Best kids toys to take to France n Spain?

[kathyshack]

Were off on our road trip to Spain next week. I'm trying to go as minimal as possible, as we want to use some France passion sites. Got a 6 yr old and a 2 1/2 yr old. If they had their way they'd take everything with them... Just wondering if there's any must haves / stuff you took which you wish you hadn't etc? I'm thinking of taking their micro scooters, but can't decide whether to bother or not, as my experience of French campsites as a kid, is that mucky type ground which would be rubbish with scooters..... Don't want to take loads of crap clugging up the van..... This is our longest and first major trip away with the kids, and first time taking them abroad.... Normally we take everything but the kitchen sink lol.....
Any tips appreciated x

[T'Onion]

Laptop and a usb stick/ hard-drive full of their fav's for use while on the move

[jed the spread]

We have taken the lap top with emergency films for days with nothing going on and to be honest we have never watched a film on the computer once while away overseas. You are going to be to busy exploring to worry about films and stuff and a trip over a couple of weeks and the kids will be off running around with the French/Spanish kids to worry about toys.

I will never forget a night in St Mount Michelle on an Aire with T'onion and LHD and how all the kids from all over Europe just ran around all evening happy as hell and not one of them spoke each others language.

Happy days

jed

[ninja.turtle007]

Agree with the Laptop.

Also an Ipod touch loaded with games.

[kathyshack]

Thanks guys.
Jed, sounds great! Getting so excited! We've owned a campervan for 9yrs or so now, and always fancied going abroad in it. One thing or another has always got in the way. Weve had a tough last 2/3 yrs but really really really looking forward to this!
Thanks to everyone for various tips/advice etc!
Kathy x

[jed the spread]

You will have a great time and once you have done it you will never do the other holidays again. I remember last year when we were as far as we were going to go and looked on the Tom Tom and it was 1300 miles to get home on a direct route. I turned to Louise and said, "bloody hell we really are miles away from home right now" and we just laughed at each other. Dont get me wrong, we spent 5 years back packing as far as OZ, Cape town, India/Nepal, SE Asia etc but this time we had actually driven 2000 miles from our door to where we looked at the Tom Tom, over mountains and through all those counties. Isaac didnt see what the big deal was

jed

[ninja.turtle007]

Isaac didnt see what the big deal was

jed

Give it 25 years and he will understand.

[kathyshack]

You will have a great time and once you have done it you will never do the other holidays again. I remember last year when we were as far as we were going to go and looked on the Tom Tom and it was 1300 miles to get home on a direct route. I turned to Louise and said, "bloody hell we really are miles away from home right now" and we just laughed at each other. Dont get me wrong, we spent 5 years back packing as far as OZ, Cape town, India/Nepal, SE Asia etc but this time we had actually driven 2000 miles from our door to where we looked at the Tom Tom, over mountains and through all those counties. Isaac didnt see what the big deal was

jed

Brilliant! We've done the backpacking thing, and if Im honest, Im just as excited about hitting the open rd with the kids in tow got a vague plan for first week, but apart from having to be in mollerussa on 4th n 5th may, were free

[project 2006]

Bucket & spade and Ispy game played in your car while driving.

[ringo]

Few choice books for bedtime, bucket and spades (excellent toys not just when on the beach), ball, kite and one favorite toy each. Dont forget the paper and crayons....

I have to say I only get nervous when i forget the books. Kids can have a ball with a saucepan and spoon.

We have started packing a kids magazine (has to have stickers in it!) like the cbeebies one. This only comes out when its raining or you need to occupy them indoors (during a wedding perhaps).

I think i would stick the scooters in too if you have the room - my kids are a bit young to be that bothered so its a risk if they even get used (and yes, they are useless on grass so means you have to march off somewhere to find somewhere suitable to play on them). Scrap that idea, leave the scooters at home.....

It is hard - all kids are different and so is every trip...

Enjoy,

Ringo

[kathyshack]

Thanks guys! x

[pocolow]

I would pack the scooters too as many of the campsites have "smooth" areas . Erin took her scooter to France last year and used it quite alot.

Mark

[shorehambeach]

Were off on our road trip to Spain next week. I'm trying to go as minimal as possible, as we want to use some France passion sites. Got a 6 yr old and a 2 1/2 yr old. If they had their way they'd take everything with them... Just wondering if there's any must haves / stuff you took which you wish you hadn't etc? I'm thinking of taking their micro scooters, but can't decide whether to bother or not, as my experience of French campsites as a kid, is that mucky type ground which would be rubbish with scooters..... Don't want to take loads of crap clugging up the van..... This is our longest and first major trip away with the kids, and first time taking them abroad.... Normally we take everything but the kitchen sink lol.....
Any tips appreciated x

Kathy

Scooters are a must ! So much better than bikes and more sociable for the kids.
Bucket spades pop up tent.....PACK OF CARDS!

Go to the Poundshop and get little things for the journey so ever 50 + miles they get a present (if they've been good) - that really helps with a 2.5 year old. Little tiny cars/pencils etc etc...something to unwrap.. works really well.

Enjoy.

[Ralf85]

Small stuff is best I reckon. A ball for throwing catching etc. A plastic boule set so that they do not hurt their toes but you can all play together. A kite to fly. With young kids in tow and cooped up in a camper all day I always picked a campsite with a playground at the end of each day, so that they can have fun and let off steam with minimal supervision ie one of you can get on with the cooking and preparation. Happy camping whatever you choose to do.

Patrick

[kathyshack]

Some great tips guys..... Love the little pressie idea!
Thanks x