Journey Weaver Programs in Cuba

Cuba is a special place. It is a land of natural beauty, warm friendly people, wonderful music and dance, and a fascinating political history.

For U.S. citizens, though, travel to Cuba is not easy and recent travel restrictions have become very tight. Because of U.S. policies, it is not possible to legally travel on a person to person project or even on most group educational programs. Travel, though, can be done legally through a licensed humanitarian group that has scheduled activities in compliance with U.S. guidelines.

The group that Journey Weavers has chosen to work with is the Cuba AIDS Project, which as of July 1, 2003 has had its license renewed for one year by the U.S. Treasury Department. Individual humanitarian licenses are NOT available. This group was chosen because of the humanitarian and cultural work they do and because of the variety of symposium activities they offer.

Since 1995, the Cuba AIDS Project has been a non-political, USA based humanitarian organization operating in support of HIV/AIDS patients and their families in Cuba.

Costs:
For 8 nights, the 2004 trip costs $1325 plus airfare. Airfare from Miami is about $350; from New York it is about $600. Travel from the Gateway cities must be booked through a US Treasury OFAC Travel Service Provider. We will make the necessary arrangements.

The $1325 fee includes license, help with travel arrangements, an accompanying Cuba AIDS Project member, the required visa, as well as a travel and cultural informational materials. It also includes breakfasts and staying at one of the nicer hotels in Old Havana.

The cost can be reduced by about $200 if you choose to stay at a private home.

Additional costs will be a $50 US gateway departure tax and a $25 Cuban gateway departure tax, lunches and dinners and taxis, buses and other local transportation. As part of the program, you will be asked to bring to Cuba supplies (purchased at your own expense) to be donated to he ongoing AIDS Project or other NGO’s in Cuba. They can include over the counter medications such as antacids, anti-flue meds, vitamins, ear/nose drops, personal hygiene products, etc. A complete list will be provided to participants.

Dates:
At this point, all the spaces for the 2004 trip are filled. We are waiting to learn of the 2005 licensing approval and symposium dates.

Please let me know of your interest and I will keep you informed. Depending on the dates of the symposiums, meetings will be held in Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago as well as other areas.

For people with passports from countries other than the U.S., we can arrange individual or group programs in Cuba focusing on women¹s issues, health, birding, music, film, sports, and dance.

to view photos from the last trip