Hi Jade, hi Zoe,
You forgot to mention the planned duration for the trip, which is an important factor.
Is the guide essential?
No.
Or is a driver who knows the area okay?
Yes, but not the same one you keep full-time from start to finish.
Do you think we should book from France?
Definitely not.
Or on the spot, changing every day?
Not every day, but at each stop if necessary, yes. For example, climbing Keli Mutu doesn’t require a car or a guide.
Also, do you think the journeys won’t be too long every day?
When it comes to moving from one stop to another by public transport, yes, it’s long, but don’t tell me you’re planning to change stops every day 😮 🤪 ???
Long transports do have one advantage, though: you’re with the locals, which allows you to meet people in a disinterested way—even if the encounters are brief, they always leave good memories. Plus, in Asia, being accompanied by a young child is a magnet for meeting people.
The vast majority of travelers visit Flores without a car in 12-15 days, and I don’t know anyone who came back disappointed.
With fewer than 12 days, whether by car or public transport, it’ll be a rush.
