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mommyof3girls
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 2773 total posts
Name:
Sue
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Cuba
Anyone been? Thinking about going for a long weekend in Sept.
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Posted 5/9/17 9:45 AM  |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Cuba
It's still somewhat restricted to go there even though they lifted the travel ban. You need to prove your trip is "educational". This is what I read....
If you’re wondering whether Americans can travel to Cuba, the answer is yes but not without a host of restrictions. Since the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba was restored in December 2014, Americans have been able to travel to Cuba under 12 categories of authorized trips. The Obama administration recently loosened sanctions, allowing Americans to travel to the country independently, as long as they complete a form declaring the visit an educational journey.
Cuba tourism is still technically outlawed, so if you want to book solo travel opting for an educational visit, you’ll need to plan a people-to-people trip, where you meet Cuban citizens in normal daily life settings, such as schools and community centers. Previously, Americans visiting for educational purposes were required to have a fully booked cultural itinerary, which meant booking a trip with a tour company, which could come with an average weekly price tag of $2,000 to $3,500 per person.
Planning a trip to Cuba on your own can be more affordable, but you’ll need to find your own hotel and get in touch with locals to meet with, which might prove challenging.
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| Posted 5/9/17 9:57 AM |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6655 total posts
Name:
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Re: Cuba
Really? NCL offers cruises to Cuba...
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| Posted 5/9/17 10:02 AM |
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mommyof3girls
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 2773 total posts
Name:
Sue
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Re: Cuba
Most of my friends of gone and I believe didn't have to prove anything. I'll have to ask.
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| Posted 5/9/17 10:06 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Cuba
I saw something on the news about this a few months back when they started allowing travel.
So that is why I read up on it
Whether or not it's enforced, I have no idea.
Here is a NYT articles with more info if you are interested.
How to go to Cuba
Message edited 5/9/2017 10:16:04 AM.
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| Posted 5/9/17 10:11 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Cuba
Posted by Momma2015
Really? NCL offers cruises to Cuba...
Yes and if you read their website it says all tours etc are OFAC compliant- which means the cruise line is complying with the "rules" for travel to Cuba- whatever they may be.
So cruising may be the easiest way to do it actually
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| Posted 5/9/17 10:14 AM |
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chilltocam
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 9141 total posts
Name:
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Re: Cuba
Posted by mommyof3girls
Most of my friends of gone and I believe didn't have to prove anything. I'll have to ask.
Technically, the trip has to be for one of 12 designated purposes. Travel to Cuba just for tourism is still illegal. But, from what I understand, no one ever really checks. Someone I know just went with a group of friends. Their "purpose" was "Support of the Cuban People" - they packed their suitcases with a whole bunch of toothbrushes and toothpaste to give out to Cuban people, in case anyone checked - which didn't happen. From what I understand, you have to book your hotel with a travel agent - cannot book directly or online. Also, 2 people I know who went said that you cannot use your credit cards there - cash only
These are the 12 categories:
Educational activities in Cuba for schools, including people-to-people exchanges open to everyone
Professional research and professional meetings in Cuba
Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions in Cuba
Religious activities in Cuba
Humanitarian projects in Cuba
Journalistic activities in Cuba
Family visits to close relatives in Cuba
Activities in Cuba by private foundations, or research or educational institutes
Support for the Cuban people
Exportation, importation, or transmission of information technologies or materials
Certain authorized export transactions including agricultural and medical products, and tools, equipment and construction supplies for private use
Official business of the US government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
Message edited 5/9/2017 11:37:02 AM.
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| Posted 5/9/17 11:36 AM |
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SweetSarj
LIF Adult
Member since 10/09 1592 total posts
Name:
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Re: Cuba
I dont think they are checking anymore. We have several friends that have visited this year, its the new "it" place to go. Thinking of going for a day when were in florida next month.
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| Posted 5/9/17 12:37 PM |
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luvbuffet
LIF Adult
Member since 7/10 6470 total posts
Name:
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Re: Cuba
go before Americans ruin it. Bring cash.
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| Posted 5/9/17 12:42 PM |
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peaceandlove
LIF Toddler
Member since 1/11 413 total posts
Name:
Vanessa
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Re: Cuba
Posted by luvbuffet
go before Americans ruin it. Bring cash.
this exactly. i'm hoping to go soon too. enjoy!
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| Posted 5/9/17 1:06 PM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Re: Cuba
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by Momma2015
Really? NCL offers cruises to Cuba...
Yes and if you read their website it says all tours etc are OFAC compliant- which means the cruise line is complying with the "rules" for travel to Cuba- whatever they may be.
So cruising may be the easiest way to do it actually
it is not hard to go. My parents and their friends go for the day out of Tampa.
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| Posted 5/9/17 3:17 PM |
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Lauren82
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 4580 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Cuba
My aunt and uncle are going soon...I'm so jealous! I can't wait to go!
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| Posted 5/9/17 4:18 PM |
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MrsM-6-7-08
<3
Member since 8/06 4249 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Cuba
I went to Havana for 3 days this past November. It was really eye opening. I did charter flights because it was before they started flying there and used a reliable travel company for visas based out of Miami.
We stayed at the Saratoga hotel right across from the capitol building.
We did not go with a tour group but i did see a lot of tours. I went with my husband and another couple. My friend is Cuban and lived there til she was 13. So I got a real experience going with someone who is from there.
You can message me if you have specific questions
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| Posted 5/12/17 4:23 PM |
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Jugglemom
LIF Adolescent
Member since 3/12 809 total posts
Name:
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Re: Cuba
Posted by luvbuffet
go before Americans ruin it. Bring cash.
Are you serious? Ruin it? Cuba has been in "ruins" for decades. It is not cute or charming or even nostalgic. It is a place where the people have known despair and starvation out of state funded oppression. Where, yes, they are frozen in time, but merely because they haven't had the means to buy anything new. If by "ruining", as you say, means to give people well payed jobs, bring much needed technology and wealth to the island. Then by, all means, fir the sake if the Cuban people, let it be "ruined". SMH
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| Posted 5/21/17 9:16 PM |
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