Barack Obama must be clairvoyant. As I finished typing out the Editor’s Pick, came his historic announcement that the United States was restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba. Cuba libre? We live in interesting times, and I mean that in the best possible sense.

We have, of course, been to time-capsule Cuba several times. Most recently, Cuba was covered by one of our favourite writers,Srinath Perur. His evocative piece conjures up an almost pre-industrial utopia/dystopia (take your pick) untouched by the horrors of mass tourism (there isn’t even any advertising anywhere). And isn’t that what all travellers crave? To go where no one has gone before. But, chances are, if you’ve heard of it, it’s not really off the beaten track.

But Cuba’s defiant isolation makes it different. The country may be slightly squidgy around the edges, but it’s utterly charming. Intimate bars, friendly locals, automobiles which seem to have emerged straight from a time machine. All that looks set to end, which makes it all the more imperative that you visit at the earliest — before the hordes get there and transform this sleepy slice of paradise for ever.

All travellers have an internal list, and they keep ticking destinations off it. Cuba’s right on top of mine.

P.S.: Like I said, we’ve been to Cuba several times. Don’t miss this report by the masterly Naresh Fernandes.