Traveling with a toddler

[niki]

We are going to Cancun in August and taking our 2-year old and have a few questions for those who have traveled with a tot before:

-Would you recommend a blow up travel bed (we are staying for 8 nights)?
-What do you put on their feet when on the beach? I can't remember if sand is too hot for bare kiddie feet. Should we get those non-skid socks water socks or flip flops/sandals?
-How many toys should I bring for him for the plane and beach?
-What sort of beach-friendly items should I pack? Do you pack your own towels or buy them there?
-Any other items you couldn't live without when you took a beach vacation with your toddler?

Any help or advice to make our trip go smoother would be greatly appreciated!

[niki]

Oops, I see another thread just like this was started. Ignore!