Hi there, We’re heading to Colombia for 3 weeks from the 9th to the 29th. Here’s the itinerary we’ve planned: Week 1 – Bogotá, mountains, hike in Páramo de Ocetá (8 nights) August 9: Arrival in Bogotá (1 night) August 10–12: Villa de Leyva (2 nights) August 12–14: Monguí + Páramo de Ocetá (2 nights) August 14–17: Barichara (3 nights) Week 2 – Authentic coffee region: Jericó, Pijao, Buenavista (6 or 7 nights) August 18–20: Jericó (2 nights) August 20–21: Salento Hike in La Carbonera August 21–24: Pijao (3 nights)

For the last week, we’re torn between: -The Pacific Coast – Nuquí/Jurubidá (5 or 6 nights) -The Caribbean Coast – Cartagena + Rincón del Mar / Bahía de Cispatá or Tayrona

We’re traveling with our 20-month-old baby, who’s used to traveling and handles transportation and hikes really well. We plan to rent a car and take domestic flights to get around easily.

We’re looking for a trip a bit off the beaten tourist path and would love your thoughts and recommendations on the itinerary and the final options. Caribbean or Pacific? Is Tayrona crowded? Is the park really worth the detour, or is the Pacific coast just as beautiful and wild?

Hello,

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.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions

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 there,

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.

Thanks so much,

Pierre

Hello everyone! What a pleasure to be back on this forum after all these years… Goodness, we’re clearly far from the days of backpacking solo and carefree! Today, I’m well and truly "tied down," with two adorable little anchors—ages 3 and 5½—keeping me on my toes 😊 But here we are, finally mustering the courage to dive back into adventure, backpacks and all… this time as a family! We know traveling with young kids won’t be a walk in the park, but we’re ready to adapt. And for that, I’ll need your brilliant advice! Here’s our plan: We’ve got our tickets for Kochi, from December 28 to January 5, 2026. From my research, I’ve seen that this period is super lively in Kochi, with lots of festivities. I’ve also read that despite the crowds, it’s generally pretty "kids-friendly." Can any of you confirm this? I figure it’d be a shame to miss all the fun, especially if there are parades (with or without elephants… even if I’m not a fan of the concept, I know my kids would be amazed…). As for the itinerary, I’m still a bit unsure. Since New Year’s Eve falls right in the middle of our trip, it complicates the idea of doing a loop around Kerala. Here’s what I’m considering so far:

December 28: Arrival in Kochi, then we’d head straight to Marari Beach (or a similar beach) to settle in and let the kids get their bearings.

December 30: Houseboat cruise in Alleppey

December 31: Back to Kochi, to enjoy the New Year’s festivities

We’d stay in Kochi until January 1 or 2, then head to Munroe Island for a few more relaxing days before heading home

January 5: Flight back to France

My big question: Is spending New Year’s Eve in Kochi with kids a good idea? Or should we arrive, then leave the city quickly to avoid the crowds? Thanks in advance for your feedback, experiences, and tips. I’m all ears for any suggestions to make this first (real) family trip as smooth as possible 😊

Hello,

After spending some time reading through the forum posts, I’m finally taking the plunge to ask for your help. We’re planning a family trip—a couple with two kids aged 10 and 12—and we’ll be driving from the Paris region. Flying isn’t an option for us. We’ll pass through Munich on the way out and Mantua on the way back. I’ve tried to design an itinerary that suits our preferences: moving at a relaxed pace, avoiding constant packing and unpacking, and keeping the kids engaged. To give you an idea, our oldest wasn’t too impressed with Corsica because "it was meh, just pretty landscapes to look at." Our youngest is only happy when she can dip her feet in the water, and the parents aren’t fans of lounging on a towel for too long.

After all my research, I’ll admit I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Is this itinerary doable without turning into a mad dash? Am I missing any must-see spots? Is the Croatia leg realistic? Is it worth staying 4 nights on Brač, given we’re not big beach fans? Have I accounted for enough time at the border crossings? I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice.

Here’s the planned itinerary from July 21 to August 17: Day 1 to 4: Munich Day 5: Depart Munich for Plitvice Lakes (overnight there) Day 6: Visit Plitvice Lakes (overnight there) Day 7: Drive to Una (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 8: Visit Una (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 9: Rafting? (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 10: Drive to Sarajevo. Visit Jajce and Travnik? (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 11: Visit Sarajevo (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 12: Skakavac Waterfalls or other points of interest in the area (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 13: Drive to Mostar. Visit Konjic and Jablanica (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 14: Kravica Waterfalls (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 15: Visit Blagaj (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 16: Visit Počitelj—drive to Hutovo Blato (overnight where???) Day 17: Visit (overnight where??) Day 18: Visit Split (and Trogir?) (overnight in Split or nearby) Day 19: Ferry to Brač (4 nights on Brač) Day 23: Ferry back to Split—drive to Šibenik (overnight in Šibenik or nearby) Day 24: Day trip to the Kornati Islands? (overnight in Šibenik) Day 25: Krka National Park (overnight in Šibenik) Day 26: Depart for Mantua

What do you think? I’m eagerly awaiting your responses. Thanks so much for your help!

I’m starting to plan our summer 2025 holiday. Yes, I know, I’m getting a head start 😄, but since I’m pregnant, I’d rather have as much ready as possible before baby arrives at the end of March 👶. We’re a family of 5, and this year, we’d like to visit Brittany (not too hot—perfect for us! 🌡️). We already know the southern area a bit, as well as the Saint-Malo region, but this time, we’d like to explore the north of Finistère. We’re looking for an area that’s still quite wild, away from the crowds. We’d also like to find some fun activities to keep our two older kids (4 and 7) busy 👧🧒. We’re good walkers, and we’ll have a baby carrier for the youngest. Which area would you recommend? Any ideas for places to visit, beaches, or family-friendly activities? Thanks in advance for your recommendations! 🙏 Elise

Hi, I’m traveling alone with my daughters (9, 8, and 15) to Bali for almost 3 weeks in July. We’re staying mainly in Ubud and Amed. Are there any must-see places and beaches we absolutely shouldn’t miss? Also, any shows or performances worth checking out? I plan to get around using the Grab app—is that enough? Thanks! !

Hi there,

We live in Lyon and usually stay in the Alps, but we don’t know the Pyrenees at all. It’s a mountain range that’s quite a long way from where we live. This summer, we’re thinking of traveling along the Pyrenees from west to east (Pyrénées-Atlantiques - Hautes-Pyrénées - PO). We might explore both the French and Spanish sides. We’d do this trip over 3 weeks, aiming to stay in each place for about 3 days before hitting the road again—so we don’t feel like we’re driving for hours every day...

Do you think a 3-week trip like this is doable? (Just to give you an idea, I’ve simplified the route with the link below, using random stops to illustrate the plan.) https://maps.app.goo.gl/eaShLrZzcmN54mZJ7

Two things that are influencing our planning: - We’re a family of 4 (2 kids, aged 9 and 6 1/2) - We’ll be in an electric car For the second point, could you tell me if there are plenty of electric charging stations along the mountain range, or if we’ll need to head to the main towns in the 3 Pyrenean departments?

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Thanks in advance.

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!

After our Central Asia trip this summer, we’ll be setting foot in Africa for the first time next February with our three kids (ages 5, 13, and 17).

I’ve fine-tuned a little itinerary with ChatGPT based on our interests and expectations, and here’s what came out:

Tuesday, February 24 — Dakar

Landing at 1:00 AM

Early afternoon: visit Gorée Island

Back to Dakar, light dinner

7:00 PM: boarding the ferry “Aline Sitoé Diatta”

Overnight on board (cabin)

Wednesday, February 25 — Ziguinchor

Arrival between 9:00–11:00 AM

Staying with a local host

Stroll: Saint-Maur market, river port

Overnight in Ziguinchor

Thursday, February 26 – Saturday, February 28 — Casamance (Cap Skirring & Oussouye)

February 26: Ziguinchor → Carabane road trip, explore the island, overnight on the island

February 27: Cap Skirring, beach time

February 28: Cap Skirring, relaxation, stroll, beach

Sunday, March 1 – Tuesday, March 3 — Oussouye

Head to Oussouye (~1 hour)

Discover Diola villages, rice fields, market, handicrafts

Overnights: Oussouye (3 nights)

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!

Hi everyone,

After letting our backpacks gather dust for several years, we’ve decided to set off on another adventure—this time as a family, with our 10- and 12-year-old kids! We’re planning a trip from mid-June to the end of July, with two stops: Cambodia (2 weeks) and Indonesia (4 weeks). But before diving into the details, we’ve got quite a few questions and doubts.

About Cambodia: We know this period is the rainy season. Is it really a good idea to go then? And if so, is it better to start with Cambodia and then move on to Indonesia, or does the order not matter from a climate perspective? Here are the activities and sites we’ve shortlisted: · The Mekong and Irrawaddy dolphins: do we actually have a chance of seeing them? · The Mondulkiri Project (elephant sanctuary): is this an ethical project? We want to avoid any form of animal exploitation. · The temples of Angkor: are 2 or 3 days enough to fully enjoy them? · Floating villages: where should we go for an authentic experience? Is it possible to spend the night there? · Hikes with waterfalls, lakes, etc.: are there any must-do treks? · And most importantly, what activities or sites would appeal to kids?

For Indonesia: We were there 15 years ago and loved our itinerary: Yogyakarta / Borobudur → Bromo → Kawah Ijen → Bali → Gili Trawangan. This time, we’re torn: · Retracing part of that route to share it with our kids (even if revisiting the same places isn’t super appealing), · Or exploring new regions. What’s almost certain is that we’d like to spend about two weeks in Raja Ampat. For the other two weeks, we’re undecided. We’re looking for kid-friendly ideas for places and activities, while avoiding too many connections for budget and environmental reasons. Since we’ll already see temples in Cambodia, we’d like to mix things up.

And finally… On our last trip to the region, we traveled without kids and went super free-spirited: only the round-trip tickets were booked, and we improvised the rest day by day without any major issues finding accommodation, food, or accessing the activities we’d spotted. Do you think this style of travel is still doable with two kids? Or has it become too risky or stressful? Are there regions where the "backpacker" approach is still possible, and others where it’s better to book in advance? And for certain activities or sites, is it recommended to hire guides?

Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!

Hi there,

I’m spending 2 days in Athens in July with my two daughters, aged 10 and 13, during our Greek trip. I’ve seen there’s a multi-day pass for all the major sites in Athens. Is it worth it? I’d love to know if there are any must-see spots (we’ll obviously do the Acropolis, even if it seems like a hassle) and any places to avoid?

I’m also visiting Meteora for 1 to 2 days... which monasteries and caves should we prioritize?

Finally, a few days on Sifnos and Serifos. Should I book a car in advance, or is it easy and quick to rent one when we arrive by ferry?

Thanks 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 everyone,

I’d love to get your thoughts on these two routes I’ve planned to see the highlights of Paris in two days.

I don’t want to take any transportation.

I’ll arrive at the hotel by car on Saturday around noon and won’t pick it up again until the next evening to leave.

**First day:** I’m thinking of starting from the hotel, then heading to the Eiffel Tower - Trocadéro - Galeries Lafayette - Élysée Palace - Tuileries Garden - the Louvre (outside only) and finishing at Les Invalides.

12 km



(The route on the map is just for reference to show the places we’ll visit—it might vary by a hundred meters or so.)

**Second day:** Starting from the hotel, we’ll go to Montmartre - Sacré-Cœur Basilica - Pigalle - Notre-Dame Cathedral - Panthéon - Luxembourg Garden.



What do you think? Am I missing out on anything great with this route?

Since I’m traveling with two kids, do you see any spots on these routes that might be a bit risky safety-wise? 🏴‍☠️

We’re not big museum fans, so we’re not planning to visit any—unless it rains, of course! 😄

One last little question: are there any protests planned in Paris on the weekend of August 16-17? 🙂 Thanks for reading! 😎

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, 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?

Thanks for your help!

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?

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,

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 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.

Thanks for your feedback!

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

Hi there, I’m heading to Quebec from 08/07/26 to 08/21/26 with my wife and our two sons, aged 8 and 10. I’m sharing my itinerary below—if you have any suggestions or feedback, I’d love to hear it!

Day 1: Arrival in Montreal on Friday, August 7th around 2 PM (it’s also one of my sons’ 8th birthday!). We’ll head to Westmount via public transit or taxi to pick up our Airbnb.

Day 2 & 3: Exploring Montreal.

Day 4: Picking up our rental car (not yet booked, but likely with Hertz via BSP Auto). We’ll explore the area around Montreal and then head to Montebello for the night.

Day 5: Visit to Parc Omega, staying overnight in Montebello (Airbnb).

Day 6: Heading to Shawinigan, possibly catching an evening show at Cité de l’Énergie. I’ve spotted Motel Auberge Pique-Nique for the night.

Day 7: Mauricie National Park. Overnight in Shawinigan.

Day 8: Heading to Lac Saint-Jean. I’ve looked into the Village Historique Val-Jalbert, but many say there are better options for visiting an old village, like the Village Québécois d’Antan near Quebec City. We’ll stay somewhere around the lake.

Day 9: Day around the lake, then overnight in Saguenay. FYI, August 15th is a holiday in Quebec (like in France), so some places might be busier or closed.

Day 10: Heading to Tadoussac. Staying overnight at the youth hostel to meet other travelers.

Day 11: Day in Tadoussac—whale watching and a guided forest excursion to see bears. Another night in Tadoussac.

Day 12: Heading to Quebec City, possibly stopping at Montmorency Falls along the way. We’ll pick up our Airbnb along the St. Lawrence River, not far from the aquarium.

Day 13 & 14: Exploring Quebec City and its surroundings.

Day 15: Returning to Montreal to catch our flight in the late afternoon.

I’ve tried to stay in the same place for two nights in a row for logistical reasons—it’s easier with kids. So far, only the Airbnbs are booked. For the rest, motels seem like the most budget-friendly option. I’d also love to find B&Bs with meals included, like Gîtes de France, but I’m not sure if that’s a thing here—I’m struggling to find options.

Don’t hesitate to let me know if this itinerary seems too packed. I’ve been mindful of the distances, but unfortunately, we can’t do everything, so we’ve had to make some tough choices.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can chime in!

Hi everyone, We’re planning to visit a small part of Indonesia in October 2026 with our kids (8 years old). Ideally, do you think it’s possible to visit Kinabatangan (3 days), Yogyakarta or Borobudur, and finish with some beginner snorkeling on the Gili Islands in 2 weeks? Thanks for your valuable feedback! 😊

Hi there,

We’re a group of 14 (adults and kids), and we’re planning the following itinerary for next October:

- Day 0: Arrival and visit Fès - Day 1: Depart Fès for Midelt - Overnight in Midelt - Day 2: From Midelt to Merzouga - Overnight in Merzouga (camp in the dunes) - Day 3: From Merzouga to the Dadès Gorges - Overnight in the Dadès Gorges - Day 4: Excursion and hike in the Dadès Gorges - Overnight in the Dadès Gorges - Day 5: From Dadès to Marrakech (visiting Ouarzazate studios and Aït Ben Haddou) - Day 6: Explore Marrakech - Day 7: Return

Any tips or suggestions for this plan? Is quad biking or buggy riding in the dunes (for adults, obviously) worth it? Which spots are really worth stopping at—and which ones aren’t?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Hi there,

We’re a couple traveling with our 2.5-year-old baby. We’re heading to Patagonia in March or April 2026. We don’t have exact dates yet because this will be the start of a long trip around Latin America. We’ll be traveling by public transport, with our backpacks and a baby carrier for support. We’ll take a domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, and the rest will be by bus.

Here’s the itinerary we’ve planned: - Buenos Aires (5 days) - Ushuaia (5 days or more) - El Calafate (3 days) - El Chaltén (5 days) - Los Antiguos + border crossing at Chile Chico - Puerto Río Tranquilo (Chile) (5 days) - Coyhaique (Chile) (3 days) - Chiloé Island (Chile) (10 days) - Puerto Varas (Chile) (3 days) - Bariloche (5 days) - San Martín de los Andes (3 days) - Mendoza (5 days)

After that, we’re thinking of spending a few days in Córdoba, then a month in Salta. We plan to head back down to Santiago (Chile) and then head north along the Chilean side toward Peru.

What do you think of this itinerary (especially the Patagonia part)? Is it doable with a young child just over 2.5 years old? I’d also love to include Esquel and El Bolsón in Argentina, but I’m not sure how to fit them in or if they’re really worth it. The durations are approximate, depending on what there is to do in each place... Do you have any suggestions for improving it or any tips?

We want to do some easy hikes or half-day walks since we won’t be able to carry him all day. That’s why we’ve intentionally left out Torres del Paine National Park (very expensive and not very baby-friendly, I think). Do you know of any hikes that are accessible with a little one?

Thanks in advance! !

Hello,

My wife, our kids (aged 5 and 9), and I will arrive in Fukuoka on May 27, 2026. We plan to visit Japan for about a month—maybe a month and a half (we’re starting our 11-month world trip in Japan, so I’m flexible with dates).

For the driver’s license, can I get it translated in advance and receive it in France? If so, do you know of a website or contact that handles this?

For car rental, which company would you recommend? I did a simulation on Nippon Rent-A-Car, and it seems like a solid option. As for driving, I’ve already driven in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Thailand, so if all the signs are also in Latin letters, I should be fine! That said, I know I won’t be driving in big cities like Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo.

We love the freedom a car provides.

Broadly speaking, we’d like to follow this route (mixing car rental and trains): Fukuoka > Hiroshima > Himeji > Osaka > Kyoto > areas around Mount Fuji > Nagano > Nikko > Tokyo

We’ll rent the car from Fukuoka to Himeji and from Kyoto to Tokyo.

I’m torn between exploring the northern coast (Nagato / Matsue / Tottori / Miyazu) or sticking to the southern coast (Fukuoka / Hiroshima / Fukuyama / Himeji). We’d love to see both the "must-see" sites and some more offbeat, hidden spots—places off the beaten path.

I’m also not ruling out a little road trip around Kyushu. I still need to look into the details of what to see there.

Best regards, Cédric

Hi there, We’re planning a solid six-week trip (July/August) to Sulawesi with our two kids, aged 5 and 7. I’ve been browsing various forums and have a lot of questions:

Can we "improvise"? We love traveling without planning every step, going with the flow based on fatigue, encounters, and discoveries. So, can we book NO accommodations in advance (except maybe our arrival in Makassar)? On the Togian Islands—is that possible? Same question—can we "improvise" local transport like buses, taxis, or scooter rentals, and book flight tickets (e.g., Makassar-Luwuk) or ferry tickets just a few days ahead? Is it safe enough to travel by scooter for day trips with the kids? Do they generally have child-sized helmets available? We’re struggling to map out an itinerary. Our priorities are hiking (trekking) in the Mamasa Valley and Toraja region, and seeing at least one volcano. Then, of course, we’d love to enjoy the water—easy snorkeling. The Togian Islands look dreamy, but are they the best for "easy" snorkeling (from the beach) with young kids? The journey there is long, too. The Banggai Islands look amazing—could they be a good alternative to the Togian Islands (where finding accommodation might be trickier)? Any feedback?

Other questions: My oldest is crazy about crystals and geology. Has anyone explored the karst region north of Makassar? I also just learned there’s a volcano in the Togian Islands—Una Una (Colo Volcano). Any feedback on that?

Thanks so much for your insights!

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 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.

Thanks, everyone.