Why stay in a casa particular instead of a hotel? Why should you choose this type of accommodation in Cuba? Are casas particulares better than hotels or beach resorts? Will they add to the Cuban experience in a way that hotels can’t compare to? In this blog post, we give you the top 15 reasons to favour a casa particular over a hotel while throwing in the cases where a hotel or beach resort might be the better option.

Why should you consider going on a group tour at all? Is it really worth it? Will it really enhance your travel experience in ways independent travel can’t? We answer these and many more questions regarding group tours in Cuba (or anywhere in the world) in this blog piece. Click on to read more!

If you wonder where in Havana to base yourself for a Cuba holiday tailor-made to your particular needs and interests, this is the blog you need to read! We tell you where to stay in Havana for a memorable experience that ticks all the right boxes!

Cuban-style roast pork, congri, yucca with mojo and a refreshing mojito: there's no better way to explore Cuba’s multi-cultural heritage than through its syncretic gastronomy. Tantalise your taste buds and prepare yourself for a journey full of flavour – here’s the lowdown on what dishes and drinks to try on your next trip to this beautiful island, along with some bits of history and advice on wining and dining in Cuba.

While researching 'Cuba' for a holiday trip, one of the first things that appears on the web browsers is ‘limited internet access’. Whether you're a travel blogger or just a selfie fan, it can sound scary at first but don’t worry – accessing the internet in Cuba is far easier than you would think and our family here at Cuba Direct^TM is dedicated to making sure you know exactly how to get online while on holiday with your family or friends.

Whenever I’m asked to do a go-to guide on the best ways to enjoy Havana’s cultural scene, my first thought is: “I can’t choose – just go out there and explore!”. My initial, helpless advice boils down to the fact that Havana is ideal for travelers in search for lesser known, off-the-beaten-track places. In Cuba’s capital, there are no hidden clubs or elite-styled galleries. Art lies in plain sight here, especially in houses turned galleries in quirky neighborhoods.

But, if you’re looking for a hint, a preview, a quick glimpse into this 500-year-old city and its cultural expressions, read on for the must-go places and our list of Havana’s quirkiest cultural hot spots.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall Camilla visited Cuba in march 2019 as the first members of the royal family to land in Havana after the 1959-revolution. The royal couple visited Old Havana, drove a classic car to the Lennon Park, and prepared their own mojitos at a local restaurant. Before them, Edward of Windsor, Winston Churchill, Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger also jumped at the opportunity of visiting Cuba.

What were they eager to see and what did they do? Read on to find out.

If you’re looking to experience Cuba like a local, enjoying authentic adventures informed by insider knowledge, then you’ll want to book yourself into a casa particular (private homestay) ASAP. Cuba Direct has long been a champion of this kind of accommodation, recognising the many unique and immersive opportunities that they offer travellers as well as the positive impact they have on the ordinary Cuban families who run them. They offer excellent value; in fact 30 out of the Top 50 Best Value Hotels in Cuba are casas particulares according to the popular reviews website TripAdvisor. It comes as no surprise when you consider the casas’ enviable locations, authentic dining options and the wealth of tips and information the local hosts provide.

Here we outline just what a casa particular is and what makes them so special, giving our top 5 reasons why you should consider one for your Cuba holiday.

If you’re searching for a transformational family trip, one that encourages your children to immerse themselves into a new world, get creative and make memories, then Havana is your dreamed wonderland. While travelling with children to a country with no Disneyland, no SeaWorld, and no Cirque du Soleil may seem daunting, Cuba more than compensates for its lack of theme parks with immersive cultural, historical, and natural experiences. Cuba’s youngest visitors can admire fleets of vintage cars rolling the streets like a living museum, play on unspoilt beaches, and explore pirate-era forts. Read on for a list of unmissable experiences for travelling to Havana with children.

Whether you're a first time visitor to Cuba or a seasoned Cubaphile, we've got the ultimate list of lesser-known gems that you won't be wanting to miss on your Cuban getaway! Jade-green waterfalls, historic diving spots, charming colonial towns and picture-perfect beaches - here's Cuba's top 5 hidden gems: