Vintage cadillacs, crumbling and faded pastel-coloured colonial buildings, bacardis in the sunset, Buena Vista Social Club, Fidel Castro - Cuba brings to mind a multitude of images of this fiercely independent Caribbean nation.

The winds (or the gentle breezes) of change are in the air in Cuba and now is a great time to see a nation in a stage of transition.

Of course, the jewel in the crown of Cuban tourism is Havana, one of the world's great travel destinations.

A trip to Havana for a few days can easily be combined with other destinations in the Caribbean or Central and South America and makes for a great two-country Caribbean holiday.

Cuba is a busy destination at the moment, hotels in Cuba are at a premium and planning ahead is essential. Booking 9 to 12 months ahead is advisable to ensure more accommodation options are available.