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Can Americans still Travel to Cuba – ¿aún podemos viajar a Cuba?

This is a Spanish version of our recent article Travel to Cuba Now Possible with Instant World Booking

Los viajeros estadounidenses siguen preguntando, “¿aún podemos viajar a Cuba?” La respuesta es definitivamente sí. Pero si se pregunta cómo, esto es lo que necesita saber sobre los viajes a Cuba.

En noviembre, la administración Trump reforzó los lazos comerciales y de viaje con Cuba, parte de su esfuerzo por revertir la apertura histórica del ex presidente Barack Obama con La Habana. Las nuevas reglas llegaron casi cinco meses después de que el presidente Trump anunciara que revertiría las políticas de la era de Obama que relajaron el embargo comercial de décadas contra la isla comunista.

Las nuevas restricciones afectan principalmente a los viajeros individuales. Sí, aún puede contratar una compañía de excursiones y unirse a una visita guiada que garantice que cumple con todos los requisitos y cumple con el horario completo de actividades que requieren. Pero, ¿qué pasa con los viajeros individuales, hostelers o personas aventureras que desean apoyar la visión humanitaria de Cuba, mientras viajan de manera independiente? Bajo las nuevas reglas del Departamento del Tesoro, se han eliminado los viajes individuales de “persona a persona”, que han permitido a los viajeros estadounidenses individuales visitar Cuba con fines educativos por sí solos en oposición a un grupo de turistas. Esta eliminación ha tenido repercusiones obvias para compañías como Airbnb, que son famosas para los viajeros individuales.

Sin embargo, Instant World Booking ahora ingresó al mercado cubano y ofrece una alternativa fresca a Airbnb y otros servicios de alojamiento en pequeños hoteles y casas particulares cubanos únicos e individuales. Los legisladores han asegurado que los viajeros individuales todavía pueden visitar la isla si es en apoyo del pueblo cubano. Aunque es poco conocida por los viajeros estadounidenses de hoy, esta garantía está escrita en la ley.

Así es como usted, como viajero individual, todavía puede visitar legalmente Cuba hoy. Una de las razones aprobadas para viajar a Cuba se llama “Apoyo al pueblo cubano”. En esta categoría de viajes, participa en actividades que resultan en una interacción significativa con personas en Cuba. Esto ahora incluye actividades tales como alquilar una habitación en una residencia privada cubana (casa particular), comer en restaurantes cubanos de propiedad privada (paladares) y comprar en tiendas privadas manejadas por cubanos independientes (cuentapropistas). Por lo tanto, alquilar uno de los muchos alojamientos privados ahora disponibles en Instant World Booking puede ayudar a facilitar el viaje a Cuba que espera realizar. Pero recuerde, para cumplir con el requisito de un horario de tiempo completo, también debe contratar un Apoyo autorizado adicional para las actividades del Pueblo cubano. Le sugerimos que consulte los requisitos reales en una de estas dos fuentes oficiales:

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?mc=true&node=se31.3.515_1574&rgn=div8

https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/cuba_faqs_new.pdf

Mejor aún, ¿necesita obtener algún tipo de licencia o autorización del gobierno de EE. UU.? No. Como un viajero estadounidense a Cuba, puede comenzar a planificar su viaje hoy. Se llama licencia general y, siempre que cumpla con las actividades y los requisitos descritos en las fuentes anteriores, su viaje está permitido. Pero, le sugerimos que lea las reglas a fondo. Tendrá que mantener algunos registros con respecto a su horario y viaje. Recuerde, usted es el responsable final de garantizar que su viaje cumpla con las reglamentaciones.

Para celebrar nuestro compromiso de viajar a Cuba, hemos presentado un nuevo sitio web Book Cuba Hostels, Hotels, & Casa Particulares, que ofrece un amplio conjunto de opciones de alojamiento en Cuba. Este sitio se une a más de más de 100 sitios en nuestra red propietaria de hoteles, hostales y apartamentos en todo el mundo. Además, estamos comenzando a trabajar con grupos estadounidenses y cubanos para facilitar el alojamiento de grupos de viaje oficiales dentro de nuestra red de alojamientos privados en Cuba.

Esperamos que esté inspirado por este artículo, y tal vez considere un viaje a Cuba en el futuro cercano. Recuerde que su presencia puede ayudar a apoyar a la sociedad civil en Cuba y promover la independencia del pueblo cubano. Por favor, no dude en ponerse en contacto con Instant World Booking con cualquier pregunta que pueda tener.


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The Best Place to Kayak in the Southern French Alps

Summer is here! And if you’re traveling to the South of France, we just can’t think of a better way to experience the beauty than paddling across a breathtaking river in a Kayak or Canoe. The Southern French Alps is better known for it’s white water rapids, rafting and kayaking but it is also home to two spectacular lakes which are lake kayaking paradise. #Wanderlust  #travelblogger

For more information on this amazing adventure, read the below article from Travel Companions.

http://www.hosteltraveler.com

 


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Beautiful US Beaches To Escape To, Even Though Its Not Summer!

Not ready to give up going to the beach? Why should you! Winter is obviously just around the corner. But if you’re like us, going to the beach isn’t just awesome in the Summer months. Have you seen the majestic beauty of your favorite beach covered in a blanket of snow in the #Winter? Or have you ever taken your loved ones or even just by yourself (guilty) to the beach on a beautiful #Autumn evening and sat watching the sunset wrapped up in a cozy blanket? Id give it a try because it really can be a magical experience. Here is a list of a few Beaches for your pleasure and hopefully one is near you. But if not adventure out to your favorite beach, either in the Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall!

#travel #favoriteplace

10 Most Beautiful US Beaches To Escape To

www.hosteltraveler.com


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Spooky Ghost Towns To Explore

We all have  a bit of curiosity / interest in Haunted Houses. Some of us more than others… yep, thats me…. and if you are anything like us, you will want to go and visit all of them anyway. But how about whole towns? Thats right, the ENTIRE town! From the UK to Taiwan to California to Pennsylvania, if you search, you will find. Some of these places are burdened with a tragic history, making it look eerie along with a haunting feeling or even paranormal activity.  Some places are overgrown over years of abandonment, others are well kept. There are thousands of places to explore, all over the world!

So here’s a small sample of the spooky abandoned Towns we came across in an Article: https://www.thevintagenews.com/2016/09/29/seven-ghost-towns-theyre-abandoned

And since its October and Halloween is just a few weeks away, I hope you enjoy reading this small tidbit! BOO!

 

www.hosteltraveler.com


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Unspoiled Charm of the Baltic Sea

The Unspoiled Charm of the Baltic Sea

The Baltic region, known as such for its position next to the Baltic Sea, compromises a collection of countries, all of which host uncontested pleasures. The Baltic region is home to some of the finest historical architecture and to some of the most cosmopolitan of capital cities. It boasts the grandeur of cities such as St Petersburg juxtaposed by long, isolated, undiscovered coastlines. It is ideal for explorer’s; there is something new to do and see each day. There is dense and diverse heritage and vast, multifarious landscapes around which to plan your ideal trip. Whether you find accommodation as you go along (so that you can follow your whim) or plan an itinerary beforehand the region has a plethora of experience which goes unrivaled by anywhere else in the world.

The Baltic States

The largely forgotten, Baltic States, are home to wild and ragged coastlines, sparsely populated islands, acres of untouched forestry, crystal clear lake water and some astounding medieval architecture. These countries, dense with history and culture, are a must-explore of the Baltic Region.

  • Estonia

Estonia’s capital city, Tallinn, is like a scene from a fairy tale. One of the legacies of invading empires is the medieval architecture and grand manor houses which adorn the city’s streets. Tallinn is home to the 13th century Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral, which can be found on Toompea Hill.  From Toompea Hill (which also situates Toompea Castle) there is a spectacular view of the Gulf of Finland.

Out of the city, Estonia is rich with forestry, rivers, lakes and waterfalls, wonderful for trekking, canoeing or simply admiring. There are stunning coastlines; all of which are untainted and pristine with natural beauty.

On the Eastern shores of the Baltic Sea, Latvia is the most diverse of the Baltic States; a third of the population of Latvia is of Russian descent. This is epitomized by its capital city, Riga, which is cosmopolitan and vibrant. It is a rival for Prague and has the added bonus of being relatively undiscovered by tourists. Less than an hour away from the buzz of this city is Sigulda – otherwise known as ‘Little Switzerland’. Here there is a national park, a medieval castle and even a bobsleigh run if you’ve feeling like something really fun to do!

The Bauska Region is also less than an hour from Riga, but to the south. The region is known for its castles and palaces with architectural magnificence ranging from medieval to classical. An absolute must see is Rundal Palace; built in the 1730’s and designed by the same architect who became infamous for Winter Palace in St Petersburg.

  • Lithuania

Lithuania, also rich in history and culture, has a warm and outgoing population of people. The capital of Lithuania (the largest city in the country) is Vilnius. Vinius, situated in the south-east of the country and built on the bank of the Neris River, was once one of the biggest cities in Europe. It still displays one of the largest Baroque Old Towns.

Whilst in Lithuania, a trip 150 miles Northwest of Vilnius is essential. Here on a small mound is the ‘Hill Of Crosses’. The Lithuanian people have erected hundreds of crosses to represent their peaceful resistance to foreign oppression. Lithuania did not achieve absolute independence from the Soviet Union until the 1990’s and they also experienced Nazi occupation during WW2.

Beyond the Baltic States

As the Baltic Region is geographically positioned along the Baltic Sea it is possible to travel either by land or by water. Making a sea cruise part of your trip can be a wonderful way of visiting a multitude of destinations and experiencing the Baltic Region from a different viewpoint. The region includes the Baltic States; Denmark, Germany, Finland, Poland, Russia, Norway and Sweden. There is opportunity to see the eerily transcendental natural beauty of the Northern Lights, the majesty of St Petersburg, the white sand dunes and sapphire sea of the East German coast, the dramatic white cliffs of South Zealand in Denmark – not to mention heritage reaching as far back as the medieval times, relics from the Vikings, Gothic churches and some of the most vivacious cities of the world such as Stockholm, Copenhagen, Helsinki and Berlin.

Spanning a reasonably small area the Baltic Region has a rich tapestry of history and a medley of culture to be discovered. The landscapes are as diverse as the people that populate them and the architecture rich with historic identity. In many places it is fabulously serene and unspoilt, whilst it also offers some of the world’s most exquisite cities. With such an array, the Baltic Region’s magnificence is unlikely to remain a well-kept secret for long.


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Florida Horse Country Getaways

If you are drawn by the allure of Horse Country, but don’t count yourself among Ocala’s thoroughbred owners, head to Young’s Paso Fino Ranch at 8075 W. County Road 326. The ranch is perfect for people who don’t know the difference between a saddle and a spur.

Trail rides run about $35; tours and demonstrations also are available. (352) 867-5305).

Other spots to ride include:

• JNB Horse Haven Farm on C.R. 42, near the intersection with C.R. 452, between Weirsdale and Aftoona. (352) T53-4756.

• New England Shire Centre, 4877 S.W.134th Terrace, Ocala. Farm tours available.

• North Star Acres, 9950 S.E.125th Court, Dunnellon. (352) 489-9848. If you prefer to leave the reins in experienced hands, check out the Florida Carriage Museum and Resort in Weirsdale, south of Ocala.

Take a carriage ride or explore 150 historic European and American carriages, including one owned by Franz Joseph, and a horse-drawn fire engine (www.fcmr.org)

Book Florida Hotels and Hostel


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Italy – Hidden Secrets

Italy seems to have everything. It’s modern – think Fiat and Olivetti. It’s a leader in world fashion yet also is very traditional. Italy has many hidden secrets. You want to discover? It is almost impossible to be disappointed by Italy.  So… check out the Italian articles below and plan your trip to Italy.
There is, however, a large north-south divide. Northern Italy is a powerhouse of economic dynamism, whereas the South has been somewhat economically deprived. No place is perfect and Italy is becoming economically more integrated. The north, in general, is the most cosmopolitan part of the country. In the south the colorful city of Naples is the beating heart of the region. And close by are the antique wonders of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Italy-Sardinia:

The Aga Khan got his eye on the Costa Smeralda in the 1960’s and spent millions in this unknown area, creating a holiday village for the rich and famous..

The wealthy continue to flock to the posh hotels at Porto Cervo. This is also the place where Princess Diana and Dodi spent their last night together before flying off to Paris.

The waters here really are a deep emerald green. The area is stuffed with sweet-smelling shrubs and trees, and mimosa and oleander shade the walls of the pastel-colored villas that dot the landscape. There’s a Moorish feel to the architecture – perhaps because of the island’s proximity to North Africa. Hedges of rosemary and lavender cluster against huge granite boulders which people have brought down from the hills to use as gate posts or garden sculpture.

A Place of Legends

Sardinia is full of legends about witches and giants, and it’s not hard to see how these came about. The gigantic rocks all around the coast have weathered into strange shapes; ‘hook-nosed witches’, strange ‘birds’ and ‘animals’ gaze down on the white beaches. Some of the cleanest beaches in Italy are in Sardinia and swimming in these clear turquoise waters is heaven.

The Barbagia and the Nuraghe

Sardinia has two faces, one is the coast with its resorts and hotels, the other is the mountainous interior, the Barbagia region which contains around 8,000 strange, ancient structures known as nuraghe, which are found nowhere else in the world.

According to the locals, this is the real Sardinia, full of history, with many small mountain villages and remains of ancient civilizations.

Giant Tombs

The people who built the nuraghe also left behind huge graves, known as Giants’ Tombs. They were originally built as communal graves in which the bones of the dead were piled up. Some were found to contain as many as 100 to 200 skeletons. In time, the locals forgot what their original use was and they became known as Giants’ Tombs, contributing to the many myths that have emerged over the centuries. Some are at least 35-feet long. After traveling through this dramatic landscape, with its high mountains and huge empty spaces dotted with strangely carved rocks which look like, birds, animals and even witches, You might be ready to believe anything.

There’s something a bit surreal about the Barbagia. There are no Tuscany-like medieval hilltop villages. The mountain tops are bare, jagged, and can look menacing when a cloud covers the sun and the peaks suddenly turn dark. It looks like a land in which it would be hard to survive and yet, when you take a second look, the mountain slopes and isolated valleys are groomed and look well cared for. This is entirely because of the constant munching of some of Sardinia’s four million sheep.

Tuscany’s Historic Villages

What other country is as stuffed with art treasures? Tuscany alone has more classified historical monuments than any country in the world and there are reminders of the great Roman Empire everywhere. There are wonderful beaches, great ski resorts and shopping to die for.

Tuscany is known for its beautiful old villages – here are six of the best for you to discover.

The Collective

There are many lovely hill villages in this part of Tuscany but San Gimignano attracts most of the tourist traffic. In order to spread this largesse around a bit a collective of six villages has been formed. They include San Gimignano and all are in the area of Valdelsa. The others are Poggibonsi, Colle Val d’Elsa, Monteriggioni, Radicondoli, and Casole d’Elsa. There’s less than an hour’s drive between each village. Supporting this cooperative venture seemed is a good way to see some places off the beaten track.

Walking on Capri

Explore the island on foot. It’s a paradise of sweet-smelling bay trees, olive groves,lemon trees and hundreds of species of wild flowers – a lush, green, perfumed land.

Pisa

The Leaning Tower is the icon of Pisa. However, it is but one part of a trio of architectural wonders which inhabit the Campo dei Miracoli.

The Alto Adige

The Alto Adige contains some of the most spectacular scenery in Italy as well as some of the best mountain-walking in Europe. This area of the eastern Italian Alps is the Bolzano province, known officially in Italy as Alto Adige, but to most people as the South Tyrol.

Italy – South Tyrol – Seiseralm

To the east of Bolzano, the capital town of the region, is Europe’s largest area of mountain pastureland – the Seiseralm. It’s a magical place high above the valleys, surrounded by the dramatic Dolomites, where acres of brilliant wild flowers bloom throughout the summer.

Italy – South Tyrol – Castles

Castles are a big feature of the area and walking from castle to castle is a popular activity. There are over 350 of them brooding on hilltops, nestling in vineyards or clinging to rock faces. Most were built in the 12th and 13th centuries and many are still lived in. Some are run as hotels and restaurants.

So don’t delay the trip once all hidden secrets have proverbial to you.

 

Author Bio-

I’m Victoria James, a travel blogger and a writer from London who loves to express her recent journeys. I write articles for blogs and websites during my free time. Currently I am focusing on ESTA which is now useful for all travelers to the USA who plan to enter the country by air or sea. Did you like this post? Contact me at james.victoria92@gmail.com.

 

 


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Traveling through Eastern Europe by Train or Bus

Courtesy of 3 Bros Hostel in Cieszyn:

Traveling through Eastern Europe seems to be an easy thing. There are a lot of direct trains connecting the most popular tourist destinations such as Krakow, Prague, Budapest and Vienna.  Ticket prices may seem quite reasonable for foreign western tourists, however for Eastern European standards they are extremely expensive. It’s possible to save a lot of money and maintain (or increase!) the comfort of travel.

In a past there were 2 direct trains from Krakow to Budapest/Budapest to Krakow.  However the standard of travel was close to be acceptable, it was the most popular way to get to Budapest/Krakow. There is just one night train from Budapest to Krakow at the moment (number of trains was probably reduced due to poor financial condition of the polish public railways).  Travel takes ages and it is not cheap.

Instead of train you can choose one of two bus companies (Orangeways http://orangeways.com/en or Eurolines http://www.eurolines.pl/en/home-page ).  Tickets are twice as cheap and it takes just 7-8 hours to get to the next destination. Unfortunately the bus only leaves a few days each week – not every day.

Same story with connections: Krakow-Vienna. The train is quite comfortable, but much more expensive than a bus (http://www.eurolines.pl/en/home-page ).

You can also get a bus ticket from Krakow to Prague/Prague to Krakow, but it doesn’t leave very frequently, just 2-3 days a week. Direct trains are extremely expensive (60-70 Euros!), so travelling through Cieszyn (a border city) is becoming a more popular way to get from Prague to Krakow/Krakow to Prague. Starting from Krakow, you simply need to catch a bus from Krakow Main Bus Station to Cieszyn. Buses runs every hour (except the night time – last one departs around 10 pm and the first one around 6 am). It takes about 3 hours to get to Cieszyn and regular ticket costs approx. 5 Euros. After arrival, there is about a 20 minute walk from the Polish to the Czech part of the same city, called now Cesky Tesin (yeah, both Polish and Czech variations are so difficult to pronounce…). From the train station in Cesky Tesin, depart a lot of trains to Prague.  Just don’t forget to exchange money – for train tickets you need to pay in Czech Korunas. Catch train (ticket costs around 16 Euros), relax for about 4 hours, and finally you’re in Prague! So simple, so fast, so cheap!

For any detailed information about your travel – you can check the new Cieszyn 3 Bros Hostel’s website – they’ve got all the important information (timetables, directions) on: http://3broshostel.com/en/how-to-get-there

Other connections seem to be bit easier.

It’s quite cheap to get from Prague to Budapest/Budapest to Prague by bus(check Orangeways www.orangeways.com or Eurolines https://www.elines.cz/en/).

…and Prague to Vienna/Vienna to Prague (Eurolines https://www.elines.cz/en/ or Regiojet http://jizdenky.studentagency.cz/).

If you really enjoy trains – do not hesitate to take the one from Prague to Bratislava/Bratislava to Prague. The price is more than reasonable, and trains are comfortable.

Generally, Czech but also Slovakian railways are quite good and cheap, as compared to Polish and Hungarian ones.

Enjoy your travel!

Hostels in Czech Republic

 


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