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

[TravelPanic]

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.

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!

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!

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 😂

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

We hired stuff from a company called Little Rascals that operate out of the Algarve to reduce the amount of stuff we needed to bring on the plane which was really helpful.

Hoping someone will know the area and give tips?!

I know the area. It is a very upmarket, exclusive resort/residential area BUT there are supermarkets in the estate and lots of shops, restaurants for all pockets and things to do in Almancil which is a short drive away. Lots of bars and restaurants on the beach. The Portuguese adore children so your children will be welcomed and coo'd over everywhere you go!

Please don't worry - you'll be absolutely fine 😊

We recently had a trip to the Algarve with our 3 year old and it was fine. I would recommend shopping at a local supermarket and buying breakfast foods like cereal, milk, bread or whatever you like plus some light meals or snacks you can have at least one meal at home and then go out for one meal each day. We found it was quite cheap but even if you are somewhere more expensive you can probably stretch to one meal a day.

Thank you, this is reassuring! Do you know if you can park close to the beach? We’ll have a lot to carry and the toddler can’t walk too far!

Thanks, good tips - will definitely scope out nearest supermarket on day 1!

Yes, there are car parks next to all the beaches. The Algarve is kinda set up for tourists 😉

Don't forget two essential travelling with children tips! If you're taking your car seat buy a travel bag to put it in then pack that bag with nappies/towels whatever. It's not weighed or checked.

Secondly.. click and collect at boots in the terminal is your friend. Also nappies, formula if using, suncream and toiletries can also be collected from the boots in the airport terminal and thus you don't need to worry about cramming into suitcases.

3 month olds travel brilliantly in my experience and the 3 year old will be excited about the plane and the beach. Don't overthink it it will be lovely.

You missed out the most important tip:

Dois copos de vinho tinto faz favor?

(Two glasses of red wine please?)

@Eyesopenwideawake thank you, I couldn’t spot them on Google street view so was panicking a bit!

@Mooselooseinmyhoose thank you, those are genius!! Didn’t know you could do either of those!

That’s a lovely area - we stayed just a bit nearer to Faro last week. Pingo Doce is your supermarket - plenty of choice and not too expensive.

Quarteira is a short drive away, with a traditional beach front. In the other direction is Garrao beach where you can park near several cafes and restaurants, and there’s a fantastic boardwalk that stretches several miles to the East for pushchair walks.

As others say, it is quiet and upmarket but it is lovely.

On practicalities, my DS and DDIL took a blow up paddling pool with a shade for my DGS when they went on a villa holiday, which they found invaluable.

@HappiestSleeping - perfect!

@SnakesAndArrows thank you, I have screenshotted that so I know where to go! Boardwalk sounds ideal as we rely on pram naps a lot!

You'll be fine, good thing about this kind of holiday is that toy will hopefully be able to relax once the kids are asleep and enjoy the villa.

Check to see if there are any hire companies where your stating so toy don't have to pack all the kids stuff

Relax.

Some easy play with your three year old, at the villa.

Pans and spoons. A cheap paddling pool and empty bottles/jugs. Buckets of water and a brush. A packet of chalks ( and a brush to wash it off).

Some good routine. Sun tan cream on every morning before getting dressed. (saves unexpected burns and child knows what to expect each day).

Old/cheap t-shirt for playing/ swimming.

Freeze water in the child’s drinks bottle, every evening. Perfect for taking out for a cold drink.

Vale do Lobo is great! Safe and family friendly. You can park near to the mini golf to access the beach. There is a good supermarket Pingo doce on the outskirts of the resort . Ice cream/ waffles cafe at the VDL praca.There is sometimes music/ singers in the Praca in the evening.
Marufos ( 10 minutes drive) is a cheap but very popular child friendly restaurant ( cash only) .
Gale beach ( 40 minutes drive ) is lovely and has free parking. Zoomarine and Aquashow are good for kids.
Quinta de Lago has the excellent Shack restaurant, great beach and pedaloes/boats/ inflatables but quite pricey.
Id just stay in the lovely villa, go for little walks around VDL and have bbqs with young kids.The beach at VDL has nice shells to collect especially in the morning. Have a great time!

@Loveiscalled thank you, all great ideas!

@Acommonreader thanks so much, saved in a screenshot!

We took our 18 month year old to the Algarve and loved it. It was really child friendly, beaches were great and everywhere was easy with the buggy! We stayed in Vilamoura but visited Faro, Quartiera, Albufeira and did a boat trip. You'll have a great time!