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Last year we wanted to go on holiday and enjoy some sun with our 7 year old. The first time our daughter went on a plane was when she was a 9 month old and had not been on a plane since. There was a bit of apprehension of what she would be like on the plane and being in a foreign country. Safe to say, we were pleasantly surprised.
We decided to go with Jet2 as we’ve been with them before and had no issues. They also had several holidays that had a free child place which is perfect for cutting down the cost.
Monday – Travelling to Spain
The day of the travel we left our home at 4am and headed to Manchester Airport. Our daughter was not looking forward to this part of the journey due to having to wake up early. It was easy enough to go through security and head to the bar for breakfast and beer (because it’s a must to have a pint at the start of your holiday, right?).
Our daughter sat by the window so she could see the views as we were taking off. Considering this was the first time our daughter had been on a plane (whilst knowing what was going on) she found it exhilarating and was really happy to be flying above the clouds. Which was completely the opposite to myself, who finds flying a slightly nerve wracking experience.
The flight was 2 and a half hours long so we had to be prepared. The backpacks were full with colouring activities, snacks and a tablet for our 7 year old to keep entertained throughout.
Monday – Arriving at Spain
When we landed and got off the plane in Malaga there was that instant hit of hot air. Even though we went in October it was still lovely and warm. After going through Border Control we went to find the Jet2 representative to find out where the transfer coach was and headed down to the coach.
For this holiday, we were staying at Globales Los Patos Park and it took less than hour to get there from the airport. We were quite lucky on the coach journey as there were only two drop offs before. However, we did get to the hotel a couple of hours before the room was ready. Unfortunately the luggage storage was full so it was a bit of a waiting game until we could go up.
After gettting the keys to the room, we changed into outfits more appropriate for the sun. We then headed for food at the hotel and our daughter was spoiled for choice. She had never experienced a buffet style all inclusive restaurant before and was amazed. I get concerned on all inclusive holidays as to whether there are any vegan options available. However, the hotel had plenty of fruit, vegetables and salads available to choose from.
In the hotel there was an entertainment room for the children, a shop and a bar. The bar was located inside the entertainment room for the evening entertainment. Outside, there was also access to the bar and the snack shop. There was also a water park type pool with slides, a splash pool and a pool for swimming.
We went for a swim in the main pool and then headed down to the beach in the evening for the sunset. The sunset was absolutely beautiful and definitely a perfect one for the first night in Spain.
Tuesday
The next day was cloudy but warm in the morning so we took advantage and walked into Benalmádena Marina. The walk from our hotel to the Marina was a 40 minute walk with added minutes for little legs.
The sun started coming out on the walk back so it was a bit more strenuous for the little one. Upon return at the hotel we went for a swim when the rain decided to pour down.
Wednesday
Wednesday was a rainy birthday for the 7 year old. Funny how we tried to escape the rain by going to Spain but it still caught up with us. However, we ended up spending the day playing cards and enjoying the hotel entertainment. In the evening it was so windy that the outdoor chairs were sliding across the patio.
Even though it was raining we still managed to have a good day!
Thursday
Thursday was a glorious sunny day which was a lovely comparison to the previous day. We headed to the beach in the morning and it was that hot that the sand was burning our feet.
In the later afternoon we headed to La Carihuela to go to The Launch. My husband and myself had been there a few years ago and wanted to relive the experience. After having a lovely pint in The Launch, we walked along the promenade towards Benalmádena. This involved doing the tourist thing and looking in gift shops along the way.
We managed to get about 5 minutes down the path when our daughter was hungry so we stopped at Carihuela Beach Restaurant to get her some food… and another pint for ourselves. The view from our seats in this Restaurant was perfect as the sun was setting.
After we had finished at Carihuela Beach Restaurant we carried on walking towards Benalmádena, enjoying the views on the way. It was very lively and lovely to see loads of people out when the sun was going down. There were people playing music and quite a few different people doing amazing sand art on the beach. My favourite one was the pumpkin, it felt so strange looking at a pumpkin on the beach while it was warm!
Friday
Friday was sadly the end of our holiday and our flight wasn’t until 10pm. Our transfer to the airport wasn’t until 7pm, luckily we were still allowed to use the hotel facilities. What a lovely day it was as well, we headed to the beach and made shell art. We then headed to a local beach bar for one final drink in the sun!
Unfortunately, the flight going home was delayed as there had been delays all day. We also had an interesting experience where my husbands boarding pass was mixed up with another name. Thankfully that didn’t take too long to get sorted. Soon we were through security, onto Burger King then waiting for the flight to arrive. With the flight being delayed this was definitely the most painful part of the holiday. However, I am proud of my daughter who was pleasant throughout and patiently waited before falling fast asleep on the plane home.
I’ve got to say taking my 7 year old on holiday abroad was lovely. She was in her element enjoying nearly every moment and you could see confidence and independence growing from the experience. They loved making friends at the entertainment in the evening, spending time in the pool floating around and the buffet style food for each meal.
Would we do it again? Absolutely. The only thing we’d do different next time would be to get an earlier flight coming back and come back in the late afternoon instead of the evening as that was painful.
