Sipping Cuban Rum and Cokes in Varadero

Whenever a vacation or long weekend is on the horizon, or when Calgary's winter starts getting to me, I find myself dreaming of a warm beach getaway. Beach trips can really vary in cost, so I have to think about how far I want to go and how nice the beach is. Everyone's always talking about Mexico and its all-inclusive resorts. So, I figured it was time to do some research. Mexico sounds awesome, and everyone seems to have their favorite spot—be it Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, or Cozumel. There are so many choices, I don’t even know where to start! Plus, I’m wondering if anyone would join me. Back in the winter of 2017/18, I just knew I needed to travel somewhere. Maybe a solo trip? Do I have the guts for that? Would I feel lonely? I almost overthought the whole thing. But then I decided, forget it, I’m going! I checked out Cuba, looked into Varadero, and picked one of the many all-inclusive resorts there. Booked a flight for March 2018 (thanks to West Jet vacations for sorting out the itinerary), told a few friends I was heading out solo, and off I went.

When I arrived, I swapped my Canadian dollars for CUCs, which was the currency used at most places like restaurants and resorts back then. Now, only the Cuban Peso is accepted. I grabbed a cab from the airport and headed straight to the resort, ready to kick off my vacation. From past family trips, I knew it was important to get a feel for the place. I dropped off my suitcase and started exploring the resort. There were two big pools—one with a poolside bar, of course, and the other was more family-friendly and quieter. I checked out the other amenities and took a stroll about 100 meters up and down the street in front of the resort. The place had everything I needed, and the beach was just across the street.

I was there for a week, so what was I going to do? I reminded myself that the whole point of this trip was to relax, eat, drink, and hit the beach. Was there really anything else to do? At that moment, I had no idea what I’d get up to. Plus, how many activities are actually fun to do solo?

My recommendations for a Varadero, Cuba solo trip:

1. Visit Havana for a city tour - I failed to go to mine because I got too drunk the night before at a Beatles-themed bar. Lesson learned.

2. Go to a Beatles-themed bar where they play versions and renditions of all the Beatles classic, and everyone is sipping beer and cocktails all night long.

3. Walk along the white beaches on the southern coast of Varadero - the warmth and smoothness of the sand is as effective at calming you down as a relaxing massage. I also brought my iPod, and played some serene music as I walked.

4. Order rum and coke at every bar you go to - the Bacardi and Havana Club rum brands are smooth and delicious. Although I do not drink much rum and coke nowadays, it will always be a drink I love to order.

5. Go to an all-inclusive resorts - drinking and eating your fill at each meal is always a treat. Some resorts also have planned activities or cultural performances. Cuban dancers know how to shake their hips and dance to the rhythm. This is also a good way to save money to spend on little excursions and other tourist activities.

Cuba was an awesome start for traveling solo. I felt safe and loved exploring this beautiful island. The only bummer was not connecting with other tourists (they were Canadians from the east coast), and missing out on a cultural day trip to Havana. I wish there were more standout moments, but the best parts were definitely the nice tropical weather and the smooth, clean, sandy beaches.