Discussions

One of my friends who is not a member of eBrandon will be travelling this winter to Cuba. Is there anything that they should be bringing with them food wise (or not bringing)? They were told that hard candies, individually wrapped, were a desired gift and yet were also told by someone else that this kind of gift is no longer able to be brought into the country. In the Varadero area what is there to do that they should not miss out on? Any hints and/or ideas for them?

Ketchup was a life saver! We left money for our cleaners, a few people on our trip brought clothes to leave behind and they were always so grateful

We have always taken done toiletries (soap, body wash nail polish, remover,toothpaste deodorant ankle socks etc.) They are very grateful for these. They also love jewelry. For the gardeners we have given gum and gardening gloves. Always leave a cuc as well for servers. As we got to know the workers, same resort 3 years in a row, we would take small games for their children and on occasion clothing shorts and sun dresses for the children. The best experience we had was really talking to the people they are amazing people and fun to be around!  
Go to the cave for a lobster dinner-reservation will be required and go and see al capones place fabulous, in Varedero.

After a trip down there I value the simple things such as the availability of a toilet seat and my soft 2ply toilet paper. I don't care what anyone says I brought and will if going there again will bring toilet paper. We stayed at a high star resort and it looked like the toilet paper was recycled as I could almost read it like a newspaper. It was rough. Leaving the resort many places charged for toilet use and for a small strip of toilet paper. We did a Havana trip as I love old history. Was definitely worth that.