Cuba travel with 3 kids (9,8,3)
It's always been our dream to travel to Cuba and we would love to do it next year. However, based on my research, it sounds like even with the easing of Cuba/US relations, as US citizens without family in Cuba, we still need to travel on a person-to-person cultural exchange program. How realistic would it be to bring along a 3 year old on one of these programs? Is there a program that would even allow that? Would love to hear guidance and experiences specially from those who have traveled with younger kids or who have some knowledge on family friendly programs I can look into.
Many thanks,
Dreaming of Cuba
Jun 28, 2016
Parent Replies
We went last year (pregnant but childless at the time) through Academic Arrangements Abroad, and you have nothing to fear at all! The "program" was entirely customizable, private for our group of friends, and fun/interesting for all ages! This was right before things relaxed substantially yet again so, in short, go! Have a wonderful time (and make sure to do more than just Havana!).
Hi,
You should check out the guidelines for traveling on a people-to-people/humanitarian license. I bet it wouldn't be that hard to set up a program for your own family that would allow you to travel to Cuba without signing up for one of the (expensive) programs. You might have to find a school to volunteer in or something similar, but there are definitely ways to get there creating your own itinerary - I have a friend who did something similar since the reestablishment of diplomatic relations. Or you could simply take a flight to Mexico City or Cancun and get a ticket to Havana with Cubana or Mexicana airlines. I don't think you need to worry about going thru a 3rd country at this point - enforcement of the ban is way down since Obama administration has been in power. I can tell you from experience that the exchange programs are very tightly scheduled and it probably wouldn't be an ideal experience for a 3-kid family, especially when one of them is pretty young. You would probably want more flexibility.
Anyway, I'm happy to answer more questions if you have them. I've been traveling to Cuba for over a decade, usually either on a research or family license.
Rebecca (rebecchina [at] gmail.com)