Can Americans travel to Cuba? Whether it's the luminous pastel-colored buildings that dot the centuries-old plazas of Old Havana, the fleet of vintage American cars cruising down its streets or the exuberant locals eager to offer you a cafe or dance, Havana's spirit is contagious and untamable. Once a city stuck in time, Havana is finally on its way to tomorrow.

what does cuba have to offer — Image: Cuba

Despite what many Americans believe to be a full Cuba travel ban, there are many ways to legally travel to Cuba for American citizens. In fact, traveling to Cuba is quite easy. While Americans need to be aware of certain restrictions that the U.S. government imposes on its own citizens’ travel plans in Cuba—Cuba is not off-limits to Americans. It’s important to note that non-U.S. citizens are allowed to travel to Cuba via the United States as well. American citizens can fly from the United States directly to Cuba, travel independently and enjoy Cuba just as they would anywhere else.

While travel to Cuba is entirely possible and even easy, there are some important regulations around legal American travel to Cuba that travelers from the United States should be aware of. Because Americans are still not able to legally travel to Cuba as tourists, they must have a “reason” for traveling to Cuba. But wait. The U.S. government doesn’t allow Americans to Cuba as tourists without legal limitations—the U.S. government allows American citizens to travel to Cuba as long as they agree to only support local, non-government-owned businesses with their tourism dollars while there.

So yes, essentially you can visit Cuba and travel exactly as you would anywhere else. Just avoid government-run hotels, restaurants, and tours while you’re there. This is actually incredibly easy and you won’t feel limited at all. Can Americans Fly to Cuba? Yes! Americans can fly to Cuba either from the United States directly or from other countries. Flights to Cuba leave regularly from America’s largest cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and New York.

So why might it feel like Americans can’t travel to Cuba even though it’s actually quite easy to travel to Cuba? Because Americans must give a reason for traveling to Cuba. This usually occurs when purchasing an airline ticket. No need to get nervous, this is easy–by stating that your trip to Cuba is in “Support for the Cuban People,” you’re simply acknowledging that while in Cuba, you won’t be staying at government-run hotels or supporting their businesses. It’s really that easy. Check a box on a form, and travel to Cuba.

So, what in addition are the other authorized categories?

Family visits
Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and international organizations
Journalistic activity
Professional research and professional meetings
Educational activities
Religious activities
Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
Support for the Cuban People
Humanitarian projects
Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
Certain export transactions

The days of having to complete lengthy applications for special travel permissions to Cuba, or flying through Canada or Mexico to avoid scrutiny by U.S. Immigration are over. The best way to experience the life and style of Havana is to do as the Cubans do. Start each morning with a Cafe Cubano or two, dine alfresco in one of Old Havana's historic plazas, get your feet wet at El Malecón, then dance with the crowds while the sun sets.

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