Travelogger

We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.

Cuba: Next Hot Travel Destination?

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Cuba_FincalaVigliaHemingway460When I hear talk of Cuba, I feel a strange emotion. I do not understand it because I have never been there, and I have no ties to the country whatsoever. But I do feel a strange sense of nostalgia. Maybe it’s because of the old movies and the books that I have been exposed to, but in any case, the recent news that President Obama is easing up the restrictions with regard to Cuba made me feel those weird feelings again.

Of course, this news means something else as well – travel to Cuba is in the horizon! Actually, I have been hearing about a lot of developments with regard to the travel sector in the US preparing for the opening of the doors, so to speak. Leisurely travel to Cuba may not be a reality right now, but apparently, travel agencies are already doing the groundwork.

Peter Greenberg reports that every single cruise line that operates in the US has already charted possible harbors in Cuba. This makes sense as Cuba is easily accessible by water and cruise operators need not worry about hotels and the like. Indeed, a cruise line executive anonymously declared that “There is such pent-up demand to see Cuba, that we have contingency plans that the minute the travel ban is lifted, we would actually turn some of our ships around mid-cruise and head for Cuba. The plans are already in place, just waiting.”

Isn’t that just exciting? If I knew that I could head on over to Cuba the moment the travel ban is lifted, I would be making my travel plans right now!

Next: More on Cuba!

Biden Stirs Hornets Nest With Travel Comments

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biden1A lot of people are on the edge these days. It’s not only due to the economic problems, but also other issues that crop up on a regular basis. The swine flu, for example; we know that this kind of occurrence will definitely affect the travel industry. This is even truer when people in authority release statements.

This is what VP Joe Biden did last week when he appeared on NBC’s Today Show. What might have been a personal opinion (I didn’t see the interview so I don’t know if he actually encouraged the nation to do as he said) has ruffled a lot of feathers. CBS News reports:

Transportation officials around the country found themselves scrambling this week to reassure worried commuters in the wake of Biden’s controversial comments Thursday on NBC’s “Today Show” that he has told loved ones to avoid subways and planes. Appearing on the morning program, Biden said, “I would tell members of my family – and I have – that I wouldn’t go anywhere in confined places now.”

The airplane industry and the people responsible for running the country’s network of buses and trains were not, to say the least, amused by Biden’s impolitic advice.

Obviously, such a statement coming from the second in command of the country is bound to affect the sentiments of many people. As such, people in the transportation sector are quick to downplay his statement. From the airline industry to subway operators to bus operators – they all say the same thing: it is safe to travel within the US.

Travel Despite Of Swine Flu?

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swine-flu1Why not? Just because there is a growing concern over swine flu does not mean that you should cancel your travel plans. After all, you probably spent a lot of time planning this trip and it would be such a pity if you had to scrap all your hard work because of this unforeseen event, right?

If you want to go ahead and take the risk, I won’t be one to urge to think otherwise. However, I would have to go ahead and tell you to make sure that you are well protected; and I mean this in terms of health and financial protection. I just read an article of travel insurance and here are some snippets of useful info:

With swine flu dominating the headlines, planning a trip — especially an international one — may feel less like a vacation than a headache and a gamble.

If you’re planning to travel, you may be considering an investment in travel insurance, which — depending on the policy — could offer you some coverage if you have to cancel or cut short a vacation.

Michael Ambrose, president of the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, stresses that each policy is different. The key is to call your insurer and ask specific questions to determine the conditions under which you will — or won’t — be covered.

“When you get the insurance, get the facts,” Ambrose says. “Ask the questions upfront.”

More than this, you also have to stay abreast of the developments with regard to the areas where swine flu risk is highest. For example, Mexico is the origin of the flu, so it really would be crazy to go there, but if your plans involve other locations, then just do research and you should be fine with the proper precautions.

Spring Break Travel Advisory

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strong>Spring Break is almost here and I am sure that a lot of college kids are getting all geared up for some traveling. We might not be of that age group but the chances are that we all have someone in the family who are. If you have children, other family members, or friends who are thinking of hitting the road during Spring Break, here is a piece of advice for them, courtesy of the United States government.

Travel to Mexico is not advised. The Department of State issued this warning late in February:

This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

The thing is, this kind of warning applies every single month of the year, at least in Mexico. While I do not seriously think that it warrants the cancellation of Spring Break plans, it would be good to give everyone involved a heads up – just in case.