🇨🇺 From Salsa Beats to Rooftop Views: Katerina’s Unforgettable Cuban Experience

#CubaTravel #HavanaVibes #SalsaBeats #TravelInterview #CaribbeanEscape #Wanderlust #HiddenGems #TravelDiaries #ExploreCuba #CubanCulture

💭 “Cuba is such a beautiful country, and everywhere you go, there’s music and people dancing.” 🎶

– Julia Sawalha

Cuba is more than just vintage cars and cigars—it’s a place where history, culture, and music come alive. Frequent traveler Katerina, a friend whom I met in Zanzibar, recently explored this vibrant destination. In our exclusive interview, she shares her favorite experiences, must-visit places, and essential travel tips to help you plan your own Cuban adventure!

1. Tell Us a Bit About Yourself 🌍

Courageous Wanderer: Before we dive into your Cuban adventure, can you share a little about yourself? What sparked your love for travel, and what’s been your most memorable experience so far?

Katerina: At that time, I had been dancing salsa for five years and reading a lot about Cuba—its history, music, and lifestyle. I was fascinated by the culture, the vibrant energy, and, of course, the tropical weather and exotic atmosphere. It felt like the perfect destination to experience everything I loved in one place!

2. Cuba Through Your Eyes: What Surprised You the Most? 🤯

Cuba was an absolutely amazing experience! Even though we traveled with an agency, our group was a perfect match, making the trip even more memorable. One of the biggest surprises was how well-maintained Old Havana is, but just outside the touristy areas, there’s a stark contrast with trash in the streets. It didn’t bother me much, but I know some travelers might find it unexpected.

3. Beyond the Tourist Brochures: What Was Your Most Authentic Experience? 🇨🇺

Without a doubt, the live salsa music everywhere! Every restaurant had its own band, and they weren’t just playing in the background—they engaged with guests, sang directly to us, and even encouraged dancing. It felt like a non-stop celebration, but be prepared—musicians, taxi drivers, and even street storytellers all expect tips!

4. Havana Highlights: What Are the Must-Visit Places? 🏛️

Havana is packed with history and culture. Here are some must-visit spots:

Revolution Square – A historic and political landmark.
Callejon de Hamel – A vibrant alley filled with Afro-Cuban art and culture.
Malecón Promenade – The perfect place for an evening walk by the ocean.
Old Havana’s Four Main Squares – Beautiful, well-preserved, and full of energy!

5. A Photographer’s Dream: What Were the Most Breathtaking Landscapes? 📸

Cuba’s beaches are stunning! Playa Santa Maria in Havana is a must-see, and if you can arrange transportation, Varadero is worth the trip. The nature and coastline are simply breathtaking!

6. The Unexpected Challenges: What Were the Biggest Hurdles? ⚠️

Transportation: Taxis are available, but prices can vary. We paid around €30 per ride to the beach, split among four people.
Internet: There’s virtually no Wi-Fi. You can buy internet cards for 1 to 5 hours of access, but otherwise, expect to be offline.
Currency Exchange: Everything is now in Cuban Pesos (CUP). Exchange rates vary, and some tourists have been scammed, so be cautious!

📶 Stay Connected Even in Cuba! 🌍

As you’ve heard, Wi-Fi in Cuba is limited, and staying online can be a challenge. But don’t worry—Courageous Wanderer has you covered! We’ve partnered with Strong eSIM to bring you seamless, hassle-free connectivity while you travel. No need to hunt for Wi-Fi cards or struggle with slow connections—just activate your eSIM and stay connected instantly!

✨ No physical SIM needed
✨ Instant activation
✨ Affordable international plans

7. Food & Nightlife: What Are the Best Places to Eat & Drink? 🍹

Lobster is a must-try, and the rooftop bars offer stunning views. Here are my favorites:

Hotel Inglaterra Rooftop – Classy spot with live salsa and great food.
Floridita – Famous for Hemingway’s daiquiris and live music.
La Bodeguita del Medio – The go-to place for mojitos!
Malecón 663 – A rooftop bar with a DJ and artsy vibes.
Fábrica del Arte – A unique mix of art, music, and nightlife!

8. Your Travel Journey: From Explorer to Storyteller ✍️

CW: What inspired you to start documenting your travels? How has sharing your experiences helped you connect with other travelers?

K: It all started when a friend of mine asked me for advice about traveling to Cuba. As I shared my experiences, I realized how much I enjoyed sharing about my travels. From there, I started writing about my adventures, not just to give tips but also to connect with other travelers and demonstrate the magic of exploring new places.

9. What’s Next for Katerina? Future Travel Plans ✈️

CW: After Cuba, where’s your next adventure? Any exciting destinations or projects coming up?

K: Of course, I’d love to visit other countries! In the future, Bali is high on my list. I’m drawn to warm, exotic places with rich culture, stunning nature, and a laid-back vibe.

10. Advice for Fellow Travelers: What Should They Know? 🌍

CW: For anyone planning a trip to Cuba, what’s your number one piece of advice?

K: Don’t expect luxury—just embrace the moment! Cuba is a place where you have to go with the flow. The charm is in its authenticity, the people, and the energy of the streets. If you focus too much on comfort, you might miss out on what makes it truly special.

Have you been to Cuba? Drop your favorite places & travel tips in the comments!

#CubaTravel #HavanaVibes #SalsaBeats #TravelInterview #CaribbeanEscape #Wanderlust #HiddenGems #TravelDiaries #ExploreCuba #CubanCulture