- Former President Barack Obama began lifting travel and trade restrictions with Cuba in 2014.
- In 2016, the island had a record-breaking 4 million visitors.
- This week, the Trump administration's new travel and trade restrictions will be enacted.
On Thursday, new restrictions for Americans traveling to Cuba will be enacted by the Trump administration. According to the new policies, those traveling for educational purposes or "people-to-people" travel must be accompanied by a representative from an authorized organization.
In 2016, former President Barack Obama had lifted restrictions on tourists, and the island was reaping the benefits.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin made a statement on the new restrictions: "We have strengthened our Cuba policies to channel economic activity away from the Cuban military and to encourage the government to move toward greater political and economic freedom for the Cuban people."
The Trump administration has published a list of hotels, marinas, stores, and rum factories that have ties to the Cuban military and are therefore off-limits.
This September, Cuba was hit by Hurricane Irma, the strongest storm to land on the island in over 80 years. The Category 5 storm killed 10 people and destroyed hundreds of homes.
Here's a look at what daily life was like on the once-restricted island pre-Irma. Cuba which will enter its tourist high season in December.
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From Havana's National Museum of Fine Arts to the smaller art markets in the streets, tourists can find beautiful and colorful art all across the city.
Soccer games are played everywhere, even in the street.
Cubans are known for their love of vintage cars.
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