Any positive experiences?

[CarolineKate]

I recently read a thread about taking a toddler on holiday and EVERYONE commented saying how theirs was a disaster. Well my holiday is already booked for 3 weeks time!! And I'm now dreading it lol. He will be 2 in November. So has anyone had a good time with their toddler on holiday? If so any advice on how to make it enjoyable?

So not to drip feed: I wasn't keen on going but the in laws insisted on a family holiday and graciously booked and paid for us all to go with them.

I never found it a problem. It's a problem for people who expect their child to behave exactly as they do at home in relation to bedtime and mealtime. But if you just go with the flow and chill out about bedtimes then it should be fine for children without special needs.

I always let mine stay up much later, allowing them to fall asleep on the sofa if needed and also allowed them to co-sleep with DH and I if needed.

I love holidays with our 1yo. Key things for us: plenty of snacks and water, opportunity to run off energy, time for a chill out (DS gets overwhelmed easily) and not worrying too much about a schedule.

We usually get an apartment so he can still go to bed early and we can drink wine and relax without having to be silent.

Like the other posts, I found the first year a nightmare. But mostly as I still tried to force things. And did all the work with the youngest on my own. The last couple of years (youngest DD is now 4) I have just consciously relaxed, told DH I'm planning on doing nothing, and not stressed about times or food or anything. I actually found going with the attitude that it's my holiday too (I tend to put everyone else's needs before my own and wear myself out) made it a lovely fun time for us all. Have fun and relax as much as you can. X

I always loved travelling with mine and it was never a problem. I think it's the parents that are the cause of most of the disasters you hear about. They plan too much, they let the child get too hungry, too thirsty, and far too over tired. You have to be reasonable as to how much small children can handle in a day.

Try and go with the flow!!

Accept that they may not go to bed until you do them crash out in the pushchair at some point for a nap.

Thank you for the responses guys! I think it's a clear consensus to throw the routine out of the window. Luckily we do have an apartment and not a room so plenty of individual space and more importantly a kitchen for lots of snacks lol!! 🤞🏻🤞🏻 It won't be a complete disaster. But feeling more positive now!