Cuba Travel 2012

Cuba may be added to your list travel destinations once we are in the New Year. If you have always had a curiosity as to what Cuba will have to offer you, or maybe the idea of going to a place that was once considered “forbidden” gives you a thrill; you will have the chance to explore those curiosities which you've held for so long.

In the Caribbean, lays an island 90 miles from Key West; Cuba has been forbidden for US travelers for a long 50 years. Some Cuban-Americans have still been able to travel with a special license, but just within the past year, the licensing process has become much easier to achieve.

A few things you need to know before you start planning your amazing Cuban get away, is the new people-to-people travel program. The program, is designed and geared toward “purposeful travel” for U.S. citizens. There are 35 companies in the travel industry instructed to organize the people-to-people program vacations to Cuba. The history, art, music, and culture will all be focused upon during these trips.

You will be able to book Cuban vacation through your travel agent. The tours will be organized by tour operators who are all well-known in the U.S. One main element of these trips that travelers must understand is that there will not be much leisure time during your tour. If you prefer to lounge around on sun-soaked beach, and dance on hot Havana night all while smoking Cuban cigars; this vacation would not be the ideal trip for you.

The tours are pre-planned vacation packages including an interesting array of itineraries. You can choose a four-day Havana trip, or a Music & Art of Cuba experience for a total of nine days. Here is an idea of what your trip may entail. Below you will find a day-to-day example of the "Bay of Pigs" tour.

Clearing immigration and customs will be your first step toward your Cuba excursion. Next, you will be greeted by your assigned Cuban host. Your host will escort you to your hotel in Havana. In the evening you will be able to celebrate your arrival to Cuba, and partake in a welcome dinner at your hotel.

The historic Habana Vieja, as you walk through these streets you will be able to experience Cathedral Square; a famed attraction in Old Havana, and the Havana Club Rum Museum. The city has been completely restored by UNESCO World Heritage. It’s radiant history is a sight not to be missed be anyone who travels to Cuba.

Right after lunch, you will visit a grammar school in Havana. You will be entertained as the children present their skills of the English language, and art projects. This will allow you to gain a new perspective on the people of Cuba from the new generations.

You go on an interesting tour of the Partagas Cigar Factory guided by your Cuban host. Partagas is one of the oldest cigar factories in the nation of Cuba. You will be able to view the torcedors (cirgar rollers) as they work.

In the beginning of your fourth day, you will venture away from Havana, and your off to the the famous Bay of Pigs. Boca de Guama has a crocodile farm you will love to tour.

If time then permits you, you will see re-creation of the Taino Indian Village as you go through Laguna del Tesoro swamp.

After your tours, you will arrive to Playa Larga, one of the most admired beaches in the region. You'll want to check-in at your hotel, and get back to Playa Larga. This beach, with its turquoise water, and white sand surely will not disappoint you.

You will be escorted on a mesmerizing tour of the Morro Castle (Castillo del Morro) by your gracious Cuban host. You will visit the neighborhood of Miramar. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the neighborhood of Vedado. In Vedado, you will be formally meet the representatives of Cuban Institute of Friendship to the People (Instituto Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos), it is the international representation of cultural relations between the U.S. and Cuba.

As soon as you reach historic mansion called 'Casa de la Amistad' (Friendship House), there you will see the forum of relations between U.S. and Cuban. You’ll later join the community block party, and all of it's festivities.The community block party is said to be one of the most rewarding aspects offered in the tour, as you meet people from all walks or life, and different generations.

Day 6 will begin with, the city of Cinfuegos. This city is also known as 'The Pearl of the South'. You will take in the magnificent architecture, and mingle with the animated people of the city. While you continue to walk through the main square of town, you will explore the Punto Gorda Peninsula, and many other attractions. After grabbing a bite to eat along your way, you will complete your day walking through the acclaimed botanical gardens just before returning to Havana.

You will be extremely intrigued as your Cuban host guides you through Bay of Pigs, knowing you are walking through the infamous battle field where Fidel Castro’s forces battled the counterrevolutionary army in April 1961. The area is full of history, as you witness in the Playa Giron Museum. You will see photos, relics, and written history of the battle.

In the afternoon of Day 5, you will travel to Papite, a rural town that is home to the Korimacao Community Project. This project gives residents of nearby communities the opportunity to improve and develop performance skills. Singing, dancing, and playing instruments are what the project entails. You will be quite entertained with the development and interaction with the students.

This will be your last day in wonderful Cuba. Today, you will visit a Polyclinic (medical clinic) in Havana. You will be taught about all the socialized medicines in Cuba. You will meet & greet with the polyclinic director and the staff. You will get in touch with the struggles as well as the achievements the Cuban medical system must deal with on a daily basis.

Right before the sun sets, you will enjoy a delicious sweet treat from the Copellia Ice Cream Emporium just after a walk through the Vedado and Centro Habana neighborhoods.

Last but not least, the favorite sport among many the people of Cuba, is Baseball. Just as much a favorite sport among many people in the U.S. If baseball is a passion of yours too, you can head to the Estadio Latinoamericano to catch a game between the highly regarded Havana Industriales and one of their rival teams in a national game. If you are looking for a comparison as to what the Havana Industriales mean to Cuba, think about what the New York Yankees mean to American baseball.

After your breakfast, you will prepare to say goodbye to Cuba . You must board your flight back home. You will have the wonderful memories of a once “forbidden” destination, and you will return to friends and family who will surely be anticipating your stories of Cuba.

Cuba has to been off limits to U.S. travel for the past 50 years. What was once a forbidden travel destination will now be a vacation spot for U.S. citizens who have wanted to visit for many reasons. Timeshare contracts can hold you from your dreams, and vacations. If you feel like your timeshare maintenance fees and special assessments are holding you back from exploring the world, quite similar to the way U.S. citizens were held back from traveling to Cuba, Transfer on the Spot will release you of your timeshare contract.