Hi there.
About a month ago, I posted a potential itinerary for Bulgaria and Istanbul, but in the end, since we found some relatively cheap flight tickets to Istanbul, we decided to go for a trip to Turkey instead.
When? 2 weeks, late August (14th to 29th)
Who? Dad, mom, a 17-year-old teen, and an 11-year-old child
Here’s our plan: do you think it’s doable? Any practical tips?
We start with 4 full days in Istanbul (5 nights)
Then, we rent a car and head to Ephesus. We stay there for 1 day (2 nights)
After that, we drive to Kaş. We stay there for 4 full days (5 nights), enough time to relax a bit, see Kaputaş Beach and Kekova, the site of Myra, the site of Patara, and possibly the site of Çıralı/Olympos—even though it’s a bit far—and Saklıkent Gorge.
From Kaş, we spend 2 nights near Denizli to see Pamukkale and Aphrodisias. Is it possible to visit both sites in the same day?
Then, we travel from Pamukkale back to Istanbul, return the car, and spend one last night in Istanbul.
You asked for our impressions, so here are mine...
I think the places you mentioned will be very crowded, and you might be surprised by how high the prices are.
While I totally get wanting to "see what there is to see"—and it doesn’t take much effort—I still think an alternative plan that skips most of what you listed could make for a more interesting, unique, and maybe even more satisfying trip.
To really understand—with a little effort—that one might want to "see what there is to see", I still find that an alternative plan, openly avoiding pretty much everything you just listed, could make for a more interesting, more original, and perhaps more satisfying trip.
Michel
Thanks for your quick reply. I did notice, while listing the places, that they’re super well-known, but I’m not sure how crowded they get... For prices, I saw that entry fees to the different sites are really expensive, but I also found the Museum Pass Türkiye, which could help reduce the overall cost a bit.
For now, I only have the flight tickets, so I’m open to alternative plans. If you have any to suggest, I’m all ears!
I’ll think about it for alternative ideas.
But if your family is in the mindset of "seeing the sights" and "hitting the must-see spots," another plan might throw them off—especially if they’re also expecting some beach time.
You might get a few more reactions here too.
I’ll think about it for alternative ideas.
But if your family is in the mindset of "seeing the sights" and "hitting the must-see spots," another plan might throw them off—especially if they’re also expecting some beach time.
You might get a few other reactions here too.
Michel
The little one is a fan of Greek mythology and loves splashing around, actually. The older one loves music and kebabs, and the two adults enjoy discovering new horizons without spending too much money.
Anyway: go ahead and share those alternative plans, it can’t hurt 😉
Especially since on Turkey in VF, there’s not much besides Istanbul and Cappadocia. I’ve scoured the whole forum and found nothing.
Good evening,
My last trip to Turkey was a year and a half ago. I visited Cappadocia and the southern coast between Antalya and Fethiye, but only saw a few sites like Olympos (Çıralı) and Thermessos. I didn’t find the cost of living very high—hardly more than in Bulgaria.
I only have my phone right now, and it’s not very practical for me. I’ll share a few more details later.
Thanks for your replies.
Attila: why should Pamukkale be avoided? (Actually, it was mainly the location—between the southern coast and Istanbul—that made me decide. It makes for a good stopover to break up the long trip back.)
First, regarding the crowds and atmosphere, you shouldn’t see Turkey as the European tourist destination it once was. Turkey has largely moved on from Europe—helped along by external factors—and now sees massive tourism from the Arab world, India, Pakistan, and of course, China as well.
If you add the Turks from Europe who vacation in Anatolia during the summer, you’ll find crowds everywhere, including in places you might not expect.
Inflation is very high, and prices have skyrocketed in places where customers are captive. Airport prices, for example, are outrageous—among the highest in the world—and it’s nearly impossible to buy a SIM card at a normal rate.
There’s also a lot of new harassment and scams from taxis, which had almost disappeared a few years ago but are now systematic. There’s also a noticeable increase in homelessness and neighborhoods that have become run-down, like Kadıköy.
I’ll add that Istanbul has changed a lot—a large part of the Bosphorus is now only accessible through a luxury touristy commercial gallery, there are fewer boats, and the ones that remain feel rather sanitized.
Personally, the city now depresses me, but if you’ve never been, you might still enjoy it.
In my opinion, there are plenty of very interesting cities worth visiting.
Amasya, Sivas, and Tokat are good stops, or you could base yourself in Elazığ or Malatya and take a day trip. Renting a car in Ankara or taking a flight to Kayseri for a big loop is another option.
Staying near Istanbul to visit Edirne, Tekirdağ, or Çanakkale is also a more original idea.
I doubt any of this will appeal if you’re looking for a beach holiday.
You mentioned having an interesting flight to Istanbul—by the way, which airport?
Flights to Istanbul are always expensive, and landing at IST or SAW isn’t exactly the same thing.
Reading your take on Turkey is still pretty off-putting. I’d love to go for the first time but I’d definitely hesitate a lot. That said, I went outside peak season (June or September 2023—I can’t quite remember) in Cappadocia first (the small village of Çavuşin near Göreme), where I did 5 or 6 hikes. I didn’t run into many people, but seeing thousands of quads parked and waiting for summer tourists (I assume) gave me a good idea of what it’d be like when they’re all revving up on the trails!
From your list of cities, I noted Kayseri since that’s the airport I flew into in Turkey... The least you can say is that this city and its surroundings don’t attract mass tourism! I met some lovely people there who showed me around a mosque or a fort—I can’t quite remember which—and who offered me a glass of raki...
From our hotel room window, we could admire the magnificent Mount Erciyes with its snow-capped summit (3,950m), which I’d never heard of before. We just *had* to climb it—it was a must. We took a bus to the ski resort, and when we arrived at the cable cars, they were all shut down due to lack of customers!
No tourists—*none at all*.
Well, it’s true—they fired up the ski lift just for us! The round-trip ticket cost 2 or 3 euros!
Around noon, a Turkish family joined us on the cable cars, and after our climb up Mount Erciyes, we ended up with 7 or 8 "pilgrims" at a table in the resort’s little restaurant, where we ate really well.
Getting back was a bit tricky by bus—there was a transfer to make... A resort staff member offered to call a taxi from Kayseri. I hesitated, imagining an outrageous fare... But it didn’t cost much more than the one-way bus ride! And the taxi dropped us right in front of our hotel!
To get to the "center" of Cappadocia, we took a bus to Avanos (5 euros). Çavuşin is right next door...
The rest of our trip took place along the southern coast between Antalya and Fethiye. Antalya is very touristy, but the old town is worth visiting.
Some small towns on the coast were already packed with tourists, but by renting a car, we found gorgeous coves and small family-run guesthouses at very reasonable prices.
One place I found magical: Butterfly Valley (near Fethiye). You can only get there on foot (very acrobatic) or by boat...
The beach is deserted until around noon, when hordes of tourists arrive by boat—music blaring so loud you can hear it for miles around. They stay for about an hour and then leave... Phew!
Flights to Istanbul are always expensive,
Really?! We flew Lyon/Istanbul/Kayseri round-trip for less than 200 € (luggage included, of course).
Lyon/Istanbul was around 150 € (Turkish Airlines or Pegasus—I can’t quite remember).
For Pamukkale, it's best to avoid it if the site management hasn't changed.
A road used to cut through the site, disfiguring and dirtying it. The white turned gray from pollution.
And above all, people were wandering everywhere, bathing in the pools sometimes with a beer in hand. For the beauty and preservation of the site, we’ll pass...
Authorities may have fixed this by now, so it's worth checking before you go.
I’m very wary of photos that are usually heavily Photoshopped: colors enhanced, people removed, etc...
With the crowds, even if the site is better preserved, it probably doesn’t have much of its natural feel left...
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
Thanks for adding a bit of optimism to the picture 🙂.
Lyon to Kayseri this August, I don’t see how you could do it for less than 650 or 700 €.
I agree with you: anywhere in Anatolia, there’s stuff to see everywhere, and it’s true that the new-wave tourists don’t go there—either because they’re Turks from Europe or because they come to Turkey mostly for luxury and shopping.
This itinerary seems totally doable. On my blog there’s a review of a similar trip but with younger kids (so, normally less patient).
It’s a shame not to go through Cappadocia, though—a region we loved, with breathtaking landscapes. And if you steer clear of the ‘Instagram’ spots, you’ll quickly escape the crowds. We spent a week in Istanbul and a week in Cappadocia (with a baby, which is why we only had two bases!). Anyway, I’m not really helping much, just wanted to throw out some other ideas 😉
Sandrine
Blog Voyages et Enfants: Voyager en famille est un jeu d'enfant!
I was there in October 2024. Really enjoyed it.
Not too crowded—off-season makes a difference.
In Marmaris, restaurant prices are pretty high. On the other hand, there’s a nice bazaar where you can negotiate prices, which makes it interesting.
Lovely walk along the waterfront.
I still get the feeling that crowds peak in summer (July/August) no matter where you go. It’s the same pretty much all over Europe, especially around the Mediterranean.
In Cappadocia, we saw parking lots full of quads. They must be used a lot in the summer because in June we only saw one out in the countryside.
PS: I just checked flights from Lyon to Istanbul in June—they range from 108 to 205 €... I guess you’d have to add baggage fees on top of that since they’re often not included in the listed price.
I still get the feeling that crowds are at their peak in summer (July/August) no matter where you go. It’s the same pretty much everywhere in Europe, especially around the Mediterranean.
In Cappadocia, we saw parking lots full of quads. They must be used a lot in the summer because in June we only saw one out in the countryside.
It’s not the same crowd; Cappadocia is pretty much a French-only destination.
PS: I just took a quick look at flights from Lyon to Istanbul in June—they range from 108 to 205 euros... I guess you have to add baggage fees on top of that since they’re often not included in the listed price.
I was looking at Lyon to Kayseri for around 650-700 €, and in August.
There’s a Transavia flight from Lyon to Istanbul in June for 108 €, yeah. For the brave.
There’s a Transavia flight from Lyon to Istanbul in June for 108 €, yes. For enthusiasts
Meh... Nowadays, there’s no more risk of cancellation with Transavia or Pegasus than with Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, or Air France. With Transavia, you can bring your own sandwich🤪 And security-wise, I wonder if it’s not better to fly with a low-cost airline🐙—their planes are newer and maybe better maintained...
After that, we head to Kas. We stay there for 4 full days (5 nights), enough time to relax a bit, see Kaputas Beach and Kekova, the site of Myra, the site of Patara, and possibly the site of Cirali/Olympos—even if it's a bit far—and the Saklikent Gorge.
To sum up: I crossed Turkey from Istanbul to Gurbulak (Iran) a long time ago.
I’ve been back to Istanbul several times since then—it’s modernized a lot but is still always interesting to visit, both on the European and Asian sides.
In 2023, as a couple, we didn’t go to Ephesus or the entire west coast. Instead, we visited:
- Cappadocia in June, and I really liked it. Beautiful landscapes, plenty of great hikes (for enthusiasts): Rose Valley, Red Valley, White Valley, Green Valley (I can’t remember which is which), Love Valley! Pleasant accommodation in Çavuşin (Inn Stone House), with a host who speaks French well and is very cooperative.
- Kayseri and its surroundings (Mount Erciyes).
Then a flight from Kayseri to Antalya, and we rented a car to drive along the coast to Fethiye.
Even in June, Antalya is packed with tourists. It’s impossible to drive into the old town unless you have a hotel reservation. The old town is worth it, though.
Near Antalya, I really liked the wild site of Thermessos because it’s a bit elevated (1000m) and set apart in a forested mountain—gorgeous! Very few people in June since you have to walk up from the parking lot, and it’s a climb!
Same for the sites around Cirali (Olympos) and especially Yanartaş (the Chimaera), which were a bit more crowded. A few walks along the "Lycian Way" by the sea, leading to small wooded coves... But it must get really hot in summer! We stayed in a nice place: Canada Hotel and Bungalows.
Kas, Kaputas, Kekova, etc.—we avoided them because they were packed with tourists. In short, we only stopped in places away from the crowds.
Our favorite spot (I should say we love hiking and exploring rugged places, ending up at wild coves) was Faralya (a nice family-run guesthouse). Walks along the Lycian Way, including a descent into the Butterfly Valley (breathtaking!), and some quiet beaches like Aktas.
The Saklikent Gorge? Meh... We stayed for an hour and left. I can’t imagine what it’s like in August! It’s over-exploited, with souvenir shops everywhere, shoe rental places, etc. The site is over-developed—I’d say over-equipped. Visitors follow each other in a single file through the gorge (not great). In short, everything I don’t like. Anyway, a tip: go early in the morning—visitors to this kind of place rarely get up early.
The advantage for us is that we don’t book anything in advance. Before arriving in Faralya, I had spotted a place on Booking in a seaside village a few kilometers away. We thought about stopping there... It was horrible—so ugly and overrun with tourists!
With Transavia you bring your own sandwich And in terms of safety, I wonder if it's not better to go with a low-cost airline🐙 their planes are newer and maybe better maintained....
I don’t like the green .
No, seriously, it’s totally possible to take Transavia, but apart from cases like the one you mentioned here, I rarely find it financially worthwhile, since you have to book the Max fare to get the standard cabin baggage, which for me is the norm.
The mentality that led them to retroactively charge taxes on already sold tickets didn’t sit well with me either, to be honest. So, Transavia? No, I’m ruling them out.
For the rest, I’ve spent months and months in Turkey—maybe a year or two in total—but I’ve never visited places that way, and I’m not very familiar with the tourist sites. Just Termessos (no 'h') which did impress me, but that was back in the mid-90s.
Other ideas come to mind, more about places than sites: Harput, Mount Nemrut—but I don’t know the impact of the recent earthquakes in Adıyaman—Afyon, Mount Ararat of course, the religious sites in Şanlıurfa, Mardin.
The mentality that led them to retroactively demand taxes on already sold tickets didn’t sit well with me either, to be honest. So, Transavia—no, I’m ruling them out.
If I had to consider such criteria, I’d eliminate quite a few.
I don’t think I’ve ever flown Transavia. Never had the chance.
I’ve ruled out Lufthansa after they canceled hundreds of flights in summer 2022 (including mine) for no real reason other than being short-staffed on the ground, and they never compensated me as required by law. Since then, I’ve stuck with Wizz Air, EasyJet, or Pegasus (for Eastern Europe, Turkey, etc.) or any other airline for long-haul flights. I often travel light, and a carry-on is enough for me.
As for archaeological sites, I don’t actually visit many. I usually stumble upon them by chance if I’m passing by and the place speaks to me. Nothing’s ever planned.
I often travel light and a carry-on bag is enough for me.
Me too, but in 55 cm and 8 kg, not the 40 cm that’s supposed to fit under the seat.
I’ve flown Transavia three or four times—both Transavia France and Transavia NL.
Honestly, if I have another option, I take it.
Pegasus—I haven’t flown them in at least 10 or 15 years, but they were probably one of the worst airlines I’ve ever experienced.
Hi everyone, I’m coming back to you because I’m really unsure...
I’m considering several options:
1. Same route, but instead of Kaş, which apparently is packed, choose Antalya
2. Something completely different: base ourselves in İzmir and visit Ayvalık or Foça, the sites of Pergamon and Assos, then head down to Ephesus. Is it less crowded? Is the area interesting? Are the beaches sandy or pebbly?
3. Head to İzmir, then Ephesus, then the Dilek area and the sites of Miletus/Priene/Didyma
4. And finally: the Black Sea. Is it worth it or is there nothing to do there? Can you swim there too?
I don’t know about nowadays, but 40 years ago or more, back in the charter-flight era, it was THE favorite destination in Turkey by far. In the summer, we’d go either to Heraklion in Crete or Izmir in Turkey. I think Club Med is still there—unless it’s in Bodrum now. 😏
Just a quick recap of our trip to Turkey. We had a really beautiful journey—way beyond my expectations, I loved it so much.
We ended up spending 15 days there: Istanbul, Selçuk/Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Ankara, and on the way back, we swam in the Black Sea. We did everything by rental car—lots of kilometers, but Turkish roads are excellent.
It wasn’t too crowded, except in Ephesus and Istanbul, but compared to Rome or Paris, it was totally manageable.
We were a bit surprised, though—Cappadocia is absolutely mind-blowing. So much to do off the beaten path.
Sounds great! Next up is Bulgaria for the next trip, right? That’s what you were originally thinking, I believe? Romania is also really nice—I’ve been there three times and I’ll definitely go back again!
Sounds great! Next up is Bulgaria for your next trip, right? That’s what you were originally thinking, I believe? Romania is also really nice—I’ve been there three times and I’ll definitely go back!
I’ve read the forum a lot and found a wealth of information. I’ve tried to compile all of it into our itinerary and would love your feedback to finalize the bookings (we’re planning this *very* last-minute).
Here’s what we’re thinking of doing:
22 July: arrival in Johannesburg
Night of 22–23: Johannesburg
Nights of 23–26: Marloth Park (with Kruger visits on the 24th, 25th, and a crossing visit on the 26th)
Nights of 26–28: Graskop (visiting the canyon and Panorama Road on the 27th and 28th)
Nights of 28–30: Hoedspruit (visiting the central area of Kruger on the 29th?)
Nights of 30 July–1 August: Balule Park (private reserve with safari)
Nights of 1–5 August: flight from Hoedspruit to Cape Town, then 2 days in Cape Town, 1 day on the peninsula, and 2 days for wine (just the route) or something else based on your advice (we don’t know where to stay—whether to stay all 5 nights in Cape Town and where in the city, or do 2 nights in Cape Town and 3 nights nearby—but where?)
Night of 5–6 August: Kelders for penguins and whales
Nights of 6–8 August: Tsitsikamma (what is there to do/see?)
Nights of 8–10 August: Addo Park on the 9th
10 August: flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg and back home
What do you think?
Is there a lot of driving time?
We’d really appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Thanks!
I’d love some advice on choosing a Christmas destination for a trip with my partner and our two kids, aged 10 and 12.
We’re looking for a place where we can enjoy great, easy snorkeling with the kids—ideally from the beach or in shallow water.
And if possible, a beautiful spot to explore, with nature, hikes, and a more laid-back, backpacker-friendly vibe than big resorts or mass tourism.
A "reasonable" flight time and not too much jet lag would be ideal!
I’ve been considering Mauritius, Zanzibar (plus possibly Tanzania), Martinique, or Guadeloupe—but maybe you have other suggestions or thoughts on these options?
I wanted to share our experience after a 5-day trip to Armenia with my wife and our 8-month-old baby.
It’s a destination that’s still relatively unknown, but it’s really worth the trip, especially if you enjoy cultural, spiritual, historical, and human-centered travel.
We were looking for a change of scenery but not too complicated with a baby—and easy to organize (even though our travel agency helped us a lot, thanks to them! 😊). In the end, Armenia was a wonderful surprise. It’s not a "postcard-perfect" destination. It’s a raw, mountainous, ancient country with real depth.
And most importantly: Armenians *love* children.
That’s probably what surprised us the most. In restaurants, waitresses, owners, or even other customers would naturally come over to play with our baby, hold them for a few minutes, smile at them, or keep them entertained while we ate.
It wasn’t intrusive. It was very natural, very family-oriented. You can tell that children have a real place in society. For parents traveling with a baby, it’s honestly a pleasure.
Day 1 — Yerevan
We started with Yerevan, a pleasant capital that’s quite easy to explore with a child.
The city isn’t huge. You can stroll around Republic Square, visit cafés, discover markets, and walk at a relaxed pace.
With a baby, it’s pretty practical: you can easily take breaks, return to the hotel, or go back out in the evening. The vibe is laid-back, family-friendly, and we felt safe.
In the evening, Yerevan is very lively. The restaurants are welcoming, and almost everywhere, our baby drew smiles.
Day 2 — Etchmiadzin and Khor Virap
On the second day, we headed to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual heart of Armenia. It’s an important place for understanding the country and its Christian identity.
Then, we visited Khor Virap, facing Mount Ararat.
It’s probably one of the most striking places on the trip. The monastery, the plain, the distant Ararat—everything is visually and symbolically powerful.
With a baby, you just need to plan a relaxed pace, avoid rushing, and take your time.
Day 3 — Garni and Geghard
The third day was one of our favorites.
We visited the Temple of Garni, very different from the monasteries, with a stunning setting in the mountains.
Then we went to Geghard, a monastery partially carved into the rock.
The atmosphere is incredible. It’s quiet, mineral, almost timeless. Even if you’re not very religious, you feel something.
With a child, the visit goes well, but again, it’s best not to overload the day. The key is to keep a flexible pace.
Day 4 — Noravank
On the fourth day, we headed to Noravank.
The road itself is an experience: dry landscapes, mountains, red rocks, valleys. The monastery is surrounded by impressive cliffs.
It’s one of the most beautiful sites we saw in Armenia.
You really get the sense that Armenian monasteries were built in impossible places—between sky, stone, and mountain.
Along the way, you can also pass through the Areni region, known for its wine. With a baby, we mostly prioritized simple breaks, relaxed meals, and uncompressed travel times.
Day 5 — Lake Sevan and return to Yerevan
For the last day, we went to Lake Sevan.
The lake is vast, bright, and surrounded by mountains. The Sevanavank Monastery, up high, offers a beautiful view.
It’s a gentler stop, perfect for ending the trip.
Then we returned to Yerevan for a final dinner. Once again, the welcome in restaurants stood out. In Armenia, traveling with a baby isn’t seen as a hassle. On the contrary, people spontaneously come up to the child.
Our overall impression
In 5 days, you obviously don’t see all of Armenia. To reach Tatev, Dilijan, Haghpat, or Sanahin, you’d need more like 7 to 10 days.
But for a first visit, 5 days are enough to feel the essence: Yerevan, the major monasteries, Mount Ararat, the landscapes, the Christian history, and the Armenian hospitality.
What we loved most:
- the kindness of people toward our baby;
- the very family-friendly atmosphere;
- the monasteries in incredible landscapes;
- the view of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap;
- the atmosphere of Geghard;
- the cliffs of Noravank;
- the food;
- the feeling of safety;
- the fact that the country is still relatively untouched by mass tourism.
What to know when traveling with a baby:
- distances can be longer than expected;
- some roads are mountainous;
- avoid overloading the day;
- it’s better to have a driver or a car;
- plan for breaks, water, diapers, baby meals;
- a stroller isn’t always practical on ancient sites;
- a baby carrier can be very useful.
Recommended 5-day itinerary
For a first trip, I’d suggest:
Day 1: Yerevan
Day 2: Etchmiadzin + Khor Virap
Day 3: Garni + Geghard
Day 4: Noravank + Areni
Day 5: Sevan + return to Yerevan
It’s balanced, not too tiring, and gives a great first impression of the country.
Conclusion
Armenia is a wonderful destination with a baby, as long as you travel slowly and don’t try to see everything.
What touched us most, beyond the landscapes and monasteries, was the attitude toward children. There, you feel that babies are welcomed with real tenderness. In restaurants, people naturally helped us, played with our child, and gave us a few minutes to breathe.
That’s rare, and it makes a big difference in the travel experience.
Armenia isn’t a destination you consume quickly.
It’s a country that you *feel*.
For those who love cultural, spiritual, historical, family, and human-centered travel, I highly recommend it.
Hi everyone,
We're heading to Colombia soon for two weeks as a family with our two 10-year-old boys. I'm a bit behind on planning our itinerary and could really use your advice!
We arrive in Cartagena, where we'll spend 3 nights.
Next, we're heading to the Tayrona area for 3 nights. Could you recommend a nice hotel with a pool, ideally family-friendly? Unfortunately, Senda Watapuy and Senda Koguiwa are already fully booked for our dates.
After that, we were thinking of spending a few days in Minca. Is that a good idea in late July/early August? How many nights would you recommend?
Finally, we're looking for a last stop before returning to France. We've heard about Mompox, but we're hesitant because it seems like a big detour. We love nature, animals, beautiful landscapes, beaches, and authentic places. Do you think Mompox is worth the detour with two kids, or would you recommend another destination (Palomino, Barú, La Guajira...) instead?
We don’t want to take any domestic flights.
Thanks in advance for all your tips and experiences!
This summer, we’ve decided to do a 3-week road trip starting from Nice and heading down to Ksamil in Albania.
We’re leaving from Nice, and our route is already pretty much set:
Nice - Verona (Italy) - Rijeka (Croatia) - Zadar - Split - Budva (Montenegro) - Shkodër (Albania) - Ksamil, then back through Italy via Bari.
The itinerary is packed! 🙂
Do you have any suggestions for things to see—visits, beaches, viewpoints, villages, or excursions—to make the most of our journey?
Hi there, we're planning our vacation in Indonesia. We're a family with two kids aged 11 and 14. We leave on July 26th and return on August 17th, 2026.
We initially planned to visit Bali, Komodo, and Flores, but after looking into it more, we came across Sumatra, which is less touristy... a real plus for us. However, skipping Bali might be a shame.
I was wondering if spending 12 days in Sumatra and finishing with about 7 days in Bali is a doable plan.
Hi,
I’m traveling with my 5-year-old son this summer to Northern Thailand, Northern Vietnam, Yunnan, and Indonesia. I plan to equip him with a GPS tracker, but the SIM cards come with a contract. Do you know what the options are in Asia?
Thanks,
Nora
Hi there,
We’d like to spend 2 days in Lyon in May with our 8- and 12-year-old kids, exploring the city on foot.
We’ll arrive on day 1 around 11 AM and leave on day 2 around 6 PM.
I’ve mapped out two routes and was wondering if they’re doable in our 2 days, and if you have any tips or info on visit prices.
We’re not sure where to stay yet, but we’d like to optimize by booking accommodation (hotel or Airbnb) between the two routes, maybe?
Hi there!
I’m planning a trip with my wife and our three kids (ages 9, 6, and 3) from April 16 to May 6.
I’ve started sketching out the itinerary, trying to alternate between visits, hikes, safaris, and downtime. I want to keep the pace relaxed given the kids’ ages.
Could you let me know what you think of this route? I removed Nuwara Eliya, which I had originally planned before Ella, to cut down on stops. I was also wondering if I should break up the Arugam Bay to Colombo leg with an overnight in Galle, since it’s a long drive.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Day 1 – 04/16: Wilpattu
Arrival at the airport (08:00) + transfer to Wilpattu (180 km, 4–5 h) + afternoon safari
Overnight: Wilpattu
Day 2 – 04/17: Wilpattu
Morning & afternoon safari
Overnight: Wilpattu
Day 3 – 04/18: Trincomalee
Transfer Wilpattu → Trincomalee (200 km, 4–5 h) + beach relaxation
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 4 – 04/19: Trincomalee
Nilaveli Beach
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 5 – 04/20: Trincomalee
Pigeon Island snorkeling
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 6 – 04/21: Trincomalee
Fort Frederick & relaxation
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 7 – 04/22: Sigiriya
Transfer Trincomalee → Sigiriya (120 km, ~3 h) + visit to Dambulla
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 8 – 04/23: Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 9 – 04/24: Sigiriya
Minneriya safari
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 10 – 04/25: Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa & village tour
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 11 – 04/26: Ella
Transfer Sigiriya → Ella (230 km, 5–6 h) + rest
Overnight: Ella
Day 12 – 04/27: Ella
Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arches Bridge
Overnight: Ella
Day 13 – 04/28: Ella
Ella Rock
Overnight: Ella
Day 14 – 04/29: Ella
Tea Factory & relaxation
Overnight: Ella
Day 15 – 04/30: Yala
Transfer Ella → Yala (110 km, 2–3 h) + afternoon safari
Overnight: Yala
Day 16 – 05/01: Arugam Bay
Transfer Yala → Arugam Bay (80 km, 2.5–3 h) + beach time
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 17 – 05/02: Arugam Bay
Surfing & relaxation
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 18 – 05/03: Arugam Bay
Local exploration
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 19 – 05/04: Colombo
Transfer Arugam Bay → Colombo (320 km, 7–8 h) + rest
Overnight: Colombo
Day 20 – 05/05: Colombo
City tour & shopping
Overnight: Colombo
Day 21 – 05/06: Colombo
Morning return flight from Colombo
We’re heading to Sri Lanka for three weeks in July with two kids (ages 6 and 13).
We’ve drafted a rough itinerary but would love to hear from those who’ve already been there 😊
Of course, we want to see everything, but we have to make choices—even though three weeks on the ground lets us do quite a bit.
We originally planned a schedule that felt too packed, so we had to cut one stop. We decided to skip Tangalle, even though we were really tempted. The monsoon won’t let us swim there, and the weather in the south is too uncertain, so we preferred to keep our stops on the east coast. Plus, we don’t think it’s reasonable to cut nights from other places.
We’ve added a stop in Batticaloa, which we think will be a nice break between Arugam Bay and Sigiriya. What do you think?
We’re also debating between Batticaloa and Passikudah.
Does the itinerary seem logical to you?
Here it is:
Sri Lanka Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival around 1 PM at the airport
Night in Negombo
Day 2
Drive from Negombo to Galle
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Night in Galle
Day 3
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Night in Galle
Day 4
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Drive from Galle to Udawalawe
Night in Udawalawe
Day 5
Visit Udawalawe National Park
Night in Udawalawe
Day 6
Drive from Udawalawe to Ella
Night in Ella
Day 7
Ella Rock
+ Nine Arch Bridge
Night in Ella
Day 8
Visit Haputale
Lipton’s Seat and Dambatenne Tea Factory
Train ride back from Haputale to Ella
Night in Ella
Day 9
Little Adam’s Peak
+ drive from Ella to Arugam Bay
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 10
Visit Arugam Bay and surrounding areas
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 11
Visit Arugam Bay and surrounding areas
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 12
Drive from Arugam Bay to Batticaloa
Night in Batticaloa
Day 13
Visit Batticaloa
Night in Batticaloa
Day 14
Drive from Batticaloa to Sigiriya
Night in Sigiriya
Day 15
Lion Rock and Pidurangala
Night in Sigiriya
Day 16
Visit Dambulla
Drive from Sigiriya to Trincomalee
Night in Trincomalee
Day 17
Visit Trincomalee and surrounding areas
Night in Trincomalee
Day 18
Visit Trincomalee and surrounding areas
Night in Trincomalee
Day 19
Drive from Trincomalee to Anuradhapura
Night in Anuradhapura
Day 20
Visit Anuradhapura
Night in Anuradhapura
Day 21
Visit Mihintale
Drive from Anuradhapura to Negombo
Night in Negombo
Day 22
Day in Negombo and return flight
We’d love to hear your thoughts and tips! Thanks in advance!
We’re planning a 4-month trip in spring 2027. We’re looking for a third destination that optimizes transport costs. Ideally, somewhere very different from the other two (Polynesia and Indonesia). Thanks
Hi everyone!
We’re so excited to be heading to Italy for the first time this April with our two kids for a week. We’ve booked our round-trip flight, and we’ll be arriving and departing from Pisa.
Our rough plan so far includes visiting Pisa, taking the train to Florence, and exploring the Cinque Terre. Last night, a friend also suggested adding Siena to the list.
Our kids are 12 and 9 and are used to walking, but we’re not looking to rush around too much. We’d love any advice, especially about accommodation. Should we stay in Pisa and take day trips by train, or split our nights between a couple of different places?
We’re just starting our research, so any tips would be amazing! 😉
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone.
A few days ago, I asked my 14-year-old son to pick a destination for a trip, and he chose Germany. So, we’re heading to Berlin for four days in February. The catch is that I don’t know this city (or this country) at all—I hadn’t even considered visiting just a month ago .
Could you please share some suggestions to make this first mother-son trip abroad a success? 🙂
Thanks for your tips and great deals.
Nanyne
Next summer, we (2 adults and a 12-year-old child) have decided to visit Japan.
Admittedly, it’s still early to plan everything, but my wife will soon need to request her vacation time—either in August or July... and we’re hesitating.
I know summer isn’t the ideal time to visit Japan, but we don’t really have a choice... It’s either July or August. On one hand, I’d love to experience the O-Bon festivities from August 14th to 16th, and I’ve drafted an initial itinerary that would let us experience the Gujo Hachiman Bon Odori, possibly visit the Okunoin Cemetery in Koyasan, and be in Kyoto on the 16th for the Gozan Okuribi fires. But on the other hand, I’m worried it’ll be *packed*, especially in Kyoto, and less enjoyable than in July. So, have any of you experienced these celebrations? Are they worth it? Too crowded? Do you know of other celebrations or festivals in July?
Thanks for your input!
I’m reaching out because I’ve already read tons of info from other forums (thanks a million, by the way!) and blogs, but now I’m overwhelmed with details and have so many questions. I’m really hoping you can help us figure this out! Here’s the plan:
We’re leaving France for Senegal in our camper van (with two kids, aged 4 and 7), then shipping the van to South Africa before heading to Namibia. We’re planning to leave this summer and should arrive in South Africa in early September. The goal is to reach Réunion by early December, which gives us 3 months to explore Southern Africa. Originally, we wanted to pick up the van in Cape Town, head up to Namibia, and visit the main parks and iconic spots, then go north to Botswana (Etosha Park) and Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) before heading back down to South Africa to enjoy the milder temperatures while exploring the country. But now we’re wondering how to get back to South Africa. We’ve come up with three options:
- Head back down through Botswana: I’ve read everywhere that Botswana isn’t recommended for kids under 6 (most parks) because it can be potentially dangerous—few enclosures for animals (even though we have a camper van with "secure" beds), and the agencies we’ve contacted don’t recommend it. Plus, southern Botswana is tough to navigate in a camper van.
- Return from central Botswana (Maun) to Windhoek and drive back to Cape Town via Namibia.
- Cross Zimbabwe and potentially Mozambique to head down to Kruger Park and Johannesburg.
Anyone familiar with this region have any recommendations?
Also, is it necessary to book accommodations in advance? Is that only required in certain countries (maybe Botswana/Zimbabwe)? We’d like a mix of camping and lodges.
Hi there,
We’re planning a two-week trip to Colombia with our two kids at the end of July – early August, with a round-trip flight to Cartagena.
What itinerary would you recommend, knowing we’d prefer to avoid domestic flights?
We were thinking of Cartagena, Tayrona Park, Mompox, and maybe an island.
Do you think it’s a shame to skip big cities like Bogotá or Medellín?
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
Good morning! We're heading to Cape Verde for 2 weeks at the end of April—São Vicente, Boa Vista, and Santiago. We’re a family of 5: 3 kids (4, 6, and 12) and 2 adults.
My questions revolve around beaches (a spot with interesting snorkeling and safe swimming for the kids), accommodation (kid-friendly, parks nearby, pool, beach, or nature—more like guesthouses or family-run pensions), hikes (accessible for kids), and whether renting a car makes sense depending on the island, even though local buses are an adventure in themselves.
**Santiago:**
- Beach & snorkeling: Tarrafal, Quebra Canela in Praia, Ribeira da Barca (okay for kids?), Águas Belas?
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: Malagueta?, Baobab Boa Entrada, Pico António (accessible? elevation gain, time to climb, difficulty, interest for kids?)
**Boa Vista:**
- Beach + snorkeling: Santa Mónica, Praia de Chaves, Gatas, ... Estoril Beach in Sal Rei maybe?
- Can we swim at Turtle Bay to see the turtles even though it’s not nesting season?
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: Viana Desert? Can we explore it solo by renting a 4x4 and easily find the points of interest?
- Is it worth renting a 4x4 for our stay in Boa Vista?
**São Vicente:**
- Beach + snorkeling: Laginha, Porto Grande, Praia Grande, Baía das Gatas, São Pedro...? (safe, good snorkeling?)
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: cliffs?, Monte Verde?
Thanks for your feedback, great tips—especially for accommodation where we’re totally in the dark! And your thoughts on whether renting a car is a good idea and which beaches are safest for kids.
Hi,
We’d like to visit the Alpes de Haute-Provence for 2 weeks with our 2 (adult) kids.
Any ideas for things to see and do?
Where should we choose our accommodation (house only) to be centrally located for sightseeing? We’re looking for villages with restaurants and bakeries.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Best regards
Hi there, we’re heading to Tuscany in the second half of August with two kids (8 and 6 years old).
We’ve zeroed in on the area around Siena and Florence for now.
I’m looking for recommendations on places to stay and things to see that are great for families.
Also, just to add, we’ll be traveling by train and plan to rent a car once we’re there—any tips on car rental companies?
Hello everyone,
We’ve decided to head to Quebec next year—it’s been a dream for the whole family (after watching so many travel shows and the like...). There’ll be five of us: 2 adults, 2 teens (16 and 13), and a child (8 years old). We’re all pretty good walkers, though maybe the teens a little less so—it’s just that age, you know? 😊 That said, they’ve got no problem doing 15 km hikes, just not every single day.
We’re planning to go from July 23 to August 14, arriving and departing from Montreal, so almost 3 weeks.
I’ve started looking into logistics and accommodation prices, but before I dive into bookings, I’d love some advice on the itinerary. I’ve read a few threads here and there.
Our idea is to visit between 3 and 5 different places over the 3 weeks, so that means the same number of accommodations. The goal is to optimize travel as much as possible—I’ve realized that getting around can take a long time.
I think the first two days will be in Montreal to adjust to the time difference, and the last two in Quebec City, though that’s not set in stone.
Anyway, I’m not really sure about the route. I’ve got time to plan everything, but I know the longer we wait, the more expensive and scarce accommodations will get.
Same goes for budget—we’ve set aside a mid-range budget, flights included: 3k per person (1k for the flight). So if you’ve got any great tips or advice, we’re all ears!
I was thinking of going up the St. Lawrence River, but I’m not sure how long that takes or where to stop. Maybe there are other places worth visiting farther away...
Anyway, thanks for reading this far! If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate.
I hope you're starting this new year with your head full of travel memories or plans!!
I’d love to spend a week in July on a Greek island with my 8-year-old son. I’m totally in love with Amorgos, but not all the beaches are accessible for him. I’ve been to Santorini and Naxos before and don’t want to go back. Would you have an island to recommend that’s not too crowded 😕, with a few accessible beaches and where we won’t have to fight to get around or park?
A few months ago, I posted a message in the Southern Africa section about a family trip in July/August. In the end, since I had too much trouble deciding on the destination and procrastinated too much with the planning 😎, I changed my mind and we’re going for a completely different trip—to Madagascar, a country we already know a bit since we’ve traveled there several times for 4 to 6 months each time, though our last visit was back in 2012!
The tickets are booked: 19 days on the ground (excluding arrival and departure days in Tana), spanning July and August.
We’re not looking to rack up landscapes (and kilometers). The kids really want to see lots of animals, while we mostly want to show them what daily life is like in Malagasy villages. So ideally, we’d like a trip split into two parts:
- For 8/10 days, a hiking portion. The idea isn’t to do a tough trek in very remote areas but rather to walk from one village to another. Let’s say 3-4 hours a day. And when we arrive in each village, we’d have time to explore a bit, chat with the locals, let our kids play with the village children, etc. Stay with locals when possible. Move to a new village every day or every 2-3 days.
- A few days visiting 1 or 2 national parks (with lemurs if possible to keep everyone happy!)
- With the inevitable travel days, we’ll quickly hit 19 days.
Does this kind of trip sound doable (and fun) to you? Do you know of any villages that would fit our hiking plans?
I don’t have a preferred region yet, except that very dry landscapes appeal to me less. My real love from past trips was the highlands and their bright green rice paddies against red earth, but I’m a bit worried about the cold at this time of year.
After my initial research (thanks to this forum), I get the impression that the Ambalavao/Ambohimahamasina area might meet our criteria. I saw there are "accueil paysan" (farm stays) in that area, which could match what we’re looking for and would let us visit Andringitra National Park and Ranomafana on the way there or back.
But I’m open to all your more original ideas!
For logistical questions (transport, guides, accommodations, etc.), I’ll tackle those later—it’ll depend on the area we choose.
We’re a family with young kids (6 years old, 3 years old, and a newborn) and we’d like to spend about ten days in Aquitaine (in Gironde or Les Landes).
We’d love to be near pretty villages to visit and, if possible, close to the sea.
We’re planning to stay at a campsite with a pool so the kids can play.
Could you recommend any places/villages/campsites for us?
We don’t know the region at all.
We’re a family of five (our kids are 6, 15, and 19) and we’d love to go somewhere warm with our feet in the water during the first two weeks of August 2026. We’d also like to do some cultural visits and a bit of hiking. We were thinking of Guadeloupe—I know it’s not the ideal time of year, but we don’t have much flexibility. Is it really a bad idea, or can we still enjoy it despite the weather?
Another option for us would be Madeira, which seems more reliable weather-wise, but it sounds like the beaches are less accessible and not as nice.
We haven’t really looked elsewhere because everything else (except the Canary Islands, Balearics, or Corsica) seems way too expensive. But if you’ve got any recommendations, don’t hesitate—we’re just starting to look into it.
Hi,
This summer, we’re spending a month in Malaysia. There are 3 adults and two kids in our group. I’ve just finished planning our itinerary and I’d love to get your thoughts on whether it feels "coherent."
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Christelle
07/07 Depart France 10:30 AM
08/07 Arrive KL 7:50 PM
09/07 KL
10/07 KL / Batu Caves
11/07 KL
12/07 KL → Kuching (flight)
13/07 Kuching
14/07 Bako National Park
15/07 Bako → Kuching
16/07 Semenggoh Reserve
17/07 Kuching → Mulu (flight)
18/07 Mulu National Park
19/07 Mulu → Kota Kinabalu (flight)
20/07 Kota Kinabalu → Sandakan (flight)
21/07 Kinabatangan
22/07 Kinabatangan → Sandakan / Sandakan → KL (flight)
23/07 Malacca
24/07 Malacca → Chin Swee Caves Temple
25/07 Chin Swee Caves Temple → Kuala Tahan / Taman Negara Park
26/07 Taman Negara Park
27/07 Kuala Tahan → Kuala Besut
28/07 Perhentian Islands
29/07 Perhentian Islands
30/07 Perhentian Islands
31/07 Perhentian → George Town
01/08 George Town / Penang
02/08 George Town / Penang
03/08 Ipoh
04/08 Cameron Highlands
05/08 Return to KL
06/08 Return to France
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Malaysia this July with my 6-year-old son.
I’d thought we’d go this year, but we ended up returning to Samui instead.
I’ve decided to limit it to 4 stops to avoid moving around too often and to fully enjoy each place without rushing. The travel times between each spot aren’t too long, except for the one between Sandakan and Langkawi.
* 05: Arrival in KL in the afternoon.
06: Day in KL. I’ve been there a few times and know the city a bit.
* 07: Head to Kota Kinabalu
08 – 09: In KK
* 10: Flight from Sandakan to Sepilok
11: In Sepilok
* 12: Flight to Kinabatangan
13 – 14: In Kinabatangan
* 15: Head to Langkawi
15 – 21: In Langkawi
* 22: Return to KL
23 – 24: In KL
* 25: Return flight
Any thoughts on this itinerary? I have a rough idea of what we’ll do at each stop after checking online and with ChatGPT.
We’re heading out at the end of February for a road trip with our two kids, ages 3 and 7. Our itinerary includes Ait Ben Haddou, Tizi-n-Tichka, Sourate, Tinghir, Zagora, Ouarzazate, Ouzoud, and Essaouira. I’d love recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and typical/spectacular spots to visit. We’d like to spend a night in the Zagora desert. We’re looking for authenticity and a friendly vibe—not tourist traps—for our trip. We’ll be there during Ramadan—any tips?
Thanks in advance!
Your fellow globetrotter’s perspective is invaluable.
Wednesday, March 4 – Friday, March 6 — Sine-Saloum
Drive to Toubacouta via the Trans-Gambian Highway (Gambia)
Stay with a local host / camp on the bolongs
Activities: pirogue ride in the delta, Serer villages, biking, handicraft discovery
Overnights: Sine-Saloum (3 nights)
Saturday, March 7 – Sunday, March 8 — Petite Côte
Drive to Somone / Ngaparou (~3 hours)
Stay with a local host
Activities: beach, safari at Bandia Reserve, kayaking on the lagoon, craft market
Overnights: Petite Côte (2 nights, including Sunday, March 8, to enjoy the full day before the nighttime departure)
Monday, March 9 — Departure
Transfer to Blaise Diagne International Airport (~45 minutes)
Flight leaves at 2:00 AM
I’ve got a few questions:
- Is an afternoon on Gorée Island worth it? I really want to go, but the ferry departure days are a bit limiting.
- How easy is it to get around between these different stops? Can we find a taxi that fits all five of us?
- Do you have any accommodation recommendations? I’d love to stay with locals as much as possible—we’re not looking for luxury, just a bed and a shower.
- February 28 is my birthday, and I’d love to do something “special”: any ideas for a nice place to stay, a great restaurant, or an out-of-the-ordinary activity? We’ll be around Cap Skirring.
- Does this itinerary seem coherent? I really want to visit Casamance, and we’d prefer to stay no more than 3 nights in the same place.
Don’t hesitate to share your tips! Thanks so much!
Hello,
I’d like to go to Morocco with my 10-year-old daughter for three weeks in February.
Do you think, as women traveling alone, we’ll feel comfortable? Sorry if my question seems odd, but when I mentioned my plans, I got some hesitant reactions.
I’ve never been to North Africa. I’ve traveled several times to the Sultanate of Oman, where I felt very at ease as long as we respected the basic cultural norms. For those who know Morocco, do you think it’s different? Would it be appropriate for me to cover my head?
I was thinking of arriving in Agadir and spending a few days in Taghazout and the surrounding area.
After that, if you have any tips, I’m all ears. We’re looking to discover Moroccan cultures, see artisans at work, or even try our hand at a local craft—we’d love that. Simply meeting families, seeing landscapes, animals, and soaking in the culture gently, opening ourselves to something new—that’s what motivates us. And if there are opportunities to listen to local music, even better.
We’ll be traveling by public transport.
Thanks in advance for your ideas.
Happy travels to everyone.
we’re taking our grandkids in early 2026 (14 and 10 years old) without their parents. Do we really need to have birth certificates and other forms translated by a sworn translator?
I was there in October 2024. Really enjoyed it.
Not too crowded—off-season makes a difference.
In Marmaris, restaurant prices are pretty high. On the other hand, there’s a nice bazaar where you can negotiate prices, which makes it interesting.
Lovely walk along the waterfront.
