With all the recent news about the changing relationship between the U.S. and Cuba, I thought it might be fun to include a retro Havana ad in this series. While the ad is for tobacco and not for travel, it really sells both. Havana was so ingrained in the public’s mind as a place of leisure, that a cigar company could use the travel brand to elevate the experience of using the tobacco brand. “Giving him Havana” is much sexier than just giving him a plain old stinky cigar.

FUN FACT #1: The embargo on Cuban cigars in the U.S. was handed down by Kennedy in 1962 to take a stand against Communist-backed Castro. Individuals who get caught could get charged up to $250,000. (Sources: U.S. Customs & Border Protection and LiveScience.com)

FUN FACT #2: Now that the U.S. Cuba deep freeze is beginning to thaw, you can bring up to $100 worth of Cuban tobacco and booze in the U.S. Merry Christmas to you!! (Source: The Washington Post)