As you might have heard, the U.S. government has  some very exciting plans in store for 2015: namely, loosening restrictions on U.S. travel to Cuba. No beach vacations yet, but the prospects are looking good! After years of going through the rigorous processes involved to upkeep our people-to-people license to travel to Cuba, we’re as thrilled as anyone else about the prospect of loosened restrictions, but we know not to expect everything to change at once. Travel companies just entering the Cuba market may need time establishing their tours, particularly with the still limited communication and travel options. Charter planes have to be booked, business relationships with Cuban suppliers need to be made, and itineraries that meet the government’s requirements have to be developed.

But that certainly doesn’t mean you should put your dreams of visiting Cuba on hold. By the time Cuban travel becomes entirely de-regulated and a mainstream U.S. resort destination, it may not have the same unique culture, untouched by American corporations. In 10 years, Cuba could have a Starbucks on every corner. That’s why there’s no better time to visit Cuba, and we’re happy to provide our culturally immersive, road-tested Cuba tours to give you the opportunity to explore Cuba before the rest of the U.S. does.

You don’t have to wait to start planning your visit to Cuba—with Explorica, you can book a tour and guarantee your tour and date right now. We’ve been licensed to lead tours to Cuba for years, and have led numerous government-sanctioned tours to the exclusive travel destination. So if you’re excited to explore the uncharted territory of Cuba, you don’t have to wait a single second to start planning the adventure of a lifetime.

6 reasons to visit Cuba in 2015

#1 To build global perspective

Although Cuba is just 93 miles away from the U.S., the 50+ year embargo between the U.S. and the communist country has created a unique barrier between the two countries. Now that relations are softening, it’s the perfect time to visit and explore the little known culture and unique perspective of the people of Cuba.

#2 To meet the locals

“We had several opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue with our tour directors, leaders of various social projects, writers, farmers, musicians, and local teachers and students. We touched on everything, including music, food, economy, politics, education, and hopes and dreams from a clearly changing society.” Ryan, Portland, Oregon

#3 To change lives

“These have been the best all-around experiences that immerse the students in the language, culture and lifestyle of the people. I would not change these experiences for anything! They are life-changing.” Michael, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

#4 To be more than a “tourist”

“This tour was unlike any other in that all of our activities were centered around the community. It was not a “touristy” visit. We learned about how the people of Cuba really live and what life is like there. It was excellent!” Christina, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

#5 To make new friends

“The lunch we had in Viñales Valley was perhaps the culminating moment of our trip. We lunched on a farm after visiting an organic farm. The whole roasted pig, the hospitality, and the poetic explanation of life in rural Cuba by Señor Vitamina were all great, but it was at this moment that everyone in the group just knew how similar people from all places and cultures really are to one another. We exchanged this idea with our Cuban hosts and conveyed well how inspired we were to have experienced a rich culture.” Sean, Seattle, Washington

#6 To discover the culture of Cuba

“Grab the opportunity to take your students to Cuba! It is a fantastic chance to learn about Cuba’s history and culture through the eyes of everyday citizens who are working to better their country.” Alicia, Seattle, Washington

#7 For the experience

 

“The Cuba Educational Exchange was a once in a lifetime experience.” Beth, Washington, D.C.

So, what are you waiting for?

Plan your trip to Cuba today