23 Amazing Photos On Glacier Bay Alaska Cruise Ships – Is Glacier Bay On Your Bucket List?

July 6, 2019July 8, 2019JetSetDaddy

In June 2019 we took an epic Alaska cruise that you’ll want to add to your bucket list & here are the highlights of our Glacier Bay Alaska Cruise.

alaska cruise

glacier bay cruise ship

What is Glacier Bay Famous For?

As you may have guessed, Glacier Bay is famous for…. glaciers!

glacier bay alaska things to do

Glacier Bay is one of the world’s largest protected natural areas with 3.3 million acres of mountains, glaciers, forests and waterways.

glacier bay national park alaska

They also have some of the most incredible wildlife I’ve ever seen with bears playing on rocky beaches & bald eagles soaring above.

glacier bay alaska usa

If you’re a fan of nature and wildlife but aren’t into camping, a cruise through Glacier Bay should be on your bucket list.

How do you get to Glacier Bay Alaska?

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve is only accessible by boat or plane.

Permits are required for boats & cruise ships to enter Glacier Bay National Park, so reservations are recommended.

glacier bay alaska photography

Do cruise ships stop at Glacier Bay?

Cruise ships do not actually stop in Glacier Bay, but don’t worry.

glacier bay national park alaska bucket lists

Your cruise will spend a full day getting up close to the glaciers to give you the best views.

glacier bay national park

What glaciers are in Glacier Bay Alaska?

There are literally over 1,000 glaciers in Glacier Bay Alaska!

glacier bay alasak destinations

Different areas close throughout the year because of:

Nesting birds, such as eagles
Humpback whale migration
Harbor seal breeding

You can find out more about the specific glaciers in Glacier Bay here.

glacier bay travel photography

Which Glacier is best in Alaska?

With over 1,000 glaciers in Glacier Bay, which glacier is the best in Alaska?

If you’re on a cruise ship heading to Glacier Bay, you don’t even have to worry about being disappointed.

glacier bay alaska trips

When you arrive in Glacier Bay on a cruise ship, local pilots & rangers board the ship with complete knowledge of the local area.

If you really want to study up, you can find out more about glaciers in Alaska here.

These are pictures of our visit to Margerie Glacier.

glacier bay alaska cruise ships

What can you do in Glacier Bay?

If you’re going by cruise, you’ll have the best of both worlds – the luxury of your cruise ship with the beauty of the park.

We had the most amazing deck chairs outside to use as our home-base for the day.

glacier bay alaska travel

There is plenty of wildlife to see in Glacier Bay.

You’ll want to bring binoculars (we forgot ours, but they were selling them on the boat) to see everything close up.

glacier bay national park alaska america adventure

Is Glacier Bay National Park worth visiting?

We visited Glacier Bay National Park in June & had the most incredible weather.

glacier bay alaska national parks

This made the views even more spectacular, with green mountains, blue seas & white ice.

Not to mention the cool air & warm sun – if you can get weather half this good, you’ll have a perfect trip.

What is special about Glacier Bay National Park?

Pictures don’t even begin to show how incredible the views are in Glacier Bay National Park.

And seeing powerful bright blue glaciers up close should definitely be on your bucket list.

glacier bay alaska cruise

Here are a few more photos from our trips to this USA national park.

glacier bay national park cruise

We passed alongside another Holland America cruise ship heading up to tour Glacier Bay.

glacier bay alaska national parks

You will see dozens of glaciers during your tour of Glacier Bay.

glacier bay alaska adventure

You’ll hear the glaciers cracking & see harbor seals & puffins sun tanning out on the ice chunks that fall from the glaciers.

glacier bay national park alaska beautiful

And the water color is changing all the time – from bright turquoise to deep navy to sea green.

glacier bay national park alaska boats

Depending on the time of year, some of the glaciers may even have dried up.

glacier bay alaska america

What questions do you still have about a Glacier Bay Alaska cruise?

Leave them in the comments below.

We hope you enjoy your Glacier Bay Alaska cruise as much as we did.

JSD glacier bay alaska

cruise alaska

Loire Valley – Centre Val De Loire – Things To Do

May 24, 2019May 24, 2019JetSetDaddy

Centre Val de Loire

If Centre Val De Loire isn’t on your bucket list yet, it’s about to be.

Chateau de Villandry

After living in Paris, France for almost 3 years, one of the best perks was being able to spend time in the French countryside.

In May 2012 we visited the Centre Val De Loire when my aunt came to visit us from Brazil.

She wanted to take a road trip in France, so we ended up right in the middle of Northern France for a weekend.

Centre Val De Loire valley france

What is Centre Val de Loire Known for?

The Centre Val De Loire is basically a winery paradise, because it produces… you guessed it – WINE.

Lots of wine!

Centre Val De Loire winery

Farmland covers the region & many of these farms are active wineries.

If you’re looking for something other than wine, the architecture alone will take your breath away.

The Centre Val de Loire also has an impressive, gothic cathedral & magnificent castles.

Would you believe we actually stayed in this castle?

Centre Val De Loire chateaux

Yes, a castle that’s been turned into a B&B hotel.

But bring your allergy meds – it’s an authentic experience.

They owners give you a tour after breakfast, which is both relaxing & creepy (see the hand on the table??).

Here’s our room & yes it did feel a little haunted.

The rest of the room just shows the amount of junk you have to bring when traveling with a baby for a weekend.

Back to the Centre Val de Loire.

It’s a big area, so there are many things to do.

We didn’t make it to the Pays de la Loire region, but it’s on the top of our list of things to do for next time.

It’s a region on the coast of the Bay of Biscay with a medieval fort called Château de Saumur.

We did visit a few other castles along the way.

Château de Villandry

The garden at the Chateau de Villandry was incredibly maintained & these pictures don’t do it justice.

And it was practically EMPTY, so we had the entire place to ourselves.

Château de Chenonceau

There is no scale in these pictures, so you can’t see just how massive the Chateau de Chenonceau really is.

It’s so well kept outside that it’s even more stunning in person.

So here’s a little more about the Centre Val de Loire for your trip.

What language is spoken in Centre Val de Loire?

Of course, since it’s located in France, French is the primary language.

However, this is an area of France where they say the purest French is spoken.

Meaning, unlike Paris, there are no accents present.

Centre Val De Loire winery

It’s like stepping into a time machine where you’ve gone back into French history.

What city is Loire Valley in?

So the Loire Valley isn’t just one town.

It’s a long stretch of multiple towns and areas.

Every single one of these towns has stunning castles, bridges, and history to offer.

Some of the more popular towns are:

Orléans
Blois
Amboise
Tours
Angers
Saumur
Nantes
Saint-Nazaire

Since the train from Paris arrives in Tours, it’s a bustling little town & a tourist favorite.

How do I get from Paris to Loire Valley by Train?

The Loire Valley makes a great day trip from Paris.

Since we were living in Paris, we had a car & drove to the Loire Valley.

loire castle

If you plan to visit by train, go to the Montparnasse train station.

This connects you to the Tours station which is a great spot to explore Loire Valley from.

Depending on where you’re going in the Loire Valley, it can take anywhere from 35 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Why is the Loire River important?

The Loire River is the longest river in France.

It begins in south-central France and runs for 634 miles until it connects to the Atlantic Ocean.

loire river

Now what do you think?

Is the Centre Val De Loire going on your bucket list?

If you’re ever in France, it’s worth booking a night or two in a castle.

It’s a quick and easy day trip from Paris that will thrill both the grandparents & the kids.

You’ll leave feeling like you stepped back in time.

5 Things NOT To Do On Your Cenotes Mexico Adventure

May 4, 2019May 4, 2019JetSetDaddy

Planning a Cenotes Mexico adventure?

The Cenotes in Mexico are amazing, but you want to be prepared for your visit so can enjoy it in the best way.

What are Cenotes?

They are natural pools of water that are below ground – sometimes inside caves – most of which are swimming holes.

Planning a Cenotes Mexico adventure? Here’s what NOT to do! A day in the beautiful Cenote water is a bucket list trip where you will see natural beauty at it’s finest. With under water caves, these natural swimming holes are beautiful places. But make sure you’re prepared or you may just get sent away. Here are 5 things NOT to do on your Cenotes Mexico adventure.

Since they are not artificial, locals take great care to make sure the grounds are well-kept.

Because of this, there are a few things you need to do – and NOT do – before going to the Cenotes.

Even though there are thousands of Cenotes in Mexico, these rules apply to every destination.

Earlier this year we visited a few Cenotes during our vacation in Mexico.

Here’s what we learned the hard way, so you have an awesome visit & don’t make the same mistakes.

Jump Right To It

5 Things NOT To Do On Your Cenotes Mexico Adventure

Mexican Cenotes are some of the most beautiful places you will ever see.

The pictures below don’t even tell the real story.

So, what is the BEST cenote in Mexico?

You’ll have to look around & decide for yourself!

Don’t Arrive At This Time

Cenotes are popular with the tourists & the locals.

The later you arrive, the more crowded they will be.

If your even a little bit claustrophobic, you’ll want to arrive as early as possible.

Because cenotes are below the ground, they can feel closed in.

Add in a crowd to navigate past & people taking pictures everywhere, and the experience completely changes.

Arrive early & you’ll have the place to yourself – at least for a little while.

Plus, you’ll get the best pictures (no photo bombers) & lighting.

Don’t Wear This

Because they are full of chemicals, sunscreens & lotions are not allowed in the cenotes.

When you arrive, they will ask you to shower outside before going in.

Why?

Cenotes are naturally occurring freshwater wells that connect to the ocean by underground freshwater rivers.

This means they’re often full of turtles, fish & other marine life. Planning a Cenotes Mexico adventure? Here’s what NOT to do! A day in the beautiful Cenote water is a bucket list trip where you will see natural beauty at it’s finest. With under water caves, these natural swimming holes are beautiful places. But make sure you’re prepared or you may just get sent away. Here are 5 things NOT to do on your Cenotes Mexico adventure.

The chemicals are dangerous – even poisonous – to the animals.

So, either leave your sunscreen at home or bring this biodegradable kind.

Don’t Come Without This

Many cenotes only accept cash, so make sure you bring enough with you.

You may need to bring money for:

Entrance fees
Locker rental
Equipment rental (snorkels, life jackets, etc)

If you only bring a credit card, you run the risk of being tuned away.

You’ll also want to check whether they accept only Mexican Pesos or US Dollars as well ahead of time.

The last thing you want is to arrive & get turned away.

Most cenotes are in rural locations, so don’t expect to find a 7-Eleven or ATM nearby.

Don’t Forget To Bring These

Cenotes are incredible natural swimming holes full of underwater life.

You won’t need flippers, but you will want to bring your snorkeling gear.

Some cenotes offer snorkels for rent, but it won’t be cheap & there are no guarantees.

If you have nothing else, you’ll at least want to pack your goggles.

This kind of gear is better for your adventure.

My wife also recommends packing swim shoes because she hates feeling the slimy moss on her feet.

Don’t Forget To Take These

Because you’re going to want to take lots of pictures, you’ll want to bring some kind of waterproof or underwater camera.

Remember this is an adventure & you want want to go all that way without having a camera that can go in the water with you.

If you don’t already have an underwater camera that you can use in the cenotes, it’s a good time to invest.

Here is one of the most popular portable, underwater cameras – it’s a good price & has great reviews.

Want to know more about visiting Cenotes in Mexico?

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April 7, 2019May 4, 2019JetSetDaddy

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Ecuador Equator – What You’ll See At The Mitad Del Mundo

November 30, 2018November 30, 2018JetSetDaddy

On a recent business trip to Ecuador I made time to visit the Mitad Del Mundo Ecuador Equator.

When I’m on business trips I usually have zero time for sightseeing, but when I have a few hours free I like to see the local famous monuments & sights.

In Ecuador a huge draw is the Mitad Del Mundo – aka “Half The World” – on the equator separating the northern & southern hemispheres.

The Ecuador Equator is home to the Mitad Del Mundo - aka "Half The World". Here are recent photos from the Mitad Del Mundo Ecuador Equator, so you know what to expect to see at the Ecuador Equator. #equator #traveldestinations #ecuador #traveldad #travelingdad

I got there just before sunset, so had to quickly have a look around & take some pictures before the sun set.

Here are a few pictures from the Ecuador Equator to give you an idea of what you’ll see there.

Ecuador Equator – Mitad Del Mundo

This is a popular picture on the Ecuador Equator right in front of the Mitad Del Mundo Monument.

ecuador mitad del mundo

Up close in front of the Mitad Del Mundo.

mitad del mundo

In case you weren’t convinced, they want to make sure you know this really is the Ecuador Equator.

equator ecuador

The Mitad Del Mundo monument and the surrounding park – all very nicely kept.

ecuador equator

Yes another obligatory picture straddling the northern & southern hemispheres.

mitad del mundo ecuador

Heading out after the visit. Until next time.

mitad del mundo equator ecuador

Do you have questions about the Mitad Del Mundo?

Pictures of Greenland

November 15, 2018November 15, 2018JetSetDaddy

Even though I’ve been to 68 countries, these pictures of Greenland are unlike anything I’ve seen before.

greenland in pictures

If you ever fly from London to Seattle, your route will probably take you over Greenland.

My wife recently took this flight while I stayed in London with the kids.

These aerial pictures of Greenland were taken from her Virgin Atlantic flight.

greenland

Approaching the coast of Greenland.

No beach towns here!

pictures of greenland

These frozen rivers and glaciers are fantastic.

The pictures were taken in June, so there’s a lot of melting happening.

greenland pictures

You can just make out a lake in the middle of these mountains and frozen rivers.

greenland in pictures

These glaciers remind me of our trip to Patagonia.

More about that trip coming soon!

This is more of what I expected Greenland to look like – white & snow.

It’s impossible to tell where the clouds end & the snow begins.

greenland in pictures

Who know pictures of Greenland from the air could be so interesting?

You can learn more about Greenland here.

My New Travel Plan For Better Omega-3s

November 12, 2018November 12, 2018JetSetDaddy

This post is sponsored by iWi but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

As a business traveler, I am constantly on the go.

I have been in Miami, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, Mexico & Brazil – just in the last 2 weeks!

With all this travel, it’s not always easy to stay healthy – airport fast food & dinner meetings don’t help.

I never eat fish anymore, so my wife worries about my Omega-3 levels.

She says better Omega 3s are important for my health because they prevent heart disease, stroke, cancers & all sorts of other terrible things.

Basically Omega-3s are important in keeping us healthy as we age.

When I think of Omega-3s I think of fish, but she told me I actually don’t have to eat fish at all now that there’s an easy way to get better Omega-3s.

All I need is this.

best omega3

Sounds good to me!

Better Omega-3s

I had no idea that it the FISH were NOT the source of the Omega-3s.

Omega-3s actually come from the algae eaten by the fish.

So, do we have to eat the fish to get the benefits of the Omega-3?

Nope. We can skip the fish & go right to the source thanks to iWi.

iWi offers the highest bioavailability in the Omega3 market (higher than fish and Krill…) source of Omega-3.

They have full traceability and control of the product.

omega3

AND they were born in the USA.

They use the sun as our main source of energy and are 100% Sustainable & Scalable.

iWi has 150 acres in production – that’s equal to 45,000 acres of peas in terms of production of essential amino acids.

They use non-arable land & brackish water.

Best of all they are socially sustainable because they create jobs in rural areas.

So there you go – an excellent way to get better Omega-3s into your diet even with the busiest schedule.

sams club

You can find the product at your local Sam’s Club – just look for a Freeosk!

omega 3

What do you do for a balanced, healthy lifestyle while you’re on the go?

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Havana Cuba – Everything You Need To Know

October 22, 2018November 15, 2018JetSetDaddy

Looking to visit Havana Cuba?

Last year we traveled to Havana without doing much research ahead of time.

What a mistake!

When you think of Havana, you might only thing of retro cars and live music.

But visiting Cuba can be a culture shock.

Even though it’s only 106 miles from the US Coast, basic places & products we take for granted are impossible to find.

Why?

There are no supermarkets or pharmacies!

It’s safe to assume that if you don’t bring it, you won’t be able to get it.

Changing money isn’t easy either & it’s difficult to find internet access.

Before you travel to Havana Cuba, here is everything you need to know.

Havana Cuba - everything you need to know before you travel on vacation. Last year we traveled to Havana Cuba without doing much research ahead of time. What a mistake! Visiting Havana Cuba can be a culture shock. Basic places & products we take for granted are impossible to find. Before you travel to Havana Cuba, here is EVERYTHING you need to know.

Havana Cuba – Everything You Need To Know

Looking for something that isn’t here?

Leave a comment below & let me know what questions you have about Cuba & I’ll find answers for you.

Pictures of Havana Cuba

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Mandarín Oriental Hotel Miami

October 16, 2018November 15, 2018JetSetDaddy

Last week I had meetings in Miami & stayed at the Mandarín Oriental Hotel Miami.

When traveling with work, I rarely get a chance to get outside during the day.

Luckily I’m solar-powered & my eyes pop open at dawn everyday.

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to walk around an empty city at sunrise.

It’s the best way to take in a city at my own pace, before the hectic workday begins.

I clear my head, get in some exercise & discover a new city, all at once.

We live about an hour away from Miami, so I rarely visit – probably only once or twice a year when friends are visiting.

Here are my pictures of the Mandarín Oriental Hotel Miami pool and room & nearby Brickell neighborhood.

Quiet morning walk around the Mandarín Oriental Hotel Miami Pool

Sun coming up at the Mandarín Oriental Hotel Miami Pool

Outside view of the Mandarín Oriental Hotel Miami

View from my balcony at the Mandarín Oriental Hotel Miami

My suite at the Mandarín Oriental Hotel Miami (checkout that view!)

Another view from my Mandarín Oriental Hotel Miami suite.

Time for breakfast! Mandarín Oriental Hotel Miami Brunch & Decor

A final fantastic view of Brickell in Miami Florida

Halloween Treat Ideas For School

October 12, 2018November 15, 2018JetSetDaddy

Halloween is coming & who doesn’t love Halloween treat ideas for school lunch boxes??

My girls are still little, so I can’t go as SPOOKY as I would like.

Here’s a quick & easy lunch box or after school treat that is super easy to make.

It will make any dad look like a rock star.

I love that making it gives my girls the opinion of a healthy AND delicious treat.

Halloween Treat Ideas For School

I got this idea as I was headed to Target and saw that Babybel were on sale & all dressed up in their Halloween costumes!

Babybel is a MUST for my family & we always fight over the last one.

We love that they are 100% cheese & full of calcium and protein – just what growing kids need.

This quick lunch or after school snack doesn’t make much prep.

Here’s what you need:

Your choice of Babybel (I picked up both the original & light because both taste fantastic!)
Bagels – we had leftover pumpkin bagels and decided to use those for this recipe

All you do is spray your waffle maker, slice your bagel and use 2 of Babybel’s of your choice and place them on one bagel slice and cover and cover for 3-5 minutes (depending on your waffle maker)

Once you are done open and slice and pack your kids’ lunch! I took an orange and made it into a pumpkin. (I used an edible inked marker even though the orange will be peeled.)

To make the napkin ghost I just used a piece of washi tape and packed it in the lunch box. So easy to make!

You could also add additional fruit or cold cuts when making the Waffled Babybel sandwich for your older children or yourself.

This makes a great weekend breakfast or Halloween lunch too.

Of course Halloween Babybels also make great treats on their own.

My kids love this delicious healthy treat anytime they want a snack.

How do you enjoy your Babybel?

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Legoland Florida Hotel: Is It Worth It?

October 2, 2018November 15, 2018Jet Set Daddy

Recently we stayed at the Legoland Florida Hotel, which is immediately next to the Legoland Florida theme park.

If you’re wondering whether it was worth the cost to stay at the Legoland Florida Hotel, keep reading!

Legoland Florida Hotel: Is It Worth It? We took the kids and the grandparents to the Legoland Florida Hotel to stay on the property. Here's what happened: http://www.jetsetdaddy.com/legoland-florida-hotel-review/

Legoland Florida Hotel: Is It Worth It?

Not only did we take the kids to Legoland… we took the grandparents too!

Legoland is not only a fun theme park for the whole family, but it’s much less crowded than many of the other major theme parks, making it a better overall experience!

The Price Is Right

Believe it or not, the Legoland Florida Hotel is much less expensive than you might imagine.

We’ve looked many times into stay on property for other theme parks, but usually the cost is astronomical. Not so for Legoland Florida!

And, if you get the Awesomer or Awesomest annual passes (also very reasonably priced – especially if you’re Florida residents like we are), you get a 10% DISCOUNT on your hotel stay too.

Location Location Location

Staying on property gives everyone the flexibility to enjoy the day.

We like the idea of being able to go back & have a nap in the middle of the day… With grandparents & toddlers this can make or break the day.

Luckily our toddler managed to completely knock out in the stroller.

Staying on property means we can enjoy the theme park even from our room!

We could see some of the rides & caught a huge fireworks show just before bedtime.

Early Admission After Breakfast

Staying in the hotel comes with a full buffet breakfast and early admission to the park.

We get up EARLY with kids, so we definitely used this perk.

More Entertainment Inside!

The kids were obsessed with the Lego decor & activities inside the hotel lobby: bricks, bricks, bricks!

I can’t believe we managed to get out of the hotel without taking any pictures of the rooms!

There was a treasure hunt inside the room with free lego toys for the kids to build & keep.

Plus, the bunk beds & kids lego movies playing in the room – it’s heaven for the kids & the adults.

Since we bought the annual passes, we will just have to go back again to get you those pictures – stay tuned!

7 Things NOT To Do When Visiting Havana Cuba

September 24, 2018November 15, 2018Jet Set Daddy

Planning a trip to Havana Cuba?

Wondering if it’s really possible to travel there from the USA?

At the beginning of this year my wife & I took a kid-free trip to Havana Cuba (thank you grandparents).

Below is what we learned during our time in Havana Cuba – specifically what NOT to do.

When you’re done with this, here is everything you need to know about Havana Cuba including:

Havana Cuba: looking to travel to Havana Cuba? Here’s what NOT to do along with tips & photography from our 2017 trip to this vintage destination. There are lots of things to do on your trip to Havana Cuba. Here’s everything from architecture to photography to hotel to food to decor. If Havana Cuba is your destination, here’s what NOT to do.

You might be wondering HOW we were able to visit Havana Cuba from the USA.

Obama created 12 legal reasons US citizens can travel to Cuba.

Many of them are very abstract, such as “support for the Cuban people” (not sure how long these rules will apply under Trump.)

You just have to pick one and fill a form for the airline, but that’s it.

When you come back they may or may not ask in the airport where you just came from.

As bloggers, my wife & I simply visited as journalists.

We bought this travel guide & you want to buy it ahead of time (there are NO STORES there – more about that below).

This map is a life-saver too.

You can view all our trip pictures are here: Havana Cuba pictures.

What NOT To Do When Visiting Havana Cuba

It’s easy enough to get there, but what we found when we arrived was TOTALLY different than we expected.

Here are 7 things you should NOT do when you visit Havana Cuba.

Don’t Check Your Luggage

I highly recommend NOT checking your luggage.

Why?

Our luggage didn’t arrive on our plane…

It arrived 36 hours later!

This is a BIG deal in Havana Cuba because there are NO shops – NONE.

Want to buy toothpaste? Sorry.

Forgot your deodorant? Too bad.

If you must check your luggage, at least pack a few toiletries & change of clothes in a backpack…

Whatever you can’t survive the trip without should be in your carryon.

Bring basics like these handiwipes and tissue packs.

You will thank me later!

Don’t Take Where You Stay For Granted

We stayed in an Airbnb in Havana Cuba – and Airbnb didn’t let us down at all.

They were fantastic actually.

Here’s a picture of our street.

The reality of life in Cuba means you might need a little extra support & our Airbnb host gave us a cell phone to use to contact him during our stay.

Now, he wasn’t able to help us with the missing toothpaste or deodorant, but I’m sure he would have if they actually had stores.

Don’t Forget – You’re In A Communist Country

The propaganda was ridiculous.

In a beautiful square they played COPS-style videos to the crowds.

Related: Travel Photo Album – Havana Cuba Pictures

Meanwhile, the public infrastructure has been sadly neglected leading to falling down buildings & insufficient sanitation.

Some buildings being held up by sticks while families still live in them (notice the laundry!).

Others collapsing completely.

How beautiful these buildings would be if they’d been properly maintained.

Here’s hoping one day they will be restored to their full glory.

Don’t Assume There Are Stores

OK I know I told you earlier that there are NO stores in Havana Cuba.

Actually, we saw 1 store.

This is a picture of their version of a CVS pharmacy.

This strange shop (likely owned & operated by the Cuban government) had no essentials.

If you forget to pack your toothpaste, you’ll have to find someone willing to share (lucky for us, the family staying in the other room of our apartment had some to spare!).

There is no CSV or Walgreens or Cuban version of a convenience store.

The locals have to wait for their rations, so they don’t have any left to sell or share with you.

Don’t Skip A Classic Cars Tour

It’s a fun way to see Havana Cuba & if your driver/tour guide is half as friendly as ours, you’ll be all set.

You can book them for short or long tours & have them drop you off somewhere convenient for you.

Don’t Pass Up A Drink In Each Famous Bar

Yes, they’re packed full of tourists, but they’re also full of great music & serious bartending.

La Bodeguita Del Medio – Havana, Cuba

Havana Cuba: looking to travel to Havana Cuba? Here’s what NOT to do along with tips & photography from our 2017 trip to this vintage destination. There are lots of things to do on your trip to Havana Cuba. Here’s everything from architecture to photography to hotel to food to decor. If Havana Cuba is your destination, here’s what NOT to do.

The show & the prize!

El Floridita – Havana, Cuba

Crowds again, but so worth it!

Don’t Worry Be Happy

This seems to be the motto of the people in Havana Cuba.

One good thing about visiting a communist country is that there is virtually no crime, so we felt very safe walking everywhere at night.

It’s a massive cultural shock to American consumers used to having “stuff”.

But WOW were we impressed with the resilient Cuban spirit.

More About Cuba

Photo Album: Havana Cuba Pictures
Documentation Needed
Best Time Of Year To Visit
12 Best Things To Do
Scams To Avoid
What You Need To Know BEFORE Traveling
19 Foods To Try
Best Souvenirs To Buy
Survival Tips For Independent Travel
Cuba: What Everyone Needs To Know
Behind The Scenes In Contemporary Cuba
The Other Side Of Paradise: Life In The New Cuba

More Like This

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Havana Cuba Pictures

September 16, 2018November 15, 2018JetSetDaddy

Looking for recent Havana Cuba pictures?

I went to Havana Cuba in 2017 and all of the pictures below are from that trip.

Looking for Havana Cuba pictures? These are my unfiltered Havana Cuba pictures & travel photos from a trip to Cuba in 2017. Havana Cuba pictures show classic cars, military demonstrations, tanks, guns, architecture, and daily Cuban life in the streets.

Havana is just 106 miles from Key West in the USA, but it feels like suddenly we’ve gone back in time.

Some things I expected to see – like the beautiful classic cars & building that have been perfectly maintained.

Other views are less stunning – like crumbling buildings & dirty city streets.

There is a constant pull between feelings of nostalgia & realization of oppression.

The purposeful & visible government displays of weapons & tanks are a jarring reminder that a communist government still controls its people.

It’s hard to say whether it’s despite of all of this or because of all of this, but the Cuban people have a quiet strength & pride that rises above the oppression.

As a tourist in Havana Cuba, don’t let the pictures fool you.

There are things you need to know before visiting Cuba.

Such as, when our luggage didn’t arrive on the plane, we were 100% unable to buy basic necessities like deodorant & toothpaste because there are NO STORES!

Hint: don’t check your luggage when traveling to Cuba.

Here’s more about my trip to Havana Cuba in 2017.

Despite all of this, the people of Cuba are resilient & optimistic.

Havana Cuba Pictures

Havana, Cuba

95 Photos

Just click on the album above to see nearly 100 Havana Cuba pictures.

What else did I learn during my visit to Cuba?

Here are 7 things NOT to do when visiting Cuba.

Top 5 Zoo Miami Birthday Party Memories

September 12, 2018November 15, 2018JetSetDaddy

When our littlest turned two we celebrated with a day at Zoo Miami.

We invited family friends to spend the day with us visiting all the animals & attractions at Zoo Miami & here are our Top 5 favorite memories of the day.

zoo miami

Top 5 Zoo Miami Birthday Party Memories

Zoo Miami is pretty spread out, but you can rent Safari Cycles to get around with.

They were a HUGE HIT with both the kids & the adults.

Walking through the zoo with all the kids & all our stuff would definitely wear us all out, but having these cycles made the day even more fun.

The kids happily got into the cycles & loved sitting next to each other while we rode through the zoo.

The cycles come in 2 different sizes: small accommodates up to 3 adults and 2 small children & large holds up to 6 adults and 2 small children.

Just make sure you grab your cycle early before they sell out for the day!

miami zoo prices

The animal are the star of the show at Zoo Miami.

They all look comfortable & well cared for.

The kids were VERY excited to see what was around each & every corner.

miami zoo animals

We had no idea we could actually FEED the animals at Zoo Miami until we spotted the giraffes.

You’ll get lots of great shots of your little ones up close encounter with the zoo animals!

They have lots of antibacterial hand wash at the exhibit too!

miami zoo attractions

And just when we thought feeding the giraffes was the highlight of our day, we spied the rhino!

I won’t lie – it was pretty awesome to be so close to such a big rhino.

zoo miami animals

We capped off the day with a few rides around the carousel.

The kids couldn’t be happier with this day out & despite the heat (in October!), it was an awesome birthday.

zoo miami attractions

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Fresh Pasta Recipes: How To Make

September 9, 2018November 15, 2018Jet Set Daddy

In Italy, eating fresh pasta is a true pleasure! People stop to enjoy the experience of a meal, from the cooking to the tasting.

Fresh Pasta

Without sounding completely cliché, I love pasta!

Although pasta is considered a main dish to us in the US, in Italy you’ll see it as a Primo, or “first course”.

Any country where its socially acceptable to follow a plate of pasta with a main course dish is definitely in my top three!

Making pasta from scratch is not only easy, but fun too.

It’s a great activity to do with your entire family on Sundays, then sit down to enjoy it together.

Serves 4-5

Ingredients

3 eggs beaten
2 cups flour

Directions

Make a pile of flour on your clean countertop.

I suggest cleaning with vinegar since its natural and doesn’t involve chemicals.

Make a hole in the middle of the pile with your fingers and add your egg mixture.

Use your hands to knead the dough for about 3-5 minutes.

At this time, take the dough and cut in three pieces.

Make three balls and wrap them in saran wrap.

Let them sit for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes remove the three balls from the saran wrap.

Using a pasta machine, roll dough out to desired thinness by gradually increasing the level on the roller.

Use machine or knife to cut into strips of desired width.

Repeat this with all three balls of dough.

Lay out the cut pasta on floured trays.

Cook in boiling water (salt optional) for about 3-5 minutes.

Strain and toss in your favorite sauce.

Made too much? Storing fresh pasta is easy! Just take the cut pasta, toss it into a ziplock & freeze.

Then when you’re ready, remove from freezer & cook as usual!

Andiamo a mangiare!

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