1st time abroad with a 3yr old - give me your tips!

[MindatWork]

Hi all! We’re going to Majorca for a week with our 3 yr old DD next month. The holiday should have been in 2020 (when she would have been 22months) but due to covid delays she’ll be 3.5 when we go. We’ve only done uk self catering up to now but we’re staying in a 2-bed apartment in a family-friendly resort, half board.

I know all the obvious things like suncream, hats etc but I’d love to know must-haves for swimsuits, floaties for the pool, footwear etc. And any tips for dealing with airport/plane or beach hacks?

We’re getting her a little wheelie suitcase and she has a tablet with headphones for the plane. She doesn’t really go in the buggy any more (and doesn’t nap unless in the car ) but thinking of taking our lightweight folding buggy anyway in case we she gets tired and we can convince her to drop off.

Hit me with your holiday tips, mumsnetters! Thanks in advance

Definitely take a buggy. I remember my then 3 year old not using it anymore, but on holiday it was a godsend. It's easier to keep them contained when your going through a busy airport and, abroad, the heat and long days will mean they can have a rest in the buggy. Most things you can buy out there, i.e. pool floats, water guns etc (mine love the soakers). I think you'll be covered as Majorca is well catered to families and you are already taking a tablet.

I’d take a buggy just in case, as previous posters have said… it was always serve a purpose for naps in the evening if you guys are out.
Sounds like you are covered with a tablet , flight to Majorca is short so shouldn’t be too bad.
We took snacks for my DD on hols recently (her fab crisps 🤣🤣) in the suitcase.

Sticker books as a break from the tablet perhaps. And a medicine bag in your suitcase- Calpol, dioralyte, insect cream etc. If you don't use it that's great, can go back in the cupboard when you get home. Unless you speak the local language trying to buy medication in a pharmacy is stressful.

I’d take the buggy, took our almost 3 year old away last year and really regretted not taking ours. For swimsuits try and get two pieces as they are so much easier to just pull down the pants when wet than a full swimsuit when she needs the toilet.

Sure you’ve already done it but get as much stuff downloaded on the iPad incase your Wi-Fi isn’t great. It was quite hit and miss where we went so having her favourite films downloaded was a god send. We also take a sensor nightlight with us when holidaying as most of the rooms at night are pitch black with only the option to turn bright lights on if we needed to check on her when she’s sleeping or if she gets up in the night and wants to get to us.

When you go out to eat order her main course to come with your starter and she can have pudding when you are eating your main course.