Deadline Extended! World Affairs Council Trip to Cuba

Travel Dates: November 9–17

Deadline extended! The final registration deadline is September 8th.

Join the World Affairs Council and President and CEO Jacqueline Miller on a guided nine-day tour of Cuba, where we will gain political, economic, and cultural insights into this rapidly changing island state. The trip will include travel to Havana, Trinidad Cienfuegos, and Viñales National Park. Participants will learn more about the U.S.-Cuban relationship at the U.S. Embassy as well as hear about the challenges and opportunities ahead of Cuba in meetings with the Mayor of Havana's office and a local economist. Carlos Alzugaray, former head of the Cuban mission to the European Union, will meet with the group to give an in-depth perspective on Cuba's international relationships. Perhaps most importantly, this trip will come with the opportunity to exchange views with Cubans from all walks of life, including dinner in the homes of local bed and breakfast owners. Space is limited!

The Council's Washington State-based travel partner for this program is Global Family Travels. Our tour operator in-country is Experience Cuba. 

June 20th Update

In light of President Trump's recent statement and directive reinstating travel restrictions to Cuba, we want to provide an update regarding the World Affairs Council November trip to Cuba. At this time, it does not appear that our program will be impacted. Under the revised travel policy, people-to-people educational programs will still take place between Cuba and the United States and our program was already designed as a people-to-people program.

This trip will be held at an even more pivotal time in Cuba-U.S. relations and as general travel to the island nation is likely to become more difficult. We will have the opportunity to speak first hand to policymakers, the Havana mayor’s office, and “ordinary” Cubans about the impact of some of these changes.

There are still spaces available on the trip. Book today!

Full Details

For full itinerary and details on exactly what is included and not included, please see our travel brochure. 

World Affairs Council 2017 Trip to Cuba Travel Brochure

Booking
To make a reservation, visit the Global Family Travels website.

Global Family Travels is our Washington State-based travel partner for this program. 

Questions

For questions and more information contact Nathan Sharpe, community engagement coordinator, at 206-441-5910 extension 307.

Fee
Member rate: $4,650, or $4,500 if paid by check or cash
Non-member rate: $4,900, or $4,750 if paid by check or cash
This does not include traveler's insurance or airfare to Havana (see below)
Not already a member? Join today!

Single supplement: $875
If you are willing to share a room we will attempt to match you with another traveler of the same gender. 

Deposit and Payment
A non-refundable deposit of $550 for each participant is due at time of booking. 
An additional $100, which counts toward the final airfare price, is required to join the trip's group airfare option. 

Payment in full to Global Family Travels is due by September 1.

Group airfare
The Council has arranged for these flights to be offered for a total fare of $700  (includes the additional $100 deposit). Participants may also arrange their flights separately, for example to take advantage of their own mileage plans or other arrangements.

November 9 - Depart Seattle at 5:00 AM. Via LAX, arrive in Havana at 4:55 PM
November 17 - Depart Havana at 5:55 PM. Via LAX, arrive in Seattle at 2:35 AM

Travel Insurance
The World Affairs Council recommends that all participants purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment. Consider travel protection for trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical and emergency evacuation/repatriation, trip delay, baggage delay and more.

While there are many insurance carriers you can contact for quotes, we recommend the following:
TravelEx Plan - Get a quote here, or by calling: 800-228-9792, and reference agent code # 47-0250. Jennifer Spatz, board member of the World Affairs Council and Founder of Global Family Travels, is happy to assist you with any insurance questions you have.