thanks for reading and for your reply! Guatemala was really great, i definitely need to go back and see more of the country, especially Tikal.

if you do a little research I had seen cheaper cuba trips, but really not by a lot. I justified it because I had always wanted to go, and I wanted to see if before the embargo was lifted. who knows if it ever will be in our lifetime, but I just wanted to make sure. hopefully it will, because cuba is an amazing country and everyone should be able to see it with their own eyes without the legal hassle and elevated costs.

I do know what you mean about tours vs independent travel, but I have to say I really enjoyed the tour. I saw a lot of things I wouldn't have seen if it went alone. however. and that's a big however. there was a ton of havana I felt I missed out on. I definitely need to go back one day.

I'm going to Paris and Barcelona in a couple weeks. my first trip to Europe. one day I'll be one of those thick skinned, ten passports full of stamps, seen the whole world travelers. year 3. just getting started. the world is a big, beautiful place and I want to see all of it. keeping my mind and eyes wide open!

Agree that there are places that a tour works best, particularly if time is limited. You are in for great adventures in Paris and Barcelona. Travel well!