American going to Cuba solo? (restrictions, vacation, plane, package)

[Snd485]

Have any of you Americans out there taken a legal trip to Cuba solo? I was reading an NYTimes article about a year ago saying that travel restrictions are lifted and now there are a number of companies offering legal "educational" tours. Now that I've been out of school and working for a couple of years, I have the money and vacation time to take a short trip (a week) and Cuba keeps coming to mind but I'm nervous about going on my own, even though it'll be with a tour group. I doubt any of my friends will be able to come with me.

Has anyone done this and if so, please share your experiences?!?

[PacificFlights]

I have been to Cuba many times, so let me ask you this, you mentioned being neervious but didnl;t mention why? is it the not knowing anyone int he group fear? is it not speaking the language? is it fear of crime? is it you may be insurgent and get caught?

Right now I love Cuba as much as I love the other less travels islands of the pacific because your experiencing something few get to see and your seeing it in a way that will never be again once american tourist invade. So enjoy.

[Snd485]

I'm nervous for a few reasons. I don't know anyone who's been there, I've never gone on a trip with a tour group and I haven't done much solo travel. I do speak the language though.

[jtur88]

I have a friend who went on a legal birdwatching trip there last year. Absolutely no hassles whatsoever, she loved the trip. Every Canadian has been there, it is their most popular destination, and nobody from Canada has had any problems.

If you don't want to work out a legal tour, just book a space on a package out of Toronto or Montreal, go up there and get on the plane with all the free Canadians. Nobody asks if you are Canadian or American. Or fly to Cancun and take the daily flight from there with the free Mexicans. The Cubans don't care where you come from, as long as you bring money.

[Snd485]

I thought about going through Canada or Mexico but I'd prefer to go on a legal tour. I work for the government and don't want any problems down the line b/c of a little vacation. If anyone has any tour company recommendations, I'd be interested to hear them.

[jtur88]

Here is a site that appears to offer credible information about travel to Cuba.

U.S Travelers

It seems that the procedure for legalizing your trip is rather relaxed, and you can self-license your travel by following the steps outlined in the website.

There are organized tours representing practically any interests, from birdwatching to dance instruction. Mentally run through the list of things that you have a half an interest in, and google /(***) tour cuba/ and connect with someone operating a tour.

It appears that the US government has absolutely no interest whatsoever in preventing or discouraging you from going to Cuba, and the continuation of the travel ban is nothing but window dressing to placate the shrill radicals intent on keeping the memory of Jesse Helms alive.

[Snd485]

Moderator cut: see comment I'm really interested in any firsthand experiences or travel company recommendations. Thanks for the info jtur88. I'll look in to that. I didn't realize I could legalize a trip on my own but traveling my own is one of my concerns so going with a group just sounds more comfortable.

[gomexico]

Originally Posted by jtur88

Here is a site that appears to offer credible information about travel to Cuba.

U.S Travelers

It seems that the procedure for legalizing your trip is rather relaxed, and you can self-license your travel by following the steps outlined in the website.

There are organized tours representing practically any interests, from birdwatching to dance instruction. Mentally run through the list of things that you have a half an interest in, and google /(***) tour cuba/ and connect with someone operating a tour.

It appears that the US government has absolutely no interest whatsoever in preventing or discouraging you from going to Cuba, and the continuation of the travel ban is nothing but window dressing to placate the shrill radicals intent on keeping the memory of Jesse Helms alive.

I have the impression, after visiting the website/information you've linked, that one must be engaged in a "professional" occupation in order to use the "general" license category.

[mikeyyc]

Moderator cut: orphaned

To the OP, I'm sure you can accomplish what you want to do, but the red tape involved may not make it worth while.

Having been to Cuba multiple times, it is well worth the visit before US commercialism takes hold.

[Snd485]

Moderator cut: orphaned Do you think it'll be a problem in Cuba, in the sense that something about it will ruin my experience? I really just want to practice my Spanish, dance some salsa, see some beautiful sights and learn more about a new place!