8 hour flight with very active 2 year old?

[Pristina]

They only do night flights on the way back (Virgin to Barbados) so are we mad to even think about it?

We went to Barbados last Decemeber when DD was 15 months old. It was fine....you're not mad to consider it in the least! In fact, the night flight was good as DD knew it was time to sleep, so did manage to sleep for nearly the whole flight. she didn't cry once on the way out either!

We did go Premium & had bulk head seats, which helped alot - as we had penty of space around us.

Whereabouts are you planning on staying?

Personal TVs on the flight really help.

There are many strategies for keeping a little one sociable for a long flight, many of which will not allow you to relax one bit.

If you have standards, such as no TV, drop them for the flight.

DD was great on the night flight slept most of the way home.

Rindercella, we were thinking of an all inclusive in Turtle Beach or Almond Beach (I think that's right- don't have info with me). Do you have any recommendations?

Scienceteacher- TV?! That is just the start. My standards are such that I have even discussed drugging my little angel (legal of course!) with a friend, who took something the doctor precribed for her lo on their last long haul trip but have decided against this as it made her lo even more hyper.

I'm not worried about the night flight at all- it's the way out that terrifies me.

My Gp friend suggeste Piriton to us but to try it out first it is the same as in Medised

We always do night flights from Kenya to the UK, again about 8 hours and day flights back. It's not as bad as you think. You do need to prepare yourself pyscologically for no sleep then any little you get is a bonus!

As for the daytime, the TV works wonders, as do lots of little books, non messy snacks and lots of chat about aeroplanes It's tedious but not that bad, and it's only 8 hours after all.

Pristina - Turtle Beach looked really nice, we even checked it out when we got back to keep in mind for future holidays (we stayed at an apartment in The Gap, which was lovely & would recommend if you wanted to go self catering). I wouldn't choose to go to any of the Almond chain - but I think that is a personal thing rather than hearing anything too awful about them. Both of those hotels though are in a great location - near The Gap, but not in it. Better than staying up the West coast as you have plenty within walking distance (not many sidewalks around the west coast - would make walking with a small child/buggy pretty dodgy). South coast sea a bit choppier than west coast, but it's still gorgeous.

Have been to B'dos loads in the past (family connections), so know the island relatively well. Thought it was great with a child.

Tips for the flight out is to keep your LO as occupied as possible - new toys wrapped up, a portable DVD player. And make friends with your neighbours on the plane!! It's amazing how long a child can be entertained by a game of peek-a-boo!

Please excuse any typos in this - keyboard is playing up.

My top tip for the flight is to behave like a model parent and remain calm and reasonable with your dc at all times. I think that screaming parents are a lot more annoying to other passengers than screaming toddlers.

Lots of snacks also important, particularly relatively healthy things like cheerios or rice cakes with some chocolate kept in reserve for emergencies.

Thanks Rindercella, I thought Almond was on the West Coast- must look at my map again. Another possiblity is Discovery Bay by Rex Resorts?

Portable DVD player is a good idea.

As is Piriton .

Ah, I think there are 3 Almond somethings on the island - one is just about next door to Turtle Beach, another is up on the West coast and the other is way up near Speightstown - think one of them is adults only though. If you're going for the west coast, then Speightstown is much nicer than Holetown imo. Not sure about Discovery Bay (have stayed at a Rex hotel before, but that was in St Lucia).

Thanks again. I've checked and the Almond Village is up on the West Coast. It does look lovely, but I'm still worried about the flight.

Excellent tips, thanks