What Cuba Taught Me About Truly Meaningful Travel
To fully enjoy this post, it’s best if you’ve already read my previous Cuba trilogy: Booked the Deal, Traveled Solo, Travelling with Strangers: my first trip to Cuba and Off the Beaten Path: Beyond the Tourist Traps In those posts, I shared how my connection with Cuba began and grew, and the key lessons I took with me along the way. They’ll give you the right context for what’s coming next.
So now, let’s explore why curated travel experiences can completely change the way you discover a country.
From Epic to Mythical: My Second and Third Trips
Of course, after that first epic trip, I came back to Spain and started digging into a few platforms that offered experiences created by locals. That approach made so much sense to me.
By the time I returned to Cuba for the second time, I had already connected with some locals through social media. And what a difference that made. That second trip? Way closer to what I had envisioned from the very beginning. If the first was epic, the second was downright mythical.
And you know what they say—third time’s the charm. That’s when I became a full-blown Cuba expert. But that’s a story for another time.
Looking back, there are two major factors that made all the difference:
How much time you have (to plan and to travel).
Choosing the right direction from the start.
I poured time and energy into understanding Cuba—and that’s why my second and third trips felt completely unique. It’s not the same to explore a country in a rush, versus having the time and headspace to really let it in. Sometimes, all you need is a first glimpse to know whether a place speaks to you. That’s exactly what happened to me with Cuba.
@rash_alsuwaidi
When Time Is Tight: Making Smart Choices
If you’re traveling on a fixed schedule or you’re just getting to know a country for the first time, organized tours can be a very solid option. Sometimes, they’re even cheaper thanks to the discounts tour operators can offer.
Plus, there’s flexibility. You can book a tour package but still do your own thing during the day—just make use of the transfers and hotels, and skip the excursions. Perfect if you’re not into rigid group activities or fixed itineraries.
The Pros of Travel Agencies
Now, travel agencies… I’ve got to say, they can be absolute lifesavers. A good one will take care of everything—and that peace of mind is priceless, especially if something goes wrong during the trip.
If you’ve got a super demanding job or no time to plan, they’re probably your best bet. Even better if they’re able to customize the trip based on your preferences. Not all agencies do that, but the good ones absolutely do—and I’ve had the pleasure of working with some amazing professionals in the industry.
@daminobenhamza
My Favorite Way to Travel: Custom Travel Design
But here comes my personal favorite: tailor-made travel and experience design. These days, it’s often referred to as “travel designer” work—and I like to add “experience designer” too.
Why? Because it’s the most effective way to make your trip actually match your expectations. And honestly, it’s the closest thing to getting it just right.
Much like in the events world (which shares a lot with the travel industry), personalization is the secret sauce for creating something truly memorable. Having someone who gets you—who understands your vibe, your needs, your budget, your pace—and who can bring that to life with the right route, the right people, the right touch… that’s where the magic happens.
Because let’s be honest—who knows what kind of shift a meaningful trip can spark in you?
Cuba Changed Me (And Almost My Life)
When I got back from my first trip to Cuba, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I spent months reading up on the country, following Cuban creators, listening to local voices—anything to get closer to that culture and way of life.
At one point, I even looked into working there (no joke). That plan never materialized, and I’m not mad about it now—but it tells you how deeply Cuba touched me.
And that’s why local experiences matter. Locals are the ones who can really show you what a country is about. They’re the ones who’ll help you understand what lies beyond the surface.
What No Limit Ideas Is All About
Everything I offer through No Limit Ideas is based on these principles:
Use organized tours when the price is right or when it’s your first approach to a country.
Work with handpicked travel agencies as a reliable plan B when you need support or structure.
Choose tailor-made travel and experiences when you’re looking for something meaningful, lasting, and truly personal.
And let me say this clearly—this doesn’t have to be expensive.
Exclusivity isn’t always about money. Some experiences can’t be measured in euros. They’re about moments, not price tags.
Creating Something Unrepeatable
Just like with events, designing a truly unique travel experience takes time and the right connections. You need that insider know-how. Or, at the very least, someone who’s been through the trial and error, built the right network, and—yes—fallen in love with the place.
That’s the only way to really hit the mark.
As I wrote this post, memories kept coming back, and I found myself smiling. That’s how travel should feel. That’s what happens when a destination gets under your skin.
And now I’m curious:
What about you? Have you had a travel experience that really shifted something inside you?
Leave a comment below or get in touch—I’d love to hear your story.
Sometimes, a good conversation is all it takes to see things from a different angle… though in this case, I have to admit, I’m pretty set in my ways!
More Travel Inspiration & Unique Stays
Looking for more inspiration?
Find more travel inspiration here
For a curated selection of unique places to stay around the world, start here—use the filters in the top menu to browse by country or region and find your favorite.
Follow along on Instagram for more travel inspiration and stories from unique corners of the world.
Stay curious. Stay kind. Keep exploring.