Going to Cyprus in 3 weeks time.................

[BethAndHerBrood]

I am very excited about it, but a bit nervous too! First time flying for me and the kids, DS,7 and DD,6, so what do i need to know???

How hot will it be? And what are the essential items to take with us?? I've got clothes and stuff sorted, i think, but is there stuff i need to take that i probably wouldn't think of till we're there and it's too late??

TIA, BAHB.

You'll have a great time! Where in Cyprus are you going? DD1 - 12 1/2 - is there at the moment in Paphos with our next door neighbours and it's very hot. I bet the kids will love flying. I usually dont panic that much about what to take as I think you can buy most things over there but good old calpol always comes with me!

Hi BAHB. I'm staying with my parents in Cyprus at the moment. Whereabouts are you going? We're in the Larnaca end of the island. It is very hot here at the moment, but will be cooling a bit over the next few weeks.

Bring sun tan lotion - I prefer to know exactly what I'm getting. Try and get waterproof stuff. We've been using Nivea Kids factor 50+ extra water resistant, and that's been great. Also, some insect repellant if you're prone to mozzie bites. The Boots stuff is good. Aftersun is also nice to have.

Hats - a couple each in case they get wet. The sort made of the UV swim suit material are good for the kids, with the neck flap. Sainburys had them earlier in the year. Beach shoes are good for the kids as some of the beaches can be a bit stony (in the sea rather than on the beach). Bring arm bands / swimming jackets if needed and you've got them, or you'll pay tourist prices for them.

You can buy most things in the big supermarkets, if you have a car. They're not all that close to the tourist areas.

You can get medications out here, but it's always a pain in an emergency, so I'd follow KathH's suggestion. I always bring a couple of packs of ibuprofen/asprin/paracetamol and also a pack of diahorrea relief tablets just in case.

Have you got locks for your suitcases? I ended up buying them at the airport, and they were a lot more expensive.

HTH. Have a nice holiday!

Thanks for that ladies!

We're going to Coral Bay, staying in a villa with some friends. Can't wait!!!!

You'll have a fab time. Coral Bay is beautiful. We went parascending (spelling?) there last time we were out here and saw loads of turtles!

Just a thought, not an essential but I always but the kids one of them disposable cameras each so they can take their own piccies.

We couldn't find 'Waterproof' sun tan lotion anywhere, but the stuff we've got is the same (I think) as what used to be called waterproof. Are they not allowed to call it that anymore, as it isn't truly waterproof? You have to scrub this stuff with showergel to get it off!

I've been using the once a day Nivea stuff, and if I'm not swimming, it's great. I've got factor 30 though.

Thanks for all the advice, we already bought the disposable cameras, might get another couplke of bottles of suncream though! And 2 hats each is a good tip, thanks!

Be warned it's very hot! DD1 got back today and is really sunburnt and she's never burnt before!

OMG!! That means DH will be like a bear with a sore bum for the whole two weeks, he doesn't do heat!!! We'll spend all the time in the pool or inside with the a/c on!!

She had a great time tho!

I'm going to Cyprus in about five weeks with DD, she will be 21/2 month old. We are going to see my parents - it will be first time they have seen DD.

Dreading the weather though, does anyone know where you can get the tents that you use whilst on beach to protect from sun.

WHen we took my niece to MAjorca two years ago if it was too hot she went in the pool with a long sleeved tshirt on, stopped her from getting as badly sunburnt.

Sorry about hijacking - just another question, has anyone seen swimsuits for 0-3 month olds?can't find them anywhere.

It won't be too bad at that age shorty3 as she'll be probably be happy to lie on a towel and have a kick. We don't ever go out to the beach until 3pm, and then stay until about 6pm when it's comparatively cool!

Tents - can buy them from all of the 'tourist shops' on the beach out here. Not too expensive - about £10 for a small one. Ideal for a little one. We used to buy a small inflatable boat to use as a cot - lined it with a towel. Lots cheaper than the blow up travel cots you can buy!

Swimming cossies - I'm sure that I have one at home in that size if you don't mind a 2nd hand one. When do you fly? I'll be back about the 5th September so I could post it the next day. It's quite sweet, yellow with flowers and hearts on. Bought in case DS was a girl . It's from Adams. Adams and Mothercare will probably do them if you want a new one, but it might be a bit harder to find one at this time of year. E-Bay will probably have loads on too.

HTH

Thats great Laura have not found swimsuits anywhere - keep searching sales racks while DH wanders off bored!

Never thought of using a boat, my parents did think about using a drawer like good old days - not sure if they are buying a cot, there's two newborns going over this year - but will mention it to them.

Send me a CAT if you still need a cossie closer to the date and I'll dig it out.

Thanks