How to Travel to Cuba http://ift.tt/1QZE7eo

As of December 2014, legal travel to Cuba for U.S. citizens became easier for the first time in more than 50 years. However, it's not quite as easy as hopping a plane to your favorite Caribbean island, because the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) oversees the rules for Cuba visits by Americans. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about Cuba travel.

Can I go to Cuba on my own just to lie on the beach and explore the country?

Not yet. The Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) lists 12 categories of activities that are approved for travel to Cuba. They include family visits, official government business, journalistic activity, professional research, educational activities, religious activities, public performances, and humanitarian projects among others. The full list is available at www.whitehouse.gov.

Independent leisure visits such as staying at a beach resort are not approved activities. However, if your planned activities in Cuba meet the criteria in any of the 12 permitted categories, you can obtain a general license from OFAC by signing an affidavit stating the intent of your visit; you no longer need to apply for a specific license for each category. The Treasury Department's website provides full descriptions of what constitutes approved activities for each category. For the most part, they are common-sense definitions. Writing about Cuba on a blog won't qualify as "journalistic activity." Family visits must be with a close relative, defined as "any individual related to a person by blood, marriage, or adoption who is no more than three generations removed from that person….”

What is People-to-People Travel?

These are cultural exchange visits (which satisfy the educational category of the permitted activities). You can travel to Cuba under this category by yourself or with a tour operator licensed for Cuba travel. If you go by yourself you are required to maintain a full-time schedule of activities that produce “meaningful interaction between the traveler and individuals in Cuba,” according to OFAC language. However it's unclear how you would prove this was the true purpose of your trip, should you be asked. Until restrictions are further eased, licensed tour operators not only provide the surest way to travel in full compliance with U.S. law, but also the deepest exploration of Cuba and its people. With groups of 20 people or fewer, their itineraries are quite immersive—packed with cultural activities and lectures as well as visits to schools, artists' studios, and cooperatives. Accommodations, food, guide services, in-country transport, and flights from Miami are included; however, the flights from Miami are for the time being on charter flights, which come at a premium. Getting to Miami is at your cost. Tour operator trips can range from $2,500 to $6,000 a week. For more information, read about Cuba's best tour operators.

What are the flight options from the United States?

On December 17, 2015, the U.S. State Department announced an agreement between the U.S. and Cuba that will allow commercial flights between the two countries to resume for the first time in more than 50 years. American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United Airlines are among the first large carriers seeking to establish commercial service to Cuba in 2016. Precisely when travelers can begin booking directly with the airlines or through online travel aggregators and agencies is uncertain because the Federal Aviation Administration needs to ensure certain safety regulations are in place. Industry experts are hopeful that regular commercial service will begin by mid-2016 or sooner. Until such time, the only available air service from the U.S. is via charter flights on carriers such as Jet Blue and ABC Airlines.

What about flight options from other countries?

Non-U.S.-based commercial airlines fly to Cuba from many destinations. Americans who meet the OFAC travel requirements can arrange to fly commercial through a third country, such as Canada, Mexico, Panama, or the Cayman Islands—an option that can often be less expensive than taking a charter flight. Some U.S. travelers without OFAC authorization fly to Cuba this way for a leisure visit, but keep in mind that your passport will be stamped by Cuban immigration, so U.S. authorities can see that you've been to Cuba. Although very few people have been prosecuted in recent years, the penalties that are currently on the books are hefty. According to OFAC's Cuban Assets Control Regulations: "Criminal penalties for violating the sanctions range up to . . . $250,000 in individual fines."

What's the Cuban currency and can I use a credit card?

Cuba uses a dual-currency system. Cubans use the peso (CUP) to purchase everyday goods; visitors use the convertible peso (CUC), which has far greater value than the CUP. The international exchange rate is $1 CUC = $1 USD; however, there is a 10% penalty charged when exchanging U.S. dollars, and a 3% currency exchange fee. U.S. dollars are not accepted for payment, and Cuban currency is not traded internationally, so you must buy CUC in Cuba. The best places to exchange U.S. dollars for CUC are at a CADECA (a government exchange bureau) or at a Cuban BFI Bank. The main branch of CADECA is in Havana on Amargura near the Malecón, but there are also branches at airports, many resorts, and town centers throughout the island. You can often exchange at hotel front desks, but you will often receive a lower exchange rate. The Cuban government says the controversial dual system will come to an end, but the time is yet to be determined .

Longtime restrictions on U.S. credit cards in Cuba are being lifted, with Visa and MasterCard accepted as of mid-2015. American Express and Discover are coming online in the near future. With Visa and MasterCard, we recommend contacting your issuing financial institution to be sure that their specific cards are supported. Businesses are beginning to accept credit cards, but many are not set up for it, especially outside Havana, so it's always a good idea to have CUC. (See Money Matters in Travel Smart for more information on currency and credit cards.)

Is it true I can bring Cuban cigars and other goods to the United States?

If OFAC-approved for travel to Cuba, Americans can now bring back up to $400 worth of souvenirs, including $100 worth of cigars. However, quality Cuban cigars can sell for $25 each, so that $100 does not go far. Note that Cuban cigars sold in other countries, such as Canada, are still banned from import to the United States.

Can I take a cruise to Cuba?

Yes, though only a handful of comapnies are eligible to bring Americans to Cuba by ship. For more information, read Everything You Need to Know About Cruising to Cuba.

As U.S.-Cuba relations develop, travel rules will continue to change. Before you plan your visit to Cuba check the U.S. Department of the Treasury website for complete, current information.

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World's Most Amazing Zip Lines http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

In December 2015, Puerto Rico’s Toro Verde Adventure Park opened the world’s longest zip line, appropriately named El Monstruo, or “The Monster.” Approximately 7,590 feet long and stretching 1,200 feet above the ground, The Monster allows riders to reach speeds of up to 90 mph, making it a new must-do for thrill seekers. But even for adventure lovers not planning a trip to Puerto Rico anytime soon, there’s no shortage of high-flying, death-defying thrills to be found around the world. Read on to see 20 zip lines that will inject a huge dose of adrenaline into your next vacation. —Zachary Laks

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20 Incredible Beaches to Visit in Costa Rica http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

With pristine, secluded hideaways and palm-fringed resort strands of sand, beaches are one of the top reasons to go to Costa Rica, but do you know which ones to visit? Don't worry—we're here to help. From pulverized volcanic rock and steady waves to soft white sand and idyllic settings, all of the beaches along the Nicoya Peninsula’s coast have their own distinct merits. Elsewhere, Playa Tam­arindo has a restaurant so close to the ocean the surf spray salts your food; Hermosa and Sámara are family-friendly spots with swimmable waters; and playas Langosta and Pelada are made for contemplative walks. Keep reading to discover 20 beautiful beaches in Costa Rica—and decide which ones are right for you.

Some quick things to note: Tamarindo, Nosara, and Sámara are good for begin­ning surfers. Playas Grande, Avellanas, and Negra are best left to those with expe­rience; other surfing waters are somewhere in between. Meanwhile, Tamarindo, Nosara, Sámara, and Tambor are beaches with air service to San José. Wherever you decide to go, keep in mind that riptides are seriously dangerous and hardly any Costa Rican beaches have lifeguards; get information from your hotel about where to swim safely before you hit the beach.

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Everything You Need to Know About Cruising to Cuba http://ift.tt/1QWxXgj

Chances are that with restrictions on travel to Cuba loosening up seemingly every day, you've set your sights on this long-off-limits locale, located just about 90 miles from the cruise port mecca of Florida. You're not alone: American travelers' interest in Cuba, with its vibrant culture and stuck-in-time mystique, is rising rapidly, with almost everybody wanting to get there before Starbucks and McDonald's does. And it's a no-brainer that with its Caribbean location and ample coastline, this island nation is perfectly primed for a port-hopping cruise vacation.

Happily, sailing options in Cuba opened up to Americans recently, via a special "people-to-people" program aimed at promoting cultural and educational exchanges. And while the embargo on leisure travel to Cuba is not yet fully lifted, a broad variety of escorted tours—many of which are based from cruise ships—are now being offered by companies that can meet the government requirements on your behalf.

While cruise ships owned by non-U.S. companies have been plying Cuban waters for some time, Americans still aren't allowed on any cruise line operating there that doesn't afford travelers an approved people-to-people experience (like MSC Cruises, for instance). So, for the time being, you'll still be restricted to a few small-ship cruise lines/tour operators that are licensed to meet the legal requirements for escortint American travelers. Accordingly, keep in mind that this won't be like any other cruise where you can hop on and off at explore ports at will: Your schedule will instead be packed with mandatory guided excursions.

How long before mainstream cruise ships are able to sail Cuba remains to be seen, and many challenges with Cuban infrastructure, port facilities, and bureaucracy lie in wait. (Just this week, Pearl Seas Cruises was forced to cancel its first offerings between Florida and Cuba due to a lack of approval from the Cuban government.) But what's certain is that with the country's proximity to dozens of existing cruise operators based out of Florida and within the Caribbean, once the go-ahead is given, the Cuba cruising options will be available by the boatload.

In the meantime, here are four reputable companies that will get you sailing to Cuba this year. (All quoted rates are based on double occupancy and include lodging, meals, and guided excursions.)

1. Cuba Cruise by Celestyal Cruises

Greek-owned Celestyal Cruises runs Cuba Cruise, has offered itineraries in Cuba for an international clientele since late 2013. In November 2015, the line developed a people-to-people product geared specifically toward American cruisers, in cooperation with the U.S. nonprofit organization Fund for Reconciliation and Development. Set sail aboard the 960-passenger Celestyal Crystal (formerly the Louis Cristal) on a series of 7-night sailings that run round-trip either from Havana or Montego Bay, Jamaica, taking in Cuban ports of call in Santiago de Cuba (Cuba's second-largest city), Maria La Gorda (a marine wonderland and famed dive site), and Cinefuegos (aka the “Pearl of the South”), as well as an overnight call in Havana. En route, guests will encounter historians, watch dance performances, visit historic sites, chat with local artists, engage with university professors, and more. On board, cruisers can kick back and relax with plentiful amenities like a pool, spa, fitness center, and casino, as well as Cuban-inspired food, activities, enrichment lectures, and entertainment. Guests can book directly through Celestyal Cruises, though note several U.S. tour operators have partnered with the line to run their own branded people-to-people Cuba tours aboard the Celestyal Crystal, including Globus and Road Scholar. Rates from $1,529, including extras like unlimited drinks (including alcohol) and gratuities; weekly sailings run mid-November through early April. 

2. Fathom

A subsidiary of the Carnival Corporation, newcomer Fathom is the first U.S.-owned cruise line to sail to Cuba since the trade embargo was implemented back in 1960. In full compliance with the people-to-people U.S. regulations, Fathom cruisers will begin embarking to Cuba in May 2016 on itineraries that sail round-trip from Miami to three ports of call in Cuba, including Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba. Guests can anticipate an itinerary with an emphasis on cultural immersion, with visits to a community art collective, local primary school, organic farm, and more. Seven-night itineraries will run every other week, year-round, aboard the spruced-up, 704-passenger Adonia (formerly of Carnival Corporation’s P&O Cruises), which comes equipped with amenities like a pool, gym, games deck, and library, as well as an onboard Cuba-intensive enrichment program. (Note the Fathom program is still pending approval from the Cuban government as of early March 2016.) Rates from $1,800/person. 

3. Group IST & Variety Cruises

Two of Greek-owned Variety Cruises' sailing vessels—the 48-passenger Panorama II and Panorama—along with the 71-guest Variety Voyager mega-yacht (the latter's a new option for the fall 2016 through spring 2017 season, in response to surging demand) are the setting for Group IST's series of 7-night Cuba people-to-people itineraries. Sailing between the cities of Havana and Cienfuegos, guests can expect intimate group excursions along the western coast of the country (with Cuban ports of call in Maria La Gorda, the resort island of Cayo Largo, and the Spanish colonial city of Trinidad), led by an English-speaking Cuban guide. Scheduled outings include stops at museums, schools, religious centers, archaeological sites, art galleries, community centers, and more, where guests can chat with local Cuban artists, musicians, religious leaders, and historians. And, of course, some time is set aside for swimming and snorkeling (you are in the Caribbean, after all!). Note that some third-party tour operators, including Insight Cuba, also book in on the Group IST program with some modifications on the programming. Prices from $2,990/person; itineraries are available year-round. 

4. International Expeditions

International Expeditions is now offering two people-to-people cruising options in Cuba for U.S. citizens. Guests can hop aboard the 48-passenger Panorama (fully chartered from Variety Cruises) for a 9-night itinerary that includes a 7-night sailing, as well as a night on land in both Miami and Cienfuegos; the cruise segment runs from Cienfuegos, stopping in Trinidad, Cayo Largo, Maria La Gorda, and ending with four nights anchored in Old Havana. En route, visit a sea turtle breeding center, take dance lessons, visit working artist studios, attend local choir and theater performances, and more. Rates from $5,299/person; runs from December through late March/early April.

Or for the ultimate splurge starting March 2017 (and running through May 2017), opt to set out by 10-passenger private yacht for the ultimate in intimate and pampered Cuba exploration. The 7-night itineraries embark from Havana, with stops in the tobacco-rich Vinales Valley, San Francisco de Paula (site of Hemingway’s home), Varadero (a popular beach resort), and Archipelago de Sabana (a prime snorkeling spot), before disembarking in the cultured city of Matanzas. On board the plush vessel, you'll have the dedicated services of three crew members, plus a local Cuban guide, as well as a dinghy for shore excursions and deck with grill and bar. The catch?  The vessel must be fully chartered—for a whopping $74,000.

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World's Biggest St. Patrick's Day Celebrations http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Regardless of your actual heritage, everyone's a little bit Irish during the month of March. That might help explain why elaborate St. Patrick's Day celebrations can be found across the globe every year. Outside of Ireland, some of the biggest March 17 events are held in the U.S., but all of these cities host parades, festivals, and plenty of Irish dancing. Throw on some green and get ready to party at the world’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Erin go Bragh! —Annie Bruce

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America's 10 Best Spots for Seeing Wildflowers http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

In desert valleys, grassland prairies, and alpine meadows, wildflowers are the color-saturated harbingers of spring—nature’s guarantee that the days are getting longer and, eventually, warmer. And like a modern-day rite of spring, we celebrate wildflower festivals in small towns and national parks across the US. Here are 10 recommendations for seeing wildflowers in all their glory, in all their different habitats. Just remember to look and not touch—picking flowers from national parks is illegal, after all. —Deb Hopewell

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10 Best Children's Museums in the U.S. http://ift.tt/eA8V8J

If you've ever brought a young child to an art museum, then you're all too familiar with the high-stakes anxiety involved (like keeping them from touching that prized Monet or from bumping into an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus). We propose saving The Met for just a few more years, and taking your brood instead to a family-friendly children’s museum, where just about everything is meant to be touched. The concept of “hands-on learning” in a museum was introduced by the Boston Children’s Museum back in 1913, and today’s children’s museums deftly balance play with educational opportunities. Whether your kids are inspired by reptiles, outer space, skyscrapers, or puzzles, our favorite children’s museums offer plenty of ways to engage young minds. —Christina Valhouli

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