Airbnb has slanted their business in a new direction through the realization that people book with them more because they want an experience than a room. Cheap accommodation is plentiful but when you stay in an Airbnb you hope to meet new people and try new things – as well as getting a local’s insight into where to go. In Cuba that’s a given for those who stay in the island’s Casa Particulares – Cuban homes which are opened up to visitors like a bed and breakfast.
Airbnb is also starting to thrive on the island, despite their internet issues, and so the newly launched Airbnb Experiences in Cuba has a number of interesting activities you can book. Cuban cooking, salsa and fascinating revolution history are some of the many reasons why visitors seek out Cuba and you can learn to cook and dance with locals, or get a guided history tour through Havana. There’s also the chance to learn how to hand roll Cuban cigars, make rum cocktails and do a food market tour. What are particularly intriguing are the more original experiences on offer, such as the chance to learn about religious syncretism, or explore Cuban LGTB nightlife with a guide. The experiences tend to be more hands on, where you can get interactive and learn something, as opposed to the guided activities. The idea is to do something which is hyper-local with an experienced guide and break away from the usual tourist traps.
Despite Experiences being a relatively new offering – there’s a huge amount in Cuba already. They obviously go hand in hand with booking an Airbnb to stay in but can also be booked separately.
*This is not a sponsored post. If anyone has tried the experiences and wants to write in to us about them or comment, please do so.