The other day I was thinking how great world peace would be. Not just for the traditional reasons, but for travel also. Can you imagine what it would be like to get on a plane without having to drag your shoes off at security only to show mismatched socks? Wouldn’t it be great to travel anywhere without needing a visa or a return ticket?

In the midst of all this thinking, I heard that the debate to allow all Americans to travel to Cuba was heating up…again. Since 1963, travel to Cuba has been banned for Americans. Some people risk the danger and travel through places like Mexico or Canada. However, if they every get caught, they would face a hefty fine of $7, 500.(Technically we’re allowed to go, we just can’t spend money there. Which means…)

With Obama as President, this is probably one of the greatest chances that the travel ban has of being overturned. Of course their are quite a few opponents in Congress saying that Cuba hasn’t made any changes so they shouldn’t be rewarded. (This completely blows me. I love the US, but it isn’t perfect. There has to come a time when we stop worrying about what other countries need to change just because we feel they should. I agree that some things in Cuba should be different, but blocking travel for over 40 years hasn’t done it. It’s possible that it’s time to try another approach. I don’t know…maybe one of accepting that will in turn lead to a better conversation. Whew, had to let that out.)

A surprising proponent of Cuban travel has been Orbitz. They’ve started an Open Cuba petition that has gathered over 100,000 signatures. If you’re so inclined, visit the site and add your name to this list. And while you’re at it, spread the message of world peace.