At one time, booking a holiday in Cuba could have been compared to embarking on an ill-advised love affair; fun, passion and fiery temperaments were guaranteed, but only with the caveat of constant frustration.

On my first visit, seven years ago, I recall standing in a barren grocery store, contemplating what meal I might imaginatively conjure up with a shrivelled onion and a handful of sprouting potatoes.

But any irritations the Caribbean island might have evoked were always outweighed by the sounds of ‘Guantanamera’ echoing through crumbling colonial buildings, the honking horns of rattling vintage Chevys, and the sheer vivacity of the life-loving residents. In fact, Cuba’s shortfalls often made it even more appealing.

But that all looks set to change as a result of thawing relations between this staunchly communist government and capitalist giant, the US. Since Barack Obama’s announcement in December last year, easing an embargo in place since 1960, there has been an avalanche of interest in the destination – not only from American tourists (who can now visit freely if they fulfil certain requirements) but also eager British travellers keen to see “the real Cuba, before it’s too late”.

Some tour operators have even reported a 95% increase in searches for Cuba holidays. But should we all be rushing to book now, before Starbucks coffee stalls pop up along Havana’s Malecon, and Che Guevara’s ubiquitous mug shot is replaced by Ronald McDonald?

Change is of course inevitable; United Airlines has announced plans to operate flights from Newark and Houston to Havana, Netflix has launched a TV and film streaming package to the Cuban market, and Twitter was a flurry of excitement this week when TV host Conan O’Brien announced filming of the first US talk show on the island since 1959.

Lonely Planet suggests that future changes might include a rail service linking the country, new golf courses, hotels aimed at the luxury market, and those beloved but dangerous vintage cars being replaced by Audis and Toyotas.

In reality, advances have been taking place since 2011, when Raul Castro eased restrictions on private business. Behind the smiling faces and photogenic buildings, Cuba is an extremely poor country, with many living in unsafe housing, and an ambitious youth unable to realise their full potential. Change, at some point, had to happen.

Yet the thought that Havana might be deluged by hordes of cruise tourists inanely traipsing behind guides does make my toes curl – no matter how good the business might be for the local economy.

Cuba’s irrepressible energy and irresistible charm will no doubt continue to capture visitors’ hearts for years to come, but a chapter of the island’s history is coming to a close.

If you want to experience what Cuba once was, it would be best to visit now.

Holiday offers: snap up skis for Easter

Late snow fall has hampered skiers in the early part of the season, but has resulted in an avalanche of bookings for the Easter holiday period. Warmer weather, quieter slopes and prices up to 40% cheaper are pulling in the numbers.

‘Easter is also two weeks earlier than last year so it’s a perfect time to be skiing, especially as the big snow falls we’ve had recently will ensure conditions remain good until the end of the season’, said Iglu’s head of ski product, James Box. Although many resorts are getting booked up, there are still some great deals to be found, says Box.

Iglu is currently offering a week at the Chalet Hotel Christina in La Plagne, from April 5, reduced by £230 to £920 per person, and including return flights and transfers and seven nights chalet board.

The property has in-house childcare and is ski-in, ski-out.

Seeing stars on holiday

Poring over holiday brochures is the perfect way to while away a rainy afternoon – particularly when you and your loved ones are the cover stars.

Thomas Cook has launched a new initiative, allowing holidaymakers to upload their snaps and create their own brochure cover to share with friends and family on social media.

Every cover star who shares their pages will be entered into a prize draw, with a chance of winning a holiday for two to Cyprus. Visit www.thomascook.com/real-good-times/be-a-brochure-cover-star

Late deals

JAPAN: Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys (www.virginholidays.co.uk/tours; 0844 225 1235) offers the 11-day Japan’s Garden Route from £2,675pp (two sharing) – saving up to £300pp. Includes sightseeing in Tokyo pictured below, Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima and Nara in mixed board accommodation. Includes flights from Heathrow on May 15.

FLORIDA: Magic Holidays (www.magicholidays.com) offers seven nights at the four-star Ramada Plaza Resort (room only) from £599pp (two sharing). Includes car hire and flights from Heathrow via Boston on March 12.

VENICE: Travelzoo (www.travelzoo.com) offers three nights at the five-star JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa (B&B) from £349pp – saving 48%. Includes flights from London, East Midlands or Leeds on selected dates from March 23 - August 23.

MORZINE: Igluski (www.igluski.com) offers seven nights at the three-star Hotel Renardiere (half board) in Morzine from £553pp. Includes flights from Gatwick on March 29.

MALTA: Cheapflights.co.uk offers seven nights at the four-star San Antonio Hotel and Spa (all-inclusive) in Qawra from £230pp.Includes flights from Gatwick on March 3 or 7-8.

DUTCH BULBFIELDS: AmaWaterways, www.amawaterways.co.uk; 0808 256 8422, offers a seven-night Tulip Time cruise through Holland and Belgium from £1199pp – saving £980pp. Includes free flights from London to Amsterdam, transfers, excursions, Wi-Fi, meals and drinks. Departs May 6.

MALAYSIA: Travelbag (travelbag.co.uk; 0845 543 6615) offers three nights at the four-star Istana Hotel in Kuala Lumpur (room only) and the four-star Park Royal Penang Resort (B&B) from £699pp (two sharing) – saving up to £450 per couple. Includes flights from Heathrow. Book by March 31 for travel between May 1-30.

TUNISIA: lowcostholidays.com (0800 1116271) offers seven nights at the four-star Ramada Liberty Resort Hotel in Monastir (all-inclusive) from £213pp. Includes flights from Birmingham.

TENERIFE: On the Beach (onthebeach.co.uk; 0871 474 3000) offers seven nights at the four-star H10 Tenerife Playa Hotel (half board) in Puerto de la Cruz from £379pp. Includes flights from Cardiff on March 5.