After going to the New York Times travel show this year, and sitting through the Cuba Forum, the only thing that had changed, is the spot that you tick on your affidavit. I found at the show that many people wanted to go, but still had doubts, whether it was legal or not. Well to put your mind at ease , Yes you can still go. Not much has changed.Instead of “People to people” it’s “Support to the Cuban People”.
People to people no longer is an option, neither are cruises from the US..
The changes affect cruises , private vessels and private aircraft. Commercial aircraft can still fly to Cuba. Now its a good idea to record the fact that you are using private casas ( Airbnb and private homes) If American travelers use those lodgings and avoid state-owned properties, they may remain in compliance with U.S. Treasury Department rules.
Tourism for American citizens is not allowed( it has never really been allowed). This means hanging out at the beach drinking Mojitos and the likes and posting on Facebook.
Just bring yourself and your good spirits and enjoy a destination you will not forget. There is more to Cuba than rum and beaches, it is also an educational and very worthwhile experience. Am I going back? Heck yeahh!! and very soon.
YOU CAN STILL GO TO CUBA, HOW TO DO IT. This Information was retrieved from the NYT show 2020
1.Book non-stop to Havana on Jet Blue from JFK or on United from Newark. American, Delta and southwest have connecting flight via Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Orlando or Tampa.
2. Select “Support the Cuban people” as the appropriate license category on the airline menu.
3. Use Airbnb or Trip Advisor to reserve a room or an apartment (casa particular) from a private owner.
4. Eat in private restaurants (paladar)
5. Buy handicrafts, Art and clothing from self employed crats people and creators (cuenta propistas)
6. if you need a guide, hire him or her privately (preferably in advance)
7. As much as possible use private taxis.
8. Be intentional wherever you go or whatever you do that your goal is “a full time schedule of activities that enhance the contact with the Cuban people and that results in meaningful interaction with individual in Cuba.
9. Apportion recreational activities like concerts, dancing and the beach as in a normal work week.
10. Keep a journal of your meaningful interactions for 5 years.
11. If you are a non -US based person you can exercise your right to explore independently or with a local guide.
Just bring yourself and your good spirits and enjoy a destination you will not forget. There is more to Cuba than rum and beaches, it is also an educational and very worthwhile experience. Am I going back? Heck yeahh!! and very soon.
Find my local Hero in Cuba to plan my legal trip.
Via hero is an App where you can connect with locals who can show you around and help you with your trip.
Hopefully this has helped you in planning any future travel you may want to do in Cuba. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated or if you have any questions that I can help with.
