lots of silly questions re sunny package holidays

mummyyummy_2

we are a fam of 5 going AI Majorca this summer 2 weeks, we have never been on a sunny holiday before so please excuse all the silly questions..

1.) we know we will still need spending money. how much would you think would be enough to take? we want to have a good time, but not break the bank (hence AI)
2.) sunscreen? how much and what types are best? over here we use factor 30 suncream but i know ill prob need factor 50 for the kids but which is best? cream? spray? brand? are cheap as good as very expensive?
3.) how much do you pack? we have a good luggage allowance, doesnt mean we really want to lug too much stuff away with us. Do I pack enough for 1 week then re-wash? or 2 weeks so no washing?
4.) what would yourecommend taking for kids to do on plane journey/transfer? age 3,9,12.... are they allowed ipods etc on the plane?
5.) gonna def use a buggy with 3 year old at the airport, can you take them dont past the gate to the plane door?

hope someone can help##:j:j

richardw

1.) we know we will still need spending money. how much would you think would be enough to take? we want to have a good time, but not break the bank (hence AI)

Perhaps take 100 Euros with you and then get the rest out of the cash machine as you go.


2.) sunscreen? how much and what types are best? over here we use factor 30 suncream but i know ill prob need factor 50 for the kids but which is best? cream? spray? brand? are cheap as good as very expensive?

http://www.mumsnet.com/qanda/mike-brown

http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/176067-best-sunscreen-irrespective-of-price-suggestions-please/AllOnOnePage

3.) how much do you pack? we have a good luggage allowance, doesnt mean we really want to lug too much stuff away with us. Do I pack enough for 1 week then re-wash? or 2 weeks so no washing?

1 week or 5 days then re-wash

4.) what would yourecommend taking for kids to do on plane journey/transfer? age 3,9,12.... are they allowed ipods etc on the plane?

Yes, but must be switched off for take-off and landing

5.) gonna def use a buggy with 3 year old at the airport, can you take them dont past the gate to the plane door?

Yes

poppy_f1

spending money - if your quite happy not moving from the hotel complex for the 2 weeks then you wont need much - works for some people, others will get bored - have a look at see whats around the area you are in that you might fancy doing eg waterparks, boat trips then you can get an idea of how much you might need


re clothes - some stuff can be worn more than once, especially things that you are just wearing at nights for a few hours and stuff you will wear down to the pool then take off - as i can said this can be worn more than 1 day, for a 2 week holiday i would generally just take enough for 1 week then re wash as needed - you can take some mini washing powers or buy some over there (i wash in the bathroom sink then leave to dry on the patio/balcony)

sunscreen - im slowly coming round to the once a day suncream but using it twice a day - i dont fully trust it especially when in and out water so i used it on my last holiday but put it on in the morning then after lunch and for the kids you can go up to factor 50 - i used the boots soltan stuff and it was fine

AbsCaveDave

I always Use P20, I've worked in some very very sunny places - you'll still need to avoid the midday sun. keep the kids topped up with boots own brand, most of all make sure they drink enough water, not just 'free' coke! - A last bit of advice is as tempting as it is, dont run your air conditioning too cold as going in and out of the heat to cold as kids do can upset tummies.

bluecowonthebus

Can't answer all the questions but will try some..

Sunscreen - my son has eczema so reacts to some creams. We have found Asda, Lidl and Nivea to be as good as expensive ones but try before you go away to see what works for your children. Spray creams can be easier for a younger child but since children do have to stand still when you put it on anyway so it doesn't make much difference.

Kids will wear T-shirts, shorts and swimming stuff mostly - maybe you could take a small amount of washing gel to hand wash stuff if necessary.

Travelling - the older kids could each have a small rucksack with whatever they want for the journey - ipod, book, magazine, few snacks, spare T-shirt etc, even toothbrush in case you are delayed.
Also take sachets of Calpol on the flight in case of ear problems which can happen because young children don't know how to 'pop' their ears.

To entertain your youngest, put some toys, books, crayons etc separately in strong Ziploc freezer bags - ie couple of crayons with a colouring book, few toys in another one, snacks in another one. This way you will have different things to entertain them but don't have to carry too much on the plane. If you do it this way, you can reach in your bag on the flight and grab something quickly.

The website babygoes2.com has tips about planning trips with children as does Mumsnet.

Good luck!

bluecowonthebus

Sorry, should add that you can check the rules about what you can and can't take on the plane in hand luggage on your holiday company's website, also on Direct.gov http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Publictransport/AirtravelintheUK/DG_078179

trolleyrun

I'd recommend you get the highest factor sunscreen you can get your hands on. Your kids will (most likely) be in and out of the water constantly, so if you can get a high factor which is water proof, all the better. The cream/lotion/spray will have to be re-applied regardless, but it'll protect them whilst they're in the water. I'm an adult with fair skin and I wear factor 70 as a minimum (due to the fairness of my skin and a cancer scare). Have a look at amazon for really high factors. A spray is probably the easiest. Just remember to apply it indoors, preferably in the bath tub so tiles don't get slippy and you don't waste any spray in the sea breeze.

If you have large (over 100 ml) bottles of liquids with you, please remember to put them in your checked-in luggage. There are plenty of threads here about what liquids you can cannot bring as hand luggage.

Stay rehydrated. I know water can be boring, especially when AI, but it's essential for your well being. Keep the aircon on during the day, and then turn off just before bed time. If you're not used to aircon, it'll give you a sore throat and the symptoms of a cold.

Most of all: Enjoy! Have a lovely time.. Try some local food, Sangria and tapas.

In regards to packing, pack enough undies for the whole holiday (bikini tops double as bras) and then wash/go the rest as needed. If you/kids swim in the pool, rinse the cossies out every evening, otherwise the chlorine will damage them (I've learned the hard way). Mix and match your clothes, basically pack things that go together with other stuff.

Oh, and don't bring back a straw donkey :rotfl:

busiscoming2

Don't take special travel wash stuff, just use shampoo and conditioner instead. Take a small ball of string and some pegs as it is easy to rig up a line (more drying space than the airers they supply) and it will dry while you are out during the day or overnight.

I have found that sunscreen is more or less the same price here as in the large supermarkets in Majorca. Remember its heavy and the weight allowance doesn't go far!