FEMALE TRAVELLERS ARE ON THE RISE IN CUBA AND THEY ARE MORE ADVENTUROUS THAN EVER.
According to Forbes’ latest travel trends, women make 80% of all travel decisions and they now demand adventure instead of pamper-sessions.
So, what happened to the whole soul-searching Eat, Pray, Love trend? Well, let’s just say that it’s been more than 10 years since the release of Eat, Pray Love, and currently, Elizabeth Gilbert is happily married to another woman, Rayya Elias.
Women are more bold about their travel adventures and decisions, and they don’t mind doing it alone, as long as they feel safe.
In terms of physical safety, Cuba is a dream destination for girls who love adventure and travel.
Zaritha van Wyngaardt, owner and founder of the Obvious Choice, is a serious travel addict and has recently travelled Cuba. She was accompanied by her 21 year old daughter, Lenka van Wyngaardt.
Lenka, a 3rd year Physiotherapy student at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) is a bliss to travel with.
1. Kick-start Havana with a cocktail along the Hemingway Trail
Ernest Hemingway couldn’t have said it any better: “My mojito in La Bodeguita del Medio and my daiquiri in El Floridita.”
Havana is obsessed with Hemingway as this was his home for 20 years. El Floridita is a restaurant along the trail that refers to itself as the Cradle of the Daiquiri.
La Bodeguita del Medio is a small bar off a side-street from the Plaza de la Catedral. This little gem is very popular among travellers interested in the legacy of Hemingway and his writings.
Once here, you have to stop for an ice cold mojito to break the Havana humidity and heat.
2. Go for a drive in a classic vintage car
Cuba’s colourful classic cars really stand out.
For travellers this is amazing, but to the local Cubans they are merely cars.
There are no “new” cars due to trade restrictions imposed on Cuba after the revolution.
Either way, enjoy the ride!
3. Learn how to roll a Cuban cigar and explore the caves in Vinales
Vinales is Cuba’s second most visited travel destination. It offers travellers great hiking, caving and rock climbing opportunities.
The Vinales Valley, surrounded by its limestone hills (mogotes) is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At La Casa de Veguero you can visit the tobacco farm where you can take a peek inside one of the tobacco drying houses and watch how Cuban cigars are made.
These cigars can be purchased on site.
After all, they are the world’s best.
Zaritha captured the That’s How You Roll a Cuban Cigar Moment on video. View the clip on our Instagram page.
Oh yes, and don’t forget to follow!
4. Respect “The Che.”
Cuba loves Ernesto Che Guevara.
He is everywhere in Cuba; on the streets, the walls, the park…
Name it, Che is there.
In Santa Clara you can view the extraordinary statue of Che holding a little boy in his arms. The statue represents The Next Generation – an exceptional work of art. Don’t miss it!
5. Sing and dance with local musicians
Cuba is very passionate about their local music scene.
Musicians can be found around every street corner and most restaurants.
Make the most of your Cuban night-life experience by watching a live band or go dancing with the locals – a great way to meet new friends.
6. Leisure up on beach time
Trinidad is located by the sea and has two beaches: Ancon and Maria Aguilar. These beaches are perfect for scuba-diving, lazing in the sun and swimming with the dolphins.
6. Photography
Cuba has a lot to offer when it comes to capturing great and colourful images for your social media pages.
From architecture to cocktails, from meals to street-life, and from living with the locals to long walks on the beach – there will always be a colourful display of photo opportunities at hand.
“Cuba is like a time-warp… like a complete throwback to the 50’s.” – Zaritha.
“Cuba is the most authentically charming and aesthetically pleasing place I’ve ever been to. The food was a diverse array of flavours, the weather sunny and the people were genuine and always ensured that we were having a good time. Special note and thanks to all the cocktails.
I am glad Trump put an embargo on Cuba, because now there is more for the rest of us to enjoy.” – Lenka.
For further information, contact the Obvious Choice as follow:
Zaritha van Wyngaardt
Email: zaritha@obviouschoice.co.za
Mobile: +27 82 652 1841
LinkedIn: Zaritha van Wyngaardt
Facebook: @obviouschoicetravel
Instagram: @obviouschoicetravel
We’d love to hear from you.
In the meantime, travel awesome!
ABOUT THE OBVIOUS CHOICE:
Owner and Founder of the Obvious Choice, Zaritha van Wyngaardt, is passionate about travelling and offers corporate clients, as well as individuals, the opportunity to travel to vibrant destinations to experience, energise and revitalise.
The Obvious Choice is your one-stop solution for Experiential Travel, Conferences, Incentives and Event Management.
Written by: Deidré Schoeman
