Taking 2-y-o abroad on holiday - lunacy?

[LaserWidow]

We're seriously considering taking DS abroad - probably a Greek island like Corfu, for a week in early September. As total amateurs in toddlers-away-from-home, has anyone got any helpful pointers on how best to manage? For example, I was thinking of booking a night flight, keeping him awake all day, hoping he'll sleep on the plane...

If you have any stories/dire warnings/predictions to share, please tell all. Any input gratefully received. I'm sure that many thousands take their littlies abroad without thinking twice, but frankly I don't have this mothering lark down to a T and need all the help I can get.

Its not a problem, chill! Honestly! We took a 2y8m and 8m to Italy, a 16m old and 3 year old on a touring holiday in British Columbia/Alberta in a camper van (while I was 5 months pg), and backpacked round Central America with a 17mo, 3yo and 5yo.

I know that it sounds like showing off - but really, it wasn't hard. Good sunscreen, plenty of water, bananas, regular snacks and naps, go slow, wetwipes, plasticine, pens, finger puppets, kiddy tunes on the ipod or similar (with kiddy friendly headphones), remember calpol. Self catering can help - we did that as much as we could.

It does help if your child is flexible. Our kids never had a serious routine, but did have a bedtime routine we could put into place anywhere (had always done it at grandparents houses/friends etc) including getting on the plane - going to Canada we had an overnight flight and just got into jammies before we boarded!

I wouldn't keep him awake all day - overtired toddlers on a plane are likely to be a nightmare!

Something to drink or suck as the plane is taking off is good - we relaxed all our normal rules and brought sucky lollies once they were past the breastfeeding/sippy cup bit - still do.

Travel is great for kids - you will love it! We have carried on travelling with the children, France, all over the UK, and are off to the Carribean in a week .

Hope it goes well!

Hello
Totally second what Weegiemum said (though I only have one child - feel a bit inadequate!). I'd definitely avoid night flights - let him see it as an adventure and enjoy the experience. (So many planes to watch at the airport. And little buses and loading carts and fire engines etc...)
Just bring lots of stuff (stickers, crayons, books, cars etc) to play with on the journey and plenty of little things to eat. Also - don't expect a relaxing or restful flight. (But that doesn't mean it isn't an enjoyable one. It's just that you'll be providing the in-flight entertainment).
And when you get there - just be relaxed, and try to do things at his pace.
It's honestly really good fun. (Though very different from pre-children holidays).
Have fun!

we've always travelled short and long haul with ours
no problems tbh
just bring drinks and snacks favourite toys mini dvd with nemo on it etc
they are better travellers than dh and i

remember the flight only lasts 4 hrs or so
once on holiday relax and enjoy
bliss

Once you lose your "virginity"-you will wonder why you left it so long.

However, a "holiday" with any child under 4 is merely a change of scenery.....in my experience.Just be prepared-kiss goodbye to relaxing by a pool or reading a book for another couple of years.
I have travelled with DD since she was 8 wks- am very pleased I did but I don't honestly feel I had a holiday,or rested until she was 4yrs old.

It is lovely to get away,but take your enjoyment from the sun,change of scenery and all the services a hotel offers.

See, I knew I would be picturing the actual flight rosier than it was likely to be...

Thanks for all your replies, feeling a lot less twitchy about it now. I know it's not going to be like the holidays we used to have (haven't been away for a few years now) but as long as we can keep DS happy and amused it will be enjoyable for us too. Hence only one week, just in case toddler insecurities rear their heads because so much is different.

Only problem is he still has (at present anyway!) nap at midday and I can foresee that daytime flight will encroach over that time and there's no way he would sleep at the airport - far too exciting. Apologies in advance to those sharing the flight...

Now, how to get him to wear sunglasses & hat???

Get a DVD player

And at least one UV suit

And a hat that fastens under the chin.

Don't worry about the napping thing. He'll sleep when he's tired.

Expect your routine to be disupted - so what?

My dd went to Australia (24 hour flight) and the USA (10 hour flight) between 2 and 3 yo. It's really really no biggie.

Daytime flight - he might miss his nap but will recover quickly - much less bad than missing a whole nights sleep on a night flight which could take the holiday to recover from.

Mine have always fallen asleep in their carseat in the taxi after the flight.....

Swimming pools good at that age, as are beaches.

I'm with Whoosh - a "holiday" with a 2 year old is only a change of scenery, not a rest.

The flight is a doodle, it's the holiday you need to consider. Remember the saying "a change is as good as a rest". Think about the facilities provided i.e. will you and DH spend all day trying to prevent DS falling into pool/sea/stream etc...........what toys will you take?..............what the sleeping arrangements etc, etc.

Sorry, that should be doddle......and my advice (from many flights) is go for a morning flight!

Thanks everyone for the info, it's starting to come together... I can see DH and I are going to end up with one change of clothes each and the rest of the luggage allowance for DS's stuff

I haven't had so much as a lie-in since I was in labour so don't have any false expectations re a "rest" (what would one of them be?!)