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Original poster

To be panicking about holiday with 3 year old and 3 month old to Algarve?

54 replies

TravelPanic · 07/05/2025 16:20

I realise this might sound dumb to some people but I'm not a very confident traveller, or a confident parent of two if I'm honest! DH and I haven't managed to get abroad in ages so decided on a bit of a whim to book a holiday to the Algarve this June with our two DC, who will be age 3 and age 3 months. It's our first time abroad with kids and the sheer amount of kit we'll need etc I'm finding very overwhelming and not sure how we'll manage to take it all? The villa does have a cot but baby is still in a next-to-me so I'm worried the cot will be too big and low.

We also booked in a bit of a rush for various reasons and I now think we've booked the wrong place :-( We've gone for a villa in Vale de Lobo but now I've started doing a bit of research, it sounds like this is an expensive resort-type place, rather than a town where normal Portuguese people live, so no shops/normal restaurants etc - all expensive tourist places and beach clubs. The pictures of the beaches also look like there's not much on them, whereas I think we'll need amenities like toilets, cafes, playgrounds, sunshades etc.

Has anyone done a similar trip and can make me feel better about this? I was hoping to be excited about it but at the moment I'm just filled with dread and wondering if it's all a big mistake? We'd lose the money if we cancel so ideally wouldn't do that. DH thinks I'm overthinking it but isn't coming up with anything that makes me feel better about plans! We have hired a car so can get about but the kids aren't great in the car so don't want to drive far each day.

OP posts:
Caspianberg · 07/05/2025 16:37

i would aim to eat our for lunch and in for dinner, as dinner times probably later than child used to, plus all tired by evening

just relax at villa and beach. 3 year olds are happy with a bucket and beach. 3 month olds won’t care

ExpressCheckout · 07/05/2025 16:35

Do ensure that you reserve your seats. It's likely to be a 3+3 layout so pay/reserve seats with you or DH on one row, with the other partner sat elsewhere - e.g. next row or seat behind for one of you.

You can swap seats during the flight if you need a break from him.

Do not presume that other people will move from their reserved seats for you, they won't, and nor will the airline/cabin crew. Recent experience seeing this on a similar flight. Just pay to avoid splitting.

Also please consider your fellow passengers if your children are noisy during the flight. This can't be helped but ensure that you have constant supply of beige/unhealthy snacks on hand 😂

Bogfrog · 07/05/2025 16:26

We have traveled expensively with our 2 including at the exact ages you will have. Never regretted a trip.

Always loved it whether a hotel, apartment or villa.

Make a careful packing list but bear in mind you can buy nappies, wipes etc there.

Stock up at local supermarket on foods they like. Restaurants will be lovely too - just do a bit of research on TripAdvisor of which ones are particularly kid friendly.

Playgroubds are great but not essential as you can buy fun stuff for beach eg lilo, buckets etc.

It’s a fine balance between planning but not overthinking. It will be great!

AnotherSadness · 07/05/2025 16:22

You will be fine. I don’t know the area, sorry. The thing is, holidays with young kids can be a bit shit, so manage your expectations! You might be stuck in the villa early in the evening talking in whispered voices as the kids don’t fall asleep. 😏However, at least it is a change of scenery. Don’t worry about the logistical stuff, that will sort itself out.
Try and look forward to it a bit. Hopefully the weather will be lovely at least!

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