Hints & tips for first holiday abroad with 1yo

[PurpleCrazyHorse]

Ok, not been on hols for years and have just booked a week in the south of France. Staying in a cottage near Nimes.

Now... what hints & tips do we need to know for flying there and enjoying our holiday with DD?

• Anyone flown Ryanair recently? Are we likely to be able to keep the buggy with us until the last moment? Also, the car seat has to go in the hold, best ways of keeping it safe? We've booked priority boarding so at least we should get seats together

• The cottage has a raised pool. Doubt we'll be in it in October (!) but wondering if wise MNers have any tips for keeping her safe. Obviously we'll keep a very close eye on her but I'm worried we'll think the other is when in fact neither of us are

• Any other wonderful holiday hints & tips...? Things to take with us etc? How to keep a 14mo occupied on the flight/in departures?

Thanks in advance, we're really looking forward to the holiday but the pressure is on for a fabulous time.

All the airlines I've flown with have let me keep buggy up till the final boarding card bit, or the steps of the plane in some cases. When DS was baby I would ask stewards on flight if I could get it back when we got off the plane - they always did when I asked. Now that he can walk a bit I just get it back from the carousel.
Whatever DD's favourite toy-type is, get a new one and do not let her see it before the flight! You need surprises. Those magazines with the toy on front/stickers inside can be helpful too. And snacks.
That's all my advice I'm afraid, haven't taken DS on holiday abroad, just flights to visit the relatives. All the best!

A flight to France isn't going to be too long, so I would just take favourite books and a new toy. Hopefully she will be so dazzled and interested in the airport she wont' need to be kept occupied while you wait.
As far as the pool goes, I would strongly advise a flotation device for her. Our dd grew up in Oman and we were generally either at the seaside or near a pool when she was that age. As well as watching her like hawks, we made sure she had a swimming costume with polysyrene floats all round it. She also had a rash top, but that was to do with sun strength.
Finally, enjoy yourself.

Hi
French pools should have security eg fence or gate - it's a legal requirement for all French holiday property.

When ours were that age we took it in turn to watch them around the pool. 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off!

As kreecher say, enjoy! And keep in mind the happy thought that next year it will be easier!

Thanks for all the advice. We're getting DD a buoyancy aid this summer anyhow (as off on a boat trip) so will keep her in that when we're around the pool. Useful info Suzie regarding the French requirement for pool fences.

I need to measure our Quinny Zapp to see if it'll fit as hand luggage, not sure RyanAir will be helpful and let us keep it until boarding. Plan B is to take our fabric sling so at least it'll spread her weight if we have to carry her.

Kiddie mags & a new toy are a fab idea too. Will definitely do that.

Thanks so much, we're so excited to be having a holiday abroad... now just need to dust off the passports

I flew with Ryanair last Nov and I took my buggy (Jane powertrack) to the aircraft steps. No problems at all and on arrival my pushchair was waiting for me too.

UV suits a must, pick up plenty on e-bay cheap! ALso uv filter for pushchair - I have a brill Protect-a-bub. S of france can still be hot.