash carousel LuxPlus\" data-name=\"W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/k0nqzf5xjfgfdhty1te.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/k0nqzf5xjfgfdhty1te.webp 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/k0nqzf5xjfgfdhty1te.webp 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/k0nqzf5xjfgfdhty1te.webp 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/k0nqzf5xjfgfdhty1te.webp 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/k0nqzf5xjfgfdhty1te.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tags\"><span class=\"double_societe_rewards\">Double Societe Rewards<\/span><div class=\"countdown\" data-type=\"offer\" data-time-remaining=\"120465\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"location\"><i><\/i><span>La Altagracia, Dominican Republic<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive<\/div><div class=\"tagline\">Dominican Republic All-Inclusive Beachfront Paradise with Unlimited Dining &#038; Free-Flow Drinks<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">5 nights, 1 room from<\/div><div class=\"range luxplus\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$2,279<\/span><span class=\"type\">total<\/span><span class=\"with_luxplus\"> with <em><\/em><\/span><\/div><div class=\"range range_small\"><span class=\"label\">Non-member<\/span><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$2,379<\/span><\/div><div class=\"value_box\"><span class=\"value\">Valued up to US$4,335<\/span><span class=\"percentage\">-45%<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"offer_e83868b5-1588-4124-9e61-6fd54f40ff79\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_hotel cacheid_14f1fc52a75e19bf46b6d82f633b707f\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/partner\/hyatt-vivid-punta-cana-adults-only-all-inclusive\/e83868b5-1588-4124-9e61-6fd54f40ff79\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"offer partner LPP carousel\" data-name=\"Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana - Adults-Only - All Inclusive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/9rvdjbubbvcl1v0u8ci.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/9rvdjbubbvcl1v0u8ci.webp 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/9rvdjbubbvcl1v0u8ci.webp 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/9rvdjbubbvcl1v0u8ci.webp 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/9rvdjbubbvcl1v0u8ci.webp 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/9rvdjbubbvcl1v0u8ci.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana - Adults-Only - All Inclusive, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"location\"><i><\/i><span>Punta Cana, Dominican Republic<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana &#8211; Adults-Only &#8211; All Inclusive<\/div><div class=\"tagline\">Relax and unwind with massages, body treatments, and facials. You&#039;re sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 5 outdoor pools, a fitness center, and 2 outdoor pickleball courts. This resort also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and wedding services.<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from<\/div><div class=\"range\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$1,913<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"offer_8f4fac6e-490e-4d10-b266-b9fea0b3035b\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_hotel cacheid_286fa1d921017679caa299fba75cd4b8\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/partner\/catalonia-punta-cana-all-inclusive\/8f4fac6e-490e-4d10-b266-b9fea0b3035b\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"offer partner LPP carousel\" data-name=\"Catalonia Punta Cana - All Inclusive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/4k4iyfnq912p4u1e77m.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/4k4iyfnq912p4u1e77m.webp 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/4k4iyfnq912p4u1e77m.webp 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/4k4iyfnq912p4u1e77m.webp 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/4k4iyfnq912p4u1e77m.webp 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/4k4iyfnq912p4u1e77m.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"Catalonia Punta Cana - All Inclusive, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"location\"><i><\/i><span>Punta Cana, Dominican Republic<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Catalonia Punta Cana &#8211; All Inclusive<\/div><div class=\"tagline\">Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. You can get some exercise with a round of golf or enjoy a lazy day at the private beach.<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from<\/div><div class=\"range\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$1,175<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"offer_bc98854d-8877-45d8-971c-e32e8ac7475a\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_hotel cacheid_93d222c4ba5a75b962887e8f1d3732fd\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/partner\/oil-nut-bay\/bc98854d-8877-45d8-971c-e32e8ac7475a\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"offer partner LPP carousel\" data-name=\"Oil Nut Bay\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/m6u17huy1c9g1xd52j.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/m6u17huy1c9g1xd52j.webp 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/m6u17huy1c9g1xd52j.webp 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/m6u17huy1c9g1xd52j.webp 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/m6u17huy1c9g1xd52j.webp 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/m6u17huy1c9g1xd52j.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"Oil Nut Bay, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"location\"><i><\/i><span>Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Oil Nut Bay<\/div><div class=\"tagline\">Relax and unwind with massages and facials. You&#039;re sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 4 outdoor pools and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this resort include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge).<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from<\/div><div class=\"range\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$8,868<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"offer_c9edee8a-8c99-4b3f-ad7d-6cb60216d37f\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_hotel cacheid_3fd5a640ae2af5f815d26d19972a2193\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/partner\/secrets-tides-punta-cana-all-inclusive-adults-only\/c9edee8a-8c99-4b3f-ad7d-6cb60216d37f\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"offer partner LPP carousel\" data-name=\"Secrets Tides Punta Cana All Inclusive - Adults Only\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/vqcil1hbzjnvzrgpq2io.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/vqcil1hbzjnvzrgpq2io.webp 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/vqcil1hbzjnvzrgpq2io.webp 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/vqcil1hbzjnvzrgpq2io.webp 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/vqcil1hbzjnvzrgpq2io.webp 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/vqcil1hbzjnvzrgpq2io.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"Secrets Tides Punta Cana All Inclusive - Adults Only, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"location\"><i><\/i><span>Punta Cana, Dominican Republic<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Secrets Tides Punta Cana All Inclusive &#8211; Adults Only<\/div><div class=\"tagline\">Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You&#039;re sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 3 outdoor pools, a nightclub, and a fitness center.<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from<\/div><div class=\"range\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$1,478<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"offer_a3f99e70-52c7-477e-9dff-bce181d544c5\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_hotel cacheid_7bc6b2d4afea2cd12168b9f72e9a526d\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/partner\/tui-blue-curacao-all-inclusive\/a3f99e70-52c7-477e-9dff-bce181d544c5\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"offer partner LPP carousel\" data-name=\"TUI BLUE Curacao All Inclusive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/wa4xlmbu0ocb2ld9l2zo.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/wa4xlmbu0ocb2ld9l2zo.webp 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/wa4xlmbu0ocb2ld9l2zo.webp 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/wa4xlmbu0ocb2ld9l2zo.webp 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/wa4xlmbu0ocb2ld9l2zo.webp 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/wa4xlmbu0ocb2ld9l2zo.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"TUI BLUE Curacao All Inclusive, Soto, Cura\u00e7ao\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"location\"><i><\/i><span>Soto, Cura\u00e7ao<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">TUI BLUE Curacao All Inclusive<\/div><div class=\"tagline\">Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages. After dipping into one of the 2 outdoor pools, you can spend some time at the private beach.<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from<\/div><div class=\"range\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$1,996<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"offer_0062y000004zQS4AAM\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_hotel cacheid_5bd9171690eb0eb752f32110c35bc7fa\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/offer\/casa-de-campo-resort-and-villas-dominican-republic\/0062y000004zQS4AAM\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"offer LPC carousel LuxPlus\" data-name=\"Casa de Campo Resort &amp; Villas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/rfa9lz4zp5uf5m4vm5k.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/rfa9lz4zp5uf5m4vm5k.webp 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/rfa9lz4zp5uf5m4vm5k.webp 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/rfa9lz4zp5uf5m4vm5k.webp 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/rfa9lz4zp5uf5m4vm5k.webp 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/rfa9lz4zp5uf5m4vm5k.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"Casa de Campo Resort &amp; Villas, La Romana, Dominican Republic\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"tags\"><\/div><div class=\"location\"><i><\/i><span>La Romana, Dominican Republic<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Casa de Campo Resort &amp; Villas<\/div><div class=\"tagline\">Private Gated Dominican Republic Celebrity Escape with Seven Restaurants, Three Beaches &#038; Golf Courses<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">3 nights, 1 room from<\/div><div class=\"range luxplus\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$1,508<\/span><span class=\"type\">total<\/span><span class=\"with_luxplus\"> with <em><\/em><\/span><\/div><div class=\"range range_small\"><span class=\"label\">Non-member<\/span><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$1,219<\/span><\/div><div class=\"value_box\"><span class=\"value\">Valued up to US$1,835<\/span><span class=\"percentage\">-14%<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"offer_8f0f7631-8bf0-47c3-8fb2-4726534b7322\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_hotel cacheid_222c80e570d128ce4c4a165e986a2e11\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/partner\/princess-senses-the-mangrove-resort-luxury-adults-only-all-inclusive\/8f0f7631-8bf0-47c3-8fb2-4726534b7322\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"offer partner LPP carousel\" data-name=\"Princess Senses The Mangrove Resort - Luxury Adults Only - All Inclusive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/ma7nxemb1uu64tyd7et.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/ma7nxemb1uu64tyd7et.webp 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/ma7nxemb1uu64tyd7et.webp 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/ma7nxemb1uu64tyd7et.webp 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/ma7nxemb1uu64tyd7et.webp 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/ma7nxemb1uu64tyd7et.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"Princess Senses The Mangrove Resort - Luxury Adults Only - All Inclusive, Green Island, Jamaica\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"location\"><i><\/i><span>Green Island, Jamaica<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Princess Senses The Mangrove Resort &#8211; Luxury Adults Only &#8211; All Inclusive<\/div><div class=\"tagline\">Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. After dipping into one of the 4 outdoor pools, you can spend some time at the private beach. This resort also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and gift shops\/newsstands.<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from<\/div><div class=\"range\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$2,874<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"offer_3e19d994-a141-445b-8c22-298b6c9073bf\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_hotel cacheid_de0f6bf0787269cae509dfd9aec03178\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/partner\/botanica\/3e19d994-a141-445b-8c22-298b6c9073bf\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"offer partner LPP carousel\" data-name=\"Botanica\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t<div class=\"offer_preview\">\n\t\t<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/qn4hmzjyk0wrusalkh.webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_250\/qn4hmzjyk0wrusalkh.webp 250w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_400\/qn4hmzjyk0wrusalkh.webp 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_600\/qn4hmzjyk0wrusalkh.webp 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_800\/qn4hmzjyk0wrusalkh.webp 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,ar_16:9,w_1200\/qn4hmzjyk0wrusalkh.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 250px) 250px, 250px\" alt=\"Botanica, Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\"><\/figure>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"offer_details\">\n\t\t<div class=\"location\"><i><\/i><span>Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands<\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Botanica<\/div><div class=\"tagline\">Enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a terrace.<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from<\/div><div class=\"range\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$2,680<\/span><\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a><\/div>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"offer_x\" class=\"splide__slide offer_item type_cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/au\/search?destinationName=Caribbean&#038;destinationId=le_d7bce4d8dbac13945471c343c4973ba3&#038;adults=2&#038;children=none&#038;flexibleWithDate=true\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"carousel\" data-name=\"See more escapes\">\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"slide_cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"cta_tag\">Looking for something else?<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"btn_view_offer\">View all<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"cta\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/au\/search?destinationName=Caribbean&#038;destinationId=le_d7bce4d8dbac13945471c343c4973ba3&#038;adults=2&#038;children=none&#038;flexibleWithDate=true\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"carousel\" data-name=\"See more escapes\">See more escapes<\/a>\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Bring more cash than you think you\u2019ll need&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It wasn&#8217;t until the third blank stare at the third currency exchange store I tried that I cottoned on; getting my hands on physical Cuban cash in Melbourne might be harder than expected. Unlike travelling to almost anywhere else, I quickly learnt it is not possible to stock up on local Cuban currency before touching down in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, ensure you have plenty of US dollars and euros in small denominations, which can then be exchanged for the Cuban National Peso at exchange houses at airports and throughout the country. Don\u2019t trade it all: many guesthouses and private restaurants prefer payments in dollars and euros. While the peso is the only legal currency, all three are widely accepted.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It pays (literally) to check with your bank before you travel to ensure your credit and debit cards will be accepted. Some US and select Australian bank cards will not work in the ATMs available, which I learnt while desperately trying to scrounge up enough money to pay my taxi driver 30 minutes before my flight departed.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to note that you cannot exchange your pesos back into dollars or euros at airports. You should also not take pesos out of the country. The solution: spend all your pesos at the end of your stay (souvenir time) or exchange them for a foreign currency before heading to the airport.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Understand visa regulations before you go&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are certainly easier places to access than Cuba, but those who persevere with the extra paperwork are rewarded with architectural marvels, shrines to Cuban sovereignty, colonial-era mansions, reggaet\u00f3n music halls and pristine shores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ll need a visa, or tourist card, to enter the country, which can be organised through your travel agent, airline or the consulate of Cuba. It&#8217;s also worth noting, if you&#8217;re travelling on to the USA after, that anyone who has visited Cuba after 12 January 2021 cannot enter the country on an easy-to-obtain A$33 ESTA visa. Instead, those heading to the USA must apply for a tourist visa via their nearest USA Embassy or Consulate.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. There is no Australian or New Zealand Embassy in Cuba<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It wasn\u2019t until I was squarely in my seat, 40 minutes after takeoff, that I realised how close I had come to making the biggest rookie travel mistake: losing your passport. While the blunder would be inconvenient anywhere, losing your passport in a country with no Australian Embassy would have been, well, not ideal.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Australians requiring consular assistance can speak to the Canadian Embassy in Havana \u2013 so I wouldn\u2019t have been left entirely in the dark. For those wondering, I left my passport in an ATM on the lower floor of the airport while trying, to no avail, to take out cash to pay my taxi driver. Twenty minutes later, after I\u2019d retraced my steps, it thankfully was still there. Miracle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Shutterstock_412724059-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Downtown Havana, the enigmatic and magical capital city of Cuba. \" class=\"wp-image-8015\" style=\"width:840px\" width=\"840\" srcset=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Shutterstock_412724059-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Shutterstock_412724059-350x233.jpg 350w, https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Shutterstock_412724059-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Shutterstock_412724059.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Havana, Cuba.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. The locals are incredibly friendly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the enduring memories many travellers have of Cuba is the warmth of its people. Vibrant and expressive with a flair for dance (it is the home of salsa, after all), most locals welcome a good chat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I was personally so enchanted by their friendliness that I forgot, like any destination in the world, not to be overly trusting. There is no confusing administrative process or cultural difference to blame here, but a na\u00efve approach to making friends while solo backpacking. It was my second day in the country when a local came up to me on the street, struck up a conversation and invited me to come back to their house for tea and traditional Cuban cigars.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How lucky was I? Less than 48 hours into my trip I\u2019d already met and befriended a local.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alas, this was an attempt to get me to purchase, at an exorbitant price, their collection of cigars and teas \u2013 which became obvious two minutes after I first stepped into their home. The lesson? Catch up with your new friends in public and purchase those famous cigars from the source at official stores.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5.<\/strong> <strong>It\u2019s wonderfully off-grid<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cuba is famous for vintage cars, delicious rum, outstanding beaches and questionable internet access. However, while once considered one of the least connected countries in the world, internet access in Cuba has improved dramatically over the past decade, with tourists able to connect to the net (albeit often patchy) in most hotels, some private guesthouses and public hotspots like parks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-contrast-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\">Accessing the internet in public can be done via a NAUTA card, purchased through the nation\u2019s state-owned telecommunications company ETECSA, which provides users with a one-hour access limit in select locations. A one-hour card costs around A$1.50.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2020, Cuba\u2019s phone carrier, Cubacel, introduced a tourist sim card, offering visitors 1GB of data across 30 days for around A$38. What worked for me, however, was pre-downloading all city maps and doing plenty of research on restaurants and activities before entering the country, then using the patchy guesthouse Wi-Fi as a backup.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Travel information is correct at time of publishing and subject to change.<\/em> <em>For the latest information, click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartraveller.gov.au\/destinations\/americas\/cuba\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Looking for more inspiration? Check out <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/the-best-things-to-do-in-the-bahamas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>The Best Things to do in The Bahamas.<\/strong><\/a><strong><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>North America\u2019s enigmatic island country is a kaleidoscope of colours, cultures and bygone charm \u2013 and is notoriously misunderstood. Writer Madeleine Keck unravels some of its secrets. \u201cWho let me do that?\u201d I think as I stand in line to board my flight out of Havana after a week of exhilarating experiences (and a few [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":8018,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[70],"tags":[21,12,6,26,13],"location":[],"customertype":[],"class_list":["post-8007","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-caribbean","tag-arts-culture","tag-bucket-list","tag-city-break","tag-islands","tag-outdoor-adventure"],"acf":{"enable_partner_branding":false,"brand_name":"","brand_logo_top":null,"brand_logo_footer":null,"brand_snippet":"","brand_website":"","brand_sidebar_banner":null},"lang":"en","translations":{"en":8007,"fr":59908,"de":59911},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Shutterstock_790184866-1.jpg","pll_sync_post":{},"lux_id":8007,"lux_link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/what-i-learned-travelling-in-cuba-for-a-week-solo\/","lux_title":"What I Learned Travelling in Cuba for a Week Solo","lux_excerpt":"North America\u2019s enigmatic island country is a kaleidoscope of colours, cultures and bygone charm \u2013 and is notoriously misunderstood. Writer Madeleine Keck unravels some of its secrets. \u201cWho let me do that?\u201d I think as I stand in line to board my flight out of Havana after a week of exhilarating experiences (and a few [\u2026]","lux_excerpt_trimmed":"North America\u2019s enigmatic island country is a kaleidoscope of colours, cultures and bygone charm \u2013 and is notoriously misunderstood. Writer Madeleine Keck unravels some of its secrets. \u201cWho let me","lux_image_url":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Shutterstock_790184866-1.jpg","lux_image_url_medium":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Shutterstock_790184866-1-350x233.jpg","lux_image_url_large":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Shutterstock_790184866-1-1024x683.jpg","lux_image_url_square":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Shutterstock_790184866-1-500x500.jpg","lux_categories":[{"label":"Caribbean","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/destinations\/caribbean\/"}],"lux_tags":[{"label":"Arts &amp; Culture","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/arts-culture\/"},{"label":"Bucket List","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/bucket-list\/"},{"label":"City Break","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/city-break\/"},{"label":"Islands","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/islands\/"},{"label":"Outdoor &amp; Adventure","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/outdoor-adventure\/"}],"lux_locations":[],"lux_customer_types":[],"lux_read_time":"6 min read","lux_read_time_minutes":6,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8007","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8007"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8007\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8018"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8007"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8007"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8007"},{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=8007"},{"taxonomy":"customertype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/customertype?post=8007"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}