After scouring the forum, reading several guides, and browsing websites, here are a few questions about our upcoming trip to Ecuador this summer.
We’re planning to travel with our 16-month-old son (he’s already been to Russia, Argentina, and Uruguay in his first three months), and here are some questions we have.
The big question: What type of baby carrier would you recommend? (We have a JPMBB, but I’ve never really been able to use it—it digs into my shoulders and isn’t comfortable. For short walks or strolls with the baby, we need something solid!)
Roughly, we’d arrive in Quito and return from Guayaquil (with the end of the trip in the Galápagos). The route would be something like this: Quito, Quilotoa, Papallacta, Cotopaxi, Baños, Riobamba, Chimborazo, Cuenca, Guayaquil, and the Galápagos.
For the Galápagos, we were thinking of 8 days—does that seem reasonable?
Regarding transportation, what are the buses like in Ecuador? (More like Argentina/Chile or more like Bolivia/Nicaragua?) How manageable is it with a baby?
Does the itinerary seem doable, and how much time would you roughly spend in each place? It’s clear we won’t be doing any major ascents, but we enjoy walking—a 2-3 hour hike to see the wildlife and flora at the foot of Chimborazo doesn’t scare us.
Without a baby, what do you think of the Baños-Puyo route? Some recommend the Chimborazo descent instead.
With a baby, is the Baños-Puyo route doable? Is it possible to have a baby carrier on the bike?
Thanks so much! :)
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
Hi there.
In my opinion, check about the altitude with a 16-month-old baby. I don’t think you’ll be able to do hikes above 3,000m or even 4,000m with them on your back, especially around Chimborazo, Quilotoa, or Cotopaxi.
For bus travel, no problem—it’s not Bolivia.
Without a baby, the Chimborazo mountain-bike descent is amazing, as is the one from Baños to Puyo, but I’m not sure about baby carriers.
So, 8 days in the Galápagos is more than perfect.
Hello;
you’ll easily find an agency in Riobamba for the mountain-bike descent from the first Chimborazo refuge.
Great memory, though my trip was ages ago now.
It was my first stay in Ecuador.
I won’t be able to answer questions about your itinerary since I haven’t started planning mine in detail yet (trip in October 2017), but I can already help with questions about the child-carrier backpack! 😉
My daughter is now 5 and a half, and during her first 4 years, we traveled and hiked with the Osprey POCO model (no, I don’t own shares in the company! 😛):
What we particularly loved about this model:
- The adjustable leg openings depending on the child’s size (my daughter could still fit in it if she hadn’t gotten too heavy to carry!)
- The metal "foot" that lets you set the backpack down stably on the ground to put baby in without it tipping over
- The UV-protective sun shade that unfolds like a little tent over the child’s head (also great in the rain 😉)
- The many pockets and storage spaces (diapers, wipes, water, snacks, sweater/jacket...)
- The padded shoulder straps, with a double attachment for the wearer (waist + chest)
It’s true that if you’re traveling with backpacks instead of suitcases, it might be a bit tricky but otherwise, no worries!
We’ve traveled with many airlines using this baby carrier backpack (KLM, Air China, Philippines Airlines, Delta, Singapore Airlines, etc.), and every time, we’ve been able to bring it for free since it’s considered a stroller or other child accessory.
Most of the time, it goes in the hold with the luggage, but we asked twice to keep it in the cabin because we had long layovers, and the staff agreed without any issues (they take it at the plane entrance and return it at the exit, just like a lightweight stroller).
In my opinion, a physiological carrier is great for a baby, but it becomes uncomfortable as the child grows—both for the parent (aches, sweating) and the child (they’re not free to move and can’t see the scenery well).
My daughter slept, played, and looked at books in it—basically, she’s very active and never got tired of it! The practicality always won out over the bulk, whether in the Hong Kong MTR or at the top of a volcano...😎
Great project! We spent a month and a half in Ecuador in July 2016, and we loved this destination. For example, our route on mainland Ecuador was as follows: 3.5 days/4 nights in Quito, 0.5 day/1 night in Latacunga, 1.5 days/1 night in Quilotoa, 1 day/2 nights in Papallacta, 2 days/2 nights in Coca, 2 full days/2 nights in the Amazon rainforest, 3.5 days/3 nights in Quito, 1 night in Latacunga, 3.5 days/3 nights hiking the "Quilotoa Loop" (2 nights in Chugchilan and one night in Isinlivi), 1 night in Quito, 2 days/1 night in Mindo, 1 night in Quito, 2.5 days/3 nights in Guayaquil, 5 days/5 nights in Cuenca.
On top of that, we spent 11 days in the Galápagos—and we could have easily stayed twice as long, we were so fascinated by this archipelago! We chose to explore on our own, without a cruise, which is much cheaper and allows for a lot of freedom. 8 days is good, but if you have a little more time, don’t hesitate—you won’t regret it...
As for buses, they’re quite similar to Chile’s standards.
Good luck with your planning! How much time do you have in total?
"La liberté existe toujours, il suffit d'en payer le prix" - H. de Montherland
Mon blog tour du monde 2011-2012, devenu blog voyages, puis de nouveau blog tour du monde en 2016, puis blog de mon installation à la Réunion : www.smilingaroundtheworld.com
Domika74, thanks for the replies! Bulk is definitely still an issue... especially since we’re wondering whether to bring our travel crib (BabyBjörn—super practical, we already used it last summer in South America). With backpacks, we’ll have to make some tough choices... and right now, we’re asking ourselves a lot of questions. When we look at photos of families who’ve traveled for months, they often use a baby carrier... dilemma...
Mllegazou, we’ll have 23 full days there.
We won’t be doing the Amazon with our little one, that’s for sure.
The plan was to head down from Quito to Guayaquil to finish our trip with 7/8 days in the Galápagos.
3/4 days in Quito seems good; in what order would you suggest doing the parts of the itinerary we’re interested in? Is it possible to visit some places from a "base camp"? (For example, Papallacta, Cotopaxi...)
For the Galápagos, I’m planning to arrive at Baltra and leave from the other island (the name escapes me), and just explore... If you have any real favorites to suggest that are doable with a little one, I’m all ears! (LP and Routard have tons of info, but it’s hard to get a sense of things and prioritize what to do/see!)
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
Happy to help—these are questions I asked myself a few years ago too! 😉
From my experience, a backpack really wins out over a travel crib: sure, last year when your little one was just a few months old it was essential, but at almost 18 months, I don’t think it’s as crucial.
Here’s why:
1°/ You take the crib but not the backpack: if your son isn’t comfortable during walks or hikes, he’ll fidget, get cranky, or whine. On top of being uncomfortable (you mentioned last year it was killing your shoulders), you won’t enjoy the moment—and neither will he. Day ruined 🏴☠️
2°/ You skip the travel crib, but you’ll always find somewhere for him to sleep! With a little advance notice, I think most places will sort you out with a wooden "cuna" (borrowed from a cousin or neighbor just to help you out), or even a mattress on the floor will do. Plus, naps in the backpack if needed = day saved 😎
Watch out for that conclusion:
when you look at photos of families who’ve traveled for months, it’s often a baby carrier... dilemma...
The conditions are totally different! In 3 weeks, you’ll want to pack in as much as possible and make the most of the sights—not like a round-the-world family staying a week in the same place! 😉
Hi.
You're talking about visiting certain places from a base camp, but the ones you mentioned aren't really suitable.
Papallacta is a hot springs village located at over 3,000m—there’s little accommodation, the weather is cold and humid all the time, and personally, I didn’t like it.
Cotopaxi is the volcano and its park with all the hikes, but there’s no hotel infrastructure.
The closest cities are Latacunga, Machachi, or Ambato.
Cuenca is a really beautiful and relaxing city at the same time.
From Quito, you can make a detour to Baños at the foot of the Tungurahua.
In the capital, I’d regularly stay one or two days to visit, but the noise and pollution made me leave quickly.
Thanks so much, Dominika, for your suggestions—we’ll definitely think about them! :)
We’ll go over everything again, and I’ll post back for more info, Cassius ;)
Thanks to all of you!
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
Papallacta doesn’t seem to be an issue for everyone 😉
When the weather’s nice, you can even see the Antisana volcano while enjoying the hot springs. With these two great photos, I’ll let you make up your own mind. Quick tip: avoid weekends starting Friday evening—it can get really crowded.
For your itinerary, you can definitely spend a few days in "strategic" spots, like Saquisilí between Cotopaxi volcano and Quilotoa lagoon. Once you refine your route on the mainland, I can help you find some perfect places for you and your little one 😎
By the way, how about a super-friendly local family near Cotacachi to explore the north (Otavalo, Cuicocha, etc.)? Or a community near Chimborazo? Drop me a PM, and I’ll share all the details.
In the Galápagos, I really recommend Isabela—it’s the most "wild" inhabited island (aside from Floreana, which is pricey). You’ll find amazing beaches and snorkeling spots. For accommodation, since I love simple pleasures, I’m totally smitten with Galápagos Campo Duro. Spending a few days near giant tortoises—I’m sure your little guy will love it as much as I did.
Hi there.
Latacunga is a strategic spot between Laguna Quilotoa and Cotopaxi Park, unlike Saquisilí, which is just a small town known for its market but lacks hotel infrastructure.
In Saquisilí, for example, there’s Quinta Las Mercedes ;)
Personally, I really like this little quiet and authentic "town", where you can mingle with locals. And as you can see, there are accommodation options even if not everyone knows about them yet.
In the area, near Salcedo, there’s also Rumipamba de las Rosas, a super charming old hacienda. If you look around, you’ll find plenty of options outside Latacunga. They’re all just as convenient for exploring the region, especially since you’re resourceful.
For a family with a little one (and even for all travelers looking for authenticity and nature!), it seems perfect to get away from cities when possible—especially when they have no charm like Latacunga.
Hi there.
But La Quinta isn't in the center of Saquisilí, and all the others are outside the village.
All the haciendas are close to Latacunga and Cotopaxi Park.
Apart from the traditional Thursday market, the village is pretty dead afterward.
For me, there isn’t enough decent accommodation.
When I was there, I’d already looked into it and ended up at Quinta Colorada, near the park and Latacunga.
Just a heads-up—haciendas aren’t cheap in terms of price.
I’ll add that haciendas like Quintas or hosterías in the "cuello de luna" style are also high-end accommodations, so not everyone can afford to stay there.
Before anything else, it’s best to ask about the prices for these places.
Thanks, Leon, for all your advice—I’ll definitely reach out again once we refine our itinerary a bit more.
Back to some very practical questions.
About baby carriers: we tried the Babybjorn carrier, and I find it really comfortable, just like the Poco AG we also tested yesterday.
There’s definitely the (relative?) question of baby’s space in the Poco vs. Babybjorn (room in the carrier, sun shade, back seating, etc.). On the other hand, it means checking the carrier in the hold, plus the bulk when strolling around town. The Babybjorn, though, can slip into a bag, saving us from hauling an extra big piece of gear on top of everything else... In short, we’re still torn about what to do for the baby carrier.
Either way, we’re bringing a basic lightweight stroller.
Still on the practical side, do you recommend bringing fins/mask/snorkel and a neoprene shorty for snorkeling, or isn’t the hassle-to-luggage vs. rental-cost ratio worth it?
Do you recommend arriving at Baltra and leaving from San Cristóbal? For exploring, is it doable from Isabela? I think I read it’s easier from Santa Cruz?
Do you think it’ll be easy to find expeditions on the spot in July, or is it better to book in Quito two weeks ahead?
For the rest of the trip, we’ll dive in once the practical details are sorted ;)
Thanks, everyone! !
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
Regarding the baby carrier, we tried the Babybjorn baby carrier, and I find it very comfortable, like the Poco AG + we also tried yesterday.
There’s definitely the (relative?) question of baby in the Poco vs. Babybjorn (space in the carrier, sun shade, back seating...); on the other hand, it means checking the carrier in the hold, and it’s bulky for city walks. Conversely, the Babybjorn can slip into a bag, saving us from hauling an extra big load on top of everything else... in short, we’re still lost about what to do with the baby carrier.
In any case, we’re bringing a very basic lightweight stroller.
I also have the Babybjorn, so I know what you’re talking about! 😏
BUT you just highlighted something I hadn’t considered at ALL: you’re bringing a lightweight stroller, which I totally missed!
Are you REALLY sure you want to lug a stroller around??? Because it’s a hassle—nothing like our sidewalks in France...
My advice, based on my own experience (and I know everyone has their own habits, ESPECIALLY when it comes to kids), is this:
in your shoes, I wouldn’t take the stroller or the Babybjorn carrier, but only the POCO backpack carrier (which is actually what we’ve always done when traveling). We’ve never regretted taking it, even in Beijing’s packed subway (it kept our little one from being too low or getting jostled like in a stroller, and she had her "personal space").
Still on the practical side, do you recommend bringing flippers/mask/snorkel and a neoprene shorty for snorkeling, or is the hassle-to-luggage vs. rental cost not worth it?
I’d say "it depends on your choices for baby gear, which we’ve already discussed" 😄
If you skip the travel crib and stroller, YES, bring your own gear!
If you’re already loaded down, renting snorkel gear will do just fine...
> personally, I don’t like neoprene suits used by others because I know from experience that many people pee in them, and I don’t know how well they’ve been cleaned...🏴☠️
For the mask and snorkel, I can’t do without (and neither can my daughter!) the famous Decathlon "Easybreath" mask: my husband didn’t want one, but he tried mine in the Seychelles 3 months ago and wouldn’t give it back! So it’s now part of our extra purchases for the Galapagos, since they’re still hard to find for rent/loan...
Seriously, once you get the hang of it, traveling with kids is EASY and such a JOY that you’ll (almost!) forget all the organizational hassles!!!😉
I also recommend getting the new snorkel mask from Decathlon ;-)
Price-wise, it’ll really save you money! Plus, you’ll be free and independent, which is always handy with kids. For clothes, it depends where you’re coming from. If you’re from the north, you can get away with just swimsuits.
For the islands, there are already plenty of free options on the three main ones (even if local agencies don’t talk about them much). To travel between them, you do have to go back through Santa Cruz each time. There are excursions from each island to explore, and none is better than the others in my opinion—it really depends on what you want to do and how long you’re staying in the archipelago.
You can book excursions last minute. Just keep in mind that some aren’t available every day. For accommodation, depending on the season and your needs, it might be better to book in advance.
I can confirm—it’s EASY and GREAT, especially in Ecuador ;-)
If you have any other questions about the Galápagos or the mainland, don’t hesitate. I’m always happy to help!
Hehe, actually, my wife says the umbrella stroller is more practical for getting around with the two big backpacks and the folded POCO. For the Babybjorn, the argument would be having a place to set him down at restaurants or elsewhere.
For the Galápagos, we’re not big fans of planning the itinerary in advance—we usually figure it out the day before. Is that really going to be a problem?
How far in advance should we book, knowing we’re going in early August?
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
Hehe, actually, my wife says the umbrella stroller is more practical for getting around with the two big backpacks and the folded POCO. For the Babybjorn, the argument would be having a place to put him down at a restaurant or elsewhere.
I get how practical the stroller is for "rolling" the backpacks inside... But it depends on whether the stroller will really be useful for your little one or not!
My daughter hated the stroller around 1 year old, as soon as she could walk, actually... so since then, we haven’t used it anymore
Honestly, the Babybjorn is great for newborns, but it becomes uncomfortable over time (because of the child’s weight).
For our first trips with our little one, we only took the POCO plus this super lightweight inflatable booster seat that folds down really thin once deflated for restaurants:
How did you travel? Did you base yourself in one place and explore from there, or like us, did you move every 2 days to a new spot?
It’s an important factor when deciding what to choose ;)
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
In August, you should know it’s high season. On Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal, you’ll still easily find last-minute options—there are *tons* of choices.
That said, if you’re looking for specific accommodations or want to stay on Isabela, it’s best to book ahead (about 3–4 weeks in advance for this time of year). That way, you can travel with peace of mind. But if you don’t have a set plan, you can adapt to availability and snag some great last-minute deals.
Just a heads-up: inter-island boats need to be booked as soon as you know your travel dates. They’re not very big and can fill up fast, especially if there are groups visiting the archipelago at the same time.
For Floreana: 1. What do you think about staying there? 2. Book in advance?
When you talk about knowing when we’re moving, does the day before for the next day seem too short? Or should we plan a few days (weeks?) ahead there too?
PS for domika: the cane stroller isn’t for putting luggage in, but for having the bags on your back and the baby in the stroller (which doesn’t seem possible with a baby, or is it if you put the bag in the stroller? ^^)
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
Floreana must be a unique experience to stay there—I unfortunately haven’t had the chance yet. It’s a very wild island with a really special history! If you get the privilege of spending the night there, tell us about it ;-)
For boats, booking a day in advance is enough, or even better, as soon as you know when you’re leaving the island you’re on. If you’re reserving your accommodations ahead of time, you can maybe ask them to book your spots too.
How did you travel? Did you base yourself in one place and explore from there, or like us, did you move every 2 days to a new spot?
It’s an important factor in deciding what to choose ;)
PS for domika: the lightweight stroller isn’t for putting luggage in, but for having bags on your back and the baby in the stroller (which doesn’t seem possible with a baby, or maybe it is if you put the bag in the stroller ^^)
Like you, we can’t stay put: between 1 and 3 nights in one place, then we move... which is why we don’t want to be weighed down with too much!
Actually, when the little one isn’t in the stroller, it’ll double as a "luggage cart"😛
Your son is about 10-11 months old, right? I think it’ll be a bit tricky to decide what to take now, because between 12 and 18 months, kids change so much (physically it’s obvious, but especially in their behavior). Like I mentioned, as soon as my daughter could walk, she refused the stroller. She wanted independence and freedom. So we had to find a compromise—letting her feel "grown-up" while still being able to carry her comfortably on our hikes. That’s what this carrying style gave us.
Right now, the Babybjorn seems comfortable to you, but in 6 months, even if your son’s weight hasn’t doubled, his behavior will be different. He’ll need more freedom of movement, he’ll want to lean forward to see what’s around him, try to catch butterflies, etc...
If you’re leaving in August, why not wait for the July sales to decide between all these accessories? That way, it’ll be closer to your departure date and, most importantly, in line with your son’s needs— which is what really matters...😉
You’re right, there’s no rush at this stage, but the level of congestion does play a part in choosing our departure airport (we need to book the ticket tonight).
I’ll book the flight tickets to Ecuador at the end of the month (once payday arrives!), and then I’ll book the internal flights for the Galápagos. On that note, Leon, would you really recommend arriving in Santa Cruz and returning via San Cristóbal (or the other way around)? Or is it better to explore from just one island in 8 days (or spend a few nights on another island)?
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
Depending on how crowded it was, we’d take the train or bus to get to certain international airports near us.
In the end, we went for the simplest option—I booked last night from Luxembourg for 2100 € all-in for three people (including card fees, which often add up to around 80 € extra...).
At the end of December and early January, there were flights for 840 € per person, but we had some work commitments that kept us from being sure about the exact vacation dates... so we had to wait a bit, and prices have really shot up over the past month.
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
Ah OK, I hadn’t thought about the pre-transfer...
The little one will travel on your lap, so that’s 1050 € per person, right? Where do you have a layover? Thanks 😉
It depends on which islands you'd like to visit! Could you tell me a bit more about what you're interested in? Snorkeling, relaxation, diving, bike rides, fishing, hiking, etc.?
In 8 days, you can stay on at least 2 islands (Santa Cruz and San Cristobal or Santa Cruz and Isabela), or even 3 if you prefer exploring on your own rather than on organized tours.
As I think I’ve mentioned before, there are plenty of free, public-access beaches where you can relax and snorkel. There are also interpretation centers that might be interesting (except for Darwin, which is currently under renovation) and a few hikes.
For example, on each island, you can easily keep busy the first day independently and then explore a more remote island on a tour the second day (e.g., Bartholomé from Santa Cruz, Española from San Cristobal, Los Tuneles from Isabela, etc.). This is just an example—I’ll let you decide what works best for you.
By the way, did you drop the idea of staying on Floreana? ;-)
No, we haven’t ruled out Floreana, but right now we’re just focusing on booking our flight tickets (we got burned in Nicaragua thinking we’d find last-minute flights to Isla del Maíz… so we don’t want to repeat that experience for the Galápagos). :)
We’re heading to Vietnam in May for a romantic trip, and we haven’t even looked into what we’ll do there yet—that’s why we’re taking each trip one at a time and haven’t had the chance to really dig into how and what to do (though we have a rough idea). (That’s also why I haven’t reached out via PM yet about your first message in this thread, by the way ;) )
Your reply already gives me some ideas—I’ll discuss it with my wife, but with a little one, we’ll probably limit ourselves to 2 islands, even if it means doing one or two day trips. That’s probably the better option ;) (Now we just have to figure out which islands to book our internal flight to ^^)
Good luck!
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
Thanks for the price and layover info...
So the prices I found aren’t that crazy: 1300 € per person for a round-trip to the Galápagos... 🤪 my "dear" Ecuador 😛
I can find cheaper, but that’d mean 28 hours of travel via the US—no thanks, that’d be too tiring...
I’ll keep searching and watch for price increases or drops.
It also depends a lot on:
1. The time of year (I’ve seen round-trip tickets for 680 € in June)
2. Your departure airport (sometimes it’s worth going a bit farther even if the trip isn’t great)
3. Using the usual tricks (clear cookies, book on Tuesday evening); leave mid-week if you can. :); But we’re getting a little off-topic here—if you want to chat more, DM me. I’m getting pretty good at finding deals for Latin America! ^^
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
Practical question: I’m about to book the internal flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos.
We’re leaving Guayaquil on Monday, August 14th at 3:00 PM. Is taking a domestic flight in the morning to arrive directly at the airport too risky? Is it the same airport for both international and domestic flights?
Along the same lines, we’re wondering whether to leave on Saturday the 5th or Sunday the 6th.
With a little one, I’m hesitant about booking a round-trip to Baltra and exploring from Puerto Ayora, and possibly going to Isabela (with the baby, I think avoiding transfers and changing accommodations every two days is best).
What do you think?
PS: The Lonely Planet says we need to reconfirm our return flights with the airline?
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
A lot of travelers do this when there’s enough time between flights! It’s indeed the same airport for both domestic and international flights.
For a 3:00 PM flight, though, I think it’s a bit risky—it leaves you very little wiggle room if there’s a delay. I’d recommend returning to the mainland a day earlier so you can travel with peace of mind. For flights, the same rule applies to everyone: it’s better to check in online now.
For the outbound trip, what time are your flights? Same advice—plan for extra time, especially since checking in for the Galápagos takes a bit longer.
If you’re looking for a place outside Guayaquil for your last night in Ecuador, I have a contact near the Churute mangroves at a cocoa farm. Perfect for staying in a special environment and... stocking up on chocolate 😛 Interested?
Near Quito’s airport, I also have a few small recommendations. Let me know in a DM if you’d like the details, and I’ll share everything.
If you’re spending a full week in the archipelago, it’s definitely worth staying on two islands to mix things up. Isabela is wilder and quieter than Santa Cruz—it’s nice. Oh, and what about Floreana? Have you dropped the idea?
For now, we haven’t looked at our itinerary yet and won’t until June.
We’ve got the Vietnam trip in 2 months, so we’re pretty much focused on that right now ;)
That said, since we got burned in Nicaragua 2 years ago by waiting too long to book tickets for Islas del Maiz, we’re checking our Galápagos flights right away—but it still raises a few questions.
We haven’t given up on Floreana, but with a baby, it’s clear we can’t change accommodations every day (well, we *could*, but I feel like the nights would be rough^^).
So I was wondering if it’s really worth going to San Cristóbal? Or should we focus on Santa Cruz and exploring, plus another island where we can stay a few days?
This would change the return location for the ticket I’m booking ^^
We arrive on 07/21 and return on 08/14.
So we’d leave the Galápagos on the 13th; for the outbound flight, I’m hesitating between arriving on the 5th or the 6th (all flights are in the morning anyway). From what I’ve seen, we can still make the most of the half-day left on the day we arrive?
I’ll admit I’m tempted to book an extra day—1. given the daily budget, and 2. it means one less day on the mainland—but on the other hand, I won’t be coming back every year, so I don’t know. What do you think?
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
When it comes to choosing between the inhabited islands, it all depends on what you're looking for!
Staying on a wilder island can be really nice with your little one, in my opinion. Isabela has two great half-day excursions (on top of diving to see hammerhead sharks), which is practical since they’re not too long with a child. Floreana is off the beaten path—it’s a truly unique adventure.
For your first half-day in Santa Cruz, you could go to the beach or head up to see the giant tortoises. The whole family will be impressed 😉
How long to stay in the Galápagos? A week is great. Longer is even better, of course! But there’s also a lot to explore on the mainland. Again, it depends on what you want (and your budget).
I’m here if you need any more help.
Talk soon,
Léon
PS: Are you planning to explore the deep Amazon? If so, make sure to book as soon as possible—July-August is peak season, and the best lodges can fill up fast.
I skimmed the discussion, but we did Ecuador in 2015 with our 17-month-old son at the time. The context was different since we were traveling in a Kombi for six months, but here are a few tips if they help:
- We had two "carrying options": a Deuter backpack for hiking and a physiological baby carrier for cuddles and naps. But I agree with some of the feedback: not all kids like being carried the same way, and especially around 18 months, long hikes aren’t their favorite—they want to walk and move around. In short, less of the backpack-style baby carrier if you’re hiking.
On the other hand, a stroller seems like a real hassle: the country isn’t made for them, and it’s extra luggage. Even with a lightweight cane stroller, you won’t be able to carry much more than one bag. (Though even in Paris, I’m not a stroller fan.)
- No travel crib—too bulky. We travel with an Oxybul tent (same concept as the "2-second" tents but kid-sized, with a self-inflating mattress and mosquito net: lightweight, compact, and practical—it fits in a bag).
- Ecuador is a fantastic place with kids:
I recommend Mindo, Quilotoa, and Otavalo. We really loved Cotopaxi, though it’s true there aren’t many accommodations there.
For the Galápagos, we spent a week on Santa Cruz and Isabela.
In both places, we did day trips by boat. The locals were lovely and offered to look after our son while we snorkeled together—without overdoing it, of course. And Léo loved all the animals and swimming next to sea lions and turtles.
On Santa Cruz, you can also do day hikes, and on Isabela, you can go see the giant tortoises.
Now that we're back from Vietnam, I'm starting to plan our trip to Ecuador!
We've scheduled 4 days in Quito when we arrive. I was thinking of taking a trip to the Papallacta hot springs from Quito. Is that easily doable in a day? With a 16-month-old child as well?
After that, we'd like to head down to visit Cotopaxi Park and Quilotoa.
Is it possible to do this in a day from Quito, or should we set up a base further south? If so, where?
About Quilotoa: how would you recommend exploring it? Just the lagoon? Is it possible to do a short hike on part of the loop?
For Cotopaxi, I’d love some practical info! (How to get there, how to leave, haciendas, hiking with a little one, etc.)
Next, I’d like to stop by Baños before heading down to Riobamba and Cuenca.
For Chimborazo, same question: what’s feasible with our little one? A full-day or half-day hike? From which town is it best to explore?
I’d like to spend at least 3 days in Cuenca before flying to Guayaquil for the Galápagos. Anything to do in the area? (Is Nariz del Diablo really worth it?)
Any suggestions?
Another purely practical question:
We usually travel with two 75L bags plus a backpack as carry-on.
We’re considering taking one 75L bag and a smaller one (ideally a 35L carry-on) and doing laundry on the go.
Does that seem doable? What size should the small bag be (in liters)? Any recommendations? (I like Fjällräven—durable and practical.)
Thanks!
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
Yes, it's possible to visit Papallacta as a day trip—there are public buses and even shuttles on weekends. That said, I’m not sure if your little one will enjoy the hot springs; you know them best! ;-)
With four days, you’ll have time to explore the capital and venture off the beaten path. Consider checking out La Floresta neighborhood, the Guayasamín Museum, or Metropolitano Park. If you’re acclimated to the altitude, the cable car is a must, of course.
For Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, I’d recommend basing yourself further south to save time on transportation—something neither kids nor adults ever enjoy too much.
If you’re using public transport, I really like Machachi. It’s peaceful and super convenient for exploring Cotopaxi National Park. Plus, you’ve got the refreshing Güitig pool, which is always a hit after hikes.
Right by the lagoon, there aren’t many charming accommodations. I’d suggest staying a bit farther away, like at Posada de Tigua. With your little one, you should be able to make it down to Chugchilan—it’s a manageable stretch if you’re active.
Also, consider leaving your luggage in storage in Latacunga (around $1 USD per day).
Baños is famous for its waterfalls, Casa del Árbol, and… hot springs. It might overlap with Papallacta, so that’s up to you.
For Chimborazo, I’d lean toward the small village of Salinas de Guaranda. It’s lively and very authentic. The area has tons of hiking options, so you’ll definitely find something you love. And I’m sure your baby will adore the vicuñas! ;-)
In Cuenca, you’ve got Cajas National Park nearby. The city itself is lovely, too—great for a few relaxing days. Don’t miss the Guamote market on Thursdays; it’s the most famous in the country.
Nariz del Diablo offers stunning views when the weather’s clear. If you like trains, it’s always a fun experience. Just remember to book in advance through their website, especially on weekends.
For practicalities, laundromats are easy to find in major cities, and some hotels offer the service too. As for bags, I’ll let the experts chime in! ;-)
Happy to help with any other questions about Ecuador.
Hola Guillermo!
Yes, it's possible to go to Papallacta for the day. There are public buses and even shuttles on weekends. That said, I don’t know if your baby will enjoy the hot springs—you know them better than we do! ;-)
No problem, they’ll have a blast!
For Cotopaxi and Quilotoa, I recommend basing yourselves further south. It’ll save you a lot of travel time, which is always a plus for both little ones and adults.
Some guides/forums mention doing it as a day trip from Quito. How feasible is that?
Would you recommend renting a car?
If so, it’d let us stay in one place longer with the little one and avoid packing/unpacking constantly.
If you're using public transport, I really like Machachi. It’s very peaceful and super convenient for exploring Cotopaxi National Park. Plus, you’ve got the refreshing Güitig pool—always a hit after hikes.
Right by the lagoon, there aren’t many charming accommodations. I usually suggest staying a bit further away, like at Posada de Tigua. With your little one, you should be able to make it down to Chugchilan—it’s a manageable stretch if you’re up for it.
Is it possible to visit the park AND Quilotoa from the haciendas near the park? If so, what’s the best way to get around, and where should we go (the lagoon and/or which part of the loop)?
Also, consider leaving your luggage in storage in Latacunga (about $1 USD per day).
I’m a bit confused—leave our bags in Latacunga while we do the loop for the day? :)
What do you think of Latacunga as a base in the south?
Baños is famous for its waterfalls, the Casa del Árbol, and... the hot springs. Might be a repeat of Papallacta, so it’s up to you.
I’d love to bike down to Puyo! Maybe even try a bit of rafting (without the baby, obviously ^^)
For Chimborazo, I’d lean toward the small village of Salinas de Guaranda. It’s very lively and authentic. The area has tons of hiking options, so you’ll definitely find something you love. And I’m sure your baby will adore the vicuñas! ;-)
Unless I missed it, there’s very little info in the *Routard* or *Lonely Planet* guides. I’ve seen Salinas on one side and Guaranda in the guides on the other. What do you recommend? How do you get to the park entrance? Is it easy to explore (self-guided circuits)?
Thanks!
Suerte!
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
Hi there;
You can get to the park entrance by taxi (check with an agency or your accommodation).
For rafting, you can find some in Mindo.
The bike descent to Puyo is awesome.
For the return trip, the bus will take your bike back up.
For buses, ask around once you're there.
You can visit Cotopaxi Park in a day, either from Quito, Machachi, or Latacunga.
It’s up to you to negotiate with a few agencies or taxis.
Alternatively, take a bus that drops you at the park entrance, and vehicles will take you up to the lagoon or the refuge parking lot.
How’s it going?
Making progress, making progress 😉
Yes, you can do the Cotopaxi volcano and Quilotoa Lagoon in a day from the same hotel. With public transport and taxis, it’ll work out great! Of course, you’ll need to get up early.
From Quito, if you rent a car, you’ll likely spend a lot of time in traffic due to congestion—I wouldn’t recommend it. Plus, during rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–8 PM), the buses are packed, and it won’t be very pleasant with your baby. I’d suggest basing yourself in a town to the south for easier access.
Latacunga is very practical but really lacks charm, which is a shame in such a beautiful region. Nearby, Saquisilí is a bit nicer—you’ve got places like Quinta Las Mercedes there. If you’re there on a Thursday, you can check out its livestock market. Depending on your budget, you could also stay at a hacienda along the Panamericana—there are some really lovely ones.
I thought you wanted to do part of the Quilotoa Loop and stay overnight in Chugchilán. If you’re up for a day hike, you can walk around the lagoon—it’s already a gorgeous trek. You can also start from Zumbahua. If you stay at Posada de Tigua, it could be amazing!
Oh yeah, the waterfall route is fantastic. Some of them are really impressive. For rafting, there are plenty of agencies—don’t hesitate to negotiate.
Guides don’t know everything—they don’t have the chance to live here 😉 Salinas de Guaranda is a small village where tourism is just starting to take off. The hotel La Minga is great, and the pizzeria next door is unforgettable. Getting to the park entrance by bus works well. After that, if you want to stop along the way for photos of the volcano and vicuñas, taxis are a good option—they’re affordable in this region.
At the park entrance, there’s a big map that’ll help you choose a hike. Some trails are well-marked, others less so, but it’s still easy to explore even without a guide since it’s simple to find your way.
Okay, here’s roughly how I see things (barring any surprises).
Arrival Friday the 21st in the evening.
Saturday, Sunday, Monday: Quito
Tuesday: Papallacta, leaving in the late afternoon for Hacienda Control Norte near Cotopaxi
Wednesday: Cotopaxi
Thursday: Taxi (can we book one from the hacienda, I assume?) to the lagoon; on the way back, head to Baños (is it possible to rent the taxi for the whole day so it takes us straight from the lagoon to Baños? Otherwise, what’s the best way to get from Cotopaxi (hacienda) to Baños in the late afternoon?)
Friday: Bike descent to Puyo
Saturday: Baños/waterfalls, evening departure for Salinas (doable or too much transport?)
Sunday, Monday: Cotopaxi
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Cuenca → departure for Guayaquil Friday morning
Saturday: Departure for the Galápagos (8 days).
There’s a chance to add another day in Cuenca to spend more time at Cotopaxi. What do you think?
Do the transport hops seem manageable, especially the late-afternoon ones?
Thanks so much! (Whereabouts do you live, by the way?)
Good luck!
"Sie ist mir ewig, ist mir immer Erb und Eigen, Ein und All" -Siegfried-
Hi there.
What are you planning to do during your 3 days in Quito when you arrive?
Wouldn’t it be better to save a day in the capital for your return and head straight to Papallacta for a few days?
Then head to the Cotopaxi hacienda and do some hikes in the park.
You could also take buses to Baños via Ambato or to Quilotoa via Latacunga.
Four days in Cuenca is more than enough in my opinion, and 3 days in Cotopaxi Park is plenty too.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
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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?
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 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.
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,
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?
What we particularly loved about this model:
- The adjustable leg openings depending on the child’s size (my daughter could still fit in it if she hadn’t gotten too heavy to carry!)
- The metal "foot" that lets you set the backpack down stably on the ground to put baby in without it tipping over
- The UV-protective sun shade that unfolds like a little tent over the child’s head (also great in the rain 😉)
- The many pockets and storage spaces (diapers, wipes, water, snacks, sweater/jacket...)
- The padded shoulder straps, with a double attachment for the wearer (waist + chest)
I’m here if you need anything 😉
