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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

First time abroad help

79 replies

Pinkbutton85 · 15/05/2018 14:36

I know IABU because I could just google this and I will. But I like your answers too.

We're going away on the 30th of this month to Peurto Pollensa, Majorca for 2 weeks. Myself, OH and out DD's who will be 3 and 4 at time of travel.

I have never left the country before. Well, besides to Wales ;)

I'm in a panic about what I need to do, what I can and can't take. Any tips for my first time flying as well as my children's first time? What can and can't we take on the plane? I believe we're flying with Tui.. don't quote me though.

We have 3 15kg bags allowance and 4 5kg hand luggage allowance. If I bring coloring bits on the plane, are there little fold down tables on the seat in front that the girls could use? Could I take their kindles on there with headphones?

Majorca - What do I need and what do I not need? We've hired a car, at a hotel along the pine walk of peurto pollensa and the hotel has a pool. Can you withdraw money out there with a Visa debit card? Do they still charge you to use your mobile with Vodafone? (Hotel has Wifi)

Ah, so many questions.. Sorry Grin

OP posts:
BarbarianMum · 15/05/2018 16:31

You can do EHIC on line but beware of site's that charge. If you find the NHS site it is free. Takes 10 days or so. Children will need them too.

You can take a knife in your main luggage. Ditto liquids as long as not flammable or aerosol.

AwkwardPaws27 · 15/05/2018 16:33

I got a credit card that could be used abroad with no charges from Halifax last time we went away (found the details on Money Saving Expert), we put everything on that and paid the lot off when we got back to the UK so no charges and no interest.

19lottie82 · 15/05/2018 16:34

yes to roaming charge

This is incorrect. Mobile providers can not charge you extra for using your allowances within the EU now. So OP, you can use your phone, no need to worry.

ISeeTheLight · 15/05/2018 16:37

re EHIC - when I ordered it a month or two ago it arrived within a week or so, it might take longer now we're closer to peak season. You can apply for it here

re carseats - I'd look at buying some cheap ones to take with you. In my experience the ones you pay for are pretty crap, and it works out cheaper to buy a cheap one here - airlines take them free of charge.

toiletries - yes you can take them all in your hold luggage. same for medication.

I usually take a rucksack with me and put a small handbag in that.

Suitcases - we've got suitcases from Debenhams which are light and decent (this type), but we actually found the ones you get in SportsDirect are really good value!

ilovesooty · 15/05/2018 16:41

Get a prepaid currency card rather than a load of cash. You can get one at the Post Office but you will need to show them your passport.

Original poster
Pinkbutton85 · 15/05/2018 16:42

I've just applied for our EHIC cards. Easier than I thought!

Do you take anything in your purse other than card/money? Like driving license? I won't be driving as I'm 24 and apparently not insurable. Which isn't an issue.

You all mention filling up water after security. Where will I be able to do this? Will it just be easier to buy water as OH has said not to drink the water out there anyway? (He used to go to PP every year with his family, but hasn't been in 10 years)

OP posts:
Original poster
Pinkbutton85 · 15/05/2018 16:43

Also, is it worth getting some ID wrist bands for the children, just in case?

OP posts:
ISeeTheLight · 15/05/2018 16:44

Who's your car hire firm? There are some nightmare stories on tripadvisor about certain firms (eg goldcar is apparently to be avoided)

mumeeee · 15/05/2018 16:47

Use the official site for your EHIC site as they don't charge. There are some sites that look very similar to the official site but they charge and it isn't any easier then the official site. My DH nearly got caught out last time and he is very tech savvy.
Bring liquids in a separate see through bag. No more than 100mls in a bottle. Remember toothpaste and make up.has to be in this bag if bringing it in hand luggage.
All fine to put in the hole luggage.

Original poster
Pinkbutton85 · 15/05/2018 16:48

@ISeeTheLight - 'Affordable Car Hire' apparently

OP posts:
Original poster
Pinkbutton85 · 15/05/2018 16:49

@ISeeTheLight - As this was the only company we could find that we could use a debit card to pay with as neither of us have a credit card (although I have applied and hoping it comes through in time!)

OP posts:
hodgeheg92 · 15/05/2018 16:51

People are suggesting water bottles for the aeroplane - there's usually a water fountain the other side of security, once you've checked in at the airport. Over in Portugal you will have to buy bottled water to drink.

mumeeee · 15/05/2018 16:54

You don't need a load of cash your can use your debit or credit card to get money out of cash machines like you do at home. Remember though that some banks charge you a fee. Also make sure you tell your bank you are going away.
DH now has a special credit card that allows him to get £500 out a week while abroad and doesn't charge a fee
So we tend to use this now. We rarely carry euros or the countries currancy from the UK now. Find it a lot easier.and all airports have cash machines

ISeeTheLight · 15/05/2018 16:59

the EHIC link I posted is the official site - linked through from the NHS website.

Fintress · 15/05/2018 17:00

Carry your essential medication in your hand luggage, don't put it in your hold bags. Any liquids eg sun cream, sellotape the top shut before you pack it. We also wrap ours in sandwich bags just in case. Had a nightmare one time a bottle burst in the suitcase.

ISeeTheLight · 15/05/2018 17:00

the EHIC link I posted earlier is the official site - linked through from the NHS website.

ShotsFired · 15/05/2018 17:32

@Pinkbutton85 Anything to help with my anxiety over everything?! I've been adamant that I was content with the UK and had no interest in going anywhere due to my ridiculous fear of flying/terrorists/crashing. But can't deny my children because of my fears...

Well, stop reminding yourself about any of that!

Seriously, flying is just one of the most incredible, amazing, and awe inspiring things humans can do. You can travel hundreds and thousands of miles in just a few hours and you can see the world from a fantastic point of view. It's just awesome!

Tell yourself it will be fantastic and fun and brilliant. Don't let an anxious nature spoil that!

If not for you, for your kids, because if you tell yourself you are scared and fretting, your kids will pick up on that and (almost certainly) develop a fear of flying because of your lead. Don't burden them with that - the world is there to be seen!

Have a fantastic flight!

doodar · 15/05/2018 18:54

you're not guaranteed hot weather on the dates you're going, it doesn't really warm up until the beginning of july, take sweatshirts for the evening, the pools are probably going to be cold too. we've been in june a couple of times and have had to buy the kids warm tops.
Take any nappies and wet wipes with you, they're more expensive there.
if you pay for anything by any card always say you want to pay in Euros, not pounds.

doodar · 15/05/2018 18:56

check with the car hire firm as they sometimes block up to £2000 on your card for any damages, thats when you pick it up.

doodar · 15/05/2018 18:58

what about car seats? ive taken boosters before as the ones they usually give you are filthy, its actually been cheaper to buy one there rather than hire per day.

doodar · 15/05/2018 19:02

you need this adapter, you can get them from poundland
www.theodysseyonline.com/11-things-you-should-know-before-traveling-to-spain

imip · 15/05/2018 19:05

I travel a lot with 4 dds and every time would recommend this car seat
www.argos.co.uk/product/1736809?storeID=4143&cmpid=GS001&_$ja=tsid:59156%7Cacid:444-797-0832%7Ccid:596683589%7Cagid:28645062325%7Ctid:aud-144400486596:pla-192476001445%7Ccrid:96088984765%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:15378036179767549311%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:1o2%7Cmt:%7Cloc:9046006&gclid=CjwKCAjwiurXBRAnEiwAk2GFZvdSVXHab7C4HuagRRrx4itWoQktYL1g4rSICBwNDKJAaUSuuWEskRoCd-QQAvD_BwE

If you’ve got a car from the airport, why not take your car seat from home? We do that, on airlines we’ve used it isn’t part of your baggage allowance. Smaller aurlines may be different. We’ve never had a problem doing this.

Bombardier25966 · 15/05/2018 19:08

Anything to help with my anxiety over everything?!

Remember that you are far, far more likely to be in an accident in a car than you are flying. Or crossing the road, or just pottering about the house! Honestly, the risk of an air accident is tiny.

Bearhunter09 · 15/05/2018 19:25

At 3 and 4 I would take a buggy so you can go out at night. Kids can sleep in it. Get toiletries and sun cream from boots airside to Save luggage allowance. Halifax no fees credit card. Preloaded currency card. I’ve often found taking sterling and changing out there has given better rates not been to Majorca though. Re anxiety - you’re taking to the world expert remember airplanes are bumpy make funny noises. If terrorists were going to target a plane it is unlikely to be a package holiday going to the Balearic Islands! Enjoy. Passport and credit cards you can buy anything you forget Book another holiday when you’re there. Travel is one of the very best things you can do for your kids. People outside the uk tend to be a lot friendlier to kids so tend to talk to them more, waitresses will ruffle their hair etc. They can go places late. Take a buggy so they can sleep in it and be pushed round when tired. We used ours on holiday til DS was 5

LockedOutOfMN · 15/05/2018 19:29

Pack snacks for the return journey as well as the outbound. Just things like raisins, bread sticks; they don't have to take up a lot of space.