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Unlocking Cuba: Americans can still travel to Cuba in 2023

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Viñales​ Valley View

Cuba has long been a forbidden fruit for American travelers, but the tides are shifting. Over the past few years, there have been significant changes in U.S.-Cuba relations, making it easier for Americans to explore this captivating Caribbean island. In this blog post, we'll delve into the evolving landscape of Americans' ability to visit Cuba and what you need to know to plan your dream Cuban getaway.

Understanding the History

For decades, a complex web of travel restrictions and economic embargoes separated Cuba from the United States. However, recent developments have paved the way for increased travel opportunities. The 2015 reestablishment of diplomatic relations and the relaxation of certain travel regulations in the years that followed have made it more accessible for Americans to visit Cuba.

Purpose of Travel

The first step in understanding your ability to visit Cuba is identifying your purpose for the trip. Under U.S. law, travel to Cuba must fall under one of the 12 categories authorized by the Department of the Treasury. These categories include family visits, educational activities, humanitarian projects, professional research, and more. It's essential to ensure that your visit aligns with one of these categories to comply with U.S. regulations. The most general and most used reason given is support for the Cuban people. If you are just going for general travel purposes I would use this category.  See American Airlines Travel Advisory for more info. https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/international-travel/cuba.jsp

Travel Restrictions

While restrictions have eased, some challenges remain. American tourists cannot simply hop on a plane to Havana for leisure travel. Travel to Cuba still involves specific licensing and documentation requirements. Be prepared to fill out a "Travel Affidavit" declaring your purpose of travel. Additionally, obtaining a Cuban tourist visa (known as a "tourist card") is a crucial step in planning your trip. Everyone entering Cuba must obtain insurance and a visa. I traveled to Cuba on American Airlines. The insurance required is $25 which was added to the price of the ticket. The visa required can be obtained at the Miami International Airport at the Cuba ready kiosk but is only available to those flying American Airlines. In the airport the fee is $100. Online the fee is $85. https://cubavisaservices.com/product/aa-visa-card/. If you are flying with Jetblue from New York, Fort Lauderdale, or Orlando you can purchase a visa at the Jetblue Kiosk. If you are flying other airlines you will need to check with that airline to see if they provide visas. If not you can purchase a visa entirely online through Ivisa. www.ivisa.com

Flights and Accommodation

Several U.S. airlines now offer direct flights to Cuban cities such as Havana, Varadero, and Santiago de Cuba. These flights provide more convenient access to the island. However, the availability of flights may vary, so it's wise to research and book well in advance. Regarding accommodations, Cuba offers a range of options from luxury hotels to cozy casas particulares (homestays). Booking in advance can help ensure a smooth trip. Americans can not support the Cuban government. The hotels are run by the Cuban government so your best bet for accommodations is to stay in a casa particulares or use Airbnb to locate someplace to stay. The listing for the place we stayed can be found here. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/34474587? This was a great spot with an elevator. It was very clean and the host was great. We also booked 2 Airbnb experiences. One to Viñales https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/380249? and the other to the beaches of Varadero https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/1298619? I really like the Varadero area it is beautiful.  I didn’t like Havana too much and I was glad we didn’t stay in the central Havana area. It is too chaotic and crowded for my taste. I think the area we stayed in was perfect because it was not far from the action but not in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Havana. We enjoyed all of our meals in Cuba but my my favorite restaurant was Antojos in Havana Sign at Antojos

Currency and Banking

Cuba has a dual currency system: the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) and the Cuban Peso (CUP). While tourists often use CUC, it's advisable to have some CUP for local experiences. U.S. credit and debit cards Will not work in Cuba, so it's essential to carry enough cash for your trip. Consider exchanging currency in advance or at the airport. My friend actually bought Euro from her US bank because we heard that they charge a surcharge on US Dollars in Cuba. We took EUROS as our currency to spend in Cuba.

Internet and Communication

Cuba's internet infrastructure is improving, but it can still be unreliable—just plan on being offline for the majority of your stay. We bought internet cards and they worked sporadically throughout our stay. More didn’t work than did work.

Important Note: Life can be difficult in Cuba and supplies can be hard to come by, so please bring your toilet paper, wipes, and soap everywhere you go. Imagine my surprise going into a public restroom to find no toilet paper or paper towels. Luckily my travel backpack always has wipes and sanitizer in it.

The ability for Americans to visit Cuba has become more accessible in recent years, but it's important to navigate the changing landscape with knowledge and preparation. By understanding the purpose of your trip, adhering to U.S. regulations, and making careful plans, you can experience the unique culture, history, and natural beauty of Cuba while staying within the bounds of the law. As the relationship between the United States and Cuba continues to evolve, opportunities for travel to this captivating island are likely to expand further, creating more possibilities for Americans to explore the Jewel of the Caribbean.

View from Varadero Beach

Savvy Travel Girl

Hello I am a single mother of four who travels the world on a budget. My hope is to inspire others to travel and live their best life. To date I have traveled to 13 countries on a modest budget.

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My First Time Visiting Rio de Janeiro

View from Sugarloaf Mountain  View from Sugarloaf Mountain Cable Car

Rio de Janeiro is a fun and enchanting city! Known for its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and lively culture, Rio is a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. Whether you're drawn to the rhythmic beats of samba, the awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer statue, or simply the allure of beautiful Copacabana beach, Rio has something to offer everyone. In this blog post, I'll highlight my first trip to Rio de Janeiro, its top attractions, delicious cuisine, and practical travel tips to ensure an unforgettable visit.

 

I decided to stay at the Ibis Copacabana Posto 5. My friend and I stayed for 6 days, and we were absolutely satisfied with our choice of hotel. It was only a short one-block walk to the beach, shops, and restaurants. The hotel had a restaurant that we ate at once during our stay. The food was satisfying for hotel food.  The accommodation was clean and priced right for what we wanted.

Upon arrival, I decided to get a taxi from the airport to the hotel in Copacabana. This turned out to be a big mistake as the person helping travelers catch taxis at the airport tried to hustle me. I think I ended up overpaying for my taxi by about USD 15 and the taxi driver ended up taking me to the wrong Ibis. He dropped me off at a hotel that was 2 blocks from my hotel. I ended up just turning on Google Maps and walking to the correct hotel once the front desk staff informed me of the error. I told the taxi driver the correct hotel he just took me to the only Ibis he knew the location of.  My friend, who met me at the hotel, had a better experience arranging transportation from the airport to the hotel because she prearranged her transportation through booking.com, costing around USD 20. This is the method I used to return to the airport once it was time to go back home.  

Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches are world-famous beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching. I especially loved how the beaches in Copacabana were a one-stop shop, if that is what you desire. I even bought a silk dress from a vendor on the beach. The peddlers on the beach truly make it unnecessary to go anywhere else to buy anything.

While in Rio we did the typical tourist things such as visit

Christ the Redeemer: Standing tall atop Corcovado Mountain, this iconic statue offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you can see from the photo it was very crowded at the monument and impossible to get a photo without a bunch of tourist in it. 

Christ The Redeemer

I took a cable car ride on Sugar Loaf Mountain to the summit to view unmatched vistas of Rio's landscape and coastline.

 We visited Tijuca National Park where I managed to glimpse a Toucan taking flight while riding along on a jeep tour.

We booked a tour of the Favelas through an AirBnB experience it was called Get To know Litte Africa in Rio de Janeiro. We thought this tour would be great to gain insight into Rio's diverse culture by exploring its favelas with guided tours that support local communities.

The thing I liked the most about Rio was the street art. Captivating street art and murals adorn the city's walls, telling stories of its people and history.

Rio Street Mural

Street Mural

The one activity we participated in which could be considered partaking in the night life was to go to the Rio Scenarium so that we could hear a live band. The decor in this place is what attracted me to it. It has seven environments on 3 floors. If you want to check it out, I suggest you make a reservation online.  The music, food, and drinks did not disappoint.

While Rio is generally safe for tourists, it's important to be cautious, avoid flashing valuables, and heed local advice. We were two female travelers and we never felt unsafe. We used Uber exclusively while in Rio with no problems.

Portuguese is the official language, so learning a few basic phrases can enhance your experience. Also, make sure that you have Google Translate downloaded on your cellphone to assist.

The Brazilian Real (BRL) is the currency, and credit cards are widely accepted.

Rio de Janeiro offers an incredible blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you're exploring its iconic landmarks, indulging in delicious cuisine, or immersing yourself in the rhythms of samba, Rio promises an unforgettable adventure. So, pack your bags, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to experience the magic of Rio de Janeiro. Your Brazilian adventure awaits!

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The Surprising Love for Curacao I Discovered

View from Tower at Kline Island. View from Tower at Kline Island.

If you are like me and have visited many Caribbean islands, you start to get the mentality that "if you have seen one island you have seen them all". Curacao changed my thoughts on this. The people of Curacao are very friendly and welcoming. The island is so modern, and the driving is actually manageable with Google Maps. My Labor Day Vacation to Curacao certainly changed my perspective on what to expect from an Island vacation. 

Nestled in the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, Curacao is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. This vibrant island, part of the Dutch Caribbean, is renowned for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and colorful architecture. Curacao is the largest of the three ABC islands. (Aruba, Bonnaire, and Curacao)

Before we dive into the pristine beaches and vibrant culture of Curacao, it's essential to understand the island's rich history. Discovered by the Spanish in the early 16th century, Curacao eventually became a Dutch colony, and its influences are still evident today. The fusion of African, European, and Caribbean cultures has given Curacao its unique identity.

Colorful Willemstad

The capital city of Curacao, Willemstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolute must-visit. The cityscape is a testament to the island's Dutch heritage, with its colorful Dutch colonial buildings lining the waterfront. The most iconic of these is the Handelskade, a row of vibrantly hued facades that provide the perfect backdrop for photos. Stroll along the Queen Emma Bridge, also known as the "Swinging Old Lady," which pivots open to allow ships to pass, offering a unique experience for pedestrians.


Photo of the Queen Emma BridgePhoto of the Queen Emma Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beach Bliss

Curacao boasts some of the Caribbean's most pristine beaches, each with its charm and character. Whether you're looking for relaxation, water sports, or underwater adventures, Curacao has it all.

While In Curacao I visited four beaches. My favorite beach was Playa Piskado. We drove around 45 minutes to get to this beach, but it was worth it. As soon as we got in the water, we were greeted by sea turtles. I do suggest aqua socks because the beach is sort of rocky, but it was not very crowded, and I just loved the whole vibe of the area. We rented 2 chairs and an umbrella for $12 which I thought was very reasonable. FYI a lot of the vendors at this beach are cash only.

Another beach I visited on this trip was Kokomo, I forgot the name of the other two beaches but by far my favorite was Play Piskado.


 Sea turtle at Playa Piskado

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View of Museum Kura Hulanda

Museums

Entrance to Museum Kura Hulanda

Museum Kura Hulanda: Located in Willemstad, this museum offers a deep dive into the island's history, with exhibits on slavery, the African diaspora, and local art. There is an exhibit at this museum that replicates the hold area of a slave ship. It was very uncomfortable visiting this part of the museum but I feel that discomfort is necessary because we should never be comfortable with the legacy slavery has left on this world. I tried to just for a moment put myself in the position of the people who were in those holds. It was very disturbing. I have been to other museums with slave artifacts but this area in this museum greatly affected me. I don’t know what it was but I’m glad I went.

Cuisine

Taste the Flavors: Savor the island's cuisine at local restaurants and street food stalls. I tried pastechi (savory pastries) and really liked it. I don’t care for empanadas and pastechi put me in the mind of a type of empanada like pastry but for whatever reason I really like pastechi and I don’t like empanadas. Make it make sense! We really didn’t eat one meal we did not like in Curacao. We ate at all types of places from grocery store delis to restaurants and we thoroughly enjoyed every place we went to. Some of the highlights were Rustiq near the Kura Hulanda museum, Captain’s Bar and Grill was our saving grace, and the first restaurant we went to in Curacao. We were famished from a long day of flight catching and no food and they welcomed us with tasty food, reasonable prices, and great conversation provided by the bartender who also took the time to explain the menu to us. Other restaurants we went to were Beef Master Grill (which was so close to our AirBnb that we just walked there) and Landhuis Brakkeput Mei Mei.  This restaurant has a lobster night, and this is the day we visited. It is a beautiful property set on an old plantation. They grow a lot of the items they serve on the menu on the property so that is a plus for anyone interested in farm-to-table cuisine. Given the variety of different places we patronized, I think that we got a great introduction to Curacao's culinary heritage.

Mural at Rustiq Restaurant

Getting Around in Curacao

I encourage visitors to rent a car or have a driver to get the most from their island visit. We rented an economy car for 7 days and it was very reasonable through Budget rental cars. We spent approximately $40 USD on gas for the entire stay.  There are buses on Curacao but we were told by many that the buses are very unpredictable and infrequent.

 

Outdoor Adventures

Beyond the beaches and cultural attractions, Curacao offers numerous outdoor activities for adventure seekers:

Hiking: Explore the island's rugged terrain and discover hidden caves and panoramic viewpoints. Christoffel National Park offers several well-marked trails. While we did not do any hiking we did visit the Hato Caves which was very interesting.

Scuba Diving: Curacao is a top-notch diving destination, with numerous dive sites teeming with marine life, including shipwrecks and coral reefs.

Water Sports: From kayaking to windsurfing, Curacao's calm, clear waters are perfect for water sports enthusiasts.

 

Visit to Kline Island

I did take a day trip to Kline Island which is 15 miles from Curacao and 2 hours by boat. Kline Island was such a chill location and a great trip. I chose Mermaid Boat Tours as my vendor. They were very professional. Their boat was safe and had ample protection from the sun. This company has actual bathroom and shower facilities on the Island as well as a tower which is great for taking pictures. This company provides a breakfast buffet and a lunch buffet with their service. The lunch buffet was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed lunch. During your stay on Kline Island you can take a walk around and see the lighthouse as well as a couple of wretched ships.  It is also a good location to do some snorkeling.

Light House at Kline Island

Photo of Wrecked Bianca Maria on Kline Island

Curacao is a vibrant and diverse destination that offers something for every traveler. Whether you're seeking relaxation on stunning beaches, immersing yourself in rich culture, or embarking on outdoor adventures, this Caribbean gem has it all. With its welcoming locals and an abundance of natural beauty, Curacao is an ideal destination for your next unforgettable getaway. So, pack your bags and prepare to be captivated by the magic of Curacao hopefully you will fall in love with this island like I did. .

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The Amazing Love I Discovered in Switzerland

 Photo by Katarzyna Grabowska on Unsplash

One of the reasons that I consider travel invaluable is due to the opportunities it affords you.  I love to discover things when I travel.  One particular discovery occurred when my friend and I visited Lugano, Switzerland. The only reason why we were even in Lugano was that it is really close to Milan. We spent the majority of the time we had on this trip in Milan, Italy. Lugano is a pretty charming little town that is not too touristy. It looks very picturesque. The town's main claim to fame is Lake Lugano which is usually overshadowed by the frequently praised Lake Como. 

We stayed in an Airbnb while in Lugano. Our host made suggestions on places to eat and check out in the town. One of her suggestions was to get some chocolate from this shop in town. She described the chocolate to us and went on and on about it. I thanked her for her suggestions and then thought to myself. "It's chocolate! How amazing could it be?" 

While we were exploring the town we happened to pass the chocolate shop our host told us about. So I decided to give it a try. BEST decision I ever made!  Läderach chocolate is the TRUTH! When I tell you that this chocolate cost me about $12 US dollars for 5 pieces and was worth every cent!. I am a recovering a sweet addict and I like chocolate just as much as the next woman but OMG! This chocolate was better than Lindt and Lindor by far in my humble opinion. 

I willingly walked up and down hills to get to this chocolate on our last day in town! and Savvy Travel does not do hills 

I wanted to bring back samples to all my friends at home. I made a righteous effort to do this but the samples somehow got eaten on the long plane ride.  Y'all pray for me!

If you ever get the chance to eat Läderbach chocolate please sample the chocolate with the caramelized toasted almonds and give me your opinion. When I bit into that piece of chocolate my mouth thought it had died and gone to heaven. 

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