If you live in cold countries, it is good to have some friends south. In the 1800s, we traded our cod for Cuban rum; tour today we trade dollars for the state of the sun. Last year more than 800,000 Canadian citizens visiting and we represent 36 percent of all foreign visitors to Cuba, and many of our repeat customers who can not get enough of the Cuban experience.

The three most popular fun-and-sun destination all located on the north coast. Each holiday offers the four pillars of the holiday classic: lots of sea, sand, sun and socializing. Daytime activities focused on water sports or day trips to tourist attractions. Do not bother planning a visit on your own. Not only transportation is difficult, but you will be fined for not using a designated agent of the state. Save money and book hotel travel though your agent.

Looking for one of the more relaxed resorts on the island? Now the third-most-popular destination in Cuba, Guardalavaca is located on the northeast coast of Holguin province, about 700 kilometers from Havana. This is being touted as an ecotourism destination Cuba, and not only that the amazing natural areas, it is more able to maintain its authenticity than many resorts here. Guardalavaca was badly damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008, but the Cuban government has done a lot of work into restoring the expected standard facilities.

The first tourists here is none other than Christopher Columbus, arrived in the first voyage in 1492. Regional enough to create the impression that the scene mentioned in the journal of Columbus. Although nature has reclaimed and obscured the precise landing spot, still very beautiful beaches: two miles of white sand lined with rocks and pine forests of the Sierra Cristal mountains.

Most east coast, called Guardalavaca, is the first developed in the 1970s. Local legend says the name dates back to the heyday of Caribbean pirates: it translates literally as “cattle guard,” a warning call to the people to hide their livestock and their property from robbers entered. Central coast, Playa Pesquero, had newer mega-resorts, many with over-the-top decor. Favorite honeymoon destination, this beach is the most private and features a lot of palm trees that shade.

Crescent-shaped Playa Esmeralda, the name for the deep green water, is the most west coast. Surrounded by a series of lagoons and bays, it has some of the best snorkeling in the area. It is also the closest to the Bahia de Naranjo Nature Reserve, an island to play with the aquarium where you can swim with dolphins. All three beaches offer many water sports but given the clear warm waters of the region and more than 20 dive sites starters, there will likely be tempted under water.

If you crave the local nightlife, head to the provincial capital, Holguin. Day tips from local hotels, including a visit to the sugar town of Banes, in which the dictator Fulgencio Batista and Fidel Castro was born already married. Other Gibara attractive colonial town with some very good museums. To climb on the wild side, take a safari tour to Cayo Saetia. This 42-km island has become a game reserve and famous for its spectacular beaches and the flora and fauna, including antelopes and zebras.

Hicacos located in Peninsula, 140 km from Havana, Varadero is Cuba’s most famous beach destination. Before the revolution, this is a playground for millionaires and the U.S. still ranks among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. Varadero offers 20 km of sand vanilla silk with a vibrant blue ocean. With 50 hotels and more than 16,000 rooms, this is not the beach to come to vacation in remote areas. You will share the beach with local and foreign people from Bahia de Cardenas. This will be the closest you’ll come to see the real Cuba. Varadero offers everything you want in a fantasy vacation unless Cuban daily life.

Further east you travel, the more expensive resorts and more beautiful beaches. Two of the most popular sport here is the diving and deep-sea fishing. Especially popular is Cayo Piedras del Norte water park, where old cruise ships, submarines and aircraft have been deliberately sunk for divers to explore. Petty theft is common in Varadero beach, unfortunately, so do not bring expensive sunglasses, beach towels or shoes with you. Enjoying a beautiful environment, but take the same precautions with your belongings in public places would you take at home.

If you’re tired of relaxing on the beach there are some interesting tourist days worth your time. Nearby, the city of Varadero has a good artisan markets selling leather goods and fine ceramics. Gringo-style to shop there is the Plaza de las Americas. Nearest town of Matanzas, known as the birthplace of the Cuban culture, has an interesting history center. To feel what once was a billionaire’s hub was like before the revolution, take a visit to the Du Pont luxury homes, Xanadu. Now golf club and lounge is the perfect place to sip mojitos and watch the spectacular sunsets.

Another tour includes a visit to Trinidad, Cuba is considered as one of the best in the colonial cities and beautiful displays of pastel 18th-century houses and a palace. You can tour the core, defined as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, only a few hours, but you’ll be tempted to stay as pleasant tranquility.

Havana, of course, should not be missed under any circumstances. Life is relaxed but the city of music and sensuality permeate. Architecture is phenomenal and the contrast between the neglected historic buildings and the new is a beautiful restored strange. All the resorts offer tours to Havana which always finish with a show at the Tropicana. If you become over-the-top cabaret musical, then do attend – if you do not miss the show and save your money.

If you’ve reached the vegetative state almost exhausted and only wanted to pick off the beach, and Cayo Coco is for you. Prior to 1992, Cuba’s fourth largest island is a swamp full of mosquitoes. A causeway connecting the mainland to change all that. Now, the region – including the nearby Cayo Guillermo – is like Varadero on steroids, luxurious retreat where travelers can relax in beautiful isolation. What’s interesting here is the unspoiled beaches stunning, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional diving or snorkeling in Cuba’s best coral reefs.

Did you know?

• Cuba has three currencies: pesos, tourist dollars and U.S. dollars. U.S. Dollar has become the standard currency since 1993.

• You can not use American Express in Cuba because it is considered as the “Yanqui” credit card.

• Cuba has two popular soft drink was created by Fidel Castro to imitate the American sense. Tu Cola (Cola you) is equivalent to Coca-Cola Cuba while Cachito like Sprite. Rumors say that when the Castro government nationalized the Coca-Cola plant was only taken over recipes and began bottling the drink as Tu Cola. You will not be able to distinguish your Cuba Libre.

• Baseball is the national sport and has played in Cuba since 1874. With 16 teams in the National League, there is always a game to play. Both Holguin and Matanzas has a team while Havana has two. Ask your hotel where you can take in a local game or to ask about any tour operator that offers “Home Run” tour where you’ve sat behind home plate in the National Series playoffs in Havana Stadium.

• Paladares is home Cuban restaurants. They are legal since 1993, when the Cuban government began to allow them to stimulate the economy after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Families are allowed to have no more than 12 tables and is taxed on their income.