So, I’m writing up my packing list for Cuba, which includes, so far, typical things like toilet paper, sunscreen, shampoo, hand sanitizer, aspirin, etc. But I’m wondering whether or not to bring some stuff to give away or to trade with locals.

I’m staying in a casa particular (i.e. in a room or small apartment run by a family) rather than a hotel, so I thought I would bring something for them, the same way I would if I was staying with friends or family. But I asked the travel coordinator what to bring and he said he never brings things to Cuba because it kind of assumes a colonial attitude (oh, you poor people, here have my used clothing). On the other hand, I’ve read some travel sites where people have written about trading clothes, medicine, or other items for rum or cigars. That doesn’t sound like a bad deal to me, and at least it is a trade rather than a donation. And lots of people say that bring extra stuff because locals would be happy to have items like razors or sanitary pads or other things that are hard to get there.

I guess the whole situation raises larger questions about tourism and, frankly, race and class and globalization and everything else. I’m thinking that I’ll stockpile some things I could give away and then just play it by ear…