Single parent with toddler holiday tips?

[rosygirl14]

Due to go on my first proper away holiday to Hurghada with my 18 month old in April. He hasn’t flown before and I’ve also never travelled alone before so I am quite nervous.
I have booked an all inclusive hotel so that side of things are taken of. It’s just getting there and back alone that I’m nervous about.
I don’t have the option of having anyone come with me either.

Can any single parents share some helpful tips with me please? Or anyone who has been to Hurghada recently?
How did you manage a pushchair and luggage around the airport and off the plane?
What are some must packs for a child in Egypt?
I want to make sure I’m completely prepared with an excellent thought out plan so it all goes smoothly. Thank you 🙏

Get a buggy/stroller backpack. Arrive at airport with buggy folded away on your back. Have toddler on reins (the only time I use them) and attach hand luggage (in a backpack) to your hold suitcase. Toddler’s reins in one hand, drag suitcase with the other.
Check hold luggage and go through security.
Take buggy out of backpack, deposit toddler in buggy and visit Boots to stock up on everything needed for the flight. Get slightly more than you think you’ll need, in case of delays.
Allow toddler to let off steam. Most terminals at Heathrow have soft play areas. The locations are listed on this page: www.heathrow.com/at-the-airport/terminal-facilities/family-facilities Gatwick has them too www.gatwickairport.com/passenger-guides/travelling-with-children.html Don’t forget a last minute nappy change.
Once you’re on the flight, don’t bring out all your toys at once!
Try to book the bassinet seat – even though an 18mo is too big for the bassinet. You get a lot of extra leg room in the bulkhead seats, which I always found useful with all the extra paraphernalia you have when you are flying with kids. It also gives toddler some play space and gives you a break from having them sit on your lap.

I flew with 2 regularly!

I had an umbrella buggy I could take onto the plane (ba, one dd has sen they were excellent), each child had a back pack I hung on the back of the buggy and I had a larger backpack as my hand luggage. I had a small cross body handbag for passports, phone, wallet, tickets (yes going back a while!)

I checked luggage by piling onto a trolley at the drop off point folding the buggy on top and each child carries their own bag, use reins unless very reliable. At luggage check in main bags go keeping the buggy and 3 hand luggage bags, if you plan to put the buggy in the hold you can keep it until the gate but they usually tag it at check in.

Tips for beach resorts - plenty of child safe sunscreen, hat, loose cotton clothing to cover up from sun, your normal child medicines eg calpol plus plasters etc. a basic bucket and spade if there's a beach. A light blanket/sheet is great for sun protection if they are sleeping or in the evening so you can go out past bedtime.

Mostly you need a flexible attitude because things will be different, but you'll have a great time