17 months - travel cot necessary?

[Misty9]

Has anyone got experience of using a normal bed on holiday for a young toddler? It appears we haven't booked a travel cot and ours would be a heavy pain to take, so I wondered if I could just use the double along with 4yo ds instead? Or am I asking for trouble?!

Personally I wouldn't as I think it would be far too stressful. Most airlines will carry a travel cot for free. Just take one.

Could you pack a bed rail in your case?

It depends. I had DD in a toddler bed at 18 months at home and she was fine. However, I'd have be less keen on holiday; if your DC is likely to get up and wander then I'd be worried about general safety as holiday places aren't usually very well toddler-proofed (stairs, access to things that can tip / fall etc).
How about a 'My First Ready Bed' on the floor in your room or see if you can get hold of a cheap second-hand lightweight 'tent' type of travel cot.