Some of these areas can be opened up by the President (establishing embassies, allowing use of credit cards, etc.), some need Congressional approval (open travel and things of that nature).

Unfortunately, due to the antagonistic nature of the current Congress, it remains to be seen how much of this will actually pass.

Now I am against Communism myself, but I really don't think the embargo we have on Cuba benefit either of us.  For those who claim that we shouldn't do this, then why is everyone ok with the US having relations with China and Vietnam?  It's not like either of those countries have a better human rights record to say the least (heck, China helps out North Korea for goodness sake).