Glen Ellyn Chamber Offering Locals Cuba Travel Opportunity

Travel to Cuba was off limits for years and then in 2011 new travel rules went into effect allowing more people to visit the island known for Fidel Castro and cigars.

Now, area residents interested in visiting Cuba have an opportunity to travel with a group through a partnership of several area chambers of commerce.

On April 17, the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce will host an informational meeting about the 7-day trip taking place in October 2013. The Glen Ellyn chamber is partnering with the Lombard, Elmhurst, Hillside/Berkeley and Racine, Wisc. chambers.

“This works as a way for our local residents to meet other like minded travelers to travel in a safe environment with folks from their hometowns,” said Executive Director Georgia Koch. “Other chambers have said these trips are more congenial since the travelers are fellow residents.  It is also a way for local business people to explore how business is done in other countries — these trips are offered all over the world, including Dubai and China.”

People-to-people exchanges are allowed for travel to Cuba, which still has restrictions that must be followed, Koch said. The company the chambers are working with has experience providing tours of Cuba and offers travelers a sense of safety and security.

“We feel that this could be a most interesting and fascinating trip since travel has been so limited to Cuba for so many years,” she said.

The trip’s details include: $3599 for the 7-day trip.  The price includes airfare from Miami, all transfers, 7 nights in a first class hotel, a dedicated — professional guide, departure taxes, medical insurance, Cuban visa, 16 meals, baggage handling and gratuities.

To learn more about the trip, contact the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce at 630-469-0907. Or, attend its informational meeting April 17 at 6 p.m. at the chamber office, 810 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn.