5 countries to visit that you couldn't travel to before

The world is a big and beautiful place that travelers wish to explore. Unfortunately, some countries are closed to visitors, especially American travelers. Today, the U.S. has issued serious travel warnings to places like Syria and Yemen, making it hard -- not to mention, dangerous -- for Americans to visit such destinations. On the bright side, there are a number of spots that Americans can now visit that they couldn’t five, 10, or 20 years ago. So if you're a travel enthusiast looking for a place that's still slightly untouched by American tourism, check out this list below. 

1. Cuba

At the height of the Cold War, the United States placed an embargo on Cuba, partially as a response to the government's actions in aligning with the Soviet Union. It wasn't until 2014 that President Obama and Raul Castro began discussions to end the embargo between the two countries. After a year of talks, the U.S. reopened embassies in Cuba and Americans were finally able to travel to the country. Cruises from the U.S. started making stops in Cuba in May 2016. And starting August 31, there will even be direct flights from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. 

But before you start packing your bags, take note of the following restrictions. For one, Americans can’t travel to Cuba as tourists. You must apply for a general license from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Licenses will only be granted to those traveling to Cuba for certain reasons, including family visits, official government business, journalistic, educational, or religious activities, public performances, humanitarian projects, and more. 

For those lucky enough to hook a license, there are some essential tidbits to keep in mind. Debit and credit cards don’t generally work in Cuba, so bring cash. There’s also a spending limit, so don’t splurge freely. Travelers can only bring $400 worth of Cuban merchandise back to the U.S. And most importantly -- behave. As a U.S. citizen, you’re subject to Cuban laws and their penalties might be harsher than you might expect. 

Perhaps the best way to experience Cuba right now is through a people-to-people educational program. These are generally week-long organized trips that allow Americans to visit the country for an educational purpose. This includes visiting local artists, taking dance or Spanish classes, meeting local leaders, and seeing different historical sites throughout the country. 

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2. Vietnam

Following the end of the Vietnam War, the relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam was a bit rocky, to say the least. And so the U.S. enacted a trade embargo on Vietnam. Although this didn’t include a travel ban per se, it wasn’t easy for Americans to visit the country. In 1995, however, President Bill Clinton established full diplomatic relations with the country. Today, Americans can visit Vietnam under the following regulations. In addition to a passport, Americans must apply for a visa from a Vietnamese embassy prior to travel. Since Vietnam is a communist country, U.S. travelers should also be aware that all forms of political speech -- even private conversations -- that are critical of the government may result in arrest or detention. This also applies to those travelers who engage in non-sanctioned religious activities.  

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3. Nicaragua

Ronald Reagan enforced the embargo on Nicaragua in 1985 that not only prohibited trade, but also prevented Nicaraguan planes and ships to land on U.S. soil. The travel and embargo ban was created in response to the actions of the Sandinista government at the time. That being said, it wasn’t easy for Americans to visit Nicaragua until 1990 when George H.W. Bush lifted the ban. 

Today, travelers can visit Nicaragua, but should be aware of current events within the country. With the upcoming election in November, there have been several protests, which have made the government wary of foreigners. Some travelers are denied entry into the country upon arrival, while others are questioned about their interaction with Nicaraguan citizens, their research or volunteer efforts in the country, and any activity that involves political unrest. Plus, the country is subject to protests and strikes, some of which turn violent. Do your research and check warnings before booking your trip.

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