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Why Cuba Is Worth Visiting In 2026?

Why Cuba Is Worth Visiting In 2026?

Dec 4, 2025

Cuba is one of those places you think you understand from photos until you actually get there and realize you didn’t even come close. The island has this weirdly charming mix of worn-out glory and everyday warmth.

Old American cars still rumble past buildings that look like they’ve soaked up decades of stories. And 2026, honestly, feels like a sweet moment to go, open enough for travelers but not yet “over fixed” by crowds or shiny tourist shops. You still get the raw edges that make a place memorable.

Also, Juan Carlos García Granda, the honorable Minister of Tourism, Cuba, spoke to the Canadian travel trade recently, and he mentioned how the country has been recovering swiftly from Hurricane Melissa.

Furthermore, with the mention of “Canadians are our most important visitors,” he said that Cuba aims to welcome one million Canadian visitors in 2026. So, the tourism scene in Cuba looks promising, speaking to the resilience and strength of the country.

It also means that despite a drop in the tourist numbers in the first nine months of 2025, Cuba expects a strong comeback in 2026. This is more crucial, considering the tourism industry is a major economic driver and employment generator in the country.

But how is traveling to Cuba in 2026 going to be special? I will talk about Cuba’s cultural richness, history, biodiversity, and more in this article.

Traveling To Cuba In 2026? Know Why It Is Worth It

With the exotic rhythms of Salsa and Rumba coming from every corner, and history speaking through the roads and alleys of Old Havana, Cuba continues to impress.

With 1.1 million annual visitors, it has secured the 93rd position among 202 countries ranked by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Here are the reasons why you will plan to travel to Cuba in 2026.

1. A Living Time Capsule

Walking through Havana sometimes feels like you accidentally wandered into a film set nobody bothered to shut down.

The Malecón stretches along the sea like a giant sidewalk where half the city hangs out as the sun goes down. Kids chasing each other, someone playing music too loudly, random folks fishing even when it looks like nothing’s biting!

Old Havana adds another layer with its crumbling balconies, repaired facades, and the kind of street corners that seem to whisper old stories.

And yes, the famous 1950s cars are absolutely real. You’ll probably end up in one before you can even think about it. Around 60,000 classic American cars still run because, years back, people had no choice but to keep fixing what they had.

Riding in one feels slightly shaky, slightly magical, like history decided to give you a lift.

2. Cultural Richness Beyond Compare

Cuban culture doesn’t really let you take a break. Music is everywhere, pouring from open doors, bouncing off walls, floating down streets without any concern for volume levels.

One minute it’s rumba, then suddenly salsa, then something you can’t even name but you feel it anyway.

This isn’t a show put on for tourists; it’s just life. Buena Vista Social Club got the world’s attention years ago, but hearing a live band in a small room with wooden chairs and sweaty walls? That’s the real thing.

Art pops out of unexpected places, too. You’ll see murals so bold you’ll stop walking without realizing it.

Local galleries showcase painters who already have collectors overseas. And when the Havana Biennial hits, the entire city feels like someone lifted the lid off a creative pressure cooker.

3. Natural Beauty And Biodiversity

Leave the city for a bit, and Cuba changes faces fast. Varadero Beach is so long and blue that it feels almost surreal. Then you have the Valle de Viñales with its strange mogotes rising from tobacco farms where people still work the way their great-grandparents did.

Cuba also protects one of the Caribbean’s largest reef systems. Jardines de la Reina is only reachable by boat and basically untouched.

Divers see sharks drifting by like they own the place (they kind of do), coral in impossible shapes, sea turtles gliding slowly like they’re late for nothing.

With around twenty percent of its waters protected, the island feels alive in a way many places don’t anymore.

And for bird lovers? Heaven. There are over 350 species, including the tiny bee hummingbird, so small it looks like someone accidentally made it miniature.

4. Authentic Culinary Experiences

Cuban cuisine isn’t fussy. It’s comforting in that “someone’s abuela cooked this” kind of way. Ropa vieja, congri, roasted pork—simple dishes that feel honest. Seafood shows up almost everywhere, which isn’t surprising.

Paladares (those home-run restaurants) give the dining scene a more personal feel. Some places keep things old-school; others experiment. Either way, the vibe is relaxed and a little unpredictable. Coffee is strong enough to wake the dead—and sweet enough to take the edge off. And rum? People take it seriously. Distillery tours walk you through the aging process, and before you know it, you’re thinking about which bottle you can actually fit in your bag.

Practical Considerations For Traveling To Cuba In 2026

Traveling to Cuba means sorting out a few basics. Most visitors need a tourist card. Americans still have those official categories to fit into, such as cultural, educational, and humanitarian. You can find Cuba visa information here to understand specific requirements by nationality.

The old dual-currency system is finally gone, which makes life easier. But cash is still king since many foreign cards simply don’t function. ATMs outside the bigger cities aren’t always reliable, so planning saves you headaches.

WiFi has improved a bit, but it’s still slow enough that you’ll probably give up on scrolling and look around more. Parks and hotels offer hotspots, though you might catch yourself enjoying the digital break after a day or two.

Put all of this together, and 2026 becomes one of those rare windows where you can see Cuba before big tourism polishes it too much. The music, the laughter, the slightly chaotic streets, the views that sneak up on you! Cuba doesn’t fade from memory quickly. It lingers in the nicest way.

Sibashree Bhattacharya

Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

Are There Minimal Group Sizes Or Custom Itineraries?

BY Sibashree Sep 5, 2025

If you’ve ever tried planning a trip with friends or family, you’ve probably asked the same thing: Do we even have enough people for this to count as a group? Or maybe the opposite: can we just make our own plan instead of sticking to theirs? Most companies draw the line somewhere around 8–10 people. That’s the usual cutoff for a group booking. Still, if you’ve got fewer folks, don’t stress. Many operators will let you set up a custom plan—though, yep, it usually costs extra. That’s just the baseline, though. Everything shifts depending on what kind of trip you’re eyeing, where you’re headed, and even when you go. Those details can totally change the rules. So, if you are also wondering how custom itineraries help groups to plan for the perfect getaway, you are at the right place. In this blog, I am going to delve into the various aspects of custom itineraries for different group sizes. Looking into how they help and how to negotiate them. So, keep reading to know more! What Are Custom Itineraries? Unlike normal or fixed itineraries, custom itineraries refer to personalized travel plans that include a meticulously designed guide for trips. By covering how to travel, where to stay, and what to do, they provide the perfect tour guide. In addition to this, they consider the budget for the trip. So, the guide covers all the tour spots that can be managed within the budget range, which prevents overspending or going beyond the budget. Moreover, they are not generic and do not fit all. That is, based on your specific needs and demands, the itinerary is created with recommended activities, tickets, accommodation options, and more. So, it provides a completely tailored trip guide with detailed planning that meets your requirements. How Do Custom Itineraries Help Group Trip Planning? Generally, travel agents use custom itineraries while planning group trips for parties that do not fall within the size limits. So, they collect the necessary details from the group. Focusing on their budget, trip demands, accommodation needs, and activity plans. Moreover, they use the details to create a perfect group trip plan. Also, they recommend certain activities, trip destinations, and a comprehensive guide for the trip. In addition to this, solo travellers also use custom itineraries for travelling to their favorite places with their preferences. So, based on their destination plans and staycation ideas, they create the custom itineraries. Also, this helps in making the trip memorable and enjoyable without indulging in unnecessary activities, just because it is mentioned in the itinerary. How Do Group Size Requirements Vary By Trip Type? Not every trip plays by the same numbers. Adventure stuff—like safaris or hikes—tends to keep it small. Sometimes just 4–6 people, which makes sense when you think about logistics (and honestly, it feels better that way). But if you’re talking about big bus tours or a cruise excursion, that number jumps. Think 15–20 people minimum just to make the math work out. Cultural things, like a city walking tour or even a cooking class, usually land in the middle. Around 6–8 people keep it personal but still cover costs. What Seasons Affect Group Size Requirements? Season matters—a lot. In busy tourist months, operators are usually chill because they can mash smaller groups together and still hit their targets. Off-season? Totally different. They might stick to the rules harder or even raise the minimum just to cover expenses. There’s a silver lining, though. During shoulder seasons, many companies bend the rules a bit to pull in more bookings. If you can travel, then you’ll probably find more flexibility (and better prices, too). What Hidden Costs Should You Consider With Custom Groups? Custom sounds amazing, right? But here’s the catch: it’s rarely just the base price. Extra fees sneak in. Private guide? Extra. Special access after hours? Extra. Even behind-the-scenes admin costs for coordinating all the moving parts—yep, also extra. So, with the custom planning for the trips, there are always hidden costs associated with every activity and tour plan. Transport can be tricky too. Smaller groups split costs across fewer people, so per-person prices climb fast. And mid-sized groups? They’re stuck in that awkward middle—too many for a small van but not enough to fill a full coach. In those cases, a van rental for 15 passengers is often the sweet spot. Oh, and some places add “exclusivity” charges if you want the space or service all to yourself. Always, always ask for a breakdown before you lock anything in. What Options Exist For Groups That Don't Meet Minimums? Didn’t hit the magic number? No big deal. A few workarounds exist. You could pay a small-group supplement (basically a surcharge for being fewer people). Or, an easier option, join another group that’s already booked and running. Another route: check if the company offers “guaranteed departures.” That means the trip happens no matter what. Downside is, you won’t usually get custom tweaks—it’s more of a fixed plan. But hey, at least you know the trip won’t get canceled. How Can You Negotiate Custom Itineraries? If you’re leaning toward a custom trip, here’s the trick: go in with a clear list of what really matters and what you can bend on. Operators are way more open to changes when you’re flexible. List out your must-haves (non-negotiable stuff) and your nice-to-haves (things you’d love but could swap). Be ready to compromise on timing, hotels, or smaller activities. That balance—firm on priorities but loose on details—usually gets you the best outcome. Custom Itineraries For Group Trips So, where does that leave you? Well, step one is simple: jot down a wish list. Split it into “musts” and “maybes.” When you bring that to an operator, you’ll not only save time but also make it easier for them to build something that actually works. They see what’s important, and you still give them room to figure out the logistics. That’s how you get a trip that feels like yours without breaking all their rules. Read Also: Planning To Travel The World? How To Pack Up Your Life So It’s Ready For You When You Get Back Are You Planning A Trip To Osaka? This Is Your Quintessential Guide A Step By Step Guide On Planning A Luxury Travel Vacation

Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours: Your Time Starts Now!

BY Sibashree Nov 29, 2024

When it comes to family vacations in the USA, San Francisco will, of course, be among the toppers. The museums, cultural hotspots, and a lot of green space make it ideal for tourists of all ages. So, naturally, the San Francisco Travel Association is expecting a decent growth in the number of visitors and tourism revenue in 2024. The association expects a footfall of 23.22 million in 2024, which will record a revenue of $9.24 billion. Further, San Francisco is a cool place if you want to go on a family vacation or spend holidays with your little ones. San Francisco is also great as a weekend getaway from other parts of the country. However, chalking out the perfect travel plan for kids is always difficult. So, I thought of sharing a 48-hour itinerary of things to do in San Francisco with kids. Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours You need a proper plan in place to maximize your 48 hours in San Francisco with kids. Here are the places you can cover during your two days of stay in the city. Day 1: Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids Take an early flight to San Francisco irrespective of the corner you are traveling from. Union Square has many hotels, and you can take a cab from the airport to reach the place you will be staying. However, don’t waste much of your time checking in or the formalities. Ideally, you should check in, grab a quick bite, keep your luggage in the hotel room, and get yourselves and the backpack ready for the city exploration. There are a lot of things to see, and these are the things to do in San Francisco on day 1 of your visit. 1. Visit The Union Square Union Square in San Francisco bears a rich history associated with the American Civil War. It is the place where pro-Union rallies used to grace the roads. The bright lights and big shops have a vibe similar to Times Square in New York. However, it is much more low-key with less crowd. So it is manageable for kids. Here, you can explore shops like Bloomingdale, Macy’s, and Sak’s Fifth Avenue. Moreover, Union Square gives you easy access to the cable lines of San Francisco. The Union Square Gets Ready For ChristmasMacy’s 35th Annual Christmas tree lighting at Union Square has announced the arrival of Christmas in San Francisco. The 85-foot-tall artificial Christmas tree has been a big draw to Macy’s signature store and Union Square. “It attracts people to come to San Francisco. The mayor was here and this starts the holiday season, the shopping, it brings families here. It’s a good time where everyone can feel, ‘Hey, Christmas is coming!”Lt. Mariano Elias, Public Information Officer, San Francisco Fire Department 2. Enjoy Cable Car Rides Trying cable car rides is one of the best things to do in San Francisco with kids. Along with the fun, the cable car ride is also a great way to avoid expensive car rentals while exploring the city. The cable cars move up and down steep hills. So, the ride is thrilling, and the route covers many major attractions in San Francisco. You can choose from three lines to enjoy a cable car ride in San Francisco. Cable LinePickup FromCalifornia LineMarket Streets or CaliforniaPowell MasonPowell Street Cable Car turnaround off, Market Street, Union SquarePowell HydePowell Street Cable Car turnaround All these lines also cover major attractions in the city like Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Nob Hill, Chinatown, etc. 3. Visit Boudin Museum Your little one and you will need some quick bites after the cable car ride. Boudin Museum and Bakery will be your go-to place. The sandwiches and soups here are excellent. However, exploring the bakery and the small museum is more fun here. You will watch expert chefs making bread and the crafting of sourdough in the shape of bears and other animals. 5. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf You can conclude your day 1 in San Francisco with a visit to the Fisherman’s Wharf. It is a fun neighborhood with street performers and activities for your kids. Some hotspots for children at Fisherman’s Wharf are: Umbrella Alley Musée Mécanique Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Sea Lion “Sealebrities” PIER 39 Fisherman’s Wharf also has the Madame Tussauds’ Wax Museum. But it has closed its operations since 3rd August, 2024. Further, once your kids are done exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, you can take them to Ben & Jerry’s at the Argonaut to have the best ice cream. It remains open every day from 10 AM to 11 PM, and it will cost you around $5 per serving. If your kid is more up for something savory, take them to The Codmother Fish & Chips on 496 Beach Street. It welcomes guests from 11:30 AM to 7 PM, except Wednesdays. Here, the pocket-pinch will be around $10-20 per meal. Day 2: Things To Do In San Francisco With Kids In 48 Hours You really need to make an early start to your day to make the most of your day 2 in San Francisco. On day 2, our focus is on the Palace of Fine Arts, Presidio, and Alcatraz. 5. A Visit To Alcatraz Your day 2 will begin with an “Early Bird Tour of Alcatraz.” You will start at 8:45 AM from Pier 33. Alcatraz is the Spanish translation of the word “Pelican,” the first dwellers of the Rocky Island. However, Alcatraz is more famous (notorious) for housing Alcatraz Prison, one of the most notorious in the history of America. So, today, Alcatraz is a popular spot for dark tourism. George "Machine Gun" Kelly and Al Capone are the two most renowned captives of the Alcatraz Prison. 6. A Visit To The Palace of Fine Arts – Presidio The Palace of Fine Arts is one of the most beautiful historical monuments of San Francisco. The Greco-Roman rotunda is a striking feature of the Palace of Fine Arts. You will also love the arches, gigantic columns, and sculptures here. If you still have time left for your flight and you want to try more things to do in San Francisco with kids, visit the Aquarium of the Bay, the Sea Lions at K-Dock, and the USS Pampanito. Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

Loranocarter+Atlanta: 5 Reasons To Visit Loranocarter+Atlanta

BY Shahnawaz Mar 25, 2023

Be it the vibrant people and the culture or the museum and historic homes, visitors have multiple reasons to pay a visit to this awe-inspiring city. Loranocarter+Atlanta is a place filled with vibrant people and welcoming culture. The delicious brews of this city will try to keep you off the street while the amazing street arts try to keep you on them. Whether your heart years for art, heritage buildings, or just delicious cuisines, loranocarter+Atlanta has a welcoming heart ready to welcome you with all its amenities. Here is a complete article you must read if you are considering a trip to loranocarter+Atlanta. Why Should Take A Trip To Atlanta? As I said before, there are multiple reasons why one must take a trip to Atlanta. Here are some of those reasons– A City Of Great Reputation Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, houses more than almost five million residents from diverse walks of life. It is also home to major companies like Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, and CNN. Most importantly, it is a place with various music, cultures, and art that thrive in different corners of the city. Loranocarter+Atlanta is a great city, and it is great due to multiple different reasons. Firstly, it is home to people from diverse races and ethnicities. It has a massive number African American population. The number of Hispanic families is also growing in numbers in Atlanta. This city's affordable living cost makes it a habitable place for people from different economic backgrounds. They have many schools, colleges, universities, and more. Rich In Culture, History, & Diversity Loranocarter+Atlanta is rich in different cultures, history, and people from diverse walks of life. Due to being the habitat of people from different walks of life, the diversity in Atlanta is seen in its food, culture, music, and art. The place blends people in, making it feel like home to everyone. Also, due to being one of the cities in Georgia, Atalanta is surrounded by both mountains and beaches. So, you have the best of both worlds of natural scenarios if you are thinking of a leisurely trip. It is the city that has it all. The CNN Center Not many cities offer plenty of things to do. If you are visiting Atlanta, there are plenty of things to do. It is a hotspot for animal lovers. Georgia Aquarium is located in Atlanta and is a must-see location for people who love animals and national history. It is where the CNN center is located, and people from all over the US come to Georgia to take a tour of the world-famous news network. Also, the city is a great place for shopping and dining at some of the best dining in Georgia. Loranocarter+Atlanta is a great place whether you are planning a short trip or a long vacation. Great Neighborhoods Whether you want to settle down or spend some days in Atlanta, it has some of the best neighborhoods welcoming people from different parts of the world. The lively downtowns are just as jolly as the quiet suburban areas in Atalanta. Downtown Atlanta offers exciting activities and great places to shop from, and restaurants to dine at. It is the hub of different entertaining activities, thrill, and lively city life. On the south of Atlanta, downtown, there is the Grant Park neighborhood which is the home to some of the best Victorian period houses, streets with trees lined around them and he city zoo. The Buckhead and Sandy Springs neighborhoods offer varieties of options when it comes to housing. There are many apartments and single-family homes for people to live in. if you are planning to move to Loranocarter+Atlanta Ample Job Opportunities If you are considering moving to Atlanta for good, then this is one of the best reasons to be there. This city is the home to different industries making it an ideal place for people looking for a new job. Due to enough amount of industries and organizations, you can find the work that fits you and live the life you want. Best Places To Eat At Loranocarter+Atlanta The food here at Loranocarter+Atlanta is of diverse tastes and flavors. The city has restaurants that serve both international cuisines and food from southern comfort. If you are already there and looking for the best place to have dinner, then here are some recommendations you should check. The Varsity The first place in my list of recommendations is varsity. It is a historic restaurant, and it has been serving food to people for almost a century. Whether you want some burgers, hot dogs, or fries, Varsity is just the place with everything. This old restaurant has been around since 1928. So, if you are visiting Atalanta, you must not forget to stop by here. Mary Mac’s Tea Room Loranocarter+Atlanta is the home for both international cuisines and southern comfort foods. If you are looking for southern comfort food, then you should check out Mary Mac’s Tea Room. They have been serving southern dishes since 1945. The Pig & The Pearl Atlanta also has smoked meat and seafood if you want them. You have to visit The Pig & The Pearl for that. You can also pick up some of their craft beers if you want. Food Trucks & Park Markets Food trucks and street goods are great when it comes to diversity in taste and flavor. If you are on the streets of Atlanta, you should try the cuisines from the different food trucks or the park markets. There are plenty of dishes to try; you can come alone or bring your family. Summing It Up Whether it is the cultural diversity, or the natural beauty, Loranocarter+Atlanta draws people closer in one way or the other. The place is undoubtedly one of the most diverse, lively, and quiet places for visitors from all over the world. If you are planning a trip, you may consider this place. However, if there are any additional queries, you can ask questions in the comment section. Read Also: Best Group Friendly Restaurants In Las Vegas Loranocarter+California: Is It Worth Visiting The Place? Trying ‘All You Can Eat Sushi’ In The United States? All The Top Places To Visit!

Why Cuba Is Worth Visiting In 2026?