For years travel to Cuba was off limits for US citizens. In 1999 travel emerged legal for certain groups. Later on Obama issued an executive order loosening travel restrictions, for ‘people to people’ groups. From 2016 onwards. the US government continued to sanction travel to Cuba. US citizens who meet certain requirements can visit. Our group has met these requirements and we are going to Havana in March 2024.
First to know: Cubans are very friendly towards North Americans; they will often talk to you on the street, mentioning family in New Jersey or just a wecome hello. Many speak English. Safety is a non issue; as everywhere, travelers should be vigilant about pick pocketing. Second to know is how easy it is to fly the 90 miles; we will be organizing our flight to Havana on one of the major US airlines.
Only 90 miles from Florida, Cuba is an experience of scenery, history, art, music, food and people.
Scenery: if you fly to Cancun or Costa Rica, you likely fly over Cuba. It is then you realize how big Cuba is. To drive from one end to the other is 750 miles. Once you visit, you realize there are unexpectedly high mountains with cool air plus well preserved cloud forests. The highest mountain is 6400 ft. Fruits and vegetables thrive at different altitudes; you will not recognize some, but you will love eating them. Same with rum and Cuban drinks. Alas you cannot bring alcohol or cigars to the US from Cuba.
Havana is a UNESCO heritage area. Havana was founded in 1519; its wealth derived from New World treasures. Old Havana has 16th century Spanish colonial forts, castles, palaces, walls, ancient streets, with a significant cathedral, world famous ballet theater, convents, markets all facing a bay, unspoiled by cruise ships.
Music and dance are everywhere: Afro Cuban, classical, Jazz, indigenous, we experience it at some meals, hip clubs and even a private concert. The Wall Street Journal says Havana has an “unbeatable music scene”. Cuban dance is also world famous. Its National Ballet is one of the most accomplished in the world. We visit a world famous ballet master, Carlos Acosta also.
Art on murals, on hand made souvenirs, in galleries and museums has unique perspective and colors. Cuban artists are collected by top museums world wide today. The National Museum of Cuba is full of Old Masters, from the original Spanish rulers. Modern galleries show fine modern collections; we visit a top artist in his home. We stop at a colorful street market for our own ‘collections’.
Quirky are the street scenes and quirkier the 1950’s cars we use to travel around town. Our hotel is a 4 1/2 star boutique property. Our meals in top restaurants. Visit now, Havana is one of the top destinations in 2024. We are booking the trip quickly. For more information about our group: https://www.thewomenstravelgroup.com/tours/ You may call us at +1 646 309 5607 East Coast US.
