Ask Me Anything

One of the biggest things I took away from my recent reader survey was that T.O. & fro's readers would like more posts about every day life. Done!

A few years back, I tried my first "Ask Me Anything" feature. To my surprise, it was a great success. I had some fantastic questions about Alaska, Toronto and living the hockey life, among others. It was such a hit, that I thought I'd give it another shot. T.O. & for's community has grown substantially in the past year, so I find this is a great way for  new readers to get to know me. Do you have a burning question to ask? Fill out the form below. Questions can be completely anonymous, but I like to give credit where credit it due, so feel free to leave you name. Depending on the number received, questions will be answered over a series of posts.  Stay tuned!


Thank you to all of those that took the time to ask a question! Stay tuned for the answers in the coming weeks.
*Please note, if I receive a question that I feel is rude, offensive, etc., I reserve the right to not answer. Submissions will close February 10. 

Ask Me Anything

As most of you know, I started this blog back in 2010 as a way to communicate our adventures with friends and family when an unexpected move took us over 4500 miles from home in Toronto to the land of the midnight sun, Alaska. Over the past 3+ years, this blog has grown in ways that I never imagined. And even though our time in Alaska came to an end and we are now living back home, it surprises me every single day how many people continue to read and follow our lives. For that, I am extremely grateful. 

Today, I thought I would give all of my readers the opportunity to ask me any questions they may have - whether it be questions about Alaska or Toronto, living the hockey life, working in conservation or at a zoo and aquarium, how a Canadian can work in the US, etc. 

So, please, ask me anything! I will publish your questions and my answers in upcoming posts.

Thank you again and again for all of your continued support and friendship over the past amazing 3 years!

You Asked, I Answered: Part 3

Danielle at The Lifestyle Project says,

I'd love to hear about your experience as a Canadian immigrating to the States and any obstacles you had to go through to gain permanent residency/work permits etc. 
So that I could legally work while we lived in the US, I was on a temporary status called a TN status. This status is obtained through NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement and is available to citizens of Canada and Mexico. Long story short, individuals practicing one of the professions identified by NAFTA are able to obtain TN status. The gist of it is that you must first obtain the employment, it has to be temporary, and you have to obtain a letter from your new employer detailing the position, salary, length of employment, etc. There are many great resources online to help you with the process of obtaining a TN status, and if you would like more information, feel free to email me. My husband was on a special status for professional athletes, also temporary. If your spouse is on a working visa, you are able to be added to theirs, however, generally you are unable to work legally. Before moving back to Canada, Steve played in the US for 10 years, so technically he could have applied for his green card. However, without help from an employer or sponsor, it tends to be a lot more difficult and pricey.

/////

Stephanie at The Mechanics Wife asks,

Is living in Alaska as hard as the TV shows make it out to be?
There are so many Alaskan reality TV shows! Some of them I absolutely love to watch, some, not so much. My favourite part of watching these reality shows is seeing the familiar places and faces. One of my favourites is Alaska State Troopers.  Some of the stuff that those men and women deal with and experience is incredible! I'll admit, some of the shows do embellish a little bit, but some are also very truthful. Alaska is a totally different way of life. We lived in the largest city in Alaska, Anchorage. They had all the conveniences that you would have in the lower 48 and Canada - shopping malls, big box stores and your choice of bank and grocery store. However, in some parts of Alaska, there are no roads, there are no grocery stores, and life is very different. Groceries need to be ordered in advanced, some times for a month's time, and flown in, ATVs are a reliable form of transportation, and subsistence hunting and fishing helps fill the freezer and feed the family for the year. 

Lisa from Ice Road Truckers

/////

Heather at Heather's Hurrah asks,

Are you guys NHL fans at all, and what team do you cheer for?
We are a hockey family through and through. Living in Toronto, there's really only one team to cheer for, the Leafs. Love em or hate em, being a Leafs fan is pretty much a requirement for any Torontonian. But when we cheer them on, we're usually doing it from the comfort of our couch because tickets to games are hard to get and extremely expensive.

Do you recommend an Alaskan cruise as a vacation one day?
Absolutely! Even though we lived there, I would still do an Alaska cruise. I think it would allow me to see the state in a whole different way. There are many cruise operators with Alaskan itineraries and there are many options for excursions off the ship. I've heard good things about cruising both the Inside and Outside Passages, for both one week, 10 days or 2 weeks. You really can't go wrong with any of them.


Ask Me Anything, Part I
Ask Me Anything, Part II

Thanks so much to everyone who sent it questions. They were so fun to answer and I can't wait to do it again!

You Asked, I Answered

Thanks to everyone that submitted a question in my 'Ask Me Anything' series! Do you want to know something about the girl behind T.O. & fro? There's still time - check out the form below!
Here are today's answers...
Jennifer Anne from Jennifer Anne asked, 
Being married to a professional hockey player sounds like it must have been an exciting and glamorous chapter in your life (one that not many people can relate to)! But I'm sure it must have had its tough times. What were some of the hardest parts or unexpected trials that came with a "hockey life"? 
I won't lie, the hockey chapter was definitely a lot of fun - we got to meet many amazing people, see incredible places and most importantly, my husband got paid to do what he loved. However, there were definitely some tough times through it all. For starters, the first 5 years of our relationship were long distance. In university and grad school, I spent many weekends in the car or on an airplane, traveling to and fro. We often went months without seeing each other. 
I still enjoy telling the story about the time I was traveling down to visit him in Florida. I was just about to head to the airport when I heard the news that he got called up to a team in New York. I couldn't have been happier, that's what every professional hockey player strives for! The down fall was that at the same time I was flying south down to Florida, he would be flying north to New York. Luckily things worked out in the end. While we didn't get to see each other that week, his sister was down in Florida visiting also, so I got to spend some time with her. He ended up staying with the team in New York for the remainder of the season, so I made the 8 hour road trip a few weeks later to visit.  
The "hockey life" definitely taught me a lot of things, including patience and understanding.  I also believe that despite the long distance, it brought us closer and made our relationship stronger. Sure we were tested, but in the end, everything happens for a reason. 

Jenn from Lost in the Right Direction asked, 

If you were given the choice to move back to Alaska right now, would you do it, or stay where you are?

This is a really tough question, with a long-winded answer. I think we would both agree that if given the opportunity, we would still be living in Alaska. However, the fact that we're both Canadian and Steve was wrapping up his hockey career at the time we moved back, made staying a bit more complicated. I'd like to think that we would move back in a heart back, and I definitely have my days where I want nothing more to escape the concrete jungle of Toronto for the mountain air, but at the same time, Alaska is very far from home. Now that we are starting a family of our own, I don't think it would be fair to our families to move away, or at least that far, right now. The good news is, we can always go back to visit, and even have a trip planned this summer. Since Alaska has such a big influence on our lives, it is a place we definitely want our kids to experience. 

What made you want to go into Marine Biology? Was there a specific event or is it just something you've always wanted to do?

I grew up on Lake Huron, and from a young age was drawn to the outdoors, especially the water. The thought of exploring below the surface always peaked my curiosity. I was that kid, where from a young age said I was going to be a Marine Biologist. I always pictured myself down south, in the warm water of the tropics. However, during my time in university, I realized that I was also not cut out for field or lab work, which is what Marine Biologists do. I more enjoyed the flip side of things, educating and inspiring others to care for our natural world. And so that's what I ran with, and where I am today. And as a side note, never in a million years did I think the tables would turn and I'd fall in love with the Arctic. 

Thanks for your questions ladies! 

What would you like to know? Fill out the form below!

You Asked, I Answered: Part 2

Erika from All Things E asks,

How did you meet your hockey-playing husband?

Steve and I met over 10 years ago in high school, while he was playing junior hockey in my home town. We were good friends in high school, but didn't end up dating until a few years later when I was in university. After junior hockey, Steve pursued a career playing professional hockey in Florida, NY, Pennsylvania and North Carolina (with a few other pitstops in between) and I always looked forward to visiting for a long weekend. After I finished school, the plan was to move in together while he was playing in South Carolina, but an unexpected move took us from the sunny south over 4500 miles from home to Alaska. Long story short, after eight years of dating, countless miles travelled and hockey games played, we got engaged and married this past summer.

Is there a community of "hockey wives" that you've found while moving around?

The hockey world is very small. No matter what city, or country for that matter, that you live in, chances are you know someone on the team from a previous season, or they know someone you know, etc. As a hockey player, my husband spends many hours of his life surrounded by his teammates, both at the rink, on the road and even at home. The guys have a special relationship, but so do all of the women standing beside those guys. Like the guys, we build a very strong bond during the season, and often very quickly. And while the number of women varies per season, for those 8 months we are each other's support networks - we celebrate, we cry, we console. The girls easily spend as many hours together as the guys do, especially when the guys are on the road - you have wine nights, dog and baby play dates, go to the gym, watch the games, carpool to games and even babysit for one another. I have been very fortunate to meet many amazing women throughout Steve's career - some sadly I don't keep in touch with at all, some I occasionally talk to, but also some that I consider lifelong friends. 

/////

Sarah Grace asks,

What would you recommend someone do/see/visit if they were to spend a long weekend in Toronto? Any recommendations on a central place to stay or favourite spots to eat?

Whether you visit Toronto in winter, spring, summer or fall, the city is always alive with activity. Some of the must sees: CN Tower, Toronto Zoo, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario, just to name a few. If you're lucky to visit in the summer, checking out a Blue Jays game in always a good time. Getting from point A to B in the city is easy and taxis and public transit options can be found on every block. Hotels are abundant downtown Toronto, which one you chose really just depends on your budget. Restaurants are also extremely abundant, some of my favourite can be found in the Entertainment District on King St. West. One of my favourite websites to keep up to date with city happenings, including restaurant reviews, festivals and free events, is BlogTO.

How do you keep your passion alive for hockey knowing that at times, the people involved in the sports world are prone to "real people behaviour" that you don't often hear about on TSN/CBC?

I grew up in a hockey-loving family and my brother, sister and I all played growing up. While I don't play today, my passion remains strong for the game because of my husband. My husband started playing hockey at a very young age and today is lucky enough to have made a career out of it. Because of his love for the game, and how happy it makes him to play, I enjoy watching him play. Not only that, it has created lifelong relationships, given us incredible experiences, and pays the bills. It is a HUGE part of our daily lives. At the end of the day, hockey players, and really any other professional athlete, are real people too. It just happens to be that their lives are just a little more public than others.


Ask Me Anything, Part I

Thanks to everyone who sent in questions! Stay tuned for my answers to the final questions next week!

Life is Better at the Lake

As my American teacher friends and their kids are gearing up to go back to school in the coming days, and my Canadian friends aren't far behind, I'm sitting here like, "Not to brag, but I don't have to go back to work... until March." Thank you maternity leave.

I've absolutely loved having the summer off. The only issue? Its been so bloody hot in my neck of the woods that summer has seemed to pass us by without being able to enjoy it. Instead, we've been confined to our teeny apartment because it is far too hot to take the babe outside. Lets just say, we've started going a little stir crazy. 

Last weekend we escaped the city for my parents' house on Lake Huron. While we were able to escape the confinement of our apartment, we could not escape the heat. 

I could talk your ear off about this place, but instead, I'll let the photos do the talking. 

Did I mention that this is where we got married three years ago? The perfect setting for the perfect day, if you ask me.

The water level is extremely high this year, washing out what was once a nice sandy beach. The lack of sand to set up shop mixed with the sweltering heat doesn't make the best beach day when you have a little one. So instead, we settled for Morley's new kiddy pool. I think this kid was a mermaid in a previous life. There is no fear. She LOVES the water, and that makes this water lovin' mama very very happy.

Yes, those are measuring spoons she's planning with. Sometimes you have to improvise. And if I've learned anything from this whole parenting thing, its the simple things, like kitchen measuring spoons and tissue paper, that make baby happy.

It's true what they say, life is better at the lake. Especially when you get to see your daughter enjoy it just as much as you do.

Don't forget to follow our summer adventures on Instagram (@toandfro21)!

If you like this, you may also like: Cottage Life

How are you spending the last few weeks of summer? How do you beat the heat?

The Story of Our Engagement

September 16, 2012.

It was a Sunday. I never usually worked on Sundays, but enjoyed the quiet. The weather was typical Alaska in the fall. Sometimes nice, sometimes not. It was a not kind of day. Windy and rainy. But mostly very windy.

The trees blew in the wind, bending to the point of almost breaking. One must have given in because midway through that quiet day, the power went. FYI, you become extremely unproductive at work when the power goes out. So, I called Steve and was easily convinced to come home. "We'll go for a walk", he said. I chuckled. A walk in Kincaid Park on a windy day didn't sound like the most genius idea, but what else did we have to do. So I went with it. 

When I got home, my rain gear was waiting for me, along with hot soup and coffee in our thermoses. "For after the walk," he said. I didn't question it. The walk was happening, despite the safety issues of walking through a park with tall trees on an extremely windy day.

And so we walked, along the path, climbing down a hill and through the tall grass, to a beach that we had been many times before, to the beach that had climbed high on our list of favorite places in the city of Anchorage. We sat down on a large washed up log and stared out into the vastness of Cook Inlet. Despite the rain pounding our faces, it was peaceful. It was private. It was just the two of us.

Totally entrenched in the beauty surrounding us, I felt a small tap on my shoulder. As I turned my head, I noticed Steve was no longer sitting beside me. He was instead, in front of me on one knee.

What he said I could never tell you. Not because I don't want to, but because I don't remember. You'll have to ask him because I'm pretty sure I blacked out.

To say I was surprised was an understatement. We had been together for 8 years. And while there were extreme amounts of pressure to get married, in all those 8 years, I never bothered him once about it. Which I've been told, by my now husband, is a really good thing.

And so, this is the story of our engagement. One that I haven't really shared before. 9 months and 13 days later, we became Mr and Mrs.

We went back to our beach on our most recent visit to Alaska to take these pictures. That beach will forever be our beach. It is where our new life together began, and some place that will always be on our must visit list when we're back in the great state.

Did you notice anything different around here? That's right, t.o. & fro got a much needed facelift courtesy of Jana Tolman Designs. If you're in need of a makeover, check this girl out - she was extremely helpful, quick to respond, listened to all of my crazy ideas and most importantly, delivered exactly what I was looking for!

Navigating the New Normal - Working From Home with Kids & Managing Stress

For many, stress has become a constant in our lives - especially in the current state of the world. The combination of working from home and meeting deadlines, while being responsible for caring for children, making multiple meals and snacks, doing heap after heap of laundry, and so on - it can all add up, leading to chronic stress. 

Read on to learn how I’m navigating our new normal, and managing stress while working from home with kids. 

The consequences of chronic stress? A constant feeling of being overwhelmed, nagging irritability and anxiety and insomnia.

Sound familiar? Ya, me too.

Although we talk about stress, it isn’t often really clear what it means. When your body is under stress, it is effectively triggering the flight-or-fight response. And when your body is literally just trying to get through the day, it is not restoring and healing. It wears on you - on your mood and on your sleep. 

Lately, my stress has come in many forms, from many different forms. No daycare or school means daily routines are off, and sleep routines have been pushed later and later as if we’ve been on a constant vacation for the past five months. I’m consistently waking during the night to make sure one goes pee, and then comforting the other who heard us and wanted to join the party. Night time is often a time of musical beds in our house, and it never ends with me winning. And then, there’s work. I love my job. I am extremely grateful to have a job, especially during the current times. But working a full work week from home, hopping between Zoom calls while managing snack time, lunch time, nap time and everything in between, is not an easy task. The ongoing monologue in my head is constantly reevaluating my mental to-do list, checking one item off and adding another. And then, there’s the guilt. The biggest stressor of all - not being able to give my girls the attention they deserve because I’m locked into my computer. The amount of screen time we’ve racked up the past month is not something I’m proud of, but some days, it’s the only thing getting us through.

You could say this “new normal” is extremely stressful. 

So, how am I navigating it?

There are many healthy ways to help manage stress in our everyday lives, including eating well, exercising, sleeping well and being mindful. One of my favourite ways to help manage stress is by getting outside. There is just something about the fresh air and green space that instantly calms me.
By getting outside I don’t mean getting lost in the middle of a forest. No, it can be as easy as just stepping out the door. There’s good evidence that just looking at a green space has positive effects on people’s mental health, helping them relax and de-stress. While we do enjoy completely submerging ourselves in nature, lately, we’ve found peace in simple neighbourhood scavenger hunts, walks around the block and even dinner at the beach.

But you want to know the one surprising place I’ve found the most peace the past few months? 

In my garden.

I never considered myself to have a green thumb, but over the past few months I’ve enjoyed spending time pulling weeds, cultivating a vegetable garden, watching the pollinators do their work and just being surrounded by the flourishing greenery. When I begin to feel overwhelmed, when the irritability and anxiety start to creep in, when I lack focus - I walk out the back door, and into my garden.

If I’ve learned anything during this global pandemic, it is that being able to eat what you grow isn’t the only benefit of gardening - it’s actually really good for your mental well being. Gardens are special peaceful spaces with restorative qualities that can work wonders when we are stressed and under pressure. And while gardens can be relaxing, they can also be places where our efforts result in a real sense of achievement, boosting confidence and self-esteem. Something I’ve been lacking thanks to that mom guilt. 

Another approach I take to managing stress lately is through the supplements that I take. Remember when I said eating well, exercising, sleeping well and being mindful helps to manage stress? Supplements can also be included to help support the body - providing key nutrients that promote relaxation and can help relieve mild symptoms of stress and exhaustion, and aid in longer, better sleep. And that’s something this mama can appreciate. 

New Roots Herbal is a leading Canadian manufacturer and distributor of high-quality natural health products, with a goal is to provide quality-of-life–enhancing products to everyone. They have a line of products related to stress, sleep and mood - including Chill Pills, Sleep⁸ and D-Stress.

When I want to make the best of the sleep I get, I turn to New Roots Herbal Sleep⁸, which helps rebalance my body’s natural circadian rhythm with a dose of melatonin.

When the girls test my patience and irritability runs high, I turn to New Roots Herbal Chill Pills, which use natural ingredients that reduce nervous irritability and induce relaxation so I can calm down and concentrate, helping me work more effectively. 

And finally, when I have a million things on the go (including a racing mind) and just need to slow it down, I turn to New Roots Herbal's D-Stress softgels which contain organic lavender oil that boasts an impressive profile of active constituents useful for coping with restlessness and mental stress.

Pandemic or no pandemic, life is stressful. Period. Managing stress looks different for everyone, so it’s important to find something that works for you. And when it comes down to it, don’t be afraid to ask for help. We’re all in this together, and I’m here if you need to talk. 

You can find New Roots Herbal products at your local health and wellness product store. 

What are some of your tried and true stress management techniques? I’d love to hear!

*Disclosure: I have participated in a paid partnership with New Roots Herbal. Opinions in this post are not my own.

PIN IT

Tips for Traveling While Pregnant

As summer comes to an end, the travel planning wheels in my head have already started turning with new ideas and destinations for the year that lies ahead. 

We have Alaska coming up in the fall, with thoughts of a joint Iceland/Scotland venture in the near distant future. I'm also currently dreaming of these luxury homes in Italy. Oh, Italy. How I would love to go back.

Our family trip to Italy two summers ago was one for the memory books, and one that will be hard to top. For many reasons.

We ate, we drank, we laughed, we relaxed, we took in the sights. And, I did it all pregnant. (Ok, minus the drinking part.)

You may not know it by looking at my vacation photos, but I was hot, I was uncomfortable, I was irritable, I will slightly nauseous, and man, oh man, was I tired. A “total trooper”, as my mom called it.

Despite being in my first trimester on my family’s vacation to Rome, Napoli and the Amalfi Coast, and despite not being able to drink all the wine, enjoy all of the cappuccino and devour all of the meat and cheese, being pregnant did not affect my experience or the amazing memories made.

Tips for Traveling to Europe While Pregnant

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you need to pause your travels. Here are some things to consider when traveling while pregnant.

Before You Go:

Talk to your doctor.

First and foremost, be sure to talk to your doctor before booking your vacation. Zikka, malaria and other viruses with fancy names are all things to consider. Your doctor will know if you require vaccinations based on the country you're visiting, what medications you can and cannot take while pregnant, what foods to avoid and what to do in case you run into issues.

Check your health insurance.

Ensure your health insurance plan covers out of country medical, in case you need take a trip to the clinic. If not, purchase an additional package so that you are covered. 

Select your seat.

Flights to Europe are long, and plane seats are uncomfortable. If the budget allows, upgrade your seats to one with more leg room, or opt for an aisle seat which will make it easy for you to get up and down to the bathroom and to stretch throughout the flight.

Pack light.

You’re already going to be tired, so the last thing you want is to lugging a heavy carryon and suitcase around the airport and to and from your destination. Make a packing list and check it twice. Chances are you won’t need all of that stuff anyways. It’s always helpful to lean on your travel buddy to assist when needed. 

Get some rest.

When flying from North America to Europe, flights are typically overnight. And if you’re anything like me, that doesn’t mean I’m able to sleep. Despite the pregnancy fatigue. Make sure you get plenty of rest in the days leading up to your trip. 

Travel Day:

Drink lots of water.

Not consuming enough water while flying often leads to nasty side effects such as cramping, swelling, fatigue and jet lag. Prepare ahead by consuming plenty of water before you board (with a pit stop at the washrooms). Bring your own reusable water bottle and fill it before you board the flight. That way, you don’t need to rely on the flight attendants for a small glass of water whenever you need a drink.

Bring snacks.

Being hungry on a plane is the last thing a pregnant woman needs, so load up on snacks before going to the airport. Protein bars and dried fruits and nuts are good options. Also prepare for nausea. Since I could not take my old reliable Gravol or Dramamine, candied ginger was helpful for me. 

Give yourself lots of time.

Some cities (such as those we experienced along the Amalfi Coast) have many, many stairs. Take your time. You don't need to set a personal best. Everyone in your party will understand if you're a bit slower, or need to stop more often. Giving yourself time also includes sneaking in a few extra bathroom breaks. 

Request a pat down.

The TSA says that body scanners, which use imaging technology with low levels of radiation are safe for pregnant women. However, if you are hesitant, instead ask for a pat down from a female guard when going through security. 

Remember to stretch your legs.

Flights to Europe are long ones and plane seats are not comfortable. So, don’t forget to get up every once in a while to stretch your legs, whether a trip to the bathroom or just a quick stretch in the aisle.

During the Trip:

Wear comfortable shoes, and clothes.

The best way to see Europe is via your own two feet. Which means you need good walking shoes. 

Don’t over schedule yourself. 

Wake up when you want and go to bed early. Limit yourself to one activity per day to minimize the amount of stress on your body. Don’t be a hero. If you can’t fit everything on you ‘must see list’ into your trip, Europe will always be there. Planning in activities in advance of your trip will help with this. Your body will thank you. 

Stick to bottled water.

You may think it is silly avoid tap water in certain countries. But these counties may also have different standards and regulations when it comes to drinking water than we do in North America. Bottled still and sparkling water are the safer bet.

Avoid certain foods. 

When you spoke with your doctor about your travel plans, they should have alerted you to what you can and cannot eat. Alcohol, unpasteurized cheese and cured meats may be tempting, but are best to avoid (especially alcohol). When eating out, ensure you know how to communicate your pregnancy with the wait staff.

Listen to your body. 

The most important thing to do while traveling pregnant is to listen to your body. You know it best. Rest when you need to rest, eat when you need to eat and drink water when you are thirsty. Go with your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, take a break or visit a local clinic. 

Have fun!

Did I miss anything? Do you have any tips for traveling while pregnant? I'd love to hear!

*To & Fro was provided compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% my own. Thank you for your continued support!

A Guide to Traveling to Cuba with Young Children + FREE Packing Printable

Traveling with your children is an unforgettable experience, no matter where you go. It is the chance to introduce your children to new cultures and environments, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. 

So, when the opportunity to take a girls only trip to Cuba came up, I knew it was one that I couldn't turn down. Just my mom, grandma, aunt, daughter and I - no boys allowed.

The last time I was in Cuba was almost 15 years ago, so I really don't remember a whole lot. However, the one thing I did know was that traveling with an infant this visit would definitely make it a much different trip.

Now that the travel restrictions on Cuba have been lifted, those that have not previously been able to experience the country for themselves are keeping the destination in mind while preparing for their next vacation.

If you’re in need of a vacation, but one that is also family-friendly, a trip to Cuba is the perfect option. However, like any foreign destination, there are some important things to know before you go. 

Luckily, I'm here to help.

Check out this comprehensive guide to traveling to Cuba with young children, which includes recommendations, personal experiences and a FREE complete packing guide printable (pdf).

Important notes about this guide:

1. This guide is geared towards those traveling to Cuba with young children, specifically infant and toddler (and those that require a stroller and/or car seat).
2. During our trip, we spent half of the week in a hotel and touring Havana independently and the other half at an all-inclusive resort in Varadero. Since these are two of the most popular cities, I am assuming that these tips also apply to the majority of the country. 

FOOD & DRINK

Formula-Fed Children

• If your baby is drinking formula, bring the amount you need (plus extra). 
• If you do not want to use bottled water to mix the powdered formula, bring premixed formula. 
• If you happen to run out of formula, powdered formula (as well as pureed baby food) can be found for sale at a local super market (price unknown). 
• Remember the standards are different in Cuba, so it is recommend to bring more than needed so that you do not run out.

For those babies drinking formula or breast milk, also see “water” below.

Children Eating Solids

• Depending on what your baby is eating and where you are staying, there will be options. 
• Resort and hotel restaurants/buffets have a wide variety of food to choose from - eggs, veggies, chicken, etc. It is often pretty plain and not a lot of seasoning is used, making it perfect for those that are just starting out with solids. 
• While kept hot and chilled as required, buffet food does sit out for a few hours during meal time. If you are unsure of a particular item, do not feed it to your child. Instead, stick to fresh cooked items such as the pasta and omelette stations.
• Local restaurants off hotel/resort grounds also offer a wide variety of food. Roast chicken is an extremely popular dish, and there almost always is rice and veggies on the menu as well.

Personal experience: My daughter was not yet at the stage of drinking whole milk, so finding and consuming whole milk was not something we experienced. However, I did see it available at both the hotel and resort.

High Chairs

• High chairs are available at pretty much all of the restaurants/buffets, including the hotel, resort and independent restaurants. 
• Not all high chairs come with trays. Be prepared for baby to eat off the table.  
• High chairs are not thoroughly cleaned after each use. Pack disinfectant wipes (such as these ones) to clean prior to use. 
• Bring a table food mat (such as this one) for baby to eat off of. It attaches to the table securely, and can be easily cleaned in between uses. 

Eating Utensils

• If you require plastic bowls, cups and utensils, bring those from home. Only ceramic, glass and metal will be available at restaurants.
• Bring your own non-cloth bib. One that catches food is recommended for easy clean up (such as this one).

Eating Times

• If you are staying at a resort, keep in mind buffets open at specific times. [For example, the buffet at the resort we stayed at didn’t open until 6:30pm. Morley uses eats dinner at 5:30pm with bath time at 6:30pm. Not only did this require a bit of a shift in her schedule, but we also had to find something for her to snack on later in the afternoon.]
• If dinner time will not fit your needs, most resorts also have a snack bar that is open 24 hours. Keep in mind snacks bars have limited menus. 
• Most rooms have mini fridges, so you can always take some extra food from breakfast or lunch for your child to snack on throughout the day. Bring a small food storage container to fill with food from the buffet for them to eat at a later time.
• Bringing your child’s favourite snacks from home or prepackaged pureed food will also help fill any feeding times. 

Potable Water

• Bottled water can be purchased at the hotel or local market.  It is more expensive to purchase at the hotel, so if you have the option, visit a local super market.
• While staying at a resort, the room mini fridge is usually refilled every other day. The fridge typically contains at least one large bottle of water. If the resort has a store, you will be able to purchase more bottled water there as well.
• Bring an electric kettle (such as this one) with you to boil water for washing bottles. Most hotels and resorts have both two- and three-prong 110V outlets, but bring an adapter just in case.
• Bring a small bottle of dish soap and a sponge and/or bottle brush for bottle cleaning.
• Make sure to have lots of bottled water on hand for your children to drink. It is important they stay hydrated in the heat. If they drink from a sippy cup, bring one or two with you. 
• To keep your child hydrated if they will not drink plain bottled water is to add a bit of sugar or fruit juice to make the water sweet.

Personal experience: I do not recommend using boiled water to mix formula. The water was extremely hard in Havana. After only a handful of uses, the kettle was lined with a thick layer of calcium and there was calcium “floaties” in the water.

DIAPERING

• Normal diapers: When packing normal diapers, pack as many as you would typically need in that time frame, times two. There’s the possibility you may not use them all and then there’s also the possibility that your child may develop some tummy troubles and you will definitely use them. 
• Swim diapers: If you plan to go in the water, aside from swim wear, you will also need swim diapers.
• Wipes: Bring extra wipes. Like above, your child may develop tummy troubles and extra wipes will be needed. These can also be used to wipe off surfaces, like airplane tray tables and restaurant high chairs, before baby touches them.
• Change tables: Change tables are few and far between. Often times, you will find yourself changing baby on the fly in the stroller or on a counter in the bathroom. Be sure you have a changing mat that you can put down for baby to lie on, or disinfect the surface before and after use.

Personal experience: Like a rookie, I ran out of normal diapers. Luckily, I was able to purchase a small bag in the resort store. A small pack of 20 cost around $4 CUC (approximately $6 CAD). While these were in no way the same quality as American and Canadian diapers, they did the job. The store also sold wipes and swim diapers. 

ACCESSIBILITY

• Building access: Accessibility is not a huge consideration in Cuba like it is in Canada or the US. A lot of the buildings have stairs, with no elevators or ramps. 
• Streets: Many of the side streets are a cobble-stone style and not paved, making them very uneven.
• Street curbs: The street curbs are about twice as high as they are in North America, and there are no ramps at street crossings. 
• Sidewalks: Sidewalks are cracked, uneven and often missing chunks of concrete.
• Cross walks: Crossing the street is very different for pedestrians. There are red and green lights, but crosswalks are almost non-existent. People cross at their own risk, and often across multiple lanes of traffic.

TRANSPORTATION

• Car seat: Leave the car seat base at home. Unlike vehicles in North America, there are no buckles for a car seat base. If your child requires a car seat, you must use the seat belt to securely fasten it to the seat. 
• Stroller: Consider the stroller that you bring. If your child is scheduled to take a nap while you are out touring, make sure the stroller is one that they can sleep comfortably in (i.e. one that reclines). It must also compact well for airplane and vehicle travel, be able to handle uneven streets, sidewalks and curbs and be light for potential carrying and lifting.  If you are taking taxis while out touring and your child requires a car seat, make sure your stroller is compatible with the car seat (i.e. it has an adapter to connect the two) so that you are not carrying the car seat as you walk around.
• Coach bus: If you are taking a coach bus to and from the airport and resort, be aware that not all have seat belts. If you are not planning on taking taxis (i.e. only going between airport and resort or hotel on a coach bus) and are comfortable with it, leave the car seat and heavy duty stroller at home. Depending on your child’s age, bring a small umbrella stroller or infant carrier/sling instead.
• Large groups: If you are traveling in a large party (i.e. 5 or more) and need to take a taxi, van taxis are available but rare. Be prepared to split up the group.
• Vintage cars: If riding in a vintage car is on your Cuban bucket list, you will have to leave the little ones out. These cars do not have seat belts. Many are also convertibles.
• Sun protection: If you are traveling in a vehicle, consider which side of the vehicle the sun will be shining on and, if possible, place your child on the opposite side to limit exposure.

Personal experience: We use a BOB Revolution Single Stroller and Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35 Infant Car Seat. The stroller has an adapter to secure the car seat to the stroller. Since we were taking taxis while touring Havana, we needed to bring the car seat. If we were not touring the city independently, I would not have brought the car seat on the trip.  I am, however, glad that I brought this stroller. It was easy to transport and heavy duty enough to withstand airplane abuse. streets and sidewalks of Havana and walks on the beach in Varadero.

ENVIRONMENTAL

• Temperature: Like any tropical destination, be aware of the temperature. In Cuba, it is hot during the day but can be cool in the morning and at night. Dress in layers. It is easier to remove a layer if you’re too hot, rather than add a layer you don’t have if you’re too cold.
• Sun: Don’t forget the sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses for your child. If you will be pushing your child in a stroller, consider bringing a UV screen (such as this one) to put over the stroller.
• Insects: If  you are visiting during mosquito season, bring child-friendly bug spray.
• Smoking: Unlike in North America, smoking is allowed everywhere in Cuba, including hotel rooms, restaurants and stores. Many people smoke, especially cigars.

SLEEPING

• Cribs: Cribs can be found at most hotels and resorts. If one is required, let the hotel or resort know upon booking so that one can be reserved. The type of crib provided is typically a travel crib/pack-and-play. For baby’s safety, bring your own crib sheet.
• Insects: If you are visiting during mosquito season, bring a mosquito mesh that can be fit over the crib at night. This can also be used over the stroller during the day and/or night.
• Air conditioning: Most hotels and resorts usually have the AC pumping. Luckily, most also have individual room controls to turn it off or down when needed. Be sure to dress your child appropriately during the night, especially if you plan to keep the AC running. 

MEDICAL

• Vaccinations: Pay a visit to your family doctor before you leave. You and your children may require vaccinations.
• Medical attention: If needed, doctors and clinics are available for a fee. Before you go, check that your medical insurance covers out of country.  
• First aid kit: Bring a full stocked first aid kit. Pharmacies are available, but the selection of products is not the same as in North America. In your first aid kit, include an easy-to-read thermometer, extra pain reliever (both adult and children), allergy medication (both adult and children), alcohol-based hand sanitizer, antiseptic wound cleaner and tweezers.

TIPPING

• While money is appreciated for tips, so are specific items that are hard to come by or expensive in Cuba. 
• The most appreciated are hygiene products such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant, panty hose and sanitary napkins, and children’s clothing and shoes.
• Before you go, or even when you are packing to leave Cuba, if you have any clothes no longer in use by your child, leave them for a hostess, waitress, housekeeper or someone else you meet during your stay. 

Personal experience 1: I brought a bunch of Morley’s gently used onesies and pants to leave for the housekeepers. However, during our stay at the resort, we met a hostess in the buffet that was pregnant with her first child, a girl. I ended up giving her the big bag of clothes and she was very grateful. 

Personal experience 2: While touring Havana, I had several women come up to me and ask if I could spare anything for their families. I was not prepared for this, so the answer was always no. Scams are present in Cuba, so this could be one and I was targeted because I had a little one in tow.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Customer service in Cuba differs greatly from what you would expect in other places of the world, including North America. This can be attributed to a number of things, including low wages for workers. When you visit, you must be patient as well as keep an open mind. You may not get anything or go anywhere fast, but that's ok. Sit back and relax, you're on vacation after all. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

I will admit, prior to our visit to Cuba, I was a bit nervous. Rightfully so with visiting a foreign  country, let alone with a 10 month old. I stressed over things like packing enough clothes, what she would eat and how I would wash her bottles. Turns out, once we got to Cuba, all of the stress was for nothing. I quickly found out that I had overpacked, there was a lot on the menu that she could eat and washing bottles was not as difficult as I thought it would be, among other things. 

At no point during our travels did we feel unsafe. Hassling in the streets and on the beach is limited, and easy to avoid. The Cuban people are extremely friendly and laid back, especially if you have children in tow. They love babies, and every single person we came across in our travels quickly became my daughter's favourite, stopping to talk and ogle over her.  

Bottom line - Cuba is a beautiful and colourful country filled with culture, history and fabulous beaches. It is also a country I highly recommend adding to your "must see" list, even with young children in tow.

To help you plan for your trip, check out this FREE Complete Packing Guide Printable (PDF).

Download the FREE Complete Packing Guide (PDF) here. 

*Please note, this a recommended guide based on our experience and does not included required clothing or other attire. There may be items included on this list that you do not need and those not included that you will need. Plan accordingly. 

Stay tuned for a guide to visiting an all-inclusive resort with your little one!

Have you visited Cuba with your little ones? See something missing from the guide? Have more questions? Leave a comment below or email me at toandfro21@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!

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