Bonjour,
J'ouvre une nouvelle discussion pour avoir des avis, des conseils, des bonnes adresses !
Voyage en famille (3 adultes et 4 enfants)
mini-bus, chauffeur et guide francophone
Merci,
Caroline
J1 à à J11
addis, dessie, Hayk, Lalibella
J11 à J19
dessie awash en passant par Harar
J12
départ Gewane en passant par Bati 300km, 5h
site de Hadar ?
nuit à Gewane, hotel ?
J13
tour dans le parc, balade vers le volcan ?
route vers awash 150km, 2h
nuit au doho lodge (camping?) +251 (0) 115 50 93 64
J14
balade autour du lodge, source chaude, hyppo… ?
nuit au doho lodge (camping?)
Pour ne point musarder dans le Simien, le Balé et le Wabe Shebelle mais surtout le Tigray, je pense que vous êtes déjà allés en Ethiopie ?
Sans être un 4x4, votre minibus est-il robuste et haut sur roues pour vous permettre de sortir, de temps à autre, des sentiers battus ?
Emportez-vous votre matériel de camping ou le louerez-vous sur place auprès de votre agence locale ? Si tel est le cas, je vous conseille de prendre un sac à viande léger et peu encombrant (en soie par exemple) + une taie d'oreiller, l'hygiène n'étant pas toujours de mise dans les hôtels de ce pays ! Il peut faire froid en altitude, le soir, la nuit et le matin.
Quel est précisément votre programme pour la première partie de votre voyage ?
Les différents chemins conduisant d'Addis à Lalibela traversent de très jolis paysages, mais de loin, le plus spectaculaire est celui qui passe par Mukatori, Lemi, Woreilu, Magdala (un peu d'histoire, de magnifiques paysages et une belle balade), Tenta et Gashena. Il est très rarement emprunté par les TO car plus long en temps et moins confortable, parfois un peu difficile (vous pourrez lire le détail de cet itinéraire sur le site du guide Bradt dans Ethiopia Updates à la rubrique, je crois, Bale Mountains). Il existe, maintenant, quelques hôtels corrects dans le secteur.
Sur le trajet que vous avez choisi, il ne faut, bien sûr, pas manquer de faire un stop à Koremash (environ 70 km d'AA à 10/15 km de la route) puis de la Fenêtre Afar (au bord de la route) et si vous disposez d'un peu de temps de flâner du côté du Plateau de Guassa vers Mehal-Meda (environ 100 km pour 2 h 30/3 h 00). C'est un lieu magnifique de haute montagne, parfaitement préservé pour la protection des loups d'Abyssinie et des Géladas, il y a un petit lodge communautaire où l'on peut loger, la tranquillité y est assurée et les randonnées y sont superbes, mais attention à l'adaptation à l'altitude en début de séjour (3000 à 3800 m). De là, on peut redescendre sur une nouvelle piste, difficile et pentue, sur le grand axe conduisant à Dessie dans une région préservée du tourisme, du moins en 2015 (voir détail Bradt idem ci-avant), ce qui est de plus en plus rare en Ethiopie.
Au départ de Dessié, mieux encore de Kombolcha, , pourquoi descendre à Gewane pour revenir à Bati ? Cette dernière n'est qu'à 2 petites heures, moins peut-être, maintenant qu'elle est goudronnée (très très intéressant marché chaque lundi), vous remonterez ensuite à Hadar (pistes très ardues jusqu'en 2015), légèrement au nord. Les villes de cette région de l'Afar (Mille, Tendaho, Sardo, Gewane....) manquent totalement d'attrait, sauf Assaita, là où l'Awash se perd dans les marais (oiseaux, hippos et crocos si on s'aventure un peu). Le Basha Amare Beyene Hotel, établissement basique, ne manque ni d'attrait, ni d'originalité. Ce coin mérite le détour, plus sans doute que le volcan et le parc de Yangudi-Rassa sans infrastructures et sans doute inaccessible sans 4x4.
Je ne connais pas Doho Lodge qui n'existait pas lors de notre dernier passage, seulement le site où nous nous sommes baladés. C'est vraiment très joli et sauvage. Nous y avions découvert des empreintes de lion dans la boue séchée, très surprenant ! C'est un paradis pour les amateurs d'oiseaux.
L'Awash Lodge est joliment situé au-dessus des chutes de la rivière éponyme (je lui préférerais Doho pour son côté plus sauvage). Connais pas Animalia Lodge, tenu par le fils de Madame Krikri, propriétaire du Buffet d'Awash et aujourd'hui décédée (qu'est devenu ce lieu mythique depuis sa disparition ?).
Le parc d'Awash est malheureusement en triste état suite aux incursions des bergers Karayous, le braconnage et une récente sécheresse. On peut y voir quelques herbivores, des singes et une belle avifaune.
Harar est une ville à ne pas manquer, on n'y croise pas trop de touristes car cet endroit est très excentré, les agences préférant se concentrer sur les Hauts-Plateaux ou la Vallée de l'Omo. Les Guesthouses de la vieille cité ne manquent pas de charme (Zubeyda ou Rowda), sinon, il faut loger à l'extérieur des remparts. Le spectacle des hyènes, bien que devenu un n° de cirque est à voir car côtoyer ces animaux tant décriés, a quelque chose de fascinant.
Dans le coin : faire halte au bord du lac d'Alemaya, les oiseaux y sont très nombreux, flâner dans la Vallée des Merveilles ou visiter la ville de Dire-Dawa et sa vieille gare.
Merci Jacky, quelle réponse détaillée et intéressante !
Oui, nous sommes déjà allés en Ethiopie, il y a 6 ans, un mois, à la saison des pluies également.
Nous avions fait Bahir Dar, Gondar, Lalibella, Dessie, les monts du Bale et Awassa.
Il manquera donc le Tigray... On verra quand les enfants seront plus grands ! Pour l'instant, on limite la route.
Pour la première partie du voyage, c'est familial : on rejoint la famille de nos ainés (adoptés en 2009) et on part avec la famille proche quelques jours à Lalibella.
Pour le camping, je suis en train de contacter les hôtels qui disent louer le matériel pour confirmation (sinon, tant pis, on paiera l'hôtel !) et en effet, nous avons prévu d'emporter des sacs à viande (mais en coton), imprégné d'anti-insecte (on ne les sort pas à chaque fois, mais dans certains hôtels, on s'est réveillé le matin, avec plein de bébêtes mortes autour du sac...)
Merci pour les indications sur Koremash, la fenêtre Afar (on avait eu la chance d'avoir une belle éclaircie en 2012) et le plateau de Guassa (mais là, faut qu'on voit... C'est la seule partie du voyage où on est un peu pressé...).
Pour l'itinéraire alternatif vers Dessie, c'est une bonne idée mais on sera avec la famille et je ne sais pas dans quelle mesure ils voudront visiter les petites routes, je verrai sur place avec le guide qui saura bien leur expliquer.
Au départ de Dessie (c'est là qu'est la famille), on s'arrêtera à Bati puis on descendra vers Gewane (sans intérêt nous sommes d'accord...) histoire de couper la route en deux pour les enfants... (voir pièce jointe)
Aissata a 'air bien, mais cela fait un trop grand détour pour nous... On envisagera ça plus tard, sur un tour tigray, djibouti...)
Pour le Parc d'Awash, on va en effet probablement y passer un jour de moins, les avis convergent !!! (et puis, si on ne peut pas camper à cause des pluies, les hôtels sont hors de prix !
Merci pour les indications sur Harar, qu'on ne connait pas du tout non plus.
Bonjour Caroline et sa famille, partiellement éthiopienne,
En 6 ans, vous allez trouver du changement car le pays évolue vraiment très, voire trop, vite dans certains domaines. Ce qui était vrai hier au niveau des hôtels, des restaurants, des coûts divers, ne l'est plus aujourd'hui. Des hôtels sont construits partout, d'un aspect plutôt modernes et confortables, ils s'avèrent souvent pas mieux, parfois pire, que les anciens, l’Éthiopien n'étant pas le champion de l'entretien ! Par exemple, un établissement à Debark que j'avais vu en construction en 2007, était dans un état pire que les petits bouibouis de la ville en 2009. Heureusement, certains propriétaires ont su s'adapter aux exigences de leur clientèle !
Pour la première phase, j'ai oublié Ankober. Le site est magnifique, le côté historique est plus dans les livres que sur place, le lodge est admirablement placé mais un peu excessif. Une jolie balade de quelques heures peut vous conduire de là jusqu'à Aliyu Amba, dans un village peu visité par les touristes, donc pas trop pollué, où se côtoient les habitants des Hauts-Plateaux et ceux du Bas-Pays. La piste traverse (en descendant) de petits hameaux, des cultures..... enfin la vie éthiopienne. Votre chauffeur peut vous y retrouver en bas. C'était l'un des rares endroits où locaux et farenjis payaient le même prix pour manger et dormir.
Pour la deuxième partie du voyage, j'ai quelques infos. Ce n'est pas ma région préférée, hormis Arba-Minch, mais nous y avons découvert d'agréables endroits.
Le Lac Ziway, près de l'embarcadère présente une richesse ornithologique importante. On peut louer une barque et son rameur pour aller sur un îlot où les oiseaux se regroupent et parfois quelques hippos. On peut aussi, avec un bateau plus gros, aller visiter l'île de Tullo-Guddo chargée d'histoire religieuse.
Plus au sud, une petite incursion le long de la rivière Bulbula, vous fera suivre les éleveurs conduisant leurs immenses troupeaux vers le lac, au travers d'un petit canyon poussiéreux et superbe.
Le parc de "Rift Valley Lake" est lui aussi en triste état car les bergers l'ont squatté, au détriment de la faune qui, autrefois, était assez abondante et les villes qui y déversent leurs ordures, sans parler des immenses plantations de roses qui ont pollué toutes les eaux. Il y a tout de même pas mal d'oiseaux et parfois de grands rassemblement de pélicans (le Lac Shala était l'une des principales aires de regroupement de ces magnifiques volatiles et le site du ci-dessus nommé est magnifique). Une perle subsiste dans ce parc, elle se nomme Chitu, il s'agit d'un petit lac de cratère frangé de rose par la présence de milliers de flamants. On y accède par une piste pas très facile au départ d'Awara sur la route de Sodo et à l'ouest de Shashemene (après, environ 20 km et 1 heure de marche : on ne regrette ni l'un ni l'autre).
Pas de commentaires sur Awassa puisque vous y êtes déjà allés, sur le marché aux poissons aussi, je pense, c'est devenu un incontournable avec son inévitable association de guides !!!!!
Wondo-Genet, plus encore Yergalemen et Dila ne m'ont laissé un souvenir impérissable, par contre Aragash Lodge est l'un des plus sympas du pays.
Arba-Minch est parmi mes endroits favoris car du haut de l'escarpement, on domine un paysage fabuleux de lacs, de montagnes et de forêts, préservé comme aux premiers jours de la création. Le Bekele Mola Hotel a perdu de sa superbe mais il est le mieux situé de tous. On y mange assez mal, mais dans la ville basse, le Soma Restaurant, où vous retrouverez tous les voyageurs du secteur, offre une bonne cuisine à base de poissons. Le parc voisin de Nechisar est de toute beauté mais sa faune est assez malmenée par les ethnies voisines. De plus, il n'est pas à la portée de n'importe qu'elle voiture.
On peut ne pas aller à la ferme aux crocodiles. A ne pas confondre avec Crocodile Market sur le Lac Chamo, qui lui est le clou du coin. La balade en bateau est de rigueur pour admirer ces énormes reptiles, mais aussi des hippos et beaucoup d'oiseaux si votre "Capitaine" daigne faire du cabotage. Pas facile de les sortir de leurs habitudes !!!!
Le village Dorze dans la montagne dominant la région est très intéressant. Le Dorze Lodge bénéficie d'une vue imprenable au sommet d'un éperon rocheux, je vous le conseille.
La région, plus au sud, peuplée par les Konsos est magnifique. Les villages sont très intéressants surtout ceux classés au patrimoine mondiale (visite guidée oblige, c'est parfois dommage de ne point flâner à sa guise). Le site voisin de Gesergiyo (travail de l'érosion dans une terre sablonneuse rouge) est à ne pas manquer, là-bas, il est appelé "New-York" : aucune ressemblance. C'est très étonnant et très beau.
La piste reliant Karat-Konso à Yabello, peut-être goudronnée maintenant, traverse de jolis paysage parsemé d'énormes termitières et de fleurs sauvages. Le parc n'est pas très développé comme tous ou presque en Ethiopie. Ce n'est pas là que vous ferez le safari de vos rêves ! Le Yabello Motel est très accueillant mais un peu surévalué.
Ce que vous appelé "le puits borana" est certainement Chew Bet, un volcan situé au sud de la ville de Dulock, en pays oromo/borana. La balade au fond du cratère où se trouve le lac salin, est assez longue et éprouvante (200/250 m de profondeur). Là encore, c'est très joli. Le guide est inévitable avec en prime une démonstration de dragage de "sel".
Je pense que Worabe n'est qu'une étape.
Vers Butajira, un petit détour vers le lac Ara-Shetan dans un cratère et un arrêt dans les sites de Tiya, Melka Kunture si vous aimez les vieilles pierres et enfin un coup d'oeil à Melka-Awash sur le fleuve du même nom qui prend sa source dans la région.
Il ne reste plus qu'à prendre l'avion et éventuellement d'aller musarder à Entoto, sauf si vous avez le temps d'aller jusqu'à Wenchi, une merveille sur la route n° 5.
Bien cordialement et mille excuses si j'ai été un peu bavard.
Jacky.
Merci beaucoup une fois encore pour ces indications, j'apprécie les bavardages quand is sont fondés comme cela !
Oui, le pays a changé... Rien qu'un tour sur le web permet de s'en rendre compte...
La qualité des bâtiments "chinois" est en effet très éphémère.
Pas facile de faire un choix d'hôtel à distance : on privilégie les hôtels où l'on est déjà allé et que l'on avait apprécié (lalibella), les hôtels sur un seul niveau, avec jardin / cour..., et par défaut, on va à l'économie.
Pour le "sud", on ne connait pas au delà d'awassa (et son marché au poisson !).
Si ça se trouve, en fonction de la météo, de la fatigue, des envies de tous, on ira à la dernière minute faire à la place un long treck dans le Bale à partir de Dodola.
Il y a 6 ans, on avait adoré Wondo Genet : se baigner sous les arbres sur lesquels un Toucan est perché, pas un tourist non éthiopien..., des couleurs éclatantes ! Par contre, on avait fait demi-tour à l'hôtel d'à côté : pas notre style, pas d'eau...
Ziway, Melka Kunture et Tila, on a vu la dernière fois : vraiment bien, mais à Ziway, sur le chemin, un cheval mort dans l'eau dégageait une puanteur qui nous a incité à faire vite... On avait trouvé le lieu très sale.
Merci pour toutes les indications que je vais intégrer à mon pré-carnet de voyage !
De retour, un voyage superbe, paysages toujours aussi grandioses, des nouveaux coins, de nouveaux animaux (zèbres et croco notamment...), un guide toujours aussi attentionné, prudent (on a pu aller à Harrar, mais il nous a dit que nous ne pouvions pas aller jusqu'à Babillé : on a vu arriver les camions chargé des réfugiés de Jinka), cultivé, adaptatif, chaleureux, drôle...
Je ne peux que vous conseiller Wubetu et son agence (Qendil tour sur FB) un vrai guide francophone qui aime et connait son pays !
Caroline
PS : l'accès à la consommation, s'il permet visiblement une vie de bien meilleure qualité engendre une quantité de déchets plastiques phénoménale... On était parti avec un filtre à eau et on ne regrette pas, à 7 en 32 jours on a du consommer au maximum 10 bouteilles en plastique (grand resto où l'on n'osait pas sortir nos gourdes, panne d'eau...)
I wanted to share our experience after a 5-day trip to Armenia with my wife and our 8-month-old baby.
It’s a destination that’s still relatively unknown, but it’s really worth the trip, especially if you enjoy cultural, spiritual, historical, and human-centered travel.
We were looking for a change of scenery but not too complicated with a baby—and easy to organize (even though our travel agency helped us a lot, thanks to them! 😊). In the end, Armenia was a wonderful surprise. It’s not a "postcard-perfect" destination. It’s a raw, mountainous, ancient country with real depth.
And most importantly: Armenians *love* children.
That’s probably what surprised us the most. In restaurants, waitresses, owners, or even other customers would naturally come over to play with our baby, hold them for a few minutes, smile at them, or keep them entertained while we ate.
It wasn’t intrusive. It was very natural, very family-oriented. You can tell that children have a real place in society. For parents traveling with a baby, it’s honestly a pleasure.
Day 1 — Yerevan
We started with Yerevan, a pleasant capital that’s quite easy to explore with a child.
The city isn’t huge. You can stroll around Republic Square, visit cafés, discover markets, and walk at a relaxed pace.
With a baby, it’s pretty practical: you can easily take breaks, return to the hotel, or go back out in the evening. The vibe is laid-back, family-friendly, and we felt safe.
In the evening, Yerevan is very lively. The restaurants are welcoming, and almost everywhere, our baby drew smiles.
Day 2 — Etchmiadzin and Khor Virap
On the second day, we headed to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual heart of Armenia. It’s an important place for understanding the country and its Christian identity.
Then, we visited Khor Virap, facing Mount Ararat.
It’s probably one of the most striking places on the trip. The monastery, the plain, the distant Ararat—everything is visually and symbolically powerful.
With a baby, you just need to plan a relaxed pace, avoid rushing, and take your time.
Day 3 — Garni and Geghard
The third day was one of our favorites.
We visited the Temple of Garni, very different from the monasteries, with a stunning setting in the mountains.
Then we went to Geghard, a monastery partially carved into the rock.
The atmosphere is incredible. It’s quiet, mineral, almost timeless. Even if you’re not very religious, you feel something.
With a child, the visit goes well, but again, it’s best not to overload the day. The key is to keep a flexible pace.
Day 4 — Noravank
On the fourth day, we headed to Noravank.
The road itself is an experience: dry landscapes, mountains, red rocks, valleys. The monastery is surrounded by impressive cliffs.
It’s one of the most beautiful sites we saw in Armenia.
You really get the sense that Armenian monasteries were built in impossible places—between sky, stone, and mountain.
Along the way, you can also pass through the Areni region, known for its wine. With a baby, we mostly prioritized simple breaks, relaxed meals, and uncompressed travel times.
Day 5 — Lake Sevan and return to Yerevan
For the last day, we went to Lake Sevan.
The lake is vast, bright, and surrounded by mountains. The Sevanavank Monastery, up high, offers a beautiful view.
It’s a gentler stop, perfect for ending the trip.
Then we returned to Yerevan for a final dinner. Once again, the welcome in restaurants stood out. In Armenia, traveling with a baby isn’t seen as a hassle. On the contrary, people spontaneously come up to the child.
Our overall impression
In 5 days, you obviously don’t see all of Armenia. To reach Tatev, Dilijan, Haghpat, or Sanahin, you’d need more like 7 to 10 days.
But for a first visit, 5 days are enough to feel the essence: Yerevan, the major monasteries, Mount Ararat, the landscapes, the Christian history, and the Armenian hospitality.
What we loved most:
- the kindness of people toward our baby;
- the very family-friendly atmosphere;
- the monasteries in incredible landscapes;
- the view of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap;
- the atmosphere of Geghard;
- the cliffs of Noravank;
- the food;
- the feeling of safety;
- the fact that the country is still relatively untouched by mass tourism.
What to know when traveling with a baby:
- distances can be longer than expected;
- some roads are mountainous;
- avoid overloading the day;
- it’s better to have a driver or a car;
- plan for breaks, water, diapers, baby meals;
- a stroller isn’t always practical on ancient sites;
- a baby carrier can be very useful.
Recommended 5-day itinerary
For a first trip, I’d suggest:
Day 1: Yerevan
Day 2: Etchmiadzin + Khor Virap
Day 3: Garni + Geghard
Day 4: Noravank + Areni
Day 5: Sevan + return to Yerevan
It’s balanced, not too tiring, and gives a great first impression of the country.
Conclusion
Armenia is a wonderful destination with a baby, as long as you travel slowly and don’t try to see everything.
What touched us most, beyond the landscapes and monasteries, was the attitude toward children. There, you feel that babies are welcomed with real tenderness. In restaurants, people naturally helped us, played with our child, and gave us a few minutes to breathe.
That’s rare, and it makes a big difference in the travel experience.
Armenia isn’t a destination you consume quickly.
It’s a country that you *feel*.
For those who love cultural, spiritual, historical, family, and human-centered travel, I highly recommend it.
I’ve read the forum a lot and found a wealth of information. I’ve tried to compile all of it into our itinerary and would love your feedback to finalize the bookings (we’re planning this *very* last-minute).
Here’s what we’re thinking of doing:
22 July: arrival in Johannesburg
Night of 22–23: Johannesburg
Nights of 23–26: Marloth Park (with Kruger visits on the 24th, 25th, and a crossing visit on the 26th)
Nights of 26–28: Graskop (visiting the canyon and Panorama Road on the 27th and 28th)
Nights of 28–30: Hoedspruit (visiting the central area of Kruger on the 29th?)
Nights of 30 July–1 August: Balule Park (private reserve with safari)
Nights of 1–5 August: flight from Hoedspruit to Cape Town, then 2 days in Cape Town, 1 day on the peninsula, and 2 days for wine (just the route) or something else based on your advice (we don’t know where to stay—whether to stay all 5 nights in Cape Town and where in the city, or do 2 nights in Cape Town and 3 nights nearby—but where?)
Night of 5–6 August: Kelders for penguins and whales
Nights of 6–8 August: Tsitsikamma (what is there to do/see?)
Nights of 8–10 August: Addo Park on the 9th
10 August: flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg and back home
What do you think?
Is there a lot of driving time?
We’d really appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Thanks!
Hi everyone,
We're heading to Colombia soon for two weeks as a family with our two 10-year-old boys. I'm a bit behind on planning our itinerary and could really use your advice!
We arrive in Cartagena, where we'll spend 3 nights.
Next, we're heading to the Tayrona area for 3 nights. Could you recommend a nice hotel with a pool, ideally family-friendly? Unfortunately, Senda Watapuy and Senda Koguiwa are already fully booked for our dates.
After that, we were thinking of spending a few days in Minca. Is that a good idea in late July/early August? How many nights would you recommend?
Finally, we're looking for a last stop before returning to France. We've heard about Mompox, but we're hesitant because it seems like a big detour. We love nature, animals, beautiful landscapes, beaches, and authentic places. Do you think Mompox is worth the detour with two kids, or would you recommend another destination (Palomino, Barú, La Guajira...) instead?
We don’t want to take any domestic flights.
Thanks in advance for all your tips and experiences!
This summer, we’ve decided to do a 3-week road trip starting from Nice and heading down to Ksamil in Albania.
We’re leaving from Nice, and our route is already pretty much set:
Nice - Verona (Italy) - Rijeka (Croatia) - Zadar - Split - Budva (Montenegro) - Shkodër (Albania) - Ksamil, then back through Italy via Bari.
The itinerary is packed! 🙂
Do you have any suggestions for things to see—visits, beaches, viewpoints, villages, or excursions—to make the most of our journey?
Hi there, we're planning our vacation in Indonesia. We're a family with two kids aged 11 and 14. We leave on July 26th and return on August 17th, 2026.
We initially planned to visit Bali, Komodo, and Flores, but after looking into it more, we came across Sumatra, which is less touristy... a real plus for us. However, skipping Bali might be a shame.
I was wondering if spending 12 days in Sumatra and finishing with about 7 days in Bali is a doable plan.
Hi,
I’m traveling with my 5-year-old son this summer to Northern Thailand, Northern Vietnam, Yunnan, and Indonesia. I plan to equip him with a GPS tracker, but the SIM cards come with a contract. Do you know what the options are in Asia?
Thanks,
Nora
Hi there,
We’d like to spend 2 days in Lyon in May with our 8- and 12-year-old kids, exploring the city on foot.
We’ll arrive on day 1 around 11 AM and leave on day 2 around 6 PM.
I’ve mapped out two routes and was wondering if they’re doable in our 2 days, and if you have any tips or info on visit prices.
We’re not sure where to stay yet, but we’d like to optimize by booking accommodation (hotel or Airbnb) between the two routes, maybe?
Hi there!
I’m planning a trip with my wife and our three kids (ages 9, 6, and 3) from April 16 to May 6.
I’ve started sketching out the itinerary, trying to alternate between visits, hikes, safaris, and downtime. I want to keep the pace relaxed given the kids’ ages.
Could you let me know what you think of this route? I removed Nuwara Eliya, which I had originally planned before Ella, to cut down on stops. I was also wondering if I should break up the Arugam Bay to Colombo leg with an overnight in Galle, since it’s a long drive.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Day 1 – 04/16: Wilpattu
Arrival at the airport (08:00) + transfer to Wilpattu (180 km, 4–5 h) + afternoon safari
Overnight: Wilpattu
Day 2 – 04/17: Wilpattu
Morning & afternoon safari
Overnight: Wilpattu
Day 3 – 04/18: Trincomalee
Transfer Wilpattu → Trincomalee (200 km, 4–5 h) + beach relaxation
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 4 – 04/19: Trincomalee
Nilaveli Beach
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 5 – 04/20: Trincomalee
Pigeon Island snorkeling
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 6 – 04/21: Trincomalee
Fort Frederick & relaxation
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 7 – 04/22: Sigiriya
Transfer Trincomalee → Sigiriya (120 km, ~3 h) + visit to Dambulla
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 8 – 04/23: Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 9 – 04/24: Sigiriya
Minneriya safari
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 10 – 04/25: Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa & village tour
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 11 – 04/26: Ella
Transfer Sigiriya → Ella (230 km, 5–6 h) + rest
Overnight: Ella
Day 12 – 04/27: Ella
Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arches Bridge
Overnight: Ella
Day 13 – 04/28: Ella
Ella Rock
Overnight: Ella
Day 14 – 04/29: Ella
Tea Factory & relaxation
Overnight: Ella
Day 15 – 04/30: Yala
Transfer Ella → Yala (110 km, 2–3 h) + afternoon safari
Overnight: Yala
Day 16 – 05/01: Arugam Bay
Transfer Yala → Arugam Bay (80 km, 2.5–3 h) + beach time
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 17 – 05/02: Arugam Bay
Surfing & relaxation
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 18 – 05/03: Arugam Bay
Local exploration
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 19 – 05/04: Colombo
Transfer Arugam Bay → Colombo (320 km, 7–8 h) + rest
Overnight: Colombo
Day 20 – 05/05: Colombo
City tour & shopping
Overnight: Colombo
Day 21 – 05/06: Colombo
Morning return flight from Colombo
We’re heading to Sri Lanka for three weeks in July with two kids (ages 6 and 13).
We’ve drafted a rough itinerary but would love to hear from those who’ve already been there 😊
Of course, we want to see everything, but we have to make choices—even though three weeks on the ground lets us do quite a bit.
We originally planned a schedule that felt too packed, so we had to cut one stop. We decided to skip Tangalle, even though we were really tempted. The monsoon won’t let us swim there, and the weather in the south is too uncertain, so we preferred to keep our stops on the east coast. Plus, we don’t think it’s reasonable to cut nights from other places.
We’ve added a stop in Batticaloa, which we think will be a nice break between Arugam Bay and Sigiriya. What do you think?
We’re also debating between Batticaloa and Passikudah.
Does the itinerary seem logical to you?
Here it is:
Sri Lanka Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival around 1 PM at the airport
Night in Negombo
Day 2
Drive from Negombo to Galle
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Night in Galle
Day 3
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Night in Galle
Day 4
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Drive from Galle to Udawalawe
Night in Udawalawe
Day 5
Visit Udawalawe National Park
Night in Udawalawe
Day 6
Drive from Udawalawe to Ella
Night in Ella
Day 7
Ella Rock
+ Nine Arch Bridge
Night in Ella
Day 8
Visit Haputale
Lipton’s Seat and Dambatenne Tea Factory
Train ride back from Haputale to Ella
Night in Ella
Day 9
Little Adam’s Peak
+ drive from Ella to Arugam Bay
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 10
Visit Arugam Bay and surrounding areas
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 11
Visit Arugam Bay and surrounding areas
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 12
Drive from Arugam Bay to Batticaloa
Night in Batticaloa
Day 13
Visit Batticaloa
Night in Batticaloa
Day 14
Drive from Batticaloa to Sigiriya
Night in Sigiriya
Day 15
Lion Rock and Pidurangala
Night in Sigiriya
Day 16
Visit Dambulla
Drive from Sigiriya to Trincomalee
Night in Trincomalee
Day 17
Visit Trincomalee and surrounding areas
Night in Trincomalee
Day 18
Visit Trincomalee and surrounding areas
Night in Trincomalee
Day 19
Drive from Trincomalee to Anuradhapura
Night in Anuradhapura
Day 20
Visit Anuradhapura
Night in Anuradhapura
Day 21
Visit Mihintale
Drive from Anuradhapura to Negombo
Night in Negombo
Day 22
Day in Negombo and return flight
We’d love to hear your thoughts and tips! Thanks in advance!
We’re planning a 4-month trip in spring 2027. We’re looking for a third destination that optimizes transport costs. Ideally, somewhere very different from the other two (Polynesia and Indonesia). Thanks
Hi everyone!
We’re so excited to be heading to Italy for the first time this April with our two kids for a week. We’ve booked our round-trip flight, and we’ll be arriving and departing from Pisa.
Our rough plan so far includes visiting Pisa, taking the train to Florence, and exploring the Cinque Terre. Last night, a friend also suggested adding Siena to the list.
Our kids are 12 and 9 and are used to walking, but we’re not looking to rush around too much. We’d love any advice, especially about accommodation. Should we stay in Pisa and take day trips by train, or split our nights between a couple of different places?
We’re just starting our research, so any tips would be amazing! 😉
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone.
A few days ago, I asked my 14-year-old son to pick a destination for a trip, and he chose Germany. So, we’re heading to Berlin for four days in February. The catch is that I don’t know this city (or this country) at all—I hadn’t even considered visiting just a month ago .
Could you please share some suggestions to make this first mother-son trip abroad a success? 🙂
Thanks for your tips and great deals.
Nanyne
Next summer, we (2 adults and a 12-year-old child) have decided to visit Japan.
Admittedly, it’s still early to plan everything, but my wife will soon need to request her vacation time—either in August or July... and we’re hesitating.
I know summer isn’t the ideal time to visit Japan, but we don’t really have a choice... It’s either July or August. On one hand, I’d love to experience the O-Bon festivities from August 14th to 16th, and I’ve drafted an initial itinerary that would let us experience the Gujo Hachiman Bon Odori, possibly visit the Okunoin Cemetery in Koyasan, and be in Kyoto on the 16th for the Gozan Okuribi fires. But on the other hand, I’m worried it’ll be *packed*, especially in Kyoto, and less enjoyable than in July. So, have any of you experienced these celebrations? Are they worth it? Too crowded? Do you know of other celebrations or festivals in July?
Thanks for your input!
I’m reaching out because I’ve already read tons of info from other forums (thanks a million, by the way!) and blogs, but now I’m overwhelmed with details and have so many questions. I’m really hoping you can help us figure this out! Here’s the plan:
We’re leaving France for Senegal in our camper van (with two kids, aged 4 and 7), then shipping the van to South Africa before heading to Namibia. We’re planning to leave this summer and should arrive in South Africa in early September. The goal is to reach Réunion by early December, which gives us 3 months to explore Southern Africa. Originally, we wanted to pick up the van in Cape Town, head up to Namibia, and visit the main parks and iconic spots, then go north to Botswana (Etosha Park) and Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) before heading back down to South Africa to enjoy the milder temperatures while exploring the country. But now we’re wondering how to get back to South Africa. We’ve come up with three options:
- Head back down through Botswana: I’ve read everywhere that Botswana isn’t recommended for kids under 6 (most parks) because it can be potentially dangerous—few enclosures for animals (even though we have a camper van with "secure" beds), and the agencies we’ve contacted don’t recommend it. Plus, southern Botswana is tough to navigate in a camper van.
- Return from central Botswana (Maun) to Windhoek and drive back to Cape Town via Namibia.
- Cross Zimbabwe and potentially Mozambique to head down to Kruger Park and Johannesburg.
Anyone familiar with this region have any recommendations?
Also, is it necessary to book accommodations in advance? Is that only required in certain countries (maybe Botswana/Zimbabwe)? We’d like a mix of camping and lodges.
Hi there,
We’re planning a two-week trip to Colombia with our two kids at the end of July – early August, with a round-trip flight to Cartagena.
What itinerary would you recommend, knowing we’d prefer to avoid domestic flights?
We were thinking of Cartagena, Tayrona Park, Mompox, and maybe an island.
Do you think it’s a shame to skip big cities like Bogotá or Medellín?
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
Good morning! We're heading to Cape Verde for 2 weeks at the end of April—São Vicente, Boa Vista, and Santiago. We’re a family of 5: 3 kids (4, 6, and 12) and 2 adults.
My questions revolve around beaches (a spot with interesting snorkeling and safe swimming for the kids), accommodation (kid-friendly, parks nearby, pool, beach, or nature—more like guesthouses or family-run pensions), hikes (accessible for kids), and whether renting a car makes sense depending on the island, even though local buses are an adventure in themselves.
**Santiago:**
- Beach & snorkeling: Tarrafal, Quebra Canela in Praia, Ribeira da Barca (okay for kids?), Águas Belas?
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: Malagueta?, Baobab Boa Entrada, Pico António (accessible? elevation gain, time to climb, difficulty, interest for kids?)
**Boa Vista:**
- Beach + snorkeling: Santa Mónica, Praia de Chaves, Gatas, ... Estoril Beach in Sal Rei maybe?
- Can we swim at Turtle Bay to see the turtles even though it’s not nesting season?
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: Viana Desert? Can we explore it solo by renting a 4x4 and easily find the points of interest?
- Is it worth renting a 4x4 for our stay in Boa Vista?
**São Vicente:**
- Beach + snorkeling: Laginha, Porto Grande, Praia Grande, Baía das Gatas, São Pedro...? (safe, good snorkeling?)
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: cliffs?, Monte Verde?
Thanks for your feedback, great tips—especially for accommodation where we’re totally in the dark! And your thoughts on whether renting a car is a good idea and which beaches are safest for kids.
Hi,
We’d like to visit the Alpes de Haute-Provence for 2 weeks with our 2 (adult) kids.
Any ideas for things to see and do?
Where should we choose our accommodation (house only) to be centrally located for sightseeing? We’re looking for villages with restaurants and bakeries.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Best regards
Hi there, we’re heading to Tuscany in the second half of August with two kids (8 and 6 years old).
We’ve zeroed in on the area around Siena and Florence for now.
I’m looking for recommendations on places to stay and things to see that are great for families.
Also, just to add, we’ll be traveling by train and plan to rent a car once we’re there—any tips on car rental companies?
Hello everyone,
We’ve decided to head to Quebec next year—it’s been a dream for the whole family (after watching so many travel shows and the like...). There’ll be five of us: 2 adults, 2 teens (16 and 13), and a child (8 years old). We’re all pretty good walkers, though maybe the teens a little less so—it’s just that age, you know? 😊 That said, they’ve got no problem doing 15 km hikes, just not every single day.
We’re planning to go from July 23 to August 14, arriving and departing from Montreal, so almost 3 weeks.
I’ve started looking into logistics and accommodation prices, but before I dive into bookings, I’d love some advice on the itinerary. I’ve read a few threads here and there.
Our idea is to visit between 3 and 5 different places over the 3 weeks, so that means the same number of accommodations. The goal is to optimize travel as much as possible—I’ve realized that getting around can take a long time.
I think the first two days will be in Montreal to adjust to the time difference, and the last two in Quebec City, though that’s not set in stone.
Anyway, I’m not really sure about the route. I’ve got time to plan everything, but I know the longer we wait, the more expensive and scarce accommodations will get.
Same goes for budget—we’ve set aside a mid-range budget, flights included: 3k per person (1k for the flight). So if you’ve got any great tips or advice, we’re all ears!
I was thinking of going up the St. Lawrence River, but I’m not sure how long that takes or where to stop. Maybe there are other places worth visiting farther away...
Anyway, thanks for reading this far! If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate.
I hope you're starting this new year with your head full of travel memories or plans!!
I’d love to spend a week in July on a Greek island with my 8-year-old son. I’m totally in love with Amorgos, but not all the beaches are accessible for him. I’ve been to Santorini and Naxos before and don’t want to go back. Would you have an island to recommend that’s not too crowded 😕, with a few accessible beaches and where we won’t have to fight to get around or park?
A few months ago, I posted a message in the Southern Africa section about a family trip in July/August. In the end, since I had too much trouble deciding on the destination and procrastinated too much with the planning 😎, I changed my mind and we’re going for a completely different trip—to Madagascar, a country we already know a bit since we’ve traveled there several times for 4 to 6 months each time, though our last visit was back in 2012!
The tickets are booked: 19 days on the ground (excluding arrival and departure days in Tana), spanning July and August.
We’re not looking to rack up landscapes (and kilometers). The kids really want to see lots of animals, while we mostly want to show them what daily life is like in Malagasy villages. So ideally, we’d like a trip split into two parts:
- For 8/10 days, a hiking portion. The idea isn’t to do a tough trek in very remote areas but rather to walk from one village to another. Let’s say 3-4 hours a day. And when we arrive in each village, we’d have time to explore a bit, chat with the locals, let our kids play with the village children, etc. Stay with locals when possible. Move to a new village every day or every 2-3 days.
- A few days visiting 1 or 2 national parks (with lemurs if possible to keep everyone happy!)
- With the inevitable travel days, we’ll quickly hit 19 days.
Does this kind of trip sound doable (and fun) to you? Do you know of any villages that would fit our hiking plans?
I don’t have a preferred region yet, except that very dry landscapes appeal to me less. My real love from past trips was the highlands and their bright green rice paddies against red earth, but I’m a bit worried about the cold at this time of year.
After my initial research (thanks to this forum), I get the impression that the Ambalavao/Ambohimahamasina area might meet our criteria. I saw there are "accueil paysan" (farm stays) in that area, which could match what we’re looking for and would let us visit Andringitra National Park and Ranomafana on the way there or back.
But I’m open to all your more original ideas!
For logistical questions (transport, guides, accommodations, etc.), I’ll tackle those later—it’ll depend on the area we choose.
We’re a family with young kids (6 years old, 3 years old, and a newborn) and we’d like to spend about ten days in Aquitaine (in Gironde or Les Landes).
We’d love to be near pretty villages to visit and, if possible, close to the sea.
We’re planning to stay at a campsite with a pool so the kids can play.
Could you recommend any places/villages/campsites for us?
We don’t know the region at all.
We’re a family of five (our kids are 6, 15, and 19) and we’d love to go somewhere warm with our feet in the water during the first two weeks of August 2026. We’d also like to do some cultural visits and a bit of hiking. We were thinking of Guadeloupe—I know it’s not the ideal time of year, but we don’t have much flexibility. Is it really a bad idea, or can we still enjoy it despite the weather?
Another option for us would be Madeira, which seems more reliable weather-wise, but it sounds like the beaches are less accessible and not as nice.
We haven’t really looked elsewhere because everything else (except the Canary Islands, Balearics, or Corsica) seems way too expensive. But if you’ve got any recommendations, don’t hesitate—we’re just starting to look into it.
Hi,
This summer, we’re spending a month in Malaysia. There are 3 adults and two kids in our group. I’ve just finished planning our itinerary and I’d love to get your thoughts on whether it feels "coherent."
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Christelle
07/07 Depart France 10:30 AM
08/07 Arrive KL 7:50 PM
09/07 KL
10/07 KL / Batu Caves
11/07 KL
12/07 KL → Kuching (flight)
13/07 Kuching
14/07 Bako National Park
15/07 Bako → Kuching
16/07 Semenggoh Reserve
17/07 Kuching → Mulu (flight)
18/07 Mulu National Park
19/07 Mulu → Kota Kinabalu (flight)
20/07 Kota Kinabalu → Sandakan (flight)
21/07 Kinabatangan
22/07 Kinabatangan → Sandakan / Sandakan → KL (flight)
23/07 Malacca
24/07 Malacca → Chin Swee Caves Temple
25/07 Chin Swee Caves Temple → Kuala Tahan / Taman Negara Park
26/07 Taman Negara Park
27/07 Kuala Tahan → Kuala Besut
28/07 Perhentian Islands
29/07 Perhentian Islands
30/07 Perhentian Islands
31/07 Perhentian → George Town
01/08 George Town / Penang
02/08 George Town / Penang
03/08 Ipoh
04/08 Cameron Highlands
05/08 Return to KL
06/08 Return to France
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Malaysia this July with my 6-year-old son.
I’d thought we’d go this year, but we ended up returning to Samui instead.
I’ve decided to limit it to 4 stops to avoid moving around too often and to fully enjoy each place without rushing. The travel times between each spot aren’t too long, except for the one between Sandakan and Langkawi.
* 05: Arrival in KL in the afternoon.
06: Day in KL. I’ve been there a few times and know the city a bit.
* 07: Head to Kota Kinabalu
08 – 09: In KK
* 10: Flight from Sandakan to Sepilok
11: In Sepilok
* 12: Flight to Kinabatangan
13 – 14: In Kinabatangan
* 15: Head to Langkawi
15 – 21: In Langkawi
* 22: Return to KL
23 – 24: In KL
* 25: Return flight
Any thoughts on this itinerary? I have a rough idea of what we’ll do at each stop after checking online and with ChatGPT.
We’re heading out at the end of February for a road trip with our two kids, ages 3 and 7. Our itinerary includes Ait Ben Haddou, Tizi-n-Tichka, Sourate, Tinghir, Zagora, Ouarzazate, Ouzoud, and Essaouira. I’d love recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and typical/spectacular spots to visit. We’d like to spend a night in the Zagora desert. We’re looking for authenticity and a friendly vibe—not tourist traps—for our trip. We’ll be there during Ramadan—any tips?
Thanks in advance!
Your fellow globetrotter’s perspective is invaluable.
Wednesday, March 4 – Friday, March 6 — Sine-Saloum
Drive to Toubacouta via the Trans-Gambian Highway (Gambia)
Stay with a local host / camp on the bolongs
Activities: pirogue ride in the delta, Serer villages, biking, handicraft discovery
Overnights: Sine-Saloum (3 nights)
Saturday, March 7 – Sunday, March 8 — Petite Côte
Drive to Somone / Ngaparou (~3 hours)
Stay with a local host
Activities: beach, safari at Bandia Reserve, kayaking on the lagoon, craft market
Overnights: Petite Côte (2 nights, including Sunday, March 8, to enjoy the full day before the nighttime departure)
Monday, March 9 — Departure
Transfer to Blaise Diagne International Airport (~45 minutes)
Flight leaves at 2:00 AM
I’ve got a few questions:
- Is an afternoon on Gorée Island worth it? I really want to go, but the ferry departure days are a bit limiting.
- How easy is it to get around between these different stops? Can we find a taxi that fits all five of us?
- Do you have any accommodation recommendations? I’d love to stay with locals as much as possible—we’re not looking for luxury, just a bed and a shower.
- February 28 is my birthday, and I’d love to do something “special”: any ideas for a nice place to stay, a great restaurant, or an out-of-the-ordinary activity? We’ll be around Cap Skirring.
- Does this itinerary seem coherent? I really want to visit Casamance, and we’d prefer to stay no more than 3 nights in the same place.
Don’t hesitate to share your tips! Thanks so much!
Hello,
I’d like to go to Morocco with my 10-year-old daughter for three weeks in February.
Do you think, as women traveling alone, we’ll feel comfortable? Sorry if my question seems odd, but when I mentioned my plans, I got some hesitant reactions.
I’ve never been to North Africa. I’ve traveled several times to the Sultanate of Oman, where I felt very at ease as long as we respected the basic cultural norms. For those who know Morocco, do you think it’s different? Would it be appropriate for me to cover my head?
I was thinking of arriving in Agadir and spending a few days in Taghazout and the surrounding area.
After that, if you have any tips, I’m all ears. We’re looking to discover Moroccan cultures, see artisans at work, or even try our hand at a local craft—we’d love that. Simply meeting families, seeing landscapes, animals, and soaking in the culture gently, opening ourselves to something new—that’s what motivates us. And if there are opportunities to listen to local music, even better.
We’ll be traveling by public transport.
Thanks in advance for your ideas.
Happy travels to everyone.
we’re taking our grandkids in early 2026 (14 and 10 years old) without their parents. Do we really need to have birth certificates and other forms translated by a sworn translator?
Hi there, I’m really sorry if this question has already been asked several times—I’ve been scouring blogs, forums, and various sites for a while now, but I still have some more specific questions for our trip...
First off, we’re a family of four with two kids aged 10 and 14. We’ve already been to Thailand and Laos five times with them (each trip lasting a month or six weeks), and we’re huge Thailand lovers, but this year we’d like to discover Indonesia, which we don’t know at all (for a duration of 4 or 5 weeks between late June and late July). We travel pretty "roots" style with a budget of 100 € per day and avoid touristy areas as much as possible. We get around using local transport, rent scooters, and take our time (for a one-month trip, we usually visit 4 destinations to really soak it in). So here are my upcoming questions:
For a first visit, I wanted to focus on a single island—Lombok—by taking a flight from Paris to Denpasar and then a boat to Lombok.
Do you think the following route would work?
- Kuta Lombok
- Gili Gede
- Gili Meno
- Tetebatu
I saw there’s a local boat to Lombok—has anyone here taken it before?
For those who’ve been there during this period, do you know if Gili Meno and Gili Gede get crowded, or should we focus more on the coasts?
To get between these spots, are there buses, or do we need to take private taxis?
As for accommodations, we’re used to booking triple rooms for all four of us in Thailand. For those who travel with kids, do you know if that’s doable in Indonesia, or should we book two double rooms instead?
Last (slightly silly) question: We want to go to Indonesia because our son dreams of seeing beautiful marine life while snorkeling—I think Lombok is a good choice for that. But my daughter is a huge fan of those "knick-knack" markets full of Chinese trinkets that you find all over Thailand. Do you know if Lombok has any day or night markets where we could go?
