first time trip to Cuba.
 

We are two Americans planning a relatively low-budget, week-long trip to Cuba this spring. I'd love suggestions on where to go, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, etc. Additionally, I'd love to get your advice on the easiest way for Americans to travel to Cuba other than through a government-sponsored group trip.
Thanks in advance for your expertise, we are so excited about this trip!

travel.state.gov Cuba

Regulations require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction be licensed in order to engage in any travel-related ction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada. U.S. law enforcement authorities enforce these regulations at U.S. airports and pre-clearance facilities in third countries. Travelers who fail to comply with Department of the Treasury regulations could face civil penalties and criminal prosecution upon return to the United States.

virtualtourist.com Cuba cubajet.com for info on options.

There is presently no way for Americans to travel legally to Cuba except on a people-to-people trip. You'd have to travel illegally through another country at your own legal peril. People do this all the time, but you need to be aware of the legal risks.

weston:

It ain't easy...but I would suggest you try to find a group opening. First, pay close heed to the two posters above...it's risky, and the price you pay for taking those chances is far too high to fool with.

On a people-to-people basis, there are numerous church-sponsoored visits, and synagogues as well. We were fortunate enough to find that a friend's reference had a "favored person" advantage for synagogue groups and individuals willing to participate in bringing in medical spupplies for the 1500 Jewish community in Havana. We signed up as individuals and carried 40 pounds of heart, diabetes, pulmonary meds to be distributed by one of two Havana synagogues. All we needed was a letter by the aformeneioned person and the two bags of meds. At US Customs LAX It worked out very well..in Havana, customs didn't even seem to care who were were or what we were bringing in. We did our "thing" with the synagogue (even got to be honored guests at a "thank you" luncheon). But the rest of the ten days we were on our own and enjoyed it tremendously. I was told that many other cultural, professional and religious grous throughout the U.S. offer similar situations (music groups, literary, dance, etc.)

Weston..here are some scanned pix...hope you will get in legally.

https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...LS5h4e86MvMIw#

Weston, it's been two months since your post. Did you arrange to get into Cuba..? If so, lease post and tell ua all about your trip...or if and when it's going to take place.
stu