Journalists and affiliated personnel: This is strictly for those asked by their employers to go on assignment in Cuba.

Educational programs: There are a variety of these. “Cuba Education Tours”  is an organization that will put together a trip for groups of eight or more. San Francisco’s Global Exchange puts together research tours and has sent tens of thousands of Americans to Cuba. Geographic Expeditions also puts together tours of Cuba as well as Elder Hostel. This may be the easiest route to plan a trip to Cuba, since some of the arrangements are taken care of, but many operators are not currently planning tours to Cuba in hopes that Obama may soon lift the Cuba travel restriction.

Some organizations arrange humanitarian project or religious excursions to Cuba; volunteering for one of these may result in a visit.  See:
fundacionamistad.org
friendshipforce.org
thecajm.org

Professional business: You may be granted permission to visit if there is a conference there, related to your line of work. A Hemingway conference is taking place in Havana in June 2009.

To visit Cuba, traveler must apply for a license (which entails mailing a request letter to the Dept. of the Treasury) and apply for a visa. Details are available here; scroll down to “Applying for…” Click here for Visa information. Cuba Travels U.S. can be helpful for making arrangements. Bear in mind that as this is legally sensitive, many operators, whether educational or humanitarian or otherwise, have vaccilating policies for Cuba travel, based on the present political climate, so offerings may cease and restrictions may change at any time.

The bus service is considered a vastly superior method of transportation when compared with taxis and other vehicles. They run frequently, and the comfortable air conditioned coaches boast washrooms and televisions.

Official taxis are very expensive and unreliable for long-distance journeys. Locals are often willing to (illegally) drive you in their own car for less money than a licensed taxi. However, if the local is caught, you won’t be in any trouble–but you will be forced out of the car, and be left in the middle of a foreign country without a ride.

Car rentals are fairly expensive, and hitchhiking is unreliable and dangerous. Those who are not operating on a schedule and speak fluent Spanish can travel via “El Amarillo.” This service consists of several, scattered points along main routes where certain, marked vehicles are required by law to stop and assist hitchhikers. Most Amarillo points are equipped with full service rest stops, including water, cheap food, and a 24 hour sheltered waiting area.

Biking is the ideal way to travel Cuba, allowing you to enjoy the empty roads and picturesque scenery. However, suitable bikes are not generally available in Cuba and it is strongly recommended that you bring your own.

Travellers who visit between December and April are fortunate enough to avoid the dangerous, destructive storms and hurricanes that ravage the island before December while also avoiding the sticky, unbearable humidity of the Cuban summer. They can travel via boat or plane, which rarely operate during the storm season.

Boats sail from the island regularly, allowing you to see the island, the beautiful, tropical water and explore nearby islands. Travelling by plane gives you a rare aerial view of the island and its wonders.

For Americans travelling to Cuba, it is a rare delight to be able to see the island. No matter how you see it, Cuba is a sight worth seeing.

The dining scene in Cuba, like most everything else, is closely overseen by the government. A tourist can find an abundance of seafood and beef in government-operated diners, but one who stays in these protected areas will not be able to appreciate the island’s unique cuisine and culture.

Locals and seasoned tourists alike will tell you the best food in the country is found the private restaurants run inside homes, known to the locals as paladares. Cubans generally do not use aggressive spices, favoring onions, garlic, and cumin instead. Local specialties include rice, fried plantains, and stuffed omelets. As most paladares are run out of homes, no pricing information is readily available. Bilingual tourists will gladly regale you with stories of the menu, with usually will offer a seperate price for English and Spanish speakers.

Available drinks are generally limited to strong coffee and poor, weak beer. Cuba does produce a small variety of pretty good beers. Most visitors default to mojitos, daiquiris and cuba libre, which is simply a rum and Coke with a squeeze of lime. In Cuba, the drinking age does not apply to tourists, and as long is the minor is accompanied by a consenting adult who agrees to let the minor consume alcohol they will be allowed to drink.

While American cuisine may be available at limited, government operated diners, it is best not to rely on access to good ol’ homecooking when travelling abroad.

Hotel Plaza

To the northwestern tip of Cuba, in La Habana, the Hotel Plaza sits on Ignacio Agramonte, No. 267, Habana Vieja. The Hotel Plaza, with its grand architecture, is similar to the typical American historic hotels. This hotel boasts of stained-glass skylights and gorgeous bas-relief ceilings. It has its own share of famous guests, such as Albert Einstein and Babe Ruth. And it offers very modern and plush amenities, including a bar, a restaurant, a conference room, and even a romantic garden. Each spacious room is provided with satellite TV, minibar, safety deposit box, and even a hair dryer. Some rooms have terraces.

Hotel Moka

Farther to the west is Hotel Moka, nestled in the lovely forest of Las Terrazas. Unlike most hotels, the Hotel Moka was especially designed to mesh gracefully with its surroundings. It is the perfect hotel for environmentalists and for romantic couples. There is access to horseback riding and lake-side trekking. There is also a chance to explore the ruins of an 18th-century coffee plantation. For those who prefer to stay indoors, the Hotel Moka has a swimming pool, as well as a garden, a tennis court, bar, and restaurant. To reach this hotel, the address is Km 51 Autopista a Pinar del Río,Comunidad Las Terrazas, Candelaria, Pinar del Río.

Hotetur Palma Real

This is the ideal hotel for those who love the beach. It is located on Ave. 2da y Calle 64, Varadero, Matanzas, to the east of La Habana. Besides access to the beach, this hotel also offers salsa lessons, scuba diving lessons, snorkeling, kayak, and other aquatic sports. Similar to most US beach hotels, the Hotetur Palma Real has a couple of restaurants, aerobics gym, and games room. Each room has a terrace and equipped with all the basic amenities.

Hotel Oasis Playa Coco

One of the most luxurious hotels in Cuba is the Hotel Oasis Playa Coco. Located on Cayo Coco, Jardines del Rey and just 17 kilometers away from the airport, this hotel furnished each room with air conditioning, satellite TV, phone, radio, safety deposit box, minibar, hot and cold shower in private bathrooms, and a hair dryer. Service is reputedly impeccable and most rooms are wheelchair-accessible.

Hotel Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad

Located right in the center of the historic Trinidad, this five-star hotel offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the 16th century. Rising on Calle José Martí y Lino Pérez, this luxurious boutique hotel is part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The facade is distinctly colonial but the inside has been remodeled to serve the needs of the modern traveler. There is a shop, a restaurant, a lobby bar, and even Internet access. Each room has a balcony and supplied with standard modern amenities.

Havana

A few of the most popular cities for Cuban tourism are Trinidad, Havana, and Varadero. Havana, Cuba’s capital, is a beautiful destination where you can take to the beaches for relaxing, lazy days of sunbathing. Once the sun goes down, you can kick up your heels and stimulate your senses with a visit to the world famous cabarets, or nightclubs. The food at the restaurants is top quality, and the cuisine selection is wide and varied. A must-see for travelers is the Havana History Day tour. Be sure to inquire about it when you book your vacation.

Trinidad

Trinidad is a city steeped in history, culture and tradition. Stroll through Main Square and admire the centuries old buildings and spectacular architecture. A visit to Trinidad is like traveling through time to the past, as history is everywhere. Be sure to visit at least one of the outstanding museums like the Alexander von Humboldt Museum of Natural History, or the Romantic Museum.

Varadero

If aquatic activities are what help you unwind and refuel your energy levels, Varadero is your destination of choice. Lauded as Cuba’s most famous beach, you can indulge your desire for all things marine. For something different, book a catamaran excursion or enter a fishing tourney. With over 500 diving locations from which to choose, you might want to stay for several weeks in Varadero. Should you tire of the beach, Varadero is also known for the native wildlife and beautiful scenery. The golfing is excellent at Varadero Golf Club. Cayo Piedra Underwater Park is an unusual sightseeing destinations that is family friendly.

Cuba welcomes tourists with open arms. Havana, the capital, is a city that hops with nightlife, has a rich history and is filled with architectural beauty. Old Havana in particular is a wonderful spot to explore on foot. The Catedral de San Cristobal, begun by the Jesuits in 1748 and completed by the Franciscans in 1777 is stunning from the outside. Built in the Cuban Baroque style the cathedral houses two large bell towers. Inside you can find a large statue of Christopher Columbus.

The Museo Jose Marti is an historic museum celebrating the life of Jose Marti, a Cuban author. He died fighting the Spanish in 1895, and is still honored as an activist and writer over a century later. Considered a symbol of the Cuban independence movement, he spent several years in exile before returning home to battle the Spanish troupes.

If you travel to Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second largest city, you will find that it hosts numerous carnivals and festivals throughout the year. With a strong Caribbean influence this city boasts a unique flavor and exciting music.

Trinidad is the most popular tourist attraction in Cuba. Well known for its beaches, shopping and cobblestone streets, Trinidad also offers spectacular architecture, walking tours and fine dining. Considered the best place to find the “authentic” Cuban experience, Trinidad has retained much of its old world charm.

Not all of Cuba’s attractions are indoors however. Fishing, snorkeling, spelunking and bicycling are among the outdoor pleasures that await you, and if none of that calls to you, just relax on the beach and watch the sun go down.