United Airlines Expands Nonstop Flight Routes Across the Caribbean

Escaping to the tropics is about to get significantly easier for sun-seekers across the United States. United Airlines is launching a fresh wave of nonstop flights to premier island hot spots, boosting direct connections between major U.S. hubs and high-demand Caribbean destinations.

The network expansion brings new routes, added seasonal frequencies, and expanded hub gateways to island classics like Turks & Caicos, Dominica, and the vibrant coastal shores of Cartagena along the Colombian Caribbean.

United Airlines is expanding nonstop connections from major hubs directly to Caribbean island hotspots.

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New & Expanded Nonstop Routes at a Glance

United's latest timetable updates unlock direct service for several regions that previously required layovers in Florida or Georgia:

• Denver (DEN) to Turks & Caicos (PLS): Launching new Saturday nonstop service connecting Colorado and western U.S. travelers directly to Grace Bay's iconic white-sand beaches. This marks the westernmost nonstop connection between the U.S. and Turks & Caicos.
• Houston (IAH) & Washington Dulles (IAD) to Cartagena (CTG): Adding nonstops four times weekly to the historic Colombian Caribbean gateway, giving travelers seamless access to the old walled city and the nearby Rosario Islands.
• Newark (EWR) to Dominica (DOM): Doubling down on pristine eco-tourism destinations with expanded nonstop service to the "Nature Island" of the Caribbean.

UNITED CARIBBEAN EXPANSION HIGHLIGHTS

• Key Target Gateways: Turks & Caicos, Cartagena, Dominica
• Primary Origin Hubs: Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Washington Dulles (IAD), Newark (EWR)
• Primary Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX 8 & 737 MAX 9 featuring modern seating and Bluetooth IFE
• Booking Availability: Fares currently open on the United website & app

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Elevated Onboard Comfort & Connectivity

The majority of these new regional routes will be operated using United's modern Boeing 737 MAX aircraft lineup. Onboard, passengers can expect elevated cabin features designed for leisure comfort:

• Seatback entertainment screens with Bluetooth audio connectivity at every seat.
• Spacious overhead bins designed to easily fit standard carry-on suitcases.
• High-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets to stay connected throughout the flight.
• United First® recliners and United Economy Plus® extra-legroom seating options.

Travelore Pro-Tip: When booking Saturday leisure flights to Turks & Caicos or Dominica, look for one-stop connecting routes through Denver or Newark if you're originating on the West Coast to avoid overnight red-eyes.

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The Takeaway for Island Travelers

With direct options expanding far beyond traditional East Coast hubs, planning a tropical getaway is becoming faster and more convenient than ever. Whether you want an eco-adventure in Dominica or a beach retreat in Turks & Caicos, United's expanded timetable offers more ways to reach the water with fewer stops.

Frontier Airlines Adds 4 New Routes Across The U.S. And Caribbean

As the crisp autumn air approaches, travelers are already plotting their winter escapes. Frontier Airlines is stepping up to the plate, announcing four brand-new routes launching in late 2026 that will connect key U.S. cities and bridge the mainland with the Caribbean.

Whether you are looking to swap the Midwest snow for Florida sunshine or seeking a daily connection to Puerto Rico, this latest network expansion has something for everyone. Plus, with introductory fares starting as low as $69, these new flights are incredibly wallet-friendly.

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The New Route Breakdown

Frontier is officially launching these routes in November and December 2026. Here is a quick look at where the ultra-low-cost carrier is heading next:

Route	Start Date	Frequency	Introductory Fare
Kansas City (MCI) to Orlando (MCO)	November 20, 2026	4x Weekly	$69
Denver (DEN) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL)	November 20, 2026	Daily	$99
Detroit (DTW) to Los Angeles (LAX)	November 20, 2026	Daily	$99
Houston (IAH) to San Juan (SJU)	December 17, 2026	Daily	$99

Travelore Tip: Introductory fares are for one-way travel and require a 21-day advance purchase. Be mindful of blackout dates around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays if you plan to snag these base rates.

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Route Highlights & Strategy

• Deepening the Caribbean Footprint: The new daily service between Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is a massive win for Texas travelers. Launching just in time for the peak winter holiday season on December 17, this route provides a consistent, daily low-cost option to explore Old San Juan, El Yunque National Forest, and Puerto Rico's stunning beaches. This addition pushes Frontier's San Juan network to a robust 21 destinations.


• Filling the Spirit Void: Industry watchers will notice that routes like Denver to Fort Lauderdale and Detroit to Los Angeles target markets where Spirit Airlines previously held a significant presence. Frontier is strategically moving in to offer a budget-friendly alternative on these high-demand leisure corridors.


• Connecting the Midwest to the Magic: The Kansas City to Orlando route offers a much-needed, affordable escape for Midwestern families heading to Florida's theme park capital just before the holidays.

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The "New Frontier" Experience

If you haven't flown Frontier recently, these new routes might be the perfect time to experience their "New Frontier" initiatives:

• UpFront Plus Seating: Passengers can now book seats in the first two rows, guaranteeing a window or aisle seat with extra legroom and a blocked middle seat for added elbow room.


• Enhanced Loyalty: The airline now offers unlimited companion travel for its most loyal customers, with the flexibility to choose a different companion on every flight.


• Future Upgrades: Looking ahead, Frontier is planning to introduce true First Class seating later in 2026, combining premium space with their trademark affordable prices.
• In a massive shift for the budget carrier, Frontier just announced they are rolling out ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi across their fleet starting in early 2027, allowing passengers to stream, work, and browse gate-to-gate.

If you are looking to take advantage of these new routes for a winter getaway, you'll want to book quickly to secure those promotional fares. Safe travels!

American Airlines Dominates The Tropics: Inside The Massive Caribbean Expansion

If you have been daydreaming about crystal-clear waters, white sand, and a piña colada, getting there has officially never been easier. American Airlines has doubled down on its position as the undisputed king of Caribbean travel. Continuing an aggressive growth strategy that ramped up over the last few years, the airline's latest 2026 network updates have cemented its massive footprint in the region.

By leveraging its fortress hubs in Miami (MIA) and Charlotte (CLT), American Airlines is not just adding more flights to the usual tourist hotspots—they are opening up entirely new, hard-to-reach islands to direct U.S. commercial traffic. Here is everything you need to know about AA's latest Caribbean expansion and how it impacts your next tropical getaway.

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🗺️ New and Expanded Island Destinations

The most exciting part of this expansion is American's willingness to fly into smaller regional airports, saving travelers from the hassle of booking separate prop-plane puddle jumpers or taking long ferry rides. Here are some of the most notable additions and frequency boosts:

Destination	Connecting Hub	Why It Matters
Ocho Rios, Jamaica (OCJ)	Miami (MIA)	Lands you directly at Ian Fleming International, saving a 2-hour drive from Montego Bay.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands (EIS)	Miami (MIA)	Bypasses the need to fly into St. Thomas and take a ferry across to the BVI.
Governor's Harbour, Bahamas (GHB)	Miami (MIA)	Opens up the stunning, quieter pink sand beaches of Eleuthera without a layover in Nassau.
Anguilla (AXA) & Dominica (DOM)	Miami (MIA)	Expanded to daily service, making luxury and eco-tourism more accessible than ever.
Punta Cana (PUJ) & Cancun (CUN)	Charlotte (CLT) / Dallas (DFW)	Massive frequency boosts (up to 5-6 flights daily) to handle heavy resort demand.

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✈️ The Miami Megahub Advantage

If you are flying American Airlines to the Caribbean, there is a very high chance you will connect through Miami International Airport (MIA). American operates over 140 peak-day departures to the Caribbean and Latin America from Miami alone.

To support this expansion, AA has optimized its flight banks at MIA. This means shorter layovers for passengers arriving from domestic routes across the Midwest, Northeast, and West Coast. You can easily catch a 6:00 AM flight out of Chicago or Boston and be on the beach in Antigua by early afternoon.

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💡 Travelore Tips for Booking AA Caribbean Flights

• Use AAdvantage Miles Strategically: Because American dominates these routes, they often run "Web Special" awards. You can sometimes snag one-way economy flights to places like the Dominican Republic or the Bahamas for as little as 10,000 to 15,000 miles during off-peak seasons.
• Watch Out for Basic Economy: American heavily pushes Basic Economy on Caribbean routes. If you plan on bringing a full-sized carry-on, you are fine (AA allows them on Basic Economy), but you will not be able to choose your seat, which can be an issue if you are traveling with a family.
• Track Hurricane Season: The peak of the Caribbean expansion flights coincides with the summer, but remember that August through October is prime hurricane season. Always purchase travel insurance or book with a premium travel credit card that offers robust trip cancellation coverage.

With these new routes, the hardest part of your next vacation won't be the travel logistics—it will be deciding which island to visit first.

American Airlines Returns To The Dominican Republic from PHL After 4-Year Hiatus

Pack your swimsuits and find your sunglasses – a much-missed travel connection is back. After a four-year hiatus, American Airlines is officially relaunching nonstop service from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to the stunning Dominican Republic.

Starting this May 2026, American Airlines will operate four weekly flights from PHL directly to Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI). This is fantastic news for anyone looking to ditch the layovers and dive straight into vacation mode in one of the Caribbean's most popular destinations.

Why the Dominican Republic from PHL is a Huge Win:

Nonstop Ease: For four long years, getting from Philly to the Dominican Republic meant adding hours to your travel time with connecting flights. The return of this nonstop route dramatically improves convenience for local travelers.

Access to a Cultural & Adventure Hub: Santiago itself is a vibrant city rich in culture and history, known for its friendly atmosphere and bustling markets. It’s also an excellent gateway for exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Cibao Valley and is within reasonable driving distance of some of the country’s spectacular northern beaches.

More Choice for Caribbean Travel: This service expansion adds significant capacity and choice for Philadelphia travelers looking for a tropical escape. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure trip, this new option opens up a wealth of possibilities.

Planning Your Dominican Republic Adventure:

As you start dreaming about your getaway, keep in mind that these new American Airlines flights are scheduled to begin in May, just in time to enjoy the start of the summer season. Now is the perfect time to:

Check Flights: Monitor aa.com and your favorite travel search engines for the specific flight schedules and pricing that works best for you.

Explore Santiago & Beyond: Look into accommodations and activities in Santiago itself, or plan your journey onward to nearby coastal areas or mountain regions.

Review Travel Requirements: As always when traveling internationally, double-check the current entry requirements for the Dominican Republic to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.

Get ready to experience the warmth of the Dominican Republic, conveniently accessible once again from PHL.

Travelore News: Air Canada Suspending Cuba Service In Response To Aviation Fuel Shortage

Air Canada said that effective today it is suspending its service to Cuba due to an ongoing shortage of aviation fuel on the island. Over the following days, the airline will operate empty flights southbound to pick up approximately 3,000 customers already at destination and return them home.

Air Canada took the decision following advisories issued by governments (NOTAMs) regarding the unreliability of the aviation fuel supply at Cuban airports. It is projected that as of February 10 aviation fuel will not be commercially available at the island’s airports. For remaining flights, Air Canada will tanker in extra fuel and make a technical stops as necessary to refuel on the return journey if necessary.

Air Canada will continue to monitor the situation to determine an appropriate restart of normal service to Cuba at a future date.

Customers

Air Canada’s immediate priority is to return customers already in Cuba to Canada. It will operate empty ferry flights to the island over the coming days to maintain its regular schedule from Cuba to Canada over the near-term to pick up these customers. Air Canada currently has approximately 3,000 customers in Cuba, most of whom are travelling on Air Canada Vacations Packages.

Throughout the process, Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations monitored the situation closely, first introducing a flexible rebooking policy for customers travelling to Cuba. Air Canada Vacations is now introducing a refund policy, allowing customers who had scheduled departures to Cuba and experienced flight cancellations to automatically receive a full refund in their original form of payment. There is no need for these customers to contact the Air Canada Vacations’ Contact Centre.

Customers currently in Cuba who booked an Air Canada Vacations package can receive direct support from Air Canada Vacations’ local representatives, who are available to address any questions or concerns.

Air Canada Cuba Schedule

Air Canada operates on average 16 weekly flights to four destinations in Cuba from Toronto and Montreal. These include:

From Toronto:

4 times weekly to Jardines del Rey Airport in Cayo Coco,

2 times weekly to Frank País Airport in Holguín,

4 times weekly to Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport in Varadero,

Once weekly to Abel Santamaría Airport in Santa Clara.

From Montreal:

3 times weekly to Jardines del Rey Airport in Cayo Coco,

2 times weekly to Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport in Varadero.

At present, seasonal flights to Holguín and Santa Clara are cancelled for the rest of the season. Flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco are schedule to operate yearround but are currently suspended with a tentative restart, pending review, on May 1. All Flights are normally operated on various narrow body aircraft between Mainline and Rouge. Air Canada will look to redeploy these aircraft to other destinations.

For updates, please visit: aircanada.com

Cancun International Airport Expands Flight Routes And Sustainability Efforts, Boosting Tourism Across The Mexican Caribbean

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is fueling tourism growth in the Mexican Caribbean with a wave of recent developments. The airport's new direct flights from key U.S. and Canadian cities, combined with major infrastructure upgrades and sustainability-focused initiatives, are transforming travel to the region. These advancements, made in collaboration with Quintana Roo's tourism officials, are designed to open access to world-class destinations like Playa del Carmen, Costa Mujeres and Cozumel while preserving the region's stunning natural environment. With millions of international travelers passing through Cancun International Airport in 2024, the airport continues to be the busiest hub in the region, reinforcing its status as the primary gateway to the Mexican Caribbean.

"Our goal is to provide seamless access to the full range of experiences the Mexican Caribbean offers, from its iconic beaches to its rich cultural heritage," said Bernardo Cueto, State Secretary of Tourism for Quintana Roo. "Cancun International Airport is at the heart of this growth, ensuring that millions of travelers can enjoy a more efficient and environmentally responsible visit."

NEW FLIGHT ROUTES STRENGTHEN NORTH AMERICAN CONNECTIVITY

Cancun International Airport connects to major carriers across the U.S. and Canada, contributing to North America's dominant share of international travel to Mexico, which accounted for 87 percent of all departures in the first quarter of 2024. U.S. flights alone carried 10.35 million passengers during this period, reflecting an 8.4 percent increase over 2023. Two-thirds of the flights arriving in Cancun are international, with a high volume of daily arrivals from major hubs in the U.S. and Canada.

The airport continues to expand its North American network with several new direct routes. Ahead of the peak holiday season, American Airlines will increase its Phoenix-Cancun service to two daily flights starting November 5, while boosting its Miami-Cancun service to six daily flights from December 19 to January 6, 2025. Aeromexico will also launch daily service from Miami to Cancun on December 19, and Avelo Airlines will introduce bi-weekly international flights from Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Connecticut this November. Volaris has further expanded connectivity by adding direct flights from McAllen International Airport (MFE) in Texas, offering more affordable travel options to Cancun.

INVESTMENTS IN SUSTAINABILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Cancun International Airport has made significant investments to improve its infrastructure, focusing heavily on sustainable practices. The expansion of Terminal 4 will increase the airport's capacity to accommodate more flights and passengers, with eco-friendly design elements such as energy-efficient lighting and renewable energy systems. Water conservation efforts and eco-friendly ground transportation options are also part of the airport's plan to align with global sustainability standards. These efforts underscore the airport's commitment to preserving the natural environment of the Mexican Caribbean while supporting the region's economic growth through responsible tourism.

ENHANCED VISITOR EXPERIENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY

Improvements in customs processing and ground transportation have reduced wait times and streamlined connections. Newly installed self-service kiosks in Terminal 3, costing $7.6 million, are speeding up the check-in process for U.S.-bound travelers, allowing them to complete check-in and baggage handling in under five minutes. Additionally, 60 immigration agents at the airport received public relations training from the Cancun Hotel Association tourism sector over the summer, ensuring top-tier customer service for the growing number of visitors.

"Cancun International Airport is among the 50 busiest airports worldwide, efficiently serving a high volume of tourists, business travelers and residents year-round including more than 6.9 million American travelers to-date in 2024. Significant investment has enhanced the overall airport experience as popularity of the Mexican Caribbean has increased," said Andres Martinez, Director of the Tourism Promotion Council of Quintana Roo (CPTQ). "Since 2022, the volume of U.S. travelers at Cancun International Airport has been up a minimum of 35% annually in comparison to pre-pandemic numbers from 2019, and we are anticipating a strong winter season in 2025. As we continue forward in our 'New Era' of tourism, we have made notable progress in expanding capacity and new routes to welcome even more visitors to discover what makes our region one of the most desired travel destinations in the world."

For more information on the Mexican Caribbean, please visit www.mexicancaribbean.travel/

JetBlue Is Launching New Flights From San Juan, Puerto Rico To St Croix This Winter

JetBlue is set to kick off a brand-new route to St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, Caribbean Journal has learned. It’s the newest way to get to the culinary capital of the US Virgin Islands, which is hotter than ever thanks to a renewed tourism branding push and a buzzing gastronomic movement.

The new service is set to launch on Dec. 12, 2024, JetBlue confirmed. Flights will be operating every day of the week.

So what else do you need to know about the low-cost-carrier’s new route?

The King Christian hotel in Christiansted.

The San Juan-St Croix flight takes just 45 minutes (it’s just 94 miles between the two islands, after all). JetBlue is running the service on Airbus A320 aircraft.

And what about cost?

Right now, flights start at about $131.70 round trip, according to an analysis by Caribbean Journal. That is for fares booked in JetBlue’s Blue Basic entry-level fare.

For more, visit https://www.jetblue.com/
https://www.caribjournal.com/

From Frank Sinatra To Arnold Palmer To Oscar De La Renta, A Legendary Dominican Republic Resort Celebrates 50 Years Of History

It began five decades ago as an island retreat for the leadership of the Gulf + Western Industries, which owned Paramount Pictures.

It has since become not just the premier resort in the Dominican Republic, but one of the most legendary places in the Caribbean: Casa de Campo, the 7,000-acre retreat in La Romana.

From Frank Sinatra’s opening performance at its Altos de Chavon amphitheater in 1982 to Arnold Palmer’s 1974 trip to the creative contributions of Oscar de la Renta to the world-famous golf course designs by Pete Dye (three of them, to be exact) to the myriad motion pictures that have filmed there, it’s a hotel that’s been making history for a half century.

The La Romana sugar mill in the early 1970s.

Now, Casa de Campo is celebrating its 50th birthday with a series of events and packages.

It all begins with a 50th Anniversary Weekend from Oct. 24-27, including a “Generation Concert of the Century” with Grammy-award winners on hand; there’s also a concert party right on the beach at Minitas Beach; and a special golf celebration that includes a $50,000 hole-in-one competition.

Arnold Palmer hits a shot at Casa de Campo in 1974.

Casa de Campo has “consistently established itself as the epitome of luxury hospitality in the Dominican Republic and has continued to evolve into the world-renowned resort community that it is today,” Jason Kycek, senior VP of sales and marketing at the resort, told Caribbean Journal. “We are immensely honored to commemorate this 50-year milestone, and are excited to share the historical past, present, and future of Casa de Campo with the world. “Casa de Campo is a special place, and we are grateful to the ownership for their ongoing commitment to continue to make it even more special in the years to come.”

Altos de Chavon, the hilltop village that’s a replica of a 16th century Mediterranean town.

In the last few years, when the resort has surged even more in popularity (becoming one of the hottest destinations in the wider region in the post-pandemic period), it’s been making some significant additions.

That includes a brand-new, 18,000-square-foot wellness destination; and the opening of the Premier Club, a luxe, 58-suite resort-within-a-resort concept in the heart of the property. The birthday festivities will also include a tribute to Sinatra, who helped turn the resort’s amphitheater (set in a replica 16th-century Mediterranean village) into a premier destination for music stars.

The new spa at Casa de Campo.

You can learn more or book now at https://www.casadecampo.com.do/

By: Alexander Britell

US To Resume Some Visa Services In Cuba After 4 Year Break

The U.S. government has announced that it would resume limited processing of immigrant visas in Havana more than four years after halting that service and removing most diplomats from Cuba over suspicions they had been targeted for mysterious attacks.

The Havana embassy’s chargé d’ affaires, Timothy Zúñiga-Brown, announced that the consulate would soon begin processing some immigrant visas for which documentation already is complete, though he did not give a date.

Most visas will continue to be processed in Guyana on the South American mainland — a costly and difficult journey away for most Cubans.

Zúñiga-Brown said the U.S. is interested in “safe and legal” immigration, particularly for family reunification cases which had been complicated by the withdrawal of diplomats.

Cuba last year saw a surge in unauthorized migration attempts fueled in part by an economic crisis that was exacerbated by the pandemic, increased U.S. sanctions and cutbacks in aid from Venezuela.

Most U.S. diplomats were withdrawn from Cuba in 2017 after the administration of then-President Donald Trump accused Cuba of targeting some at the post with weapons that that caused lingering and sometimes serious brain injuries — allegations Cuba has always denied. Canadian diplomats also reported such incidents.

While the maladies came to be called “Havana Syndrome,” they were also reported by hundreds of American officials at missions around the world and even in Washington.

CIA findings released in January determined it was unlikely that Russia or another foreign adversary had used microwaves or other forms of directed energy to attack the Americans.

That conclusion was not universally accepted. A separate panel of intelligence experts said last month that several potential causes remain plausible, including the use of devices that emit beams of directed energy. The panel said some of the injuries are not compatible with psychological causes.

The uncertainty about the cause of the illnesses has added to friction between officials and those suffering from symptoms.

President Joe Biden had campaigned on easing the Trump administration’s tough series of new sanctions on Cuba, but so far has taken only limited steps toward the sort of relaxation that occurred under Barack Obama, who visited Cuba and made dealings with it far easier.

Now Largely Vaccinated, Cubans Prepare To Welcome Visitors

HAVANA (AP) — Crafts vendors are returning to the streets, transport between provinces is gradually returning to normal and crowds once again line the seafront Malecon boulevard as night falls over the Cuban capital.

The characteristic bustle of the Caribbean nation is gradually rebounding after 20 months of pandemic restrictions, with the key moment set to occur on Nov. 15 with the start of the full opening of airports, gateways to a tourism industry that feeds thousands of families.br />

A significant decrease in infections and mortality caused by the virus has followed an inoculation campaign with three locally developed vaccines — Soberana 02, Soberana Plus and Abdala — even if some fear the reopening could bring a resurgence of COVID-19.

“Thank God we have a job again,” said Manuel Santos, a 58-year-old taxi driver who is awaiting the arrival of tourists after surviving for months delivering packages rather than visitors in his mid-50s Chevrolet convertible. “Let’s see if everything continues like this and this country can move ahead.”

So far, Cuba has registered 956,452 infections of the new coronavirus and 8,265 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. The vaccination campaign, covering everyone 2 and up, has given all three scheduled doses to 7.3 million people on this island of 11 million people.

What authorities call the “new normal” will retain safeguards: Facemasks and cleansing gel will be mandatory. There may be no quarantine, but all travelers will have to have complete vaccination or a negative PCR test.

Cuba’s gross domestic product fell by 11% in 2020. For the population, that meant long lines, shortages, blackouts, a black market and unemployment. The problems were exacerbated by U.S. sanctions and by the socialist government’s financial reorganization, including the elimination of a dual currency system.br />
have recognized that inflation is a problem. While the U.S. dollar officially is priced at 24 Cuban pesos, it goes for 70 pesos on the street — the only place where you can get a dollar because the government does not sell them.

Opposition groups have called for a protest march on Nov. 15, but the authorities denied permission. Instead, the government of the capital has scheduled several events to commemorate the 502nd anniversary of the city’s founding.

In recent weeks, social isolation measures have been eased in almost every sector. Children are back in classrooms, theaters and cinemas have reopened and the famous Tropicana cabaret will return to the stage. Stores have fewer restrictions and more government offices are open.

Officials dropped a ban on congregating on the Malecon seawall to enjoy the ocean view. A nighttime curfew in the capital was lifted. Interprovincial trains and buses began to schedule departures.

“After two years, I will reunite with my mother, my neighbors, my town, my province. I am very happy,” said Bárbara García, 63, a native of Ciego de Ávila, as she waited at a bus terminal in Havana.

Restaurants are authorized to serve at tables once again after months of take-out or home delivery.

At the privately owned La Guarida restaurant this week, workers were trying to regain their rhythm and restock good that are now sometimes lacking or are only available in dollars.

“We have had a pretty tough financial and emotional time. Many families from many private businesses in Cuba have been at home without work, ” said Vivian Aymerich, manager of La Guarida. “I think that from the 15th, there will be an improvement.”

The restaurant began as a small place with 12 chairs during an early opening to private business 25 years ago. Today it has 50 employees who were unemployed for nearly two years, subsisting on their savings. Celebrities such as Madonna, Jack Nicholson, Robert De Niro, Rihanna and Queen Sofia of Spain have visited La Guarida.

The island received 4.2 million tourists in 2019, generating about $3 billion dollars. That dropped to barely a million visitors in 2020 — concentrated in the first quarter before the pandemic broke in earnest.

This year, from January to September, only 280,000 travelers arrived, mostly Russians who concentrated in relatively isolated tourist areas. some Canadians and Cubans living abroad who came to visit their families.

The authorities estimate that after the reopening, about 100,000 more visitors will arrive this year.

Puerto Rico Will Fine Tourists Who Arrive Without A Negative COVID-19 PCR Test.

Starting next week travelers heading to Puerto Rico will face a fine if they arrive without showing proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR Test taken within 72 hours of arriving.

Beginning April 28, travelers who arrive without negative test results will be "imposed a $300 fine" and then required to take a PCR test on the island within 48 hours, according to Puerto Rico's tourism site, Discover Puerto Rico.

All travelers "regardless of vaccination status" will be required to complete a PCR test within 72 hours of arriving in Puerto Rico. The fine will apply even if you have taken a test but haven't received the results back yet. Rapid test results will not be accepted.

Travelers will have 48 hours to receive their test results and upload them to the online "Travel Safe" portal. When the results are received, the fine will be dismissed and travelers can proceed with their trip. Those who receive a positive test result will be required to self-isolate and seek medical attention.

While tourists are welcome to visit Puerto Rico, there are still many COVID-19 precautions in place around the island.

Earlier this month, Puerto Rico implemented a $100 fine for tourists who refuse to wear a face mask in public.

An island-wide curfew is in effect every night from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Access to Old San Juan during this time is limited to residents and tourists staying in the area. Common areas at hotels are closed at this time, as well.

Public beaches are open, although public alcohol consumption is prohibited. Marinas are open from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. And although museums, pools and attractions are open, travelers are encouraged to make a reservation in advance due to capacity limits.

By BY CAILEY RIZZO, https://www.travelandleisure.com/

Jamaica Unplugged: This New Year Consider Taking A Short Vacation From Televisions, Radios, And Clocks.

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