Our biggest littlest adventure yet!

Feeling brave a few months ago we decided to book a holiday abroad with our little one. Feeling not quite that confident a couple of days later we decided, despite not really being the 'package holiday kind' (if there is such a thing), to book through a company. We did this for several reasons, not least to take some of the hassle out of organising a holiday when also trying to look after a small person and work, but also because we got extra baggage allowance, no cost for pushchair or buggy and we felt that the hotel would be fairly tried and tested. We fixed on Greece and booked with Thomson.

In a nutshell, it was great. From start to finish the holiday company and hotel were fantastic. (I'll put links to our hotel at the end of this post).

Flying was an experience, I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to do over 3 hours! However, everyone was really helpful. In fact, we got to go through the 'Business Class' security checks in Greece, "because it would be easier for us". The Thomson representatives in the airport helped carry our bags for us too as we had our hands full. Changing a nappy on a plane was not something I'd repeat if I had to! Avoid, if at all possible! The air stewardesses were great and stood and chatted to me whilst I tried to settle little one (failed miserably) until the 'Fasten Seatbelt' sign came on when predictably sleep happened!

The staff in the hotel were welcoming and friendly and absolutely adored having our little one in their hotel. They honestly couldn't do enough for us. We ate at a different taverna every night, and again they were brilliant. Not everywhere had a highchair, but most did. Little one ate pretty much what we did, only protesting mildly at feta cheese and majorly at ice cream! The hotel catered mostly for adults, but did have a nice garden complete with slide, playhouse and rocking horse. It also had a large pond and no children's pool, so we did have to have eyes in the back of our heads for the week!

I basically packed as much as I possibly could just to cover every eventuality! I'll share just a few things that were the most useful, just in case it's of help to anyone else:

• secret toy stashed in hand luggage for aeroplane distraction (we bought a Vtech baby laptop that has become an instant hit - it has volume control and an 'off' switch!) 
• chocolate - wise words shared with me before I traveled by a seasoned traveller - "do not be afraid to use chocolate as encouragement (bribery) when on a plane with a grumpy child!")
• Dettol wipes - yep, I'm a clean freak - I'm pleased to say they were barely needed, but I wouldn't travel without them!
• Milton steriliser tablets 
• Pushchair parasol, cotton sheet as extra shade  and mosquito net
• a bucket that squashes down flat (from Early Learning Centre)
• Loads of snacks - just in case the food didn't go down well or we got stuck on the plane
• Drinks - obviously the advice changes all the time, but so long as we tasted the liquids we brought for little one the security staff were happy
• Plastic plates, spoons, cups & cutlery (Reduces paranoia of food time plate hurling)
• Swim suit that provided Factor 40 plus protection and matching hat (from Boots)
• Spray on sun cream (Factor 50) Much easier and quicker to apply than the tubes of cream.

www.achtishotel.com