2024 Strath Haven Cuba Cultural Journey

Accommodations

Casa Particular

Staying in casa particulares is the best and most memorable way to travel through Cuba. One of the few places where free enterprise is allowed to flourish, these homes are managed by Cuban families who also serve as the hosts. Many of the homes are quite impressive!

Group Flight

Once your flight schedule has been confirmed, the itinerary will appear here.

Walking Tree will secure a seat on the group flight for each participant unless otherwise instructed.

Travelers are responsible for checked baggage fees. Please visit the airline’s baggage webpage to learn if you should expect to pay anything.

We will provide a group manifest – complete with reservation codes and ticket numbers – to the Group Organizer/s before departure, and travelers will need to check in at the airport in order to receive their boarding pass and have documents verified. We recommend arriving no later than three hours prior to the scheduled departure, but contact your Group Organizer for specific details on exactly where and when to meet on the day of departure.

FLIGHT INTERRUPTION, DELAY OR CANCELLATION 
Air travel can be unpredictable.  Regardless of proper planning, there may still be instances when a flight is delayed or cancelled due to staffing shortages, weather, mechanical problems, etc.  Please note that in such an event, Walking Tree Travel (WTT) is not financially responsible for unanticipated costs incurred by travelers en route.  Our programs officially begin and end in the destination country, and because our staff doesn’t fly with the group, Group Organizers (the traveling faculty member/s) become the front-line advocate for the group in the event of a delay. In most cases of cancellations or delays, the airline will be the one who re-books travel or possibly arranges a hotel and food the night.  Our primary role will be to  keep families updated and provide support to the Group Organizer to reach a  quick and effective resolution.

Host Community and Project Details

Community Overview

We will be using Casa Particulares throughout our time in Cuba. These are homes that have been transformed into small, private hotels or guest houses, something akin to renting an entire home on Airbnb. The host provides breakfast, and is available for anything that the guest might need during the day time, but is not staying with the guests at night. Casas Particulares are essentially a fusion between a bed and breakfast and host family. Travelers will have time to share meals and socialize with the families who run the casas. This option is much preferable to government-operated hotels and has emerged as the most common option for accommodations in Cuba as well as one of the few places in which free enterprise is flourishing.

Project Overview

WTT/SSA groups have the unique opportunity to live and work together with the local host community. The service project depends completely on the needs of each community and can vary greatly from year to year. Service projects are planned together with our Country Director and community liaisons. The project will always benefit the entire community and is chosen and approved by community leaders. Projects are always proposed by local community leaders as they are most in tune with the needs of the community.

Service projects are intended to be both challenging and rewarding for participants and community members. Generally, the work entails renovating or replacing an existing structures (health clinic, community center, school, etc.) that needs work. Usually there are little or no funds available to complete these projects, so WTT/SSA plays an important role in the community. Some past projects in Cuba have included constructing a ceramic center and print-making area, and spending time with the elderly.

Packing List

Below is a sample packing list that is provided as a guideline. If something is required it will be specified, otherwise feel free to adjust as necessary. We recommend you bring one larger piece of luggage like a backpack, duffle or suitcase alongside a smaller backpack that you can use on the flights and hikes, weekend excursions and shorter activities.

“Less is more” is a packing tip we encourage for all travelers. We suggest bringing only as much as you are able to carry on your own.

Finally, a few days before departure, it’s a good idea to consult a weather forecast for your destination. If you have questions about what to bring or how to bring it, just ask!  

CLOTHES

• Underwear
• Socks
• T-shirts, tank tops or work shirts
• A few long sleeve shirts
• Light rain jacket (dependent on time of year)
• Shorts
• Light weight pants/jeans
• Swimsuit/s
• Sturdy shoes (appropriate for lots of walking/athletic activity)
• Sports sandals ie Chacos/Tevas etc. (optional)
• Flip flops (optional)
• Hat/s

BRING THE BASIC TOILETRIES YOU NEED PLUS:

• Prescription medication in properly marked original container. (Some prescriptions medicines are hard to get in Cuba due to the embargo.)
• Sunscreen (you will use a lot)
• Face masks
• Mosquito repellent
• Band Aids and Neosporin, basic first aid kid
• Hand Sanitizer

MISCELLANEOUS:

• Sense of adventure!
• Passport and Visa
• Student ID
• Sunglasses
• Journal and pen
• Book/s
• Camera
• Debit card/US Dollar bills in good shape. *US Credit Cards do not work in Cuba. *Damaged bills are not accepted in Cuba
• Durable water bottle
• Quick-dry towel
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Deck of cards or other portable games
• Spanish/English Dictionary

Keep in mind the following tips for a visit to Cuba:

• Using Whatsapp or any other messaging apps that use wifi are recommended (Most roaming plans are really expensive in Cuba). Immediately after landing turn off cellular data to avoid high fees for international connections. Contact your provider to check if they have any lower rate Cuba packet. Make sure they triple check if they indeed include Cuba.
• Download maps.me and then move your fingers over Cuba to load all the island. Maps.me is a satellite map that works without the internet.
• The US does not allow to use Credit Cards in Cuba so you need to make sure you have enough cash with you.
• Never exchange money on the street – no matter what rate is offered.
• Make sure to have the photo of your passport on your phone, also important phone numbers.
• During the whole trip always have small bag/backpack with reusable water bottle, piece of toilet paper, bug spray and hand sanitizer.

Support Team

At a minimum, one experienced Program Leader will travel on every trip. In addition to this full time leadership presence, Walking Tree has additional staff in all destinations and 24/7 support from our headquarters in Denver, Colorado. Below you’ll find the the team members involved in the preparation, planning and execution of your program.

Gabriel Duncan

Co-Founder of Walking Tree Travel and Business Lead - Denver, CO

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Colby College – B.A. International Relations and Government

While at Colby, Gabriel spent a semester in Spain at the University of Salamanca studying contemporary Spanish politics and Spanish language. He also lettered for four-years on Colby’s lacrosse team and earned All-American honors. After graduating, Gabriel hit the road. He fished commercially in Alaska, taught in Chile and China, led programs for students in Spain and Costa Rica, and traveled to over 50 countries and all 50 states in the USA. Regardless of where Gabriel is located, he is constantly haunted by his naive faith and unconditional love for Denver sports teams.

Juan Pablo “JP” Rabanales

Global Country Operations Manager

[email protected]

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Earlham College – B.A. International Studies, Minor in Economics

Born and raised in Guatemala in a big family, JP spent seven years living and studying in the U.S., where he was exposed to highly diverse communities. He worked as a Wilderness Leader guiding expeditions across the American Southwest and later attended Earlham College in Indiana after completing the International Baccalaureate in New Mexico. His passion for international affairs led him to study abroad in China and travel extensively throughout Asia and beyond. To date, JP has visited 33 countries, often combining travel with service projects and cultural immersion experiences. Today, he is based in Costa Rica and works full time with the Walking Tree team. Outside of work, he enjoys photography, art and design, hosting friends and travelers, and planning road trips across Costa Rica and Latin America.

Joey Hebl

Program Leader

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Pomona College – B.A in Biology and Spanish

Joey is a proud cheese-head, born-and-raised in Western Wisconsin, who currently resides in Portland, Oregon. He attended Pomona College for undergrad where he played third-base for the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens, while also pursuing majors in Biology and Spanish. Joey was fortunate to study abroad in high school and college, traveling to Ecuador and Argentina, respectively. He was most recently in medical school but is now seeking to reconnect with his life’s great passions, including clinical research, travel, speaking Spanish, and divining the intricacies of home-made sour-dough bread. Joey seeks new environments, people, and experiences that help provide him a greater understanding of and appreciation for the human experience. Additionally, Joey is passionate about mentorship, and enjoys encouraging and guiding others through challenges, successes, and everything in between

Group Roster

Below is a list of the travelers enrolled on the program.

• 1 Calpurnia Fries
• 2 Colin Foster
• 3 Colin Foster
• 4 Elijah Williams
• 5 Evelyn Fernandez
• 6 George King
• 7 Jayra Cepeda
• 8 John Logue
• 9 Nicholas Armstrong
• 10 Oliver Kennedy
• 11 Pamela Kaneda
• 12 Scarlet Kenyon

Blog and Communication

During travel we work hard to keep families updated as frequently as possible with blog posts and photos, giving you peace of mind that your traveler is safe and thriving on their program.  Students regularly contribute to these posts, providing families back home a great way to vicariously track the progress of the trip. You will be notified when the first update is posted, after which we recommend checking in regularly via the black “Program Blog” button at the top of this webpage.

Assuming your school allows the use of cell phones, most destinations are wired enough to allow participants access WiFi at different moments in the program, allowing them to communicate directly with home. Ask your Walking Tree representative about the degree of connectivity on your program.

GLC Curriculum

Standards of Behavior

In order to run a safe and successful program, it is vital that travelers are prepared to be on their best behavior and bring enthusiasm and interest to each and every day. A communal atmosphere of trust and mutual respect is the foundational.  As such, all individuals participating on a Walking Tree program are required to take responsibility for their actions and adhere to a high standard of personal conduct.

IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL

1. Possessing, consuming or distributing alcohol or illegal drugs.
2. Associating with participants while they are in possession of alcohol or illegal drugs.
3. Behaving in a way that consistently damages the group dynamic or jeopardizes personal or group safety. This includes consistently displaying a negative attitude, intimidating or excluding other participants, sneaking out, disobeying group leaders, and any other behavior that is not conducive to an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.

GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL OR IN-COUNTRY CONSEQUENCE

1. Getting a piercing or tattoo.
2. Stealing, or deliberately damaging or defacing any personal property, buildings or materials.
3. Threatening physical or emotional harm, or brandishing a weapon.
4. Possessing, consuming, or distributing tobacco or nicotine, including vape pens.
5. Riding mopeds, motorcycles, or any other type of unauthorized vehicle.
6. Being out of designated area or accommodations after curfew.
7. Breaking group rules.

These standards of behavior are essential for the successful completion of your program. Please take the time to review these as a family and make sure everyone understands and agrees to them.

Health and Safety

We strongly recommend visiting the CDC Cuba website to get the most updated information on health and vaccination considerations in your destination country. In addition, we encourage you to consult your personal family physician so you can be as informed as possible when making important decisions about vaccinations and other necessary health-related preparations before traveling.

Our in-country staff meticulously prepare for all programs. Walking Tree receives regular updates from the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to proactively stay ahead of any potential security concerns. Our in-country staff also verify the safety records of our partner organizations, vendors, and transportation providers, thoroughly vet homestay families through in-depth interviews and visits, and stay informed about important current events in the region.

Program Leaders are seasoned travelers who are CPR and First Aid certified, undergo thorough training in crisis management, and participate in comprehensive leadership training. We do our best to prepare for any eventuality and have detailed emergency protocols for our leaders, in-country staff, and U.S.-based staff.

We collect medical disclosures from all participants to ensure we can meet every student’s needs during the program. Please inform us immediately of any additional health issues not listed during your initial registration process. Leaders and in-country staff are prepared to respond promptly to any mental, physical, or emotional health concerns and follow comprehensive emergency protocols.

Insurance

While we work hard to ensure the safest experience possible for our travelers on program, experience teaches that travel can be unpredictable. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers consider a travel insurance policy with a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) provision. Detailed explanations of plan options can be found via the link below.

To provide travelers and families with a quality option, Walking Tree has partnered with Travel Insured International, one of the most respected providers in the industry.  Begin by getting a quote here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: in order to secure coverage that includes CFAR, you must purchase the plan within 14-21 days of your first payment to Walking Tree. Be careful when you read the tenets of the policy to ensure you understand the required timeframe for purchase. You must also insure 100% of your trip cost, so program tuition + flight. Please reach out to us with questions.