Consider Traveling to Cuba before Costs Skyrocket

About 800,000 Canadians travel to Cuba every year. It’s second only to Mexico as a travel destination for Canucks.

"It's one of the most affordable beach getaways particularly for Canadians because they don't have to compete with that U.S. market," said Allison Wallace of Flight Centre.

But that’s until now. The U.S. has relaxed its long time embargo of Cuba and as of July, U.S. carriers have started flying there. Travel is still restricted to family visits and official business but come next year, that’s likely going to change.

“All indications are that tourism embargo is going to be lifted and it will probably be in the near future,” said Wallace.

Separated by just 90 miles of water the American influx is expected to be huge and the impact is already being felt.

Flight Center says its travel agents have been scrambling to keep up with double digit increases in the number of Canadians wanting to go before the Americans arrive. And increased demand has Cuban businesses charging Canadian tour operators in American dollars – because they can.

"Just with the foreign exchange rate alone we've already seen a 20-25 percent increase in cost,” Wallace told us.

Vancouver’s Belinda Abbott traveled to Cuba last year.

"I felt like there were no tourists around whatsoever. It was quite a cultural experience," said Abbott, who told us she saw just one American while there.

She’s worried the lack of infrastructure and hotels in Cuba will drive prices even higher and fears American culture will follow.

"So you definitely want to be looking to go to Cuba sooner, rather than later," advised Abbott.

Currently, Canadians make up 36 percent of all the tourists traveling to Cuba.

Source: CTV News