Travel Tip: Cuba a Destination?

There has been quite a lot of talk lately that President-elect Barack Obama will make significant changes in the United States' policy regarding travel to Cuba.

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has approached the incoming administration with a request that it "support Americans' Freedom to Travel" (Dec. 9, 2008 press release). “ASTA has long supported the principle that Americans ought to be allowed to travel across the globe without restriction,” said Chris Russo, ASTA’s president and chair.

Russo continued: “Beyond the obvious economic opportunities awaiting both countries if current travel restrictions were to be lifted, these changes would also benefit Cuba’s neighbors and the travel industry that services them.

The press release concludes: "ASTA [looks forward to working with the] 111th Congress to ensure that Americans are free to travel the world without restriction from their own government."

Just how far the Obama administration will go is not quite clear. Some analysts suggest that the restrictions on travel will only be eased for those with connections to Cuba (for example, family living in the United States).

The restrictions on travel have been significantly tightened in the past few years, particularly for alleged tourists. The rules allowed for visits to Cuba by those involved in humanitarian work, educational programs and more. But because of alleged abuses, namely that those going for educational or humanitarian reasons were really traveling as tourists, the State Department tightened its grip.

The extensive restrictions, outlined on the Department of State site (Cuba: Country Specific Information), note specifically that "transactions related to tourist travel are not licensable. This restriction includes tourist travel to Cuba from or through a third country such as Mexico or Canada. U.S. law enforcement authorities have increased enforcement of these regulations at U.S. airports and pre-clearance facilities in third countries. Travelers who fail to comply with Department of Treasury regulations could face civil penalties and criminal prosecution upon return to the United States. "

Those who are opposed to a change in the current relationship with Cuba, or at least a more cautious approach to change, cite, among other things, human rights abuses, including the imprisonment of political dissenters. Yet, as the ASTA press release points out, tourists "are allowed to travel to Pyongyang, Tehran, Khartoum, and other cities whose nations’ leaders are publicly opposed to American interests."

I personally look forward to the opening of Cuba, a country that has been closed to my visit for almost as long as I have been alive.

Tom
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Travel Idea: Pilgrimage or Faith Tour

A call to peace is an oft-heard mantra. How many of us do something about it?

There are many ways to work toward peace, and each person can easily find a unique way for his or her lifestyle. Working for peace can be an individual, family or group pursuit.

In his Urbi et Orbi speech, Pope Benedict XVI stressed the need for peace in our world (New York Times: "Pope’s Christmas Greeting Focuses on Pursuit of Peace"). Leaders from around the world have issued their own calls for peace from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (Bloomberg.com: "Ahmadinejad Calls for Peace, Says Jesus Would Fight Terrorism") to Queen Elizabeth II: "Queen Elizabeth II's Christmas Message 2008" (BBC or The Royal Channel on YouTube.com).

Another great way for expressing and working toward peace is to go on a pilgrimage or faith tour. Ubiquity International offers a great pilgrimage tour of Medjugorje for the International Youth Festival where visionaries claim that the Virgin Mary has appeared and issued ongoing calls for peace. Future offerings will include pilgrimages to the traditional seven pilgrimage churches of Rome, the trails of St. Francis Assisi and pilgrimages for other faiths. Check them out!

Tom
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Travel Tips: High-speed trains in Europe

High-speed trains continue to be developed the world over. It is so convenient now to go from London to Paris, from Madrid to Seville or from Tokyo to Kyoto.

In an article from San Francisco Chronicle (SFGate.com: "Europe's rail system moving full steam ahead"), Ed Perkins outlines some of the advances in high speed rail in Europe. I agree it is about time for the United States to 'step up to the plate.' There are so many possibilities and advantages to using high-speed, electric rail. We are, so to say, missing the boat. European nations have, and continue to, devoted resources to the development of these efficient and green means of transportation.

I do not fully agree, however, with Mr. Perkins about buying rail passes. I think that a person traveling to Europe, and wanting to use rail, needs to consider fully all the options, and some of the limitations of passes. They are good in certain situations but not every person benefits from a rail pass all the time.

In any case, there are many other advantages to using high-speed (or for that matter, trains, period) in Europe. Including:

• less intrusive security measures


• comfort and ease of boarding at leisure


• comfort of moving around any time during the journey


• incredible scenery en route


• great number of options, including destinations and departure times


• ease of 'off-on' boarding

I highly recommend train travel whenever possible.

Happy railing!

Tom

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Travel Tips: Staying Healthy While Traveling

You are congested, your stomach rumbling, and you feel the lull of sleep every time you close eyes for just a minute.

Perhaps its your immune system--weak because of lack of sleep. Maybe it is that your stomach just cannot handle the differences in water and food.

Whatever it is, staying healthy while traveling is often a big challenge.

Health Magazine conducted a review of American airports and has released the list of the Top 10 Healthiest (America's Healthiest Airports). Surprisingly, the only west coast airport that made it on the list was Portland (Oregon) International (PDX). Perhaps surprising to some, too, are some of the major airports that made it, including Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Washington Dulles International (IAD).

Though food and water safety are not too much of a problem at foreign airports, there can still be some health issues to keep in mind. Mom's Team, a team of experts and professionals providing a comprehensive resource for youth sports parents, offers suggestions for eating and staying healthy at foreign airports (Tips on Healthy Eating on Airlines and in Foreign Countries). The tips are good for anyone not just young sports participants.

Some of the suggestions (e.g., drink only bottled water) are not necessary in most European countries, for example. Ask friends and relatives who have traveled before what seems best. Of course, if you typically react negatively to water from any where other than your own home, then by all means, use bottled water.

Tom

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Travel Tip: Staying dry in Venice.

The worst flooding in 20 years has turned the canal-lined city of Venice into a veritable floating city. Storms have stirred up the Adriatic and brought torrents of rain. Flooding has reached the level of 5ft plus. Storms continued on Tuesday (December 2) though the flooding subsided slightly.

Though gondolas have always been a part of Venice's charm, they and water taxis are not in operation. Citizens are doing all they can to protect famed architecture and art.

Read more on SFGate.com.

Travel Tip: For the traveler, being in a storm and getting caught dripping wet can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. When you are going places where it is likely to rain--and a lot--bring plenty of light, quick drying items like socks and undershirts. Getting wet makes it all the more likely that you will be cold. But layering and changing into dry things can take the chill away in no time. Light clothing is easy to rinse/wash and hang in your room without having to brave the storm again just to have your clothes cleaned!

Tom