Havana Travel Guide


Book Description

Havana, the vibrant capital of Cuba, is a city steeped in history, culture, and an undeniable spirit that draws visitors from all over the world. This preface serves as an introduction to a deeper exploration of Havana, a city that has witnessed countless changes throughout its rich history. From the moment you step into Havana, you can feel the pulsating rhythm of its life—a blend of historical reverence and modern vibrancy. The streets of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, echo tales of colonialism and revolution, showcasing the eclectic architectural styles that reflect its diverse cultural influences. In this eBook, we will embark on a journey through the heart of Havana, discovering its multifaceted nature. We will delve into its history, exploring how past events have shaped its current identity, and examine the travel options available for those wishing to explore its wonders. The charm of Havana is not just in its sights but also in its hospitality, which we will explore in detail, from accommodations to dining options. Moreover, Havana's green spaces and parks provide a refreshing escape from the urban hustle, while its landmarks tell stories of its rich heritage. The city's entertainment and nightlife offer a glimpse into the lively spirit of its people, and its arts and museums present a tapestry of creativity that is distinctly Cuban. Families visiting Havana will find a range of activities that cater to all ages, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone. Havana is also a hub for sports and recreation, allowing both locals and tourists to engage in various physical activities. Additionally, shopping and retail opportunities abound, from bustling markets to charming boutiques, providing a taste of local craftsmanship and culture. For those who wish to venture beyond the city limits, we will explore potential day trips that offer a broader perspective of the Cuban landscape and culture. Whether you are a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking relaxation, Havana has something to offer every traveler. Join us as we uncover the layers of this fascinating city, each article a step further into understanding and appreciating the beauty and complexity of Havana.




Travel as a Political Act


Book Description

Change the world one trip at a time. In this illuminating collection of stories and lessons from the road, acclaimed travel writer Rick Steves shares a powerful message that resonates now more than ever. With the world facing divisive and often frightening events, from Trump, Brexit, and Erdogan, to climate change, nativism, and populism, there's never been a more important time to travel. Rick believes the risks of travel are widely exaggerated, and that fear is for people who don't get out much. After years of living out of a suitcase, he still marvels at how different cultures find different truths to be self-evident. By sharing his experiences from Europe, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East, Rick shows how we can learn more about own country by viewing it from afar. With gripping stories from Rick's decades of exploration, this fully revised edition of Travel as a Political Act is an antidote to the current climate of xenophobia. When we travel thoughtfully, we bring back the most beautiful souvenir of all: a broader perspective on the world that we all call home. All royalties from the sale of Travel as a Political Act are donated to support the work of Bread for the World, a non-partisan organization working to end hunger at home and abroad.




Cuba Beyond the Beach


Book Description

Havana is Cuba's soul: a mix of Third World, First World, and Other World. After over a decade of visits as a teacher, researcher, and friend, Karen Dubinsky looks past political slogans and tourist postcards to the streets, neighbourhoods, and personalities of a complicated and contradictory city. Her affectionate, humorous vignettes illustrate how Havana's residents--old Communist ladies, their sceptical offspring, musicians, underground vendors, entrepreneurial landlords, and poverty-stricken professors--go about their daily lives. As Cuba undergoes dramatic change, there is much to appreciate, and learn from, in the unlikely world Cubans have collectively built for themselves. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go to the Queen's University Student Overseas Travel Fund--The Sonia Enjamio Fund, which funds Cuban/Canadian student exchange.




One Night in Havana


Book Description

Tia desperately needed a vacation from her stressful job in New York, and where better to practice her Spanish than in the sun and sand of Cuba. But curiousity and bad plumbing drew her out of her sea-kissed resort to the city of Havana. Expecting a dreamy postcard experience of classic cars and salsa in the forbidden country, she soon began to loathe everything about it: the smell, the hustlers, the noise and the lack of personal space...until she met Alejandro. 14 years her junior, she saw him as forbidden fruit, but he didn't see her that way.Part 1 of a 2 part short story series based on true events.




Lonely Planet Cuba


Book Description

Reviews the history, geography, and culture of Cuba, describes tourist attractions in each region, and recommends hotels and restaurants.




Trip Planner


Book Description

To take the first step to a grand family travel time, the Park Service offers a helpful guide, Trip Planner, filled with general information starting with "Getting to the Grand Canyon," what weather to expect when there, plus lots of details and photos about the South and North Rim and more. Park Rangers know just about everything and anything to make your Grand Canyon visit all you could expect it to be. So they urge you to "get involved." Start now by obtaining the Grand Canyon Trip Planner. "Awesome" is an understatement! Audience: tourists to national parks, hikers, backpackers, National Park Rangers, travel agents, tour packagers, nature explorers, travel agents and companies, and more




Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba


Book Description

In this widely hailed book, NPR correspondent Tom Gjelten fuses the story of the Bacardi family and their famous rum business with Cuba's tumultuous experience over the last 150 years to produce a deeply entertaining historical narrative. The company Facundo Bacardi launched in Cuba in 1862 brought worldwide fame to the island, and in the decades that followed his Bacardi descendants participated in every aspect of Cuban life. With his intimate account of their struggles and adventures across five generations, Gjelten brings to life the larger story of Cuba's fight for freedom, its tortured relationship with America, the rise of Fidel Castro, and the violent division of the Cuban nation.




Havana


Book Description

A city of tropical heat, sweat, ramshackle beauty, and its very own cadence--a city that always surprises--Havana is brought to pulsing life by New York Times bestselling author Mark Kurlansky. Award-winning author Mark Kurlansky presents an insider's view of Havana: the elegant, tattered city he has come to know over more than thirty years. Part cultural history, part travelogue, with recipes, historic engravings, photographs, and Kurlansky's own pen-and-ink drawings throughout, Havana celebrates the city's singular music, literature, baseball, and food; its five centuries of outstanding, neglected architecture; and its extraordinary blend of cultures. Like all great cities, Havana has a rich history that informs the vibrant place it is today--from the native Taino to Columbus's landing, from Cuba's status as a U.S. protectorate to Batista's dictatorship and Castro's revolution, from Soviet presence to the welcoming of capitalist tourism. Havana is a place of extremes: a beautifully restored colonial city whose cobblestone streets pass through areas that have not been painted or repaired since long before the revolution. Kurlansky shows Havana through the eyes of Cuban writers, such as Alejo Carpentier and José Martí, and foreigners, including Graham Greene and Hemingway. He introduces us to Cuban baseball and its highly opinionated fans; the city's music scene, alive with the rhythm of Son; its culinary legacy. Through Mark Kurlansky's multilayered and electrifying portrait, the long-elusive city of Havana comes stirringly to life.




Lonely Planet Caribbean Islands


Book Description

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Caribbean Islands is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Travel back to the 18th century as you wander along cobbled lanes and past meticulously restored buildings at English Harbour, Antigua; hoist a jib and set sail from sailing fantasyland, Tortola, and enjoy the journey to one of the 50 or so isles making up the British Virgin Islands; or hit the atmospheric streets of Cuba's Habana Vieja and join in the living musical soundtrack of rumba, salsa, son and reggaeton; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Caribbean Islands and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet's Caribbean Islands Travel Guide: Color maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - weddings, honeymoons, sustainable travel, cuisine, music, wildlife, culture, history Covers Bahamas, Barbados, Cuba, Jamaica, St Kitts, St Lucia, Trinidad, Turks & Caicos, US Virgin Islands, and more eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Caribbean Islands, our most comprehensive guide to the Caribbean Islands, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973. Over the past four decades, we’ve printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travelers. You’ll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.




The Rough Guide to Havana


Book Description

The Rough Guide to Havana is the essential travel guide with clear maps and coverage of the unforgettable attractions of Cuba's lively capital. From the Museo de la Revolución and other must-visit museums and galleries to splendid architectural gems including the Catedral de San Cristóbal, the Rough Guide steers you to the best restaurants, stylish bars & cafés, and hottest nightlife in Havana across every price range. The guide provides comprehensive coverage of hotels as well as private homestays, the best places to stay for an up-close experience of life in Cuba. You'll find detailed coverage of the outer boroughs La Lisa and Marianao as well as an unprecedented level of detail for the main four city neighbourhoods, Habana Vieja, Centro Habana, Vedado and Miramar. Rely on insider tips on everything from where to go for local music and jazz, shop for Cuban film posters, guayabera shirts and rum, and witness the time, skill and effort involved in producing Cuban cigars. Explore all corners of the city with authoritative background on Cuban history and a succinct political analysis of the Cuban Revolution, relying on the clearest maps of any guide and practical language tips. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Havana