| Cuba is alleged to be a country at a crossroads; and | | | | Cuban food is a cacophony of Caribbean, Spanish and |
| with the recent rate of change travelers would be | | | | African influences with black beans, rice, pork and |
| wise to visit the nation before its romanticized past | | | | plantains featuring heavily in the local diet. Criollo or |
| becomes the stuff of memories. With an abundance | | | | creole food is served in a paladere, or private |
| of things to see and do, the country is a popular | | | | dwelling, and offers travelers an inexpensive and |
| destination for budget travelers led by a sense of | | | | authentic dining experience. Restaurants owned by |
| adventure. | | | | the government are significantly more expensive and |
| Sights | | | | the staff often depend on tips for wages. |
| Discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, the | | | | Cuban bars are always lively and serve speciality rum |
| Caribbean island of Cuba enjoys an enchanting history | | | | cocktails such as the mojito and Cuba Libre. Venues |
| now centered upon the life of famous revolutionary | | | | often provide great live music with Cubans never |
| Che Guevera and the reign of Fidel Castro. | | | | needing an excuse to reach for the guitar and enter |
| Both the museum at Santa Clara and Havana's Museo | | | | into spontaneous song. Those who make it to |
| de la Revolucion provide a background for those | | | | Santiago should not miss performances of son |
| seeking to understand modern day Cuba. Situated | | | | cubano, a unique style of music originating in Cuba |
| nearby is the Granma cabin cruiser, in which Castro | | | | and the inspiration for salsa, at the Casa de la Trova. |
| and Che nearly drowned in 1956. | | | | Where To Stay |
| Elsewhere in Cuba, attractions include the cultural city | | | | For the complete Cuban experience, stay in Cuba |
| of Santiago and the spectacular beauty of stalactites | | | | hostels, or casas particulares, which are private hotels |
| and stalagmites in the caves of Pinar del Rio. Havana's | | | | adapted for travelers and backpackers. Havana |
| oldest fort is also a sight that should not be missed | | | | hostels usually consist of a room in a private home. |
| and simple pleasures such as a casual stroll along the | | | | This kind of accommodation is abundant and of good |
| El Malecon seawall and a guided tour of the Havana | | | | value with prices varying depending on facilities and |
| Club Rum Factory will illuminate any backpacking | | | | location. As food and other services are likely to cost |
| holiday. | | | | extra, so backpackers with a very tight budget |
| Food and Drink | | | | should ensure they ask about these prices on arrival. |