Talking Travel: Congress debates Cuba travel ban

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Cuban streets might still be filled with American cars, but American tourists have been effectively banned from visiting the island nation for decades now. But the US Congress is now looking at a number of measures designed to ease restrictions on travel to Cuba. In this episode of our Talking Travel podcast, Lonely Planet’s Robert Reid and Tom Hall offer their assessments of what increased US tourism might mean for Cuba, and its people. (Photo: Dirk van der Made)

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Visiting Colombia’s national parks

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Despite the country’s dangerous reputation, the tourist business is booming in Colombia. The capital Bogotá and port city of Cartagena have both noted upticks in tourism. But some of the country’s most spectacular sights, like the Caño Cristales River (pictured), are located in former war zones and are still struggling to attract visitors. Later today, John Otis reports on efforts to improve the region’s image. Download MP3 (Photo: John Otis)

• Official Colombia tourism website
• National Parks in Colombia