The next vacation is approaching, but you still can't decide which country - Cuba or Sri Lanka - will be the venue for it? Then let's try to weigh all the pros and cons of these island states, which, by the will of fate, ended up in different hemispheres of the globe. Which of the resorts will give you more vivid impressions, and maybe even become your favorite place for your annual vacation?
Cuba: from A to Z
If you are a regular customer of travel agencies and follow new offers, you could not help but notice how recently the popularity of recreation on Freedom Island among Russians has grown. And there are reasons for that.
First, Cuba is close to many of us in spirit. The times when people took an active part in building socialism and believed in a bright future are still fresh in our memory. And if our worldview was somewhat reformatted after the collapse of the Soviet Union, then the Cubans continue to live under the influence of revolutionary sentiments and still see the United States as the main enemy. Arriving in Cuba, travelers seem to find themselves in a museum of communism, along the roads of which native "Muscovites" and "Volga" continue to ride, there is a cult of the odious commander Che.
But the Cuban vacation experience doesn't end there. Travelers will be able to enjoy plenty of exotic nature, sunbathe on golden beaches and taste other delights of a vacation in the Caribbean.
You can get to the island from the capital's airport by Aeroflot planes, which make direct flights. Travel time will be only 13 hours, and the ticket price is 38,900 rubles. This is the best option, since other flights involve multiple connections in Europe or the United States, are more expensive and take two or three times as long. There is good news for Russians: if you do not plan to stay in Cuba for more than 30 days, then you do not need to worry about obtaining a visa.
More information on how to get to Cuba on your own in our article.
There are some simple rules for staying on the island that will help you avoid trouble. In particular, so that your valuables do not suddenly disappear from hotel rooms, it is recommended to store them in specially installed safes. To do this, choose proven hotels and remember that it is better to overpay a little for accommodation. Be careful when eating. So, drinking water from the tap is not recommended, and you need to eat only in government institutions.
The climate on the island is tropical, and the average air temperature is + 25 ° C throughout the year. The air is characterized by high humidity, which, combined with high temperatures, will require acclimatization from guests of Cuba.
Almost all beaches are free to use. But individual hotels have won the right to dispose of the coastline on their own, which will be to the taste of many guests who avoid crowds.
The acquaintance with the Island of Liberty will also be useful for those who like to "rush" through the shops. Local shops sell original coral jewelry, turtle shells and real Cuban cigars. Separately, it should be said about rum, which is considered the most popular drink in the Cuban basin since the time of piracy.
Tourists will be able to have fun while sightseeing. For example, in the province of Pinar del Rio, you can visit tobacco plantations, and while walking in the Vinales Valley National Park, enjoy the variety of exotic nature. Well, it is worth going to Soroa at least to appreciate the unique collection of orchids in the Orquideario nursery and see the Manantiales waterfall.
Diving and fishing are popular activities in Cuba.
Sri Lanka
Somewhat different will be a vacation in Sri Lanka. This country is chosen by those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle and spend several weeks in the company of turquoise waves that crash with noise on the sandy coast. You will notice that no one is ever in a hurry here, as if everyone, including the hotel staff, is enjoying every minute of life.
You can get to Sri Lanka from the capital's airport for only 16.5 thousand rubles by plane of the Qatar company. Travel time, taking into account one change in Doha, will be 10.5 hours.
The bulk of the attractions that are presented in Sri Lanka are of natural origin. The same can be said for entertainment. Do you like parties and discos until you drop? Then you have nothing to do in the resorts of Sri Lanka. But enjoy diving, fishing and picnics in nature - you are always welcome!
To avoid trouble, you also need to follow some simple rules. Since the climate here is very hot, the risk of stomach infections increases. It is recommended that you always wash your hands, fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating and eat only in approved establishments. Don't drink tap water.
If you go for a walk in the national park, take care of special antimalarial pills and choose the right clothes (shorts, T-shirts and other items that leave large areas of skin exposed are not recommended). You can visit the temple only without shoes. And monkeys are considered the main thieves, so hide all valuable things away.
For those who are not used to spending their entire vacation on the beach and want to learn more about the country, we recommend visiting the most interesting places:
- the main relic of the country "Kandy Esala Perahera", which can be worshiped during a large-scale procession in August;
- the oldest tree on the planet - the sacred Bo tree, which is located in one of the temples of Anuradhapura and is fenced with a fence made of pure gold;
- Dambulla's cave, where you can see how water flows up the walls and falls from the ceiling into a golden bowl.
There is in the suburb of Colombo and a huge zoo, which contains the most exotic and rare animals on the planet. And finally, you can take a walk to local shops. Gems and jewelry are in great demand among tourists. But do not buy valuables on the street and markets, and in stores, do not forget to demand certificates and receipts that will help you avoid high-quality counterfeits.
No less popular are leather goods, teas and infusions, as well as unusual masks. You can always bargain in the markets and get a good discount.
As you can see, it is difficult to choose which resort - Cuba or Sri Lanka - is more suitable for a vacation. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. But in each case, you are guaranteed to receive a new portion of vivid impressions. The choice is yours!
Pattaya or Phuket? - Go to the life hack of our website, read it and make the right choice.
