FAQS

WHY TRAVEL WITH CCS?

People-to-People travel offers an incredible opportunity to meet with Cuban people, strike up conversations with them, and interact with them on a level where you can understand their culture. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions and some other things to know before you go. If you have any additional questions, please contact us

at 212.242.0559.

What is People-to-People travel? The people-to-people program is the legal category under which most group travel to Cuba takes place. Formerly, people-to-people required a specif- ic license from the OFAC (U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control). As of January 2015, this license is no longer required for authorized organizations such as educators and other non-profit groups, like CCS.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN MY TRIP PRICE?

CCS trip prices are per person in US dollars and include: Roundtrip charter air between the U.S. point of departure and the Cuban point of arrival, visa fee, U.S. and Cuba depar- ture taxes, VIP airport check-in airport transfers in Cuba, hotel accommodations in Cuba, meals (when noted), all program ground transportation in Cuba, admission fees where applicable, English-speaking guide. Alcoholic beverages outside of the program’s inclusive meals, hotel and guide gratuities and are not included.

WHY CAN’T I BOOk MY OWN AIR?

Because of legal restrictions on individual travel to Cuba, only licensed charter companies are authorized to fly U.S. citizens directly from the U.S. to Cuba. Until that changes, CCS partners with a licensed charter company to arrange flights to the island, a well as all legal requirements from your visa to the required travel authorization letter, as well as our group hotel accommodations. Due to the sporadic nature of travel in Cuba, this is a bonus for our travelers.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOk A TOUR?

CCS journeys tend to fill quickly so we recommend booking your tour s soon as you’ve made the decision to travel to Cuba. It only takes a small deposit of $XXX to secure your spot and your reservation on a charter flight to Cuba from Miami. Once we have received your security deposit, you can always change your tour date/tour provided you do so more than 60 days in advance of your trip.

WHAT ARE HOTELS LIkE IN CUBA?

CCS works with a number of hotels in Cuba. During our stays in Havana we select hotels that offer the best location and facilities for our group depending on our size and the availability of the hotel property. Due to the nature of travel in Cuba right now, things sometimes change at the last minute. Our priority is to provide travelers with comfort and satisfaction.

WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY FINAL TRIP ITINERARY?

Traveling to Cuba requires flexibility, since itineraries are subject to change. We always
do our best to follow the itinerary we provide to you, yet it’s not usual for changes to occur to hotel and activities.

WHAT SHOULD I TAkE WITH ME?

Carry your own prescription drugs and any over the counter medicine you use regularly, as well as toiletries. These items aren’t as easy to access in Cuba or may be in short supply. In an illness or medical emergency, a nurse or doctor is available or on call in the hotels. Should you get sick or injured, your first response should be to call the hotel health care professional and/or go to a local polyclinic with our guide’s help. We recommend packing sunscreen, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and hair conditioner (there is plenty of shampoo in the hotels, almost never conditioner).