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Category Archive: Blog

  1. 5 Essential Skills You Develop While You Travel

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    It is amazing how much you can learn by spending a few months on the road. While some label travelling as an excuse to float around the world doing nothing, this really couldn’t be further from the truth. Without even thinking about it, you develop a huge amount when you travel. You encounter situations that are completely alien and have to learn quickly how to adjust to them. This requires a great level of mental flexibility and skill and, best of all, you probably don’t even realise you’re doing it.

    If you are worried that your brain will turn to mush if you travel or that you won’t have anything to show for it afterwards, think again. Here are five of the numerous skills you develop while you are on the road.

    Social Skills

    Whether you travel on your own or in a group, you will always encounter other people on the road. Talking to strangers is not something most of us feel comfortable with. It has been bred out of us since the advent of smart phones. Why take the potential risk of rejection or awkwardness when you can tap away without a care in the world? But, striking up conversations with people from different walks of life is an extremely valuable skill and it can easily be fine-tuned while you travel.

    Problem-Solving Skills

    It would be very naïve to think that nothing will go wrong while you travel. Buses are missed, hostels are full, people get scammed – there is no end to the things that could interfere with your plan. Learning how to react in these kinds of situations is highly transferrable to all aspects of life. When you encounter a problem, you need to be able to resolve it quickly and you will get plenty of practice of this when you travel.

    Language Skills

    Unless you only ever travel to other English speaking countries, you will come up against language barriers. These can seem daunting at first and it is unlikely you will leave your stint in Koh Samui speaking fluent Thai. You will, however, come away with at least a few words if you put your mind to it. Having language skills can only ever be a good thing and who knows, if you spend enough time in Mexico, your Spanish might get good enough to put on your CV.

    Independence Skills

    When you are travelling you don’t have your parents or a wide support network there to help you out. You have to do everything on your own. This means keeping yourself fed and watered, finding places to do your laundry, and organising your own itinerary. The freedom is liberating but it can also be challenging. Nevertheless, once you’ve successfully travelled independently, you’ll feel like there’s nothing you can’t do.

    Cultural Sensitivity Skills

    It is one thing to read about a country in a history book or on Wikipedia, but it is another thing entirely to see it in person. Encountering people from different cultures and understanding how they function as a society will enhance your cultural sensitivity. It will make you more capable of working alongside people from different backgrounds in the future and broaden your mind.

  2. Everything You Need for the Perfect Road Trip

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    For decades, the road trip has been one of the most popular types of vacation for young people, old people and families alike. The freedom that comes with cruising around in your own vehicle is unparalleled and it is exactly this that we find so appealing. If we see something of interest, we don’t have to simply carry on past it, wondering what it was. We can pull over, get out of the car, and spend as long as we like exploring it.

    It is hard to get a road trip wrong. You are in complete control, which means you ultimately end up doing exactly what you want. What could be better right? But, there are definitely things you should take along with you to turn your road trip quality up to 11.

    A Plan

    The last thing you want to do is to waste your vacation driving around aimlessly so you need a decent idea of where you are going to go. Go on to Google maps and plan yourself a route along with some stops you want to make along the way. Remember that just because you have a plan doesn’t mean it is set in stone. It is absolutely fine if you deviate from this, but it is useful to have as a back up.

    An Amazing Playlist

    Songs have an incredible ability to transport us back in time and help us relive our most powerful memories. Creating a killer playlist will not only make the hours of driving more enjoyable, but they will be pivotal in the formation of your memories of this trip. In a year’s time you will listen to that same playlist and remember all the amazing experiences you had on the road.

    Piles of Snacks

    Driving around the country or continent is hungry work so you should make sure you are fully stocked up with snacks before you set off. Of course, you’re going to want bags of crisps, chocolates, biscuits and the other usual suspects, but you should also think about taking bananas, nuts, and carrot sticks so you don’t reach your first stop feeling bloated and gross.

    A Good GPS

    We live in an age where map-reading is essentially obsolete. In fact, most young people would freak out if you tried to make them read a paper map. Get yourself a good GPS that you can stick to your windscreen. Plug in your coordinates and follow the wisdom of your device. While this stops you from getting lost and stumbling across hidden gems, it also stops you from getting lost and wasting your time and petrol trying to work out where the heck you are.

    Sleeping Bags & Pillows

    There may well be a night when you have no idea where the nearest motel is and you’re in desperate need of some shut eye. The best thing to do in this scenario is to pull over somewhere discrete and have a snooze in your car. This is unlikely to be the most comfortable night of your life, but it is better than falling asleep at the wheel. Taking sleeping bags and pillows will make the experience infinitely better. So, just put your seat down and relax.

  3. 5 Spectacular Train Journeys You Need to Do in Your Lifetime

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    They say that travel it’s not about the destination, but the journey. Now, this phrase usually refers to the emotional, cultural and spiritual journey you undertake when you travel. It takes into account the people you meet and the experiences you have along the way – these are the things that really matter. But, sometimes the journey can be taken in the most literal of senses and refer to the actual physical transportation of yourself from one place to another. A train journey, for example.

    There are some journeys, scattered along the well-trodden travel routes of the world that are utterly mind-blowing. If you are ready to experience the most sublime journeys in the world, here are five to get you started.

    Kandy to Ella, Sri Lanka

    Often voted the single most beautiful journey in the world, the train from Ella to Kandy winds through the lush rice paddies and fields of Sri Lanka’s misty highlands. Try and get yourself a window seat so you can fully absorb the majestic emerald landscape as you race through the countryside. The journey takes around seven hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the views. The best part of the journey is that the natural beauty gets even better when you arrive at your destination.

    The Sacred Valley, Peru

    There is a train that runs from Ollantaytambo, which is nestled in the heart of the sacred valley, all the way to Machu Picchu. Not only is the train itself fabulously luxurious with its armchairs and observation decks, but the scenery that whizzes by outside is world class. The verdant slopes of the mountains, capped with snow, shoot out of the ground on either side of the train, offering nothing but untapped natural beauty as far as the eye can see. Plus, you’ll see a few llamas and alpacas grazing as you go.

    Darwin to Adelaide, Australia

    The Ghan is the name of the train that covers the 2,000 or so miles between Adelaide and Darwin. It races through Australia’s fiery and inhospitable outback, offering its passengers views of this extreme landscape as it goes. This journey is perfect for those who want to experience the Bush but aren’t so keen on the sunstroke that comes with it. If you have the time, stop off in Alice Springs and at the Nitmiluk Gorge on your way.

    The Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia

    What sort of list would this be if it didn’t include one of the world’s longest train routes – the Trans-Siberian Railway. This eight day monster journey will take you from Moscow, through the untouched Russian countryside, all the way to the dense forests of Siberia. There isn’t a single part of the journey that isn’t breath-taking. This journey is perfect for people who want to get away from civilisation and to ogle at top quality natural landscapes.

    Vancouver to Banff, Canada

    Undoubtedly the most beautiful train journey in Canada, this route winds past glacial lakes and through lush valleys flanked by snow-capped mountains. The air will be the freshest you will have ever breathed and the magnificence of Mother Nature will be omnipresent. If you were looking for some snaps to spice up your Instagram, this trip will provide you with ample material.

  4. 5 Very Good Reasons to go to Colombia

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    If you got hooked on Netflix’s Narcos, then you probably aren’t desperate to go to Colombia right now. Going by the series, the country is little more than a never-ending parade of drug cartels, terrorism and extreme violence.

    Except that it is not like this at all.

    In the past decade or so, Colombia has seriously cleaned up its act and it is now one of South America’s hottest travel destinations. Yes, the country still has its problems – name me on that doesn’t! But, the streets of Bogota and Medellin have replaced the sounds of gunshots with salsa music and laughter and the country is ripe for a big influx of tourism.

    Are you still on the fence about travelling to Colombia? Here are five very good reasons why you should pack your bag right now and head over there.

    It Is Cheap

    I’m not sure about you, but cost is always at the top of my list when it comes to travelling. I like to get as much bang for my buck as possible and in Colombia your money can go really far. Honestly, Colombia probably won’t stay this cheap as more and more tourists are flocking here every year. But, right now you can live comfortably on around £40 per day. If you are on a real budget, £20 or even £15 a day is also possible.

    It Is Insanely Beautiful

    Colombia has every possible landscape you could want. It has the Amazon Rainforest in the South; misty highlands in the coffee region; golden beaches on the Caribbean coast; and some seriously impressive volcanoes scattered around the country. Whatever kind of scenery you were looking for, you will find it and more in Colombia. And, of course, if you ever want to take a break from this natural beauty, there are gorgeous colonial towns such as Guatape, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Solento to enjoy.

    The People Are Friendly

    Again, Narcos painted all Colombians as malicious drug dealers who would shoot you in the face in a heartbeat. In reality, Colombians are as friendly as they come. In fact, most of the Colombians I met were just grateful that I had decided to visit their country despite its history. They wanted to tell me why Colombia was so great (not that I needed convincing) and to talk about Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the country’s Nobel Prize winning author.

    You Can Disconnect From the Real World

    On the Caribbean coast of Colombia, just an hour or so from Santa Marta, is Tayrona National Park. This beautifully conserved patch of lush, emerald jungle stretches out for miles, until it reaches the golden sand of Colombia’s finest beaches. There are no fancy hotels here. Instead, there are a few cabins and a lot of tents. There is also no WiFi or any form of electronic entertainment. Instead it’s just you and nature, spending some much-needed quality time together.

    It Is an Excellent Place to Practice Your Spanish

    The Spanish they speak in Spain is hard to understand. Any Latino will tell you that. They speak very fast, blend their words together and pronounce their ‘c’ like a ‘th’. In Colombia, however, it’s a completely different story. The Colombians are very proud of their accent, and rightly so. Words are pronounced properly and clearly, making it very easy to understand what is being said – even for someone who is not super confident with their language skills.

  5. The World’s Top 5 Destination for a Road Trip

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    In a world of luxury resorts and guided tours, people seem to have less time for a road trip. The road trip has been a stalwart member of the vacation family for decades, but in recent years it has dwindled in popularity. In fact, even before cars were invented people explored the world using horses and carriages. Before cheap flights came into existence, road trips were the best way to travel. You could visit far flung parts of your own country or cross into a neighbouring country if you lived near a border.

    But, the road trip is not dead – indeed, it is thriving. Nothing beats cruising through stunning landscapes with the freedom to stop and explore whenever it takes your fancy. Best of all, you don’t miss a single thing like you do when you’re in a plane. So, if you’re ready to travel along the world’s most beautiful roads, here are five incredible road trip destinations to get you started.

    Canada

    Perhaps the most beautiful country in the world, Canada is the road trip destination of your dreams. Starting from the West Coast, you will drive through lush forests and past dramatic, snow-capped mountains. Head North and you’ll hit vast swathes of sparkling snow and if you make it all the way to the East coast you will be greeted with gorgeous coastlines and the spectacular Bay of Fundy.

    France

    One of France’s greatest charms is its tiny medieval villages that can be found in every region. Some of these villages are little more than a few cobbled streets, but they are guaranteed to have outstanding architecture around every corner. You might even stumble across a crumbling castle perched on a hill or a gorgeous vineyard if you’re lucky.

    New Zealand

    Known as the filming location for Lord of the Rings, New Zealand is utterly breath-taking no matter where you are in the country. Hop in your car and explore the diverse landscapes that spread out to the horizon. Sparkling lakes, rolling hills, glorious coastlines – what more could you want? And, from the comfort of your own vehicle, you can drink it all in at your own pace.

    South Africa

    South Africa gets a bad rap in the press for being dangerous. While there are certainly parts of the country that you are better off avoiding, there are also places that are both safe and supremely beautiful to drive through. The Garden Route is South Africa’s most exhilarating stretch of road. It runs along the coastline past exceptional scenery and you might even spot some cool wildlife as you go.

    USA

    Last but not least is the ultimate road trip destination: the USA. The American road trip was popularised in Kerouac’s On the Road and has been a staple of American culture for as long as cars have been around. Not only is the USA enormous, but it has just about everything you could want to see. From the great lakes to the rugged coastline of California, there is natural beauty everywhere you look. For a particularly spectacular drive, head over to California and cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway.

  6. A Beginner’s Guide to Paris

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    Paris is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities on the planet and is a far cry from anywhere else you will have seen before. With enough monuments per square mile to keep you occupied for days on end and the Champs-Élysées, one of the most prestigious shopping streets in the world, unfurling towards the Arc de Triomphe, a trip to Paris is one that will stay with you for the rest of your life. However, Paris is a tough beast to tame, with its numerous arrondissements, each with its own appeal (and un-appeal), the labyrinth known as the metro and the unspoken rules that determine Parisian life. Get to grips with the way Paris works before you get there and you’re guaranteed the trip of a lifetime.

    Transport

    Paris isn’t the biggest city in the world but if you try and cover it by foot, you’re going to struggle. The vast majority of Parisians and tourists use the metro to get around – it’s quick, efficient and reasonably cheap. However, if you’re unfamiliar with underground train networks, working out where you are and how to get to your destination can be a nightmare, especially if you have to stop and stare at a map while people are barging past you. Download the metro map on your phone (Paris Metro Map is a good app to use for this) and work out where you need to go, which train line you need to take and in which direction it should be going BEFORE you walk down those steps into the unknown. This will leave you looking like a pro and speed up your journey to no end.

    Food

    To start with, if you are a vegetarian in Paris you might be in for a shock. France is a very meat orientated country and while there are plenty of restaurants that will cater to your dietary requirements, don’t expect every restaurant to have a vegetarian option. Next up, regardless of your culinary preferences, mealtimes are a big deal here, especially lunchtime. You might be used to grabbing a sandwich and eating it on the go, but that’s tantamount to sacrilege in Paris. Here, you are expected to sit with friends or family and share multiple courses over a glass of wine or three. It is not unusual for lunchtime to last 2 hours – maintaining relationships is more important here than getting back to work. Also, don’t be asking for doggie bags if you don’t finish your meal, they don’t really exist in France.

    Sight-seeing

    If you’re clever, you can see some of the best that Paris has to offer without spending a centime. There are numerous museums that offer free entry all year round – these include the Maison de Balzac, Musée de la Vie Romantique and Musée Curie. Others offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month such as Musée d’Orsay, Musée des Arts et Métiers and the Orangérie. The Louvre also offers this deal but only from October through to March. If you happen to have an EU passport and are under 26 you will also gain free entry to many of Paris’s famous sites. A word of warning, when visiting the places like the Eiffel Tower and other tourist hotspots, keep an eye on your belongings. Pickpocketing in Paris is rife and clueless foreigners make excellent targets.

    This is by no means a comprehensive list of everything you need to know about Paris but the rest you can pick up while you’re there. Be sure to plan in advance and keep your wits about you and you’ll be sure to have a stress-free Parisian break that will captivate your heart and mind.

  7. The Spookiest Places to Be this Halloween

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    Autumn is almost here and you know what that means. The winter chill settles in, the days get shorter and our lattes (and everything else it seems) are filled with pumpkin spice. But, one redeeming feature of this chilly time of the year is the spooks that come with it. While Halloween isn’t as popular in the UK as it is in US, it is still something worth getting excited about.

    Unfortunately, when you are too old for trick or treating, Halloween becomes a time for dressing up and getting drunk. It’s fun, but it’s nothing too special. However, in some parts of the world, Halloween has a lot more to it than just costumes and alcohol. Some countries take this time of the year to the next level and if you’re a Halloween fan you would be crazy to miss those celebrations. Without further ado, here are some of the best places in the world to celebrate Halloween.

    Transylvania, Romania

    Honestly, where could be spookier on Halloween than Dracula’s Castle? Transylvania is a beautiful part of the world – especially during autumn when the forests are painted with dramatic hues of red and orange. Soak up the natural splendour during the day and face your fears in the castle at night. You are guaranteed to have a thrilling time – just try not to scream!

    Mexico City

    Technically, they don’t celebrate Halloween in Mexico City. What they do celebrate, however, is El Dia de los Muertos, which translates as the Day of the Dead in English. This festival is all about paying respects to the dead and is a surprisingly colourful and energetic festival. The streets will be filled with parades and dancers, while street food vendors disperse heavenly scents into the air. It is one of the world’s most exciting spectacles so don’t miss out!

    Salem, USA

    You have probably heard of the Salem witch trials. This was when a group of women were tried and hanged for being witches. When Halloween comes around the town takes on an eerie vibe and the people of Salem pay tribute to the witches that were put to death here all those years ago. On the big day you can expect to see guided tours of infamous spots, fireworks, re-enactments and all kinds of spooky activities.

    Santiago, Chile

    Halloween in Chile is known as la Noche de Brujas (the Night of the Witches). Throughout the capital of Santiago, you will find parties catering to both locals and expats. You’ll even see hordes of zombies trailing through the streets thanks to the zombie walk that takes place every year. While not the spookiest of venues, Santiago is definitely one of the liveliest places to be for Halloween.

    Scotland

    With plenty of creepy old castles and misty fields, Scotland is the perfect destination for someone looking for quality Halloween thrills. A horror film screening in Crathe Castle is the perfect way to start the evening. After that, head out for a ghost tour or to enjoy the costumes and bonfires of the Samhuinn Fire Festival. And, because you’re in Scotland, treat yourself to a big glass of warming whisky while you’re at it.

  8. The 5 Best Winter Sun Destinations

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    For many of us, summer is well and truly over – and what a summer it was. Blazing sunshine beat down across the country and record temperatures were hit in some parts of the world. Now, the days are getting longer and there is a definite chill in the air outside. The cold is coming and it is time we start planning our winter getaways. Finding winter sun is a challenge. Europe is out of the question so we need to search further afield to get our much-needed dose of vitamin D. The important thing to remember is that the sun has not forsaken us. It is still out there, we just need to go and find it.

    If you are ready to spend your winter topping up your tan, here are five amazing winter sun destinations to inspire you.

    Morocco

    If you don’t have a lot of time to travel over winter, you don’t want to waste an entire day on a plane. Morocco is just a short flight away and is filled with adventure and excitement – from the vivid blue walls of Chefchaouen to the toppling sand dunes that undulate through the dessert. Spend your days picking out trinkets in the souks of Fes and Marrakech, hiking through the spectacular Atlas mountains, and surfing at Taghazout. When you’re done for the day, feast on a delicious Moroccan tagine.

    Cuba

    Visiting Cuba is like travelling back through time. The vintage cars that you’ve seen in postcards cruise through the streets and the colonial architecture is suitably picturesque. While Cuba is slowly moving forward, it is still a fascinating place to visit. You won’t find much coca cola or WiFi here, but what you will find is a distinct culture unlike anything you’ve ever experienced – oh and lots and lots of sunshine. For beaches and relaxation, beeline straight to the pearly white sands of Varadero.

    Israel

    People are often deterred from visiting Israel based on what they read about in the news and that’s a real shame. This culturally rich gem in the Middle East is filled with energy and beauty. For a varied itinerary, start at the mountains in the North and make your way all the way down to the beaches in the South. Be sure to stop off at the major cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on your way and don’t forget to go for a float in the Dead Sea.

    The Seychelles

    If you’ve got some cash to burn this winter then you could do a lot worse than a trip to the Seychelles. This collection of islands is about as close to paradise as you’re going to find here on earth. With powder soft sand and sparkling turquoise water, you would be forgiven for thinking you’d died and gone to heaven. Throw in some palm trees and a luxury resort or two and you’ve got a winning destination.

    Sri Lanka

    There are few places more beautiful than the tear drop island known as Sri Lanka and winter is the perfect time to visit. From December to February, the monsoons have died down and the sun reliably drenches the land every day. In addition to kicking back at the beach and enjoying the sun’s warm glow, you can search the jungles for elephants, visit Buddhist caves, and hike through the country’s impossibly green tea plantations.

  9. Visiting Capurganá, Colombia’s Most Remote Beach Town

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    It was my second trip to Colombia that made me fall in love with it. Of course, you never forget your first time. My first time was filled with salsa in Cali, museums in Medellin, and colonial architecture in Cartagena. I ticked all the tourist boxes and loved every second of it.

    But, my second time was different.

    I had heard people talk about Capurganá. It was completely isolated from the rest of the country, really hard to get to, and more beautiful than you could ever imagine. Naturally, I knew I had to go.

    Ten hours later I was safely in Turbo, my jumping off point.

    To say that Turbo is unattractive is an understatement. It is run-down and uninspiring and I couldn’t wait to leave. Luckily, I didn’t have to wait long. I left the bus terminal at 5:30am and headed straight for the pier. By 8am I was in a boat heading for Capurganá, a small town on Colombia’s border with Panama.

    Three hours and a heavy bout of sea sickness later, I stepped off the boat and set foot in Colombia’s most remote beach town. As I took in my surroundings, the memories of my night bus and morning boat dissolved.

    To the same extent that Turbo was one of the least attractive places I have ever been, Capurganá was among the most attractive. Golden sand, flanked by the lush, virgin canopy of the Darien Jungle, gleamed under the endless sunshine. The sound of engines was replaced by the clip-clopping of horses pulling carts. There was nothing here but a small town surrounded by the most dazzling nature I’d seen in a while.

    I beelined down the road, lined with multi-colored, ramshackle houses, straight to a woman selling empanadas. They were filled with fish and the one I bought was demolished in about 15 seconds. I’ve seen sharks eat more gracefully that I had just done. But, I was super hungry and they were unbelievably good.

    Bright and early the next morning I set off for a two hour hike through the emerald jungle to a tiny village called Sapzurro. Along the way I got some sensational vistas from the top of a hill of the turquoise bay and never-ending jungle that spread out below me in all directions.

    Sapzurro was startlingly beautiful. It had the best beaches I had ever seen, with pearly sand and not a single other person in sight. I kicked back here and drank it all in before carrying over another hill to La Miel, which sits on the other side of the border, in Panama.

    La Miel was yet another breathtakingly beautiful beach town. The sea here was glimmering turquoise and there was a beach bar serving up devilishly strong Coco Loco cocktails. A couple of these certainly made the hike back interesting.

    The next day was dedicated to the water. I strapped on an oxygen tank and was whisked away to Cabo Tiburon (Shark Cape). The coral reef here was untouched and glowing with pink, orange and green plant life. That alone would have made the dive worthwhile. But, it was the nurse sharks that stole the show for me. Toothless, and therefore harmless, several of these majestic creatures swam leisurely past me.

    I take partial responsibility for this. Travel bloggers are constantly exposing hidden gems. The more publicity they get from people like me, the sooner they become un-hidden. But, Capurganá has the blessing of its remote location to protect it from mass-tourism.

    Capurganá is hard to get to.

    No matter how eagerly I urge you to visit, you will still have to spend a significant chunk of your time getting to and from the town. And, it’s not like it is on the way to somewhere else. Only the most dedicated of travelers make it to Capurganá and that is part of what makes it so magical.

    Are you up for the challenge?

  10. Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit Cuba

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    To most of the world, Cuba is a mystery. It is one of the last remaining communist states in the world and this alone ignites the curiosity of foreigners. Getting to Cuba is easy. You book a flight, sort out your visa and head off. But, once you are there, things aren’t quite so simple. Cuba has come a long way over the past decade or so, but there are still lots of elements to the country that remain in the past.

    If you are planning a vacation Cuba then make sure you know what to expect when you get there. Here is everything you need to know before you travel to Cuba.

    There are Two Currencies

    There are two different currencies in Cuba: the local peso and the convertible peso. Generally, the local peso is used by Cubans and the convertible peso is used by foreigners. However, using the local peso makes everything a lot cheaper. Food and drinks can usually be paid for with local pesos, and this will make them cheaper than if you paid with convertible pesos. You will still need to use convertible pesos to pay for bigger expenses, such as accommodation and transport. You can exchange your convertible pesos for local pesos in a cadeca, which are found in most towns and cities.

    Most Places Do Not Have WiFi

    If you are expecting to Google things to do in Cuba while you’re there or catch up with friends on Skype, think again. WiFi is hard to find and very few accommodations and restaurants have it. Where you can find WiFi, however, is in the park. This might seem odd, but it’s the truth. You can purchase WiFi cards for around 2-3 convertible pesos. This gives you one hour of WiFi time. You will then need to go to a park with WiFi to log on. It is easy to spot a park with WiFi as it will be full of people staring at their phones.

    There Are No Hostels

    The accommodation situation in Cuba is a little different to what you might be used to in other parts of the world. Backpacker hostels are virtually non-existent. What you have instead are homestays – where you will stay in the spare room of someone’s house. It’s not particularly glamorous, but it is more comfortable than you might imagine. You will be able to tell which houses are homestays by the little symbol of an anchor on the front door.

    There Are Special Tourists Buses

    There are buses that operate specifically for tourists. The company is called Viazul and it services all of the main tourist destinations in the country. Tickets are not expensive, but they are also not as cheap as you might expect, especially if you have ever taken a bus in nearby Mexico. But, they are comfortable and air conditioned, so you get your money’s worth.

    Don’t Have High Hopes for the Food

    Even the least picky of eaters will find Cuban food challenging. Fresh vegetables are hard to come by and your diet will likely consist of oven pizzas, ham and cheese sandwiches and chunks of pork with rice and beans. That’s about it. The food is far from inspiring but the $1 mojitos and piña coladas made with Cuban rum make up for it.