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President Donald Trump didn’t make traveling to Cuba illegal - Trump banned the independent style of traveling, meaning Americans can’t just state that they're going to Cuba for tourist purposes.

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12 ways to legally go to Cuba - The US government allows Americans to enter Cuba under these categories: family visits, official governmental business of the US government, journalistic activity, professional research and professional meetings, educational activities, religious activities...

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12 ways to legally go to Cuba - Public performances (including clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions and exhibitions), support for the Cuban people, humanitarian projects, activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes, exportation/importation/transmission of information or informational materials, and certain authorized export transactions.

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No independent travel - This means that you can’t independently go to Cuba under the “educational activities” category, but you can book a group tour through a certified organization.

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Tour companies - Purchasing a tour from an agency means you’ll be traveling under a government-approved itinerary. Because you’re traveling under the umbrella of “educational activities,” your reason for visiting can’t be “relaxing on the beach.”

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But you can travel under a different category - You can create your own itinerary under one of the other categories, and since they’re relatively vague, many activities may fall under those. One example is the category “support for the Cuban people.”

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Creating your own itinerary - One thing to keep in mind is that that the US government can request you to show your itinerary and a detailed schedule of your activities in Cuba (including passes and other proof) up to five years after your trip. So make sure to document everything.

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Visa - Before going to Cuba, you’ll have to purchase a tourist card, which works similarly to a visa. Prices vary (ranging from $50 to $85), and you can either purchase it ahead of time though a website (like this one) or directly through the airline.

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Restricted businesses - The Trump announcement also made it clear that Americans are barred from spending money on businesses that benefit the Cuban military's business arm, GAESA. This includes some restaurants and hotels. A comprehensive list of restricted businesses can be found here.

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Don’t let it stop you! - These requirements might seem like a lot, but it’s not impossible. International travel often includes restrictions and necessary steps that are similar to these, and documenting trips is something that many already do anyway.

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Step number one: How to get to Cuba from the US - You can either book a cruise or fly, with the latter being the fastest and cheapest. The following slide details the companies that offer direct flights from the US to Havana.

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Airlines - As of January 2018, these companies were offering direct flight into Cuba, according to the Authentic Traveling website:
- Southwest Airlines from Tampa (daily), and Fort Lauderdale (twice daily)
- Delta Airlines from New York-JFK (daily), Atlanta (daily), and Miami (daily)
- American Airlines from Charlotte (daily), and Miami (varied)
- United Airlines from New York-Newark (daily)
- JetBlue Airlines from New York-JFK (daily), Orlando (daily), and Fort Lauderdale (twice daily).

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Pack Euros if you can - ATMs are still hit-or-miss for American dollars in Cuba, so take cash with you. There is a 10% fee for exchanging American dollars for Cuban currency, so take euros if you want to avoid it.

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Debit and credit cards - If your cards are issued by an American bank, they won’t work in Cuba. So you’ll have to carry cash at all times.

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Safety - Cuba is generally safe for visitors. Violent crimes are rare on the island, so visitors only have to worry about pickpockets and minor theft, which are best prevented by being careful with personal belongings.

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Best time to go - The best time to visit Cuba is between December and May, when the climate is drier and sunny. Wet season takes off in June and Cuba is at risk of hurricanes, which normally occur between August and October.

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How long should you stay there? - Tourist cards to Cuba allow Americans to legally stay there for up to 30 days. However unless you have family there, that’s probably too long, as traveling through the island can be tricky. Between 7 and 10 days is more realistic.

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Havana - Start in Havana, since most international flights land there. With its rich history, architecture, salsa, and delicious food, this beautiful city is everything you hope it is and more.

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Next stop: Viñales - Traveling between cities in Cuba is tricky, as transportation and road infrastructure there tend to be poor. The best way to travel is probably by taxi colectivo, a taxi that transports more than one passenger at a time.

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Viñales - This small village in western Cuba is known for its one-story wooden houses with front porches. Located at the foot of Cordillera de Guaniguanico mountains, this quaint village is in the heart of Cuban tobacco plantations. It’s a great place to experience the rural culture of Cuba.

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Next stop: Cienfuegos - This coastal city 160 mi from Havana is dubbed the Pearl of the South, thanks to its beautiful bay. This Cuban city has strong French influences, so the locals tend to be more European-influenced.

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Next stop: Trinidad - Strolling through this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s cobblestone streets will take you back in time. For great sunsets, visit Playa Ancon beach.

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Foods to try in Cuba - Ropa Vieja, which is a dish of shredded beef simmered in tomato sauce and green peppers. Moros y Cristianos is a traditional dish that combines rice and beans. Arroz amarillo con pollo, which is Spanish for yellow rice with chicken, is both self-explanatory and tasty. Lobster is also quite affordable in Cuba, so definitely take advantage of that.

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Foods to try in Cuba - Cubans have numerous dishes with plantains. Tostones are simple but delicious deep-fried mashed-plantain cakes. Mariquitas, which are thin, crispy fried plantains, are another option. For dessert you can order some milk flan is made with sugar, milk, and eggs, then covered in caramelized condensed milk.

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Bonus food fact - While Cuban sandwiches are loved and cherished in the US, they aren’t actually Cuban. They’re a variation of ham and cheese sandwich concocted by Cuban-Americans in Florida.

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Restaurants - Local eateries tend to have short menus and popular dishes run out pretty fast, so don’t get too attached to the idea of one particular dish as they might not have it that day or at that time.

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What to drink in Cuba: Alcohol - Cuba is the land of rum, so take this opportunity to indulge in delicious cocktails, including mojitos, Cuba libres, canchancharas, and daiquiris. Or you can just drink it neat, as the locals seem to prefer.

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What to drink in Cuba: Non-alcoholic - Cuban coffee is potent and delicious. Try a café cubano, an espresso mixed with sugar.

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Staying connected in Cuba - Chances are your phone won’t work there. One option is to purchase a prepaid sim card at the airport to use throughout your trip.

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Staying connected in Cuba - Cuba is slowly becoming more modernized, but most residences and hostels still don’t have internet. For connection, you’ll probably have to go to an internet café or look for one of the designated Wi-Fi spots, which can be found here. To access the Wi-Fi, you have to purchase hourly passes from ETECSA for about $2 to $3 an hour.

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