I wanted to conclude my Cuba series with a few notes that may be helpful before you travel to Cuba for the first time. I’ve also shared a photo diary of a few more pictures that you haven’t already seen!

• The island of Cuba has three international airports located throughout the island, but I recommend flying into Havana. Its the capitol and, in my opinion, the most important city of the country (although not the only important city).

Continue reading What you need to know before traveling to Cuba at Shades of Pinck.

The island of Cuba has a lot more to offer than just Havana. We knew we really wanted to travel outside of the city to see what life was like, but choosing another place became a bit challenging when we realized we could only take a day trip.

If you ask locals, Trinidad is really worth traveling to. They say its a charming city with gorgeous, colorful buildings and a lively restaurant scene.

Continue reading A day trip from Havana at Shades of Pinck.

Without a doubt, the national cocktail of Cuba is the mojito!

No matter where you go you will be offered one, and as you walk around you’ll notice that EVERYONE has one in hand. Before my trip to Havana I wasn’t a big mojito drinker, but I lie to you not, the mojitos in Cuba really do taste a little better. Their secret? Their sugar! Its pure sugar, not that granulated stuff that we have to settle for.

Continue reading How to make an authentic Cuban mojito! at Shades of Pinck.

Last summer, Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel rocked the fashion world when they premiered their 2016/2017 Cruise (aka resort) collection through the streets of Havana.

For a little less than a week the fashion industry’s glitterati descended upon Cuba a mere year after President Obama restored diplomatic relations with the former Communist country. Guests were chauffeured to the show, which was being held in the park near El Prado, from the Hotel Nacional de Cuba in dozens of those iconic, colorful classic cars.

Continue reading Chanel approved transportation! at Shades of Pinck.

Like most metropolitan cities, you could spend weeks in Havana and still not scratch the surface of what it has to offer. But if you only have a short amount of time in the city (like I did), here are the 13 things I think you have to do to get the full Cuban experience.

1. Ride down El Malecón in a cool, vintage taxi!

You can’t go all the way to Havana and not jump into one of the iconic American muscle cars!

Continue reading 13 things that should be on your Havana #bucketlist… at Shades of Pinck.

There are two types of restaurants in Cuba: government-owned restaurants ..and paladares (or family-owned restaurants). While vacationing in Havana we tried to only dine at paladares so that we could get the most authentic experience as possible. But don’t get me wrong, a family-owned restaurant doesn’t mean you’re eating in someone’s kitchen. On the contrary, most of these restaurants are found in super nice, genuine establishments.

Below you’ll find a few of my paladares highlights that you HAVE to try while in Havana!

Continue reading Paladares // where to eat in Havana at Shades of Pinck.

My absolute favorite meal during my time in Havana came while dining at La Guarida, a paladar!

The restaurant is located in a massive multifamily building with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows and a few staircases that would make any architecture-lover swoon. The walls are covered in chipped paint, which may sound as if the building is unkept, but really just adds a level of authenticity that is welcoming. The walls of the actual restaurant are covered in one-of-a-kind artwork, photos of celebrity guests, and artifacts like old movie posters.

Continue reading The one place you HAVE to eat at in Havana! at Shades of Pinck.

Thinking of planning a trip to Cuba? The first thing you’ve got to do is figure out where you should stay.

The most popular lodging option in Cuba is a casa particular. Casa particulares are very similar to an AirBnB in that you rent a house (or even just a room) that belongs to an average Cuban—giving you a true glimpse into Cuban life. The only difference is that the homeowner is usually still home during your stay!

Continue reading Cuba: Where to say at Shades of Pinck.

If you have any desire to visit Cuba, NOW is the time to go. President Trump has plans to reenforce a ban of self-directed, individual American tourism in Cuba (read bullet two of “summary of key policy changes” here) within the next few months, which would make it nearly impossible (again) for anyone not traveling there for family, government work, or educational purposes. The good thing is the ban has not yet been put in place, and planning a trip in little or no time is rather easy (I did it in less than a week)..you just have to do it now!

Continue reading Havana.. getting there! at Shades of Pinck.