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Cuba is a steamy mix of music, mojitos, a cornucopia of cigars, classic cars and culture.

Because of a trade embargo that has lasted 50 years, ordinary American tourists are not permitted to spend money on a vacation there, but a movement to lift those restrictions once and for all is gaining ground.

"There are bills in both the House and the Senate, they have a lot of support. So far, neither of the New York senators have co-sponsored them," said John McAuliff of the Fund for Reconciliation and Development.

But the embargo doesn't stop 40,000 intrepid U.S. tourists from finding a way through the back door, traveling through a third party country such as Mexico, Canada or Jamaica -- hoping to get a glimpse of an authentic culture before it's too late.

One of the most popular ways to wind up on a trip to Cuba is to wind down on the beaches of Varadero, where a selection of all-inclusives line the shore.

Depending on the progress of the Cuban travel bill in Congress, sooner or later, American tourists may legally be able to join two million visitors from Europe and Canada who are sifting through the Cuban sand instead of the sanctions.