Would you go abroad with a baby and 4 year old alone?

[Naomixx]

I’m due to go on holiday to Greece next week and my partner can’t go anymore. If we wanted to change the holiday dates it would cost £150 each and it’s too expensive. Would you go alone with a four year old a six month old to Greece complete by yourself? Or should I just cancel and lose all money?
TIA

Not sure they would all travel abroad with 2 children this young so I imagine the same question would apply from a single parent planning their holiday.

Well presumably the reason he is unable to go on the holiday would mean he would also be unable to look after a baby .

Considering it's an all inclusive hotel and it's all paid for anyway, I would give it a go. Don't think I would have ever booked that on purpose but since it's booked why not try? I'd lower my expectations though 😉

No, because I don't thing I would enjoy it more than I'd enjoy a week at home with them. You don't have a friend that could come in place of dh for a week in the sun?

Yes I would, but I enjoy my own company and the thought of sitting on my balcony in the evening sun with a glass of wine (both children fast asleep) is heaven. Days that go well will empower you. Days that don't... well forgive yourself and the little ones, you will all hopefully learn from them. I say go for it and sign the 4yo to whatever activities are available.

I’ve done just this fairly recently, took my baby and 3 year old away for a few nights all inclusive. I thought I would make the most of being on mat leave. In all honestly, there were a few nice moments but it was mostly chaos. Given you’ve already paid, I would probably go but be super organised.

Things to think about would be how good at walking is your 4 year old? Do not underestimate how long the walks are at the airport. I used a double buggy and a sling for the baby, as we didn’t get the buggy back at the other side until we got baggage. Double buggy was essential and gave me extra storage too. Meant it was quicker than walking with a slow kid dragging their feet.

How will you manage suitcases and a buggy? I took one big one to check in so I could push the buggy with one hand and case with the other.

The worst part for me was that we were all in the same room to sleep. You need a plan for separating the kids so they sleep. Mine messed around so much as they weren’t used to being in the same space at sleep time.

How will you manage to get food for all of you? I struggled at meal times in the restaurant as it was a buffet so had to leave the baby in a high chair, take the toddler with me and go back and forth to the food. Thankfully baby sat quietly but that was a pain and I had never felt so alone. Much easier if it’s table service.

It’s a real chore getting all the stuff ready and everyone with suncream on. Being used to having an extra pair of hands really showed when trying to get out of the house.

A swim seat was brilliant for the baby, he was safe bobbing around with me playing with the toddler. Don’t buy a cheap one though, Zoggs one I would recommend.

Have you looked at what times the restaurants are open? How flexible are you with nap times? Our restaurant didn’t open until 6 so I had to feed baby, put him to bed in the pram, then take older one to dinner.

Small details - get a round the neck or bum bag for passports, boarding passes and your phone so you can easily reach them in the airport.

Let me know if you need any more tips! Hope you have a great time. Just don’t expect too much.

I'd go for the week off chores.. when my 2 were similar ages I got a sling for baby (see if you can hire one if you don't want to buy) and took a collapsible stroller rather than travel system, usually dd walked but if she got tired in the heat I could wear ds and push her... A stroller is easy to chuck on the luggage trolley when you get there too, dd holds it with you as you push and baby is in the sling.

Once you get there it's fine, it was the airport logistics that scared me, managing 2 dcs who couldn't help and cases, but a sling makes it doable.

You might need a form signed by their dad saying you have permission to take them out the country, I've never been asked on the way out but have been on the way back, as far as i know it's not essential but can speed things up at customs.

No. But I don’t go abroad since having kids anyway.

I agree about the table service - if they have a pool cafe that does table service that'll usually be earlier than the buffet dinner and a lot more straightforward so that's worth checking

Thank you so much everyone for the advice and tips, they are really helpful! I’ve decided I will go. It might be hell but I’ll regret not going and wasting all that money. It’s not possible that my partner can have our baby for the week either. I’ll just try not to not over think it all and pray it goes well 😅

Just make sure you properly think through all the logistics. Visualise yourself going all the way from home to the hotel and what you’ll need to do logistically. You’ll be fine.

Wish you luck! X

Yesssssss!

Lots of luck, op. Have fun with your two little ones!

Absolutely not, 4yr old fine that would be ok but with a baby too, no. It would be quite stressful I think, lonely and not very relaxing!

In your situation I'd have cancelled. In hindsight if I could have my time again, I'd go and I'd chill out! No, it won't be perfect but you'll be glad you did. I think. Just adjust your expectations

Yes, I have (well with a baby and a 5 years old) I did it once in a youth hostel and once in a small flat City break style at that age.

I didn’t take suitcases so I didn’t need to worry about stuff, just took a backpack. I took a carrier for the baby Didn’t take a pushchair or anything that would slow me down in the airports or on the buses after.

gave up on all ideas of bedtimes and we all just went to bed at the same time. The flat was better than the youth hostel because I had a room to put one child in and wasn’t sharing

enjoy yourself op!