The Caribbean island was once the destination of movie stars, mobsters, and the American elite during the 1940s and 50s before the Cuban Revolution. Since then the US has imposed an economic embargo on the country – and although traveling there is not banned, spending money there is. (Read: Unless you can eat air and sleep in the streets, travel is banned).

Now that Fidel Castro has stepped down as the president of Cuba many are waiting for their chance to experience what once was the hottest thing off the coast of Miami. The Bush administration has adamantly stated that the regime chance won’t mean an end to the embargo but there are many factors why it can’t last.

You may not be able to pack your bags now but here’s why you should get ready in a few years.

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Booking a flight in advance can save money and reduce layovers but leaves you vulnerable to changing security conditions. It may be possible under certain circumstances to receive a refund from an airline if a serious travel warning is issued. Richard Brooks was given a full refund from British Airways for his planned flight to Kenya.

Following a deterioration of the situation in Kenya, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have updated their advice for travel to Kenya. They are now advising against all but essential travel to parts of Kenya, including Nairobi.

Due to this change in advice, the options for customers due to travel to/from Nairobi have been re-instated for travel up to and including Friday 08 February 2008. As previously, the situation will be continually monitored and any updates communicated as appropriate.

Don’t count on most airline giving compensation for flights if conditions on the ground take a turn for the worst. The situation would probably have to encompass the majority of an entire nation or at least the capital city. Airport closures may give you a strong case.

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