Recommendations for Americans planning trips to Cuba?

MooseAMuffin
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MooseAMuffin Campanas

MooseAMuffin

Posted
Posted

Since CNN just released that Cuba and the US are agreeing to resume commercial flights, I figured I'd get a head start on gaining as much information as possible before they finally make it legal for us Yanks to travel there!

So, to those who have been, what do you recommend we do?

Great places to stay? Is all inclusive the best way to go? Or would it be smarter to stay at a hotel?

What are the LCDH/shops are best to visit?

Best beaches?

Best places to smoke?

Entertainment?

I read about people making friends with certain rollers and getting custom cigars. How does one go about making those connections and getting some customs?

What gifts should we bring to give to the LCDH workers/shop keepers to gain trust and extra perks of visiting those shops?

What should we avoid?

Great places to eat?

What factories are best to tour?

Sorry for all the questions, I am new to Cubans and this news is very exciting to me!

Thanks for any recommendations!

Moose

  • Like 1
rckymtn22 Prominentes

rckymtn22

Posted
Posted

Lot of the requested information that has been covered in other posts so best suggestion is do some searches.

MooseAMuffin Campanas

MooseAMuffin

Posted
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Lot of the requested information that has been covered in other posts so best suggestion is do some searches.

Yup, been researching posts alot! Trying to get as much info as possible so I figured I'd post to get some of the latest/newest information possible. Thanks for your suggestion!

kuma Campanas

kuma

Posted
Posted

Good luck. I'm in no hurry to get there until Cuba comes into the 21st century. I hear

the embrago could take up to 5 years to iron out all the problems that have and

will surface. I'd rather wait until Cuba becomes like the Bahamas as it relates to

us yanks. After a while you don't even know it is there not a big deal.

Anyway we have FOH so I'm not sure we / you will do much better

aquiring Cubans. I don't know about you but I like having an expert (Rob)

choosing for me. The only thing I really would like to try

is going to a "La Casa Del Habano" other than that no sweat man.

Habana Mike Prominentes

Habana Mike

Posted
Posted

You can book charter flights through OFAC-authorized travel providers today.

Here's most of the relevant information for those interested in taking a trip in the near term:

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/cuba_faqs_new.pdf

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/guidance_cuba_travel.pdf

http://www.lahabana.com/Travel/Useful-information-&-FAQs-Cuba.php?id=US-visitors-to-Cuba-The-Rules#6

  • Like 1
SCgarman Prominentes

SCgarman

Posted
Posted

CubaGraphic_1600x900.jpg?w=715

Don't get too excited about the headlines announcing a resumption of commercial air flights between the United States and Cuba. The reports are overstating the facts.

The U.S. Department of State did announce today an agreement to resume commercial air flights between Cuba and the United States. But it is a small first step toward the ultimate Civil Aviation Agreement that will govern those flights. The U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council advised "caution" in assuming the commencement of those flights will happen any time soon.

The U.S. government statement said a Civil Aviation Arrangement had been reached; essentially, it's an accord to agree that flights should be allowed sometime in the future. It is far short of a Civil Aviation Agreement that will govern those flights. Once a Civil Aviation Agreement is signed, the Department of Transportation will open a 60- to 90-day period when U.S. airlines may submit their proposed routes, according to the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council. Then, those route requests will still be subject to approval by not only the U.S. government but by the Cuban government, too.

There are also outstanding issues dating back to the last Civil Aviation Agreement between the two countries, which was suspended in the early 1960s, according to the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council. These legacy routes may be subject to claims by the airlines who have acquired their rights through merger or purchase of other airlines during the last 50 years.

In addition, under existing travel regulations that limit legal travel to Cuba by American citizens, any commercial air carrier would be charged with determining whether or not the passengers on their flights have U.S. government permission to travel to Cuba. This oversight is currently managed by licensed People-to-People tour operators who use charter companies for their air travel to Cuba. Tourist travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens is still illegal.

The Obama Administration is reportedly considering further loosening those regulations to allow travelers to "self-declare" that they are in compliance with all applicable laws, but no regulations have been issued.

"No one should be looking to use AmericanAirlines.com to travel to Cuba for New Years Eve," said John Kavulich, president of the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, Inc.

In other words, the announcement today is a long way from the reality of regularly scheduled flights between the United States and Cuba.

  • Like 1
Jeremy Festa Prominentes

Jeremy Festa

Posted
Posted

Good luck. I'm in no hurry to get there until Cuba comes into the 21st century. I hear

the embrago could take up to 5 years to iron out all the problems that have and

will surface. I'd rather wait until Cuba becomes like the Bahamas as it relates to

us yanks. After a while you don't even know it is there not a big deal.

Anyway we have FOH so I'm not sure we / you will do much better

aquiring Cubans. I don't know about you but I like having an expert (Rob)

choosing for me. The only thing I really would like to try

is going to a "La Casa Del Habano" other than that no sweat man.

OMG funniest post of the year, saved until the last minute!

Hang on. Please tell everyone you are joking. It's a humorous post right?

Sent from my iPhone

  • Like 2
MooseAMuffin Campanas

MooseAMuffin

Posted
  • Author
Posted

OMG funniest post of the year, saved until the last minute!

Hang on. Please tell everyone you are joking. It's a humorous post right?

Sent from my iPhone

Lol! I agree...this has got to be a joke.

MooseAMuffin Campanas

MooseAMuffin

Posted
  • Author
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CubaGraphic_1600x900.jpg?w=715

See Also:

Don't get too excited about the headlines announcing a resumption of commercial air flights between the United States and Cuba. The reports are overstating the facts.

The U.S. Department of State did announce today an agreement to resume commercial air flights between Cuba and the United States. But it is a small first step toward the ultimate Civil Aviation Agreement that will govern those flights. The U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council advised "caution" in assuming the commencement of those flights will happen any time soon.

The U.S. government statement said a Civil Aviation Arrangement had been reached; essentially, it's an accord to agree that flights should be allowed sometime in the future. It is far short of a Civil Aviation Agreement that will govern those flights. Once a Civil Aviation Agreement is signed, the Department of Transportation will open a 60- to 90-day period when U.S. airlines may submit their proposed routes, according to the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council. Then, those route requests will still be subject to approval by not only the U.S. government but by the Cuban government, too.

There are also outstanding issues dating back to the last Civil Aviation Agreement between the two countries, which was suspended in the early 1960s, according to the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council. These legacy routes may be subject to claims by the airlines who have acquired their rights through merger or purchase of other airlines during the last 50 years.

In addition, under existing travel regulations that limit legal travel to Cuba by American citizens, any commercial air carrier would be charged with determining whether or not the passengers on their flights have U.S. government permission to travel to Cuba. This oversight is currently managed by licensed People-to-People tour operators who use charter companies for their air travel to Cuba. Tourist travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens is still illegal.

The Obama Administration is reportedly considering further loosening those regulations to allow travelers to "self-declare" that they are in compliance with all applicable laws, but no regulations have been issued.

"No one should be looking to use AmericanAirlines.com to travel to Cuba for New Years Eve," said John Kavulich, president of the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, Inc.

In other words, the announcement today is a long way from the reality of regularly scheduled flights between the United States and Cuba.

Thanks for the info, these are awesome! The news about travel for tourists...not so much :(

MooseAMuffin Campanas

MooseAMuffin

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks Mike, this info is perfect!

stogieluver Campanas

stogieluver

Posted
Posted

Moose, you can go now. Just have to book through one of the agencies already discussed. My wife and I went in 2012 on a People to People licensed trip, and I wouldn't take a $million for the memories and experience. The poster who said he would rather wait until the country comes into the 21st century...well, I can't begin to explain what a once in a lifetime experience it was to see it BEFORE it comes into the 21st century. That was precisely why we went when we did. Hope I can go back before it changes too much.

Look in the "Classic Posts" forum, I believe it is, where there is a long string of posts about going to Cuba. Also, Cigar Aficionado recently had an issue dedicated to Americans tripping to the island with lots of reviews on various hotels, restaurants, etc.

  • Like 3
helix Campanas

helix

Posted
Posted

Good luck. I'm in no hurry to get there until Cuba comes into the 21st century. I hear

the embrago could take up to 5 years to iron out all the problems that have and

will surface. I'd rather wait until Cuba becomes like the Bahamas as it relates to

us yanks. After a while you don't even know it is there not a big deal.

Anyway we have FOH so I'm not sure we / you will do much better

aquiring Cubans. I don't know about you but I like having an expert (Rob)

choosing for me. The only thing I really would like to try

is going to a "La Casa Del Habano" other than that no sweat man.

"like the Bahamas" surely you jest ......... no.gif

  • Like 1
kuma Campanas

kuma

Posted
Posted

Well mates don't get your knickers in a bunch to each their own. For the money I'd

rather spend it in a place like say Spain where the creature comforts of

life (21st century) are in place. Rail, food, hotels, roads, telcom., banking

arts, etc, etc, etc,..then to have to worry about these things not being there. Life is short pick wisely

and remember "don't follow the wrong god(s) home". cigar.gif

Smallclub Prominentes

Smallclub

Posted
Posted

For the money I'd

rather spend it in a place like say Spain where the creature comforts of

life (21st century) are in place. Rail, food, hotels, roads, telcom., banking

arts, etc, etc, etc,..then to have to worry about these things not being there.

I can't believe I'm reading this on a forum that contains dozens of enthusiastic travel stories in Cuba, including those from our host…

You must have a very special conception of "traveling" lookaround.gif …

Jeremy Festa Prominentes

Jeremy Festa

Posted
Posted

I can't believe I'm reading this on a forum that contains dozens of enthusiastic travel stories in Cuba, including those from our host…

You must have a very special conception of "traveling" lookaround.gif …

I travel for the culture but I stay for the amenities

Sent from my iPhone

kuma Campanas

kuma

Posted
Posted

I'll wait for the country to progress a little further before I go. Basic things like calling

a hotel and reservering a room, flying there non stop, having a car (from the hotel) waiting to pick me

up at the airport to the hotel. The small things in life that matter which

I work hard for. Don't need to worry about dumb **** when I'm vacationing to old

for that. Nothing personel mate(s) I'm sure it works well for some at the level Cuba is

at now but I'll wait until they are a free and open country. I guess all those Cubans

that recently have been leaving in droves are doing so because they enjoy

the amenities Cuba offers!

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Habana Mike Prominentes

Habana Mike

Posted
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Posted

Yeah, I get it. Wouldn't want the charm of a place spoiled by the occasional inconvenience.

That and where would you get a Pumpkin Latte?

  • Like 5
madandana Campanas

madandana

Posted
Posted

Yeah, I get it. Wouldn't want the charm of a place spoiled by the occasional inconvenience.

That and where would you get a Pumpkin Latte?

Thank you for that. I'm buying you a Mojito next Nov. For making my day!

kuma Campanas

kuma

Posted
Posted

When in Rome do as the saying goes; how about a rum and coke w/lime twist!

Jeremy Festa Prominentes

Jeremy Festa

Posted
Posted

When in Rome do as the saying goes; how about a rum and coke w/lime twist!

Strider, mate, I think everyone is in shock because we work, just as hard as you, and travel, for the culture, photos, experiences, food, wine, beer, music, women (when single) and challenges.

The thing about Cuba is it has cigars.

I have friends that almost specialize their travel in visiting third world countries. Albeit they have no kids. And I wish I did it more before my kids, and I am fairly well travelled in saying that!

This is the real world. Cars and reservations and trains and hotels can suck a big fat one because that is not what life is about. And I have never used this term, but will now as a little reassurance... IMHO

But really not, because that should be gospel.

Sent from my iPhone

  • Like 2

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