One Person at a Time, Road Scholar Programs Impact the People of Cuba
Has Cuba been on your adventure wish list? With its vibrant culture, rich history and unique place in the American consciousness, it’s no wonder travelers are drawn to this fascinating island.
Since 1997, Road Scholar has been creating deep, respectful relationships in Cuba. Our participants are greeted like old friends in every town they visit, thanks to these long-standing connections. Indeed, locals are eager to share their stories and the positive impact our programs have had on their lives.
Road Scholar’s learning adventures in Cuba fall under the U.S. State Department’s “Support for the Cuban People” travel category. This means we dedicate resources, time and money to engaging with locals and supporting small businesses like hotels, restaurants and artists.
Spending time with local artists, musicians, organic farmers and business owners creates genuine dialogue and connection. Many of our participants rave about meeting and watching performances by the dance company Malpaso. As Fernando Saez, Malpaso’s founder, puts it, “Life is the art of making friends, and having followers and loyal friends like the Road Scholars is essential to our success.”
Road Scholar Partnership Manager, Bry Tribuna, recently returned from Cuba, and the music was one of her favorite aspects of the experience. “The country is absolutely infused with art and music,” she says. “Everywhere you walk, there will be music in the air and art on every corner. Havana is beautifully full of life and culture.”
Our programs make a real difference. The percentage of Cubans working in private enterprise has risen dramatically — from just 1% before 2010, to 35% in 2023. Since 2021, the government has allowed small businesses with up to 100 employees, and by 2023, more than 8,000 had been registered.
Wondering where your Road Scholar tuition for a Cuba program goes? As a nonprofit, Road Scholar uses a small portion to support our mission and develop more educational experiences worldwide. Another portion goes to a Cuban Ministry of Tourism entity, with 25-35% staying with the government tourism agency. This helps fund jobs that connect Cubans with the global community — some of the most coveted jobs in Cuba. The rest covers costs like office expenses, internet, salaries and uniforms.
The balance of your tuition pays for the services you use during your program — hotels, transportation, instructors, drivers, meals and activities. Whenever possible, we choose privately owned restaurants for our meals.
Payments to government-owned companies also benefit Cubans by funding education, healthcare, basic rations and housing. They also support infrastructure improvements like renovations in Havana, telecommunications and roadworks.
Most importantly, much of your tuition goes directly to individuals you meet — hotel staff, porters, waiters, musicians, museum docents, lecturers, drivers and more. It also supports community service projects you experience during our people-to-people activities.
Additionally, our participants often bring gifts to Cuba. Due to the U.S. embargo, cash alone can’t buy items like diapers, computers or toiletries. Thanks to their generosity, Cubans have benefited from every Road Scholar participant who visits.
Ultimately, the most valuable exchange is the sharing of ideas, art, understanding, knowledge and friendships. “The Cuban people are incredibly welcoming and warm,” says Bry. “Everyone there has experienced and is experiencing hardship in their lives, but they are still so quick to smile and welcome you into their world. The connections participants make while there will change their lives for the better!”
Is Cuba on your wish list, or have you been there? Share your experience and join the conversation on Facebook. Have questions about traveling to Cuba with Road Scholar? Check out our new video, find answers or explore all our adventures to Cuba.
