first family holiday abroad, tips please

Cal04

we are going to Portugal in a few weeks, years since we were on a plane even, kids never on one!
would love some advise and tips on packing, airport, Albufeira!
Travelling with Aer Lingus, only one bag and hand luggage.

Gatica

how old are your children?
Bring own food for yourself and the kids, airlines nowadays fleece you for aeroplane snacks (unless it's included with the flight).
As you might have noticed on some forums they're stricter nowadays with hand luggage, so make sure it's the acceptable size and weight - no extras, just the one bag per person.
Get those clear lunchbags, 20cmx20cm I believe, for your gels/liquids for getting through security. It'll speed up the process if you have this pre-packed and easily slipped out of your bag if security asks for it to be placed separately in a tray. Wear comfortable clothing for flying or sitting around in, in case you get delayed. I never get how women travel in stilettos!
Shoes that go on and off easily, socks that don't cut your circulation, ear-lugs help if you get popping ears, or chewing gum. Drink enough water to keep you hydrated but not enough to keep you going to the bathroom - I really hate airplane toilets! Alcohol isn't great for flying.

Sala

Sweets for the kids if they are old enough- hard suckable sweets are great for popping or painful ears.

I Need The Sun

Bring a camera:D..take lots of photos..(oh...and always put it back in its case after you use it.. a few grains have been the ruin of many a digital camera..).

its common enough for younger kids to get minor eye irritations from being in the pool a lot...the chemsits are usually very good at giving advice and usually a lot cheaper for eye drops and things like calpol etc..so I wouldnt worry about bring a lot of that sort of stuff with you.

Whats your transfer arrangmenets? In recent years we have got taxis, normally working out at about €80-€100 euro for a return journey....(eg €54 for a 75 km journey)... waiting at Faro or wherever for a bus transfer can take ages and all the drop offs can be a nightmare..makes a reall difference to the holiday experience when you can jumpin into a pre-booked taxi and get to your hotel/apartment within the hour..

If your self catering, I recommend finding out where the big supermarkets (Aldi, Continente etc) are on day one....the smaller local ones are generally way too expensive...you'll save a fortune, costs generally cheaper than over here for meat, pasta, all that sorta thing...

Also check out your specific hotel/apartment with www.tripadvisor.com Should be lots of good local knowledge, tips for places to eat, kids to go to. And, er...dont take too much heed to of the whingers on there, (not unless the reivews are all bad)... theres no pleasing some folk.

if the kids are very young, if ur not bringing a bugy, or whatever, u can often hire them in places, but check where in advance...enjoy you lucky things!!:D

naughtysmurf

Sunscreen and plenty of it & hats for little ones