About a year ago sanctions began to be lifted between the US and Cuba, following the embargo which was in place for decades. This was huge news for those looking to travel to Cuba, since it created more circumstances under which US tourists could visit. What is far from instant, however, is actually restoring commercial…
Continue reading: US Airlines Announce Desired Routes To Cuba
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I'm happy to see at least one request out of PHL. I'd certainly like to visit, and our sons' choir makes international trips (Spain, Portugal, Ireland) and I've suggested Cuba a few times (no jet lag!).
As for Varadero versus Havana? Eh, we're about that far from EWR/JFK and I've seen the Jersey Turnpike plenty of times. I wouldn't mind a bit of travel to get to Havana after landing.
Having been to Punta Cana last year I picture Cuba to be similar in terms of being generations behind. Visiting a third world county is not fun. I believe it'll be 10-15 years before tourists will enjoy their time their.
Woohoo I'm happy for the Florida flights!!! Hopefully they get approved, I see JAX (Silver, if it's true), TPA (Southwest), and of course, MCO!
MIA is also great but a wee bit too far to drive!
Great news!
While it's definitely exciting to think about all of the potential options us Americans will have for getting to Cuba, the country is not ready for the increase in tourism.
There are some hotels in the country, but most are booked up months in advance and can be quite pricey. I'm not so sure that the average American will feel comfortable staying in people's homes (Casa Particulars). We personally loved the experience during our visit at the end of December.
Besides hotel rooms, there will most likely not be enough bus service to get around the island, taxis and basic things like bottled water.
With time, I'd think the country would work to improve this since tourism= $$$.
Check out my post about 14 Things We Learned From Visiting Cuba- http://michaelwtravels.boardingarea.com/2016/01/things-we-learned-from-visiting-cuba/#sthash.e6zNZS32.dpbs
@Marty Dee We had a great time during our trip and I'd love to go back. I don't recall seeing any miserable-looking tourists wandering around the country...
@ Lucky / others -- while I can certainly understand overbidding/overly optimistic approach, any idea why United only requested 1x weekly out of Houston? I'd expect at least 3-4 a week.
Great news for Cuba, it looks an amazing country and I'm sure it will become a big vacation destination for US citizens looking for great weather and beaches but without huge journey times.
Totally unrelated but I'm curious which side you're on, Apple or FBI? I'm apple.
Is there any criteria on how the requests will be divided up?
Specifically, will current charter service be taken into account? If that's the case, that'd give Americam, JetBlue, and (if I remember right) Delta an advantage, especially on non-hub service, like TPA-HAV.
If not, anyone want to bet how much the Feds will favour Southwest like they always seem to do?
My wife (a Brazilian) just got back from Cuba two weeks ago. She said it sucks. Super poor, bad food and max 56.6k internet speed that costs $4 an hour!!! It's a shame to see people suffer for the glory of some wack leader...
Tourism by Canadians and Europeans is already huge in Cuba. Yes, some growth will be necessary, but it's really not a disaster zone the way some of you seem to think. Go to a resort in Cuba you'll have no idea you're not in Dominican, Mexico, Jamaica, etc. It is true that the food outside the resorts leaves something to be desired though.
I'm disappointed that Spirit doesn't want to enter Cuba. That means the fares to Cuba will probably be higher than to other Latin American destinations.
Check out my trips to Cuba at www.TheCigarLover.com
It is an amazing country with even more amazing people. The people who complain about food or internet speeds don't get it. There are incredible restaurants in Havana that can be had for less than $10 a meal. You have to do a little work to find the best, just like anywhere else in the world!