Country: Cuba
The largest of the Caribbean Islands, Cuba has much to offer for those travellers that have an interest in history, current and ancient, music, architecture and stunning beaches. Add in friendly people, varied and interesting scenery and direct flights and it is a great destination for most at reasonable prices.
This is a Third World country with 97% literacy and one of the best health services anywhere. Doctors and nurses and the chief export of Cuba. But money is scarce so do not be surprised that all of the roads have potholes that rival African ones. Of course cigars feature heavily in the economy as does sugar but tourism is very much a prime industry and a hope for their future. The horse, oxen and mule are still very much in evidence. For every cowboy you saw in the USA there are 5,000 Cuban ones and they do truly work on the land.
Because the US has enforced an embargo on Cuba for the past 55 years things have to last, be renewed, worked around etc. There are 75,000 old cars still running and they cannot be exported. Many are in a really good state and fun to ride in. The iconic photo of an ancient Buick, Ford or Chevy outside an ancient Spanish colonial era building is one that you will keep taking.
Things are changing slowly, so do not delay too long before heading out there.