The recently announced changes in relations between the governments of the United States and Cuba have a lot of people talking about travel to Cuba. After all, Cuba has been off limits for most U.S. travelers for decades, except for a select few. But while it’s still not clear exactly when or how changes will be implemented regarding travel policies to Cuba, it’s already perfectly legal to vacation on the Caribbean’s largest island, when you join an educational tour. Here are a few of the companies that allow you to hop on a plane right now and fly to Cuba.
Globus: This tour company offers what they describe as “people-to-people educational exchange programs,” designed around daily interactions with local residents. Globus provides opportunities for “conversations and a respectful exchange of ideas with the Cuban people,” with a big emphasis on culture and personal encounters. Their Cuba tours include “Cuba’s Charming Colonial Cities & Havana,” “Eastern Cuba’s Hidden Gems” and “Grand Cuba from Coast to Coast.” These three 2015 Cuba itineraries provide a full-time schedule of people-to-people educational exchange activities designed to result in meaningful interactions between travelers and individuals in Cuba. Prices start at $2,829 without air. SAVINGS ALERT: If you book by January 27, 2015, you can save $200 off a Globus Cuba tour. Click here for details in the LatinFlyer Travel Deals section.
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Latour: Isramworld’s Latour brand has been offering Cuba tours since early 2013, with a range of itineraries designed for general travelers, LGBT travelers and travelers interested in Cuba’s Jewish heritage and community. All programs include interactions and meetings with Cubans, round-trip air between Miami and Cuba, eight nights of accommodations, ground transportation and airport transfers in Cuba, most meals, Cuban visa and health insurance. Prices start at $4,299.
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Insight Cuba: This tour operator offers Cuba tours that start at $2,895 for a four-night “Weekend in Havana” package that focuses on the Cuban capital city. Insight Cuba also offers a 12-night “Undiscovered Cuba” tour, with prices starting at $5,795, that includes visits to Havana, Santa Clara and Santiago de Cuba, as well as other cities on the island.
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Smithsonian Journeys: This well-known educational tour operator offers a Cuba tour called “Discover Cuba: It’s People and Culture,” with four departure dates in 2015, and prices starting at $4,995 — which includes a pre-trip overnight stay at a Miami hotel, with private reception and panel discussion.
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Cuba Explorer: This company offers a variety of Cuba tours for 2015, with eight-day trips starting at $1,899. Details on the Cuba Explorer website.
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Cuba Cruise: A Canadian company, Cuba Cruise anticipates increased bookings from international travelers eager to explore a country that is virtually free of American commercialization and chockfull with charm before it might change. “We do not anticipate that Wednesday’s breaking news regarding the U.S. and Cuba will have an immediate effect on our business practices and model,” said Dugald Wells, Cuba Cruise President and CEO. “However, we absolutely foresee an increase in bookings from international travelers who are drawn to Cuba’s incredibly preserved culture, its mix of old and new world charm, and who want to experience the iconic country before it opens its doors any further.”