NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., Dec. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- President Obama's announcement last week about changes to US-Cuba policy further softens travel and trade restrictions to the once-forbidden island nation, in what marks a new era between the neighboring countries. Although the 53-year-old US embargo against Cuba, and resulting travel restrictions, remain in place, the White House's unprecedented announcement signals a move toward increasing people-to-people travel to Cuba. The changes will bring the largest number of American travelers to the island since 1959. InsightCuba, the first organization to provide such trips, released more than 70 additional departure dates for 2015 and 2016 and reports a surge in interest and bookings since the announcement.

If you're wondering when you can visit Cuba: there's no need to wait. US citizens can legally travel on any of insightCuba's six Signature Cuba or Specialty Cuba tours during the year. "President Obama said that he believes in the power of people-to-people engagement. I couldn't agree more," says Tom Popper, president of insightCuba, which has sent thousands of people over the past few years. 

Three lucky groups of Americans who long ago booked trips with insightCuba left for Havana shortly after the president's announcement. "People love to be part of history, and there hasn't been a better time to travel to Cuba. Everyone wants to see Cuba before it changes," Popper added.

InsightCuba offers a comprehensive inventory of tours and experiences, whether the quick Weekend in Havana or the nearly two-week Undiscovered Cuba tour. Guests take part in exclusive people-to-people encounters, allowing them to know the warmth and charm of the Cuban people within their inspiring communities.

InsightCuba's extensive knowledge of the island allows it to handpick exclusive excursions for its small groups, which average 16 guests, and never exceed 24. The company makes it easy, and provides an extensive list of inclusions for each tour:

• A night at the Sofitel Miami Hotel, including breakfast and airport transfer
• Private welcome reception and pre-tour briefing
• Superior accommodations at the Melia Cohiba, Melia Las Dunas, or Melia Santiago
• Standard accommodations in provincial hotels when outside of the major cities
• Expert Cuban guide and experienced insightCuba tour leader
• Private Cuban driver
• InsightCuba exclusive-guided programming
• All meals in Cuba, except for one or two paladar evening dining experiences
• U.S. Department of the Treasury license and insightCuba letter of authorization
• All entrance fees to scheduled activities and events
• All in-country ground transportation and airport transfers via luxury motor coach
• Flight package (cost additional) including:
• Guaranteed round-trip charter air from Miami to Cuba
• Priority check-in at Miami International Airport
• Cuban visa
• Baggage fee for first checked bag from Miami to Cuba
• Gratuities for luggage handling, restaurant service, and programmed activities throughout the tour
• Fresh bottled water while touring
• Travel health insurance, emergency medical evacuation, and trip-cancellation coverage (up to $1,000 included)
• InsightCuba travel guidebook
• 24-hour emergency customer-service hotline

Six Signature Cuba tours offer more than 160 departures through March of 2016: (Prices are double occupancy and per person):

• Undiscovered Cuba (13 days/12 nights: $5,795 - $5,995)
• Classic Cuba (9 days/8 nights: $4,495 - $4,995)
• Scenic Cuba (9 days/8 nights: $4,595 - $4,795)
• Vintage Cuba (7 days/6 nights: $3,595 - $3,995)
• Jazz in Havana (6 days/5 nights: $3,295 - $3,595)
• Weekend in Havana (5 days/4 nights: $2,495 - $3,295)

Guests seeking the unusual should consider insightCuba's newest Specialty Cuba tours:

Havana Art Biennial - a week of art exhibits enhancing Havana's vibrancy and color (three May departures, $4,195 per person)

Cuba by Land & Sea - Cuba's first tour to include a cruise: 11 nights with departures in January, February, and March ($5,495 per person).

Avid runners can race alongside thousands of Cubans at the Marabana Havana Marathon on November 15, 2015. Complete 2015 dates and prices coming soon.

For more information visit www.insightcuba.com or call 800-450-CUBA (2822). To stay connected with Insight Cuba, follow @insightcuba or 'like' the Insight Cuba Facebook Page.

Sample Tweet: If you're wondering when you can visit #Cuba, there's no need to wait. @InsightCuba makes it easy! www.insightcuba.com

About insightCuba

InsightCuba is the leading provider and pioneer in legal people-to-people travel to Cuba for Americans. Since its inception in 2000, the organization has sent more than 10,000 guests to Cuba and has crafted hundreds of custom group tours.  When travel to Cuba was reauthorized for all Americans in 2011, this not-for-profit company (a division of Cross-Cultural Solutions) was the first to bring American travelers back to Cuba. Each year, insightCuba offers six regularly scheduled Signature Cuba tours with more than 150 departures; a series of Specialty Cuba tours, and dozens of custom group tours.

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SOURCE insightCuba