Ce message s'adresse à ceux qui ont déjà fait l'ascension du volcan Pacaya. J'aimerais le faire (en mars) mais j'ai avec moi un enfant de 2 ans et demi et je me demande si c'est réalisable ou si je dois abandonner cette idée. La montée est de 3 h environ mais j'ai lu sur un forum qu'on pouvait louer des chevaux..Est ce que c'est vrai? d'autre part, je me demande si il y a des gazs ou vapeurs en haut qui peuvent êtres génants surtout pour un petit..j'ai pas envie que ça se transforme en enfers! Merci de votre aide!
l'ascension du volcan n'est pas facile...mélange de cendres et lave coupante....je pense qu'il faudra porter l'enfant la plus grande partie du temps. Il peut y avoir des activités gazeuses au sommet (en tant que guide, je l'ai fait une dizaine de fois, nous avons du rebrousser chemin deux fois avant le sommet à cause des gaz et une fois à cause d'une interdiction).
pour les chevaux, oui, j'en ai déjà vu, mais ils ne montent pas tout à fait au sommet...à vrai dire je ne sais pas ou il faut s'adresser pour trouver les propriétaires, mais je pense qu'il suffit de demander un peu partout dans les auberges ou aux propriétaire de chevaux.
mais dans ce cas faites un peu de cheval avec votre fils avant...j'ai essayé de mettre le mien à 2 ans et demi sur un cheval, il était paniqué, hurlait, bref, nous avons abandonné....on verra s'il a envie d'essayer à nouveau cet été!
Merci beaucoup pour votre réponse, j'y vois plus clair, c'est à dire je ne vais pas y aller! Il y a pleins de choses à faire au guatémala, inutile de l'amener dans un "plan galère". C'est très gentil de m'avoir renseigner, merci encore.
chaque enfant est différent et peut etre le votre aimera la promenade à dos de cheval....mais faut essayer avant pour ne pas se gacher une journée de vacances....pour les émissions de gas, l'office du tourisme peut renseigner la veille au moins sur les conditions du volcan.
pour mon fils, qui a le meme age que le votre, j'aurai envie de voir les singes au lago de isabal, le lac atlitlan et prendre le bateau, les marches de quetzaltanango, antigua pour se relaxer, Pour tikal, c'est sportif avec un enfant de cet age, les marches lui arriveront mi cuisse....mais vu d'en bas c'est aussi joli.
Vous avez un peu de temps devant vous ? pourquoi pas faire un break plage un peu plus au nord au belize ex caye cauker, ou plus au sud roatan, honduras....
Merci de vos conseils, en fait nous avons 3 semaines devant nous. Voici en gros notre programme (nous allons louer une voiture):
Samedi 8 mars 08Arrivée CIUDAD GUATEMALA
Direction ANTIGUA
Dimanche 9 mars 08 Antigua visite
Lundi 10 mars 08En route pour COPAN– (5 h de rte?).
Mardi 11 mars 08 Visite du site et départ pour le Rio Dulce.
Mercredi 12 mars 08 Départ pour Livingston (lancha)
Pouvez vous me renseigner pour les singes? c'est dans quel site?
Jeudi 13 mars 08 Playa Blanca Retour Rio et dormir Hacienda Tijax
Vendredi 14 mars 08 route jusqu’à El Remate (4 h?)
Hotel : MON AMI
Samedi 15 mars 08 TIKAL visite
Dimanche 16 mars 08 Repos visite autour
Lundi 17 mars 08 Départ pour SAYAXCHE
Faire balade (2h) en lancha pour EL CEIBAL (1h30 à 2 h de traversée) prendre une lancha
Puis rte jusqu’aux grottes de CANDELARIA
voir prix de l’eco lodge candelaria Vous connaissez? Environ 2h30 de route goudronnée pour rejoindre la Candelaria, (depuis FLORES) un ecolodge situé proche des grottes de la Candelaria. les environs : La laguna Lachua, aux eaux turquoises au coeur de la jungle, idéal pour la baignade (si on a le temps)
Mardi 18 mars 08 Visite des grottes.
Mercredi 19 marsVisite SEMUC CHAMPEY (avec notre voiture) Dormir à Coban
Jeudi 20 mars Départ pour NEBAJ
Vendredi 21 mars San Andres Sajcabaja, El Quiché,
Samedi 22 marsSan Andres Sajcabaja, El Quiché,
Dimanche 23 mars 08
Départ pour Le LAC ATITLAN.
Arrët à SOLOLA – marché.
et aller direct à SAN MARCO LA LAGUNA (si vous avez un conseil pour un des villages situés autour du lac..)
Lundi 24 mars 08 Lac Atitlan
Mardi 25 mars 08Départ pour Quetzaltenango. (ZUNIL) – visite cimetière Aller dormir aux sources thermales FUENTE GEORGINAS.
Mercredi 26 mars 08 Baignade Départ pour océan pacifique (CHIQUITEPEQUE).
Jeudi 27 mars 08Océan
Vendredi 28 mars 08
.Océan+ retour ves antigua y dormir rendre voiture
Samedi 29 mars 08 RETOUR
Qu'en pensez vous? J'apprecie vos conseils et rien ne vaut l'expérience de quelqu'un qui a déjà été dans le pays, de plus vous avez un enfant du même âge donc...
Merci!
C'est très personel comme avis mais afin de découvrir au max le pays il faut au moins 2 jours par ville. Je trouve votre itinéraire très chargé, mais moi je l'ai fait en bus et non en voiture.
Exemple : livingston, c'est très long pour s'y rendre... pourquoi repartir le lendemain ? il faut prendre le temps de voir les 7 altares, relaxer sur la plage, aller manger au resto près de la plage qui appartient ( ou apartenait à une mexicaine) ce sont les seuls noir ( les garifuna ) que vous rencontrerai au Guatemala, leur culture est unique, il faut absolument que vous alliez les voir jouer du tamtam.
Aussi, un conseil, le jour suivant Tikal (où vous verrai des singes hurleurs) j'imagine que vous serai à Flores ? J, ai été dans cette région près de 1mois ½... Vous pouvez demander à un propriétaire de lancha de vous amener à arcas ( 20min en bateau ) on pourra vous faire visiter le site. C'est un centre de rescousse pour animaux où j'ai fait du bénévolat. Vous verrai plein d'animaux tropicaux qu'ils tentent de retourner à la nature. Par contre la visite est en espagnol seulement...
Pour le Lac Atitlan j'ai fait Panajachel et San Pedro, très bien et nous avons fait l'ascencion d'un volcan ( éteint lui je crois ) en cheval.
Pour vos achat, faites les au Marche de Chichicastenango, le dimanche ( et le mercredi si je me souviens bien) dépaysement garantie!
merci pour votre message, effectivement je pense prévoir 1 jour de plus pour Livingston, mais j'avais lu sur le forum que cette étape pouvait être décevante..le mieux est d'aller voir! bonne idée pour la réserve d'animaux du côté de flores (j'en prend note!) En voiture je pense que c'est jouable et sinon on s'adaptera..merci encore.
Nous avons Fait l'ascension du Volcan il y a un peu plus d'un mois. il y a effectivement, des chevaux en bas pour aider dans la montee.cela ne posera pas de problemes.la montee dure plutot 2 heures que 3
pas de gaz qui s'echappe en haut. il faudra juste faire attention avec le petit.
c'est faisable, passer par un agence qui vous conduira en minibus au pied de l'ascension.
chere caro,
j'ai voyagé plus d'un mois au guatémala cet été et j'ai adoré. voici mes conseils selon votre itinéraire.
Merci de vos conseils, en fait nous avons 3 semaines devant nous. Voici en gros notre programme (nous allons louer une voiture):
Samedi 8 mars 08Arrivée CIUDAD GUATEMALA
Direction ANTIGUA
Dimanche 9 mars 08 Antigua visite *allez donc manger une petite collation a la cenicienta, cest la meilleure patisserie de la vieille capitale. *cest dans ces marchés que vous trouverez le plus facilement et le moins cher des souvenirs du guatemala, si vous en voulez (marché des artisans, tout sauf les tissus (meilleurs a chichicastenango) et bois (meilleurs a panajachel) *si votre garcon aime la marche, vous pouvez faire lassention de la cerro de la cruz (magnifique vue sur la ville et les volcans derriere) faites vous accompagner dune police, cest gratuit et ca previent les voleurs, on sait jamais. demander au poste de police. *allez voir aussi léglise... dun jaune poussin! hihi impressionnant *la nuit il nest pas recommandé dans la plupart des villes damérique centrale de se promener, mais vous pouvez faire une exception un soir pour observer, pres du parc central le palace et larc de santa catalina tout illuminé, cest vraiment joli!
Lundi 10 mars 08En route pour COPAN– (5 h de rte?). je dirais un peu plus de 5h... le plus long, cest sortir des environs de la capitale, car les principales routes sont toujours en reconstruction.
Mardi 11 mars 08 Visite du site et départ pour le Rio Dulce. *cest une bonne chose que vous commencez par le site de copan avant celui de tikal, car il est plus petit. vous apprivoiserez peu a peu la riche culture maya. le site comporte des reliques et batiments avec beaucoup plus de details apparents car le climat a permit qu'il se conserve mieux. *l'escalier hyéroglyphique est impressionnant. *n'allez pas dans les tunnels, ca nen vaut pas la peine pour le surplut monétaire.
Mercredi 12 mars 08 Départ pour Livingston (lancha)
Pouvez vous me renseigner pour les singes? c'est dans quel site?
Jeudi 13 mars 08 Playa Blanca Retour Rio et dormir Hacienda Tijax
Vendredi 14 mars 08 route jusqu’à El Remate (4 h?)
Hotel : MON AMI
Samedi 15 mars 08 TIKAL visite *allez y tot le matin. le soleil est moins fort sur la tete (gros point a considerer avec lénorme humidité du coin... et avec un enfant) et les ombres sont plus jolies pour les photos *si vous tentez descalader, allez y, la vue est magnifique... avec votre petit, suffit de prendre votre temps, dependant des enfants il peuvent adorer.. sinon réservez lexploration pour le plateau central (allez y en dernier, le meilleur pour la fin), il adorera se promener dans les ruines. *en passant, si il aime les animaux, les cris qu'on entend, venant de la vegetation au loin, sont tres impressionants, les singes hurleurs font un bruit qu'on pourrait prendre pour des dinosaures dans cette jungle!! j'ai eu la chance de voir 2 singes qui nous suivaient a a peu pres 10 m au dessus de nous, alors quon marchais dans les sentiers de tikal *noter la pancarte sur la route de tikal qui indique, au lieu dun panneau avec un chevreuil dessus, cest une panthere!!!
Dimanche 16 mars 08 Repos visite autour
Lundi 17 mars 08 Départ pour SAYAXCHE
Faire balade (2h) en lancha pour EL CEIBAL (1h30 à 2 h de traversée) prendre une lancha
Puis rte jusqu’aux grottes de CANDELARIA
voir prix de l’eco lodge candelaria Vous connaissez? Environ 2h30 de route goudronnée pour rejoindre la Candelaria, (depuis FLORES) un ecolodge situé proche des grottes de la Candelaria. les environs : La laguna Lachua, aux eaux turquoises au coeur de la jungle, idéal pour la baignade (si on a le temps) *leco lodge est un passage obligé car on ne peut visiter les grottes sans un guide (il sassure de conserver lintégrité des lieux en meme temps qu'expliquer lhistoire des lieux) je n'ai pas dormi la car mon guide m'a dit que c'était un peu trop dispendieux alors nous avons dormis a coban. (casa de acuna, acceuillant et pas cher) de ce que j'en ai vu, ces ''cute'' l'eco lodge : des cabanas reliés par des petites passerelles de bois... en pleine jungle.
Mardi 18 mars 08 Visite des grottes. *Les grottes de candelaria sont vraiment jolies. Contrairement a celles pres de semuc champey, elles sont protégées et les parois sont d'un blanc crytalisé.(la lumiere na pas abimé la vraie couleur) amenez votre lampe de poche. la verdure qu'on apercoit de l'interieur de la grotte et qui entre a l'interieur de la grotte, comme des lianes vaut vraiment le coup doeil.
Mercredi 19 marsVisite SEMUC CHAMPEY (avec notre voiture) Dormir à Coban VRAIMENT! NE PAS MANQUER CET ENDROIT!ouahhh! *commencez par faire un peu de marche (escalade?) pour aller voir de haut a partir d'el mirador (environ 30 minutes pour monter) prenez votre appareil photo! * si vous avez un lunch, je vous conseille de le prendre avant daller vous baigner, car apres vous ne voudre plus sortir! vous pouvez le manger pres de l'embouchure de la riviere (la ou elle sengouffre, attention au bruit, cest impressionnant!) assis sur une roche, cest sympatique. * un maillot de bain et hop! dans le premier bassin. laissez vous relaxer dans les eaux turquoises et descendez sur les fesses les petits ruisseaux qui joignent les bassin.
Jeudi 20 mars Départ pour NEBAJ
Vendredi 21 mars San Andres Sajcabaja, El Quiché,
Samedi 22 marsSan Andres Sajcabaja, El Quiché,
Dimanche 23 mars 08
Départ pour Le LAC ATITLAN.
Arrët à SOLOLA – marché.
et aller direct à SAN MARCO LA LAGUNA (si vous avez un conseil pour un des villages situés autour du lac..) chichicastenango a un magnifique marché le dimanche et le mercredi. cest mieux le dimanche encore, car pres de leglise, un etrange melange de celebration maya et chretien a lieu.vous y trouverez de magnifiques tissages. je vous conseille dacheter une couverture. elles sont colorées et tres apréciées dans les nuts froides.
Lundi 24 mars 08 Lac Atitlan
Mardi 25 mars 08Départ pour Quetzaltenango. (ZUNIL) – visite cimetière Aller dormir aux sources thermales FUENTE GEORGINAS.
Mercredi 26 mars 08 Baignade Départ pour océan pacifique (CHIQUITEPEQUE). attention aux vagues!!!! sans blagues, cest vraiment dangeureux. ne comptez pas vous y baigner, car personnellement, de crainte de me faire engloutir, je ne pouvais me mouiller que jusquau mollet/genou. sinon la plage est agréable. le sable est noir! (roche volcanique)
Jeudi 27 mars 08Océan
Vendredi 28 mars 08
.Océan+ retour ves antigua y dormir rendre voiture
Samedi 29 mars 08 RETOUR
Qu'en pensez vous? J'apprecie vos conseils et rien ne vaut l'expérience de quelqu'un qui a déjà été dans le pays, de plus vous avez un enfant du même âge donc...
Merci!
pacaya: personnellement, je vous dirait de peut etre passer moins de temps a la plage et une journée de plus a antigua, ou vous pourrez visiter pacaya. meme avec un enfant, ca vaut la peine. suffit dy aller doucement, je voux explique: lassention peut etre faite a dos de chevaux (si votre enfant les tolere, il y a une tonne de gens qui vous loffrirons a larrivée) sinon il y a 3 arrets, endroits au long de lassention, ou on peut sarreter sur des bancs, luncher, regarde la vue. cest pas mal de la foret tout le long. jusqua temps quon voit la premiere coulée de lave figée. cest impressionnant. la verdure laisse place a de la roche noire (comme si on marchais sur du charbon d'un bar-b-q!) jaurais été satisfaite meme si javais arreté la, car la vue est superbe. techniquement, beaucoup de gens sarretent la. si vous etes plus aventurier, vous pouvez monter sur la roche noire. la cest un peu plus dangeureux avec un enfant car le sol nest pas necessairement stable et il fait tres chaud (les semelle dun gars qui est monté plus haut que moi ont fondues!!!) mais aller voir le volcan et voir au loin des petites coulées de lave cest genial! si vous vous arretez avant la roche noire, le centre dit quil ny a pas de problemes de gaz..
votre itinéraire est chargé, je trouve surtout considerant que vous etes avec un jeune enfant mais je conseille de prendre une grande respiration, une fois la bas, et profiter de chaque endroit. peut etre devriez vous garder une journée ''lousse'', on ne sais jamais. ou sinon vous devrez peut etre ne pas faire certaines activités.
espérant que ces conseils vous seront utiles. si vous avez des questions, n'hésitez pas, j'adore partager ce que je sais de ce merveilleux pays.
Merci pour tes conseils, j'en prend note! c'est vrai que c'est un peut "chargé" comme circuit mais nous aurons une voiture. Au fait, est ce que tu connais un hotel sympa à Antigua (avec un jardin, pour le petit ce serait le top). Nous aurons une voiture de location, tu penses que pour aller au volcan Pacaya c'est possible ou vaut il mieu passer par une agence? Merci encore.
Bonjour,
pour un hotel a Antigua, je ne peux pas vraiment vous conseiller, car j'ai habité dans une famille: j'y prenais des cours d'espagnol. Par contre, j'ai suivi le guide Lonely Planet (si vous savez lire l'anglais) pour les hotels et j'ai toujours été satisfaite. (un de mes compagnons avait le routard, mais je trouvais le mien plus détaillé)
Je trouvais que c'est chargé surtout que moi aussi j'avais une voiture pour le 3/4 de mes deplacements.
le probleme de l'horaire chargé est surtout la fatigue. Après Tikal ou Semuc Champey, j'avais besoin de plus de sommeil pour repartir de bon pied. (car quand on part en expédition, c'est tot le matin. s'il faut faire ca tous les jours de son voyage, surtout avec un enfant, vous serez vite érintée)
Pour Pacaya, il est facile de s'y rendre a l'aide de son auto. Vous passez par un petit village, mais ne vous arretez pas la, comme la plupart des touristes. continuez plutot jusqu'à la station touristique. il y a la un stationnement, et vous sauvez encore 30 minutes de marche. Montez doucement et prenez de bonnes pauses dans les haltes pour l'assention. (ou en cheval peut etre!) Vous verrez, rendu en haut des sentiers, si vous voulez aller plus loin.
ps: Attachez comme il le faut vos chaussures, les chevilles peuvent etre versante sur les terrains inégaux du guatémala.
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.
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!
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?
Hi there, I’m really sorry if this question has already been asked several times—I’ve been scouring blogs, forums, and various sites for a while now, but I still have some more specific questions for our trip...
First off, we’re a family of four with two kids aged 10 and 14. We’ve already been to Thailand and Laos five times with them (each trip lasting a month or six weeks), and we’re huge Thailand lovers, but this year we’d like to discover Indonesia, which we don’t know at all (for a duration of 4 or 5 weeks between late June and late July). We travel pretty "roots" style with a budget of 100 € per day and avoid touristy areas as much as possible. We get around using local transport, rent scooters, and take our time (for a one-month trip, we usually visit 4 destinations to really soak it in). So here are my upcoming questions:
For a first visit, I wanted to focus on a single island—Lombok—by taking a flight from Paris to Denpasar and then a boat to Lombok.
Do you think the following route would work?
- Kuta Lombok
- Gili Gede
- Gili Meno
- Tetebatu
I saw there’s a local boat to Lombok—has anyone here taken it before?
For those who’ve been there during this period, do you know if Gili Meno and Gili Gede get crowded, or should we focus more on the coasts?
To get between these spots, are there buses, or do we need to take private taxis?
As for accommodations, we’re used to booking triple rooms for all four of us in Thailand. For those who travel with kids, do you know if that’s doable in Indonesia, or should we book two double rooms instead?
Last (slightly silly) question: We want to go to Indonesia because our son dreams of seeing beautiful marine life while snorkeling—I think Lombok is a good choice for that. But my daughter is a huge fan of those "knick-knack" markets full of Chinese trinkets that you find all over Thailand. Do you know if Lombok has any day or night markets where we could go?
