A Mexican tourist identified as @alitravel_ on TikTok went viral after sharing her experience in Cuba, where she traveled for the first time with an unusual idea: to bring aid kits with food and basic items to give to local people. Her story, told in several videos, sparked a wave of comments from those who praised her gesture and those who questioned whether it was really possible to bring all that to the island.
In the first video, the creator showed how she prepared the packages before the trip, including tuna, instant oatmeal, tea, powdered milk, soups, and feminine hygiene products. Everything was carefully selected to ensure it didn't take up much space in the suitcase. “We bought items that we deemed necessary and easy to pack,” she explained.
The initiative did not go unnoticed. The comments ranged from messages of admiration—“what a beautiful gesture, may God bless you”—to criticisms of “misery tourism” and doubts about Cuban customs. One user wrote to her: “They swear they'll let you through with that,” while others asked her to share if she had any issues at the airport.
In response to such curiosity, the Mexican woman uploaded a second video clarifying that she had no issues bringing in the kits, as long as they were in checked luggage. She also shared that they were delivered discreetly: “We gave them to hotel staff, taxi drivers, or individuals alone on the street. We didn’t record anything because our intention was to help, not to showcase,” she explained calmly.
In one of the few images shared, one can see a kit alongside a note and a tip for a hotel staff member. “When I saw the message she left me afterward, my heart ached,” the traveler recounted, visibly moved by the woman's response.
Back in Mexico, the creator published a third video in which she reflected on the journey and the situation of Cubans. “I knew I wouldn’t have the same services I’m used to. I went with social awareness, knowing that they earn very little, between 1,500 and 2,000 pesos a month. It's very tough,” she commented.
Ain't that so, he assured that he would return to Cuba. "I visited Havana and the Keys, and I would love to see Varadero. Cuba is not for everyone: if you're looking for luxury, you won't enjoy it; if you love history, music, and warm people, you'll have a great time," he said in his latest video.
Her experience, which has already garnered thousands of views, rekindled the debate on how tourists perceive the reality of Cuba. Beyond the beaches and mojitos, the Mexican reminded many that traveling can also be an act of empathy. And although she made it clear that she did not intend to discuss politics, her message ultimately revealed something that everyone knows but few say: behind the smiles of the Cuban people, there is a crisis that no filter can hide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Cuba and Humanitarian Aid Experiences
Is it possible to bring food and aid items to Cuba without problems?
According to the experience of the Mexican tourist @alitravel_, she had no problems entering Cuba with food and aid items, as long as they were transported in her checked luggage. The key was to prepare the kits with essential and easy-to-pack products.
How does the economic situation in Cuba impact tourists and locals?
The Mexican tourist noted that Cubans earn very little, between 1,500 and 2,000 pesos a month, which reveals a precarious economic situation. This affects both locals and tourists, who must be aware of the limitations and shortages on the island.
What are the reactions to humanitarian aid efforts in Cuba?
The initiatives to bring aid have generated a variety of reactions. Some people applaud these gestures of solidarity, while others criticize what they consider "misery tourism." Additionally, there are doubts about the possibility of bringing such items into the island.
What advice do frequent travelers to Cuba offer for packing their bags?
Frequent travelers to Cuba share various packing tips, such as using garbage bags and adhesive tape to protect luggage. This method helps keep belongings safe and organized, although it does not guarantee complete security against theft.
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