Cuba for Xmas/New Years!

[Shotochick]

Paid off the rest of our trip to Cuba today! Very exited and looking forward to it as is a place that has been on my WANT list for a long time.  Flying Virgin Atlantic from Gatwick a few days pre-Xmas (aka airport crazy season) and staying for 11 nights (6 in an all inclusive adults only resort, 5 in Havana).

Anyone been before? Tips? Recommendations? Gratuitous envy?

[wyozozo]

Jealous! I wish we Americans could go!!

[Nibsey]

Jealous! I wish we Americans could go!!

Wait! What?

[afbluebelle]

Last time I checked, Americans are not allowed to go to Cuba unless they are stationed there. I could be wrong, but that is the main reason the base down there is on my dream sheet 

[Outdoor Girl]

I understood that no one travelling on an American passport could enter Cuba and that no flights originating in the US could land in Cuba.

I've heard of folks with dual passports (American and something else) flying to Toronto or Montreal then heading out to Cuba from there.

[JoW]

Its been illegal for US citizens to travel to Cuba since Castro took over.  There are some exceptions for business and maybe humanitarian visits, but vacations in Cuba are not allowed. 

[Nibsey]

Ahh! Thanks guys. I remember seeing movies were cuban cigars were illegal and I knew flights from the US didn't directly go to Cuba. But in the Godfather and other movies Americans are in Cuba so I never thought it was illegal, just not encourged.

[Shotochick]

Good news - the embargo on Americans travelling to Cuba was eased earlier this year / late last year see: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1097.html

You will still be surveilled, but you can go and kick back with the rest of us!

[Mikayla]

I'm just posting for an update.  I've always wanted to go to Cuba and even saw it once from not-too-far on a cruise.  They pointed out the Sierra Maestra mountains.  Anyway, I'd love a mini travelogue if you have time!