Hi everyone, I’ve spent two solid months reading the Lonely Planet and pretty much every post about Thailand here, plus French and English blogs. Now I’d love to get your expert opinions on our itinerary. We’re heading off in August 2025 with our 7-year-old daughter. We only have a maximum of three weeks off, and I’m keeping an eye on flight prices before booking (1400 € per person really stings 😕). So here’s what I’ve planned—let me know if you spot any major issues or if I’ve been way too "optimistic."

D1 - Arrival in Bangkok / rest, quick visit, overnight stay D2 - More temple visits, etc. D3 - Morning flight to Chiang Mai D4 - More Chiang Mai sightseeing D5 - Day trip to Chiang Rai (guided tour to book: blue and white temple), return to Chiang Mai late in the evening D6 - More Chiang Mai visits / Elephant Nature Park in the afternoon D7 - Morning flight to Koh Samui, sightseeing D8 to D10 - More Koh Samui visits D11 to D13 - Ferry to Koh Phangan D14 to D15 - Ferry to Koh Tao D16 - Return to Koh Samui, then flight to Bangkok D17 - Day trip to Ayutthaya, return to Bangkok in the evening D18 - Flight back to France :(

I know a lot of you recommend heading straight to Chiang Mai to recover from the international flight, but my partner and I NEVER sleep on planes (personally, I’ve been flying to Taiwan since I was little and have never slept more than an hour on a 14-hour flight...), so it’s essential for us to rest upon arrival . That’s also why I opted for domestic flights instead of the sleeper train—I know we’d lose over 10 hours and wouldn’t be able to rest properly in those conditions. And I’m sure you’ll also say BKK > North > South is too much for three weeks, but I really want to see as much as possible. Given how much the flights will cost, I’m not sure when we’ll be able to come back 🏴‍☠️.

So, questions: 1. Since we’ll only be in Bangkok for a maximum of two nights and need to easily reach the airport with luggage (and a child), which neighborhood should we prioritize? We’d love to experience the evening vibe of Asian night markets, ideally within walking distance of the hotel or just a few metro stops away. I’ve looked at Chinatown, but the BTS seems far... Should we go for somewhere near BTS Saphan Taksin or BTS Krungthonburi? But is the area lively in the evening with food courts, etc.? We’d also like to treat ourselves to a hotel with a pool.

2. Have we planned too many days in the south? Should I skip Koh Tao and just do Koh Samui + Koh Phangan? My partner and daughter aren’t strong swimmers, so we’re looking for beautiful beaches without too much current. Crowded beaches don’t bother us—we just want stunning turquoise waters without killer waves . Going all the way to Koh Tao and then back to Koh Samui to catch the flight to Bangkok seems too stressful. Is it still possible these days (I haven’t seen any recent posts on this) to head to Koh Samui in August and decide on the spot how many nights to spend in Koh Phangan or Koh Tao based on how we feel, booking hotels as we go? Or is that too risky?

If you have any better suggestions for fitting all this in while reducing internal flights, I’m all ears for your great tips

Hi there, I’m planning a trip to Greece this summer with my 3-year-old son. I recently separated, and we were originally supposed to go on a road trip to Brazil, so I’m now forced to find a Plan B. I’m usually a backpacker who travels with just my backpack, but with my son, I’ll have to opt for all-inclusive hotel packages. I don’t feel ready yet to go backpacking alone with him at the other end of the world. When he’s 5, it’ll be easier :)

Anyway, with so many options for Greece, I’m a bit overwhelmed. There are so many islands and resorts. Do you have an island to recommend? And more specifically, a hotel?

We’re looking at the first two weeks of August.

Thanks for your help!

Thomas

Hello,

So glad the site is back up and running. It's such a useful treasure trove of information!

We're in the midst of planning our 4-week family trip to Thailand in July 2025. I've managed to sort out and book hotels and other activities across various sites, but I'm stuck on some transfers between different locations. Could you confirm or suggest better solutions, keeping in mind we're traveling with two kids aged 12 and 15 and I'd like to minimize risks for transfers.

I’d especially like to know if taxis/Grab are readily available for transfers 2, 3, and 6 below.

Transfers:

1. Bangkok - Kanchanaburi: planned by train 2. Kanchanaburi - Kaeng Krachan National Park: planned by taxi/Grab 3. Kaeng Krachan National Park - Hua Hin or San Roi Yot: planned by taxi/Grab 4. San Roi Yot to Bangkok Airport: planned by taxi, as trains wouldn’t get us there in time for our flight or would require an extra night in Bangkok 5. Bangkok - Chiang Rai: domestic flight 6. Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai: planned by public bus, taxi/Grab possible 7. Chiang Mai - Bangkok: domestic flight

Thanks for your feedback.

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.

Hi everyone,

We’re heading to Thailand with our four kids (ages 18, 17, 12, and 10) from August 3rd to 15th, 2026. I’ve been there twice before, but that was over 20 years ago, so I’m completely out of the loop !

We arrive in Bangkok on the morning of the 3rd and leave on the evening of the 15th.

Here’s our rough itinerary—I’d love your thoughts: 1 night in Bangkok on the 3rd (with a little sightseeing during the day), then the Grand Palace, reclining Buddha, and a floating market on the 4th. On the evening of the 4th, we take an overnight train to Chiang Mai. We’ll stay in Chiang Mai from the 5th to the 8th. On the evening of the 8th, we take an overnight train back to Bangkok. On the morning of the 9th, we head to Koh Samui. We’ll stay there from the 9th to the 12th, then return to Bangkok on the 13th. We’ll spend the afternoon of the 13th, the 14th, and the 15th in Bangkok before flying back to France 🙁.

So here are my questions: - Do you think this "itinerary is doable"? - Do you think it’s necessary to travel first class, or is second class with Air Co sufficient for the Bangkok to Chiang Mai trip? - Any recommendations for a great hotel with a pool, super central, so we can do most things on foot and visit the night market in Chiang Mai? - Any recommendations for a great hotel with a pool, super central, so we can do most things on foot and visit the night market in Bangkok? - Any recommendations for a great hotel with a pool, super central, so we can do most things on foot and visit the night market in Koh Samui?

For hotels, we’d like to spend a maximum of 200 € per night for the six of us.

Thanks in advance for your help! Mathilde

Hi everyone, We’re a family of 5—2 adults and 3 kids aged 8, 10, and 16. We arrive on 20/04/2026 at noon at Ouarzazate Airport and return on 29/04/2026 at noon from Marrakech Airport. We plan to rent a car in Ouarzazate and drop it off in Marrakech.

What we’d love: discovering the landscapes of southern Morocco, meeting locals, and experiencing the desert. We’d prefer to stay in comfortable, clean places with nature views—not too noisy. We’re aiming for half-board (except in Marrakech). We don’t want to feel rushed, but I’m not sure what to skip.

This is our first time doing a somewhat itinerant trip, and it’s our first family trip abroad. We don’t want the kids to get tired of daily hotel changes, which is why I’m questioning the options in my draft itinerary. I’d be so grateful for your thoughts on it, and if you have any great recommendations—especially some with pools!

As for prices, I’m struggling to gauge what’s reasonable. For 5 people, we quickly need 2 rooms, and for nicer places with pools, I’m seeing rates around 160 € to 190 € per night. That seems expensive to me.

Hi there, it’s been a good 15 years since I last set foot in Thailand.

Back then, I spent 6 weeks there with my partner, traveling backpacker-style without ever booking anything in advance, and we always managed to find a guesthouse. Now we think our son is old enough to travel the same way.

Do you still find it just as easy to snag a guesthouse room everywhere?

What’s the average price range these days in the north and the south?

For our route, we’re thinking roughly BKK / Koh Tao / Koh Samui / Krabi, then the Chiang Mai area. Thanks in advance for your tips!

Hello! I’m so excited to be back on this forum—it’s helped me so much in the past! I need your expert advice for our next trip, which will take us to Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

We have a month, and here’s the itinerary I have in mind: Arrival in Tashkent – 2 days Bukhara – 2 days Samarkand – 3 days Panjakent – 1 day The Seven Lakes + Iskanderkul – 3 days Khujand – 2 days Fergana Valley – 3 days Song Kol Lake – 2 days Issyk-Kul Lake – 3 days Charyn Canyon – 1 day Kaindy Lake – 1 day Altyn Emel Park – 1 day Almaty – 1 day and departure

I know the travel times, especially in the mountains, can be long, but I’ve tried to optimize it so we can rest after the long drives. Our family includes three kids aged 5, 13, and 17. We’re used to backpacking. But I have *so* many questions: -Will it be extremely hot in Uzbekistan, but manageable in the other regions on my itinerary? -I’ve read conflicting things about trains in Uzbekistan: is it possible to book train tickets in advance from France? -For the Seven Lakes and Iskanderkul, do I need to hire a driver? Is it easy to find one? Since there are five of us, we’d need a large car… or is it possible to rent a car in Panjakent and drop it off in Khujand? -What’s worth visiting in the Fergana Valley? -I’d prefer to avoid domestic flights, so I planned to break up the Osh-Issyk-Kul Lake route by stopping at Song Kol Lake and taking a horseback ride. Is that realistic? Again, do I need to find a driver, or can we do it independently? -Where’s the best base for Issyk-Kul Lake? The main goal is to relax and swim (is it acceptable for women to wear swimsuits in these regions?) -For the last part of the trip—Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake from Issyk-Kul—is it doable, or do I need a driver once more? -Is Altyn Emel Park doable in the summer, or is it too hot? The idea is to see the views and do a short 3-hour hike.

Thanks so much for any firsthand tips or experiences you can share!

Hi there,

I’m planning my first trip to Asia next summer with my partner and our daughter, who’ll be 3 and a half at the time, for 4 weeks (maybe 5).

I’ve heard that the timing is better for visiting Indonesia, but I’m hesitant because Thailand seems more accessible, and I’m worried that traveling to Indonesia during high season might be less enjoyable and a lot more expensive due to the number of tourists. We love cultural sites as much as natural ones, and we’re big foodies. We’re not necessarily looking for luxury and tend to take our time, travel by public transport, and look for accommodations with a good value for money—though we do occasionally splurge on a high-end restaurant.

I’m also wondering when and where to buy flight tickets and how comfortable the journey will be (especially for our daughter) if we fly with Thai Airways or Garuda.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts and tips!

Damien

Hello,

We’re heading to Thailand this summer with our kids and would love to visit Kui Buri National Park. However, after checking the park’s website, it looks like there are no available slots for the days we’ll be there (July 22–24): https://www.thainationalparks.com/kui-buri-national-park/guided-tours/kui-buri-wildlife-safari So, I’m wondering if we *have* to book through them to access the park? (I had the same question for Kaeng Krachan.)

Thanks in advance, and have a great day! Bruno

Hello!

After a long travel hiatus, we’re (finally) back on the road for some getaways! Now with two kids in tow, we’re heading to Thailand for two weeks next February (a destination that’s stood us up twice before but seems perfect for our first big family trip).

We’d have loved to stay longer, but two weeks is already a great start and will be plenty enjoyable.

Key points: - Experience Thailand, not just live our usual routine in Thailand - Avoid crowds as much as possible, even though February will be busy - Not big city fans, so Bangkok (BKK) will be kept to a minimum - Focus on nature, the sea, forests, waterfalls, hiking, kayaking...

At this stage, here’s the rough itinerary I’m considering: - Arrival at 7 AM + a day in BKK

- DEPART for SURAT THANI (BUS) - Transfer + Khao Sok (overnight on the lake / in the trees)

- RETURN to Ko Samui - Transfer to Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Tao (snorkeling)

- RETURN to Khao Lak. While there: * Visit Ao Phang Nga Park by kayak * Excursion to caves / Ko Khao Phing Kan (the "007 beach" lol) * ALTERNATIVE = SIMILAN ISLANDS

- RETURN to KRABI or Koh Phi Phi * Visit Koh Hong or Koh Yao Yai

* Flight from SURAT THANI to BKK - If time left in BKK: - Explore BKK: Wat Pho / floating market / Maeklong Railway Market / Chinatown... - Or a day trip to Ayutthaya - Or a day at Erawan Waterfall (Haew Suwat) - Day +1 = Return to France

Questions I’m pondering: - Is this too ambitious? I think it might be... but since we’d rather see as much as possible than just lounge on a beach... - How to get around on this route? Bus or rental vehicle (which I’d prefer to avoid) - Are there any inconsistencies in the plan I’ve outlined? - Should I adjust any connections or prioritize differently? - Krabi vs. Koh Phi Phi? - Koh Hong vs. Koh Yao Yai?

We’ve booked the first night (using some leftover backpacking perks), but nothing else—so open to all ideas!

If you know a local agency that can offer advice (for a fee), that could work too, since the options feel endless...

Thanks so much for reading this far, and even more if you’ve got tips or suggestions to share!! Best wishes ;)

Hi everyone, Back from my summer vacation, and it's already time to start planning the next one! I mean, I work to go on vacation and explore with my family—don’t you? Next destination: Mexico (Yucatán and Quintana Roo), When: February/March 2026, Duration: 17 nights there (+1 arrival night, either a layover or late in the evening), Who: Two adults and two young kids (3 and 8 years old), Transport: Rental car Interests: Culture, a little relaxation, hiking (though I’m not sure if the destination is ideal for that), and nature exploration.

The plan is to do the classic route but stay longer in each place—it’s easier to manage with kids. Here’s what I had in mind:

Valladolid = 3 nights to visit Ek Balam, Chichén Itzá, and a cenote. Mérida = 3 nights for a stop in Izamal on the way, exploring Mérida, then Uxmal + a trip to Celestún. Campeche = 2 nights to see the Xtacumbilxunaan cave and the Edzná Maya site. Calakmul = 1 night Bacalar = 3 nights for the Lagoon of Seven Colors, Fort San Felipe, some downtime, and a possible day trip to Cozumel if needed. Tulum = 5 nights to visit Cobá, Tulum, cenotes, the beach, Sian Ka’an + Muyil. Then back to the airport (1h30 drive or 2h if flying into Cancún).

Does this seem well-balanced? Could I improve it by grouping accommodations more? I’m guessing Palenque/Yaxchilán is too far (even if I cut other things from the itinerary)? It still sounds like an amazing trip... Thanks,

Hi there, I’m heading to Los Angeles for 15 days in April with two 15-year-olds. We’ll spend one week in LA and then a week in Death Valley and Sequoia Park. Hotels and a car are already booked. I could use some advice on what clothes to pack and what activities to suggest. I’d love to show them the history of this state. Thanks!

Hi there

I hope you're starting this new year with your head full of travel memories or plans!!

I’d love to spend a week in July on a Greek island with my 8-year-old son. I’m totally in love with Amorgos, but not all the beaches are accessible for him. I’ve been to Santorini and Naxos before and don’t want to go back. Would you have an island to recommend that’s not too crowded 😕, with a few accessible beaches and where we won’t have to fight to get around or park?

Have a great day Christelle

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share our travel experience with a Sri Lankan French-speaking guide.

This is Mr. Deen, a guide who speaks French as well as you and me. He studied French at the University of Rouen and knows every corner of his island. He specializes in the country's history, botany, and gemology, a field in which he earned his degree in Paris. What a pleasure to discover Sri Lanka this way, thanks to Deen!

We traveled as a couple with our four older children (ages 15 to 19). We had decided to explore this country with a lot of uncertainties, worried it might not appeal to everyone... Deen was a wonderful guide. From our arrival at the airport, he knew just what to say, and throughout our trip—which we largely planned on the spot with him—he found the perfect pace to satisfy everyone.

He showed us the essentials but also the details of daily life, knowing when to stop by the roadside to introduce us to fruits, a lime factory, must-see temples, and charming little temples where no one goes, a kindergarten... not to mention the best tips for attending the Kandy Perahera or the more intimate one in Dondra, as well as the train to Ella.

We also really loved some of the hotels: a few kilometers from Dambulla, the Boulder Range (tip: the early morning birdwatching walk and a beer at sunset on the lake dam), and in Ella, the Ambiente, with a breathtaking view.

We also won’t forget our driver Jonny, whose kindness was both efficient and reassuring, nor Agnès, Deen’s wife, who was so pleasant.

It was a wonderful and unforgettable trip, and the last few days in Tangalle at FrenchRésidence were very comforting, in a warm and family-like atmosphere. We won’t soon forget such an experience. Sandrine and Philipe.

Highly recommended without hesitation.

Hi there,

We’re planning a trip to Thailand with my husband and our two 7-year-old kids. Three weeks in February/March. Our rough itinerary is: arriving in Bangkok for 3-4 days, then Chiang Mai and the surrounding area, and finally an island in the south.

-We land in Bangkok around 7 AM. Any hotel recommendations? We’d love to rest right after we arrive. Budget is around 40 € per night.

For the rest, I’m open to any tips or suggestions:

-Accommodation in Chiang Mai, and maybe a night in an elephant sanctuary park...

-Should we take the overnight train to Chiang Mai on the way there or on the way back?

-Which island should we choose?

We love authentic experiences and connecting with locals...

Thanks so much!!!

Elodie.

Hi everyone!!

My wife and I are heading to Thailand in April 2025 with our two daughters, aged 4 and 7. I’d love to get your thoughts and some great tips on our itinerary (which isn’t set in stone at all!!). We’re planning to arrive in Phuket and head straight to Koh Lanta (4/5 nights). I’d love to visit another spot in the area, but nothing’s really grabbing us—so if you’ve got any ideas, we’re all ears! Next, we’re heading to Koh Phangan (the north) for about 4 nights. After that, we’ll head east to Ko Chang and Koh Kood, spending around 3 nights on each island. Then, Bangkok for 2 days and one night before flying back to France. We’ll have about 16-17 days there. Like most people, we’re looking for quiet spots, far from big resorts, with beaches, pools, and walks/activities for our young kids. From my research, the west has great beaches and views, while the east offers a bit more adventure and fewer crowds. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Quentin, Dune, Juno, and Marley

hi, I had planned to take a gap year with my 4-year-old daughter starting this fall. A happy but unplanned event is changing the plans: a new baby arriving in just a few days. So now I’ll be waiting until she’s 5 MONTHS old. Which countries would you recommend for traveling in Southeast Asia where I’d have adequate healthcare infrastructure in case of any issues? What travel insurance do you suggest? What itineraries have you done? thanks

Hi everyone, okay, here’s the scoop: I’ve been dealing with a pretty serious illness, but I’m determined to recover by the end of this year. I want to take my partner and my two little ones (7 and 4 years old) for a ten-day vacation in February 2026 or April 2026. The goal? To help them forget this tough year—let’s be honest—and give us all (and yes, I deserve it too 😉) some fantastic holidays.

Considering the budget for round-trip flights, cost of living on-site (hotel with pool and beach, all-inclusive or half-board meals), and food quality, which would you choose between Mauritius, Cuba, or the Dominican Republic? Heads up—I’ve been a globetrotter in another life, and all-inclusive hotels aren’t usually my thing, but this time, it’s different: I need REST and a family-friendly vacation. Of course, we’ll still do some excursions and sightseeing, so the scenery matters, but I’m really looking for the best value for money between flights, hotels, and a change of scenery :) Is Cuba too Americanized / full of junk food in the hotels?

Any family-focused travel agencies you’d recommend?

Thanks for sharing your experiences—I know this is a long message, but hopefully, it’ll keep the advice focused 😎 And thanks for this forum 😇

Hi everyone,

We’re a family with two kids who’ll be 3½ and 6½ years old at the time of the trip. We live in the city, and the little ones aren’t big hikers in nature, but they’re pretty cool with transportation. Travel month: May 2026 for 3 weeks (round trip) What we’re looking for: a relaxed trip combining nature, culture, beautiful beaches with snorkeling, and sunshine! We want to take our time with the kids and avoid driving 6 hours every couple of days. We’ve traveled as a couple before but not much with the kids (in Europe, by car).

Choices: I ruled out Mexico for various reasons. I’d also dismissed Indonesia because it seemed more tiring with kids in terms of transportation, but it’s back in my top 2 now! 😊 I also crossed off Sri Lanka because of the monsoon on the west coast in May. So, I’m left with Malaysia (KL-Malacca-Selangor-Borneo Sabah-Perhentian Islands area) or Java (Yogyakarta-Bromo-Karimunjawa Islands)... This list isn’t exhaustive—just some rough ideas.

Budget-wise, we’d like to stay in small hotels with pools for under 100 € in cities, but no need for a pool at the beach. Thanks in advance for your tips! Hélène

Hi there, I’m right in the middle of planning a trip to the American West—23 days from 07/30 to 08/23. Departure from Orly to Los Angeles with a layover in San Francisco, and return from Los Angeles to Orly. Day 1: Orly - San Francisco (1 night) Day 2 & 3: Los Angeles (2 nights) Day 4, 5 & 6: San Francisco (3 nights) Day 7: Lake Tahoe (1 night) Day 8 & 9: Portland (2 nights) Day 10, 11 & 12: Seattle (3 nights) Day 13 & 14: Yellowstone (2 nights) Day 15 & 16: Salt Lake City (2 nights) Day 17 & 18: Las Vegas (2 nights) Day 19 & 20: Grand Canyon (2 nights) Day 21 & 22: Los Angeles (2 nights) Day 23: Return flight (1 night in the air)

The flight’s already booked: 2250 € for 3 people. Car’s reserved—just finalized the last booking today: a Rav4 for 23 days from Sixt in Santa Monica, 715 € (all insurance included). Hotels are booked with free cancellation since I keep finding better options, and the itinerary isn’t 100% set yet.

Hello everyone,

So, summer 2025 is when I turn 40, and to mark the occasion, I had the idea of doing a road trip through Northern Spain. Since I’ll be traveling with my two kids (9 and 6½ years old), I’m tied to school holidays, but I’m hoping the northern regions of Spain are a little less crowded than the Costa Brava.

We’d leave from Lyon to reach the Atlantic coast, head down to the Basque Country, cross the Spanish border, and then visit: Cantabria - Asturias - Galicia. It’s not exactly around the corner—I’ve seen that it’s about 1,500 km (one way) from Lyon to Galicia. But for this adventure, I’ve got 3 to 3½ weeks. The twist would be doing it in an electric car, stopping for 2-3 days here and there before moving on (alternating between wild camping and hotels). Why electric? Because it’s my company car, and my employer covers the charging and toll costs. Over 3 weeks of vacation, that adds up to big savings.

Question: Do you think this plan is doable? Aside from the charging stops, does the route seem too ambitious for 3 weeks with two kids? And in July/August, are these regions not too packed?

Thanks for your feedback and experiences!

Hi, We’re traveling as a family to Qawra at the end of February, from Sunday the 16th to Wednesday the 19th of August. I’ve got a few questions about the area—what there is to do during the day and in the evening. There are two adults and three teens aged 12 to 16 in our group. I know the trip is short, but it’s an opportunity we got. If any forum members are familiar with the island, I’m all ears 😉 . Also, I’m planning to rent a car—good or bad idea? Thanks in advance, and looking forward to your replies.

Hi, we’ll be 2 adults and 2 kids, and I’d like to know if, from Bangkok airport, we can find a taxi—or through the Grab app—to make the trip to Ban Phe, then on to Koh Samet, without getting ripped off. Thanks for your help. Stéphanie

Hi there,

I’m Belgian with three kids, and I’m looking for a neighborhood in Paris where we could spend two nights that has the following advantages:

quiet in the evening as central as possible in relation to the main tourist spots safety

Which neighborhood could we stay in to do as much as possible on foot?

We’ll be arriving in Paris by train.

Thanks!

Hi there, I’d love to get your thoughts on our West Coast USA itinerary for this summer. Day 1: Arrive in LA early evening. Check into hotel. Day 2: Full day in LA: Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Hollywood Blvd, etc. Day 3: Leave LA, overnight in Kingman (+ stops along Route 66 for breaks) Day 4: Drive to Sedona, arrive late afternoon. Overnight in Sedona. Day 5: Hike in Sedona, then depart in the afternoon for Grand Canyon / Overnight in Tusayan Day 6: GC (South Rim / hike to plan) and drive to Monument Valley. Arrive in Kayenta (hotel) Day 7: MV (guided Navajo jeep tour) Day 8: Drive to Page Day 9: Lake Powell + Horseshoe Bend Day 10: Drive to Bryce Canyon Day 11: Plan a hike in BC, then depart for Zion Park late afternoon Day 12: Plan a hike in ZP, then drive to Las Vegas. Arrive in LV late afternoon. Day 13: Full day in LV Day 14: Drive to Death Valley, overnight in DV inside the park Day 15: Cross DV (drive or "hike" depending on heat), overnight in Lee Vining. Day 16: Cross YOSEMITE via Tioga Road (plan viewpoints and hikes), arrive in Groveland late afternoon Day 17: Drive from Groveland to SF Day 18: Full day in SF Day 19: Drive from SF to Pacific Highway 1, stop near Hearst Castle for an overnight Day 20: Return to LA Day 21: Last day in LA (Universal Studios) Day 22: Fly back to Paris

All hotels are booked but most can be canceled if needed. I’d really appreciate your feedback! :) :) Are we trying to do too much with this schedule? I just read on the forums—maybe a bit late—that 2 days in MV is overkill. The hotel in Kayenta can’t be changed.

Thanks so much!

Hi there,

I’m just starting my research for Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara... I’m not sure I’ll manage to organize everything with the train or find a driver every time I need one. I don’t want a packaged tour. Can you tell me if everything needs to be booked well in advance? I’m also looking for fun activities for my teens (other than museum and mosque visits). We’ll be traveling in October. Thanks for your tips!

Hello,

I’m new to the forum (I live in Paris), though I’ve used it before during my past trips, a long time ago when I was young :). I’m now the venerable age of 49.

As mentioned in the title, I’m looking for some great accommodation tips for myself and my two daughters, aged 10 and 12, that you may have recently tried during your travels in Japan.

Ideally, since I haven’t been back to Japan since 2008, I’d love to get some reliable recommendations for hotels or ryokan where you’ve stayed.

When I visited Japan several times in 2007 and 2008, I didn’t have kids, so I wasn’t as concerned about comfort. Even though my daughters are used to traveling with me, I’d still like to use the Japan Rail Pass as I did before—except back then, I didn’t book in advance. With kids, I’d prefer to plan ahead.

So if you have any great recommendations to share for these cities (priority), but I’m also interested in Nara, Matsuyama, Fukuoka/Hakata, and Hiroshima.

All your suggestions based on your past experiences will be much appreciated here.

I’d also be happy to chat with you about the differences between Japan nearly 20 years ago, when I first visited, and today. Have many things changed or evolved?

Thanks so much for your help.

Arnaud

Hi there, I’m planning a 3-week trip to China next summer with my husband and our three kids (ages 2, 5, and 7). I haven’t booked the long-haul flight yet (likely arriving in Beijing or Shanghai), but the plan is to then take a domestic flight to Chengdu or even Yibin to spend 13–15 days in Sichuan. My itinerary isn’t set in stone, but I’m thinking Yibin, Leishan, Emei, Bifenxia, Tagong, Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, and back to Chengdu. We usually travel with a rental car and my husband drives, but that’s not an option in China. I’m not ruling out the train for some routes (like Chengdu–Jiuzhaigou), but with kids and luggage, I think the easiest option is to hire a car with a driver, even for 3–4-hour trips. I’ll book all my hotels in advance. Can I rely on the hotel to arrange this kind of service: departure from Yibin, visit Leishan (with a few hours’ wait), then drive to Emei? That would mean a full-day service with a different drop-off point than the pick-up, and leaving luggage in the car during visits. If so, what should I expect in terms of prices? Or should I book all the transfers through an agency? The prices seem really high that way. Thanks for your input! My main question is about transport, but any feedback on my itinerary is also welcome.

Hello everyone, My wife Fanny and I, along with our three kids (ages 10, 12, and 14), are planning a two-week trip to Asia during the February break. This would be our first big family trip, and we’re looking to mix discovery, a change of scenery, some relaxation, and cultural immersion. We want to avoid overly organized tours or over-touristed destinations. Over 20 years ago, Fanny and I used to travel as a couple with backpacks, especially in India and Mongolia, but things have surely changed a lot since then. Now, we’re torn between: • Thailand: for its diversity (beaches, temples, nature) and accessibility for a first family trip. • Laos-Cambodia combo: for a potentially more authentic immersion, but we’re wondering if it’s well-suited for kids. - Sri Lanka: it seems amazing and family-friendly? Is the political situation stable enough? We have a few questions:

Which destination would you recommend for this kind of family setup? What itineraries might work for two weeks without feeling too rushed?

Logistics-wise: can we travel with a round-trip flight ticket, book a few basic hotels, and improvise the rest once we’re there? Or do we need to plan everything in advance (transport, accommodations, activities) for this time of year?

Thanks in advance for your valuable tips! Mathieu