Guide to CIENFUEGOS – the Fancy Side of Cuba

Let me guide you to Cienfuegos, a surprisingly French city right in the heart of Cuba. There is good infrastructure, charming places, strong drinks, and cool waters. Basically the fancy side of Cuba.

Parque Jose Martí in Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos’ beautiful central square is called after Jose Martí, the great Cuban writer and philosopher. There he stands waving. The blue building behind him is the Museo Provincial and on the left, the building with the big cupola, is the Palacio de Gobierno, the Governmental Palace.

Also, it’s a great gateway for many day trips to the beautiful surroundings.

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Guide to TRINIDAD – Cuba’s Colonial Fantasy

In the city of Trinidad, Cuba’s colonial fantasy comes alive. Walking the cobblestones of this architectural jewel will wrap you in a tropical reverie.

Street in Trinidad, Cuba's Colonial Fantasy
Here you have it all: The cobblestones, the colorful houses, and the indispensable oldtimer – ¡Bienvenidos en Trinidad!

However, besides Havana, Trinidad is synonymous with a Cuban vacation and therefore its own cliché. The traveller will find in an almost caricaturish way exactly what he expects. Consequently, Trinidad is a touristy epicenter and deems a bit void’n’shallow.

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Guide to SANTA CLARA – Reliving Cuba ‘s History

Santa Clara – a place where to this date you can relive the history of Cuba ‘s revolution.

Plaza de la Revolución in Santa Clara
José Delarra created also Che Guevara’s mausoleum that he’s sharing with some of his fellow fighters. It’s located at the other end of the indeed extensive Plaza de la Revolución.

With the historic Hotel Santa Clara Libre at the Parque Vidal, the Mausoleo Che Guevara, the revolutionary’s last resting place, and the Toma del Tren Blindado site, Santa Clara is still breathing revolution.

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PLAYA SANTA LUCIA – Cuba’s Secluded Tropical Paradise

Spending a couple of days on secluded Playa Santa Lucia peninsula and paradisiac beaches such as Coco Beach on Cuba’s northern coast is the perfect relaxing break between visits to all the interesting and vibrant cities on the island.

Playa Santa Lucia Cuba
Secluded and very, very nice: Playa del Coco.

Although to foreigners, the peninsula Plays Santa Lucia seems very much off the beaten tracks, you can get there by public bus in about two hours.

I bet you didn’t know that paradise was that close by.

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SANTIAGO – Capital of Afro-Cuban Culture

Santiago in the island’s eastern part is the capital of Afro-Cuban culture. This alluring home to the country’s largest Afro-Cuban population was actually the birthplace of the Revolution.  

Santiago de Cuba, the Capital Afro Cuban culture, in the early morning.
Good morning, Santiago! Walking in the wee hours to the Viazul bus station. 

Since Santiago is cheaper and more relaxed than Havana and full of tropical vibes, I really don’t understand why so many visitors simply skip this underrated treasure.

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Guide to BARACOA – Cuba’s Hidden Gem

Let me guide you all the way east where Cuba keeps a hidden gem called Baracoa.

View of Baracoa and the Bahia de Miel, the Honey Bay, from the Hotel El Castillo.
View of Baracoa and the Bahia de Miel, the Honey Bay, from the Hotel El Castillo.

I was very glad that Baracoa was my last stop in Cuba – since it was definitely the highlight. Wrapping me in its relaxed, homey atmosphere, Baracoa would have spoiled me for the rest of Cuba.

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Amazing Opportunities: It’s never too late to become an Au Pair

It’s never too late for amazing opportunities: You might be too old for a pony, but you’re never too old for becoming a mature Au Pair.

Child with a globe - illustrating the post on how to become an au pair
Leaving your hometown exploring the world.

Actually, for mature women, this can be a great way of exploring the world. And the privately run agency Madame Grand Mere makes sure you’re exploring the world with a safety net of a lovely family.

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booking ahead versus walking in

Booking ahead or just walking in – what’s more advisable?
As I mentioned on various occasions, doing research on the internet, reading guide books, sketching routes, making reservations sometimes months before my trip to me is a big and important part of the fun. This way, your brain does already all the travelling before you – just like a scout.

A man opening the door to a hotel room that was booked ahead or the guest just walked in.
Booking ahead or just walking in – both has its advantages and disadvantages.

Those who need inspiration and guidance on how to plan a trip from scratch will find it in this post.

But planning and booking ahead is not only an extra portion of fun. It can also save you lots of time and money.

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Travelling by Bus Around the World or Ride with the Devil

I always thought if I had the chance to choose on judgment day, I might rather go to hell than to heaven. I’m suffering from acrophobia so a place as high as heaven might scare me to…well, at least it cannot scare me to death anymore. Then, I’m afraid that way up high over the clouds it will be always a little nippy. And I like it hot.

Renata Green on the bus from Delphi to Kalambaka in Greece
I’m definitely a solo traveller – taking the whole alone travel to an even higher level.

But after recent events, I’m not so sure anymore. After I was riding with the devil, I’m afraid I’m not fit for the highway to hell.

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24 hours in LOS ANGELES

24 hours in Los Angeles is the fifth issue of the popular category on my blog which is overall designed to transform a – possibly forced – stay like a layover into a short extra vacation.

Los Angeles with the iconic Hollywood Sign that you have to see even if you have only 24 hours in the city.
Los Angeles with the iconic Hollywood Sign

Of course, these itineraries – one for a sunny and an alternative for a rainy day – are great not only for layovers but for any kind of a brief stay – for instance, on a road trip through California.

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