Strong signals that the USA and Cuba to normalise relations.

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drron

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US "spy" released by Cuba today and in less than an hour Pres Obama and Raoul Castro are to give simultaneous press conferences-
Cuba releases U.S. prisoner Alan Gross

This means that Cuba travel probably should occur sooner rather than later.
We are to be there in October 2015.
 
Better get in quick because if Cuba and US kiss and make up it won't be long before pick-up trucks and McDonalds take away all the old world charm that makes Cuba so attractive. Hopefully the Cubans themselves won't change.
 
Without wanting to sound xenophobic, one of the highlights of my trip to Cuba this year, was the absence of Americanisation:)
 
Without wanting to sound xenophobic, one of the highlights of my trip to Cuba this year, was the absence of Americanisation:)

Selfishly I agree, Cuba has its own historic charms of being stuck 30 years behind. Its a place that you want to visit before any modernisation gets there and if it ever does, it will change the entire vibe of the place of a place stuck in time to something that will become a Mexican Cancun. If one day and whenever the border restrictions are lifted, I will bet you that the first thing that will happen is the opening of a Hilton Hotel, thousands of Americans (who have been forcibly restricted from ever getting there) will flock to there in droves. The one hour flight from Miami will make Cuba highly accessible and depsite it will be a huge bonus for the local Cubans, selfishly again, the identity of the Cuba that I visited in 2012, will be gone.
 
Better get in quick because if Cuba and US kiss and make up it won't be long before pick-up trucks and McDonalds take away all the old world charm that makes Cuba so attractive. Hopefully the Cubans themselves won't change.

I have been to Cuba 5 times in 8 years

You could always gradually see the Americians getting closer to "coming back"

Check it out now before they ruin it again!!
 
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Another arrogant and terrible decision by Obama

Why? It is the Florida based Cubans who have for many years been the political reason why the US embargo against Cuba has been retained.

Also there needs to be an understanding of why Castro ousted the Batista government and how the US government of the time treated the Cuban people.

Not defending Castro at all but like many revolutions it started with the best of intentions.
 
Another arrogant and terrible decision by Obama

In context of above postings, I read this as satire. A unique travel opportunity about to be ruined by American tourists and culture I gather is the gist of the conversation. Clearly a light hearted take on a significant US policy change that will improve Cuban livelihoods. I wish I could get to Cuba sooner rather than later.
 
US "spy" released by Cuba today and in less than an hour Pres Obama and Raoul Castro are to give simultaneous press conferences-
Cuba releases U.S. prisoner Alan Gross

This means that Cuba travel probably should occur sooner rather than later.
We are to be there in October 2015.

I'm being very selfish, of course, but bug*er! Planned to be there in September this year, but the window got too small, so I put it off. Must try early in the new year; I agree tit will change greatly when Americans can go there freely.
 
The International New York Times had an article on 20-21 December, 'Companies line up to enter Cuba', that shares some of the concerns raised here.

"PepsiCo wants in. So do Caterpillar and Marriott International.

. . . But while there may be robust opportunities for some companies, especially those selling products or goods that could be viewed as enhancing Cuba's own domestic production or helping to develop its underused resources, other companies could get the cold shoulder.

"Under the changes in banking and trade [announced by the US government prior to Christmas], American companies like Home Depot, Caterpillar and [John] Deere can expect to be welcomed with open arms by the Cuban government, because they would be viewed as providing items or goods or services that support Cuba's domestic sector.

"A much bigger question mark hangs over companies geared towards selling consumer goods - whether Frito-Lay corn chips or Apple iPads - to Cubans, most of whom have very limited disposable income.

"American hospitality and hotel companies, shut out for decades, are quickly assessing the opportunities in Cuba as well . . .

""We will take our cues from the US government but look forward to opening hotels in Cuba, as companies from other countries have done already", Arne M. Sorenson, president and chief executive of Marriott International, said by email."
 
Maybe it'll wind up being a cheap starting point for a XoneX?

As long as they still retain the $1 mojitos and those ice cream sandwich things, then I'd be happy.
 
I was there just on 12 months ago and have recommended to people that if they want to visit Cuba then to go soon. There have been incremental changes in the last few years - like allowing private business including the paladars etc

But it was so refreshing to be there and not to see advertising and consumerism everywhere - very little in the way of brand name advertising, no billboards etc. In 10 days I saw Cocoa Cola once only.

During time in Trinidad, we briefly went down to one of the gorgeous beaches and ran smack bang into a resort full of Canadians and Brits and could not get out of their fast enough! I tried using TripAdvisor for research before I went but it is just full of them asking about whether they take tomato sauce, mustard, door stoppers and gingerale with them!

So I say go now! Explore Trinidad in one direction and Vinales in the other (including Cayo Jutias for its amazing beach) and of course, Havana. Enjoy the salsa and mojitos!!
 
I'm going to have to rethink my travel in the second half of the year :shock:
 
I'm going to have to rethink my travel in the second half of the year :shock:

Happy to give advice based on my experiences in travelling to Havana 8 months ago :)
 
Happy to give advice based on my experiences in travelling to Havana 8 months ago :)

Does that extend to others? if so, you are on!! Planning to travel in May 2015
Please see this thread: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....-guide/travel-to-havana-cuban-visa-50063.html

...and in particular this post:http://www.australianfrequentflyer....l-to-havana-cuban-visa-50063.html#post1108055

Yeeesss, trip report plse - photos would be great. :D
PM sent.
 
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