While the first family has enjoyed several unique vacation locations, we think that they really want to go to Cuba this winter. President Obama seems eager to open up the travel channels between the United States and the island nation, and it might just happen before the summer is over.

Rumors suggest that Obama could ease travel restrictions to Cuba through a change in US policy without necessarily getting approval from Congress. However, the new rules won’t really apply to everyone, so once again, we’ll have to hold off on getting our tickets and transportation booked. The changes would allow more Americans to head to Castro-country for cultural and educational trips. That sounds kind of vague, so maybe checking out an art museum or two would suffice for cultural experience. ]]> kjb 2010-08-11T08:54:20-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/7/6/81117/63230

This just might be the year where we can finally put that flight to Cuba on our holiday wish list. Lawmakers have talked about lifting travel restrictions before, but it seems that the Cuba travel movement picks up a little bit more support with every passing day.

The latest news comes out of the House Agriculture Committee, as they voted to eliminate the ban on United States citizens traveling to Cuba as well as the sale of American goods there. Don’t start looking for vintage-1950s rental car deals just yet, as there is still a lot of voting and arguing left before you’ll be filling your suitcase full of cigars in the the heart of Havana. ]]> kjb 2010-07-06T09:02:21-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2010/6/22/7372/31622

One Florida Mayor has more on her mind than where all that oil in the Gulf is eventually headed, but it does seem that tourism is something that she’s considering. Mayor Pam Iorio of Tampa sent a letter to President Obama last week asking for a little bit of help, because she wants her city to start air service to Cuba.

Specifically, she wants Tampa to get the government seal of approval to start authorized flights between Castro-country and Tampa. Right now only Miami, New York, and Los Angeles are authorized to fly nonstop routes to Havana, but remember that doesn’t mean that any American can just hop on board to check out Cuba. There’s still all kinds of rules and regulations that leave most of us out of the fun, or at least force Americans to head to Canada before they can enjoy freshly rolled cigars and too many Cuba Libres. ]]> kjb 2010-06-23T12:00:56-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/5/13/235323/118

Travel booking website Orbitz is not about to waste any time getting their foot on the door with travelers drooling over the possibility of making landfall in Cuba soon. On March 10, President Obama signed a bill to ease travel restrictions for Cuban Americans heading home to visit family, amongst other changes. On March 11, Orbitz had launched their website petition to open the floodgates to all tourism.

The "Open Cuba" campaign is simple enough: enter your name, state, postal code and email address, and choose if you'd like to receive further news about the campaign or emails from Orbitz about travel deals.

Aha! The entering the email part; that's where they get you! Their mailing list gets padded, they get free publicity, and you feel as though you have participated in history. That is, until you begin receiving Orbitz deal emails when you have no intention of booking a 3-star all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta. You just want some Cuba time, damnit.

Until JFK to Havana direct flights look more feasible, we're going to hold back on the online signature. After all, the only thing we're in the mood to sign after checking out their website is the receipt for a box of Cohibas.

Related Stories:
· Open Cuba [Orbitz]
· Travel firm to Obama: Open up Cuba [Guardian UK]
· Cuba Travel Internet Campaign Begins [Havana Times]
· Cuba Travel Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: JohnnyPinball]]]> JetSetCD 2009-05-14T08:46:54-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/5/10/101129/948

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore is under investigation by the U.S. Treasury Department for taking ailing September 11 rescue workers to Cuba for a segment in his upcoming health-care documentary SiCKO. SiCKO, coincidentally, premieres May 19 at the Cannes Film Festival and debuts in U.S. theaters June 29.

The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control recently informed Moore that it was conducting a civil investigation for possible violations of the U.S. trade embargo restricting travel to Cuba.

According to Moore's website, he considers this incident an attack by the Bush Administration on his newest controversial film.

However, what is far more pertinent to us is the question of U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba. According to the U.S. government:

The Regulations require that persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction be licensed to engage in any travel-related transactions related to travel to, from, and within Cuba. Transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. Travelers who fail to comply with Department of Treasury regulations will face civil penalties and criminal prosecution upon return to the United States.

Underneath the restrictions section the document states that licenses are granted to "journalists and supporting broadcasting or technical personnel".

How do you get Cuban travel clearance? ]]> markj 2007-05-10T10:11:29-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/