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Is my departure guaranteed?
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Yes, the date for this trip is guaranteed! However, please do not make any travel arrangements until you receive confirmation from KB Cuba. Please note, you must arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 7. Due to legal restrictions, KB Cuba is not able to assist in any travel that falls outside of the scheduled departure dates.
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Is it legal for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba?
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Yes. On June 5th, 2019 the U.S. released new regulations concerning travel to Cuba. Many categories were restricted or reduced, and the People to People exception category was essentially eliminated. The primary directive of the new regulations was to ensure legitimate engagement in a full-time schedule of activities that enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, and result in meaningful interactions with individuals in Cuba. All KB Cuba trips comply with all three parts of this new requirement. Further documentation can be provided upon request.
This trip has been hand-designed to completely and directly comply with the amended OFAC general license § 515.567 - Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions. This authorizes, subject to conditions, travel-related transactions and other transactions that are directly incident to organization of and participation in amateur and semi-professional international sports federation competitions as well as other athletic and other competitions and public performances, clinics, workshops, and exhibitions in Cuba.
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Do I need a special visa or documentation?
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Cuba does not require anything special or different from U.S. travelers. All visitors to Cuba do need a tourist card, which generally is automatically given to everyone, and the airline that brings you to Cuba is responsible for selling you the card. You'll also need a regular U.S. passport at least six months from its expiration date.
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Do I need to sign up for the Havana Marathon? How much does it cost? Do you have more details?
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Yes. Once you have booked your trip you can register and get general information on the Havana Marathon here. Click the ENG option at the top right corner of the page to see the site in English. You'll be able to sign up for the Marathon in Cuba the day before, but it's always best to be prepared beforehand.
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Does the marathon provide support stations?
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The Havana Marathon race course is well equipped with medical stations and refreshments throughout the course. There is a large medical tent with staff to be found at both the start and finish line, as well as oasis stands with doctors and various supplies every three kilometers. Please note that the quantity and quality of the refreshments is below the standards of many US marathons; water and fruit are the standard fare rather than Gatorade and gels.
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What is the best way to get to the trip start location? Will someone pick me up from the airport?
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Plan to fly into Jose Marti International Airport, where you'll be met by a tour representative. Many U.S. airlines fly direct into Havana. Please note, you must arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 7. Due to legal restrictions, KB Cuba is not able to assist in any travel that falls outside of the scheduled departure dates.
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How do I book airfare to Cuba?
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You can book flights to Cuba through most major airlines. When you select your flight, you'll just need to confirm that you are traveling under the "Amateur or semi-professional international sports federation competitions" category.
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Can I arrive early or stay late?
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Unfortunately no, at least not with KB Cuba. This is a very common request, but U.S. regulations do not allow independent, individual travel around Cuba. If you do come early or arrive late, the operator will not be able to assist with guides, activities, or transportation (including to or from airport).
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What are the accommodations like?
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You'll stay in private homes (“casas”) which is what most travelers do. These homes are often similar to hostels - private rooms with private bathrooms, often with separate entrances. They are clean and comfortable, and you only have to be around the families if you want to. Many travelers say it is one of their favorite parts of the trip.
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Can solo travelers get their own room? Is there a single supplement fee?
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Pricing for this trip is based on double occupancy. If you are a solo traveler and would like your own room throughout the trip there is a fee. For information on pricing and availability, please contact our Adventures Team.
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If included, what is the food like?
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Breakfast is included every day of your trip and usually features fresh fruit juices, bread/butter/jam, fresh hot coffee, and tea. Lunches and dinners are not included. It is not required to eat with the guide and/or others in the group, but most people do. The guides know all the best restaurants and can provide recommendations.
Cuban food is really delicious and common dishes include: seafood prepared a number of ways, chicken, pork, and rice and beans are usually available. Vegetarian meals are a bit harder to come by, but vegetarian guests are usually pleasantly surprised once they find suitable options.
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How much extra money should people budget?
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$12 for lunch and $18 for dinner should be enough to cover meals, however that doesn't include alcohol. The cost of alcoholic drinks is similar to an average restaurant in the U.S. If you want to also include gift/souvenirs, then around 500 euros should be a good amount for most people to bring.
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How does money work in Cuba?
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The only paper currency in Cuba at the moment is Cuban pesos. Americans can't use their credit cards or debit cards while in Cuba - all your transactions will be in cash only. Most places will accept euros over dollars as payment and in fact they prefer it. KB Cuba recommends only bringing euros to Cuba. Never go to a bank to exchange your euros - always ask the guide or the host at the homestay.
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What should people bring? Do you have a packing list?
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Cuba is a warm, tropical island so appropriate sunscreen, sandals, floppy hats, insect repellent, and thin, loose fitting clothing is recommended. Even in fancy restaurants, shorts and a collared shirt or sundress paired with sandals will get you in, but many travelers in those places are well dressed. There is no formal dress code so just follow your usual instincts. KB Cuba recommends packing as you would for any weeklong trip to a beach resort, with the addition of a few items as described below:
Running shoes and clothes
Lightweight, breathable fabric long pants (2) and/or shorts (2)
Lightweight, breathable fabric shirts, long sleeve (2) and short sleeve (3)
Sundresses
T-shirts, casual button down short sleeve evening shirts (2-3)
All medicine and all personal hygiene items needed for one week
Swimming trunks or bathing suit
Sandals/flip flops
Sturdy hiking shoes
Socks and underwear
Wide brimmed sun hat
Insect repellent, non aerosol
beach/bathing towel
Sunscreen
Power outlets in Cuba vary; there are usually US-standard 110v outlets available, but some are 220v. Most are marked, but some are not. Overall, it is best to bring a power adapter/surge protector type charger for your phone, camera, or computer. Check with your device manufacturer or retailer for details. You should bring all needed medicine, personal hygiene, and eyesight needs including contact lens solution. Also, all batteries, chargers, memory cards, SIM cards, etc should be brought as they are not easily purchased.
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How big will my group be?
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The maximum group size is 10 with an average usually around 7 or 8.
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Does my guide speak English? Is he/she Cuban?
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Yes, the guide will speak english. KB Cuba Tours hires local, Cuban guides in order to give you the most authentic experience.
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Will there be Internet access?
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The short answer is that internet access in Cuba is available in all the towns you stay in and travel to. It is dial-up internet so it is limited in terms of downloading photos and video, etc. There are small wi-fi zones in each town at various parks and hotels, and the guides are used to taking people there to check up on work emails, etc. Travelers should, generally speaking, plan on using the internet as little as possible as it can be time consuming.
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How can I call home if I need to? What is the cell phone coverage like?
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US cell carriers are opening up coverage in Cuba, so check with your provider as they may be able to offer you roaming services. The guides are able to call the U.S. from their cell phone in an emergency, and you'll be provided their number so that anyone from the U.S. can reach you in an emergency.
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Do I need to get vaccinations before departing?
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Most travelers, after consulting with their medical professional, learn that no special shots or vaccinations are required for them to visit Cuba. KB Cuba recommends checking with your health provider or local travel clinic.
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Can I stay in a hotel instead?
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Due to US regulations, KB Cuba clients are not allowed to stay in the government owned hotels of Cuba. Please consult Section 515.567 of the CACR if you would like more details.
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Should I purchase travel insurance? If so, do you have a recommended provider?
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We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling.
Due to U.S. regulations, many travel insurance companies do not cover travel to Cuba. Your chosen airline may offer flight/trip protection and your health insurance may also offer coverage for your trip. Check with your provider for details.
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Are there special requirements for entry into the destination I am visiting?
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We recommend you visit the local government websites where you plan to travel and review the required documentation for entry, current restrictions, and general recommendations for travel within the area. We encourage you to also visit your home country's embassy website if you are traveling to a foreign country. Requirements can change rapidly. Please be sure you stay abreast of the requirements and restrictions for anywhere you plan to visit. You can also enroll in the U.S. government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and you will be sent updates if the situation in your destination changes. You can find the program link at https://step.state.gov/.
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Can I cancel the trip?
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Book confidently with Free Cancellations within 72 hours of booking. After 72 hours, cancellation fees will apply. For more information on our Travel Cancellation Policy please Click Here.