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 Gomar,
As an old hand at public transport, I traveled to the four countries you mentioned between 2001 and 2011... so I’ll share a few tips that might help you plan your route.
Uzbekistan
-In July and August, the heat was scorching; I’d get up at dawn and retreat around 11 AM for a long siesta with reading on the floor on carpets, using a fan or a draft... until about 4-5 PM. I adjusted my stay by extending the length of each stop.
You’ll probably need accommodation with ventilation or air conditioning for the kids.
-Transport: I didn’t use trains or planes; there are shared taxis at bus stations, and the manager at each accommodation would ask one of their contacts to come pick me up. Since you’re traveling as a family, you’ll fill the vehicle, which will drop you off in the city you choose—or even right at your accommodation. It’s cheaper than renting a car. This way of getting around could work well for moving between the cities you visit. So, pick your accommodation and trust the (English-speaking) manager to arrange the next leg of your journey.
-Samarkand: Two full days should be enough if you start early.
-The Fergana Valley disappointed me because it’s quite urbanized... a stop in Andijan to visit a silk factory might be enough.
Tajikistan
-At higher altitudes, it’s less hot, though you’ll still feel the heat in the cities—it’s manageable.
-The same principle applies for getting around: shared taxis, arranged by your accommodation manager.
-The Four Lakes: You’ll need a full day, and it’s stunning when there’s no wind and the mountains reflect in the clear, limpid water. We had a vehicle with a driver to take us to the end point, where simple accommodation was waiting. My travel companion walked from lake to lake, while I kept it simple (I’d just had back surgery) and stayed in the car, which moved slowly. I only got out to take photos. Highly recommended!
Kyrgyzstan
-Lake SonKul
Accommodations are in summer yurts near locals... simple but comfortable enough for the location. Everything’s provided for meals.
Horse rental is available on-site if you ask. I saw tourists doing horseback riding.
Swimming: Probably possible, but more like a quick dip—I didn’t test it.
I assume you’re planning to fly into Tashkent and out of Almaty for this trip.
That’s all I can share in detail, but my travels in Central Asia left me with unforgettable memories... other travelers who’ve visited more recently will surely chime in with updates.
Hi Françoise, and thank you so much for your feedback!
You're absolutely right—arriving in Tashkent and departing from Almaty is the cheapest option for the five of us.
Thanks also for sharing your experience with the routes; that’s exactly what’s worrying me the most right now. I’m afraid we might get stuck at some stops if we can’t find suitable transport for all five of us.
Noted about the Fergana Valley—I’ll shorten it a bit. What do you think about my plan to head to Lake Issyk from Osh? Is it doable, or not realistic at all?
For Uzbekistan, I was hoping to find something with air conditioning.
Hi Gomar,
I went back through my notes and maps, but my trip to Kyrgyzstan was in the opposite direction to the one you’re planning (it was Bishkek to Tashkent).
One of my routes was a round trip from Kochkor to Song Kul Lake: a stunning road that went through the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass with marmots whistling on the sides.
Naryn to Jalal-Abad to Osh, but I stopped in Jalal-Abad to check out the mud baths at the Soviet-era thermal spas.
From Osh, I made my way to the Fergana Valley to visit Uzbekistan.
But I went to Issyk Kul Lake at the start of my trip, and I’m guessing for you it’ll be the last stop before heading to Almaty to catch your return flight. The lake is very touristy, both for locals (it’s close to Bishkek) and foreigners. That’s where you’ll need to book a homestay—no swimming restrictions. Also, book the bus from there to Almaty, but from what I remember, they were pretty frequent. Worth checking now, though.
That said, between Osh and Issyk Kul Lake, it’s a long leg that you’ll probably need to break up, maybe via Kazarmann and Kochkor. According to an old LP guide, it’s doable by juggling public transport. Hiring a car with a driver could be a good alternative, as a one-way rental might be very expensive or even impossible.
- Maybe it’d be a good idea to buy a map of Kyrgyzstan from Vieux Campeur or a site like nostromoweb.fr before you leave.
Sorry I can’t tell you more.
Wishing you great and fruitful preparations for your Central Asia adventure!
Françoise
Hi there,
A few remarks.
Uzbekistan: 2 days in Samarkand is indeed enough, 2 days in Bukhara—maybe even one more—and why skip Khiva? So, 2 days in this stunning city as well.
A detour to the desert fortresses seems pretty cool, especially since you're already in the country... but you can easily skip the Fergana Valley, so the time saved can be used for the desert fortresses instead.
The Aral Sea with a guide and their 4x4 is definitely a must in the region—it’d be a shame to miss it.
Kyrgyzstan: Lake Issyk-Kul... meh, maybe check out the red cliffs of Jeti-Oghuz Canyon instead.
On the other hand, the Song-Kul Lake area is gorgeous, with some great trails to get there and back while making a loop.
Sharyn Canyon is definitely worth seeing too.
Watch out for altitude—without having checked the whole itinerary—make sure to plan acclimatization time if you're heading to places above 3,000m! Otherwise, it can get pretty tough, and altitude sickness can strike at any time, even if you've always handled it well before!
We recommend not sleeping more than 400m higher than the previous night once you're above 3,000m. You can go up and down during the day—I’m mainly saying this for Tajikistan!
Hi there,
If you're in good health, with no heart or respiratory issues, an altitude of 3,000m isn't a problem—especially if you're not exerting yourself too much.
No trouble sleeping either.
Problems arise when you ascend quickly to high altitudes, like going from 1,000m to 4,000m in a short time, *and* if you're exerting yourself. Every day, hundreds of people take the Aiguille du Midi cable car in Chamonix, going from 1,000m to 3,800m in just a few minutes. You might feel short of breath, but very few people actually feel unwell.
Thanks for the details, but having lived over 6 months at 4,000m altitude (and managing sudden descents and ascents that really take a toll on the body), altitude sickness can strike at any time—some people faint or struggle badly during the first few days at those heights. So it’s best for this family to ask themselves these questions *before* symptoms appear (though, of course, not everyone suffers from it!)
There’s a huge difference between moving around calmly at 3,000m—especially sleeping there—and doing an activity at 4,000m. Living at 4,000m for 6 months isn’t an issue since, normally, acclimatization happens within the first few days, so there’s little risk of altitude sickness afterward... unless there’s a specific health condition.
A healthy person has nothing to worry about around 3,000m, but above that, it depends on the person’s physical condition and how gradually they ascend.
That said, definitely keep this in mind if traveling to Tajikistan—there are quite a few passes above 4,000m.
Why did you go through Naryn? Is there anything special to do there?
Based on the feedback, I might shorten my trip or even skip the Fergana Valley. In that case, I’ll need to connect Tashkent to Bishkek. I don’t feel like taking an internal flight, and I’ve heard the train isn’t running anymore. Maybe break up the journey somewhere between the two?
Thanks for this feedback—it’s making me rethink my original itinerary a bit 😄
I’d skipped Khiva because it’s a bit out of the way, and after two cities, I was craving some nature and somewhere "cooler." Of course, the Aral Sea fascinates me, but is it actually easy to get to? I’m worried it’ll be *super* hot, same with the desert fortresses.
We might shorten our stay by Lake Issyk-Kul a little—the main idea was just to chill for a few days.
For me—and this is really personal—Samarqand feels very much like a European city: heavy traffic, standard shops and restaurants, with obviously some beautiful historic sites. Bukhara takes you back in time a bit; it’s much more rustic, with a real Central Asian vibe. There are plenty of little rooftop restaurants with great views of the monuments, and you’ll definitely feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
Khiva is a whole different story—it’s like a museum city at the edge of the desert. There’s nothing else quite like it compared to the other cities.
To get to the Aral Sea, you’ll need to hire a guide with a 4x4. I think it’s possible from Nukus, or you can head straight to Moynaq.
I don’t have the details since I travel with my own 4x4.
As for the temperature, I’ve been to the region several times in July and August. It varies from year to year and place to place, but I didn’t really suffer from the heat. The upside is that there are way fewer tourists visiting the country. I’ve got photos and videos of Khiva with empty streets...
For Khiva, the streets being empty is a thing of the past, day and night.
I completely agree with you on choosing to visit the castles and the western shore of the Aral Sea. The landslides of the old steep coastline are impressive with their colors and cracks.
A new track has been created between Moynaq and the western shore due to the installation of a gas or oil pipeline. With a 4x4, we’ll avoid digging and making ruts in the sandy areas. 😏
There are agencies that offer routes; we came across vehicles on the tracks during our last trip in September 2024.
At the bottom of the pages linked below, you’ll find PDF files you can view on the site or download for the areas you’re interested in.
Our trip reports from our latest 2024 journey aren’t all online yet.
Like Perju, we’re traveling with our own 4x4 vehicle.
Just a heads-up: the distances to cover and road conditions aren’t up to our European standards.
Happy planning and reading!
Hi Gomar,
Here’s some info to add to the previous details.
Tashkent-Bishkek: There’s a very slow train (I think once or twice a week) that takes a big detour via the city of Shymkent in Kazakhstan. Back in Soviet times, the train was built to connect the Soviet republics, and people could travel freely within the USSR. Sure, the route still exists, but independent countries have emerged since 1991... It takes at least 22 hours.
Tashkent-Bishkek: By bus, it’s a 12-hour trip with frequent departures.
Uzbekistan:
- Khiva should also be on your list of cities to visit. It’s truly a museum city, and I wouldn’t skip it for a quick visit.
Desert fortresses: You can get there from Khiva by private taxi. With two other backpackers, we did this excursion, and it didn’t leave an unforgettable memory—I’m not really into old stones... But the taxi stopped so I could see a cotton plant up close in the surrounding fields. The cotton harvest is in October.
Khiva-Nukus: 180 km of flat road. Train (7h) or bus, or shared taxi (at least 4h).
Note that a private taxi can take a detour via the desert fortresses (agree on this with the driver). In that case, plan for a full day.
Nukus: A superb, air-conditioned museum displays a collection of Soviet avant-garde paintings saved by a curator before 1940 to avoid their destruction by Stalin. It’s called "the Louvre of the desert." With no visitors and the AC running (it was over 40°C outside), I really enjoyed it. There’s nothing like it in Russia.
Nukus-Moynaq: It’s a long drive with a rental car and driver, as mentioned. The boats are stranded in the sand, and you can’t see the Aral Sea from there. It’s not uninteresting, but is this detour worth it on such a trip?
Kyrgyzstan:
Naryn is a small town with banks, accommodations, and a starting point for Alay Bashi, and from there to Tash Rabat, where a caravanserai was built. You can stay in a yurt in the surrounding alpine pastures. You’re close to the Chinese border and the Torugart Pass to reach China’s Xinjiang province.
Lake Issyk-Kul: Cholpon-Ata is the central town with the most nuisances along the lake—hotels, restaurants, nightclubs. Avoid this side of the lake. Instead, stay on the other side for accommodation and a dip in the water. Yes, there are tourists all around the lake, but the farther you get from Cholpon-Ata, the fewer there are. It could be a nice stop for the family before Almaty.
I’ll add that staying in a yurt for 1 or 2 nights will be a great experience for the kids. Several spots have been suggested for stops, and they’re all pretty similar: herders camp with their flocks in the alpine pastures and have a "guest yurt" for tourists. The inside is set up to accommodate several people without feeling cramped. There’s plenty of space, and you sleep on the floor with thick quilts, pillows, and foot covers. I brought my lightweight silk sleeping bag liner. No running water—there’s lake water, and the toilets are farther away. The hostess offers at least breakfast, if not other meals, and tea is always available. The small cluster of yurts is like a little village, and there are horses for rides.
In Kyrgyzstan, there’s a community-based tourism initiative that manages rural activities in the most remote areas, especially for yurts:
Community Based Tourism (CBT) https//cbtkyrgyzstan.kg
Altitude and health concerns: I didn’t have any issues during my travels there. Sure, I crossed passes over 3,000 meters, but I didn’t stay at those altitudes. However, on some trips—like arriving directly in Leh from Srinagar—I had a nosebleed and struggled to get my backpack down from the bus roof. Leh is at 3,500 meters, so physical activity isn’t something you can just jump into at high altitudes without acclimatization, as Nicketsand and Perju pointed out.
To get an idea of the landscapes, check out what Lescs offers—it’s very realistic.
That’s all—I’ve tried to give you as much info as possible to plan your trip, keeping in mind your family’s travel style and budget.
Hi Perju, thanks for the info. I’ll see if we can fit Khiva into our itinerary after all. A little detour to the Aral Sea is tempting! I’ll look into whether we can get from Khiva to Moynak and find a driver there. Might have to shorten our time in Samarkand as a result!
Hi there, I m planning a backpacking trip to Kazakhstan with my 8-year-old daughter this summer. She s used to backpacking trips. I m brainstorming the sights…
Hello,
We’re planning a two-week trip to Cape Verde at the end of July/beginning of August 2027 with our two teens (14 and 16). We’d like a mix of hiking, beach time, and soaking up the local vibe. We were thinking of sticking to São Vicente and Santo Antão to minimize transfers.
I’ve read that it’s the start of the rainy season and it can get pretty hot. Is hiking still doable despite that?
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
I’m planning a backpacking trip to Kazakhstan with my 8-year-old daughter this summer. She’s used to backpacking trips.
I’m brainstorming the sights to see and could really use some advice.
Ideally, I’d like to visit:
8 days in the Almaty region (Charyn, Kolsai, Kaindy, Altyn Emel, etc.)
1 day in Turkestan (mausoleum, caravanserai) (overnight train from Almaty, 16 hours)
1 day in Aktau (overnight train from Turkestan, 35 hours!!)
1 day in Mangystau
1 day in Astana (flight from Aktau)
1 day in Burabay (by train)
The distances are huge, especially between Almaty and Aktau, and Aktau to Astana.
Is the Aktau stop essential, given that the Mangystau desert looks stunning (but the excursion is expensive—300 € for three people), while Aktau itself seems pretty dull (a run-down Soviet city)?
Are Astana and Burabay (which also looks amazing) must-sees?
Is Turkestan worth it if we’ve already seen Uzbekistan and its wonders?
I’m torn between four scenarios:
1. Almaty + train to Astana and return to France from Astana: simple and not too expensive
2. Almaty-Turkestan-Aktau-Astana (train + flight = very expensive!!)
3. Almaty-Aktau-Astana (flights—very, very expensive but fast)
4. Almaty-Turkestan-Aktau and return to France from Aktau, but that means combining two different airlines with two one-way tickets and all the risks that entails...
Right now, only Flyarystan has released tickets for this summer, and the Almaty-Aktau-Astana flights cost nearly 1000 € for three people with luggage (200 € per person round-trip).
For the Almaty region, I could even spend two weeks there—there’s so much to do and see. That’d be a fifth scenario, but I’d really like to take the overnight train and see the capital and the Mangystau desert too.
International flights are operated by Turkish Airlines to Astana and Almaty, but they don’t serve Aktau. Pegasus flies to Aktau but not to Almaty or Astana on the days I’d want.
So, I’m looking for feedback from people who’ve visited Mangystau and Burabay—is it worth investing the time and money in those excursions, or is the Almaty region alone enough for the trip?
Thanks to all the great travel journals I’ve read—they’ve already given me plenty of ideas!
We're a family with two kids aged 7 and 2, planning a trip to Morocco from December 21 to 28, 2026.
We're thinking of spending 2 days and 2 nights in Marrakech, then heading out on the third morning to the Erg Chebbi dunes (Merzouga or Khamlia, still deciding), and returning to catch our flight.
The plan is to go via Skoura, the Valley of Roses, the Dadès Gorges, Tinghir, to reach the Merzouga dunes. On the way back, we'd stop at Tamnougalt before returning to Marrakech.
A few notes, since traveling with young kids slows everything down:
- Ideally, we'd like to travel by shared taxi or bus
- I don’t want to stop and sleep in Ouarzazate, as I’ve already visited.
Questions:
- Does this seem doable in December (especially the Marrakech-Ouarzazate stretch)?
- Which overnight stops would you recommend between Marrakech and Merzouga? We’ll spend 2 nights in two different places, then 2 nights in Merzouga, and 1 night in Tamnougalt.
- I’d prefer shared taxis, but can they drop us off a bit farther than city centers (e.g., if our hostel is a few kilometers from Boulmane Dadès, or not in central Merzouga but in Khamlia)? Basically, is it possible to travel a little off the beaten path with shared taxis?
- We love family-friendly hostels—if you have any recommendations, we’re all ears!
hello
we're heading to Marrakech with a 5-year-old and would love to give them a memorable experience. Any suggestions for something simple and definitely not too "luxury"?
Thanks so much
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 😊
I’m heading to the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) at the end of October for 10 days at an all-inclusive hotel with my wife and kids (ages 8 and 10).
Since I’m not a fan of spending entire days at the hotel, I was wondering what the best way(s) to explore the area might be.
Last year, I went to Mexico and rented a car, so I initially thought about doing the same here—but this time, I’d get full-coverage insurance, which I didn’t do in Mexico.
After checking a few forums and reviews, though, I’m really second-guessing it because some posts make it sound completely crazy to drive there.
So, I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been there recently and rented a car, as well as the different ways to get around while you’re there.
Hi everyone, we're heading to Brazil for two weeks during the Easter holidays.
Arriving in Rio and departing from São Paulo. Any recommendations for hotels, guides, or must-see spots?
I’d like to organize everything myself with reliable local drivers, and I’m looking for nice, comfortable accommodations considering my 5-year-old son.
Thanks so much!
Emilie
After scouring the forum without managing to decide, I thought I’d ask for your advice!
Before becoming a mom, we traveled for a year from Iran to Indonesia, and now my partner and I are finally ready to take our first big one-month trip with our kids.
We’d like 2 or 3 places to visit, settle in, and explore the surrounding area.
We’re looking for a destination that’s fairly easy (since our kids aren’t always easy themselves), but I’m hesitant about Thailand (which I didn’t enjoy because it felt too touristy at the time).
I was thinking about Vietnam, which I don’t know at all. Maybe Laos, but spending a few days near a nice beach would be relaxing with two little ones full of energy…
We don’t want to rush through crowded, commercial sites—we want to take our time and discover beautiful places.
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!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our kids.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, we’d like a trip more focused on nature. We don’t want to visit any cities (maybe a floating market if it’s really worth the detour).
We’re looking for:
- Spectacular jungle;
- Animals in their natural habitat;
- Beautiful hikes or boat rides;
- Paradise-like beaches;
- Turquoise water with excellent snorkeling, preferably directly from the beach (turtles, tropical fish, etc.).
We’re thinking of including Khao Sok, but we’re unsure which islands to combine with this park.
Do you have any suggestions for 2-week itineraries with reasonable travel times? We’re prioritizing landscapes, nature, and the sea above all else.
I’d love some advice on choosing a Christmas destination for a trip with my partner and our two kids, aged 10 and 12.
We’re looking for a place where we can enjoy great, easy snorkeling with the kids—ideally from the beach or in shallow water.
And if possible, a beautiful spot to explore, with nature, hikes, and a more laid-back, backpacker-friendly vibe than big resorts or mass tourism.
A "reasonable" flight time and not too much jet lag would be ideal!
I’ve been considering Mauritius, Zanzibar (plus possibly Tanzania), Martinique, or Guadeloupe—but maybe you have other suggestions or thoughts on these options?
I wanted to share our experience after a 5-day trip to Armenia with my wife and our 8-month-old baby.
It’s a destination that’s still relatively unknown, but it’s really worth the trip, especially if you enjoy cultural, spiritual, historical, and human-centered travel.
We were looking for a change of scenery but not too complicated with a baby—and easy to organize (even though our travel agency helped us a lot, thanks to them! 😊). In the end, Armenia was a wonderful surprise. It’s not a "postcard-perfect" destination. It’s a raw, mountainous, ancient country with real depth.
And most importantly: Armenians *love* children.
That’s probably what surprised us the most. In restaurants, waitresses, owners, or even other customers would naturally come over to play with our baby, hold them for a few minutes, smile at them, or keep them entertained while we ate.
It wasn’t intrusive. It was very natural, very family-oriented. You can tell that children have a real place in society. For parents traveling with a baby, it’s honestly a pleasure.
Day 1 — Yerevan
We started with Yerevan, a pleasant capital that’s quite easy to explore with a child.
The city isn’t huge. You can stroll around Republic Square, visit cafés, discover markets, and walk at a relaxed pace.
With a baby, it’s pretty practical: you can easily take breaks, return to the hotel, or go back out in the evening. The vibe is laid-back, family-friendly, and we felt safe.
In the evening, Yerevan is very lively. The restaurants are welcoming, and almost everywhere, our baby drew smiles.
Day 2 — Etchmiadzin and Khor Virap
On the second day, we headed to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual heart of Armenia. It’s an important place for understanding the country and its Christian identity.
Then, we visited Khor Virap, facing Mount Ararat.
It’s probably one of the most striking places on the trip. The monastery, the plain, the distant Ararat—everything is visually and symbolically powerful.
With a baby, you just need to plan a relaxed pace, avoid rushing, and take your time.
Day 3 — Garni and Geghard
The third day was one of our favorites.
We visited the Temple of Garni, very different from the monasteries, with a stunning setting in the mountains.
Then we went to Geghard, a monastery partially carved into the rock.
The atmosphere is incredible. It’s quiet, mineral, almost timeless. Even if you’re not very religious, you feel something.
With a child, the visit goes well, but again, it’s best not to overload the day. The key is to keep a flexible pace.
Day 4 — Noravank
On the fourth day, we headed to Noravank.
The road itself is an experience: dry landscapes, mountains, red rocks, valleys. The monastery is surrounded by impressive cliffs.
It’s one of the most beautiful sites we saw in Armenia.
You really get the sense that Armenian monasteries were built in impossible places—between sky, stone, and mountain.
Along the way, you can also pass through the Areni region, known for its wine. With a baby, we mostly prioritized simple breaks, relaxed meals, and uncompressed travel times.
Day 5 — Lake Sevan and return to Yerevan
For the last day, we went to Lake Sevan.
The lake is vast, bright, and surrounded by mountains. The Sevanavank Monastery, up high, offers a beautiful view.
It’s a gentler stop, perfect for ending the trip.
Then we returned to Yerevan for a final dinner. Once again, the welcome in restaurants stood out. In Armenia, traveling with a baby isn’t seen as a hassle. On the contrary, people spontaneously come up to the child.
Our overall impression
In 5 days, you obviously don’t see all of Armenia. To reach Tatev, Dilijan, Haghpat, or Sanahin, you’d need more like 7 to 10 days.
But for a first visit, 5 days are enough to feel the essence: Yerevan, the major monasteries, Mount Ararat, the landscapes, the Christian history, and the Armenian hospitality.
What we loved most:
- the kindness of people toward our baby;
- the very family-friendly atmosphere;
- the monasteries in incredible landscapes;
- the view of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap;
- the atmosphere of Geghard;
- the cliffs of Noravank;
- the food;
- the feeling of safety;
- the fact that the country is still relatively untouched by mass tourism.
What to know when traveling with a baby:
- distances can be longer than expected;
- some roads are mountainous;
- avoid overloading the day;
- it’s better to have a driver or a car;
- plan for breaks, water, diapers, baby meals;
- a stroller isn’t always practical on ancient sites;
- a baby carrier can be very useful.
Recommended 5-day itinerary
For a first trip, I’d suggest:
Day 1: Yerevan
Day 2: Etchmiadzin + Khor Virap
Day 3: Garni + Geghard
Day 4: Noravank + Areni
Day 5: Sevan + return to Yerevan
It’s balanced, not too tiring, and gives a great first impression of the country.
Conclusion
Armenia is a wonderful destination with a baby, as long as you travel slowly and don’t try to see everything.
What touched us most, beyond the landscapes and monasteries, was the attitude toward children. There, you feel that babies are welcomed with real tenderness. In restaurants, people naturally helped us, played with our child, and gave us a few minutes to breathe.
That’s rare, and it makes a big difference in the travel experience.
Armenia isn’t a destination you consume quickly.
It’s a country that you *feel*.
For those who love cultural, spiritual, historical, family, and human-centered travel, I highly recommend it.
Hi 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?
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?
