Content creator @always.packing305, known on social media as AlwaysPacking, has shared his emotional journey through Cuba in May 2025 through a series of videos. He expressed being profoundly affected by the harsh realities faced by Cubans outside typical tourist paths.
"I traveled to Cuba legally, under a people-to-people exchange exception, intending to support the Cuban people. What I witnessed changed me," the influencer stated, emphasizing that his trip was not about tourism but about understanding everyday life on the island.
In his posts, he paints a "devastating" picture, highlighting issues like food insecurity, crumbling housing, frequent blackouts, lack of clean drinking water, and a total absence of basic freedoms.
The Stark Contrast of Cuban Life
"This is not a reflection of the Cuban people, whose warmth and humanity are undeniable. It's the outcome of a system that has completely failed them," he expressed.
AlwaysPacking recounted staying in private homes, experiencing power outages, enduring the heat without air conditioning or hot showers, and witnessing the daily struggles for survival.
"If anyone says it's not so bad to travel to Cuba, my question is: Which Cuba were they looking at?" he questioned.
Calling for Unfiltered Coverage
The creator also criticized the lack of genuine coverage of the Cuban crisis and urged other American influencers to portray the unfiltered reality of the Caribbean nation.
"The truth doesn't become more valid because a famous person says it. My eyes work too," he remarked.
This American traveler, who has visited numerous world capitals, found Havana leaving him with a somber memory.
"I returned with a broken heart but with the hope of seeing a free Cuba someday," he concluded. His words and videos have been widely shared by Cubans both on the island and abroad, grateful for his honest portrayal of a reality many endure in silence.
Understanding the Reality of Cuba
What did AlwaysPacking find most shocking about Cuba?
AlwaysPacking was most shocked by the severe food insecurity, crumbling infrastructure, frequent blackouts, and the lack of basic freedoms faced by Cubans.
How did AlwaysPacking's trip to Cuba differ from typical tourism?
Unlike typical tourism, AlwaysPacking's trip was focused on understanding the daily lives of Cubans and supporting the people, rather than just sightseeing.
What message did AlwaysPacking hope to convey by sharing his experience?
He wanted to highlight the true struggles of Cubans and call for more authentic coverage of the country's crisis, urging others to see beyond the tourist facade.