LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/687789
Summer 2016 LOCALadk Magazine 34 LOCALadk In late 2014, President Obama and Cuba's leader Raul Castro an- nounced that their respective countries would start working to rebuild diplomatic relations and push toward ending the United States' embargo. It was soon after that announcement that my husband and I start- ed planning our trip in order to experience the real and authentic Cuba before all travel restrictions were lifted and the floodgates opened to American tourists. Our trip took place in March 2016, just before President Obama's historic visit. There was a lot of advance planning, and it was im- portant to pay attention to the news, as governmental regula- tions regarding travel to Cuba constantly changed. Many Americans have legally traveled to Cuba through tour companies licensed by the U.S. Department of State. The tour companies offer people-to-people educational trips, and tours originate as chartered flights from Florida. Hotel reservations, meals, and sightseeing trips are arranged in advance by the tour companies. Although tourism is still officially prohibited by the U.S. govern- ment, the categories for legal travel to Cuba have expanded to include professional research, educational activities, public per- formances, humanitarian projects, family visits and journalistic activities. This has opened the door for individuals to arrange their itineraries and to travel independently. The purpose of travel must fit into one of twelve government-approved catego- ries listed on the U.S. Treasury Department website, www.trea- sury.gov/resource-center/sanctions. Travelers must be certain to document the purpose of the trip. United States and Cuban officials recently signed an agreement to initiate the reestablishment of commercial air traffic. Airlines have started bidding on routes, but chartered flights remain the only mode of transportation between the two countries. We turned to a Canadian travel agency, Transat Travel in Toronto to assist with travel plans. Canadians and Europeans do not have travel restrictions to Cuba, and have travelled there for decades. Our expert travel agent, Kris, suggested options for a diverse se- lection of non-tourist resorts which would contribute to a more complete Cuban experience. He suggested staying in the capital city of Havana in order to best experience the culture and peo- ple. The flight was direct from Toronto to the Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport in Varadero, a popular tourist destination among Cana- dians. Kris advised exchanging US funds to Cuban Convertible Pesos before leaving the airport, as most businesses do not yet take American credit or debit cards. Additional tax is imposed when American dollars are exchanged directly in Cuba. Another of Kris's helpful hints involved health insurance. Cuba imposes a strict law that requires all visitors entering the country to show proof of health insurance coverage. Those without proof of travel coverage are required to buy a temporary Cuban medi-