A Journey That Changed the Way We Travel
We traveled to Cuba to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. We were looking for a place to relax and unplug from the busyness of our lives. What we expected was warm weather, live music, and vintage cars. What we didn’t expect was how deeply moved we’d be by the people, the stories, and the strength of a culture that has endured through decades of hardship.
One afternoon, we met a couple who had been married for over 20 years. They shared wisdom, stories, and laughter with us, reminding us of the kind of love we want to grow into. That conversation became one of the most meaningful moments of our trip.
Cuba is often misunderstood. It’s not always easy, it’s not ultra-luxurious, and you won’t find seamless Wi-Fi on every corner. But what you will find is something far more rare: authenticity. A sense of soul. And a level of human generosity that makes you rethink what it means to be rich.
If you’re wondering whether Cuba is worth the trip, let us share five reasons why we say yes. Every time.
1. The Culture Is Alive in Every Corner
From the moment we arrived, we were surrounded by rhythm. Music pours out of open windows. Strangers sing and dance in the streets. Art covers walls, and history lives in the architecture.
Cuba is not just a place you visit. It’s a place you feel. The culture is vibrant, proud, and present. And it’s not a show for tourists—it’s the everyday expression of a people who have learned to celebrate life in the face of limitation.
2. The Classic Cars Are More Than Just a Photo Op
Yes, you’ve seen the photos. The 1950s Chevys and Buicks in bold colors cruising past colonial buildings. But being in one of those cars, hearing the engine, and watching the city roll by through an open window hits differently.
These cars are symbols of Cuban resilience. They’ve been kept alive with creativity, passed down through generations. And they make every ride feel like time travel.
3. The People Will Change Your Perspective
This is the reason we would go back.
We met people with so little, yet they gave freely. They offered us directions, food, stories, and laughter. We were invited into conversations and spaces where we didn’t expect to be welcomed.
Cuba reminded us that generosity has nothing to do with income. And that joy is not the result of luxury, but of perspective.
4. The Beauty Is Both Raw and Refined
Cuba is layered. One moment you’re standing in front of a perfectly preserved plaza, the next you’re walking through a crumbling alley filled with murals and music.
From Havana to Viñales, from white sand beaches to tobacco fields, the variety of landscapes and experiences is rich. There is a beauty that is not manicured, but real.
5. You Will Leave Different
Cuba slows you down. There’s less scrolling, more sitting. Less consumption, more connection.
We left with more than photos. We left with stories. With questions. With gratitude.
Final Thoughts
Cuba is not for everyone. It challenges comfort. It invites curiosity. It rewards patience.
But if you’re looking for a destination that expands your perspective, fuels your creativity, and fills your soul, Cuba is worth every step.
We can’t wait to go back.
Have questions about travel logistics or what to bring to donate? Message us on Instagram @unpardeemes or drop a comment below. We’d love to help you experience it for yourself.