| bottom-link"> | | | | both directions. In this way, they prevent American |
| While most people don't consider Cuba when planning | | | | boats from setting out for Mexico, and also prevent |
| a vacation, it is a beautiful island country with white | | | | most of the Cuban exiles from reaching the United |
| sandy beaches and sparkling Caribbean water. | | | | States. Cuban Americans, of course, have voiced |
| Tourists from around the world flock to Cuba in | | | | loud opposition to this tight security. |
| droves. More than 1.5 million people go to the island | | | | Despite all the security, more Americans are making |
| country for the temperate weather, white sandy | | | | the journey to the communist island country just 400 |
| beaches, blue-green Caribbean waters, fascinating | | | | miles off the coast of Florida. Estimates are that |
| history, and, of course, Cuban cigars! | | | | around 100,000 Americans enter Cuba from a third |
| Cuban cigars have long been a favorite with cigar | | | | country every year. Further estimates, as reported in |
| aficionados around the world. Known for their smooth | | | | the L.A. Times April 1, 2009, are that upwards of 3 |
| taste and aroma, Cuban cigars have also been the | | | | million Americans would visit Cuba annually, creating |
| forbidden fruit for American citizens affected | | | | 23,000 jobs in the process, if travel sanctions were |
| by trade restrictions imposed on the communist | | | | lifted. Economic opportunities in the amount of $1.2 |
| nation in 1960. So, too, have Americans been | | | | billion to $1.6 billion per year were also estimated, |
| strictly denied travel to Cuba. No commercial flights | | | | based on a 2002 study by the Brattle Group, a |
| connect the United States with Cuba, and the Coast | | | | Washington economic consultancy. |
| Guard maintains a tight vigil in south Florida areas | | | | For more information on Cuban cigars, please visit |
| which are closest to Cuba, stopping boats traveling in | | | | Cohiba Cigars. |