Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, is so close (90 miles from Key West) and yet so very far. It is the land of sugar cane; pristine beaches; salsa, cigars and rum; Che Guevara and Castro’s revolution; historic and nostalgic cities; and—oh!—those beautiful, well-preserved old cars! While travel for purely “tourist” reasons is still strictly forbidden, it IS open for U.S. visitors whose travel falls under one of 12 categories of “authorized” travel to Cuba and who want to get there before Starbucks and McDonald’s arrive!
Of these 12 categories, some of the most commonly utilized by leisure travelers include: family visits; journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances; clinics; workshops; athletic and other competitions; exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; and activities of private foundations or research for educational institutes.
