Après plusieurs semaines à parcourir de long en large les différents carnets de voyage et discussions du forum et les blogs (notamment celui d’ITAT une vraie mine d’or !), je me lance à mon tour pour vous demander vos avis de spécialistes sur notre circuit d'un peu plus de 3 semaines prévu pour le mois d’août 2017.
Je tiens avant tout à remercier les nombreux membres actifs du forum (qui se reconnaîtront !) qui par leurs témoignages, carnets de voyages et réponses aux questions des membres, m’ont convaincu de ne pas faire le choix de la facilité en confiant l’organisation du voyage à un TO. Je remercie également Eric (69Eric) pour son superbe carnet qui m’a très fortement inspiré (eu peu plus même !) dans la définition de notre itinéraire.
Je précise que nous partirons à 5 (ma femme et nos 3 gars qui seront âgés de 8, 11 et 15 ans). Nous ne sommes pas des dingues de randonnées mais avons l’habitude de faire de petites rando de 2 ou 3 heures.
Enfin, nos enfants rêvent depuis plusieurs années de découvrir NY et nous l’avons ainsi intégré en fin de voyage (nous avons déjà eu l’occasion d’y passer 5 jours avec ma femme). Ce n’est pas forcément l’idéal car l’Ouest mériterait probablement quelques jours de plus mais ce point est donc « non négociable » !
Nous n’avons pour le moment rien réservé mais je me rends compte que certains hôtels affichent déjà complet. Il va donc falloir s’en préoccuper rapidement.
Voici l’itinéraire que nous envisageons de faire (préparé sur Google Map):
J1 (1/08/2017) : Arrivée à Los Angeles
1ère Nuit à LA secteur Universal Studio (AirBnB ou hôtel)
J2 (2/08/17) : Los Angeles
Universal Studios
Hollywood Bd
J3 (3/08/17) : Los Angeles
Beverly Hills, Rodéo Drive, Mullholand Drive, Sunset Bd
Venice Beach, Santa Monica
J4 (4/08/17) : Los Angeles – Grand Canyon (800 kms – 7h30)
- Départ très tôt le matin en profitant encore des effets du décalage horaire en direction de GC
- Arrivée à GC Village et check-in à l’hôtel en fin d’après-midi.
- Hermits road par la navette rouge (en s’arrêtant au 1er point de vue puis ballade à pied jusqu’à Mohave Point)
- Retour à l’hôtel et coucher de soleil sur Mather Point
- Nuit à Grand Canyon Village
On hésite à faire une étape à Oatman ou Williams car la route est très longue mais j’ai lu certains conseils d’ITAT qui recommandait parfois à certains voyageurs pressés de tracer jusqu’à GC du fait du peu d’intérêt sur le trajet.
J5 (5/08/17) : Grand Canyon – Page (210 kms – 2,5 heures)
Matin : South Keibab Trail jusqu’à Cedar Ridge (environ 2h30) puis Desert View Drive
Après-Midi : route pour Page, check in à l’hôtel puis ballade d’Horseshoe Bends
Nuit à Page
J6 (6/08/17) : Page – Lac Powell
Journée sur le lac Powell (location d'un power boat).
J7 (7/08/17) : Page – Monument Valley (210 kms – 2,5 heures) :
Matin : Lower Antelope Canyon (2 heures)
Après-Midi : route pour MV (décalage horaire +1h), check in à l’hôtel (vers 16-17h) puis Scenic Drive.
Nuit à MV (hôtel the View)
J8 (8/08/17) : MV – Moab (350 kms – 4 heures)
Matin : route 163 en direction de Moab
Après-Midi :
- Canyolands (Island in the sky) : scenic Drive + ballade Mesa Arch (2h)
- Dead Horse Point park au coucher du soleil : Scenic drive + ballade (1h30)
Nuit à Moab (Aarchway inn)
J9 (9/08/17) : Moab Arches NP
Scenic drive avec arrêt aux points de vue Sal Mountain View Points, Three Gossips, Tour of Babel jusqu’au Parking de Devils Garden
Randonnées de Devils Garden et Sand Dune Arch
Retour à l’hôtel (repos / Piscine)
Retour à Arches en fin de journée et ballade de Delicate Arch pour une arrivée au coucher de soleil
2ème nuit à Moab
J10 (10/08/17) : Moab – Bryce (460 kms – 5h12)
Matin : départ pour Bryce
Passage à Capitol Reef (trop juste pour visiter le park à mon avis)
Check in à l’hôtel et repos piscine
Ballade de Mossy Cave (1 heure)
Scenic Drive de Bryce Canyon
Coucher de soleil sous le Sunset point pour admirer l’amphithéâtre avant qu’il ne soit trop ombragé.
Nuit à Bryce
J11 (11/08/17) : Bryce – Las Vegas (480 kms – 6h30)
Matin : descente dans l’amphithéâtre (Queens Garden Trail) et remontée par Wall Street (2 heures)
Après-Midi : départ en direction de Las Vegas en début d’après-midi.
On zappe volontairement Zion (peur que ça fasse un peu trop et la journée est déja longue)
Valley of Fire en milieu d’après-midi (on gagne 1 heure de décalage) : arrêt à Elephant Rock puis Scenic Drive
Départ pour LV vers 19h pour une arrivé de nuit
1ère nuit à Las Vegas (ça tombe assez mal vu qu’on sera le samedi donc on essaiera peut-être de décaler le départ d’un jour)
J12 (12/08/17) : Las Vegas
Outlet, visite des hôtels, boutiques Coca & M&M’s
J13 (13/08/17) : Las Vegas – Furnace Creek (220 kms – 2h30)
Matin : visite hôtels LV
Après-midi : Death Valley (Dante's View, Badwater, Artist'sDrive, Golden Canyon)
Nuit à Furnace Creek
J14 (14/08/17) : Furnace Creek – Three River (517 kms – 5h45)
On hésite encore entre Yosemite et Sequoia. Pour le moment on a opté pour Sequoia car on ne veut y consacrer qu’une journée.
- Matin : Death Valley NP. Zabriskie Point au lever du soleil, Mesquite Flat Sand Dune puis départ pour Lone Pine
- Après-midi : visite 1h dans Alabama Ill Park puis route vers Three River via Isabella Lake
Nuit à Three River
J15 (15/08/17) : Three River – Fresno (200 kms – 3h30)
Visite de Sequoia Park (secteur Giant Forrest) : big three trail – Congress trail
Nuit à Fresno
J16 (16/08/17) : Fresno – San Francisco : (340 kms – 3h30)
(nous aurions aimé faire un bout de la Pacific Road mais le détour est vraiment trop important, les journées étant déjà bien remplies).
Petit détour pour une arrivée grandiose à SF par le Golden Gate
Visite San Francisco l’après-midi
1ère nuit à San Francisco (Air BnB)
J17 et J18 (17 et 18/08/17) : San Francisco
Visite de San Francisco
2ème et 3ème nuit à San Francisco (Air BnB)
J19 (19/08/17) : San Francisco – New York
Vol SF – NY
Nuit à NY
J20 – J22 (20 au 22/08) : 3 jours à NY
Visites de NY
J23 (23/08/17) : retour France
On peut éventuellement ajouter encore 1 jour car nous avons 4 semaines de vacances (même si les premières estimations de budget m’ont fait très très peur !)
Je crains, compte tenu des distances, de vouloir trop en faire et finalement de passer à côté de l’essentiel !
Je vous remercie par avance pour vos conseils et le temps que vous voudrez nous consacrer.
Itinéraire déjà bien travaillé, touffu et rapide, mais New York étant non négociable ... 😉
Je dirais de rajouter une journée puisque c'est possible ! Cela ne gonflera pas le prix du billet d'avion, dépense la plus importante. Il y a aura juste une nuit d'hôtel en plus et une journée de location de voiture en plus ce qui ne fais pas une grande différence.
Cette nuit en plus je la posterais du côté de Capitol Reef (nuit Torrey) pour alléger les J9 et 10.
Votre J4 me parait trèèès optimiste au point de vue du timing . 7h30, ce n'est que du temps de roulage, il faudra ajouter le temps de sortie de LA, la pause déjeuner, les pauses techniques, photo et de visite même si ces dernières se résumeront à quelques minutes à chaque fois mais elles risquent d'être assez nombreuses et rapprochées 😉. Surtout que sur ce trajet, vous roulerez en partie sur la route 66, ce qui peut vous motiver pour faire quelques arrêts...
Donc je verrais plutôt une arrivée au GC en début de soirée et donc votre programme prévu au Grand Canyon irréalisable ...
Salut Michael.
Merci pour le compliment.
Visiblement tu as repris le même itinéraire que moi, mais tu auras peut-être remarqué que j'ai fait en 21 jours ce que tu prévois en 19... et mon parcours était déjà pas mal speed.
Donc comme Itat, je te conseille de caser une nuit du coté de Torrey en J10.
Comme Orionide, je trouve dommage de passer à coté des quelques spots de la Route 66 auquel cas ce n'est plus 7h30 de route mais 11h00 qu'il te faudra en J4.
Je te conseillerai également de ne pas négliger la partie "Windows" et Double Arch de Arch Park en J9.
A+
Eric
Merci Thibaud, Orionide et Eric pour vos réponses super rapides ! (ma femme s est moquée de moi quand je lui ai dit que J allais regarder si J avais des réponses :"tu rêves !")😉
Je m attendais à devoir ajouter une nuit au J4 et je vais donc suivre vos conseils afin de ne pas démoraliser les troupes des le 4eme jour.
Je n avais pas prévu d en rajouter 2 en revanche ! mais je vais réfléchir a la question car le J10 est effectivement bien dense.
Ca permettra de décaler Las Vegas pour ne plus tomber en plein WE.
Je retravaille tout ca et je me permettrais de vous soumettre mes prochains états d âme
Merci encore pour votre aide
A+
Michael
Hello
Oui c'est plus que de l inspiration comme tu as pu le remarquer 😉 mais ton carnet m'a fait trop envie et correspondait dans les grandes lignes à ce que J avais imaginé.
Avec ces 2 nouvelles étapes ça devient du vrai copier coller !
A+
Michael
ton carnet m'a fait trop envie et correspondait dans les grandes lignes à ce que J avais imaginé.
Merci, c'est gentil.
Mais je ne suis pas devenu un spécialiste de l'ouest américain pour autant !
Itat est d'excellents conseils, suis les et tout ira bien.
Bonne prépa.
A+
Eric
Bonsoir !
Je cogite sur le J4 / J5 suite à vos conseils d'hier.
J4 : on prendra notre temps pour faire les étapes conseillées de la route 66 avec une nuit à Williams.
J5 : on consacre toute la journée à Grand Canyon. Je voulais positionner la descente initialement prévue le lendemain (South Keibab Trail jusqu'à Cedar Ridge) et faire l'après-midi la ballade sur la Hermits Road. Le problème c'est qu'en partant de Williams même en partant tôt, si on prend en compte 1 heure de route + le temps de prendre la navette jusqu'à Yaki Point j'imagine qu'on ne pourra pas attaquer la descente avant 9h et ça risque de taper déjà pas mal en plein mois d'août non ?
Cette solution permettait d'alléger le jour suivant (ex J5) où j'avais prévu la Desert View Drive avant de prendre la route pour Page et faire Horseshoe bends.
Du coup je vois 2 solutions :
- soit maintenir la descente le lendemain matin comme prévue initialement mais dans ce cas il faut prévoir autre chose (l'hélico à 5 ça pique un peu trop au niveau portefeuille 😉 )
- soit ne pas s'arrêter à Williams mais tirer jusqu'à Grand Canyon ou Tusayan.
Bonsoir
Merci pour le tuyau mais on a déjà prévu antelope canyon et le lac Powell permettrait de passer une journée à la cool notamment pour les enfants avant d enchaîner les parcs
A+
Michael
Salut.
Il te manquait 2 nuits par rapport à mon itinéraire...
Avec le J10 où il faudrait dormir à Torrey, c'est effectivement ton J4 qui coince.
Perso j'avais passé une nuit à Williams et une nuit à Grand Canyon, mais c'est parce que j'avais l'hélico à Tusayan...
Je pense que tu peux tirer jusqu'à Grand Canyon en J4 en partant très tôt de LA, mais inutile d'espérer faire la Hermits Road !
En J5 tu peux faire South Kebab Trail, Hermits Road et quitter Grand Canyon par la Desert View Drive en direction de Page. C'est speed mais c'est jouable.
Bonne prépa.
A+
Eric
Salut Eric
Merci ! Ç est exactement ce que je voulais entendre donc ça tombe plutôt bien 😛
J ai hâte de figer le programme afin de pouvoir faire les resas de certains hôtels. En revanche pour l avion c est apparement beaucoup trop tôt pour le moment et les prix dispo sont exorbitants !! Il va donc falloir attendre !
A+
Michael
En fonction du temps que tu mettras pour faire South Kebab Trail, tu peux zapper quelques points de vue sur Desert View Drive pour gagner du temps, 3 ou 4 points points de vue peuvent suffire.
Si tu veux, je rechercherai lesquels sont à ne pas rater.
A+
Eric
Salut Michael.
Je viens de regarder à nouveau mes photos de Desert View Drive et voilà les points que je trouve les plus jolis:
- Grand View Point
- Moran Point
- Lipan Point
- Watch Tower
Bien sûr, ce n'est que mon avis, donc c'est subjectif.
A+
Eric
Salut Eric
Merci bcp je vais suivre tes conseils
Il me reste à retravailler la journee Page -Monument valley car du coup horseshoe bends et antelope se feraient au j5, lac Powell au j6 et au j7 on a que la route pour MV.
A+
Michael
Euh.... à moins que je me trompe, ça donnerai plutôt:
J4 : LA / Gd Canyon par la route 66
J5 : Visite de Gd Canyon et route en direction de Page par Desert View Drive
J6 : Bateau Lac Powell
J7 : Antelope et route vers Monument Valley
Quant à Horseshoes Bend, c'est facile à caser. Ça ne prend qu'une heure.
Soit en J5. Avant d'arriver à Page, tu passeras devant. Attention quand même à l'exposition en fin de journée pour qu'il ne soit pas complètement à l'ombre.
Soit en J6. Avant ou après le bateau.
Soit en J7. Après Antelope, avant de prendre la route pour Monument Valley. Perso, c'est pour cette 3ème solution que j'opterai.
Bonne cogitation.
A+
Eric
T as raison Eric je me suis un peu emmêlé !
Tu finis par mieux connaître mon itinéraire que moi (il faut dire que c est avant tout le tien 😉)
Je me disais bien qu un truc clochait car je me retrouvais avec 3 nuits à Page et ca me paraissait beaucoup.
J ai réservé the View de peur qu'il ne soit trop tard mais du coup je suis décalé d un jour... Ça peut encore bouger vu que je n ai pas reservé les vols.
Merci pour ton message en tt cas
A+
Michael
Je l ai réservé en J8 car J avais ajouté une nuit à Page..... J ai vu qu'ils acceptent une seule modification sans supplément donc ça devrait pas poser de pb
Bonsoir
Ca y est une première grosse étape de faite!
Billets d avion réservés sur airfrance.ca grâce aux conseils d Emmanuelle (nanane25)
4425 euros (frais bancaires compris car paiement en CAD) pour 5 soit 885€/pers
Paris-la vol direct le 1/08 et retour NY-Paris le 24/08
Reste le vol intérieur SF-NY mais je tablais sur 1200-1300 donc c'est la bonne surprise!
Bonjour
Nous sommes à moins d'un mois du départ !
J'ai pris pas mal de retard sur le programme détaillé jour par jour et j'aurais besoin de vos lumières pour organiser la visite d'Arches et caler Delicate Arch notamment en raison de la fermeture des routes à partir de 19h ...
J8 - 8/08/17 : Monument Valley > Moab : Gooseneck State Park, Moki Dugwai, Dead Horse Point State Park et Canyolands Island in the sky.
J9 9/08/17 : Arches : au programme : ballade de Devils Garden jusqu'à Landscape Arch / Sand Dune Arch et Broken Arch - Windows section (Double Arch et The Windows). Après cela en plein mois d'août avec 3 enfants cela parait illusoire de penser enchaîner sur Delicate Arch et ressortir du parc avant 19h. Donc j'imaginais retourner à l'hôtel pour nous reposer à la piscine.
J'envisageais donc de retourner à Arches le matin du J10 et faire Delicate Arch dès l'ouverture du parc et enchaîner sur le programme prévu à l'origine.
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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?
