Any advice on what toys to take?

[nightowl1]

We are travelling by car with our nearly 8 month old to a summer cottage near the sea next week for 7 days. Husband's parents also coming too. The weather looks a bit unpredictable and I'm not sure what there is to do locally or in the evenings.

I'd be very grateful for any advice/tips on what toys/playmats/etc. it is worth taking to keep LO entertained on journey and once we're there without filling the entire car with all her stuff!

take things you know she'll play with and also get a few new things if you can to keep her entertained in the car if you need to

Don't take too many toys as, when I have done this in the past I have found the DCs play with maybe one or two things and spend the rest of the time amusing themselves by exploring their exciting new surroundings.

Just take a few favourite (and small! ) toys and a few books and they will be fine.

Stacking cups (Ikea's have holes to use in sand/water too), soft ball, some touchy/feely books, small paddling pool, play/beach mat in case not keen on feel of sand or grass