How to Guide on Visiting Cuba: Tips on Budget, Accommodation, Visa and More
Traveling to Cuba from the U.S. will never be the same again in the months to come as the Obama administration says that they are making it easier for people to hop on a plane and travel to Cuba. According to The Atlantic, President Obama made the announcement on Tuesday, saying that there are new rules now that allow Americans to travel independently to the island. They are also lifting limits on money travelers can spend there.
As of now, there are still some restrictions from the U.S. government and there are still some certain set of criteria that must be met in order to book a charter flight from the U.S. So while the government continues to work on it, here is a how-to guide on visiting Cuba.
CNN detailed that there are 12 broad categories of travel activities that have been granted permanent pre-approved status (PDF). Some of the categories include visiting family, humanitarian projects or providing support to the Cuban people, official business of the U.S. government, people-to-people trips, foreign governments and certain intergovernmental organizations, journalistic activities, professional research and others.
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To obtain visa, The New York Times noted that tourists must pick up a tourist card to enter the country. When traveling through a third country, the card can be purchased at the check-in counter. Also, a tourist card is usually part of the package for those who are traveling with an organization or a charter flight.
The budget for the trip to Cuba will vary but for those who are going backpacking, Goats on the Road mentioned that $50 to $100 a day will be spent for couples. For solo travelers, a budget of $45 to $65 can be prepared. For the accommodation, budget travelers can stay in casas as they offer the best value and the best travel experience.
The first place that tourists should check out is Havana, which is the island's capital city. It is the heart of Cuba and some of the best sites, live music and museums are found here. Some of the must-see places include Old Havana, Centro Havana, Plaza Vieja, El Morro, Paseo del Prado and a whole lot more.
