Travel preparation, personal accounts and updates from the Havana Music Tours journal. Check publication dates when using older advice, and start with our current travel checklist for a new trip.
Every January, Havana becomes one of the most important places in the world for Cuban jazz. The Havana Jazz Festival, also known as Jazz Plaza, brings together Cuban musicians, international artists, students, jazz lovers, travelers, and people who want to…
Historical context — reviewed September 2026: This post reflects conditions and commentary at the time it was written. Travel rules, schedules, and conditions can change. For current planning, see our current U.S.–Cuba travel guide and September 2026 Cuba travel checklist.…
Historical context — reviewed September 2026: This post reflects conditions and commentary at the time it was written. Travel rules, schedules, and conditions can change. For current planning, see our current U.S.–Cuba travel guide and September 2026 Cuba travel checklist.…
Dear Music Traveler Friends, Historical context — reviewed September 2026: This post reflects conditions and commentary at the time it was written. Travel rules, schedules, and conditions can change. For current planning, see our current U.S.–Cuba travel guide and September…
Past festival archive — reviewed September 2026: This article covers an earlier edition of Jazz Plaza. For current information, see our Havana Jazz Festival 2027 guide and 2027 Havana Jazz Festival Tour. Every January, Havana becomes the heart of Latin…
Havana is a city where every corner carries a melody. From traditional son and rumba to modern jazz, salsa, and timba, music flows through plazas, clubs, and living rooms. If you are deciding the best time to visit Havana for…
Historical update — reviewed September 2026: This article explains the July 2025 policy announcement in its original context. For current requirements, see our current U.S.–Cuba travel rules guide and September 2026 Cuba travel checklist. However, U.S.-Cuba policies are evolving, and…
Historical update — reviewed September 2026: This article documents the June 2025 policy discussion. For current travel requirements, see our current U.S.–Cuba travel rules guide and September 2026 Cuba travel checklist. However, U.S.-Cuba policies are evolving, and new announcements continue…
Looking Back, Looking Ahead at the Havana Salsa Festival Historical festival reflection — reviewed September 2026: This article looks back at the 2024 Havana Salsa Festival. We can build a private custom itinerary around a future festival edition when dates…
Donation guidance reviewed October 1, 2026. Ask the receiving organization for its current needs before packing; the Hurricane Oscar account below describes work in 2024. Cuba is a nation rich in culture, community, and resilience. However, many families face daily…