If you’re thinking there are travel restrictions the United States government imposed on Cuba, that’s true. But they have absolutely no impact on Rustic Pathways ability to provide culturally immersive teen travel programs in one of the most fascinating and beautiful places you could visit.
We started offering teen travel programs in Cuba in 2016 and we have no plans of stopping. But we understand there’s a lot of confusion about travel to Cuba, so I wanted to answer the most common questions we get from parents to help put your mind at ease.
For more information about Cuba, check out our guide A to Z: Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to Cuba.
Teen Travel Programs in Cuba FAQs
Q: Is my teen allowed to travel to Cuba?
A: Teen travelers with Rustic Pathways qualify under the people-to-people general license established by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury. Travel to Cuba is allowed when done through a tour company for educational and cultural exchanges with the people of Cuba.
Q: Is it safe for my teen to travel to Cuba, given the incidents with U.S. diplomats?
A: There’s an inherent risk to all travel, but we prioritize the safety of our teens. The incidents with diplomats remain under investigation, but all affected diplomats have recovered. We avoid the hotels where these incidents occurred, staying instead at new, privately-owned guest houses that meet international standards.
Q: What are you doing to ensure safety?
A: We stay away from the hotels where the incidents took place. Instead, our groups stay at new, privately-owned guest houses that follow international accommodation standards. By staying at private guest houses, we support local businesses and contribute directly to the Cuban economy, enhancing the authenticity of our programs.
International SOS, whom we contract for international medical, security, and travel assistance, assured us that we can continue operating safely in Cuba. The governments of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the European Union have not deemed the country unsafe, and there are no travel warnings for their citizens.
Q: Do the Cuban people welcome Americans?
A: There’s a common misconception that American citizens are not welcome in Cuba. That’s not true. Cubans love interacting with tourists, asking and answering questions, and sharing their culture.
Q: Why would I travel to Cuba when I could go somewhere else in the Caribbean?
A: Have you seen a time capsule buried and opened 50 years later with photos, newspapers, and various items from that era? Imagine an entire country kept intact that way. That’s Cuba!
In Cuba, you don’t have to imagine what the world was like before every teen was glued to a smartphone. But things are starting to change, which is why it’s so important to visit now before that classic charm disappears.
Q: What can my teen expect to see and do if they tour Cuba with Rustic Pathways?
A: Your teen can expect to relax on beaches, explore Havana in classic cars, and:
- Environmental conservation projects on the Viva Cuba! program.
- Photography during an immersive exploration of city and rural life on the Intro to Photography program.
- Digital Detox program, encouraging students to unplug from their devices and fully immerse in the local culture.
- New partnerships with local communities to provide sustainable and authentic experiences.
- Augmented reality tours and digital travel journals to enhance the educational experience.
- Collaborations with local artisans and musicians, offering hands-on workshops and cultural exchanges.
Programs to Cuba can involve participating in environmental conservation projects or learning from experienced photo guides. Students have the opportunity for immersive exploration of city and rural life in some of the country’s most beautiful and remote destinations.
Want to learn more about our teen travel programs in Cuba? Send us an email for all the details and to start planning your unforgettable Cuban adventure!
