Tips for travelling abroad with an 18 month old

[Penguins321]

Any tips on travelling with an 18 month old on a plane, in a hot country for 2 weeks

Take a hat to pull over LO's eyes and ears to help with sleep and to keep head warm if the air con is too strong.
Even though you'll probably get given blankets by the airline on the flight, still take LO's own blanket as it will have a familiar smell and texture.
Put hand luggage in a back pack so you have your hands free.
You should try and give you LO a drink whilst taking off and landing to relieve any pressure in his/her ears. Either that or encourage them to suck their thumb (that works for longer!).
Take satchets of Calpol and ibuprofen with your hand luggage just in case.
Make sure you have at least one change of clothes for LO on the flight and bring a spare top for yourself. Just in case!
Layer LO up so you can keep them comfy through the flight.

I've used this baby sleep balm and it works a treat www.babipur.co.uk/lgr-organic-baby-sleep-balm.html There are loads of other baby sleep balms on the market that are a bit cheaper. I think Boots sells some.
Some parents prefer to sit near the bathrooms at the back, but it can be slightly louder, this might be useful depending on how your LO responds to noise, take this into consideration. I like an aisle seat when flying with kids as I can easily get up to get things and go to the toilets

Good toys to take:
The humble balloon! I always pack a few, and there you have entertainment at the airport!
Finger Puppets
ELC star links
Pipe cleaners
Lift the flap books
Fisher Price snap lock caterpillar
1 pot of Play doh
A smallish square of bubble wrap to pop
A set of stacking beakers or nesting eggs. Great for playing hiding games with small items of food like raisins and Cheerios
John Lewis discovery cube
Sticklebricks
Edushape curiosity cube

@Fivemoreminutes1 wow thank you this is really helpful!

Agree with five more minutes including lots of variety to be able to activity change when your child is restless and things to make your child feel comfortable. I also used to add extra nappies in case of delays and wet wipes small pack. Once had a long delay at an airport and kept a whole bunch of children amused with bubbles (small ones like for weddings so under 100m)

Bubble blowing perhaps not currently appropriate given COVID transmission risk!