Close your eyes and picture yourself walking down an old street with colorful buildings, then turning a corner to see the ocean in the distance. Imagine that you’re in a lively city where you can hear people talking all around you and feel their energy with every step you take.
This is what it’s like to visit Havana, Cuba.
Havana is a beautiful city that’s filled with adventure and discovery. It’s charming, fascinating, and very welcoming – the perfect combination to make your honeymoon everything you’re dreaming it will be.
Cuba honeymoons are becoming increasingly popular among newlyweds, and many other travelers are discovering what this Caribbean country has to offer, too. If you haven’t decided on a post-wedding destination yet, you need to heavily consider going to Cuba.
Here’s a simple 5-step guide to help you plan the ultimate Cuban getaway.
1. Set a Budget
You’re probably knee-deep in wedding planning already, so the last thing you want to do is stress out about the honeymoon. Ease the pressure of honeymoon planning by setting a budget. This will help you understand important details like how long you should stay in Cuba, which flights to pick, and where to stay.
Not to mention having a budget in mind will give you an idea of all the activities you can do while in Cuba. It’s a good thing to keep in the back of your head as you’re deciding how to spend your days, where to eat at night, and what you want to shop for and bring back home.
2. Choose Your Dates Carefully
Speaking of how you spend your days, keep in mind that as charming as Cuba is, it isn’t very big. If you want to have an intimate, quiet experience while on your honeymoon, choose your dates during the offseason of when most people usually travel.
It may be smart to wait until November or December instead of going in the middle of the summer or late spring. Even if these dates aren’t right after your wedding, they’re worth waiting for.
Planning your vacation around the peak season in which most people travel allows you to have a seamless experience. It means you don’t have to worry as much about the streets being crowded or the hotel prices being jacked up. Instead, you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy all the beauty Havana has to offer.
3. Research Everything Ahead of Time
Whether you’re planning to visit Cuba in the middle of summer or in the peak of winter, you have to research all the things you want to do ahead of time. Take the time to make a list of all the excursions you’d like to do, history you want to learn, places you want to shop at, and restaurants you’re dying to try.
This will keep you from wasting time making decisions while you’re actually there. When you plan ahead, you’re better able to immerse yourself in all that Cuba has to offer and to go with the flow, too.
If you wait until you’re there to start planning activities, you’ll be spending more time researching and trying to book things than anything else. That’s no way to spend a honeymoon. Plan the details of your vacation now so you can give your full attention to your new spouse later.
4. Go Beyond Havana
Keep in mind that Cuba has much more to offer than just Havana!
If you have the time, it’s worth going to one of the nearby towns like Varadero or Santa Maria Del Mar. There, you’ll get a more authentic Cuban experience and the chance to get away from the big city and its crowds.
You can choose to take a guided day trip or stay in these smaller towns for a day or two. Either way, it’s definitely worth going out of your way. Places like Varadero and Santa Maria Del Mar have a unique charm that can’t be found in Havana. They’re small, locally-oriented destinations where everyone treats you like family and the true beauty of Cuba really shines.
5. Do as the Locals Do
At the end of the day, there’s only so much planning you can do to prepare for your Cuban honeymoon. Once you actually arrive in Havana (or anywhere else), it’s worth asking a few questions to see if your pre-vacation research has lead you to the right places.
Ask the locals where the best restaurants are and where you can get a strong, classic Cuban cafecito. Mention the beaches you’re thinking of visiting and talk about what time of day would be best to see certain monuments.
The more you’re willing to ask such things, the better your vacation will be. Getting a local’s insight gives you the inside scoop on where you absolutely have to go and what you can afford to miss out on. Who knows? You may even learn more about Cuba this way and make a few friends.
Discover Why Cuba Honeymoons and Vacations Are so Popular Right Now
More and more couples are choosing Cuba honeymoons for their post-wedding celebrations. They’re hopping on cruises and catching flights to this charming country with so much to discover.
You should definitely consider joining them. Between all the good food, the beautiful sights, the incredible history, and the fun, lively culture, it’s hard to have a bad time here. Plus, it’s easy to plan your trip when you keep all the tips above in mind!
For more insights to make your honeymoon the absolute best experience it can be, check out more blogs.