Exploring Old Havana with Payton L.
One of the best things about a Global Work & Travel trip is your is your opportunity to discover everything AROUND where you're going on EPIC side trips.Payton has been taking full advantage of this on her Working Holiday to Canada. She has been travelling as often as possible, to the most interesting places as possible. She just discovered her favourite and has written a great guide on how to do it properly.
I was lucky enough lately to experience incredible, undiscovered Havana! Cuba has been so forgotten about over the last 15 years that it literally feels like you travel back in time!
Out of all of the countries I have been to throughout the years… Cuba so quickly went to the top of my ‘Favourite countries’ list. Everything about this country was incredible! The friendly locals on the colourful streets, the 1950 convertibles, the old rustic buildings! I was in love by the first night and I hadn’t even made it out of Old Havana yet.
Where to Stay
As beautiful as Cuba is; it is a third world country. So, finding the right accommodation is important and saving your parents from stressing! To get the best experience, everyone stays in ‘Casa Particulars’ aka. home-stays. I went through Airbnb to find the best host and after a bit of searching, I found the best!
All of the hotels and hostels are government owned, so you do not get your money’s worth.
Knowing that I didn’t even think twice about it. Especially as a budget traveller, I like to get as much out of my money as possible.
We had a beautiful bright terrace overlooking Old Havana and experienced one of the most beautiful sunsets with a glass of ‘Havana Club #7 Rum’! You can also go to ‘Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro’ for an unforgettable sunset over-looking the entire city.x
Every morning our host put out an amazing breakfast with fresh fruit, smoothies and eggs.
Weather we had an adventure packed day starting at 7am or sleeping in, the host was so cooperative with us!
We took a cold bottle of water from our ‘mini bar’ since on the streets it is surprisingly difficult to buy water! Although extremely easy to get your hands-on bottle of rum, beer or cigars!
Getting Around
If you want the ultimate Cuban experience, should go and find a nice local guy and a gorgeous 1950’s convertible… for some reason most of them are pink so will be easy to find!
We started out driving past the El Capitolio and to Chinatown, Revolution Square, José Martí Memorial, John Lennon Square. We paid for one hour and ended up being with the driver for about 4 hours! Occasionally started raining so we would take cover for a one or two mojitos!
Also, in your spare time just go wondering around Old Havana. Take a few wrong turns and get absolutely lost! Getting lost is quite easy, considering there were no maps or phone service. All of the locals are super friendly so if you find yourself too lost then turn to one of them, just try to remember your street name.
What to pack
● Hat and Sunscreen – I can’t stress this enough! I’m one that doesn’t like to use
sunscreen too much but all year around the city is boiling hot!
● In saying that, light clothes – Occasionally evenings will get a little chilly but all you’ll
need is a light sweater.
● Camera – I never use my phone for photos because I have my cannon. But I swear
will spend half your time looking through the lenses.
● Cash – You’re not going to come across any place that has a card machine. So, bring
enough Peso’s to last your entire trip.
● Passport – this is an obvious one but lock it up! In a safe if you have one. Take care of
that beautiful thing.
Last but not least, have the most amazing time and savour every moment!
You can get to Cuba on a side trip from any of our American trips! From the way Payton describes it, we will absolutely HAVE to make some time for it. Get started below!