I’m so excited about going to Cuba. I was in the mist of planning a 12- 14 day custom tour of Cuba for September 2016. All of a sudden I got an email from Apple Vacation saying they has JUST received their permit to brings American Citizens into Cuba. Well, “time is of essence” phrase shot through me real quick. I made my reservations that same day for September of this year. At the time Apple Vac was only offering a 5 day and a 7 day tour and only 3 dates. I went for the 7 days. I would like a roommate but, one thing I have learned in this business and that is if you wait on someone else to go , you won’t be going anywhere. So, yes, I am paying the single supplement.
The tour is Sept.25 – Oct. 2, 2015.
I wish you were going with me. Next year’s custom tour may not even happen. I presented it to some of the same people who said they wanted to go and they balk at the price. And now EVERYBODY knows someone who has gone cheaper. Ok, so go with them. They are “sneaking” into the country. No problem when it’s 1 or 2 people coming from Mexico, Canada or any of the Caribbean Islands. BUT, as a Black professional travel agent and tour operator I will only do this the correct way – above board, even when it costs more.
And, I have to tell you, Cuba is sticking it to Americans. Canadians get a better money exchange rate than Americans, everybody else gets a better exchange rate then us. Americans have been able to be a tourist in Cuba coming from anywhere else but the USA and it has been great pricing. However, I have talked to a travel agent from California who ran into big trouble trying to bring in a group on “the sneak.” She and her group got no further than Mexico city. Everyone had paid their monies to get into Cuba. While on the layover in Mexico City the agent received a phone call from her Cuba contact with a “change of plans” for their Cuba stay – the price was tripled! What a mess!. I am NOT willing to try that. No way, now how! so, I’m going now. “Never put off for tomorrow what can be done today for tomorrow may never come.”
