Page 5 | Dreading first holiday abroad with DS

freakingscared · 27/09/2025 20:19

At that age my children already traveled quite a few times . My oldest already had been to Spain’s, Cuba , Marrakesh and Egypt .
why are you scared ? It’s a toddler , as long as they have you they are ok

SovietSpy · 27/09/2025 20:23

Did Tenerife in March with an 8 month old. Long flight and it was hard work. Book extra seat for your 17 month old if you can afford it. No way do you want a toddler in your lap for four hours!
Pools were cold even though they were ‘heated’ so buy a splash about warmsuit or you won’t be able to put your little one in. The wind was also an issue at times and made things feel a lot cooler. Book an apart hotel as you get best of both worlds - food at hotel but convenience of kitchen for snacks and drinks, or if you need prep baby a meal separately.

JLou08 · 27/09/2025 20:39

I had holidays with mine every year from them being babies. They were all amazing holidays, some of our best memories. As long as you have realistic expectations and are setting the holiday around the child's needs and expectations it will be fine. Day time flights, activities to keep child occupied whilst travelling. Family friendly hotel, black out curtains in the room and air conditioning for afternoon naps, time indoors or in the shade, stick to child activities rather than trying to do sightseeing or nice restaurants.

Lollipop81 · 27/09/2025 20:42

Took my eldest when he was 13 months old and I was 5 months pregnant. Was honestly one of the best holidays I have ever had. Can never understand why people say it isn’t worth going on holiday with a young child. Go for it you will be pleasantly surprised.

Babyenroute · 27/09/2025 20:44

I think I’m on a different end of the spectrum here but don’t see how it’s not worth it and didn’t find it overly stressful. Tenerife isn’t exactly far/ remote

NCJD · 27/09/2025 20:48

It’ll be fine as long as you go with reasonable expectations. I have to say, age 1.5 has been the hardest age for plane travel for us. Leaving it a year when they are just a bit more cognitive may make things easier. But as long as you just brace yourself for the flight and accept the days of sitting around by the pool relaxing with a book and a cocktail are gone, you’ll be fine.

Glitterberries · 27/09/2025 21:40

80schildd · 26/09/2025 09:53

Nothing is booked yet but my DH is adamant he wants us to go abroad (Tenerife) in early December when our DS will be 17 months.

I just can’t see past this being really stressful, the travelling, not being able to relax, worrying about food etc.

Am I being unreasonable to think this? He says he will be fine once we are there. Positive stories from anyone who has done it would be welcome!

Hey OP. I’m a single mother I took my complex needs DS to Florida at 18 months for two weeks it was great and we’re going again soon now he’s 2. We also went to Lanzarote & Italy. They are different on holiday my DS was very happy you couldn’t tell he was sick. Planning is important, split things up in luggage’s if one goes missing etc and take very important things in hand luggage… like that blanket or toy they can’t live without. In our case it was making sure I had medical equipment and emergency meds in my hand luggage and his fav blanket for that 9 hr flight. Sticker books, download shows and they have suction toys for plane windows. With you & DH it will be a breeze! All the best x

Doubledenim305 · 27/09/2025 22:09

So he wants to go abroad and enjoy time in the sun and with his family. Sounds nice.
And he will be happy to leave all the difficulties and stresses for you to bear. I see why u are concerned. Id not be keen either. Definitely not a holiday for u.
Let him go with the child himself 😁

popcornandpotatoes · 27/09/2025 22:31

We've always had brilliant holidays with DD since she had just turned 1. I think sleep is the main decider for me. DD always slept well and sleeps in if she's up late. If she woke up at 6 and we were stuck in a hotel room I probably wouldn't have bothered

Cupofteawithsugar · 27/09/2025 22:33

Is there anything specific you’re worried about? I do think it might be a bit cool in December personally but in terms of an actual holiday, I don’t see an issue with taking a 17 month old away. Just chose a family friendly hotel wherever and whenever you decide to go away.

hulahooper2 · 27/09/2025 22:34

what are you worried about , took mine abroad at 11 months and had a great time , babies welcome everywhere

JCS1000 · 28/09/2025 00:14

Your opinion is as valid as his. Or more so if you do more of the work, which I’m guessing you do. If you don’t want to go say no, in 1 or 2 years it would be a better experience.

cherish123 · 28/09/2025 00:34

It will be fine. It's quite an easy age to travel. They just go with the flow at this age and aren't fussy. You just have to do things at a slower pace.

RubySquid · 28/09/2025 04:38

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 27/09/2025 20:08

This is the only real question I think.

Holidays with kids are as good or as awful as both parents are willing to step up and give each other some rest.

Show quote history

So do you think single parents never gave enjoyable holidays with their kids?

RubySquid · 28/09/2025 04:41

JLou08 · 27/09/2025 20:39

I had holidays with mine every year from them being babies. They were all amazing holidays, some of our best memories. As long as you have realistic expectations and are setting the holiday around the child's needs and expectations it will be fine. Day time flights, activities to keep child occupied whilst travelling. Family friendly hotel, black out curtains in the room and air conditioning for afternoon naps, time indoors or in the shade, stick to child activities rather than trying to do sightseeing or nice restaurants.

Edited

Why on earth would OP need aircon , black out blinds etc for a holiday in December?Max of about 20 odd degrees

cygnusgenie · 28/09/2025 06:10

I've been reading the thread, and some people seem to find travel stressful with or without children. That's probably the key issue. I love traveling, don't find it at all stressful, so really don't find parenting on holidays any different from parenting at home, especially in an apartment. Don't like hotels, too restrictive. But if you are stressed without children you will undoubtedly be stressed with children too.

ohfook · 28/09/2025 06:34

We’ve just had a holiday with our toddler who is 20 months and a bit of a handful. Before we went, I just accepted that we were doing this for the older kids and it would be a bit of a nightmare. I was expecting the flight there to be a nightmare, the heat to be too much, keeping him anway from the pool to be stressful and for him to be all out of whack with his routine. In reality he slept on the flight there, was fine with the change in routine, just wanted to splodge in the shallow bit of the pool - in fact I’d say he slept more because he was going to bed later. It wasn’t a relaxing holiday but it was still nice.

My advice is to keep your expectations really low - expect everything to be hard and difficult, then you’ll either be well-prepared or pleasantly surprised.

You also need to tag team it if you want any hope of relaxing. Don’t do all of the parenting together come up with some sort of system that works for you for example your dh takes the toddler for a walk in the morning so you can have an hour or so to yourself then in return you take them up for their nap so they can have an hour.

I have friends who fed their toddler and put him to sleep in his buggy before they went out for their evening meal so they could eat together without being interrupted (obviously the kid was there with them just asleep in the buggy). This is an excellent idea which I’ve never managed to achieve because all of mine were far too easily distracted by everything around them, but it’s a nice idea if you can manage it!

Nina1013 · 28/09/2025 07:31

80schildd · 26/09/2025 10:21

I said about the pool temps etc and DH said some will be heated plus he’s been to Tenerife in December twice and it was really warm but not too hot for DS so ‘perfect timing’…

Show quote history

We go every December and I agree with your DH

Mossey55 · 28/09/2025 08:48

I took mine to Majorca at 10 months old, no problem at all we had a great time

NaneePolly · 28/09/2025 14:07

Obviously it’s going to be a different kind of holiday but the sun will be shining and your little one can splash around in the paddling pool. Better than being at home with rubbish weather

Ap42 · 28/09/2025 17:50

Our first holiday abroad with my then 18 month old toddler was to Lanzarote. We booked a villa with a pool. It was a fab holiday and very relaxing. Swimming most of the morning, my toddler would then nap for a good two hours and we would sunbathe. Had a lot of bbq's at the villa and some meals out. The pool was gated so quite safe.

Daftypants · 01/10/2025 12:03

It won’t be like the holidays you’re probably used to as a single person or a couple before children.
But it will be lovely to have a change of scenery, some warm weather etc .
The flight will be absolutely fine so long as you’re prepared to entertain the wee one, think about booking them a seat as it won’t be comfortable for you on the flight otherwise .
Also get some things sorted before you go eg you’re both taking turns looking after the wee one .
You cannot be expected to do all the parenting in a different environment

Mandylovescandy · 01/10/2025 12:13

I really enjoy taking mine on holidays. Sure it is a different kind of holiday but you can plan to make it fun. Although other people say it is just same shit in a different place with less stuff/support. Is it going at all or the kind of holiday? It wouldn't be my idea of a fun holiday but then I love going camping which I imagine lots of people would hate with small kids

WalkDontWalk · 01/10/2025 15:37

BoredZelda · 26/09/2025 09:57

Tell him you won’t be going.

Wanna flesh that out a bit with some reasoning? Or too bored to make the effort?

--------------------

OP, it's all about prep. We went on holiday with two under four - Canaries, Egypt, USA. Long haul flights are quite trying, but the upside was that by the time they were six-ish they were a joy to travel with. They were completely used to it.

Once you're there, make life as simple as possible. Buffet dining is helpful. Good weather's very helpful. Don't get uptight about ice cream or Coke or bedtimes or wearing yesterday's t-shirt. (Same applies for the kid.*)

Also, if it's the way your marriage works, figure out 'I'm going off on my own' days for both parents.

*Small (and I'd like to think obvious) joke.

Peonies12 · 01/10/2025 15:43

Why are you particularly worried about food? Are there allergies?
I'd be a bit worried if the weather isn't great, it's not guaranteed, it is often very windy in the Canary Islands. And pools might not be heated!
We went to Crete this year with 7 month old, different as she couldn't move around, but we had a surprisingly good time. With 1 kid and 2 adults, you can take turns to relax - but do you think your DH will do his share of parenting? It made a big difference that we got accommodation that had a living area/balcony so we could have a bit of grown up time after baby gone to bed, otherwise you just have to sit in the room with them. But depends if yours can happily stay up later (ours can't!).