Centreparcs survival kit

[Stockett]

OK, help needed, no specific centreparcs experience required.

We're going in a couple of weeks and I have a few specific things I need your lovely help with.

1. We have two kids; DS is 3.7 will be in the pool for hours with DH; DD is 1.4 and will be in and out of the pool, and in and out and ... you get the picture. So I need something I can throw on over my swimming stuff while we sit on the side and eat snacks/do whatever. I have a sarong, but its more my top half I want to cover up than my legs. I've bought DD a towelling poncho (nicer than it sounds I promise) but can't find the equivalent for me, any thoughts?

2. I have very thick wavy hair, assuming I get it wet when swimming, it dries a bit and then I cycle back to our shack with it blowing in the wind, in a couple of days my hair will look a little like a birds nest - what do I do? Is a leave in conditioner the answer? If yes, can you recommend one?

And finally, 3) I'm gonna need a bag to transport the above, and all the other stuff in, like a beach bag but I need to be able to take it on a bike.

So, suggestions please...?

I would go for a rucksack - not exactly fashionable but would be practical - I go to centerparcs most years and always take a rucksack for taking things between sports and lodge (and it comes in useful for cycling back from supermarket on site)

Can't help on the others but interested in no2 as having daily swimming lessons at moment and stuggling with my hair too.

1. Cheap kaftans are probably best for this or some plain vests tops.

1. Could you tie your hair back to minimise damage then take it down and brush it when you get wherever you are going. Regular washing and spray conditioner would be good I think but can't recommend one for thick hair but I love Fudge products.

1. Definately a rucksack, they are really practical and probably the safest option on a bike but also good for walking. You can get nice ones nowadays but personally I have an old gray one that I got when I started secondary school in 1998 :o

Thanks both, if I get two recommendations to use a rucksack on a S&B thread there really is no alternative is there? Ho hum...

1. what about a short dressing gown? Large T-Shirt?
2. Leave-in conditioner - Paul Mitchell. It's blue (I think and inexpensive). You could put it in a french plait, that would keep it tangle free.
3. rucksack and plastic bags to put wet costumes in and don't forget swim nappies!

TBH, on my trips to Center Parcs I have abandoned all style/beauty, certainly in the swimming pool. I don't remember giving particular thought to what I, or anyone else, was wearing, was just too pre-occupied dealing with DD aged 2.

BTW, a small child is a great way to cover up a wobbly tummy!

I think I just made sure I had a big beach towel for poolside.

Also have thick wavy hair, just tied it up and back in a bun as far as I could, and embraced the birds nest look for the duration. And this was with my PILs around (MIL is immaculately groomed at all times).

Make sure you are behind the camera rather than in front of it as much as possible!

1, this is why i put off swimming.
2, morrocian oil - i got a small sample bottle from ebay, you only need a drop and it keeps my hair silky and tangle free. You need to plait or tie your hair in a bun to avoid the matted tangle swimming hair.
3, a rucksack is the only option if cycling, have my eye on the eastpak.

Agree with NotSoPukey, the great thing about CP is that nobody cares what you look like! I am far from slender but feel quite confident wandering from toddler pool to main pool and sitting on the side in my swimsuit. Same goes for travelling around the forest, everyone else will be in fleeces and carrying rucksacks so it would be rude not to!

As for the hair, pile on conditioner and keep it tied back. The combination of chlorine and cycle helmets makes anything else impractical.