I have been to Cuba (8 days) partly to work no yet and enjoyed the visit greatly. Is really a shame that US citizens have to go through this crap mainly due to the ...-kissing of politicians to the Cuban lobby in South Florida. (there I made a political statement so what ??)
You will go through a bit of a culture shock as Havana looks like a '60s movie.
The cheapest way to go is to fly to the Bahamas and fly Cubana from there or alternately fly to Montego Bay or Kingston Jamaica and go by Air Jamaica.(2 flights per day) If you want to avoid US dollars get Euros as these are accepted now, also a non-US Mastercard.
Enjoy Pollo Baracoa, papaya yogurt, roast pork and the very refreshing water-melon juices.
Mike

I'm also planning a trip to Cuba for spring break. As a US citizen living in Canada, I don't see any problems--I'm "supposed" to be in Canada in the first place, so there won't be any questions there. Many times, US citizens coming through Canada in January will go directly home and go through US-preclearance in Canadian airports, tan and wearing summer clothes--highly suspicious to immigration officers. As I won't be going to the US for some time after returning from Cuba, I don't see how they can figure anything out.

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regards,
brian

The problem with flying from Jamaica is that the Jamaicans will stamp your passport "Departure to Cuba". You can fly from Nassau on Cubana (it's quite cheap as I recall) and the Bahamians won't stamp your passport.



[This message has been edited by laxth (edited 10-18-2002).]

I am going to Cuba LEGALLY for a holidays/new years trip. It is not the 70s anymore and it is fairly easy to obtain permission from the Treasury to go. I am going through YYZ. If you haven't booked a trip yet http://www.grupotaca.com had cheap flights from YYZ to HAV ($401 coach $620 biz)on LACSA.
As long as you don't get your passport stamped by the Cuban immigration, you should have no problems. Go for it!!!!!!!


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"I just wanna wish you good luck, we're all counting on you"
-Dr. Rumack

If you are purely interested in a beach or traditional tour vacation then go with the previous suggestions however you will miss out on the best reason to go to Cuba, which is meeting some real Cubans as opposed to tourist staff. I would look into
www.globalexchange.org
www.witnessforpeace.org
Both groups offer amazing trips (usually with a couple relaxing days at Varadero) where you get to really do some learning about Cuba. They are 100% legal and you could extend your trip a week or 2 after the group portion in order to get some time to yourself and relax. These groups offer educational tours so they are a bit intense however there is no better way to learn about what Cuba is REALLY like. Forget the Nacional and the tourist traps....you can get the beautiful hotels and toursit Caribbean in Puerto Rico for cheaper. Cuba is an amazing place otherwise you wouldnt be interested in going. I spent almost 6 months there on 2 trips and saw plenty of Havanatour buses etc. The packaged tours dont give a good sense of the true music, food and dancing. Do Cuba right. Drop me an email with any questions.

"I" was there legally both times and do not suggest trying to skirt the rules. W has actually begun to enforce them unlike Clinton. There is nothing like getting a $7,000 fine in the mail 2 weeks after you return from Cuba.