Sun or no sun, we can still feel the temperature rising and the heat taking over, even in the usually gloomy UK. That's the perfect time to start thinking about the ideal location to escape to. For aficionados, the idea of smoking a thick stogie under the hot summer sun sounds like a dream coming true. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or an extended holiday, we have created a list of our top five summer destinations for Cigar aficionados to kick back, relax, and indulge.
"THE NUMBER ONE SUMMER DESTINATION FOR AFICIONADOS"
CUBA - There's no place like home; and by home, we mean no other but the beautiful, historic cigar mecca that Cuba is. From the tropical and rich in culture Havana to the crystal blue waters of Varadero, Cayo Coco, and Guardalavaca, there's nothing more satisfying than smoking a Trinidad Topes Edicion Limitada 2016 while listening to the melodic sounds of the waves crashing against the shore. However, Cuba has many more experiences to offer to an aficionado than just sun-kissed coasts and summery cocktails.
The cigar history of the island is what really makes Cuba our number one summer destination. Havana, the island's capital, offers a wide range of cigar related activities to satisfy even the most-hard to please cigar enthusiast. Experience first hand the incredible quality of Cuban tobacco from tours inside legendary cigar factories, such as El Laguito where Cohiba cigars are manufactured, or explore the famous tobacco plantations in the Vuelta Abajo region, known for cultivating the finest tobacco in the world. While you are there, it also worths enjoying a glass of Havana Club rum - it will truly change the way you drink rum.
The city of Havana Cuba is one of the top summer destinations for cigar aficionados.
"VISIT THE ART TABAC IN PARIS"
FRANCE - The homeland of Quai d'Orsay has everything we need for the summer. Magnificent cuisine, enticing culture, and warm, dry Mediterranean summers, France is just the right place for those who want to combine pleasure and fun with leisure and culture. Whether you choose to visit Paris or take a small break at the cosmopolitan French Riviera, France is the best place to smoke a Quai d'Orsay Secreto Cubano like a king.
The French capital is anything but short when it comes to cigar history. One of the most significant places an aficionado should visit once in Paris, A la Civette du Palais-Royal is famous for being frequented by significant figures like Napoleon and Casanova. Another activity worth experiencing is visiting the Art Tabac in Paris and smoking their speciality made cigars; we guarantee that a smoke from the Art Tabac will fascinate even the most demanding smokers out there.
Enjoying our Petit Corona Cigar Sampler in Paris, France.
"SMOKE IN THE DAVIDOFF-SCHIFF BOAT"
SWITZERLAND - And from one cigar-important destination to another. Although it's not one of the most popular summer destinations, Switzerland has many to offer to cigar aficionados. The country is considered the home of Davidoff cigars, not just because of their original store based in Basel but, also, because of the Davidoff-Schiff Ship. Many times throughout the year, the boat hosts exclusive luxurious parties, while there are many boat trips around Lake Zurich were you will have the chance to smoke some of the best smokes or even have the chance to meet a few celebrities from the cigar world.
RIO DE JANEIRO - The heartwarming people, the great food, or the enticing culture - whatever is your weak spot, Rio de Janeiro is a great place to escape from the big and noisy big city. From the stunning views of the city that the statue of the Christ the Redeemer offers to the summery and art deco inspired Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro is perfect for those who want to combine culture with the perfect summertime vibes. Although the country is not as rich in cigar history as the others on this list, Brazilians legacy in herbals and spices makes it one of the best locations in the world to enjoy the rich and complex aromas of tobacco leaves.
LAS VEGAS - What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. The sin city of Las Vegas is known for its non-stop parties, luxurious hotels-casinos, and excessive heat. You can see or do it all there. When visiting Vegas it is obligatory to have a smoke. There's no better way to find out what the full Vegas experience feels like than with a Cohiba Behike 54 and a glass of top-notch champagne - and yes that is a great a pairing. Do not forget to bring your Cuban sticks with you though. If you want to learn all the tips about flying with your sticks, read our blog, the Dos and Don't when Flying with Cigars, and find out everything you need to know before boarding.
Rio de Janeiro is the perfect place to enjoy the enticing flavours of tobacco leaves.
From a quick weekend getaway to a relaxing few days off, the above destinations should be inside every aficionado's bucket list for the summer. Before booking your tickets, make sure to get all your favourite smokes with you from our Cuban Cigar Shop. Read more from our daily updated Cuban Cigar Blog and discover more about the enticing world of habanos.