Holiday with toddler - is driving much more convenient?

[sarahb083]

Hello, we're thinking of taking a holiday with our 18 month old toddler this summer. We've never travelled with her before. We live in the SE so are considering driving to France via the channel tunnel and visiting a few cities in N France, as it seems easier to just pack up our car and go. But I'm tempted by the warmth of Spain, Italy or southern France, and wondering if it's actually any more convenient to drive. Has anyone done both? Which would you recommend?

[RandomQuest]

Having done both several times over, I’d say plane is loads better. You’re only on the plane for 2 hours (ish) which is an easy amount of time to placate with a screen and snacks. Yes there’s the bit through the airport and travelling to the destination at the other end but it’s varied enough not to be a problem and the toddler can have you full attention unlike you’re in the car plus you can have a glass of wine and relax a bit… The only exception I’d maybe make is skiing because you have loads of stuff to get through the airport (we have our own equipment) and typically the ski resort is hours drive from the airport anyway so you don’t get away without a long drive. For a summer holiday- plane every time.

[Poopootatty]

We have a driving holiday to France planned this summer with a 9 month old and four year old. I am fairly certain the plane would be easier. The 9 month old now hates the car and it’s going to be pretty painful to do any long stretches. We’ve flown with our eldest 10 times between 6 months-4 years and all been great. At 18 months I think the car would have been a reasonable option though as DD would have slept for a couple of hours at the right time of day.

if you’ve only got one child, I’d say fly. It’s such a novelty for them too so tends to be just good fun. You can relax once on the plane too.

[MissAmbrosia]

We did Normandy by car when dd was a baby, but otherwise flew to South of France/Spain/Italy as quicker and easier. I think we first drove on holiday - to South of France - when she was 3.5/4 and could be entertained with movies in the back of the car. Then we drove most years to France or Italy since then. She's 18 now and doesn't want to come. Very small children get fed up after a couple of hours, so flying is better I think.

[Needmorelego]

I'd drive. It gives you more freedom to go places when you are actually there - unless you hire a car there. But then you'd have to hire a car seat too (will the child like it if it's not a familiar one).
You can stop and take a break whenever you want. You can take much more stuff (beach blankets, your own beach chairs, buckets and spades, plug in cool box) than if you were flying. You don't have to worry about the airline losing or damaging your buggy because you will have it in the boot with you.
Much more freedom.

[Notdoingthis]

I have flown, got the train, and driven with little ones aged 3 months to 8 years.
Train is fun but you can't carry much. Eurocamp is great as everything is provided.
Car is convenient as you can carry everything you need and stop when you want. But it is boring.
Flying is such a hassle. I hate checking in, passport control, baggage, queues, hand luggage rules, security, so much waiting around. It is the easiest way to go a long way but I avoid it if I can.
I'd take the train or drive if I were you.