By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc Havana, Cuba, a once forbidden city for American travelers, has become much more accessible thanks to the “People to People” visa. Old Havana, Vedado, and the new suburban areas make up what is today regarded as "the Key to the New World" and are three separate metropolises merged into one. Every neighborhood has a unique characteristic that comes to life at night when the cultural side of the city is shown. What are the activities to do in Havana? is a typical question that everyone has while making travel plans. Assume that the weather will constantly be hot due to its tropical environment. Bring lightweight clothing, and have your dance shoes or sandals on hand. Simply relax and take pleasure in the easy going Cuban way of life. Americans will discover the good value for their money and you can have the finest vacation of your life. For this Havana Sightseeing Tour Package, Allen Batista Travel, Inc. has teamed up with De Rumba A Cuba. Traveling To Havana To travel to Havana, Cuba, you must have a "People to People" visa and health insurance. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Cuba's tourism sector was shut down entirely in March; however, it has since reopened its borders to foreign visitors. Travelers from all nations who have completed their vaccinations are eligible to enter Cuba with a standard visa. A Cuba Tourist Card is required for all visitors coming from the US, Canada, and the UK. The procedure varies depending on your starting point. Some nations can purchase them online before departure, and the majority of U.S. Airlines sell them. The currency exchange rate in Cuba is 24.00 Cuban Peso/USD. Before listing the top activities to do in Havana in a single day, we thought it would be useful to discuss the recommended mode of transportation. Since many of the major sights are concentrated in the city's center, you may easily view them on foot by taking a round tour around Havana. However, you'll need a vehicle for the well-known strongholds, El Malecon, Fusterlandia, and other sites that are a bit farther afield. Here are highlights of the Havana Sightseeing Tour Package 1. Travel To Old Cuba The historic center of Havana is Old Havana, a once-tiny Spanish settlement on the Caribbean. Unquestionably, this UNESCO neighborhood is one of Cuba's most authentic and affluent areas. One of the nicest things to do in Havana would be to explore this area. The Old Havana delights the present contemporary generation while preserving the grandeur of the past. When you visit ancient Havana, you get to experience the variety of activities you may do there. You will be happy to see the magnificent façade that time has tarnished. In addition to the array of arcades in the Andalusian style, the shedding baroque architecture is quite noticeable. Elegant ancient churches and neoclassical buildings are adorning the squares, from the major Plaza de Armas to the Cathedral Plaza. The splendor of the Spanish conquistadors' architectural legacy from the 16th century made the City of Havana an alluring tourist destination in the New World. 2. Day Trip To Viñales Viñales is a fantastic supplement to your travel plans for Cuba. It is incomparable to the crowded streets of Havana, the brightly painted homes in Trinidad, the beaches in Varadero, or indeed anywhere else! Visit Viñales for a thorough analysis of Cuba's diverse topographies and sceneries. What not to miss during your day trip to Viñales is listed below. · Visit a 'finca" (farm) to learn the history of tobacco farming · Learn how sugar cane is pressed to make sugar · Enjoy an organic farm to table lunch · Savor regional rum and local coffee Viñales has a ton of interesting and enjoyable things to do, so it's no wonder that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cuba. 3. Museo de Bellas Artes – Enjoy Contemporary And Fine Art By Cuban Artists The Cuban National Museum of Visual Arts ('Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes' - MNBA), located in Havana, houses a collection of over 30,000 works of art that documents the island's artistic development from the 17th century to the present. These works include paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings, prints, and installations. Despite displaying traditional Cuban architectural features, the Arte Cubano building adheres to rationalist architectural principles by having moveable panels and free plants that make it easier to change the exhibition spaces. The Museo de Arte Cubano's three exhibition floors make it simple for visitors to move around it without being crowded and enjoy the uncommon and unexpected inventiveness of these out-of-the-ordinary Caribbean artists. 4. Travel In A Classic Car Are you interested in antique cars or just want to tour Havana in style? You should cross that desire off your bucket list right now. The vintage vehicles in Havana are the real deal. The classic cars are timeless classics that are still very dependable and fun to drive. For a few hours, we personally advise leasing a vintage vehicle with a driver (a convertible if you're feeling swanky). It's a fun way to explore Havana, especially for avid car lovers. 5. Revolution Square One of the biggest public squares in the whole globe is Plaza de la Revolución. Numerous significant events took place there during the Cuban Revolution, and it has since been altered with a variety of monuments and artifacts. The José Mart Memorial and the enormous building paintings of the liberation fighters Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos are among the top attractions in this area. It also features a theater, a library, and other significant government buildings. The square is a sizable area that may be explored on foot while admiring the monuments and learning about the stories behind each one. The rows of vintage 1950s automobiles that are waiting to transport visitors to different parts of Havana are another great picture opportunity at Revolution Square. 6. Cathedral Center Plaza Havana Cathedral may be found at Plaza de la Cathedral. The cathedral, which is very likely the most opulent building in Cuba, has hosted three popes and previously housed Christopher Columbus's bones. It has a lengthy history that dates back to 1748. View the church from a distance before approaching it closely to observe the fossils that have assimilated into the structure's stone walls. Although its gloomy inside is more amazing than its outside, you should nevertheless see both. Spend some time exploring the cathedral in its entirety, but don't ignore the other parts of the area. It's a location with plenty of intriguing people, vibrant old buildings, and sometimes live events and music. 7. The Revolution Museum Cuba is home to several tales, monuments, and other reminders of the Cuban Revolution. We strongly encourage a visit to the Museum of the Revolution to acquire insight into this significant historical event and to better understand the nation and its people. You'll undoubtedly pass by the museum's opulent facade on your strolling tour. There are several sculptures and memorials outdoors in addition to a disused tank. Either stroll by the museum and get images of the ornate building, or go inside to learn more about Cuba. If you have time, it's worth investigating for an hour. Experience The Active Nightlife In Havana You have a lot of alternatives if you want to experience Havana's diverse nightlife after finishing your one-day schedule. You're going to find plenty to keep you engaged all evening long, whether you choose to sip drinks and enjoy live music in a relaxed setting or prefer to dance to the music in an exciting club setting. One of the finest things to do in Havana for a memorable trip is to dance on the city's streets, which is an unforgettable experience. Don't worry about your dance ability. Get up and dance the night away with the welcoming locals. It would be the best time to make new acquaintances and have a good time. Undoubtedly one of the most well-known activities in Havana is night time street dancing. Old-fashioned dance favorites such as Salsa, Rumba, Cha-Cha, and Damson are still popular today, but Hip-Hop and Rap dancing are the newest trends. Havana Social Club and Havana Buena Vista Club Any music enthusiast visiting Havana must attend a tribute performance to the Buena Vista Social Club at Legendarios del Guajirito before leaving the city or the island. The very greatest method for becoming lost in the roots of Cuban music, without a doubt!
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![]() Guest Post: Marjorie McMillian at Come on Well Taking a vacation with your family is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It can be a time for relaxation, exploration, and making memories that last a lifetime. But it can also be stressful if you’re not prepared! Allen Batista Travel has listed a few tips to ensure that everyone in your family has the best possible experience from start to finish: The Importance of Vacationing Vacationing with your children is a crucial way to bond as a family, create special memories, and explore new places together. It also allows you to relax and unwind away from the everyday responsibilities of life. Take the opportunity to unplug (at least partially!), and focus on deepening connections with each other without the distractions of work or school. Maximizing Relaxation It may sound counterintuitive, but exercising on vacation can actually be a great way to maximize relaxation. Exercise reduces stress and increases endorphins, helping you to feel happier and more energized throughout the day for sightseeing or whatever else you have planned. Make sure everyone in your family gets enough rest, so they have plenty of energy for activities during the day; this includes the adults too! Additionally, take time throughout the day to manage your stress levels by taking deep breaths or meditating. Even five minutes of mindfulness can go a long way toward helping everyone stay relaxed and enjoy their vacation more fully. Investing in Comfort One thing that’s often overlooked when packing for a trip is comfortable clothing. Investing in breathable fabrics like cotton and linen that don’t constrict movement will ensure no one feels uncomfortable while traveling or exploring new sites. For instance, you might enjoy some new loungewear, such as a robe, dress, or pair of leggings! Further, be sure to bring along accessories like hats, scarves, and rain jackets. Depending on where you’re going, these could come in handy if you get caught in bad weather or unexpected temperature changes during your travels. Packing Essentials When packing for any kind of trip (especially one involving kids), you’ll want to include all the essential items to keep everyone safe and healthy. Here are a few things to bring along on your trip:
You don’t want anyone getting stuck without their phone or laptop halfway through the trip because they forgot their charger back home! It might also be helpful to bring a first-aid kit in case someone gets injured during activities or excursions. Keeping Kids Entertained and Happy For many parents, the biggest challenge regarding taking vacations with kids is how to keep them from getting bored. First, plan out activities ahead of time, so everyone knows what they’re doing during specific days at each destination, including finding ways to entertain the kiddos. Packing books, coloring supplies/books, puzzles, and other items can keep your children busy during times when extra entertainment is needed beyond what was planned. And don’t forget about snacks — snacks keep adults and kids happy throughout the duration of any outing! Bonus Tip: Remember that sometimes it’s OK if plans change unexpectedly or things don’t go according to plan… It’s all part of being flexible as families travel together! Wrapping Up Taking vacations with your children can be relaxing and fun! Following the tips above will help ensure everyone in your tribe has an enjoyable experience from beginning to end. From purchasing new clothing to prioritizing relaxation to packing all the right things, you can set your family up for an experience you never forget. And remember to remain flexible and try to go with the flow as your trip pans out! Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our wide range of travel services? Visit ABTravel.us today! Image via Pexels ![]() Guest Post: Emilia Lester If you're traveling or relocating to Chile, you'll want to taste its traditional dishes. Or maybe you've already had a taste and fallen in love with their cuisine. From empanadas and Cazuela Chilena to Charquicán, there's a lot more than just Chilean wine and pisco sour cocktails. Here are six of the most representative foods you must try in Chile. Empanadas Empanadas are a traditional Chilean food. They're made with flour dough, stuffed with meat or cheese, and often served with salsa. If you decide to book your trip to this country, keep in mind that this is one of many foods you must try in Chile. The most common varieties of empanadas can be beef, chicken, or vegetables. But in recent years, other fillings have become popular, such as lamb cooked in wine. Empanadas are also a popular street food in this country. They're often made with a dough made from wheat flour, lard or shortening, and water. The dough is formed into balls, flattened out before being filled with meat or cheese, and baked in an oven until golden brown. Cazuela Chilena As one of many foods you must try in Chile, Cazuela Chilena is a traditional dish that consists of beef, vegetables, and rice cooked in a clay pot. The name refers to the fact that a clay bowl is used to serve the dish. But that is not always the case. Some restaurants cook it in any kind of pot or casserole dish. However, no matter the origin, they will serve you the dish with bread or crackers on the side. It's delicious with or without an egg cracked on top! Chilena is a popular dish in Chile, and most restaurants serve it. You'll usually get a side of bread or crackers, and an egg cracked on top when you order it. If you are traveling with kids to Chille, make sure to try this food. It's a healthy dish that may look a bit exotic to some kids, so they'll be happy to try it even with some vegetables. Traditionally, beef is preferable in this recipe. However, you can order any type of meat or even just vegetables if you'd like! Humitas So, what exactly is a humita? A humita is a traditional Chilean sweet pastry usually made from cornmeal dough, stuffed with cheese, and wrapped in corn husks. The most common way to eat them is with butter and honey or jam on top. Therefore, many restaurants commonly serve them as appetizers or snacks at lunchtime. You can find humitas in any market in Chile, and many vendors sell them by the dozen. Therefore, many restaurants serve them alongside empanadas. Pastel de choclo Pastel de choclo is another of the traditional foods you must try in Chile. Especially if you're a fan of corn, as it is its main ingredient. It can be an appetizer or a main course, and you can eat it hot or cold. Many prepare it with beef, chicken, or fish. In Chile, it is traditional to eat pastel de choclo on Easter Sunday. The dish comes with a side of beans (habas), eggs (huevos fritos), and salad (Ensalada). The ingredients for the pastel de choclo include corn flour (masa harina), beef, chicken or fish fillets, onion, garlic and tomato sauce, and eggs (optional). Charquicán Charquicán is a Chilean dish made with charqui or jerky. The name comes from ch'arki, the Quechua word for sun-dried meat. It's usually made with beef or pork, but it can also be made with other meats, such as chicken or lamb. So, how do they make charquicán? There are many different ways and recipes to make this traditional dish. Still, most involve cooking the jerky over low heat in water until it becomes tender enough to easily shred with a fork – similar to pulled pork! After that, it's time to add some vegetables, usually onions and tomatoes. And as a finishing touch, restaurants typically serve them on top of fried potatoes (fried twice, so they're extra crispy). If making your own doesn't sound appealing, there are plenty of restaurants around Chile serving it up too! Churrascos Churrasco is a type of meat, usually beef but sometimes lamb or pork. The meat is cooked on a grill and served with fries, known as papas fritas in Chile. The fries are often topped with mayonnaise, ketchup, and other delicious and unique sauces to Chile. Many eat Churrasco with a side salad (Ensalada mixta) that includes lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado slices. It's important to know that Churrasco is not the same as a hamburger – they have different flavors and textures. So be mindful when ordering to ensure you don't get the wrong dish. How to organize a relocation to Chile? If you love tasting great food, consider moving to Chile soon. This country is one of the best destinations for newlyweds and a great place to raise a family. Before you embark on your journey, there are a few things you'll need to organize:
Conclusion The food in Chile is as diverse as its people. Whether you're looking for traditional dishes or something more exotic, these are six traditional foods you must try in Chile. With so many options, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes time for dinner. We hope this list has given you some ideas on what to try next time you find yourself at a restaurant in Santiago! Author’s bio: Emilia Lester is a blog writer and travel enthusiast. She spent years writing online content for relocation companies, including professionals from Clean Cut Moving. Her favorite subjects to write about are travel, design, and family life. In her free time, Emilia enjoys good food and spending time with her friends and family. Photos: Unsplash By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc.
Are you looking to uncover hidden gems and lesser known fun facts on an Italian vacation? This nation offers plenty of opportunities for aesthetic stimulation, as well as historical mysteries. When organizing your itinerary, please keep in mind that there are many wonders to see and take in from the top of the boot to the heel and toe. Let Allen Batista Travel, Inc., partnered with Tao Travel to take you on a Tuscany and Rome Cultural Tour and make your trip particularly unforgettable. This list will explore the most enchanted features of Italy's tourist destinations and ensure that your vacation is one to remember! 1. Rome There is much to see in Rome, one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. When planning your vacation, get advice from professionals like Allen Batista Travel, Inc. for information on the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican Museums, great restaurants, and walking tours in Rome. Rome is appropriately referred to as the Eternal City. No matter how many times visitors view the crumbling stadia of the Colosseum, toss a penny into the waters of the Trevi Fountain, or take in Michelangelo's greatest work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, seeing the city's renowned attractions never leaves them. Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, Trastevere, the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums are just a few of the world's most well-known attractions that can be found in Rome. 2. Tuscany In Tuscany, there is simply no end to the wonderful things to do. You'll come back time and time again to this well-deservedly well-liked Italian region that has won the hearts of many generations of tourists and us over for years. What to do in Tuscany is less about finding things to do than it is about reducing your Tuscany bucket list. From meandering down Medieval streets to observing how the golden light clings to the hills, from sipping some of the best wine in the world to soaking in beautiful hot springs. 3. Vatican City Vatican City is recognized as the world's smallest sovereign state, at only 44 hectares. But don't be deceived by it. Even though there are only 1,000 people living inside its walls, thousands of outsiders enter every day, which should be a sign that there is a lot to do and see inside. It is understandable why so many people consider a trip to the Vatican to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience because it is home to some of the largest art pieces in the world as well as some of the most recognizable buildings. There are a few must-see attractions in the Vatican, such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums, but if you have some extra time or want to do something different, there are also a lot of unusual and lesser-known locations, like the Vatican Gardens, Mosaic Studios, or the underground archeological excavations. 4. Florence Without a question, Florence is one of Italy's most picturesque cities. The city, dubbed the "Birthplace of the Renaissance," is a unique center of top-notch artwork and construction. Florence is home to more artworks than you can possibly imagine, including Michelangelo's Statue of David and the imposing Duomo with its iconic dome. One of the most famous families in Florence's past, the Medici family, has a rich and occasionally scandalous history. And, we do mean "wealthy" in a variety of senses. Today, it is obvious that Florence's economy is strongly dependent on tourism, which brings in an average of 13 million people a year. If you're looking for some culture and want to see incredible buildings like the Duomo, Florence won't let you down. 5. Pisa Pisa, a renowned location, is one of the most well-known cities in this region of Italy. Pisa is frequently visited by tourists en route to Florence, but it is a wonderful city to stay in and provides much more than simply its fabled leaning tower. Pisa, which lies on Italy's western coast, is just 20 minutes from the Ligurian Sea and has excellent transportation connections to Florence, Livorno, and La Spezia. It has historically been one of the most significant and prominent. For people who want to visit Pisa, this city offers a wonderful selection of stunning old structures, and it even contains more than 20 old churches. Additionally, Pisa is home to some top-notch museums and stunning landscapes along the banks of the River Arno. This medieval city is well worth more than just a quick stop by, and it makes a fantastic starting point for anyone interested in touring this part of Tuscany. 6. Lucca Lucca, a historic city adjacent to Pisa in Tuscany on Italy's western coast, is known as the "city of a hundred churches" because of the abundance of old religious buildings it has. Italy's Lucca is renowned for its spectacular medieval city walls, which still enclose much of the ancient town. Lucca is a popular tourist destination today with connections to Pisa. The enormous city walls also demonstrate how several Middle Age villages would have been fortified. Lucca is known for its architecture, but it also features wonderful museums, stunning public spaces, and a superb assortment of eateries and bars. 7. Pistoia The architecture and ornamentation of Pistoia's medieval churches clearly display the influences of both of its surrounding cities—Firenze and Pisa—and are the main draw for travelers. You might be astonished to find so many beautiful structures in such a tiny town, but this is an excellent illustration of the vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity that pervaded northern Tuscany in the Middle Ages, when Pistoia was the home of many renowned painters. This legacy has persisted into the present. One of the best contemporary Italian architects and town planners, Michelucci created the Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence. One of the best places to go in Tuscany is Pistoia to witness how important the arts have remained from the early Middle Ages to the present. Important Information For Traveling In Italy The current exchange rate in Italy is 1.06 EUR/USD. Banks, train stations, airports, and sometimes even upscale hotels offer currency exchange services for travelers' checks, foreign currency, and checks. In general, ATMs in Italy accept all major credit cards, but you can always double-check with your bank to be sure. The possibility of COVID-19 is still present, but travel between Italy and the US is open. Travel to Italy is now not too difficult due to the lack of entry restrictions relating to COVID-19. There are no limitations on the kind of travel that is permissible for Americans traveling to Italy. Travelers won't need to enter Italy with a negative test or vaccination documentation under the prior Green Pass scheme. It's vital to remember that the current situation is evolving and that the Italian government could impose new restrictions at any time. Visit the website of the American Embassy in Italy to learn more about restrictions on American visitors entering Italy. Italy has so much to see and do on a vacation. Nevertheless, the Tuscany and Rome Cultural Tour will make your trip to Italy memorable. You can return time and time again and constantly discover something new. |
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