A Cuban woman living in the United States, known as @tu_viaje_con_rosy, has unveiled her clever method for packing food when traveling to Cuba. In her video, she is seen preparing her backpack with various items like meat, bacon, and even croquettes to bring to her family on the island, which is grappling with severe shortages. "Did you know that Cubans bring meat when they travel to Cuba?" she starts in her video, which has already garnered thousands of views. "Due to the significant shortages in Cuba, those of us who live abroad find it necessary to carry essential items when visiting our families."
The content creator showcased her "personal item": a backpack where she neatly arranges vacuum-sealed bacon, smoked belly, meat, and brisket, as well as croquettes. "If they are vacuum-sealed, it's even better, so they can't be confiscated once you arrive in Cuba," she explained as she organized the packages to maximize space. She also revealed that although homemade croquettes are available on the island, she prefers to bring them from abroad. "This way, I avoid hopping from private store to private store," she noted, referring to the private shops where products are often expensive due to their importation from the United States.
In her advice, she recommended using thermal backpacks purchased from Walmart, which she claims have worked well on several trips. "If you want to make the most of the space, I suggest arranging the meat when it's soft so it fits well in the backpack. You might think it's full, but there's always room for more," she asserted. Once everything is packed, the backpack goes straight into the refrigerator, "backpack and all," to make it easier to transport during the flight.
The video has sparked a range of reactions, from those who relate to the strategy to others curious about the backpack details or even where she buys the food to bring to the island.
FAQs About Traveling with Food to Cuba
Why do Cubans bring food when traveling to Cuba?
Cubans bring food when traveling to the island because of the severe shortages in Cuba. Those living abroad find it necessary to carry essential items to support their families during visits.
What type of backpack is recommended for carrying food?
A thermal backpack, like those available from Walmart, is recommended for carrying food. These backpacks help keep items preserved and have been effective in multiple trips.
How can you prevent food from being confiscated upon arrival in Cuba?
To prevent food from being confiscated, it is advisable to vacuum-seal items, as this packaging is less likely to be flagged by customs upon arrival in Cuba.