Cuba & Costa Rica Blog
About this blog
Written by Cuba and Costa Rica expert Christopher P. Baker, this blog will update readers on life in these two diverse and exciting countries.
Recent Posts
- Last blog post on Costa Rica and Cuba
- First-ever group motorcycle tours of Cuba successful
- Cuba’s Mariel port readying for Panama Canal expansion
- Musings on wildlife encounters on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula
- Cuba’s Steam Trains puffing their last gasp
- My top five thrilling activities in Costa Rica
- Cuba’s fun February festivals include Harleys, Books, Cigars
- Five top volcano viewing experiences in Costa Rica
- New road along Costa Rica / Nicaraguan border mired
- Cuba’s Hotel Campoamor at Cojímar to be restored?
- Cuban revolutionary Celia Sánchez honored in new book
- Christmas challenge for Costa Rica’s sexually abused girls
- Costa Rica opens Chinatown in downtown San José
- David Soul films Hemingway’s car restoration in Cuba
- National Geographic Expeditions receives license for Cuba tours
Orbitz OpenCuba petition soon to top 100,000 signatures!
Orbitz.com's OpenCuba campaign is closing in on its target of 100,000 signatures requesting that the Obama administration and Congress end the existing 50-year-old ban on travel to Cuba.
So far, more than 95,000 people have signed the petition, which was launched in May and has since garnered the support of key industry figures and organizations, including the Adventure Travel Trade Association, Cuban American Commission for Family Rights, National Federation Trade Council, National Tour Association, and US Tour Operators Association.
Once the magic number of 100,000 is reached, Barney Harford, President and CEO of Orbitz Worldwide, the Chicago-based travel website, will deliver the petition to Congress and the White House. more >>
Moon Spotlight Havana guide now available for pre-order!
After an absence of six years, finally a Moon guidebook solely to Havana is available again. I'm delighted that Moon Spotlight Havana will hit the bookshelves in November. However, you can pre-order now.
This 220-page guide is fully updated following my month-long stay in Havana in May 2009, and includes thoroughly up-to-date maps throughout the city, including the latest bus routes.
All the practical information is there, too, including my hot new recommendations for hotels and private room rentals, as well as restaurants. Plus, you get the skinny on what's new on the sightseeing and entertainment scene. more >>
U.S. & Cuba to hold talks on resuming direct postal service
Sure, there's mail service between Cuba and the States. But despite the two nations being just 90 miles (145 km) apart, your letter or package has to travel a circuitous route via Canada or Mexico, adding days to the journey. Direct service was suspended in 1961 when the U.S. imposed its trade embargo.
I was delighted, therefore, to learn that talks are to take place in Havana in mid-September aimed at resuming direct postal service. It's another good sign that a more common sense relationship between the two neighoring nations may soon prevail.
Officials from the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. State Department will attend the meetings, which the Cuban government has yet to confirm. more >>
Moon Spotlight chapter guides to Costa Rica now available for purchase
Most visitors to Costa Rica choose to tour one or two regions only, or three at the most. The favorite destinations are the Caribbean, Arenal and Monteverde, and the Nicoya Peninsula.
Traveler who know in advance that these are the regions they wish to visit may wish to purchase the "spotlight" chapter guides for these zones. more >>
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.