TripAdvisor has now made it easy for Americans to book a trip to Cuba.
According to a recent report, the travel website can now help travelers plan a trip to the island nation. Brian Hoyt, TripAdvisor's brand's senior director of corporate communications told Travel + Leisure: "At TripAdvisor, we allow you to facilitate the travel booking in multiple ways."
This announcement means that Americans who would like to visit Cuba will be able to arrange things like hotels and some tourist attractions. "You can book your total [trip] through us," Hoyt explained.
In March this year, President Barack Obama made history by being the first American leader to visit the country post-Cold War in 88 years. Now that the sanctions have been loosened, Americans will now be able to travel to the country independently, but they must follow a few rules, as "tourist travel" is still prohibited.
The reasons include: family visits, "journalistic activity," humanitarian projects, religious and educational activities, "support of the Cuban people," professional research and meetings, "exportation, importation, or transmission or information materials." There's a total of 12 reasons, all of which are mentioned here.
One must be prepared to shell out some cash. A report estimated that previously, an educational visit by an American could reach between USD$2,000 and $3,500-this is because there's a need to have a fully booked itinerary through a tour company. More and more affordable options are surfacing, however-for instance, solo travelers can plan a trip where they meet Cuban citizens and immerse themselves in the culture by visiting community centers and schools.
"We are proud to be the first U.S. airline to serve Cuba, but our focus is on being the best airline serving Cuba," said Robin Hayes, president JetBlue president and CEO Robin Hayes in a press release.
"For the first time in decades, families separated by only a short stretch of water can easily and affordably visit a loved one, attend an important occasion or visit a special place - and the role we play speaks directly to our mission of inspiring humanity," Hayes added.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
