Viva Cuba: Our Favorite Responses from The Inaugural TravelPulse #TPOT

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The inaugural TravelPulse on Twitter chat was held May 9, with some of the biggest names in travel chiming in to share their experiences, their thoughts and their predictions on travel to Cuba. We are immensely grateful to the many suppliers, experts and participants who joined us for the first of many #TPOT chats; if nothing else, for adding so much to our vision board. You can see some of our favorite photos from the event here.

We had a few questions for our experts throughout the chat, and their answers offered enlightenment across the board on this fascinating new destination for the American traveler. We've gathered a few of our favorite answers below. Check them out, then be sure to follow @TravelPulse on Twitter for updates on our next #TPOT chat.

Q1: Why Cuba? What makes it the place we all want to see right now?

Q1: It is the true last frontier for Americans to travel. So close, but still a world away. - Ronen Paldi, Y'Alla Tours #TPOT

- Tim Wood (@TimWoodPulse) May 9, 2016

@IEtravel A1: The 'off limits' aspect plays big, it's like a forbidden paradise. People want to see if it really is like the 1950's #TPOT

- Charlie & Kristina (@MapTrotting) May 9, 2016

A1: Widely publicized changes to travel regulations and 53 years of pent up demand, Americans want to see Cuba before it changes. #TPOT

- insightCuba (@insightcuba) May 9, 2016

A1: #Cuba is frozen in time and the picture it presents today will surely change soon. #TPOT

- Mark Murphy (@murphytravels) May 9, 2016

Q2: What is the biggest misconception currently about traveling to #Cuba?

Q2: That Communism rules everyday life, that there's poor infrastructure & the people hate the Americans (all totally untrue) - Paldi #TPOT

- Tim Wood (@TimWoodPulse) May 9, 2016

@TravelPulse A2 Biggest misconception about Cuba is that it is cheap. Huge demand combined w limited supply means higher prices #TPOT

- Chris McGinnis (@cjmcginnis) May 9, 2016

A2: The false belief that it's not safe to #travel to #Cuba#TPOT Incredibly SAFE!

- Mark Murphy (@murphytravels) May 9, 2016

A2: People also seem to think "eased restrictions" mean they can have a beach weekend in Varadero! #TPOT

- IE Travel (@IEtravel) May 9, 2016

A2: Traveling horror stories outshine the day to day amazing experiences of the majority of those visiting Cuba! @AKTravel_USA#TPOT

- Emily Landers (@ItsEmilyLand) May 9, 2016

Q3: What's one thing you wish you knew before traveling to #Cuba that you pass on to travelers? #TPOT

Q3: How much they need whatever we bring them. Any gifts, they are so appreciative. - Ronen Paldi, Y'Alla Tours #TPOT#Cuba

- Tim Wood (@TimWoodPulse) May 9, 2016

@fathomtravel A3 That it's not a place for luxury seekers or folks w mobility issues, even in Havana #TPOT

- Chris McGinnis (@cjmcginnis) May 9, 2016

A3: that you do have the ability to explore #Cuba and engage the people one on one #TPOT

- Mark Murphy (@murphytravels) May 9, 2016

Q4: What's the coolest thing you saw in #Cuba? (please share photos and videos!) #TPOT

Q4: The resilience of the people & their very happy attitude to life in spite of their harsh living conditions. - Paldi, Y'Alla Tours #TPOT

- Tim Wood (@TimWoodPulse) May 9, 2016

A4: The vibrancy of the country constantly surrounds you. The locals' pride in their culture is contagious. #TPOTpic.twitter.com/dTrhv21Edg

- Cuba Cruise (@YourCubaCruise) May 9, 2016

Q5: What are some genuine experiences still to be had that show off authentic #Cuba "before it changes"? #TPOT

A5: Staying in a Casa Particular has to be done. Make sure it's a genuine local and not an agency with many https://t.co/URnHKZW5Zr#TPOT

- Charlie & Kristina (@MapTrotting) May 9, 2016

A5: Meeting local artisans, farmers, performers & students. Touring Habana Vieja (Havana's old section). Small undiscovered museums. #TPOT

- TauckAgent (@TauckAgent) May 9, 2016

A5 watching the old dudes habla beisbol at the Caliente Corner is the only old school activity I would #travel to Cuba for @CruiseGuy#TPOT

- Charles McCool (@CharlesMcCool) May 9, 2016

A5: Enjoy the live music everywhere you go. It's like having your own soundtrack to your time in #Cuba. #TPOTpic.twitter.com/QLXrzg29II

- Cuba Cruise (@YourCubaCruise) May 9, 2016

Q6: We've heard about #Cuba's limited infrastructure. What are you seeing? How does that impact travelers today? #TPOT

A6. Lack of infrastructure concerns travelers, especially in an emergecy, so they should consider travel insurance for peace of mind #TPOT

- Allianz Travel USA (@AllianzTravelUS) May 9, 2016

A6: Quite weird to drive down the 3 lane central highway and be the only person on it. Then it comes to a sudden stop #TPOT#Cuba

- Charlie & Kristina (@MapTrotting) May 9, 2016

#TPOT A6 addl. even with limited older infrastructure much of it is far better than other places #Cruise ships visit on a regular basis

- Brooks Cruise Svc (@BrooksCruiseSvc) May 9, 2016

A6: Hotel availability - esp higher end - is hard to find. Travelers must book v far in advance or thru tour operator w/allocation. #TPOT

- Abercrombie & Kent (@AKTravel_USA) May 9, 2016

Q7: What was your favorite cultural find while in #Cuba? (art, music, theatre, sports) #TPOT

A7: A night at #Tropicana! The music, costumes and atmosphere are as spectacular as they were 50 years ago. #TPOTpic.twitter.com/BLY15hxPye

- Cuba Cruise (@YourCubaCruise) May 9, 2016

A7: Anything to do w/ the arts or music is incredible. Seeing Swan Lake at the ballet, listening to the symphony, jazz or dance salsa. #TPOT

- Tom Popper (@CubaPoppy) May 9, 2016

Q8. What's your best pro tip on the best off-the-beaten path places to see in and outside of Havana? #TPOT#Cuba

A8: Rent a bicycle in Trinidad and head out of town towards the coast. There are lots of little spots to get some sand to yourself #tpot

- Charlie & Kristina (@MapTrotting) May 9, 2016

A8: Visit Playa Oeste, a beautiful local beach with no development. In #Havana, visit Arte Corte, an incredible community project. #TPOT

- insightCuba (@insightcuba) May 9, 2016

A8: Get to places Americans haven't heard of yet! IE private travel planners love the fishing village Gibara. #TPOTpic.twitter.com/kp3ZpVsQP7

- IE Travel (@IEtravel) May 9, 2016

Q9: What was your favorite meal while in #Cuba? (sorry East Coasters if photos make you hungry before lunch!) #TPOT

A9: Loved the paladars - small, family-owned restaurants. Classic rice & beans. Fresh, local seafood! Mojitos, mojitos, mojitos! #TPOT

- Tauck (@tauck) May 9, 2016

A9: You can't leave #Cuba without experiencing 'Maridaje' - a marriage of Cuban coffee, rum and a cigar #TPOTpic.twitter.com/JIagrObop4

- Cuba Cruise (@YourCubaCruise) May 9, 2016

@TravelPulse A9, Rabbit, so tender, best I have ever had #Cuba#TPOTpic.twitter.com/BeRd1SPqgM

- Jay Eatz (@jay_eatz) May 9, 2016

A9: also hands down Guanabana ice cream, bought from the locals for a few pennies #Cuba#TPOTpic.twitter.com/6IE2QvwAgb

- Charlie & Kristina (@MapTrotting) May 9, 2016

Q10: What's next for #Cuba? What does #Cuba need to do to accommodate the larger demand? #TPOT

A10: Cuba's challenge is to manage growth & stay authentic. Luckily, they know they're unique & they can learn from other islands. #TPOT

- Tauck (@tauck) May 9, 2016

A10: Strong environmental protections! Our expedition is working hard to show Cuba the value in keeping wild places wild! #TPOT

- Lindblad Expeditions (@LindbladExp) May 9, 2016

@TravelPulse A10, I think its a supply and demand thing, #Cuba prices will rise and other #Caribbean destinations will level out #TPOT

- Jay Eatz (@jay_eatz) May 9, 2016

A10: Cuba will open five new top line hotels in Havana by 2020. Tourism minister says he will add 1250 new rooms annually across Cuba. #TPOT

- Tom Popper (@CubaPoppy) May 9, 2016

BONUS: What's the one thing we could pack that Cubans want to trade the most with U.S. travelers?

BONUS: Mainly clothing I think, they love denim jeans and nice hats. Good books too. Most of those on sale feature the revolution #tpot

- Charlie & Kristina (@MapTrotting) May 9, 2016

BONUS: How about an open mind and a friendly smile? Essentials for travel to any destination. #TPOT#Cubahttps://t.co/4oMmNBHOEI

- LoveShack Vacations (@LoveShackVaca) May 9, 2016

BONUS Heard spark plugs was a huge hit during @fathomtravel Any of you see that first hand? #TPOT#cuba

- Tim Wood (@TimWoodPulse) May 9, 2016

BONUS: Cubans want to trade stories w/ travelers. They want interaction, to know people care about them. #TPOT

- Stewart Chiron (@CruiseGuy) May 9, 2016

TravelPulse Senior Editor Michael Isenbek contributed to this report.

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