15-day trip to Cuba!

This is not a "meetup event". I posted this because I am going on this trip, definitely, and hope that some others in our group will come with me. If so, you need to book with the tour company "Cuban Adventures" and with American Airlines. They can answer your questions, or send me a message via meetup. Let us know on this page if you are going. I hope that some folks will come with me.

This trip to Cuba is legal because all of our money will be spent supporting the Cuban people. Price is $1625 USD. See here for all about the tour, including the itinerary: https://www.cubagrouptour.com/tour/15-day-cuba-tour-package

We will stay in guesthouses, which are smaller and more intimate than hotels - no spa, etc. I love staying in guesthouses, did it for 2 weeks of travel in Turkey. They are owned by Cuban, not as the hotels owned by international companies.

Group size max is 16 people. So far, there are 5 of us in our 60's and 70's, with one woman age 35.

I like that this trip is flexible most days. Rather than being told what we will do that day, every day you can choose from a list of options. For list of optional events (looks interesting), see https://friur.com/tour/details/activities/day-trips-and-things-to-do-in-cuba

They suggest that you bring $750 and $900 USD for food and optional excursions each day. We cannot use our credit cards, and there are no ATM machines. Cuba has it's own monetary system, but we can use US dollars. We must bring U.S. cash!

American Airlines looks like the best option for buying your plane ticket. When I called, they asked me the purpose of my trip, I told her how it was to support Cuban people, and she had a long list to choose from - eventually "supporting the Cuban people (or something like that) was on her list. I said "Yes, that one!". No problem. I did not have to show documentation or answer any other questions, just put a check mark next to that option on the list. That was easy!

The tour starts Dec 26 - you can arrive anytime that day. I am flying the a day early, Dec 25, because it is around $400 cheaper to fly on Christmas Day. (If these dates are not good for you, but this trip interests you, there are plenty of other dates to choose from).

They are very friendly, so call them with any questions. But most questions can be answered on their web site.

To book, click on Book next to Dec 26 trip. You do not pay immediately. When you fill out the page that comes after you click on Book, you will enter some information. Then they will give you a conditional acceptance (no problem) and send you an email saying that they will contact you again in the next few days. I got this 2nd email today, and could put my credit card info in to pay the $100 deposit. Full payment is due later. Here are payment terms:

i. 91+ days before start date: | 0% Cancellation fee | 100% of Deposit held on file as Credit voucher |
ii. 61 - 90 days before start date: | 50% of deposit as Cancellation fee | 50% of Deposit held on file as Credit voucher |
iii.16 - 60 days before start date: | 20% of Total fee as Cancellation fee | 100% of Deposit held on file as Credit voucher |
iv. 48 hours -15 days before start date: | 50% of Total fee as Cancellation fee | 50% of Total fee held on file as Credit voucher|
v. Less than 48 hours before the start date: The Cancellation fee is 100%.