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Photo by Andy Gillingham
A legal vacation to CUBA may soon be possible.
As Americans, we assume that we enjoy the freedom to do whatever other citizens of the developed world do. But for U.S. citizens, vacationing in Cuba is something that has been forbidden since 1963. Since Pres. Obama is expected to ease travel restrictions at the Spring Summit on March 27, it may be time to start planning a budget vacation. But what must we consider before packing a beach bag and tasting Havana’s daiquiris over which even Hemingway once gained inspiration?
It is easy as an adventure-lover to see the benefit of approving The Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act. Dancing show halls and cigar bars are a must-visit for anyone looking to submerse themselves in the culture, and car buffs will appreciate the refurbished American jalopies, which result from the US embargo’s “no new cars or parts” rule. Now considered Cuba’s national symbol, tourists may take one of these reconstructed antiques for a spin, arriving at powdery sand beaches, just nine miles from Havana’s city center. And because Cubans have made do with many antiquated items over the years, a trip to Cuba is a bit like going back in time. See the video below of an old-fashioned camera being used by a local man in Havana or just follow the link.
However, some worry that tourism to Cuba would support the Castro regime, pumping more funding into a corrupt government. Does keeping an outdated 46-year trade disable an evil leadership or are we just hurting the people of Cuba? It makes one wonder: At this point, is the U.S. stubbornly holding onto this law, or is it really still serving a purpose? On October 10, 2006, the United States created a task force to vigorously pursue trade embargo violators against Cuba, with penalties consisting of 10 years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. However, even with the embargo, the United States is still the seventh largest exporter to Cuba. If the US government benefits despite the embargo, why is it necessary to spend tax payers’ money to track down "violators" who visit the country?
Another aspect of this situation is that of the Cuban immigrants in the States who have not been home to see their families in years. Shouldn’t they have that freedom to travel, without repercussions, to their homeland? It may be high time to make peace and move forward, trading fairly with Cuba and opening up tourism; More trade with Cuba would help the struggling U.S. economy and unlatch a new, affordable vacation destination for budgeting Americans.
If you believe the US should lift their trade embargo and allow tourists and Cubans residing in the States a chance to visit Cuba, call your Congressional representative at (202) 225-3121 and ask him/her to give support and co-sponsorship to HR874.
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