Have you already decided that the next pin on the map? If you have not then do you want tradition, history, aromas, rhythms and above all contrasts? Superb, you’re ready for your next trip!
In this article, we will help you to plan your next trip to Ethiopia & Cuba … Let’s not waste time!
Travelling To Ethiopia
Ethiopia is the largest producer of coffee in all of Africa and its economy is constantly growing as regards the tourism sector. Addis Ababa, the modern capital, hides centuries of history among the skyscrapers, jealously guarded by the Ethnographic and National museums.
Its symbol is the lion, and the emblem, formed by a golden pentacle, symbolizes the union of the communities. A trip to Ethiopia in fact, allows you to discover a country unique in the world for the incredible variety of ethnic groups, languages and cultures, which welcomes 80 different populations in a single territory.
There are several flights departing, many are direct, such as those of the flag carrier Ethiopian Airlines. The cost of a return flight is limited, and by booking in advance, you can save further. The important thing is not to choose the months of July and August to travel: they are rainier than the year and you risk ruining your holiday.
From October to March, the country can be visited at any time thanks to the mild climate, with the foresight to bring in jackets and sweatshirts for the evening, when the temperature excursion brings down the temperatures.
To enter Ethiopia a valid passport is required with expiration at least 6 months from entry. The tourist Ethiopia visa for US citizens must be requested at the Embassy, but can also be obtained upon arrival at the airport. Venturing in the direction of remote sites by car is risky, and it is preferable to avoid the risk areas indicated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In any case, an international driving license is not allowed: to drive in Ethiopia, contact the Embassy and obtain a local driving document, which is then withdrawn at the Kaliti Civil Motorization, in the southern suburb of Addis Ababa.
There are no travel problems in the capital. Tourists can travel by taxi or by bus, bearing in mind, however, that the Foreign Ministry does not recommend public transport.
The travel itinerary depends on the time available, because Ethiopia is a very large state, rich in monuments and natural sites. The capital is the hub of economic life and modernity, perceptible in its skyscrapers and in the frenzy that characterizes the great metropolises. Addis Ababa (which means new flower) houses several museums, including the National Museum with the Lucy skeleton: the most famous Australopithecus in the world.
The main square is the Meskel Square, dotted with typical restaurants where you can taste tasty stews of meat (wat) and try the injera: focaccia made with flour teff on which the vegetables are placed. Among the most beautiful architecture are the Cathedral of San Giorgio and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, an ancient place of Orthodox worship.
During the trip, a visit to the cities of Aksoum and Gondar, which testify to the history of the great kingdoms, cannot be missed. The Ethiopian natural settings are wonderful, in particular Debrezeit and the area of Lake Tala: unique in its kind because it has islets on which stand several monasteries. From the lake Tala originates the Blue Nile River, from which spectacular waterfalls are born.
The Awash Park and the Rif Valley are the birdwatching paradises, home to hundreds of different bird species. Finally, lovers of history and archeology will find the cradle of the first civilizations in the Valley of the Omo River. For a dip in culture, just visit the village of the Konso tribes, formed by a farming community that guards ancient traditions.
Travelling To Cuba
The largest island in the Caribbean: Cuba that allows us to make a journey through beautiful hilly landscapes and flat, fascinating colonial cities. But the great notoriety of Cuba is given by its beaches, sandy bays of infinite beauty where you can swim in a sea blue and green, in short, a true paradise.
The trip to Cuba you will need travel visa to Cuba from USA. It is also a journey to discover the places that were the scene of the Cuban Revolution, as can be seen in the various monuments present in Santa Clara that recall the exploits of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro and the other revolutionaries.
It is also a journey into the historic places of Havana, such as the Bodeguita or El Floridita, favorite haunts for people like Hemingway and Neruda. Visiting cigars, cocoa factories, and rum distilleries are unique experiences to do while traveling in Cuba.
Moreover, Cuba is a popular destination also for its crystal clear sea, a very fine white beach; on beaches like those of Varadero, Baracoa and Cayo Largo, your vacation in Cuba finds that much desired relaxation and fun. Places where as well as lying in the sun you can dive and snorkel in the rich seabed, full of varioopinti corals and tropical fish.
Havana is a wonderful city, one of a kind where time seems to have stopped in the 1950s. You absolutely must discover the Habana Vieja, the historic colonial center of the city, a UNESCO heritage site; the Plaza de la Catedral and important buildings such as the Castillo de la Real Fuerza; the Castello del Morro and the Church Angel Custodio.
The journey to discover Havana continues with a visit to the Vedado district, the city’s economic and financial center, a trendy neighborhood where over the years they have opened bars and restaurants. Here there is also the Cabana, a fortress that among others was also the headquarters of Che Guevara and where every day at 21 o’clock (time that in the colonial era marked the closure of the city gates) a cannon shot was fired. Cannon.
Likewise, you can’t miss a walk along the Malecon, the Havana waterfront, beloved not only by tourists but also by Cubans. Meeting place for artists, sportsmen and lovers that offers a perfect view of one of the most beautiful sunsets in Cuba. Walking through the Malecon, you can stop for a mojito in the garden of the elegant Hotel Nacional, a UNESCO heritage site that in the past people like Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra stayed there.
The best time to travel to Cuba is from November to April, during these months, the temperatures reach 28 degrees, the sky is always clear and the humidity is low.
Between May and October, however, also in Cuba, as in the rest of the tropical countries, there is the rainy season with violent rainfall especially during September and October. In this wet season, the rains can also become hurricanes and affect the eastern part of Cuba. Furthermore, in this period, the air is sultry and the heat is humid, with temperatures reaching even 32 degrees.
As for the waters of the crystal clear sea of Cuba, between December and April, the temperature is between 26 and 31 degrees, so diving and snorkeling are always indicated.