How to book a trip to Cuba, and what to do
Photo by Augustin de Montesquiou
Americans still have the ability to legally travel to Cuba. That is, as long as they have a U.S. passport that is up-to-date. There have been a number of changes in the past couple of years that have made it easier to get to Cuba. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as traveling to Cuba for tourist or vacation purposes. To obtain your Cuba Visa or Cuba Tourist Card, you must fall within a specific set of parameters.
Who Can Travel to Cuba?
If you are an American that wants to travel to Cuba, you need to be going there for one of the following reasons:
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To visit family
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On official U.S. government business
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On behalf of an intergovernmental organization
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To work within the journalism field
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To conduct professional research
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For educational purposes
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To attend a public performance, clinic, athletic competition or workshop
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In support of the Cuban people
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For a humanitarian project
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For exportation or importation purposes
How Do You Obtain Your Cuban Tourist Card?
If you are trying to plan a trip to Cuba, you’ll notice that you can’t just book a flight directly there. To book your flight and plan your trip, you’ll need to contact an airline directly. This is who will help you apply for your Cuban tourist card. You’ll need to do a little bit of research when it comes to budget. Some airlines or cruises will take care of everything for you. Their fees will be pretty straightforward. However, some fees can be applied to your booking if you aren’t paying attention. There is usually an exit fee that is applied to your Cuba ticket through the airline. You can also save money by booking a trip to Mexico by air or on one of the many cruises that go through here, and then you can fly to Cuba from there. Travel medical insurance is also required, which is separate from the coverage that you’re carrying with you in the U.S.
Where Can You Stay in Cuba?
It’s somewhat challenging to book a standard hotel room in Cuba. There aren’t a lot of hotels that you’ll find listed online. There are some hotels in the Havana area, but staying with local families is actually the way to go, or you can often rent a home in the area. The Cuban government actually approves homes to be certified locations for people coming from other countries. There is usually a symbol that is located above a family’s door. Airbnb is another great way to find somewhere to stay in Cuba. You can view photos of where you’ll be staying, and you’ll have the comfort of knowing where you’re going to be laying your head down at night. Keep in mind these Airbnb locations are usually run by people who are living outside of Cuba. They may have family in Cuba that is managing the homes. There is no WiFi in Cuba, so people cannot communicate with you from these locations.
Jardines del Rey
North of the Cuban mainland is the Jardines del Rey. These are a chain of islands that include Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredon, and Cayo Coco. They weren’t really developed as a tourist attraction until the 1990s, but they're now the best place to go for an amazing beach experience. Since then, many hotels and restaurants have been built here. It’s still a very under-developed area for tourists, but this is what many people appreciate about it. Some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches are located here.
Cayo Largo del Sur
A small island that is located just off the main area of Cuba, Cayo Largo del Sur, has some of the more private beaches in the area. It’s still a resort area, but you won’t be overwhelmed with people everywhere. There are plenty of spots for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing. If you aren’t experienced with any of these activities, you can take a quick lesson with an expert local. You can even take a quick peek at some sea turtles at The Marina, which has daily tours for visitors. You might also be able to catch a hatching experience!
Photo by Joris Visser
Must-See Places to Visit in Cuba
There are so many culturally diverse things to do in Cuba once you’re there. There are plenty of beaches and historical areas to check out, but there are simple things you can try out. For example, try smoking a Cuban cigar that you can purchase from a stand on the street. There are also hour-long Havana tours that will take you through all the little secret corners of the area.
Santiago de Cuba
Eastern Cuba is home to Santiago de Cuba, which is a coastal city that has a lot of local culture and history. It was founded in the 16th century and is the best place for rich Cuban culture. Today it is known as the Second City of Cuba. The central plaza is Parque Cespedes. This is where Fidel Castro declared in 1959 that their revolution was a success. One of the best things to add to your itinerary is one of the historical spots that you can check out. You can also stop by the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca. This is a 17th-century fortress that overlooks the bay area.
Baracoa
Baracoa is often referred to as the First City in Cuba. It was the original capital, and it was founded in the early 16th century by Diego Velazquez. The very old Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion is an amazing spot to stop and take photos. There are also mountains nearby that you can hike up to catch a better view. El Yunque is the mountain here that has an amazing rainforest. It’s located about a half-hour from the coastline beach.
While Cuba is a very beautiful and interesting place to visit with many must-see places to go, you have to be traveling there for the right reasons. This will keep you safe while you are enjoying the area on vacation. Your Cuban tourist card is imperative if you want to get to Cuba. It’s going to take some research for you to plan your trip. Other countries are easier to get into, but this is a location that is worth the planning. You’ll enjoy yourself when you are finally there. Ideally, the Cuban government is happy with Americans coming over for tourist reasons. The U.S. is the party that is controlling the travel. If you happen to be in Mexico and try to get your Cuban tourist card there, the process is typically much easier. The best time to visit Cuba is in January and February. The weather is optimal at those times. If you're looking for cooler weather or don't mind the rain, there isn't necessarily a best time to visit.
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