Once you make your online reservation you will receive a final invoice from us confirming your reservation details.  Our STI reservation specialists are available to review your reservation and recommend additional services. Depend on them for assistance with airfare, proper protection, pre and post tour services, etc.  Contact us with your travel requests.  

REVIEW the important information on the FAQ tab for this trip.

INSURANCE
Travel Insurance is mandatory for travel to Cuba. Contact Meagan at 877-765-6874 x 708 after reviewing the FAQ entitled “What about Traveler’s Insurance?”

SOCIALIZE

Say hello to your fellow travelers on the chat!

DON’T MISS OUT 
Get the best deals on optional “Add-ons”. Review the Trip Options and make all reservations so you don’t miss out on any limited or time-sensitive offers.

PASSPORT MANDATORY & CUBAN VISA IS INCLUDED IN OUR PACKAGE 
A passport is required for US citizens and be sure to confirm that your passport is current and will be valid at least six months after your departure. If you do not have one or need a new one, contact the State Department Passport Office in your area immediately or visit their website.

UPLOAD a COLOR copy of your passport to us within 7 days of your reservation (within 24 hours if reserved after August 26, 2019). Note that a passport is mandatory and must be valid for 6 months form your return date.

Click here to upload to our secure folder.

Non US Citizens are responsible for verifying their own required documentation for this tour.

CUBA TRAVEL AFFIDAVIT:

Please fill out the Cuba Travel Affidavit, available on the YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS button on the left navigation bar on the trip site, as soon as possible. We will be traveling under the Support for the Cuban People License and that is the option that needs to be checked off on the affidavit. Please complete and UPLOAD HERE, by November 30, 2019.

What’s Next?

Carefully review the FAQ tab for your vacation and Visit our Help Center. Your “Final Vacation Details & Meetup Information” including transportation and how to meet up with the group will be available on the YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS button on the left navigation bar on the trip site, 21 days prior to trip start date. Please note that this will REPLACE the Cuba Affidavit.

Questions and comments after you have reserved your vacation are addressed promptly when you send a message to us at service@singlestravelintl.com.

Travel to Cuba is fully legal, however, tourism is strictly prohibited. Your travel must fall into one of twelve (12) categories authorized by the US Treasury Department. If your purpose for travel falls into one of the categories, you are automatically approved to travel by general license. Our Travel Partner is fully licensed to provide travel services in Cuba.

A Unique Opportunity for Face-to-Face Discussion: During every activity we’ve arranged you’ll have a chance to talk with a local in a small group of three or four travelers. Your Tour Manager will always be nearby to facilitate discussion or help translate, but as with many unique cultural experiences, you will get out of it what you put in, even when you must use body language! We encourage you to participate fully to get the most from your trip.

STI has found the sweet spot between solo travel and large organized group tours. With Cuba’s unique history and culture, we really want to dive in with locals to be able to provide a more intimate experience. Traveling with a smaller group allows for the best opportunity to get the most out of your visit.

Casual tours really provide the best and more intimate way to see a destination. Immersing yourself into a local culture, unlike any place you’ve ever been, is the secret to a truly rewarding vacation. Singles Travel International is here to show you the best destinations and provide the most unique local experiences.

*Please note that accommodations are basic, centrally located and 3 star. Locally Grown tours focus on active tours, local food and wine, and simpler accommodations. Leave the ball gowns and high heels at home and set out on a local adventure where you can see it all without busting your Bucket List budget. We can see and do all for less!

The tour starts in Havana, Cuba on December 29, 2019 and ends in Havana, Cuba on January 2, 2020. Therefore, the tour is 4 nights/5 days. Create the ultimate Cuban Experience by adding our Optional 3 Night Extension to Trinidad & Bay of Pigs.

Please schedule your flight to arrive in Havana (HAV), before 1:00 p.m. on December 29, 2019 and depart after 2:00 p.m. from Havana (HAV) on January 2, 2020. If taking advantage of our 3 Night Extension Package in Trinidad, Schedule flights home, after 1:00 PM, on January 5, 2020.

Post your flight arrival info on the STI chat for this tour and you may find another guest on your same flights!

Singles Travel International is a vacation event company that plans singles events and markets our events at our expense to create a “singles only” experience. We do not allow guests to join the group unless the reservation has been made by STI. Our policy is firm for tours and cruises, as well as pre and post trip hotel stays. Members and friends that “show up” will not be allowed to participate.

A deposit is due at time of reservation. Refer to the Price and Options tab for the amount. Final payment is due in our office by August 26, 2019. A reminder will be emailed to you 14 days prior to due date and you may choose to pay your remaining balance, via PayPal, or contact our accounting department at 877-765-6874 option 4, with your payment details, to secure your reservation. If you make a reservation after August 26, 2019, full payment will be automatically charged at time of reservation and penalties will apply. Note that on occasion, charges are processed after the final due date, so there is no need to be concerned if you do not see the charges on that day.

Please remember the tip for the local guide is not included in our package price. We recommend $20/day, per guide, per person.

Yes. All cancellations must be made in writing to Singles Travel International and are subject to per person penalties as follows:

*After deposit and at anytime of cancellation, a minimum charge of $175.00 plus credit card charges will apply in addition to other penalties listed below.

*Between August 26 and September 27, 2019 – $350 penalty applies.

*Between September 28 and October 29, 2019 – 50% penalty applies.

*Between October 30 and November 25, 2019 – 75% penalty applies.

*After November 26, 2019 – any cancellations or “no-shows” – 100% penalty.

Note that if you elect to take a roommate and he/she cancels after our cut off date, we will do everything to find a new match. However, if no match is found, the difference in cost for a single room is the responsibility of the guest who cancels. No refund will be given to the guest who cancels, regardless of  tour company policy as stated above. Singles Travel International is not responsible for costs related to cancellations after our cut off date.

In order to accommodate singles from all over the world, our tours are priced as land only. Therefore, airfare is additional. Singles Travel International is a licensed ticketing agency and oftentimes has low negotiated fares.

If you plan to arrange your own flights, please schedule to arrive in Havana (HAV), before 1:00 p.m. on December 29, 2019 and depart after 2:00 p.m. from Havana (HAV) on January 2, 2020.

If you plan to add our 3 night package, in Trinidad, please schedule flights home to depart after 1:00 PM, on January 5.

You are responsible for beverages (except when included in accommodations events), some lunches and dinners, shopping and gratuities to local guide ($20 per day).

Please contact your preferred carrier directly to make your reservation. If Singles Travel International issues a promotional economy fare, granting of frequent flyer credit is entirely at the airline’s discretion. If the flights are eligible, to ensure you earn frequent flyer credit from the airline, give your frequent flyer account number when you check in for your flights. In addition, save your boarding passes and the passenger receipt from your airline ticket. You may need to submit these to the airline (not to Singles Travel International) to claim any credit allowed.

Of course not. You will be pleased to find out that nearly 90% of our guests on every trip sign up and have never met anyone before joining the group. In 25 years, we have perfected the singles vacation experience. It is paramount that our guests meet each other right away and have opportunities to mingle every day. From the moment you join our tour, our local guide is waiting to meet you. The object of your vacation is trying something new, seeing new places and making new friends. The bonds that develop on our tours are by far the strongest and longest lasting.

Our “Baby Boomer” vacations cater to singles in their 50s and 60s but you will often meet singles ranging anywhere from 45-75. We generally have a ratio of 60/40, women to men. As a travel club, matchmaking is not our focus. Ages listed on our page are not restricted. They are simply used as a guideline. We offer an opportunity for single travelers to see the world in the company of other singles and do not guarantee ratios or ages.

We recommend that you meet the members of the STI Community online where you may view and interact with members via “Who’s Going” on every trip page. This is the best way to find out exactly who will be on your vacation.

Selection: Restaurants don’t always have as much selection as in the US, menu choices are limited, but always another option for vegetarians or those that cannot eat what has been set up on the menu. Most restaurants do offer at least two choices for the main course, which the guide may communicate and take orders for in advance. Ordering in advance can speed up the service for larger group.

Beverages: Most included restaurants on this tour will provide you with one welcome drink (usually a cocktail, such as a mojito, Cuba Libre, etc) and an additional national drink during your meal (examples can be beer, soft drink, water or juice). Coffee may not always be included after the meal, as some restaurants are not equipped to serve coffee to large parties. Check with the local guide to figure out what options you have for each meal, as not all restaurants are the same.

**WATER**

It is best to drink bottled water while in Cuba. You will find that both still and sparkling water are available. Water is purified in the restaurants, and it is ok to drink beverages with ice wherever we take you on the tour. It is also not necessary to use bottled water to brush your teeth, as the tap water has also been purified. STI Includes a bottle of water for each member on a daily basis. More may be purchased as you go and a good way to get small change for bathrooms use and shopping.

The rainy season in Cuba typically runs from May to November and the dry season is between December and April. Keep in mind that it may however rain at any time, so it is wise to always have rain gear when traveling to Cuba. The temperatures in Cuba can range from the 60’s in the winter (though not very common) to the 90’s in the summer months. Wear comfortable, cool clothing. It is common to have AC in restaurants, hotels, and other indoor facilities, so layering can also be wise. Do keep in mind that not all places have AC in Cuba, so sometimes it may also be quite hot.

PASSPORT MANDATORY & CUBAN VISA IS INCLUDED IN OUR PACKAGE 
A passport and Visa are required for travel to Cuba. Be sure to confirm that your passport is current and will be valid at least six months after your departure. If you do not have one or need a new one, contact the State Department Passport Office in your area immediately or visit there website.

We recommend that you also make copies of your passport, driver’s license, photo identification card and/or birth certificate in case of loss, and carry them with you on your trip separate from your passport.

Singles Travel International has included your Cuban Visa in your package.

UPLOAD a COLOR copy of your passport to us within 7 days of your reservation (within 24 hours if reserved after August 26, 2019). Note that a passport is mandatory and must be valid for 6 months form your return date.

Click here to upload to our secure folder.

Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for required documentation. Please check with your local consulate for any needed passports or visas for entry into each country on our itinerary.

CUBA TRAVEL AFFIDAVIT:

Please fill out the Cuba Travel Affidavit, available on the YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS button on the left navigation bar on the trip site, as soon as possible. We will be traveling under the Support for the Cuban People License and that is the option that needs to be checked off on the affidavit. Please complete and UPLOAD HERE, by November 30, 2019.

CUBA TRAVEL AFFIDAVIT REQUIRED:

Please fill out the Cuba Travel Affidavit, available on the YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS button on the left navigation bar on the trip site, as soon as possible. We will be traveling under the Support for the Cuban People License and that is the option that needs to be checked off on the affidavit. Please complete and UPLOAD HERE, by November 30, 2019.

OFAC requires that travelers to Cuba keep a travel journal during their visit. This will serve as documentation that, under the requirements of the OFAC, you have visited Cuba for educational purposes. We will provide a detailed day by day itinerary with final documents so clients may use as a base for their journal. We recommend you keep your journal on file for five years, in case a U.S. official asks for proof of the educational nature of your journey.

Passengers are required to fully participate in daily activities. This is not a trip for passengers who want a relaxing trip. There is little to no free time. There is some down time in the evenings when dinner is not included.

The itinerary is subject to change and, if so, features will be substituted.

On tour, only ONE standard size suitcase for check in (50 lbs.), measuring 30x21x11 is permitted. In addition, you may have ONE carry on (20 lbs), including a purse or laptop, but measuring less than 25 inches.

Bring along summer clothing and we recommend that that you pack slacks and a sweater or jacket as temperatures might be chilly. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

A diplomatic attitude

Essential Items: We highly recommend that you bring the following items.

– A good, comfortable pair of broken-in walking shoes.
– A pair of shoes for restaurants (loafers, sandals, etc).
– Collapsible umbrella (which can double as a sunshade parasol) and/or lightweight raingear.
– Ladies will want to bring a nicer warm wrap, and gentlemen a nicer jacket, for evening wear.
– Sunglasses, sun block, sun hat or visor.
– Toiletries: all your daily essentials.
– Prescription medications: sufficient supply for the entire trip plus legible written prescription in case of loss. Keep medications in their original, labeled container. Always pack your medications in your carry-on bag!
– Eyeglasses, contacts, contact lens solution. You may want to bring along a written prescription for your eyewear in case of loss.
– Over the counter medications: cold remedy, aspirin/pain reliever, antacid/stomach upset remedy, Band-Aids, money or other anti-bacterial medication.
– Travel alarm clock with illuminated face, especially for guests in an inside cabin.
– Small, Swiss Army type utility knife. Remember to pack this in your checked luggage!
– Travel journal/notepad and reading material.
– Home address book for sending postcards. A useful tip to avoid bringing your entire address book is to pre-write names and addresses of people to whom you want to send postcards on sheets of self-adhesive labels. It saves time and space in your luggage.
– Small, basic sewing kit with a few extra buttons. Remember to pack scissors in your checked bag!
– Photography Equipment: Bring a sufficient supply of batteries.

Please do NOT pack the following:

• Narcotics
• Anti-Cuba literature
• Aerial drones
• Walkie-talkies
• Satellite phones
• Hand-held GPS equipment
• Irons
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Pornographic material

Travel Insurance is MANDATORY for travel to Cuba and available through Travel Guard. In addition to direct access immediately upon completing your purchase, you will receive a quote from Travel Guard regarding travel insurance after reserving your vacation.  If you have any questions, Travel Guard professional, expert agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The contact number for Cuba travel insurance, at Travel Guard, is 866-375-2546.  Call us if you have not received your quote within 3 days.

There are two types of currencies in Cuba. The first is the Cuban Peso, used primarily by the locals for basic staples. The second is the CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso), which is the currency mostly used by tourists. It is important to make sure you are getting back the right change in the right currency when making purchases.

**Exchange:** You can exchange USD for CUC at any airport, hotel, exchange bureau in town centers and some banks. The current fee for exchanging is 13%, i.e. for 100 USD you will get 87 CUC. The fee is the same no matter where you exchange your currency. You will need your passport to exchange money.

**Credit Cards & Traveler’s Checks:** US-issued credit cards, debit cards, and ATM cards do not work in Cuba. Only credit cards issued in other countries may be issued (other than US). You must have cash in order to make any purchases in Cuba or pay for any services. Most places will not take USD, so you must exchange currency upon arriving. Tips however can be given in any currency. Traveler’s Checks may also be difficult to cash while in Cuba.

No inoculations are required for travel from North America to Cuba. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends updating all routine booster shots for travel almost anywhere. In addition, we suggest that you have a physical check-up before your trip, and discuss the type of trip in which you are participating with your physician.

You and your physician can access much more, very detailed health information for travelers (including tips on staying healthy while traveling) on the CDC website, cdc.gov. Click their “Traveler’s Health” link or call toll-free 24-hours at 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

Your “Final Vacation Details & Meetup Information” including transportation and how to meet up with the group will be available on the YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS button on the left navigation bar on the trip site, 21 days prior to trip start date.

**CALLS AND INTERNET IN CUBA**

Cell Phones: US cell phones do not work in Cuba, even if you have an international plan.

Calling Home:  It is expensive to call home, sometimes more than 2.50 CUC per minute, and connection charges may also apply.

Internet: Wi-Fi is very limited throughout Cuba and because of the limited technology in Cuba, it is not uncommon to have internet outages.

Communication with the US: Though internet is the best way to communicate with family back at home, you may want to warn them of the difficulty in communications between Cuba and the US. Not only can it be costly, but internet may be experiencing difficulties, or you may have problems getting a line to the US from Cuba, since they are often rerouted through third countries.

Our office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In an emergency after hours, please contact Tammy Weiler at 815-715-6998.

Singles Travel International will relay emergency messages to our local operator, as soon as possible, given limited communication.

Per US regulations, you are allowed to bring back art (such as paintings, ceramics, handicrafts) or informational/educational items (such as books, music, or printed materials). You may have to pay a small fee to Cuban Customs ($3 per item), but not always applied.

Rum, cigars and other souvenirs ARE ALLOWED and may be purchased while in Cuba for personal consumption only.  Cigars are unlimited.

Upon returning to the US, you will have to go through immigration and customs. Often travelers returning from Cuba are asked additional questions.