Although it is the biggest island in the Caribbean and only 90 miles from US territory, Cuba is a place many people only dream of visiting. Because of an almost 50 year old embargo, it is illegal for ordinary Americans to just hop on a plane for a vacation in Cuba. Whether you keep up with current music or not, you may recall that earlier this year Beyoncé and Jay Z received criticism for traveling to Cuba for their anniversary.
What many people do not realize, however, is that within recent years, the United States government reinstated the “person-to-person” travel program, which allows travel to Cuba as an educational experience. Guests spend full days visiting and interacting with Cuban people in various settings. This is a great way to experience the day-to-day lives of residents and to learn more about the cultural, musical and historical aspects of Cuba.
These person-to-person programs make it easier for Americans to travel to this once forbidden country, as long as they go through a properly licensed operator. These trips do have limited dates available. Because these trips are so popular, some of the available dates for 2014 have already sold out! Each trip is around eight days filled with “arts, education, entrepreneurism, agriculture and the spiritual side of Cuba.” While each agency will have their own itinerary, below is a sample of what you might expect during your stay in this beautiful country.
History and Education
Learn about Cuba’s history and culture from local experts with a tour through historic La Habana Vieja (Old Havana). Talk with locals about the city’s restoration and preservation efforts and view the restoration and architectural design firsthand. Examine Cuban religion with locals who practice Santería, which is a fusion of West African, Caribbean and Roman Catholic beliefs.
Agriculture & Ecology
Visit a sustainable community, where you’ll hear an in-depth presentation on the community’s history and reforestation project. Learn about managing Cuba’s land, water and other natural resources more effectively through agrarian reform and conservation. Talk to independent farmers about their crops. Travel to rural areas for a demonstration of and discussion about producing Cuba’s most famous product, Cuban cigars.
Arts
Participate in a cultural exchange session with members of a community art project. Learn about the role of the arts in the community, as well as the influences of Cuban art and dance. Take dance lessons from dancers who explain the significance of one of Cuba’s most important musical styles. Visit with community groups and other local organizations that are working to enhance the role of music and the arts in rural areas. Ernest Hemingway loved Cuba – explore his strong connections to Cuba and participate in a discussion about his life and work there.
I feel that one of the most interesting aspects of travel to Cuba is getting a local perspective on the country’s tumultuous history, as well as the relations between its government and that of the United States. Reading up on these topics beforehand will only enhance your travel experience.
Keep in mind that this is not your typical vacation. With the U.S. government regulations, itineraries may vary, but the travel schedule is designed to help facilitate interaction with locals and to gain an understanding of Cuba’s culture. Organized activities are intended for the whole group (which can vary in size from 10-30) and include many activities such as visits to local medical facilities, orphanages, recording studios, tobacco farms, and community arts projects. While free time is somewhat limited, travelers tend to love the experience. As one traveler put it “Everything was fantastic in Cuba. It was certainly one of the best trips I have ever taken and I’ve traveled almost everywhere around the world.”
If Cuba is a travel destination that has been on your bucket list, I would love to help you achieve this goal! Please contact me for more information on this wonderful experience and to learn the 2014 travel dates currently available.