Having recently become more accessible to tourists, and with plenty of usual rules (cash only!), Cuba remains somewhat of mystery to even the most experienced travellers. So I thought I’d outline five things that you just must do upon visiting Havana.

1. Step back in time and cruise the streets of Havana in a vintage convertible

Yes, it may seem cheesy, but what better way to explore Havana than in a vintage American car? It’s a great way to sightsee, transporting us back to the 1950s and the time of Ernest Hemingway. This is very similar to a car I recently bought, to use on our tours!

2. Get lost wandering the streets of Old Havana and enjoying the colonial buildings

A tour in a convertible may give you a great view, but it’s not until we start exploring by foot that we really discover what Havana is all about. There are hidden laneways with surprises on every corner: cigar shops, casas, crumbling facades and weirdly enough, outdoor Internet stations – these need to be seen to be believed!

3. Have a cigar and mojito at Hotel Nacional

Hotel Nacional is the grand dame of Havana, having been frequented by artists, actors, and writers, like Frank Sinatra, Ernest Hemingway and Marlon Brando. It was declared a national monument in 1998, and continues to be in more ways than one: we pop by to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy Cubans’ favourite things – a cigar and a mojito!

4. Take a sunset stroll along the malecon (boardwalk) for a people-watching experience

The Malecon is Havana’s soul, and is therefore a must-visit when in town. It’s surrounded by charming buildings and is home to lots of cafes and bars, where locals hang out. This makes it the perfect spot for some people-watching, admiring the local way of life. We always aim to visit at sunset, as the light reflects on the water and buildings, creating a picture-perfect setting.

5. Have a daiquiri at the Floridita bar made famous by Ernest Hemingway.

There’s something about Ernest Hemingway – he tended to make all his drinking establishments famous. This Floridita bar in particular is very proud of its reputation as the home of the daiquiri. With a lively environment and live band, it’s the ideal spot to drink in all that’s great about Cuba – literally!

To experience all of these must dos, and plenty more, join Nicole for one of her signature small-group tours with Mosaic Travel. More information can be found at mosaictravel.com.au/tours/cuba-libre/

The post 5 must dos in Havana, Cuba! appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

The European summer may be coming to an end but there’s good news for the keen traveller: next year’s flights have just gone on sale.

Portugal is set to become one of the must-see destinations of 2017, offering culture, beaches, history and delicious food in one pretty package.

The team at Mosaic Travel knows that a summer by the beach is a summer well spent, so they’ve found a stretch of sand for any occasion – from swimming and surfing to partying until the sunrise, you’re sure to find your paradise.

1. Praia de Adraga Beach, located near Sintra on the Central Coast, is the private person’s dream. Its remote location, dramatic high cliffs, golden sands and pristine rocks, grottoes and tunnels mean the beach is usually close to empty – leaving all the more room for you to enjoy. A small caveat is that you’ll need your own car – it’s so out of the way that public transport won’t get you there.

2. On the completely opposite of the spectrum sits Lagos’ Praia da Rocha. Its vast expanse of soft golden sand is home to a buzzing and vibrant atmosphere, with great caves to explore and established dining options. Lagos may be a tourist trap, but this nearby beach is an undiscovered gem that’s not as busy.

3. Culture and history buffs should be placing Ribeira Beach in Cascais on the list; close to the square and old town, it has a gorgeous backdrop of historical buildings, including grand crumbling villas. Also known as Fisherman’s Beach, Ribeira is home to a lively but small fishing port, so the pretty picture is improved by the presence of small fishing boats. You can try some of their produce at one of the casual restaurants in town – after all, we believe the best way to learn about a new culture is through food!

4. Don’t like sharing the sand? Miramar is the beach for you. An isolated patch not far from Porto, it’s famous from the 17^th century chapel on a rocky headland, and isn’t frequented by many tourists, even in summer. A calm tide makes it great for cutting a few laps.

5. Finally, Praia Tocha is the surfer’s paradise. A secret beach known only by locals (and now you!), it’s resort free and home to a great break – ideal for surfing and bodyboarding. After a long day, you can retire to a Palheiros (a former fishing house sitting on stilts), now used for accommodation.

Pack your bags: Portugal is calling. With five vastly different but equally as beautiful beaches to choose from, you’ll be sand-side in no time.

The post Our top 5 beaches in Portugal appeared first on Mosaic Travel.