Travel Services

We offer the following services: 

Unique Travel Programs: Privately coordinated small-group travel programs. Are you ready to embark on an intercultural exchange in Cuba? I-Dared Travels, Inc. creates personalized programs ideally suited for non-government & community organizations, secondary school clubs/associations and families. Cost per person: Privately coordinated*

Onshore Excursions for Cruise Passengers: All Aboard! While U.S.-based cruise ships are currently not permitted to dock in Cuba, U.S. citizens may travel to Cuba via ship from other Caribbean destinations. Once in Cuba, I-Dared Travels, Inc. can provide personalized onshore adventures in Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba. Onshore programs must be coordinated prior to departure from the U.S.. Day-long adventures include transportation, bilingual guide, entrance to popular tourist destinations such as Cigar Factory, Rum Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, etc. Cost per person: $150.00.** 

DIY Travel Consultation: Want to "Go Solo" but need a head-start? Getting around Cuba can be a challenge. I-Dared Travels, Inc. provides general logistical support for the independent traveler. Choose how much in-country support you need. Consultation fees: $150.00 per person/couple.

Basic Travel Logistical Support includes: 

Consultation on flight reservations      

Airport transfers               

Hotel/Casa Particular arrangements             

Transportation between tourist destinations (local/long-range travel)

Privately contracted bilingual guides  

Suggested dining and travel reservations  

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*Per person costs for private programs consider the following factors: length of stay, lodging (hotel vs. casa particular), transportation, entrance fees to tourist and cultural landmarks, meals, and cultural activities. All privately coordinated programs incur a logistics fee of $300.00 per group in addition to program costs. 

** Onshore excursions may include a variety of activities such as a horse-and-buggy tour (Old Havana), tours of cigar & rum museum, bilingual guide, etc. Transportation via classic cars. Local landmarks vary in each city. Meals not included. Travel beyond city-limits may incur additional charges.  Incidentals and tipping not included.

I-Dared Travels, Inc. has a network of guides and Cuban partners throughout the country ready to ensure your cultural immersion. 

MUSIC & ART SCENE: Explore! Meet local artists and musicians. Visit some of our favorite cultural hotspots in Havana including Fabrica de Arte de Cuba, Fusterlandia, Museo de Bellas Artes, private art galleries, Tropicana, Gran Teatro de Alicia Alonso, Callejon de Hamel, Finca Vijia (home of Ernest Hemingway), and so much more!

NATURE: Escape the city! Embark on an overnight adventure with our favorite Ecotourism startup Entre Montañas. Hike the trails of Artemisa and Pinar del Rio, try your hand at spelunking, explore ruins from the colonial era in Cuba. Daytrips are a blast with our local experts Cool Cuban Tours--our exclusive Viñales "hook-up." 

Ready to relax? Soak in the sun of any one of Cuba's white-sand beaches, Vadadero and beyond! 

CITY ADVENTURES: Visit our favorites cities around Cuba-- Havana, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Trinidad de Cuba, Camaguey, Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, just to name a few! Each destination offers unique experiences and insight into life in Cuba. Our local experts will help you connect with the heartbeat of their city. 

I-Dared Travels, Inc. strives to foster personal connections between travelers from the U.S. and the Cuban people. Many unique segments of the Cuban population have benefitted from the generosity of our clients. Private entrepreneurs, rural and urban schools, religious communities, and community projects have opened their hearts and doors to our clients to share what life is like first-hand in Cuba. In exchange our clients' philanthropic gestures support the goals of these Cuban entities.

Recipients of our humanitarian outreach include: 

Schools: Maitres de Barbados Escuela Primaria (Havana), Jardines de Aspiro Escuela Primaria (Artemisa), 14 de Julio Escuela Primaria (Havana) Marta Abreu Escuela Primaria (Camaguey), Jose Marti Escuela Secondaria (Villa Clara) 

Religious & Community Projects: Centro Hebreo Sefaradi, Templo Beth Shalom (Patronato), Escuela Cubana de Wushu y Qigong de Salud, Centro Sinfonico Infantil, Instituto Superior de Arte, Proyecto Artecorte, Capablanca Centro de Ajedrez, Escuela Taller de la Habana (Havana)

Medical facilities: Policlinica Consultorio de Belen de Havana Vieja (Havana)

Entrepreneurs: Cafeteria Parisien, Don Donato Panaderia, La Body Marca (Havana)

F.A.Q.s

We know you have LOTS of questions about what to expect when traveling to Cuba. I-Dared Travels, Inc. provides all participants with a "Travel Cheat Sheet." While you wait for your Tips for Traveling in Cuba information sheet to arrive, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions: 

Q. Can I really travel to Cuba? 

A. Absolutely. Regulations regarding travel to Cuba are regularly updated by the U.S. Department of Treasury. It is no longer necessary to apply for a license to visit the island. However, unrestricted tourism is prohibited. In compliance with updated regulations, I-Dared Travels, Inc. has developed partnerships with Cuban institutions and governing agencies allowing us to provide a unique opportunity to visit the island. 

Q. I heard there are two currencies. Is that true? 

A. Yes, in a way. In December 2020 the Ministry of Finance unified the two currencies that were used for many years: the Convertible Cuban Peso (CUC) and the Cuban Peso (CUP). Beginning in November of 2020 the government created a digital debit card system known as Moneda Libermente Convertible (MLC) which can be used to make purchases in MLC stores. These debit cards can be funded with digital payments from abroad. Payments can be made in U.S. dollars, Euros, and a variety of other currencies. MLC cards with preset amounts can be purchased upon arrival at the airport. The official exchange rate is $120.00 CUP to $1.00 USD. The unofficial rate varies. The best source to determine the free market exchange rate is www.eltoque.com 

Many restaurants accept payment in USD and Euros. There are a few opportunities for payment in Bitcoin. Payments for basic services can be made in CUP (i.e. farmers market, public transportation). 

Q. Is tipping a cultural norm? How much should I tip? 

A. Of course tipping is a personal choice. I-Dared Travels, Inc. will provide all of its clients with guidance. The current trend is to tip 10% in restaurants. Keep in mind, wages in Cuba are painfully low, yet even the Cubans tip for services: restaurant staff and parking attendants. The need to improve salaries is a key issue impacting the country's continued economic development; one that is discussed in the press regularly. Cubans are not shy about their opinions on this topic. 

Q. Will I be safe traveling in Cuba? 

A. Most definitely. Cubans are extremely friendly. If you wander off from your group--and you should, occasionally--someone will come to your rescue. You may not understand the directions completely, but walk a block and ask again. Often you will be escorted to your destination. Police officers may look intimidating but they are eager to help travelers. Of course, keep an eye on your wallet. Petty theft is universal. 

Want to know more? email us at idaredmc@gmail.com or use the contact page. 

I-Dared Travels, Inc. is committed to providing payment options that suit our clients personal needs. Diplomatic relations have resumed between our two countries; however, Cuba is still an embargoed nation. As a result, the Department of Treasury (OFAC) has imposed restrictions on direct banking transactions between our two nations. I-Dared Travels, Inc. complies with all OFAC restrictions and U.S. government policy currently in place.  

While we are able to receive payment via personal check, money order, or digital transfers, we are required to make all payments to our Cuban counterparts in cash only. As a result, all payment for travel services rendered must be paid in full at least two weeks prior to date of travel.  

Final cost of personalized travel arrangements are based on the services provided for each traveler/group. Payments may be made in installments or as a one-time payment. 

Personal checks, money orders, and PayPal are acceptable forms of payment.