My trip to Cuba last June was nothing short of amazing. Once we are able to travel there again, make sure you check the U.S. Department of State’s website before planning your trip. You’ll find all the information you need about obtaining a visa and other U.S. government requirements, including how you can get there and which approved reasons for visits are available.

Most people visit using the “Support for the Cuban People” category, which means you must select privately owned lodging, transportation, excursions, restaurants and businesses that directly benefit Cuban people.

We did this by renting a privately owned Airbnb, carefully selecting certain restaurants and tours, and using a tour guide who is a native Cuban, Julio (who was amazing).

The unity, interdependence, reverence for their African roots and perseverance of the Cuban people was inspiring. We enjoyed the live music and dancing at Casa de La Musica in Miramar and we had the best Cuban cuisine at Varadero Beach and Casa Barbaro in Viñales.

Walking through Old Havana filled me with joy because of the energy there. I needed another day there to explore and shop. I just happened to stumble upon Hotel Ambos Mundos, the first home in Cuba of Ernest Hemingway and got a few pictures.

We also participated in an Afro-Cuban experience with Beyond Roots (booked through Airbnb) and it was a great way to end our trip. We toured Guanabacoa, a town comprised of Afro-Cubans. As we walked through the town, our tour guide told us about the history of the people there, and we visited their museum where we learned about African religions that are still practiced today.

The warmth of the Cuban people is as intense and comforting as the Sun that shone brightly upon us each day of our stay there. I am grateful for such a wonderful experience, and look forward to visiting again.

Tips:

• Bring an ample amount of CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso) with you to use during your vacation, as U.S. currency, credit and debit cards are not accepted in Cuba.

• Bring a small, rechargeable handheld fan (thank me later, lol).

• You have to purchase cards to access Wi-Fi, even in your Airbnb. They have a time limit and you only need to use one at a time for multiple people to get internet access.

Places We Visited in Cuba:

• La Guarida Restaurant

• Old Havana Guided Day Tour by A/C Classic Car

• El Malecon

• San Cristobal Restaurant

• Plaza de la Revolución

• Viñales Valley

• Jazmines Hotel to view Mogotes

• Mural of Prehistory

• Tobacco Plantation Tour

• Varadero Beach

• Yumuri Valley

• Saturno Cave

• Fabrica de Arte Cubano

• El Cocinero Restaurant

• Afro-Cuban Roots experience by Beyond Roots (booked on Airbnb)