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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Mauritius in July....advice please....

51 replies

LokiBear · 17/02/2018 08:45

Not really an AIBU but I'm struggling. PIL have booked to take the entire family to Maritius in July and I'm a bit worried about well, everything. Firstly, our children will be almost 7 and 18 months. DD1 will be fine, but I'm worried about dd2 on the plane. How do I keep her entertained? I really wouldn't have chosen to go somewhere 11 hours away, I'm an anxious flyer anyway and I hate long haul. However, the holiday was booked for us, I had very little input into the destination and, in the end, they booked it without me as I was at the hairdressers. It is very generous of PIL, I know this, and the rest of the family are excited so I'm trying realky hard not to be a wet lettuce. However, the thought of the flight is making me feel anxious. PIL have picked up on this and have upgraded us to premium because they want me to feel comfortable and have said tgat more room will make dd2 easier to manage. This just makes me worried we are going to piss people off even more because they've paid more to end up sat next to a fidgety, shouty baby flying for the first time! Does anyone have any sure fire tips for dealing with a toddler on a long haul flight?
The other thing I'm worried about is the weather. Trip advisor seems to suggest it's actually not that hot. Usually, if we were off to Spain or where ever, I'd pack a range if swimsuits and maxi dresses for me and dd1 and swimwear and shorts and t-shirts for the baby. Because it is winter over there during our summer months I really do not know where to begin with clothes. The travel agent helpfully told MIL it's like a good British summers day......I don't know what that means! Has anyone been during those months? What do we need to pack? Is it the type of weather where you could happily sit by the pool in a swimsuit and be perfectly warm? Should I pack cardigans and long trousers? The more I think about it, the more I do not want to go. I feel like I've been railroaded into a destination that is expressly said was a bit too far on a plane with such a young baby, but I've had to go along with it. I also feel guilty because it's a free holiday and I know I sound ungrateful. I need to get a plan in place so that I can pull myself together and stop being so negative. I haven't said anything to the family other than to say I'm a bit worried about the plane, but they know I'm not looking forward to it, firstly because when we were talking about destinations I expressly said 'not there, it is too far' but then they booked it, and also, when they talk about it I just can't find the words to join in on the conversation and find myself just smiling and nodding. I'm anxious, I'm a worrier and it is borne from that rather than me just being an ungrateful bitch, honest. Id be grateful for any advice to help me make a plan so that I can be less anxious and more positive. TIA

OP posts:
swimster01 · 17/02/2018 08:49

Mauritius in July is similar to weather on a nice Summer's day in the UK. It is not comparable to Spain in the Summer for example.

I wouldn't be at all concerned about the flight though, having travelled extensively with DCincluding to Australia etc. It is at the most a day out of your life.

Having said all of the above, it is a free holiday! Mauritius on any day of the year will be better than being sat at home!

TheSnowFairy · 17/02/2018 08:50

Around 21-22° during July according to Google so not too hot for your DCs.

Are you all (ILs) going on the plane together? If so, you might find your DD is entertained by them.

I am envious Wink

Original poster
LokiBear · 17/02/2018 08:57

As I said though, I'm an anxious flyer. It might be just a day, but I struggle with flights. I throw up before I board etc. I have an IPad that I'm considering taking for dd2. PIL won't be much help on the plane and if dd2 kicks off I wouldn't palm her off on them anyway. With the weather....i wouldn't walk around in a swim suit forvthe whole day in the UK. That's why I'm struggling to know what to pack.

OP posts:
Tinkerbec · 17/02/2018 08:59

When my dd was 18 months we flew 10 hours a few times. She was great. We watched movies, coloured, a lot of kids sleep too when they finish the service as the lights are dimmed.

planesick · 17/02/2018 09:00

When travelling with a 2yr old for 11hrs I did the following; something to drink/suck during take off and landing. This helps with the ears popping as altitude changes. I went to cheapo shops and bought child friendly stuff (stickers, travel size colouring books, finger puppets etc). I bought loads...wrapped it all individually and she had a lucky dip when ever she was fussy, or bored. If you do this then remember to pack enough for the return journey. I bought enough crap for 1 per hour, plus she had her cuddly toy and her dads tablet with 5hrs of peppa pig downloaded onto it! Good luck.

Original poster
LokiBear · 17/02/2018 09:02

Thanks. The lucky sip bag is a great idea.

OP posts:
MuncheysMummy · 17/02/2018 10:04

Look with the greatest respect your being a bit silly over this,my dc is my first child and I have taken him on 5 holidays all flying ones so far and he's now 20 months! The latest being the USA at Christmas just gone when he was 18 months old,I've never parented an 18 Month old before and yet coped just fine and my DS is a very high energy, active child with a short attention span! We paid over £4K for that holiday and had a lovely time as always, you ar getting a holiday that would cost easily that if not a few £k more for free!! Look at the positives,yes she will be a bit hard work to entertain on the flight but will sleep for a decent chunk of it (even my non napping DS naps on a flight!) but you and your dcs will have an amazing holiday surrounded by family to share it with you. The one thing I will say is she MUST have her own seat it's imperative it will be hellish having her in people's knees and to be Honest it's not fair on her my DS has had his own seat since being 11 months old th y aren't comfy sat on a lap for long periods of time on a plane. Do whatever you must to manage it but DO get her a seat!

Original poster
LokiBear · 17/02/2018 10:22

I know I'm bring silly - that is why I'm asking for help. I've repeatedly said I'm anxious. She doesn't have her own seat and will be on my knee (I've no control over this) she is a wilful, wriggly little buggar and I'm a poor flyer. I don't need people to tell me I'm being silly I just would like some tips and advice. I said in my op that I know I need to pull myself together. Doesn't change the fact that I'm anxious but I am trying.

OP posts:
Weedsnseeds1 · 17/02/2018 11:46

I've been that time of year for work. It will be 20-25C, maybe a bit warmer if you are lucky. You might get some rain, but it's more bursts of a couple of hours, not all day, so take a light weight raincoat.
You will be perfectly comfortable in summer dresses / trousers / shorts during the day. You might want a cardigan / jeans if you are going to sit out in the evening.
It gets dark quite early and fast. Won't be a problem if you are hotel or AI. If you have an apartment, take a torch as side roads can be badly lit and full of pot holes if you are walking back in the evening!!
Locals will be bundled up in thick coats and the heating will be wacked up in any vehicle you get in, leaving you clawing at the windows gasping for air! Grin
Enjoy, it's a beautiful, safe country and the locals are very child centric in general.

headoutofthesand · 17/02/2018 11:56

It won't be an easy 11hrs but it will be doable.
If you're going with PIL, then I expect your DH also going? If so, she won't be on your knee the entire time. Also, the seats will be a bit wider in premium economy so she DC2 might be able to spend some time sat next to DC1.
Definitely take the iPad and try and get them used to headphones if you can. Flying at a similar age with our DC, we've taken books, those two piece jigsaws, mini aqua doodles, some of their favourite little plastic toys for mini games of hide & seek/peek a boo (its amazing how long you can do this for if you have to).
Take as many snacks as you can carry and an entire change of outfit (and poss an additional spare top) for you & DC2 as well as extra nappies, calpol and all of those sorts of things. Also, take a blanket and their cuddly toy so you can try & get them down for a nap.
As for clothes, well what do you wear in the UK in the summer? T shirt & shorts? Dress & jacket? Cardigan in the evening?

Original poster
LokiBear · 17/02/2018 12:22

Thanks that's helpful. PIL are thinking we will be sat by the pool in swimwear all day. I'm now thinking perhaps not?

OP posts:
AWaitressInACocktailBar · 17/02/2018 12:42

Why will she be on YOUR knee? Why are YOU responsible for planning, packing, and entertaining for the kids? This is your DH’s family trip and your DH clearly didn’t stand up for your wishes when the trip was being booked. As far as I’m concerned it’s his responsibility to hold and entertain your DD for the majority of the flight. Don’t be a martyr about this, he and his parents should have taken your wishes and the best interests of your DD into consideration. They’re lucky you are agreeing to go at all.

Original poster
LokiBear · 17/02/2018 13:02

That's not the issue. Dh will help out on the plane, of course he will. The tips I've asked for will be used by both of us. We will swap having her on our knees. I'm not going to dump my toddler on my ils or dh just because I wish they'ed booked somewhete closer. As for the packing, dh doesn't feel the cold. He wears a coat forbsbout 1 month a year. I do. I want to the prepared. That doesn't make me a martyr. Being prepared/feeling in control helps me managed anxiety. What is so wrong with that?

OP posts:
RabbityMcRabbit · 17/02/2018 13:20

Mauritius in July is lovely. It's their wintertime but the weather is plenty warm. Hope you have a fantastic time x

mumof2exhausted · 17/02/2018 13:26

Try not to worry! We went to Mauritius last year with 3 year old and 18 month old and it was absolutely fine! Definitely bring iPads and crazy amount of snacks. You'll be on night flight probably on way out so they'll both sleep. I personally prefer long haul with the kids as tv entertainment is great and you have more leg space etc. We actually took a bag which folded out into a cot and when 18 month old went to sleep I put him on floor in that and I watched film and had dinner in peace! We took eldest to Mexico when he was 18 months with parents in law and we all took half an hour each with him on our knee. So you had 30 mins of wiggling then 1.5 hours off. Seriously try not to stress. Travelling there is one day out of your life, it's nothing. Even if he cried the whole way (which he won't!) it's just one day! Don't overpack just pack as if English summer, skirts, t shirts, some trousers / hoodies for evening etc. They'll have laudry service at hotel. We found nappies expensive so maybe take enough of them to last you. Why you anxious about flying? Maybe it's worth trying to get help for that anyway

Original poster
LokiBear · 17/02/2018 13:28

Mumof2 where did you get the bag bed? That sounds brilliant!

OP posts:
Shimshiminysheroo · 17/02/2018 16:13

Personally I hated Mauritius in July. It was dark and cold by 5pm.

Original poster
LokiBear · 17/02/2018 16:15

Would you mind sharing your experience, Shim? Forewarned is forearmed and all that...

OP posts:
altiara · 17/02/2018 16:35

I’ve been in July and it wasn’t that hot, I wore T-shirt and shorts while lying by the pool and I didn’t go in the pool as it was cold. Some days warmer than others. And a bit of rain. At least not bad in the mosquito front.

Original poster
LokiBear · 17/02/2018 16:43

Thanks that's helpful. The family are planning to sit by the pool and drink cocktails, but if it isn't that hot I think I might plan some day trips and take advantage of the fact that it will be warm. Any recommendations?

OP posts:
mumof2exhausted · 17/02/2018 17:16

This wasn't exact bag as can't find it but similar x

frasier · 17/02/2018 17:28

Thread here might help.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/a3141788-long-haul-flight-toddler-help#74892224

My top tips are playdoh for the flight, bottle/dummy/sweets for landing to help the ears and roll play with the children (line up chairs or cushions) about being on a plane beforehand. Get DH to come around and serve you drinks and snacks and do the safety drill.

frasier · 17/02/2018 17:29

*role play (though roll play might be fun!)

littletinyme1 · 17/02/2018 18:07

How wonderful! I wish i was going on an all paid holiday to somewhere! In the nicest possible way, stop fussing!. I can' t believe you've managed to alert you PIL to your anxieties. If you don't chill out you will suck all the joy out of the holiday, before you go. Go and see your Dr. You are spoliling what should be a moment of pure joy, through your anxiety.