US residents swarm to 'forbidden island'

Cuba is far from seeing a McDonald's or Starbucks open anytime soon, but the diplomatic thaw with the United States is bringing more visitors to the sweltering island.

While the US embargo against Havana still forbids regular tourism, a growing number of US citizens have flocked to the Caribbean destination under easier-to-get special permits.

Excitement about visiting Cuba has grown since US President Barack Obama and his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro, made the surprise announcement in December that they would restore diplomatic relations.