19 gorgeous photos of daily life in Cuba

In the summer of 2015, the US and Cuba began finalizing the long process of restored relations. The American flag was lifted above the American embassy once again - and with that, sparked the interest of many tourists eager to visit the island.

While some restrictions are still in place for general tourism within the country, commercial flights are now freely going in and out, and it's finally a viable vacation plan for 2016.

The New York Times even placed Viñales, Cuba at number 10 in their annual "52 Places to Go" travel list - and with tourist numbers booming even in early last year, in 2016 the island will surely see its fair share of visitors.

Here's what it's like to vacation on the once-restricted island.