Traveling with kids is never easy, and let's be real it's not really a vacation for parents! But we made the best MEMORIES!
We just got back from Cayo Coco - we stayed at Memories Flamenco for 5 days and 4 nights, which I think is the perfect time when you travel with kids under 10 years of age.
We had an early flight at 6am, so we had to be at the airport early! Â I dressed the kids in shorts and a tank under their tracksuits because once you get to Cuba you will be SWEATING!
They took their own school bags and I packed some extra clothes, a bathing suit, sandals, snacks, and tablets/headphones - just in case our suitcase was misplaced. I did the same for myself.
I packed one suitcase for the three of us, because I wasn't going to be dragging three on my own - we all know that's what ends up happening!
Make sure you download some of their favourite shows onto their tablets so they can watch them in the downtime, and while you may think you won't have them go on it - you are mistaken, my friends! I added Roam Like Home and it was great! Unlimted Data with my current plan, made sure I could be connected and the kids could watch their shows!
I found these collapsible water bowls on amazon, that are technically for dogs....But no one said you can't use them for something else. Â I packed those in my carry-on and gave the kids cereal and milk at the airport when they got hungry. Â You can get the milk at Tims.
We all know Cuba is known for its beaches, and they were absolutely magical! So let's talk about it!
I knew going to Cuba the food selection wasn't going to be out of the park! As long as they had eggs and spaghetti for the kids, I was happy. But we ran into a few issues the first few days we were there.
We didn't have eggs or spaghetti until day THREE! Imagine trying to get the kids to try different foods when they're picky as hell! Â I managed to get them to eat a bit of chicken and rice, but they wanted that spaghetti! Â They were fine after they got their fix!
Cubans are so incredibly kind and humble, we had no issues with the staff at all. Â For breakfast and lunch, the same ladies always saved a table for us. They were so thoughtful and always made sure the kids were good - they even asked the Chef to put eggs aside for the kids for dinner just in case!
Did you know that Canadian Coins are of no value to them? I DID NOT!! They would ask if we had bills in exchange for the change they had, because the bank doesn't accept them. Â They also can't exchange any bills that are not in crisp condition. Â
So if you are going to tip - I would probably tip at the end of the trip a nice crisp bill. Â But let them know beforehand, or you can ask them what they prefer.
The other thing I did, was pack some summer clothes that I knew the kids would outgrow by the time our summer came around. Â So I left the clothes behind for them, because I am sure they will make use of it.
So if you're going to Cuba for the food - don't have high expectations, especially if you're traveling with KIDS! Â Adults manage to try different things and you're good to go unless you're picky like a toddler!
The Resort - Memories Flamenco
 Built-in 2011 - it's dated but overall not too bad - we did have some issues with the key card not working (which was pretty annoying) and sometimes the toilet had issues. BUT you're not spending your entire day in your room! Â
Entertainment - we only went early enough for the kids to do something and we stayed up late one night to watch the Michael Jackson show. Â If you're in the buildings by the Theatre it does get a bit loud, but the kids are so wiped they pass out easily with the noise.
There is one section by the swim-up bar where the pool is pretty shallow for the kids to play. Â We tried to spend most of our time at the beach, so I don't have a lot to say about the pool. Â Chairs were taken up pretty fast by the pool area, it was hard to come by any spots.
The Beach!
No complaints about the Beach, it was magical. The tide wasn't even that high, so you were able to go in pretty deep with the water just reaching your hips. Â It made it less stressful to make sure the kids weren't going in deep. Â You do have to get there a little early if you want prime seats or else you're SOL. Â We always found seats right at the front so we can keep an eye on the kids, and they enjoyed playing with the sand and making some castles.
I bought collapsible sand buckets which were a space saver, they come as a three-pack and with shovels. Â I also got a two-pack of inflatable noodles for the kids. (listed on Amazon Storefront will link at the end)
You'll find all the things I took for the kids on this trip! One thing that was a great saver, was the kids' hooded towels! Once they get out of the pool or beach, just throw those bad boys on them to keep them warm and a little protection from the sun. They are also a lot easier to carry than those big blue ones for them - Â because we all know YOU will be stuck with all the things!
I took a selfie stick with a little remote - the kids had a blast trying to get photos of themselves jumping!  It's a great thing to have, especially if you don't like asking people to take photos of you. Â
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SUNSCREEN - Â Make sure you pack lots because you will be reapplying OFTEN! Especially if you or your littles have sensitive skin. I also packed, afterburn cream just in case and I'm glad I did. Â One thing I wish I packed, was calamine lotion because Nathan got a heat rash and this would have helped so much.
MEDICINE/ESSENTIALS:
- Kids Advil/Tylenol(tablets easier to give)
- Polysporin
- Kids Gravol
- Benadryl
- Calamine Lotion
- Bandaids
- Qtips
- Nail Clipper (you'd be surprised how fast their nails grow)
- Immodium
- Advil/Tylenol (adult)
- Tums
- Afterburn Cream
- Body Lotion
- Small Bottle of Shampoo/Conditioner
- Baby Wipes
- Lysol Wipes
- Bug Spray
- After Bite
- Ziplock bags (pack some bread, and cookies from the restaurant if there is any)
- Plastic bags - (for the damp stuff that won't dry in time to pack)
Below is the link with items I took on this trip, that were 100% worth it!