Every pound counts when it comes to traveling to Cuba. A Cuban resident in Tennessee discovered this while packing her bags to visit her family. After buying a digital scale to organize her luggage, she decided to remove all the labels, boxes, and unnecessary packaging from the items she planned to take. To her surprise, this small adjustment allowed her to save almost 5 pounds in weight.
In a video posted on TikTok, Leidy Laurita (@leidylaura1997) shared a practical tip, especially aimed at those organizing their trip to the island with products for their loved ones. “I bought this digital scale at Walmart because I will also be traveling to Cuba soon, and I was weighing everything in the suitcases, organizing it all so that I won’t be rushing at the last minute,” she mentioned. With a bag full of tags, cardboard, and plastics that she had removed, she explained, “Look at this, 4.6 pounds. That’s what I would have taken to Cuba if I hadn’t taken all those plastics off the items we bought. And while 4 pounds isn’t a huge amount, that’s 4 pounds we could use for carrying more important things.”
The video generated a flurry of reactions. Many users expressed their gratitude for the advice. “Thank you so much for the video; I’m traveling in two weeks and I put everything in bags. I’ll take them all out and remove the labels,” wrote one person. Others recalled that this is a common practice among Cubans who travel: “Historically, everything that’s unnecessary is removed, including a lot of Ziploc bags for small items.”
However, there were also comments pointing out that this advice is something many already know. “I imagine it's your first trip because it's obvious you remove everything even to send packages,” commented one user. Leidy quickly responded calmly: “It is my first trip; I didn't say anything wrong. I'm sure there are people like me who were unaware of this simple fact, and my video can provide them with that information.”
Other followers took the opportunity to share additional tips that may be helpful when packing: “Always leave 2 pounds less, because the airport scale is different. In my case, I keep my 50-pound suitcase at 48 and something to ensure I get the exact 50.”
Leidy concluded her video with a reflection that encapsulates the importance of these small adjustments: “We all know the need in Cuba. Remove everything: labels, boxes, and you'll see how many little pounds you start gaining bit by bit.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Cuba with Optimized Luggage
How can I create space and reduce weight in my luggage for traveling to Cuba?
To save space and weight in your luggage, remove all unnecessary labels, boxes, and packaging from the items you plan to bring. This simple trick can help you save several pounds, as happened to Leidy Laurita, who managed to reduce nearly 5 pounds by doing so.
What is the duty-free weight limit for luggage when traveling to Cuba?
Travelers are allowed to bring up to 66 pounds duty-free, which includes personal items, clothing, shoes, and other essential goods. If this limit is exceeded, customs authorities may charge for the excess weight.
How much does excess baggage cost in Cuba?
In Cuba, excess baggage is charged at $5 per pound. It's important to keep this in mind to avoid unexpected fees upon arriving on the island.
What other tips are useful for packing for Cuba?
To optimize space in luggage, some people recommend using compression bags, which, while they do not reduce weight, help to better organize your belongings. Additionally, it is advisable to leave a margin of 2 pounds when weighing your bags, as airport scales can vary.
Filed under:
