It remains one of the few places on earth where you can go back in time, yet in the eyes of many Americans, it remains one of life’s great vacation mysteries. A country that has been fuelled by communist ideologies, Cuba has been constrained by economic conformity, forcing its habitants back into the ‘60’s as the streets carry the swagger of Grease’s John Travolta.

Its location is just 90 miles off the shores of Florida, but since 1961 when the US government enforced the De Facto Cuban Travel Ban, traveling to the South American country has been problematic, if not impossible. But recent moves by both countries are putting the delights of Cuban travel within reach of those salvating Americans who want to savour its Caribbean flavour.

The movement to reignite American to Cuban relations was implemented back in 2009. Cuban-Americans on family visits were prioritised, however other interested parties who wish to visit such a culturally vibrant country.

And in spite of the history these two countries share, Cuba remains stoic and their willingness to welcome American travellers to their home nation is profound. But before you start to dig out that Geri Halliwell’s Salsa video, there are still some formal regulations you need to overcome.

So, What’s needed to travel to Cuba?

To legally travel to Cuba, US citizens must firstly be in possession of a valid licence that has to be certified by the US Department of Treasury. There are two types of license. The first is general, which applies more to institutions and organisations that wish to visit the country for religious experience, journalism or humanitarian work for example. The second is specific, which applies to everything else. Licenses are monitored on a case by case process and must be applied for in writing.

The likelihood though is providing US citizens can legitimately account for their visit and that they do not hold any criminal records, access to the Cuba will be granted, as the States look to bolster relations with their southern neighbours.

The recent advancements in the relations between the two countries has also seen the number of chartered flights increase to the Caribbean destination. Back in 2010, flights were only running from the three major US Airports, New York, Miami and LA. But now the increase in the volume of flights has seen that number of airports increase, with Chicago and Atlanta now providing regular flights.

So with Cuba’s beautiful surroundings on the American traveller’s radar, this South American country will only increase its popularity as a vacation destination. Not only will this prove insightful for those who choose to visit, it will also give those inhabitants scope for what lies beyond their borders and a potential income that they have yet to experience. Here’s hoping that though this will undoubtedly benefit many, it does not commercialise this spectacularly vivacious country.