Birmanie avec un bébé de deux ans
by Ktybrissjo
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Nous pensons partir 3 semaines début octobre, plutôt en mode routard sac à dos avec notre petit loustic de deux ans.Nous avond déjà voyagé de la même façon avec lui en Malaisie et en Equateur mais je souhaitarais avoir des infos pratiques générales sur ce pays et sur les itinéraires à eviter ou au contraire à privilégier.Merci de me faire partager votre expérience!
Kty
Je vois que personne ne réponds. Pour ma part, je ne vois qu'une seule chose à dire, les trottoirs inexistants ou totalement défoncés.... le petit loustic sera mieux dans un sac à dos que dans un buggie. Mais cette recommendation n'est pas propre à la Birmanie.
Bonne préparation
Véro
Dernier séjour dont nous avons parlé en ligne http://www.veroeddy.be/europe/uk/from-scotland-with-love
Depuis janvier 2012 http://www.veroeddy.be
Avec un bebe, je te conseille de rester sur les sentiers touristiques ou tu pourras trouver le confort necessaire. Ce pays est magnifiaue, mais il manque de beaucoup de moyens et tu dois emmener avec toi tous les medicaments aue tu peux juger utiles car tu n en trouveras pas sur place, du moins pas facilemement.
Les incontournables sont le lac inle et bagan, tu trouveras des hotels tres confortables, decris dans le guide du routard que je te recommande. D ailleurs, tu trouveras toutes les infos dedans.
A savoir qu avec un bebe je te recommande de voyager en avion, avec air bagan ou air mandalay. Les vols sont pas chers du tout (bagan-lac inle pour 58 $)
A+
A+
Marie.
Bonjour,
Nous realisons un voyage de 2ans avec nos trois enfants, Lea lou qui avait 12ans au depart en juillet 2005, Viktor 5ans et Ruben 5 mois. Nous sommes a notre 15 ieme mois de voyage et 7 pays traverses, nous sommes actuellement en Inde pour 5 mois encore. Ruben marche aujourd hui et Viktor sait lire et ecrire, il parle un peu l anglais aussi. Jamais 1 seul probleme de sante malgre les conditions parfois difficiles...
Nous voyageons principalement en utilisant le bus, le train, le bateau, la pirogue, la charette, a pied...et l Avion pour traverser les oceans ou lorsque c est obligatoire comme au Myanmar. Nous avons commence par Madagascar, 7mois, Moheli (petite ile des comores), puis la Thailande, 2mois, le Cambodge, 1 mois, le Laos, 2 mois, puis la Birmanie 1 mois, et nous sommes en Inde depuis plus d un mois.
Pour le Myanmar, pas de probleme avec les enfants. La population est une des plus gentille accueillante, souriante, de la planete. Il est vrai qu il peut etre difficile de voyager en train, tres inconfortable meme, Idem en bus. Il faut savoir qu en tant qu etranger, tout n est pas possible non plus. Il existe des comptoirs prevus pour les Touristes. Pourquoi ne pas louer un voiture avec chauffeur, ce n est pa si cher, et beaucoup plus confortable : plus le trajet est long, moins c est cher. On s arrete quand on veut pour admirer le paysage, voir les gens, discuter, faire un detour par une petite route, s arreter dans un petit village... Voyager en avion ou en train ne permet pas de percevoir la diversite du paysage de ce magnifique pays. Les sites commes Bagan, Mandalay, le Lac Inle sont magnifiques mais ils sont touristiques... Meme si le tourisme n a pas l importance d autres pays. A Bagan et Inle il y a beaucoup de monde concentre sur les sites. Tout le monde va au memes endroits...ceux decrits dans les guides ou tout s est organise, a force pour recevoir le tourisme...Boutiques, restos... Le Myanmar est a decouvrir par d autres routes a notre avis, meme s il est incontournable de voir Bagan et Inle !
Votre enfant a 2ans marche certainement. Est-ce un gros bebe ? personnellement je porte mon fils de 18 mois dans un porte bebe customise par mes soins> J ai porte mon premier fils en Afrique dans le meme porte BB. C est tres pratique vous etes libre de vos mouvements, mais attention votre dos est occupe.. pas de sac a dos mais un sac avec poignee ou un sac ventral pour porter vos propres affaires. Cote sante en effet, pas d hopital, il vous faut une assurance rapatriement en cas de gros pepin. emportez du paracetamol en sirop pour bebe, de l arnica en cas de chute ou de bosse, des pansements, un desinfectant et un produit pour le laver. Porte-il des couches ? vous en trouverez dans toutes les villes touristiques, a la Yangoon Bagan, Inle, Mandalay, Tanggoo. Cote nourriture on mange des curry epices, mais dans les sites touristiques vous trouverez des resto pour touristes. On mange "local" pour presque rien ! c est delicieux. Attention plus difficile de trouver des petits pots et des lingettes pour nettoyer les fesses... Je dois vous dire que nos enfants mangent de tout et nous n avons jamais mange dans un endroit pour touriste, de plus notre budget etant rikiki nous ne pouvions pas ! En Inde c est encore pire cote piment ! Vous pouvez trouver a vous loger partout pour environ 10 $ de facon tres correcte, il faut negocier. A moins de 10$ ce peut etre plus rudimentaire, question d habitude... Vous serez - partout - accueilli avec bonheur avec votre BB, vous verrez et on s occupera de lui pour vous... Nous avons dormi pour presque rien dans des temples, des monasteres et meme chez l habitant meme si c est strictement interdit pour eux de recevoir des etrangers sans agreement du gouvernement... Cote hotel notre budget etait de 15 $ pour nous 5. et nous avons toujours reussis a trouver, mais pas soubent dans luxe. Nous avons chope des poux, faites attention aux draps et literies, regardez bien... Les Birmans sont extraordinairement gentils !!!! Tout le monde parle Anglais, les taxis (attention faut negocier dur les prix), les restos, dans les villages (pas partout).
Si vous avez des question precises n hesitez pas. Nous sommes actuellement a Madras, notre camp de base ou nous louons un appar et vivons tout compris (nourriture, transport, loyer, charges etc...) pour 700 euros par mois (pour Info) Nous partons pour Varanasi et la frontiere Birmane la semaine prochaine, alors ne tardez pas pour les questions...
Bon courage a vous
Lafamily
Nous realisons un voyage de 2ans avec nos trois enfants, Lea lou qui avait 12ans au depart en juillet 2005, Viktor 5ans et Ruben 5 mois. Nous sommes a notre 15 ieme mois de voyage et 7 pays traverses, nous sommes actuellement en Inde pour 5 mois encore. Ruben marche aujourd hui et Viktor sait lire et ecrire, il parle un peu l anglais aussi. Jamais 1 seul probleme de sante malgre les conditions parfois difficiles...
Nous voyageons principalement en utilisant le bus, le train, le bateau, la pirogue, la charette, a pied...et l Avion pour traverser les oceans ou lorsque c est obligatoire comme au Myanmar. Nous avons commence par Madagascar, 7mois, Moheli (petite ile des comores), puis la Thailande, 2mois, le Cambodge, 1 mois, le Laos, 2 mois, puis la Birmanie 1 mois, et nous sommes en Inde depuis plus d un mois.
Pour le Myanmar, pas de probleme avec les enfants. La population est une des plus gentille accueillante, souriante, de la planete. Il est vrai qu il peut etre difficile de voyager en train, tres inconfortable meme, Idem en bus. Il faut savoir qu en tant qu etranger, tout n est pas possible non plus. Il existe des comptoirs prevus pour les Touristes. Pourquoi ne pas louer un voiture avec chauffeur, ce n est pa si cher, et beaucoup plus confortable : plus le trajet est long, moins c est cher. On s arrete quand on veut pour admirer le paysage, voir les gens, discuter, faire un detour par une petite route, s arreter dans un petit village... Voyager en avion ou en train ne permet pas de percevoir la diversite du paysage de ce magnifique pays. Les sites commes Bagan, Mandalay, le Lac Inle sont magnifiques mais ils sont touristiques... Meme si le tourisme n a pas l importance d autres pays. A Bagan et Inle il y a beaucoup de monde concentre sur les sites. Tout le monde va au memes endroits...ceux decrits dans les guides ou tout s est organise, a force pour recevoir le tourisme...Boutiques, restos... Le Myanmar est a decouvrir par d autres routes a notre avis, meme s il est incontournable de voir Bagan et Inle !
Votre enfant a 2ans marche certainement. Est-ce un gros bebe ? personnellement je porte mon fils de 18 mois dans un porte bebe customise par mes soins> J ai porte mon premier fils en Afrique dans le meme porte BB. C est tres pratique vous etes libre de vos mouvements, mais attention votre dos est occupe.. pas de sac a dos mais un sac avec poignee ou un sac ventral pour porter vos propres affaires. Cote sante en effet, pas d hopital, il vous faut une assurance rapatriement en cas de gros pepin. emportez du paracetamol en sirop pour bebe, de l arnica en cas de chute ou de bosse, des pansements, un desinfectant et un produit pour le laver. Porte-il des couches ? vous en trouverez dans toutes les villes touristiques, a la Yangoon Bagan, Inle, Mandalay, Tanggoo. Cote nourriture on mange des curry epices, mais dans les sites touristiques vous trouverez des resto pour touristes. On mange "local" pour presque rien ! c est delicieux. Attention plus difficile de trouver des petits pots et des lingettes pour nettoyer les fesses... Je dois vous dire que nos enfants mangent de tout et nous n avons jamais mange dans un endroit pour touriste, de plus notre budget etant rikiki nous ne pouvions pas ! En Inde c est encore pire cote piment ! Vous pouvez trouver a vous loger partout pour environ 10 $ de facon tres correcte, il faut negocier. A moins de 10$ ce peut etre plus rudimentaire, question d habitude... Vous serez - partout - accueilli avec bonheur avec votre BB, vous verrez et on s occupera de lui pour vous... Nous avons dormi pour presque rien dans des temples, des monasteres et meme chez l habitant meme si c est strictement interdit pour eux de recevoir des etrangers sans agreement du gouvernement... Cote hotel notre budget etait de 15 $ pour nous 5. et nous avons toujours reussis a trouver, mais pas soubent dans luxe. Nous avons chope des poux, faites attention aux draps et literies, regardez bien... Les Birmans sont extraordinairement gentils !!!! Tout le monde parle Anglais, les taxis (attention faut negocier dur les prix), les restos, dans les villages (pas partout).
Si vous avez des question precises n hesitez pas. Nous sommes actuellement a Madras, notre camp de base ou nous louons un appar et vivons tout compris (nourriture, transport, loyer, charges etc...) pour 700 euros par mois (pour Info) Nous partons pour Varanasi et la frontiere Birmane la semaine prochaine, alors ne tardez pas pour les questions...
Bon courage a vous
Lafamily
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Documentaires photo : francisfrenkel.com/
Bonjour la Family,
Je lis vos interventions depuis un moment et je me décide à vous écrire. Nous prevoyons de faire un voyage d'un mois avec notre petit loutic au mois de novembre 2007. L'année dernière nous sommes allés en Thailande. Il avait 8 mois et nous connaissions la thailande donc nous savions que c'était facile (transport, medecins..). Nous n'avons pas trop bougé, nous ommes allés à Koh Samet (horreur bcp trop touristique) par contre nous avons adoré Bang Saphang( petite station très peu touristique avec jolis villages de pecheurs), et puis nous sommes allés à KOh Pan Gan. Nous logions dans des petits bungalow (1 chambre, 1 douche froide). Cette année on pense que ça sera plus facile, il marche, comprends pas mal de chose (l'année dernière il était à 2 doigts de marcher et rampait partout!). Pour notre voyage, on hésite entre le Kerala on a eu une pensée pour la Birmanie mais pour des raisons de palu, nous avons un peu laissé de coté cette destination. Si vous avez un moment pour nous donner vos impressions, des idées, je sais que vous avez logé un mois à Madras dans un appart; comment vous l'avez trouvé? combien coute environ une voiture avec chauffeur? les transport sont ils si catastrophiques que ça? avion, bus, train? Nous aimons beaucoup le concept sac à dos, on a pas besoin de beaucoup de confort mais on est pas non plus des "hippies routards" qui laissent leurs gamins marcher pieds nus! (désolé pour le cliché!) Que pensez vous des conditions sanitaires? Est ce que vous qu'on peut avoir un voyage reposant malgré tout en Inde?
Bon, au plaisir de vous lire si vous avez le temps, et encore beaucoup de beaux voyages!
Thomas, Marja et Nathan Dordogne- France
Je lis vos interventions depuis un moment et je me décide à vous écrire. Nous prevoyons de faire un voyage d'un mois avec notre petit loutic au mois de novembre 2007. L'année dernière nous sommes allés en Thailande. Il avait 8 mois et nous connaissions la thailande donc nous savions que c'était facile (transport, medecins..). Nous n'avons pas trop bougé, nous ommes allés à Koh Samet (horreur bcp trop touristique) par contre nous avons adoré Bang Saphang( petite station très peu touristique avec jolis villages de pecheurs), et puis nous sommes allés à KOh Pan Gan. Nous logions dans des petits bungalow (1 chambre, 1 douche froide). Cette année on pense que ça sera plus facile, il marche, comprends pas mal de chose (l'année dernière il était à 2 doigts de marcher et rampait partout!). Pour notre voyage, on hésite entre le Kerala on a eu une pensée pour la Birmanie mais pour des raisons de palu, nous avons un peu laissé de coté cette destination. Si vous avez un moment pour nous donner vos impressions, des idées, je sais que vous avez logé un mois à Madras dans un appart; comment vous l'avez trouvé? combien coute environ une voiture avec chauffeur? les transport sont ils si catastrophiques que ça? avion, bus, train? Nous aimons beaucoup le concept sac à dos, on a pas besoin de beaucoup de confort mais on est pas non plus des "hippies routards" qui laissent leurs gamins marcher pieds nus! (désolé pour le cliché!) Que pensez vous des conditions sanitaires? Est ce que vous qu'on peut avoir un voyage reposant malgré tout en Inde?
Bon, au plaisir de vous lire si vous avez le temps, et encore beaucoup de beaux voyages!
Thomas, Marja et Nathan Dordogne- France
Bonjour,
Nous avons habité 6 mois à Chennai (Madras) mais par tranches de 10 à 15 jours, car le reste du temps nous visitions le pays... Pour trouver un appart, nous avons simplement fait les petites annonces d'un journal gratuit local, à la rubrique location immobilière. Nous avons passé beaucoup de coups de fils et visité quelques apparts avant de trouver. Pas facile de trouver un appart pour six mois, car comme en France les propriétaires préfères louer sur du long terme... Pas facile d'éviter les "Brockers" spécialistes de l'arnaque (intermédiaires - agences immobilières)... Nous cherchions un logement "normal" et nos interlocuteurs nous proposaient systématiquement des apparts "aménagés" pour les étrangers, les expatriés... nous avons trouvé un appart meublé avec 2 grandes chambres, comme nous voulions (deux jours à nettoyer la crasse...), dans un quartier calme et ombragé, sous quelques cocotiers avec plusieurs terrasses (il fait très très très chaud à Chennai...) pour 150 euros par mois tout compris (sauf la bouteille de gaz et l'électricité). Chennai n'est pas une ville vraiment touristique, c'est une ville énorme de près de 12 millions d'habitants, polluée et surpeuplées, il faut des mois pour en découvrir les secrets... Rien à voir avec Varanasi (Bénares) ou d'autres villes connues... Nous avons adoré cette ville, les plages sont malheureusement si affreusement sales et incroyablement polluées...
Non les transports en Inde ne sont pas si difficiles, surtout le train "plutôt" confortable, très peu cher, mais relativement lent ! Il faut simplement bien faire attention à vos affaires. Les distances sont énormes en Inde... le bus est souvent bondé et lent, les bus de nuits avec couchettes ne sont pas toujours super propres, et souvent en mauvais état... mais c'est si peu cher... Notre budget ne nous permettait pas toujours de choisir, nous n'en sommes pas morts pour autant ! Il existe plusieurs compagnies aériennes "low-cost" qui proposent des vols vraiment intéressants, mais ne comptez pas sur la ponctualité des avions.... Pour les très grandes distances c'est une solution intéressante financièrement (King Fischer, Air Duccan...) pour gagner du temps. Une voiture avec chauffeur coûte entre 18 et 25 dollars par jour tout compris suivant le type de véhicule que vous prenez (Ambassador, petite TATA avec ou sans CLIM, 4x4...) et suivant votre capacité de négociation, car tout se négocie... Vous avez le choix de passer par des agences ou directement avec les chauffeurs qui stationnent sur les grandes places...
Nous ne sommes ni des "hippies" ni des "routards", seulement des voyageurs... Mais que vous dire sur les aspects sanitaires en Inde... C'est difficile à dire... La crasse, les immondices, la puanteur des égouts et une misère indicible se conjuguent avec les parfums des innombrables fleurs réservées aux temples, à celle des épices sur les étals, à la beauté des gens, avec les couleurs chatoyantes des Saris... l'Inde est un pays pollué, sale, irritant, surpeuplé, insupportable, extraordinaire, et magnifique. Les hôpitaux fournissent de très bons services, mais il faut se trouver dans les grandes villes (en Inde les grandes villes sont IMMENSES). Nos enfants ne sont jamais tombé malade en Inde durant ces 6 mois, en dehors d'une gastro contractée après avoir nagé dans les mangroves (Back waters) de Calicut (et bu la tasse), et une autre après voir nagé dans les mangroves du Kerala... Pourtant nous vivions dans des conditions plutôt simples et partagions le repas de nos hôtes Indiens. Ce que je vous annonce là ne représente pas une généralité sachant que nous avions voyagé durant 14 mois dans les pires conditions avant de séjourner en Inde, nos organismes étaient donc préparés, habitués et nos défenses immunitaires rodées... Ruben était bébé, il était allaité mais il mangeait aussi à table comme nous (souvent végétarien car les Indiens sont principalement végétariens).
Faire un voyage reposant en Inde Je ne sais pas si nous sommes les bonnes personnes pour répondre à cette question sachant que nous ne cherchons en rien à faire des voyages "reposants"... Nous marchons énormément, nous voyageons principalement dans les endroits que les guides présentent comme "sans intérêt", nous ne cherchons en aucun cas le confort, mais plutôt les rencontres... Nous cherchons à partager le quotidien des gens, et donc leurs conditions de vie... Nous montons nous même nos expéditions, nos treks et voyageons principalement en "hors piste" et sans itinéraire pré-déterminé... Pas souvent reposant, du coup... Mais souvent génial... il faut aimer ça...
Mais, si vous allez dans le Kerala, faites une croisière sur les back waters en louant un house boat, c'est très très beau et vraiment reposant... Le Rajasthan est également très touristique, et aussi très reposant, et surtout très beau. Nous n'avons pas trop aimé, mais cela n'enlève rien à la beauté des paysages, des villes et surtout à la gentillesse des Rajasthanis, c'est une question de point de vue et d'attentes... Mais nous avons trouvé notre séjour dans le Rajasthan reposant (justement) et ce n'est pas ce que nous cherchions... Notre fils Viktor nous a dit : "On dirait qu'on est en vacances" lorsque nous étions dans le Rajasthan... Nous avons donc filé vers le Gujarat... Nous avons tout de même réalisé une semaine dans le désert du Thar en autonomie, à dos de dromadaire et à pied, en dormant dans les dunes de sable (50° à midi et 2° la nuit !!!) un souvenir à jamais gravé dans nos mémoires...
Nous avons ADORé le Gujarat, mais là... rien de reposant car c'est un immense état qui ne propose que très peu d'infrastructures aménagées pour les touristes occidentaux. Les guides type Routard ou Lonely n'en parlent que très très peu (raison pour laquelle nous y sommes allé...). Le Gujarat est dur, peu de gens parlent Anglais, peu d'hôtels qui acceptent les touristes étrangers, que des restos locaux - délicieux et très épicés - en dehors des grandes villes comme Ahmedabad... Mais c'est si beaux !
Le Myanmar Sachez qu'il y a bien pire que les moustiques au Myanmar (ex Birmanie) c'est la junte militaire qui impose une des pires dictatures de la planète, ne respecte en rien les droits de l'homme, pratique les travaux forcés pour les Birmans, les meurtres, les déplacements de population... Si vous allez au Myanmar un jour, pensez à cela en priorité, et sachez que vous ne verrez rien d'autre que ce que la junte vous permet de voir... mais que derrière les paysages paisibles, la douceur et l'immense générosité des Birmans que vous rencontrerez... C'est l'horreur.
Si vous y aller tout de même, n'achetez surtout pas un voyage ou un séjour organisé : c'est verser ouvertement et directement un financement à la dictature militaire. Voyagez par vos propres moyens avec des guides "indépendants" et évitez les hôtels gouvernementaux. Vos dépenses bénéficierons dans une moindre mesure au gouvernement.
Voilà !
N'hésitez pas à nous questionner à nouveau, c'est avec plaisir que nous vous répondrons si nous avons les infos !
C'est bien de voyager en famille, allez-y doucement, prenez soin de vous sans pour autant stresser de trop sur les critères santé, il y a beaucoup de nuances entre ce que vous appelez "les hippies", les "routards", le tourisme de masse, le "tout confort", le hors piste... C'est à vous de mettre le curseur là ou vous vous sentez bien... Vous verrez que plus vous voyagez et plus le curseur bouge tout seul.... il faut simplement voyager avec son cœur grand ouvert...
Bon courage dans vos préparatifs, car c'est déjà le début du voyage... Nous sommes dans la phase "retour"... c'est encore un peu le voyage....
Nous emménageons en ce moment (en Bretagne après 17ans de Paris)... Nous sommes encore dans les cartons et retrouvons nos affaires après 2ans de périple... Tout un voyage !
Francis et Monica
Nous avons habité 6 mois à Chennai (Madras) mais par tranches de 10 à 15 jours, car le reste du temps nous visitions le pays... Pour trouver un appart, nous avons simplement fait les petites annonces d'un journal gratuit local, à la rubrique location immobilière. Nous avons passé beaucoup de coups de fils et visité quelques apparts avant de trouver. Pas facile de trouver un appart pour six mois, car comme en France les propriétaires préfères louer sur du long terme... Pas facile d'éviter les "Brockers" spécialistes de l'arnaque (intermédiaires - agences immobilières)... Nous cherchions un logement "normal" et nos interlocuteurs nous proposaient systématiquement des apparts "aménagés" pour les étrangers, les expatriés... nous avons trouvé un appart meublé avec 2 grandes chambres, comme nous voulions (deux jours à nettoyer la crasse...), dans un quartier calme et ombragé, sous quelques cocotiers avec plusieurs terrasses (il fait très très très chaud à Chennai...) pour 150 euros par mois tout compris (sauf la bouteille de gaz et l'électricité). Chennai n'est pas une ville vraiment touristique, c'est une ville énorme de près de 12 millions d'habitants, polluée et surpeuplées, il faut des mois pour en découvrir les secrets... Rien à voir avec Varanasi (Bénares) ou d'autres villes connues... Nous avons adoré cette ville, les plages sont malheureusement si affreusement sales et incroyablement polluées...
Non les transports en Inde ne sont pas si difficiles, surtout le train "plutôt" confortable, très peu cher, mais relativement lent ! Il faut simplement bien faire attention à vos affaires. Les distances sont énormes en Inde... le bus est souvent bondé et lent, les bus de nuits avec couchettes ne sont pas toujours super propres, et souvent en mauvais état... mais c'est si peu cher... Notre budget ne nous permettait pas toujours de choisir, nous n'en sommes pas morts pour autant ! Il existe plusieurs compagnies aériennes "low-cost" qui proposent des vols vraiment intéressants, mais ne comptez pas sur la ponctualité des avions.... Pour les très grandes distances c'est une solution intéressante financièrement (King Fischer, Air Duccan...) pour gagner du temps. Une voiture avec chauffeur coûte entre 18 et 25 dollars par jour tout compris suivant le type de véhicule que vous prenez (Ambassador, petite TATA avec ou sans CLIM, 4x4...) et suivant votre capacité de négociation, car tout se négocie... Vous avez le choix de passer par des agences ou directement avec les chauffeurs qui stationnent sur les grandes places...
Nous ne sommes ni des "hippies" ni des "routards", seulement des voyageurs... Mais que vous dire sur les aspects sanitaires en Inde... C'est difficile à dire... La crasse, les immondices, la puanteur des égouts et une misère indicible se conjuguent avec les parfums des innombrables fleurs réservées aux temples, à celle des épices sur les étals, à la beauté des gens, avec les couleurs chatoyantes des Saris... l'Inde est un pays pollué, sale, irritant, surpeuplé, insupportable, extraordinaire, et magnifique. Les hôpitaux fournissent de très bons services, mais il faut se trouver dans les grandes villes (en Inde les grandes villes sont IMMENSES). Nos enfants ne sont jamais tombé malade en Inde durant ces 6 mois, en dehors d'une gastro contractée après avoir nagé dans les mangroves (Back waters) de Calicut (et bu la tasse), et une autre après voir nagé dans les mangroves du Kerala... Pourtant nous vivions dans des conditions plutôt simples et partagions le repas de nos hôtes Indiens. Ce que je vous annonce là ne représente pas une généralité sachant que nous avions voyagé durant 14 mois dans les pires conditions avant de séjourner en Inde, nos organismes étaient donc préparés, habitués et nos défenses immunitaires rodées... Ruben était bébé, il était allaité mais il mangeait aussi à table comme nous (souvent végétarien car les Indiens sont principalement végétariens).
Faire un voyage reposant en Inde Je ne sais pas si nous sommes les bonnes personnes pour répondre à cette question sachant que nous ne cherchons en rien à faire des voyages "reposants"... Nous marchons énormément, nous voyageons principalement dans les endroits que les guides présentent comme "sans intérêt", nous ne cherchons en aucun cas le confort, mais plutôt les rencontres... Nous cherchons à partager le quotidien des gens, et donc leurs conditions de vie... Nous montons nous même nos expéditions, nos treks et voyageons principalement en "hors piste" et sans itinéraire pré-déterminé... Pas souvent reposant, du coup... Mais souvent génial... il faut aimer ça...
Mais, si vous allez dans le Kerala, faites une croisière sur les back waters en louant un house boat, c'est très très beau et vraiment reposant... Le Rajasthan est également très touristique, et aussi très reposant, et surtout très beau. Nous n'avons pas trop aimé, mais cela n'enlève rien à la beauté des paysages, des villes et surtout à la gentillesse des Rajasthanis, c'est une question de point de vue et d'attentes... Mais nous avons trouvé notre séjour dans le Rajasthan reposant (justement) et ce n'est pas ce que nous cherchions... Notre fils Viktor nous a dit : "On dirait qu'on est en vacances" lorsque nous étions dans le Rajasthan... Nous avons donc filé vers le Gujarat... Nous avons tout de même réalisé une semaine dans le désert du Thar en autonomie, à dos de dromadaire et à pied, en dormant dans les dunes de sable (50° à midi et 2° la nuit !!!) un souvenir à jamais gravé dans nos mémoires...
Nous avons ADORé le Gujarat, mais là... rien de reposant car c'est un immense état qui ne propose que très peu d'infrastructures aménagées pour les touristes occidentaux. Les guides type Routard ou Lonely n'en parlent que très très peu (raison pour laquelle nous y sommes allé...). Le Gujarat est dur, peu de gens parlent Anglais, peu d'hôtels qui acceptent les touristes étrangers, que des restos locaux - délicieux et très épicés - en dehors des grandes villes comme Ahmedabad... Mais c'est si beaux !
Le Myanmar Sachez qu'il y a bien pire que les moustiques au Myanmar (ex Birmanie) c'est la junte militaire qui impose une des pires dictatures de la planète, ne respecte en rien les droits de l'homme, pratique les travaux forcés pour les Birmans, les meurtres, les déplacements de population... Si vous allez au Myanmar un jour, pensez à cela en priorité, et sachez que vous ne verrez rien d'autre que ce que la junte vous permet de voir... mais que derrière les paysages paisibles, la douceur et l'immense générosité des Birmans que vous rencontrerez... C'est l'horreur.
Si vous y aller tout de même, n'achetez surtout pas un voyage ou un séjour organisé : c'est verser ouvertement et directement un financement à la dictature militaire. Voyagez par vos propres moyens avec des guides "indépendants" et évitez les hôtels gouvernementaux. Vos dépenses bénéficierons dans une moindre mesure au gouvernement.
Voilà !
N'hésitez pas à nous questionner à nouveau, c'est avec plaisir que nous vous répondrons si nous avons les infos !
C'est bien de voyager en famille, allez-y doucement, prenez soin de vous sans pour autant stresser de trop sur les critères santé, il y a beaucoup de nuances entre ce que vous appelez "les hippies", les "routards", le tourisme de masse, le "tout confort", le hors piste... C'est à vous de mettre le curseur là ou vous vous sentez bien... Vous verrez que plus vous voyagez et plus le curseur bouge tout seul.... il faut simplement voyager avec son cœur grand ouvert...
Bon courage dans vos préparatifs, car c'est déjà le début du voyage... Nous sommes dans la phase "retour"... c'est encore un peu le voyage....
Nous emménageons en ce moment (en Bretagne après 17ans de Paris)... Nous sommes encore dans les cartons et retrouvons nos affaires après 2ans de périple... Tout un voyage !
Francis et Monica
Découvrez notre site Internet :
Documentaires photo : francisfrenkel.com/
Bonjour Francis et Monica,
Contente de vous lire....vos posts sont toujours d'un très grand intérêt pour moi. Les précisions apportées me sont très utiles..... Merci!!
Contente de vous lire....vos posts sont toujours d'un très grand intérêt pour moi. Les précisions apportées me sont très utiles..... Merci!!
Cécile
"Il n'y a pas de honte à préférer le bonheur" A.Camus
http://cecileetsestroisbambinsenvoyage.over-blog.com
Cécile,
Il faudra vraiment nous compter dans ta liste de mails lorsque tu donneras de tes nouvelles, car nous avons vraiment envie de suivre ton périple ! Ou en es-tu dans ta préparation ?
Si tu as une minute, tiens-nous au courant.
Bon courage, même si nous constatons que tu ne sembles pas en manquer...
Francis & Monica
Il faudra vraiment nous compter dans ta liste de mails lorsque tu donneras de tes nouvelles, car nous avons vraiment envie de suivre ton périple ! Ou en es-tu dans ta préparation ?
Si tu as une minute, tiens-nous au courant.
Bon courage, même si nous constatons que tu ne sembles pas en manquer...
Francis & Monica
Découvrez notre site Internet :
Documentaires photo : francisfrenkel.com/
Bonjour,
Eh bien, ça suit son cours....
Les enfants sont partis en métropole la semaine dernière et ont donc déjà dit au revoir à leur île natale. Ce qui me laisse du temps pour finir tranquillement ce qu'il me reste ici en déménagement, démarches administratives et boulot. Cassandre est inscrite au CNED. Pour les gars, les instituteurs m'aident à préparer le travail de l'année prochaine.
L'itinéraire se réduit petit à petit, pour que l'on puisse s'impregner d'avantage des ambiances, sans courir comme des tarés....après quoi d'ailleurs?😉
Donc pour l'instant, je prévois sur 10 mois: Inde et Asie du SE, et je crois que c'est bien pour nous. On a étalé les vaccinations choisies sur plusieurs mois, et je fais des listes, je lis des bouquins, je fouille sur le net. Bref, ma vie se résume essentiellement aux préparatifs de notre projet: j'adore ça !
Et de votre côté, j'imagine que la reprise de la vie sédentaire doit avoir son charme aussi...à bientôt!
Eh bien, ça suit son cours....
Les enfants sont partis en métropole la semaine dernière et ont donc déjà dit au revoir à leur île natale. Ce qui me laisse du temps pour finir tranquillement ce qu'il me reste ici en déménagement, démarches administratives et boulot. Cassandre est inscrite au CNED. Pour les gars, les instituteurs m'aident à préparer le travail de l'année prochaine.
L'itinéraire se réduit petit à petit, pour que l'on puisse s'impregner d'avantage des ambiances, sans courir comme des tarés....après quoi d'ailleurs?😉
Donc pour l'instant, je prévois sur 10 mois: Inde et Asie du SE, et je crois que c'est bien pour nous. On a étalé les vaccinations choisies sur plusieurs mois, et je fais des listes, je lis des bouquins, je fouille sur le net. Bref, ma vie se résume essentiellement aux préparatifs de notre projet: j'adore ça !
Et de votre côté, j'imagine que la reprise de la vie sédentaire doit avoir son charme aussi...à bientôt!
Cécile
"Il n'y a pas de honte à préférer le bonheur" A.Camus
http://cecileetsestroisbambinsenvoyage.over-blog.com
...😊😊😊...je me rends compte que je réponds et que je suis totalement hors-sujet du post...
Désolée, j'aurais dû le faire en MP...
Cécile
"Il n'y a pas de honte à préférer le bonheur" A.Camus
http://cecileetsestroisbambinsenvoyage.over-blog.com
🙂 merci!
mais je vais quand même éviter les hors sujets!😛
(je viens de consulter votre profil: je crois que vous aimez me lire parce que l'on a des points communs: le boulot, les enfants, les voyages...)
Cécile
"Il n'y a pas de honte à préférer le bonheur" A.Camus
http://cecileetsestroisbambinsenvoyage.over-blog.com
Log in first, then come back to this page.
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More discussions
Hi everyone,
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our kids.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, we’d like a trip more focused on nature. We don’t want to visit any cities (maybe a floating market if it’s really worth the detour).
We’re looking for:
- Spectacular jungle; - Animals in their natural habitat; - Beautiful hikes or boat rides; - Paradise-like beaches; - Turquoise water with excellent snorkeling, preferably directly from the beach (turtles, tropical fish, etc.).
We’re thinking of including Khao Sok, but we’re unsure which islands to combine with this park.
Do you have any suggestions for 2-week itineraries with reasonable travel times? We’re prioritizing landscapes, nature, and the sea above all else.
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our kids.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, we’d like a trip more focused on nature. We don’t want to visit any cities (maybe a floating market if it’s really worth the detour).
We’re looking for:
- Spectacular jungle; - Animals in their natural habitat; - Beautiful hikes or boat rides; - Paradise-like beaches; - Turquoise water with excellent snorkeling, preferably directly from the beach (turtles, tropical fish, etc.).
We’re thinking of including Khao Sok, but we’re unsure which islands to combine with this park.
Do you have any suggestions for 2-week itineraries with reasonable travel times? We’re prioritizing landscapes, nature, and the sea above all else.
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!
Hi dear Voyage Forum community,
So glad this precious forum still exists!
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?
Thanks in advance for your insights!
So glad this precious forum still exists!
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?
Thanks in advance for your insights!
Hello,
After scouring the forum without managing to decide, I thought I’d ask for your advice! Before becoming a mom, we traveled for a year from Iran to Indonesia, and now my partner and I are finally ready to take our first big one-month trip with our kids. We’d like 2 or 3 places to visit, settle in, and explore the surrounding area. We’re looking for a destination that’s fairly easy (since our kids aren’t always easy themselves), but I’m hesitant about Thailand (which I didn’t enjoy because it felt too touristy at the time). I was thinking about Vietnam, which I don’t know at all. Maybe Laos, but spending a few days near a nice beach would be relaxing with two little ones full of energy… We don’t want to rush through crowded, commercial sites—we want to take our time and discover beautiful places.
Thanks for your tips! !
After scouring the forum without managing to decide, I thought I’d ask for your advice! Before becoming a mom, we traveled for a year from Iran to Indonesia, and now my partner and I are finally ready to take our first big one-month trip with our kids. We’d like 2 or 3 places to visit, settle in, and explore the surrounding area. We’re looking for a destination that’s fairly easy (since our kids aren’t always easy themselves), but I’m hesitant about Thailand (which I didn’t enjoy because it felt too touristy at the time). I was thinking about Vietnam, which I don’t know at all. Maybe Laos, but spending a few days near a nice beach would be relaxing with two little ones full of energy… We don’t want to rush through crowded, commercial sites—we want to take our time and discover beautiful places.
Thanks for your tips! !
Hi everyone,
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!
Nadia
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!
Nadia
5 days in Armenia with an 8-month-old baby
Hi everyone,
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,
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!
Hi there,
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?
Thanks everyone!
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?
Thanks everyone!
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.
Thanks for your feedback!
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.
Thanks for your feedback!
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?
Thanks for your help!
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?
Thanks for your help!
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
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
Hi everyone,
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 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
Hi everyone,
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!
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!
Hello,
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.
All advice is welcome!
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.
All advice is welcome!
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.
See you soon! Christophe
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.
See you soon! Christophe
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?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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.
Thanks, everyone.
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.
Thanks, everyone.
Hi there
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?
Have a great day Christelle
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?
Have a great day Christelle
Hello,
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.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions
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.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions
Dear Travelers,
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.
Thanks so much!
Camille
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.
Thanks so much!
Camille
Hi there,
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.
Thanks so much,
Pierre
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.
Thanks so much,
Pierre
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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.
Thanks! 🙂
Hi there,
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.
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.
Hi there!
After our Central Asia trip this summer, we’ll be setting foot in Africa for the first time next February with our three kids (ages 5, 13, and 17).
I’ve fine-tuned a little itinerary with ChatGPT based on our interests and expectations, and here’s what came out:
Tuesday, February 24 — Dakar
Landing at 1:00 AM
Early afternoon: visit Gorée Island
Back to Dakar, light dinner
7:00 PM: boarding the ferry “Aline Sitoé Diatta”
Overnight on board (cabin)
Wednesday, February 25 — Ziguinchor
Arrival between 9:00–11:00 AM
Staying with a local host
Stroll: Saint-Maur market, river port
Overnight in Ziguinchor
Thursday, February 26 – Saturday, February 28 — Casamance (Cap Skirring & Oussouye)
February 26: Ziguinchor → Carabane road trip, explore the island, overnight on the island
February 27: Cap Skirring, beach time
February 28: Cap Skirring, relaxation, stroll, beach
Sunday, March 1 – Tuesday, March 3 — Oussouye
Head to Oussouye (~1 hour)
Discover Diola villages, rice fields, market, handicrafts
Overnights: Oussouye (3 nights)
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!
After our Central Asia trip this summer, we’ll be setting foot in Africa for the first time next February with our three kids (ages 5, 13, and 17).
I’ve fine-tuned a little itinerary with ChatGPT based on our interests and expectations, and here’s what came out:
Tuesday, February 24 — Dakar
Landing at 1:00 AM
Early afternoon: visit Gorée Island
Back to Dakar, light dinner
7:00 PM: boarding the ferry “Aline Sitoé Diatta”
Overnight on board (cabin)
Wednesday, February 25 — Ziguinchor
Arrival between 9:00–11:00 AM
Staying with a local host
Stroll: Saint-Maur market, river port
Overnight in Ziguinchor
Thursday, February 26 – Saturday, February 28 — Casamance (Cap Skirring & Oussouye)
February 26: Ziguinchor → Carabane road trip, explore the island, overnight on the island
February 27: Cap Skirring, beach time
February 28: Cap Skirring, relaxation, stroll, beach
Sunday, March 1 – Tuesday, March 3 — Oussouye
Head to Oussouye (~1 hour)
Discover Diola villages, rice fields, market, handicrafts
Overnights: Oussouye (3 nights)
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!






