Think of Cuba and you probably think of revolution, rum and rumba.
If you speak to someone who's visited, they'll no doubt communicate a tantalising enthusiasm for the place but you may still be left wondering what exactly this country is all about.
Like all magical places in the world trying to pin down exactly what Cuba has is difficult, but it's definitely got it.
Unique is a starting point; the combination of different influences from American to Spanish and Afro-Caribbean mix together to produce something truly original.
A difficult political history combined with a country rooted in rhythm and dance and a people with a gritty, can-do attitude make Cuba absolutely irresistible; it's a place you'll want to return to again and again.
Music and Dance: Whether it be traditional son, salsa, mambo, rumba or Cuban jazz this country is electric with music and rhythm and it infects every part of the country.
Try Havana to get an initial taster of just how essential music is to Cubans before moving to Santiago de Cuba to get a feel for more pared down, traditional rhythms.
The Havana Jazz Festival is also a must see if it's on while you're there.
With music always comes dance and Cuba has dancing to spare.
Dancing in Cuba takes place everywhere, you might see an episode or two of people lining up to dance in the streets or moving the beats blaring from a house's stereo.
Take a dance lesson to learn the traditional Habanera dance, or simply pop into any club and get your salsa on.
Cuba is dance, and you'll soon find yourself enraptured by the infectious rhythms of this country.
Revolution: As well as music and dance Cuban culture is deeply formed and shaped by it's history.
Remnants of colonialism are still everywhere and there are various cities across the whole island which contain beautiful colonial buildings and have great stories to tell.
After colonialism, the war of independence hugely influenced this country.
Go to Santiago de Cuba, the "heroic" city to learn more.
Of course the staple Che Guevara iconography which you see in every corner of the world evokes a certain idea of Cuba, and the Cuban Revolution has left an indelible legacy.
Cuba is still officially communist, meaning a dual currency system; one for tourists and one for locals.
You'll see evidence of communism as you walk the streets in the form of ration shops and wall murals, whilst Che Guevara's influence can be seen throughout all the main cities.
Cuba is a fantastic country with so much to offer to those taking culturally-enriching Cuba holidays to embark on a rare once-in-a-lifetime adventure like nothing they've ever seen before.
It's a totally unique, unrivaled island which will leave an imprint on you for a long time.
A truly unforgettable country, Cuba should surely be a bucket list item for any serious traveller.