Not Your Average Gal

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Travel

New Cuba Travel Restrictions: Can You Still Go?

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With the announcement of new travel restrictions to Cuba, many Americans are left wondering:

Can I still go to Cuba?

Yes. Maybe, sorta.

Super helpful, right?

As I stated back in the winter, the time to go is NOW. I’m actually sad that I was so correct about it. I can only offer you suggestions based on what I know now. Please be aware: Your decision to go or not, in the end, is up to you.

 

Things to do in Havana Cuba

Tourism Travel Was Always Banned

I think this is the biggest misunderstanding most people have. Even when we traveled to Cuba after Obama rolled-back restrictions, it was still against the law to travel strictly for tourism. As I stated, we had education activities planned out each day, ready to show any customs agent who may ask (but never needed to). We fell under the “people to people” educational trip.

“While tourism to Cuba is banned by federal law, the Obama administration had been allowing people to travel to Cuba and spend money as part of “people to people” educational trips for visitors who plan a full itinerary of educational exchange activities, though there had been little to no enforcement of these requirements.” Politico

New Restrictions

Once the new travel restrictions take effect, you will essentially need to avoid anything that is government run; this includes hotels, restaurants, stores, etc. Is it possible to avoid? Sure. Just makes it a bit tougher.

“While travel to Cuba won't be banned completely, you won't be able to support businesses directly controlled by the Cuban government, but rather only with small independent businesses. So you won't be able to stay at big hotels, but you can stay in an Airbnb, casa particular, etc.” One Mile At A Time

We stayed at an amazing AirBnb, so we would have be “okay” under the new restrictions. But, it also looks like you will need to keep your receipts from everything for five years and have heavier documentation of your activities.

“The Trump administration is stepping up requirements on those sorts of trips, requiring a full-time schedule of activities that “enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba, or promote the Cuban people's independence from Cuban authorities, and that the travel must result in a meaningful interaction between the traveler” and Cubans, according to the draft. Travelers to Cuba will have to keep detailed records of all their financial transactions in the country for five years to make available to the Treasury Department if requested.”

Things to do in Havana Cuba

When Will This Happen?

The Secretary of Treasury was instructed to provide new rules 90 days after the presidential policy directive was issued. Trump issued his statement on June 16th. So technically speaking, this should happen around mid-September.

As One Mile At a Time stated, the US will have a tough time enforcing what people do there. But, it’s the fear of repercussions that will likely lead to less Americans going to Cuba. And man, I hate fear-based reasons not to travel to a country.

Would I Still Go To Cuba?

Today? Yes. After mid-September, I honestly can’t give a definitive yes or no answer until we see the new restrictions. It breaks my heart to say that because Cuba is such an incredible country.

One of my friends reached out to ask me this very question and I’ll tell you the same thing I told her: get your documents in order, book educational tours and activities for each day, plan on staying at an AirBnb and keep an eye on the news.

 

What do you think of the new travel restrictions? Do you plan on going to Cuba?

Long Distance Marriage: 1-Year Check-in

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I vividly remember the hubster finishing his first year of med school and thinking, “Woo. We’re a quarter of the way through it! Wait. Only a quarter…?” Back then, I had a tough time imagining what the next 3 years of med school would entail. Hint: It was a rollercoaster of stress, combined with small wins and big defeats, with the ultimate victory being the those 2 magnanimous letters: Dr. (And a boatload of student loan debt to boot too, but *sigh* we won’t talk about that.) The point is, we made it.

Long distance marriage living is sort of like that. So I guess, in a way, I’m thankful for those 4 years of med school to prepare us for these 4 years of an ER residency. Yuck! I never thought I’d say that.

Read our prior check-ins here:

It hasn’t gotten easier.

I’m used to the new normal by now, and actually enjoy certain aspects to my time alone, but it’s still tough. The goodbyes are worse, especially if we’re in the middle of an argument. What? Never mind. No one ever argues, right?

We try to have our next time together planned before we actually say goodbye, but that’s not always possible with residency schedules. He’s been really great at picking up an extra shift or switching with other (awesome) fellow residents, so he can piece together a few days in a row together.


[On the top of the Coba Ruins in Mexico.]

Flexibility is key.

On average, we see each other every 3 weeks. The longest we’ve gone is 6 weeks, and neither of us realized it had been that long because we were both so nose-deep in work. By the time we realized it, we were already seeing each other in a few days.

He’s done the bulk of the traveling to South Florida, especially during the winter season. In fact, he was down here on a break for nearly 5 days, flew back up to Michigan for a meeting and flew back down to Florida on the same day, just to enjoy the rest of his break with me in the Sunshine State. #browniepoints

I put in some PTO and we’ll be headed to the other side of Florida for some rest and reflection, and maybe an umbrella cocktail or two.

A love/hate relationship attending events alone.

I actually tend to miss the hubster more when I’m around friends. Weird, right? I think it’s partly because I want him to share the same experience with me.

Now, attending local group meetings and races? I’m cool riding solo.

Keeping our eyes on the prize.

There are moments when the frustration of living 1400 miles apart is overwhelming. What a lot of people forget when they actually live with their partner, is those daily, small interactions are really important.

[This is how I started FaceTime after a bad day.]

Sure, we supplement it with funny FaceTime moments, like when I successfully installed a new drain in our kitchen sink and wanted to show off my accomplishment. Plus, we call each other every day and, much to the hubster’s chagrin, I ask him to choose a calling schedule when he’s on ER shifts because those day/nights shifts change each week and I like to avoid waking up grumpy pants or talking to a zombie. (Sometimes they are one in the same.)

But, on those overwhelming and upsetting days (or weeks), I often have to remind myself of our end goal. Him: focus on continuing learning and perfecting his doctor-thing; me: focus on my writing, this website, my career and traveling more. This time will fly by, like medical school eventually did.

[Good friends keep me sane.]

Haters gonna hate.

We’ve come across our fair share of confused looks when explaining to people we’re living apart temporarily while he finishes residency. I know it isn’t traditional, but what about the name of my site screams that I’m traditional?! Many people also have this misconception about earning mucho dinero once med school is done and how it’s my time to sit back and chillax as a doctor’s wife. If people only knew how little doctors earn during their residency and the real sacrifices we both have to make in order to make residency successful, they may not speak so fast. And what about me says I’m the stereotypical doctor’s wife? Psssh. For the time being, I’m the breadwinner, baby!


Here’s to another successful 6 months until our next check in!

5 Reasons Why We Had A Destination Wedding

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I don’t talk about my wedding a lot. The reason is two-fold, really. For starters, it just inherently sounds bragadocious, any way you cut it. Also, it’s often tough to explain to people why we chose to have a destination wedding. In my experience, you either get it or you don’t.

Fun little fact: Last week was our big 0-4 wedding anniversary! We’ve been together 10 years now, so no, it’s not all still new. He still leaves his dirty boxers right. next. to. the. hamper. Anyway, I’ve never really shared anything about our wedding or why we chose to have a destination wedding.

In England. At a castle.

(SEE! Those are the facts and they still induce the vomit hand motion for me, too.)

But, hell, if you’ve ever considered a destination wedding because of your love for travel or you’ve ever been the least bit interested in learning more about our nuptials, then you’re in the right place. Doing a destination wedding was bar none, the best decision we made for our wedding day(s). I wholeheartedly will fist pump **YES** to anyone who ever asks me if I think they should do a destination wedding. Do you, boo.

Maybe someday I’ll delve more into the deets of the day. But for now, let’s explore why we chose to do a destination wedding.

5 Reasons Why We Had A Destination Wedding

 

We love to travel.

Pretty self explanatory, really. We understand the value of traveling and the experiences that it provides. Funny enough, we also looked into doing our wedding on some neighboring islands in the Caribbean, but the only time we could get married with the hubster’s med school schedule, was in June. Hurricane Season. Ain’t nobody got time for that.

So many people will tell you this during the wedding process, but it never hurts to say it again: This is your time, do it how you want. We got so much push back, especially from certain family members, telling us our destination wedding idea was absurd.

I believe the phrase used was, “This is too extravagant for this time in your life.” 1) If they only knew the final costs they’d realize how silly that sounds and 2) during this time in our lives? So I should wait to have another wedding… These are also the same people who went on and on after our wedding telling everyone how wonderful it was.

Do you.

We wanted more than 4 hours with loved ones.

Certainly, there are rushed aspects to your wedding day. You have a schedule to abide by and, even as a guest, often times you feel it too. I didn’t want that. I wanted our wedding to be the cherry on top to the time spent exploring and experiencing.

I really wanted to avoid playing catch up with people as we thanked them for coming. I wanted genuine time together.

We yearned for something different and authentic.

The hubster and I have been to 28 weddings. I was in 7 wedding parties. **cue 27 Dresses jokes** We wanted something different. Each wedding we attended certainly had its own take and wonderful, personal feel. Especially with all that love is patient, love is kind stuff. JOKES!

After being in so many weddings myself, I chose not to have a wedding party — which again, set off the traditionalists who felt they could share a few choice words with us. But the point was, I didn’t want anyone to buy a dress or suit and everything else that is associated with being a part of a wedding party and also pay for flying across the pond. No wedding party? No biggie!

Since there were no designated VIPS, this meant we got to share more authentic moments with people. We had our siblings get up front and center during our wedding rehearsal and take their vows to us. “Do you promise not to call then soon-to-be Dr. Hubster in the middle of the night for prescriptions once he graduates med school?” “I do.”

We asked friends to read lyrics from some of our favorite songs, during our wedding — including the Spice Girls! Seating cards consisted of embarrassing photos of each of our wedding guests. Each step of the way, we wanted everyone to play a part in our wedding as a whole.

We wanted an experience, not an evening.

Hands down, the best part of having a wedding abroad was seeing everyone else get to experience the nuances of a different country I love so much. It was so cool watching everyone walk though and explore every room in North Cadbury Court.

Besides that, we moseyed around the town too, amongst the rolling hills of the English countryside, finding ourselves cozied up next to the locals at the town pub.

The day after our wedding, we also rented a bus for everyone and took them to the town of Bath, so our guests could further explore at their own pace. That was very slowly for me since we had a good night the prior evening at the reception. ;)

We wanted a smaller wedding.

The beauty of a destination wedding is your guest list is smaller than doing it “at home.” We had 40 people hop across the pond — which is actually quite large for a destination wedding! I honestly say that humbly; it was such a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by those who were there. On that note too, when it’s a destination, the people who come, want to be there.

Another major benefit of having a smaller wedding? We spent less than the average cost of an American wedding. Yes, for real. (Also, see below.) While the average costs may have increased in the course of 4 years, back then, we spent less. And, keeping it real because that’s how I roll: While the hubster and I did contribute quite a bit to our wedding budget, we couldn’t have done it without my dad and in-laws.

We weren’t caught up in the details.

This may sound shocking, but I was incredibly laid back when it came to the small things. My wedding planner probably wasn’t amused with my responses a lot of the time. “Sorry, I guess I like these colors…”

Because of that, we spent quite a bit less, too. North Cadbury Court and Old Wardour Castle we’re amazing on their own — they didn’t need many decorations. Their backdrops alone were breathtaking, just add in a bride and groom and you’ve got the recipe for great photos. No need to fluff up pictures with flowers and gems and chair covers and bows and floating candles and so many other things we feel pressured to get.

I think this stems from — sorry friends and family — not actually remembering details of other people’s weddings: the centerpieces, what type of paper the menu was printed on, the bride’s bouquet, the desserts, etc. You know what I do remember? How much fun I did or didn’t have. I just wanted good times, good people and good laughs.

Ceremony: Old Wardour Castle
Reception/Accommodations: North Cadbury Court
Wedding Planner Extraordinaire: Matthew Oliver Weddings
Sparkly Photographer: Adam Sparkes Photography

There you have it. That’s why we chose to do a destination wedding and it was one of the best decisions we’ve made. Have you ever attended a destination wedding or have one of your own? What did you think?

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London Calling: Heading Across the Pond Again!

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As some of you know, my love of England started young and runs deep.

  • I saved my hard earned money from my after school job at a second-hand kids clothing shop, solicited donations from organizations, and with a little luck (Thanks, Mom-mom), got to travel to England at 17 with the People to People Student Ambassador program.
  • I fell in love with international traveling there.
  • I visited again while a sophomore in college.
  • I lived there for 6 glorious months for an internship after college.
  • I freakin’ got married there 4 years ago!

My love? It’s the real deal, folks.

*** AND WE’RE GOING BACK! ***

The plans just sort of fell into place, as most magical travel getaways usually do. So why am I going back?

I’ve mentioned the subject here before, but the holidays suck for me.

Big time. Big ol’ donkey balls suck. (You’re welcome for that image.)

No matter how much I try to pre-plan, slowly but surely, holiday plans fall into place for everyone, but never to actually come see us in Florida. Traveling? That’s up to the hubster and I if we don’t want to be alone.

While we know that’s not totally unusual for families, having one couple or family have to take the brunt of the load of being flexible…it still flat out sucks sometimes.

Big ol’ donkey balls sucks (You’re welcome, again.)

So, this year, I’ve taken a different approach. One the hubster said we should have taken all along, but was a bit flippin’ difficult with, oh you know, medical school always weaseling its way into ruining plans.

We decided to start a tradition; one that I can fully embrace and won’t leave me anxiety-ridden and in tears eating Chinese food on the couch over Christmas or Thanksgiving.

Operation: Head to Europe for the Holidays

This year, Thanksgiving gave us the best bang for our buck and time away. Next year? Maybe it will be over Christmas? Who knows? I just know that I’m happy we get to determine the plans, something we had the power to do all along, really. And if we eventually have guests decide to come to Florida during the holidays – awesome!

We’re starting the tradition of Operation: Head to Europe for the Holidays with London and Brussels. We’ll be in London for a week and do a day-trip to the Christmas Market in Brussels. I’ve never been to Brussels. From what I hear, I’m going to eat all the chocolate things.

Logistics

I got the idea for making it a tradition when a sale for a river cruise to Christmas Markets in Germany came through my inbox. I explored a bit, and using my Not Your Average Gal knack for finding a deal using our points and travel hacking, I saw that going to Europe in the fall and winter isn’t a bad deal.

Hotels:

Hotels will most likely be booked using points. Right now I’m exploring using my IHG credit card anniversary certificate, combined with points, for a couple nights at the Intercontinental Park Lane. (That means free! Take THAT nearly $400/night!)

 

Then, maybe use our plethora of Hilton points that we earned in Tokyo and Seoul last year by paying cash at our hotels while using the 4th night free benefit with the Citi Prestige card. We saved over $700! Such an awesome card. But right now, I’m not seeing many Hiltons in a desirable location that aren’t asking an absurd amount of points. I’ll keep exploring, like my compulsive travel hacking self.

 

Flights:

We booked our flights last week through Delta and found some Premium Economy availability with Virgin Atlantic, a partner on the SkyTeam. The price difference between Premium Economy and Main Cabin C+ (formerly Comfort Plus) was ~$250 a ticket. The PE flights had better departure times and not to mention, allowed us to fly First Class on our connecting flights. We also earn more Delta MQMs flying in a higher class, which means the hubster and may make medallion again next year. With all the traveling we’re doing to see each other, in my mind, that was a no-brainer.

Mind you, I spent hours looking at itineraries to find the best bang for our buck and coordinating travel plans for 2 people coming from opposite ends of the US. It’s not like $250 is just tossed around in our household, we simply prioritize travel, so when the time comes, we can GO. Plus, I’m neurotic and enjoy finding the best flights, comparing planes, seating charts and amenities. 

Sure, we could have used points to fly to Europe, and I’ll fully admit how ridiculous this sounds, but we want to spend our points for Business or First Class tickets on flights longer than 8 hours, like our on our trip to Southeast Asia next year!

ATL Sky Club. Photo Courtesy of Rene’s Points. One of my favorite Delta bloggers.

 

We’ll rendezvous at the Sky Club in Atlanta, and since I’m a Gold Medallion I have free access for me and a +1 on international flights. That’s where we’ll toast to a new tradition, hop on our flight to London and the rest, as they say, is holiday tradition history.

I’M SO EXCITED!

Wheels Up!

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It never gets old. Ever.

I’m like a kid eagerly anticipating take off, on my way to Disney World for the first time. Each and every time.

You know how teachers, mentors or coaches will tell you to pay attention to the things you get excited about in life because, often, those are the things you should be doing for a living? How the hell do I get a job where I literally just fly for a living?  Sign me up!

I’m currently 35,000 feet in the air on my way to Detroit to see the hubster. I think this is only my 11th or 12th flight of the year and man, I’m still just as excited for my Biscoff cookie as I was on my first flight of the year.

The whole process around flying gets my adrenaline pumping. Getting to the airport while the sun reaches it’s way to the morning sky, illuminating it with pink flairs. Hearing those first few jet engines zoom overhead as you leave the parking garage. The smell of jet fuel and early morning rain. The beeps and stamps and checks as you make your way through security. Grabbing your coffee to just sit and people watch…and giggling to yourself as people gather around the gate way too early. That? That’s my jam!

If you think about it, flying is absurd.

You lift these objects weighing hundreds of tons, and hurl them through the air at hundreds of miles an hour, to arrive at a destination often thousands of miles away only a few hours later!

I mean, is anyone else geeked out by this?

 

I hope I never lose this sense of wonder.

Adios Bitchachos…Again!

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I’m heading down to Mexico…again! Olé! See original “Adios” post here.

Hyatt Zilara Cancun
View from our room at the Hyatt Zilara Cancun

 

There have been quite a few things going on under the radar for me. “What, you don’t share everything on the interwebs, Caroline?” If you’ve been following me on Facebook you’ve perhaps seen me mention being on the brink of change.

No, not THE change, assholes. I’m still young!

Change can be scary.

Change involves growing pains.

Perhaps it isn’t so much a change, as it is an awakening. Shedding the layers of drivel and washing your mindset with fresh motivation to find yourself looking at an updated version in the mirror.

Oh, plus I went to a new dermatologist and my skin looks faaaantastic. *smirk*

caroline selfie
Quick! #nofilter desk selfie!

 

I have a more realistic outlook in certain areas of my life that is wholly sad, scary and, yet, wonderfully cathartic.

So to say that this trip is coming at a welcome time is an understatement. From the sounds of it, ER doc hubster and auditor sister wives think it’s the perfect time too.

I mean, honestly, when isn’t Mexico welcome in one’s life?

Don’t answer that, Trump.

Want to keep up with my daily antics? The answer is YES. Follow me on Snapchat. I’m hilarious*!

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