You're kidding, right? The embargo against Cuba extends back many years and over many presidential administrations, both Democrat and Republican alike.

Perhaps if you nicely explained to the the government (or, Mr. Bush directly) that this policy interferes with your vacation plans that they'd overturn it.

I'm sure it's probably just an oversite and that there's really no reason for it.

Posted By Matthew on November 8, 2007, 12:16 PM

I totally agree. Is the Cuban Government hostile to the freedom of their citizens? Of course. But we do business in countries that similarly treat their citizens like caged dogs like China, Vietnam, and several countries in the Middle East. How hypocritical! We look ridiculous to the rest of the world...we're "free" Americans...until we try and travel to Cuba that is.

Posted By Mango on November 8, 2007, 12:18 PM

There go the liberals, blaming EVERYTHING on Pres. Bush. Brother, what is that condition called? BDS(Bush Derangement Syndrom)!!!!

"most appalling abuses of personal freedom" And this quote????? Shame on you, these are TERRORIST!!!! GET IT???

Posted By Heidi on November 8, 2007, 12:19 PM

Could not agree more, Erik!

There is also all the money we waste having the Treasury Dept. enforce the ban and fine (or worse) American tourists who are caught going to Cuba. Plus, how do they catch Americans who go to Cuba? American spies? Cuban informants?

I don't even see why the Cuban-American community still cares so much. Cuba is going to change eventually, regardless of our silly travel ban and embargo.

Posted By bob on November 8, 2007, 12:19 PM

I totally agree. And how is it that keeping Cubans poor and un-free is a better situation than them just being un-free? Why isn't anyone looking at the actual results of this ridiculous embargo? Gee, we really showed Castro who's boss...

Posted By Jul on November 8, 2007, 12:20 PM

Poor Mr.Torkells. The big bad State Department is not allowing him to travel to Cuba, so he throws a fit, in print, making a right arse out of himself. Could it be that the US has a reason for this policy, other than to annoy Mr. Torkells, of course? Could it be because Mr. Castro is an avowed Communist with a stated goal of overthrowing democracies? And that not many years ago he was asking the Soviets to put nuclear tipped missiles in Cuba, aimed directly at American cities??? Could that be the reason? No, I think they're just out to annoy Mr. Torkells. And obviously doing a fine job of it.

Posted By Charles Roberts on November 8, 2007, 12:24 PM

Heidi, the Pentagon has admitted that they don't have evidence linking the vast majority of Guantanamo detainees to any acts of terrorism, and, yes, locking people up indefinitely without evidence is appalling. What would you think if it happened to Americans living or working abroad?

Some of you seem to have missed the point about China. Why are we pursuing closer and closer trade ties with Communist China, thinking those ties will eventually lead to more freedom for the Chinese people, while doing the exact opposite in Cuba?

Posted By bob on November 8, 2007, 12:29 PM

If I read one more travel magazine article with a polical slant against the U.S., I'm going to scream! Conte' Nast magazine had Clinton on the cover and I cancelled my subscription immediately. I read travel magazines to escape politics, not to get upset over other's personal agendas. FARE WARNING Budget Travel.

Posted By Leslie Lofthouse on November 8, 2007, 12:29 PM

You are wrong. Personal freedoms give me a break. You are a shinning example of spoiled overpaid journalists.

Posted By jim on November 8, 2007, 12:31 PM

Right, Charles, I'm shaking in my boots, afraid that Castro is going to overthrow our democracy.

After all, Americans are allowed to travel to places like Iraq and Iran, right?

Posted By bob on November 8, 2007, 12:31 PM

remarks like his against the regime in Cuba would land him in prison in Cuba and I guarantee that he would rather be in Guantanamo than in a Cuban jail. and I hear that North Korea is lovely in tha Fall. Lets go there too.

Posted By rabbit on November 8, 2007, 12:34 PM

Nobody is blaming Bush for this policy, just like it was time to tear down the Berlin wall in the 80's, now it is time to end this pointless policy. Cuba is going to overthrow democracy? Be serious. Terrorists? Get a grip. Once again the conservatives are embarrassing themselves with displays of ignorance. Best way to topple Cuba's government is to flood it with capitalist tourists and give the Cubans a chance to choose capitalism. Believe me,they will!

Posted By Don McDaniel on November 8, 2007, 12:36 PM

I totally agree with Erik. The embargo is long past any "justification" (the Cuban missile crisis) and needs to end now. Cuba is a communist country -- nothing more -- and we certainly "support" other communist countries -- China being the most blaring example. That Cuba is a base for terrorists is absurd -- and derives from those who haven't paid attention to the history unfolding over the last 7 years. We certainly cozy up to and support regimes and dictators who are much more dangerous than the Castro Bros. -- the dictator of Uzbekistan who is alleged to boil his enemies in oil -- yes the oil from the pipeline deal that VP Cheney helped broker -- certainly comes to mind. Hopefully the next president will stop pandering to those who want to keep Cuba oppressed and lift the embargo.

Posted By Susy on November 8, 2007, 12:38 PM

Erik couldnt have gotten it more right and Matthew and Heidi couldnt be more wrong about Cuba.

I am a pro-business, MBA toting LIBERAL. I traveled to Cuba more than 10 years ago as part of a business delegation and saw for myself firsthand the potential of the island. The people are friendly, extremely hardworking, and the younger people are ready for a change.

Matthew is right on one thing--both Dems and Repugs have enabled this embargo and thus, given Castro the excuse to rally people against the "imperial Yankees". He uses the embargo as fodder to continue to prop up support for his failed economic system.

By supporting the embargo, YOU ARE ACTUALLY SUPPORTING COMMUNISM AND SOCIALISM. Congratulations Matthew and Heidi for aiding and abetting the enemy.

Oh, and another thing--I wouldnt continue to support a guy with a 23% approval rating who has gotten us into a stupid war, has blown out the deficit and screwed our economy for years (aren't you a fiscal conservative?), and is messing with your kids future by continuing to pollute the earth and foster climate change, not to mention spying on you through the phone companies. I bet you they are reading your message right now--are you a TERRORIST?

People are bound to see you are supporting more than just one petty dictator, and I dont mean just Castro.

Posted By Jonathan on November 8, 2007, 12:46 PM

Why the Erik bashing? Okay, yes, he's being a bit naive to be blaming this one on Bush, but the argument itself has merits. The hypocracy of having such close ties to China while maintaining this impasse with Cuba is pretty ridiculous. As for tourism, knowing that you go on vacation from the UK, Canada, and basically 99.99% of the rest of the western world, ie, US allies does make the US ban look plain silly. Oh and this has nothing to do with Gitmo, although I've always wondered how the US have a base in Cuba - but I'm a Brit so what do I know.

Posted By Victoria on November 8, 2007, 12:47 PM

"Best way to topple Cuba's government is to flood it with capitalist tourists and give the Cubans a chance to choose capitalism."

Ron, what do you think happens to people who "choose" capitalism or democracy in dictatorships? Should we ask those who chose capitalism in China, Myanmar, Venezuela, etc?
Funny, they're nowhere to be found. Imagine that!
I guess their governments must have sent them on vacation somewhere.

Eric, wasn't it president Clinton who strengthened the embargo in during his presidency? Was that to further derail your vacation plans? Bad Mr. Clinton. Despite not being his biggest fan, for some reason, I think that he may have been acting in our national interest.

Also, what corporations are doing all of this business in Cuba? Shaking hands? What? I'm interested to know to what you're referring.

Posted By Matthew on November 8, 2007, 12:48 PM

Travel restrictions to Cuba for Americans have become stricter under the Bush administration than they were in the past. My university colleagues who used to regularly visit Cuba on educational excursions can no longer do so.

Americans can travel to China, Vietnam, and Laos, all of which are dictatorial, communist countries, and all of which are trading partners with the U. S. In fact, loans from the Chinese are providing substantial funding for our military adventures in the Middle East. China is a nuclear power which has shown it can fire missiles which can hit satellites in the sky. They oppose us in the United Nations on a regular basis, and are increasing their naval capacity drastically, perhaps to prepare for upcoming battles with the U. S. and Europe over access to ever-decreasing energy supplies. Yet, Americans continue to visit China and will do so in record numbers for the upcoming Olympics. Over 50,000 Americans were killed in battles in Vietnam and Laos a generation ago, yet we are trading partners with those countries. The U. S. is friends with numerous other dictatorial, non-democratic regimes, particularly that of Saudi Arabia, which is where most of the 9/11 hijackers were born and educated. Many of these regimes are more repressive, and have killed many more Americans and their own citizens, than Castro's Cuba.

It is ridiculous that politicians of both parties pander to the Cuban emigres in Florida on this issue in the hopes of gaining votes. The U. S.'s Cuban embargo has been ineffective at overthrowing the Castro regime for over 40 years, and is ignored by the rest of the world. By continuing this embargo, America hurts only itself and the poor of Cuba, who would benefit from access to Americans and their dollars.

Posted By George Frideric on November 8, 2007, 12:56 PM

Frederic,

Your post is the best so far. I couldn't agree with you more.

If Cuba has vast oil reserves or could deliver us products as cheaply as the Asian countries, I'd imagine we'd be singing another tune.

Posted By Matthew on November 8, 2007, 1:09 PM

There is already a great deal of capitalism in Cuba, and more dollars from American tourism would certainly accelerate that.
There is no question that US policy toward Cuba which softened under Clinton has taken a dramatic turn under Bush in payback for the S.Fla votes that won him the election.
As pointed out earlier, the policy is certainly not consistent with our other Communist trading partners.

Posted By Craig on November 8, 2007, 1:09 PM

If the US ends the embargo with Cuba - you can most likely expect a problem with illegal immigration similar to the problem we have with Mexico; and a major influx of US dollars to Cuba that would end up supporting a communist govt. Maybe the US govt should put in place an embargo with Mexico; maybe then the Merxican govt will step up and do their part to stop illegal immigration to the US.

Posted By Janine on November 8, 2007, 1:19 PM

You've got to be kidding right? Could we stop blaming Bush for EVERYTHING? This embargo was not started by Bush and it has remained in effect over many years and many presidents! And if you think for one minute you can compare what the US is doing to terrorists to the embargo on Cuba, then you are a complete moron! If you want to go to Cuba, go to Cuba. Please, get the hell out my country! And take all the other flaming liberals who think like you with you!

Posted By Shelly on November 8, 2007, 1:23 PM

Yes, Bushsky has threatened to veto all of Congress's repeated attempts to lift the travel embargo since 2001. And Dubya isn't interested in listening to anybody "nicely explain" why he should reconsider. Bush's political agenda is sickening. Reagan reinstated the lapsed ban. The USA is not first in anything. The US Dollar's fall is the direct cause of fuel costing $3.30 instead of $1.70; the USD has lost 40% of its value in six years, against Canada, the Euro, Australia, and most other currencies (OK, except Mexico). Even Hong Kong is struggling to hold its official peg against the falling US dollar. Meanwhile, Bush's sympathizers find it more profitable to mis-manage the US's oil reserves, while the market analysts get freaked into knee-jerk price moves before the "threat" even materializes. When OPEC begins pricing oil by the Euro, "it will be the beginning of the end of the United States Dollar". Heidi can get some hometown advice from the old country; Lofthouse and the Bush Lickers should lighten up about the U.S. being any better than any other industrialized country. Meanwhile, Canadians, Europeans, most everyone can visit Cuba for its character and beauty, just not us Bush Subjects.

Posted By Bruce on November 8, 2007, 1:26 PM

"Oh, and another thing--I wouldnt continue to support a guy with a 23% approval rating who has gotten us into a stupid war, has blown out the deficit and screwed our economy for years (aren't you a fiscal conservative?), and is messing with your kids future by continuing to pollute the earth and foster climate change, not to mention spying on you through the phone companies. I bet you they are reading your message right now--are you a TERRORIST?" As opposed to you Dim's in the house and Congresses 11% approval rating?? Leave to you Dim's to resort to name calling, when all else fails, right?

Posted By Heidi on November 8, 2007, 1:28 PM

Oh and one other thing. All of you in favor of lifting the embargo and allowing travel to Cuba will be the first ones to protest having lifted it when enough Americans go missing or killed in Cuba because Fidel or Raul enforce laws directed at Americans! And I'm guessing somehow it will be Bush's fault!

Posted By Shelly on November 8, 2007, 1:28 PM

Agree with you completely, Erik. You might be interested to know that one current presidential candidate, Republican Ron Paul, recently called publicly for ending the embargo. Polticians who dare to take a public stand against this stupid and counterproductive policy should be vigorously applauded. Thank you, Congressman Paul. And thank you, Erik.

Posted By Steve Smith on November 8, 2007, 1:29 PM

Anyone trying to reduce this topic via wry comments about the ability to go on vacation is missing the point (not to mention that you come across as nothing more than a smug clown who measures him/herself on how sarcastically witty you can appear - bravo).

It's about the hypocrisy of the policy and artificial limits on your personal freedoms. I hope you would be so quick to jump in with clever, belittling banter when a double standard policy conflicts with something closer to your personal interests.

Posted By art sindlinger on November 8, 2007, 1:32 PM

Somebody tell Mr Roberts we
are in the year 2007. American foreign policy has allways been held hostage to either money or special interests. We, the people, wind up paying for it in blood and treasure.

Posted By Desmond McGuire Fl on November 8, 2007, 2:01 PM

I don't know what makes Erik Torkells think we might be interested in his opinions about anything but travel. If you are going to be editor of a travel magazine - stick to travel. It's almost as bad as having to listen to Hollywood starlets opine about politics. Stick to what you know.

Posted By Marilyn Hartl on November 8, 2007, 2:01 PM

The question you need to ask
yourselves is. Will Castro
allow a flood of American tourist on HIS Island?
I do not think so.
He knows if allows Americans
he will have nothing but problems and will lose control of his country.

Posted By Frank Albelo on November 8, 2007, 2:02 PM

Craig,

Check your history book; Clinton actually tightened sanctions against Cuba (1996 Helms-Burton Act
and 1999).

You can blame everything you want on Bush, but this goes back much further.

Posted By Matthew on November 8, 2007, 2:17 PM

Amen! I live in South Florida and so many of us would love to travel to Cuba. Isn't it the ONLY country we are not allowed to visit? My freedom to travel is being curtailed by an ancient, non-viable embargo that has failed in its purpose for over 40 years. The recent crackdown since W.Bush came into power is inexcusable.

Posted By Allie Nicholson on November 8, 2007, 2:18 PM

I don't know what makes Erik Torkells think we might be interested in his opinions about anything but travel. If you are going to be editor of a travel magazine - stick to travel. It's almost as bad as having to listen to Hollywood starlets opine about politics. Stick to what you know.

Posted By Marilyn Hartl on November 8, 2007, 2:40 PM

It's funny, I spent a while living in Berlin a few years ago, and was surprised how many people from Germany and all over Europe I met who had traveled to Cuba. I developed a pet theory that some of them choose to travel to Europe above other Caribbean destinations because there weren't many American there. On that subject, most of the people I spoke with about Cuba thought the embargo was outmoded and petty.

However, those people who say that the author is blaming Bush for this didn't really read what he said -- he just referenced Bush's comments that he would continue this embargo after Fidel Castro stepped down. That's not the same as blaming Bush for decades of a policy that does indeed pander to wealthy South Floridian voters.

Cuba is not a threat to America -- and anyone who defends Gitmo but supports human rights needs a wake up call.

Posted By Christian on November 8, 2007, 2:42 PM

I agree with George Friderck.It's not about limiting vacation plans. It's about the hypocrisy of the embargo.

Cuba is a communist country that last posed any real threat to us in 1962. And they were only a threat because of participation by the USSR. Without the Soviets Cuba posed zero threat to us. They pose zero threat to us now. Castro isn't even in power now and his brother's hold is tenuous at best. But we have an embargo, because 45 years ago they threatened us.

China is the LARGEST communist country in the world. The fund everything we do. Yes the Iraq war is funded by loans from China. If we piss them off and they recall the loans we are done.

China poisons our food, poisons our pets, poisons our children's toys, makes substandard products, employs prison labor (i.e. political dissidents), and has been the source of potential pandemics (SARS, Avian Flu). Then to top it all off they pirate (steal) not only movies and CDs but the substandard products they make for us. Want designer clothes? Go on eBay and order a 300 dollar dress new w/o tags for 50 dollars. Ships from China. Want a Rolex--you'll find one there. Looks just like the real thing. Because basically it IS the real thing. They steal not only the designs they steal the materials used. They steal the designer's fabrics, their hardware, and their molds. We do nothing about that. Then they poison our toys. What do we do about that? Oh the CEO of Mattel goes to China to apologize to them for not inspecting things better.

Vietnam is communist because we LOST the war. Yet we trade with them.

15 of the 9/11 hijackers were Saudi. Bush holds hands with their leader on a stroll through the gardens.

We don't divest government funds from Darfur or Iran.

The list goes on and on. Why Cuba still receives such treatment by our government is beyond me.

The embargo simply makes no sense anymore.

Posted By Angela on November 8, 2007, 2:46 PM

On a lighter note... I'm pretty sure Washington Apples are shipped to Cuba. Perhaps you could hide in a crate to see the island, you'd have plenty of food for the journey.

Posted By Angela Boyd on November 8, 2007, 2:59 PM

Budget Travel is no place for the editor's political opinions. This is not the first time Mr. Torkells has used Budget Travel to promote his personal agenda. I will be seriously considering whether to renew my subscription.

Posted By John M on November 8, 2007, 3:12 PM

Lest we forget that Castro's Cuba was willing and wanting to place Russian nuke missiles on his little island aimed at his political enimies to the north.

What, other than his health, has changed?

Posted By BIG Z on November 8, 2007, 3:15 PM

I gave 26+ years of my life to the protection of this country in the USAF and cannot believe that this country which now does business with nations we had WARS with, tortured & killed our troops & citizens & those of other nations & still have POWS/MIAS in their secret prisons, will not allow trade/touring with Cuba. Countries we tour/trade with have humane/animal violations ..... duh grow up!!!

Posted By John Hatem on November 8, 2007, 3:24 PM

I just want to respond to everyone who thinks Budget Travel shouldn't have political opinions. This is a blog, and there is supposed to be a free exchange of ideas and opinions here.

Further, it's completely normal for magazine editors to express their political opinions. Let's not chastise the press for doing what they're supposed to do.

Free country -- right?

Posted By Christian on November 8, 2007, 3:50 PM

I like the law the way it is. I'm a NZ citizen and if I ever want to spend a few weeks away from my American wife, I can go to Cuba knowing she can't bother me there! Land of the free? You're having a laugh.

Posted By SG on November 8, 2007, 4:13 PM

The Cuban missile crisis was 40 years ago. Since then, the Cold War has ended. We can travel to all the former Soviet block countries, but still can't travel to Cuba. It makes no sense. It isn't an issue of Democrat or Republican, it is an issue of stubbornness. Get over it!!!!

Posted By Sue Falch on November 8, 2007, 4:22 PM

Another nitwit liberal who cares more about his fun than the millions of oppresseed Cubans by the Thugs Castro - typical journalist - only I am appalled it appeared in this travel website - the only way I can see to discipline errant sites like this is to CANCEL MY CONNECTION - which I demand you do immediately.

Posted By andrew on November 8, 2007, 4:23 PM

I agree with you, Eric. I am tired of not being able to go where I want to go spend my money. I think we should be able to travel to Cuba. Yes they have human rights violations, but you know what, so does the US, so get over it already.

Posted By Kim on November 8, 2007, 4:27 PM

I find this blog to be fascinating, not just because it discuses travel, but it touches on the sole diversity that America has been founded upon. As a individual who joined the Navy to become a doctor, my rationale was exactly what many of you are talking about - traveling to foreign lands that are inaccessible to many of us and immersing in new cultures to try and absorb what it is that makes our world spin. I read this magazine/blog primarily to learn about destinations that I know little about as I hope many of you do as well. If you read something purely to learn about vacationing as many of you have suggested I ask you to look deeply into why you travel. I think it is important to remember you represent a country that is free and exemplify this on your own personal quests. There are reasons why people dislike us, and this naiveness about the world and using its assets for our own pleasure appears ugly and insulting to many. There is no valid reason why anyone should be unable to travel freely to where ones own heart desires as long as they are doing it for the right reasons. Spoiling a countries resources and staying at a resort gated by men with machineguns is not the right move. Integrating with the culture is a step in the right direction.

In regards to Cuba, I do not see how they could overthrow our democracy in the many conspiratory mechanisms proposed previously. Terrorism is just that, and Cuba is not going to be a gateway for terrorists. Our vacant border to the north is something you should be commenting about if you are so inclined. After traveling to Viet Nam and seeing what opening their doors has done is a true testament to lifting embargoes. The people see America and want to partake in many of our ideas and lifestyles. Opening our door will not be only a one-way event after some time has elapsed; eventually the people would not allow it. However, Cuban government still remains firm for many reasons, many of which are not beneficial to their citizens. Hey, at lease we have been saving money on the rent we have been paying for Gitmo for the last few decades since Cuba has never once deposited our checks.

Posted By Nick on November 8, 2007, 4:59 PM

I spent a day in Havana in 1958 and have hopes of a return visit. It would seem ideal for this country to be more consistent in its policies - but it hasn't happened yet.

It is my opinion that doing away with the embargo and allowing travel to Cuba would make us consistent with our policies toward other countries. Fair and equal treatment is an example our country should demonstrate.

Our current president has a very poor approval rating, but it is not because of his stand on the Cuban embargo. Both political parties have continued the embargo. Initially, it may have been a good move. That time has passed!

Posted By Milt on November 8, 2007, 5:27 PM

You should understand, first we must invade and liberate Cuba . . .

Then, as in Vietnam today, US citizens will be welcome to visit.

John

Posted By John on November 8, 2007, 5:36 PM

So Erik in your eyes the US is that naughty big guy torturing those Islamic good guys on of all places Cuba. Go to the library, get a history book, read Spanish American war subject, understand how Guantanamo came about, then get back to travel editing instead of politicizing

Posted By Charles Cavagnetto on November 8, 2007, 6:07 PM

Wait, do I BUY this magazine for politics or travel info. Erik keep your anger to yourself and concentrate on supplying us with good travel tips. Also while I am at it, whats with you and the partner thing, are you the Lone Ranger and Tonto. Enough with the personal crap on with travel.

Posted By Henry B Wimbush on November 8, 2007, 6:10 PM

Don't blame the harsh travel restrictions entirely on Bush, the Republicans and Cuban-American legislators! The most active member of Congress when it comes to promoting these restrictions is a Democrat. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and I'm ashamed to say that I live in her district. She even worked hard to defeat the "Gift Parcels Amendment," which would have allowed people to send soap and toilet paper to Cuba. Why is she doing this? Well, I checked newspaper files and the Federal Elections Commission. She's gotten $18,000 from the socalled US-Cuba Democracy Pac and another $12,200 from its officers and contributors. And she helped funnel money to other legislatirs to "turn" them in favor of the Bush policy.

Posted By Richard Rosichan on November 8, 2007, 6:41 PM

While I agree we should be allowed to visit Cuba, and that our relations should be different with that country, I think the political tone you took in the article was wrong for this forum. A reasoned argument could have been made without the Bush-bashing and blatant liberal bias. I think people have had enough with the biased, left-leaning views of the media. Newspaper readership is down, TV news is down...in no small part to the never-ending bias we have to hear every time we pick up a paper or turn on the TV. Don't do the same to this magazine! We read it because we enjoy travel, adventure, leisure, etc and hearing others talk about it. If we want half-thought out politics, we'll get the National Review or listen to Air America or Rush. Keep our magazine about travel or we'll go elsewhere.

Posted By John Grim on November 8, 2007, 7:09 PM

I can send you a video of Cuba. My Cuban friends tell me it is depressing and oppressive. Why go there?

Posted By j. parys on November 8, 2007, 7:14 PM

For these leftists, everything is Bush's fault. Erik Torkells knows something about travel tips, but he's one of a thousand wannabe pundits in the media who want to put his politics into places people don't want to read them.
I buy the magazine and read the website to get travel trips; I read the New York Times to get expert leftwing opinion.

Posted By Dave on November 8, 2007, 7:27 PM

YES, MR. BUSH, PLEASE, LET YOUR PEOPLE GO (TO CUBA). WE BUY CHINESE, WE'VE HAD RUSSIAN TRACTORS GOING FOR DECADES ON OUR FARMS, LET US TRAVEL TO CUBA. SET US FREE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE!

Posted By Francesca Falcone Abelt on November 8, 2007, 8:37 PM

AS a Florida sailor, who has traveled extensively all over the world, I find the embargo not only embarrassing to our country, but totally absurd. I've been to China, Russia, and yes even to Vietnam, and I cannot sail 90 miles to go to Cuba. The republican adminstrations have continually blocked any attempts to lift this stupid embargo, and will continue to do so because of their indebtedness to the minority of old time Cubans. It is time for this antiquated policy of making the real Cuban peoples suffer, be lifted. The cruise line industry would love to take you to this beautiful country, which every man from every country can visit except for Americans.

Posted By Dave Larsen on November 8, 2007, 9:16 PM

You know all I ever hear anymore is all the complaining about what we're not doing and how Bush is to blame for everything. Not sure if any of you realize this, but we have a house of representatives and a senate that things have to go through as well. Bush can't just waive his hand and say, "Ok embargo lifted!" If you want something done, contact your congressman. If you don't want to do that and you will want to go to Cuba, become a citizen of one of those many countries who allow travel to Cuba. Otherwise, get over yourself and move on! It's just an oppressed island in the Caribbean! Have you seen all the other islands down there available to you? Pick one and go!

Posted By Shelly on November 8, 2007, 9:22 PM

Erik,
Your simple minded arguments and lack of understanding of the underlying issues is amazing. Please stick to writing about cruises.

Posted By George on November 9, 2007, 7:05 AM

Erik, keep right on writing the way you have been. Travel is not only entertainment, it is exposure to other cultures. Americans often miss out on the pleasure of seeing and learning about the way other people live their daily lives. Travel IS political in many ways, and we can be ambassadors for our country if we expend the effort. As others have pointed out, the original intent of the editor's comments was to point out the hypocrisy of allowing travel to China (one of the most eggregious human-rights violators), while banning travel to a country 90 miles from our shores. A country, by the way, that has not poised an active threat to us since 1962, when (just a guess) most of Erik's detractors had not yet even been born. I was around for the missile crisis, and remember duck-and-cover drills in school. Many of our current "most-favored-nation" trade partners currently pose a very active threat to us, politically, economically, militarily and through environmental devastation and human-rights violations. By being able to visit these countries, we are able to build awareness of these challenges that affect the entire world, and possibly become agent of change for the better.

Posted By Teddy Gingerich on November 9, 2007, 10:06 AM

I agree with you Erik, the time for the end of the embargo is long overdue. There were a couple of good posts here, and since it is almost Vetren's Day, I would like to say Thank You to the couple of service men who have contributed.

For the people who have told Erik to just stick to the deals and the facts, and leave politics etc. out of your blogs and editorials, I have this to say. You are reading the wrong material. If you just want the facts, stick to a AAA guidebook!

As for Mr. Wimbush, I would like to ask you this. If you were writing about YOUR travel experiences, would you NOT mention that you were traveling with YOUR WIFE?( or mother, daughter etc.) I know of NO travel journalist who doesn't mention at least once, if they are traveling with someone in a story. It not only adds interest to the story, it adds to the readability of it. Stick to AAA.

Posted By Robert on November 9, 2007, 12:05 PM

I'm sure glad I haven't actually paid for a subscription for my Budget Travel emails, because I really am getting quite tired of politics finding its way into every bloody thing. We can't watch movies without being bombarded with Hollywood's idea of how things should be, and now we obviously can't plan on travelling without hearing about politics. If you want to travel to Cuba, come through the Bahamas. Americans do it all the time.

Posted By William Roberts - Bahamas on November 9, 2007, 9:54 PM

A few years ago a friend of mine went to Cuba. She and her sister were allowed to go, because they were born in Cuba and most of their relatives live there. She said the government spends a lot of money beautifying areas for the tourists -- some of which are places to which the Cuban citizens cannot go. The areas where the Cubans live have not been renovated or modernized. She used the word "dismal" in describing them. Her uncle took them to see a beach where tourists go. When they stopped the car and got out to look, the police stopped them and said they couldn't be there, because the area was only for tourists. When her uncle explained that the ladies were tourists he was told that they could be there then, but he couldn't.

There are many shortages of necessary items, such as toothpaste, or inferior products. However they have stores only for the tourists where such items are readily available and must be bought in dollars

My friend said she couldn't believe the conditions under which her relatives lived. The tourist money from other countries is supporting only tourist areas and doing nothing for the citizens of the country. Why go there and spend money to make conditions even more lopsided? My friend felt embarrassed to be able to do things and go places that her relatives could not.

People who travel to Cuba as tourists are primarily seeing places that Castro wants them to see and has spent money beautifying. They cannot really see and understand how the people live.

Posted By Vicki on November 10, 2007, 2:20 AM

The United States could learn something from Cuba. It's the only country in the world where people born in Cuba need a VISA to get into their own country. Fidel really knows who comes in and out of his country, something we cannot say. Everyone can read and write, can we say that?
Stop listening to those Cubans in Miami, they have been exploiting their own kind by charging high prices for goods sent from Miami to Cuba. Of over a million residents in Miami how many actually registered voters. Americans are visitng Cuba anyway, over 100,000 go through a third country every year. Open up and forget this stupid embargo!

Posted By Diane Pipitone on November 12, 2007, 12:34 PM

I need to respond to some of the previous posts.

First of all, when politics and legislation becomes relevant to travel and the right to travel, then discussion and opinion about it certainly does belong here. Just as much as talk about gun control legislation or poliy belongs in the NRA publications, or talk about food standards and inspections belongs in a food magazine. We're talking about the right to travel in a travel magazine here, not about the deficit or the war in Iraq!

Secondly, although it is true that travel restrictions existed under Clinton, Bush made them far harsher and crueler, allowing family visits only once every three years and then only to immediate family.

Third, the Cuban Missile Crisis took place 45 years ago, and the country that was behind it, the Soviet Union, ceased to exist 16 years ago.

Fourth, Cuba is the ONLY country that americans are forbidden to visit without a special license. Americans are free to travel to Iran, Iraq, Zimbabwe, Burma or even North korea - if they can get visas.

Fifth, there are no laws in Cuba aimed at Americans, and American visitors are probably safer there than in almost any American city. moreover, American visitors are welcome, and Cuban officials already know not to stamp their passports.

Sixth, there are plenty of conservatives who, faithful to TRUE Reagan-style small-government conservatism, support our right to travel freely. The member of Congress most active in opposing the travel restrictions is Jeff Flake (R-AZA), a very conservative and libertarian legislator.

I hope that Budget Travel will continue to actively oppose any policies or legislation that impedes our constitutional right to travel where we please!

Posted By Richard Rosichan on November 12, 2007, 12:53 PM

The number of people who have posted angry posts here, apparently without reading the original post, since they fail entirely to respond to the original, is frankly astonishing.

Posted By bob on November 12, 2007, 12:55 PM

I will not renew subscription, Erik is e perfect idiot, he should go live in Havana

Posted By jose Santamaria on November 12, 2007, 1:17 PM

Mr Torkells,

Yes, I think you were in a very bad mood when you wrote this silly article. It is insulting to people like me who had to run away from Cuba's communism years ago....

I liked Budget Travel because I like to travel and read other magazines for political information.

Mr. Torkells, go back to bed, rest. When you get up please contact subscriber services and cancel the two subscriptions I paid on 10/27.

Thank you,

Posted By Lilia Espinosa-Perez on November 12, 2007, 2:28 PM

I also left Cuba many years ago (1961) because of Communism; but I don't agree with the embargo. If you go to some travel sites (ex: tripadvisor.com)you can find ads, including pictures, for all the beautiful hotels that the Spaniards, Canadians, etc. have built in Cuba, mostly in the beaches, and where all the European and Canadians go. The pictures show tables full of food that ordinary cubans can't get anyplace; it made me physically sick since I know people there that don't have enough to eat.

Posted By Mercedes M. Culver on November 12, 2007, 5:26 PM

Maybe those who want to go can ask Michael Moore, the Code Pinkos, Cindy Sheehans how they were able to travel there. From there, please visit Venezuala, to get there, ask Danny Glover, Sean Penn how they were able to travel. Both places, I'm sure you'll love, since they have SO much more freedoms than we have.

Posted By Heidi S on November 12, 2007, 5:35 PM

Oh Heidi,

All your fellow Heidis in the rest of the world can go to Cuba. Why? Because going where you would like to go is part of one's FREEDOM!
Do those globe-trotting Heidis endorse every aspect of Cuba? Hardly.
But nor do they endorse waterboarding or the death sentence by visiting the US.
Get a grip!

Posted By Heidi Too on November 12, 2007, 9:33 PM

these acts by this place has been going since a race decided to start the United States of America. I served this country(America) for ten years for what. To still be treated like my fore fathers. Who are anyone of you to be concerned about embargos. For what to go and put someone else in slavery. Everyone in the world will be judged for their acts whether good or bad. Work out your own soul salvation. Concer yourselve with the things going on here. Charity begins at HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted By Timothy M. Brown on November 14, 2007, 12:55 PM

This is my first comment here on this web site and I just wanted to say that I really enjoy the site and I visit it everyday.

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