Today sees the embargo between the US and Cuba lifted, re-establishing diplomatic ties for the first time since 1959 - and giving more reason than ever to hot-foot it to this politically-minded, energetic island asap.
Before today, Americans weren't allowed to fly from the US to Cuba - although some, Beyonce and Jay Z included, managed to slip through the net, using private jets or flying from Canada.
But now embassies are being reopened in Havana and Washington; Cuba will be more accessible for the world than ever before. Go now before the invasion begins and McDonald's arrives - here's why:
It's like Italy, but with salsa music, warmer temperatures and a Caribbean spirit with plenty of sex. Looking at murals of Che Guevara (which are everywhere) never gets old either. If only all political heroes were as handsome.
If you want to make your friends jealous with your Instagram photos, Havana is the place to go. The streets are narrow and winding; the dilapidated colonial houses are painted different colours which have faded by years of sunshine; and the trees are covered in orange flowers.
If you can't see live music on a street corner, steel drums, maracas, Spainish guitars or trumpets, you'll definitely be able to hear it being blasted out of a car or someone's home. Cubans leave their front doors wide open to keep cool (regardless of how futile this might be), so you're always party to what families are listening to.
Writer AA Gill once wrote that salsa is country and western music for happy people. He is totally right. The Cubans dance everywhere; it's built in them like we Brits are instilled with awkwardness and a willingness to say sorry constantly. You'll be taught by waiters, buskers and the most entertaining of local characters. Once you've got over the fact that good salsa dancing is like having sex with clothes on, you'll have a blast.
There tons of outdoor bars and clubs in Cuba. The Casa de la Musica in Trinidad is situated in a square and a salsa or rumba band plays every night from 10pm regardless of what evening in the week it is. And it's packed - locals dance for hours, while the few tourists sit on steps and wonder how anyone has so much rhythm or stamina. It's also incredibly heartening to realise that while on an average Wednesday night when we Brits are probably watching Eastenders on the sofa, somewhere in Cuba there are a bunch of people salsa dancing under the stars until the early hours.
You'll never feel more like a gangster than you will in Cuba. A bottle of rum costs around $4 and cigars around the same. Even the local beer is called Cristal. Visit the Hotel Nacional in Havana, which stands on a hill overlooking the sea, where Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando whiled away their evenings while looking over the horizon and palm trees.
Despite not having it all that easy (low pay, food rations and little opportunity to travel), the Cubans see life as a party. They dance through the streets, they're loud and funny, and they can't wait to talk to you. In terms of material goods, the Cubans don't have much, but they're rich in optimism and liveliness.
While the Cubans themselves would probably rather experience a moving vehicle with air conditioning, the vintage cars of Havana are one of the many parts of Cuba that make you feel like you're stepped back in time.
Cuban food is not incredible (although this may change with the embargo lifted and food is imported more freely), but La Guarida is one the most beautiful restaurants you're likely to visit abroad - and where the stars go when in Cuba, including Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Rihanna. Also worth trying is Casa Miglis - a tastefully decorated restaurant in Havana , serving Scandinavian-Cuban food which sounds gross but tastes great. A lot of the restaurants are hidden in the homes of locals, called paladares.
Cuba is hectic in the best way possible, but true Caribbean bliss can be found on Grand Cayman, only a 40-minute flight away and home to truly beautiful beaches and clear blue seas perfect for diving. Going under the sea here feels like being part of The Little Mermaid, all tropical fish and swaying sea plants. Other than the array of watersports on offer, from jet skiing to para-sailing, make sure you swim with horses into the sea. You ride bareback, holding their manes as the horse swims through the waves - a truly magical experience. For more information visit Seahorses.ky.
The oldest square in Havana, Plaza de Armas, is home to a second-hand book market, shrouded in trees. Stalls sell books (obviously), mostly about the revolution, but also many by Ernest Hemingway who wrote in Cuba, as well as jewellery, music and badges. Look out for the incredibly dressed trumpet player, wearing a white two-piece and brogues.
Curving round the bay of Havana is the Malecon, a lengthy promenade where locals sit on the seawall, drink cheap rum and beer, kiss like in love teenagers and play loud music. Head to a local shop, buy a bottle of rum and watch the sun set over the bay and watch the sun set over the horizon like Cubans have done for decades.
