You live in London, and don’t have time for a holiday. Busy with work, the kids, your spouse or parents – and taking time off is the last thing on your mind. Have you thought about just having a day away from it all, with your family, and touring places closer to home? Be a tourist in your own town, and see the sites people fly in from all over the world to see. If you live in London, then you’re spoilt for choice. When I was there a few years ago, I spent a whole day in Harrods. I could not believe the amount and quality of items there. Luckily I later realised I could have had things shipped home – just as well as I spent a fortune on things I had to lug around London for the rest of my trip. Then we caught the underground to Madame Tussauds, and Piccadilly Circus, where we shopped up big in the Virgin store. Lunch was a sandwich from Pret-a-Manger. We had our photos taken in front of the Palace, and Westminster Abbey, and bought the tacky souvenirs. Stay in a hotel to make the experience authentic!

I have to confess, I didn’t know Cuba was an archipelago – a series of islands, with Cuba being the main island of ‘The Republic of Cuba’ (Cuba is also loosely the name of the archipelago). But when I began researching my Cuba holiday a few years ago, I discovered that Cuba is the principal island and it is nestled amongst four groups of islands. Cuba is actually the seventh largest island in the world. And my favourite brand of shoes, Colorado, is the name of one of the groups of islands (the Colorados). The capital of Cuba is Havana, and it is also the largest city of Cuba (the island and the archipelago – I just like saying archipelago). Cuba flights fly into Havana, and it makes a great spot to begin your holiday.

As far as accommodation goes, Cuba has it all. When picking where you’ll stay, Cuba hotels are as varied as they are many. You can find yourself at a seaside resort, or at a dusty place in the backstreets where you’re surrounded by clubs offering salsa dancers and strong drinks.

For a great experience you can’t beat Cuba, so stock up on your pesos and grab a travel guide for one of the best holidays you’ll ever have.