How To Fly To Cuba Right Now

 

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The first nonstop flights have started from New York to Havana since President Obama's January announcement loosing restrictions on charters, which is only the beginning of relaxed relations between the two countries.

We named Cuba one of Condé Nast Traveler’s top 15 places to go in 2015, and now that airlines and tour organizations have finally wrapped their heads around the new regulations (or, rather, lack thereof), it's clearer than ever that now is the time to travel to Cuba. But how to get there?

Full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba will resume on April 10, and the six-story building off Havana’s Malecón esplanade that was once the U.S. embassy (and is now the U.S. Interests Section) is primed to reclaim its status after 54 years. Tourism infrastructure catering to U.S. travelers is next, but flights from the U.S. to Cuba are hardly new.

Bloomberg Business reports that, every month, "hundreds of people from the 12 categories of travelers cleared for trips to Cuba fly to the island. In January, about 250 flights took off from the U.S. to Cuba and 193 Cuba-bound planes flew last month, according to industry-data tracker MasFlight."

Currently all Cuba-bound flights originating in the United States are charter flight operations, their seats solely booked through tour companies. Flights which originate elsewhere, such as in Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, may be booked directly with the airline. No matter how a U.S. citizen organizes air travel to Cuba, however, they still must have a justifiable rationale for the visit.

So, how does one go about fitting into one of the 12 categories? The White House’s official blog announced that U.S. citizens who want to travel to Cuba will still need to fall under the umbrella of “Purposeful Travel,” so tanning on the beaches of Varadero or drinking a Cuba Libre in the lobby of the Hotel Nacional are not yet valid reasons to book that ticket. The goal as stated by the White House is, after all, to "increase people-to-people contact; support civil society in Cuba; enhance the free flow of information to, from, and among the Cuban people; and help promote their independence from Cuban authorities.”

The 12 categories of approved U.S. traveler to Cuba are:

• Family visits
• Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, or intergovernmental organizations
• Journalistic activity
• Professional research and/or meetings
• Educational activities
• Religious activities
• Public performance (as a performer)
• Clinics, workshops, athletics, or other competitions and exhibitions
• Support for the Cuban people or humanitarian projects
• Activities of private foundations or institutes
• Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
• Authorized export transactions

While the relaxed regulations mean travelers may simply decide for themselves if they qualify for one of these categories, they should be prepared to provide proof if and when requested. For example, a U.S. traveler decides to book a Cuba trip, but must have a rationalization for the visit, such as being a musician intent on hearing Cuban music in order to incorporate the style into one's own compositions, or, as a chef "researching" regional cuisines of the island nation.

Brian Kelly, founder of ThePointsGuy.com, was one of the first American tourists to arrive in Cuba after the relaxation of relations on January 16. He decided to travel under the "journalistic activity" provision, as he would be writing about the trip. “I booked [the flight] at, like, at 4 p.m. and arrived in Havana at 12:30 a.m., 30 minutes after the new rules were in place, so there was still some confusion,” said Kelly. “Procuring my visa took literally a $20 bill and a smile from a Cayman Airways ticket agent; [Cuban immigration] didn't even ask for the reason for my visit when going through. They saw the tourist visa and asked if i wanted a stamp and I was in.” He even Instagrammed the customs form.

If, like Kelly, you’re anxious to get down to Cuba as soon as possible, check out the many licensed Cuba tours and cultural programs we recently highlighted.

Contributed by Cynthia Drescher, www.cntraveler.com

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

6 Hot Destinations On The Trend-O-Meter

‘Darling, didn’t you know, fuchsia is the new black.’ And so someone in the fashion industry might deliver the ultimate put down – that you are…. wait for it…. off-trend. Well fear not, when talking travel it’s possible to avoid the same fate because here are some oh-so hot destinations that are most definitely the new black.

The Greek mainland is the new Greek islands

We’re not for a second saying that the likes of Santorini, Mykonos and Crete got bad overnight; more that the mainland, and the Peloponnese in particular, just got much, much better. The arrival of an Aman is always a good indicator of a region’s revival, and the Amanzoe near Porto Heli in the Peloponnese is a winner, but there are several other cracking hotels (try out the Kinsterna and Kyrimai for couples and the Westin Costa Navarino for families). Add in outstanding classical sites such as Mycenae and the Peloponnese is on a roll.

Sao Tome & Principe is the new Galapagos

The former Portuguese islands of Sao Tome & Principe sit extremely pretty in the crook of Africa’s elbow. While the economy is dominated by cocoa and coffee, a new angle is sustainable tourism thanks to the extraordinary profusion of wildlife both on land and beneath the waves of the waters surrounding the islands. There are 143 bird species (25 endemic) and orchids galore in the jungle interiors, endangered leatherback turtles nesting on the pristine beaches and humpback waters migrating past the islands from July to October. Add unbeatable bragability points for having been somewhere most people have never even heard of and this is a winner.

Sri Lanka is the new India

Overheard recently, an ecstatic visitor fresh back from Sri Lanka – ‘It was magical! Like India, but clean!’ With love to India which remains one of THE great destinations, since the civil war Sri Lanka has pulled its proverbial socks up and become a genuine rival to India for discerning travellers’ affections. What’s the big noise? Well, chic boutique hotels popping up all along the south coast, the Cultural Triangle of fabulously named cities such as Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Kandy, and the extraordinary rock palace of Sigiriya, surely one of Asia’s most awe-inspiring sites.

Fez is the new Marrakech

Technically speaking, Fez is actually the old Marrakech, with the former founded in the 9th century, 200 years before that whipper-snapper Marrakech, but you get what I’m trying to say. Whereas modern Marrakech is embracing tourism and change, Fez remains resolutely a medieval city (but one with really nice riad-style hotels), and a genuine experience in time travel as a result. Here’s to the next 1,200 years.

The Aegean coast is the new Amalfi coast

‘Sacrilege’, we hear you say, and it might be stretching a comparison to breaking point but bear with us. The town of Bodrum remains slightly underwhelming, but waterfront villages such as Alacati and a new crop of hotels lining the beautiful Aegean coastline more than match those of the Amalfi, and – oooh, controversial – few, if any, are resting on their laurels. Exhibit A has to be the spanking new Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, an elegant amalgam of Turkish and (surprise, surprise) Oriental influences with superb rooms and some of the best restaurants anywhere on the Mediterranean. While there’s nothing to rival Pompeii here (very little can), there are plenty of fascinating classical sites and Ephesus is simply spectacular.

Yaxha is the new Tikal

Guatemala’s Tikal tickles a lot of travellers’ fancy and the site is certainly one of the finest monuments to Mayan culture, but as a result attracts a lot of visitors every year. The wily explorer should head to Yaxha, another supreme example of Mayan city building just 30 miles to the south east and far, far quieter. Do the evening tour ending up on top of one of the pyramids to see the sun setting, with a strong chance you’ll be the only ones there to savour the view.

Contributed by Tom Barber, Co-Founder of Original Travel. A Luxury Travel Blog

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

Top Business Travel Trends For 2015

A recent report by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) suggests that business travel is set to increase 8.6% in 2015, continuing its slow journey toward recovery as more economies emerge from the global recession. However, the expectations of business travelers (and the facilities and services they require) are also evolving at a rapid pace, in line with other changes in technology and society. Here are a few of the key trends expected to influence business travelers in 2015:

Growing influence of millennials

A recent Expedia travel survey reported that tech-savvy millennials (that generation born between 1980 and 2000, currently in their twenties and early thirties) are already travelling for work more frequently than older colleagues, and consequently are exerting an ever-greater influence on the business travel industry.

Compared to more mature generations, millennials tend to have higher expectations when it comes to their travel experience, with a greater interest in perks and services such as free WiFi and loyalty schemes. They're more likely to do extensive online research while planning a trip, but also more likely to book at the last minute. In part, it's their tastes that are driving the demand for value-chic hotels – stylish yet affordable accommodation with all the latest technological features. Indeed, the millennial generation's tech addiction is also a significant factor in the next two key trends for business travel in 2015…

Mobile and wearable technology

With a lot of hype around devices such as Google Glass and the Sony SmartWatch and the Apple Watch expected early in 2015 – wearable tech is expected to surge in popularity by 2016 and become a vital part of the business travel experience.
Several airlines have announced that passengers will be able to download boarding passes onto their wearable tech, whereas in some hotels smartwatches can be equipped with a room key function to save guests from having to fiddle with a separate key card. What's more, operators are starting to develop apps for the devices that allow them to send real-time notifications, updates, offers, directions and more directly to travelers – allowing for a much quicker and more immediate degree of customer service. Taken all together, these functions mean that your travel documents, info and help are always (literally) at hand – a valuable convenience and time saver for business travelers.

DIY travel options

More and more travelers – especially business travelers, who value speed and convenience – are using their mobiles to check reviews, organize trips and make bookings, as well as to perform a variety of other travel-specific tasks that would once have required the assistance of a human being.

From checking in for a flight and downloading boarding passes, to printing luggage tags and checking flight status, self-service options have become a well-established part of air travel, but hotels are now joining the DIY revolution by offering a range of speedy services. For instance, some hotels now offer mobile check-in and check-out, whereas others take room service orders through an app or even provide a "grab-and-go" food service for guests short on time.

As travelers become more and more accustomed to accomplishing a variety of tasks with a swipe of their smartphone, we can expect an increasing variety of self-service travel options. However, there may still be an argument for speaking to a travel professional – as Peter Browne of CTI Corporate Travel International explains, "Travel bookers want to be sure that they are paying the best prices for flights and hotels and, with booking channels increasing, this can be difficult. In some circumstances booking online can actually cost more than booking offline. A good travel management company will be able to identify these savings, but online-only suppliers will not."

Rise of the sharing economy

Another emerging travel trend embraced by millennials in particular are the options provided by the "sharing economy" – another legacy of the cash-strapped recession period. With more and more business travelers taking a DIY approach to travel, it’s not surprising that many are investigating the money-saving possibilities associated with peer-to-peer services, previously the domain of backpackers on a budget.

As Business Travel Show director David Chapple points out, "Companies like Airbnb and Uber will continue to gain traction among business travelers – and continue to cause disruption as they fall under increased pressure to tighten the way they operate." Some new travel search and comparison sites are even starting to include shared-economy options in their results – which means these new transport and accommodation options could put an even bigger dent in the traditional market.

The evolution of conference facilities

A final 2015 trend deals with business travelers' expectations in terms of hotel meeting and conference venues. “Gen Y and Gen Xers have different working habits than previous generations. Yet, few meeting venues cater to the needs that come with changing habits," explains Manchester Airport Marriott Hotel’s GM Hayley Chilver.

To address these changing needs, the hotel will soon feature flexible work spaces that adapt to the needs of delegates, with technology that facilitates the web-based, multimedia approach favored for modern business presentations and conferences. Social and collaborative meetings are now the norm, so hotels need to focus on video conferencing and audio-visual equipment, as well as break-out space where delegates can decompress, chat informally and center their minds over the course of the work day.

Increasingly, conference organizers will seek out venues that allow for this measure of informality, while at the same time provide the added extras – from quality snacks and beverages, to complimentary use of leisure facilities – that suit Millennials' taste for good-value luxury.

Touches like these – which focus on both productivity and well-being – will increasingly be sought out by business travelers and conference organizers in 2015 and beyond.

8 Travel Trends We Hope To See More Of This Year (And Beyond)

 

Flickr/Andres Nieto Porras

2014 was a great year for travel. From the introduction of more budget airlines in the U.S. to new hotel loyalty programs, a ton of trends are giving travelers more choices and better prices. Here are our favorites that we hope to see more of, this year and beyond.

1. Budget Carriers (That Aren't Spirit Airlines)
WOW Air recently rocked the Internet with unbelievable, under-$300 round-trip flights between Boston and Iceland — a rock-bottom price. More flights from Baltimore and Washington, D.C. will be added seasonally starting this summer, and if all goes well, we can expect more cheap flights from other American hubs. We were also excited when Norwegian Air Shuttle launched a route between NYC and London last July — the first budget carrier to do so in 37 years — with round-trip rates up to $400 less than those on the major carriers. Of course, these types of airlines are best suited to travelers who don’t require any frills, but more options can only mean better prices for consumers.

2. Cheap Dallas
Speaking of airfare, can you believe that it used to cost less to fly round-trip from New York City to places like Phoenix, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas than to Dallas? That finally changed this fall, when Southwest Airlines and Virgin Airlines both brought a whole host of flights to and from either U.S. coast, as well as Denver and Chicago. Pro tip: In general, prices drop whenever Southwest and JetBlue add new routes — that’s where the terms “Southwest effect” and “JetBlue effect” come from.

3. Free, Open WiFi
Setting aside Marriott’s embarrassing, major mistake of blocking personal WiFi, the travel industry is starting to come to terms with how important free and open WiFi is to their customers. Major hotel chains now offer free WiFi to either all guests or members of their loyalty programs, most of which are free to join — including Kimpton, IHG, Hyatt, Starwood, and, yes, Marriott. In fact, hotelwifitest said just a week ago that 85 percent of U.S. hotels offer free wifi. (Speed is a different matter, since many brands do differentiate between basic, free internet and premium-speed paid internet.) Up in the skies, JetBlue takes the cake for being the only American carrier to provide free (basic) connectivity, at least for 2015, if not beyond.

4. Car Sharing
Uber has experienced its fair share of woes as it aggressively expanded last year, but we’re going to go back to the assumption that more competition means more and better choices for travelers. These car-sharing services have meant cheaper prices (surge hours aside), easier hailing, and easier payment for those in need of a ride. Of course, Uber isn’t the only one out there. Lyft has been trying to take them head on, and Sidecar is another one to watch. And even if they don’t drop their prices, perhaps local taxi commissions will take a leaf from the car sharing book and incorporate more convenient technology into the hailing process — which black car companies are starting to do.

5. Brand-Agnostic Loyalty Programs
If it’s difficult to rack up those airline miles, it can be even harder for leisure travelers to accumulate hotel points — especially for those who prefer boutique hotels, independent properties, and inns. Enter programs like Expedia+ Rewards, the less-than-two-year-old iPrefer, and Stash Hotel Rewards. These all allow travelers to earn points at hotels beyond the big chains, enjoy extra perks, and redeem award stays more quickly.

6. Longer Airfare Price-Holding
Want more time for price comparison and shopping around than the 24 hours mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation? You have more options than ever. Just this fall, British Airways started allowing travelers to lock in your price at 72 hours for $10, and other airlines like United and Virgin Atlantic offer similar services for holds up to seven days. There are also independent websites like Options Away, a start-up that lets you lock in a prices between two and 14 days. Of course, there’s no guarantee that prices will drop when you purchase these holds, but the fees are often insignificant enough that it’s worth the potential bet on saving one or two hundred dollars at some point.

7. Swanky HostelsThe definition of luxury is changing, and, we think, for the better. A ton of chic hostels that are looking more and more like affordable boutique hotels are showing that it’s now about how an experience feels, not just how much it costs. Saving big, making new friends, and still enjoying your privacy — what’s not to love about staying at a hostel as a grown-up?

8. Rental Apartments…Managed by Hotel Chains
We all know and love vacation rentals from Airbnb, HomeAway, and the like. You get more space, bigger savings, and a better feel for the local lifestyle. Also cool? Souped up versions managed by hotel chains, through which guests can access extra services like housekeeping and concierge support. The reservations process also more resembles traditional hotel bookings, for less confusion, and you know who to go to in the even that you need troubleshooting. We’ll say it again: Hooray for more choices.

- See more at: http://blog.shermanstravel.com/2015/8-travel-trends-we-hope-to-see-more-of-this-year-and-beyond/#sthash.27FmVnsn.dpuf

Contributed by Christine Wei

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

The Newest Innovation in Aviation: Economy Sleeper Class

Air Astana, the award-winning flag carrier of Kazakhstan, is introducing an Economy Sleeper Class product on Boeing 757 services from Astana to London and Frankfurt from February 3, 2015, with Paris to be added on March 29, 2015. Economy Sleeper Class provides more comfort and allows passengers to rest and sleep in a lie-flat position, by combining three economy seats. The Economy Sleeper Class cabin is completely separate from Business and Economy Class cabins, with up to 12 seats available on each flight.

An Economy Sleeper Class kit, containing mattress, Business Class pillow and duvet, is offered for Economy Sleeper Class passengers. Additional benefits include Priority Check-in, 30kg baggage allowance, Business Class Lounge access, Priority boarding, Business Class Amenity Kit and In-flight entertainment system.

“As part of the constant process of product and service innovation, Air Astana is delighted to introduce the new Economy Class Sleeper product, which provides many of the comforts and amenities of Business Class, but is attractively priced at the equivalent full economy class fare,” said Richard Ledger, VP Worldwide Sales. “I’m confident that discerning passengers flying from Astana to European destinations will enjoy this class of travel, whilst experiencing Skytrax 4 Star award winning levels of service.”