We just got back from some time in Cuba, and that was a lifelong dream; it didn’t disappoint. Wild, hectic and home to some of the kindest people you will ever meet. But, they are still burdened with ridiculous, antiquated sanctions by the USA and have to make do with whatever they can to get by.
One of the byproducts of these draconian sanctions is that having a vehicle can sometimes be a challenge, and other times, impossible for the country’s people. New cars are often not available and, when they are, they’re insanely expensive. So, the Cubans do what they can with what they have. And, more often than not, those cars are older Russian imports, usually Ladas of one form or another. Being car buffs, we wanted to learn more about these “mysterious” cars.
For background (and it’s a long one) Lada marketed as LADA is a brand of cars manufactured by AvtoVAZ (originally VAZ), a Russian state-owned company. From January 2021 until May 2022, Lada was integrated with then sister brand Dacia into Renault’s Lada-Dacia business unit. (You may recognize the shape of the car as Fiat 124-based cars.)
Happily, your car-buff editor’s lovely better half chartered one of these and we spent a few hours exploring the towns and villages of Havana. What fun that was, experiencing history in real time. If you haven’t already, seriously consider a trip to to Cuba, and be sure to hire one of its glorious classic cars. They can easily be hired on the streets and there are as many customized editions as there are days in the year.
Many US hotels do not feature Cuban properties, but the Spanish hotel brand Meliá is everywhere on the island with fantastic properties that await you. (Meliá Hotels International, S.A. is a top Spanish hotel chain.) Click here to discover what Meliá has to offer.
You will never forget Cuba, and Meliá will make your holiday unforgettable. Click here to book.
Canada’s egalitarian AirTransat flies to Cuba from many locations. They have vacations, too. Click here to book.
