Bonjour,
Et voilà amis du forum, mon programme pour cet été est bien avancé et presque finalisé mais pour cela j'ai quand même besoin de vos conseils sur la faisabilité des choses proches ou non l'une de l'autre. Les villes et jours ne changeront pas, c'est vraiment l'intérieur du programme dont j'ai besoins de conseils. Merci à ceux qui prendront le temps de me conseiller :
MONTREAL
Mercredi 06/07 :
Arrivée à Montréal
Jeudi 07/07 :
Matin : visite du vieux Montréal, vieux port, quartier latin, rue sainte Catherine
AM : visite du biodôme, (jardin botanique?)
Vendredi 08/07 :
Matin : basilique notre Dame
AM : passer par le quartier du plateau pour aller au Mont royal pique-nique en haut
QUEBEC (252 km = 3h)
Samedi 09/07 :
Matin : chercher voiture de location et départ à Québec
AM : vieux Québec + visite de la ville
Dimanche 10/07 :
Matin : Site huron, durée 4h
AM : chutes de montmorency ?
PARC DE LA MAURICIE (184km = 2h15)
Lundi 11/07 :
Matin : Direction le Parc de la Mauricie
AM : randonnée
Mardi 12/07 :
Matin : rando canot aux chutes wabber
AM : repos
OUTAOUAIS (257km = 2h50)
Mercredi 13/07 :
Journée : Départ pour le PARC OMEGA, (ouverture à 10h)
OTTAWA (85km = 1h06)
Jeudi 14/07 :
Matin : Relève de la garde devant le parlement et faire visite du parlement
AM : musée de l’histoire
TORONTO (448km = 4h15)
Vendredi 15/07 :
Matin : Direction Toronto
AM : parlement, yonge street + Dundas square + kensington market + china town
Samedi 16/07 :
Matin : Tour CN, quartier de Distillery District, st lawrence market
AM : Centre Island (plage, parc…) prendre le ferry à queens quay 10 min de traversée 2h de visite NIAGARA (à la journée) / (128 km = 1h30)
RETOUR A TORONTO POUR LA NUIT
Dimanche 17/07
Matin : Direction chutes du Niagara
AM : Croisière + rue clinton hill
MILLES ILES (287 km = 2h45)
Lundi 18/07 :
Matin : Direction mille iles
AM : Croisière MONTREAL (258 km = 3h)
Mardi 19/07 :
Matin : Arrêt à Upper canada village (4h de visite)
AM : rendre la voiture de location
Mercredi 20/07 :
Matin : galerie souterraine de Montréal, rue Ste Catherine
AM : Retour pour Paris
Concernant le site des hurons je suppose que tu parles de wendake...il n y en a pas pour 4h...Perso j avais trouvé cela commercial et truc à touristes...
Les chutes de Montmonrency sont super sympa et tu peux coupler cela avec l île d Orléans, le pont est presque en face...
Les chutes Waber sont très belles mais cela va te prendre plus qu une matinée. ..à moins que tu fasses au pas de course. .
Bonnes vacances, ton programme est sympa et tu vas te régaler...profites bien
"Si vous pensez que l'aventure est dangereuse, je vous propose la routine...elle est mortelle" Paulo Coelho
salut,
Bonne idée que celle de visiter le Vieux Montréal le lendemain de ton arrivée, car avec le décalage horaire tu seras réveillée tôt et le Vieux Montréal ''avant la foule'' est très agréable 😛. Par contre si tu visites le Vieux Montréal le 07, j'ose espérer que t'en profiteras pour aller voir la Basilique Notre Dame (qui est au coeur du Vieux Montréal) - donc tu verras d'autres choses le 08 😉.
Selon la météo (du 07 ou du 08) cela peut être sympa de prévoir une visite du Jardin Botanique (couplée avec le Biodôme et éventuellement le Planétarium - il y a un film sympa sur les aurores boréales en immersion)
Si tu aimes le Jazz, tu seras en plein dans le Festival de Jazz, pour une soirée sympa 😉
A Québec, selon la météo tu peux pique niquer au Parc de la Chute de Montmorency (très agréable) pour ensuite voir les chutes et après aller faire un tour sur l'ile d'Orléans. Juste pour ton info, le DImanche 10 Juillet, c'est le départ de la transat Québec-St Malo, alors si tu aimes la voile, c'est toujours un spectacle sympa (moi j'y serai 😄). Puis si tu n'aimes pas la voile, sache qu'il y aura pas mal de monde à Québec à cause de cet évènement!
Avant d'aller au Parc Omega, je te conseille d'aller au supermarché pour acheter un parquet de carottes, ce sera moins cher que celles qu'ils te vendront au Parc 😛
Pour les chutes du Niagara, à mon avis tu aurais intérêt à dormir près de Niagara plutôt qu'à Toronto, car la route entre Toronto et Niagara peut être ''encombrée'' parfois!
Pour la ''ville souterraine'' l'endroit que je préfère est la ''ruelle des FOrtifications'' située grosso modo sortie Centre de Commerce Mondial de la station de métro Victoria
Bonne fin de prépa et surtout bon séjour 😎
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
Merci mapi66 pour tes conseils.
Concernant le site de huron, il est compris dans le tarif avec authentik canada donc nus irons quand même et comme nous avons des enfants ils seront contents.
Sais-tu si les chutes de montmorency sont payantes ? Je n'avais pas penser à l'ile d'orléans, qu'y-a-t-il à voir là bas ?
Pour les chutes waber, non je sais bien que cela prendra plus de temps. Nous aviserons lors de notre retour et peut être que nous serons tellement HS que se sera repos ;)
Le programme ne te paraît pas trop chargé surtout dans les villes ?
Merci lescaribous de tes conseils, ce sont ce genre de conseils dont j'ai besoins.
La basilique je pensait la faire le 8, mais si tu me dis qu'elle est au coeur du vieux montréal on essaiera de regrouper au mieux.
Penses-tu qu'il est possible de faire le biodome et le jardin botanique en une après-midi ?
J'ai eut un peu plus de mal à faire mon programme sur Québec, il me paraissait moins de choses à voir. Tu crois que nous pouvons faire les chutes et l'ile d'orléans en un après-midi ?
Peut-etre que nous passerons faire un tour au port ;)
Concernant niagara, pas d'autre choix que de rentrer sur toronto. Notre hôtel est déjà réservé et nous voulions faire la route le soir car le lendemain le trajet sera dejà long pour rejoindre mille iles.
Que me conseilles tu à Niagara sur la journée ? Il vaut mieux faire la croisière le matin ou l'aprem ? Pur le mati, le départ de toronto, à quelle heure vaut-il mieux partir pour éviter d'être bloqué dans les bouchons ?
Mon programme te paraît-il faisable ? et pas trop surchargé ?
salut,
Concernant les chutes Montmorency, il y a un accès facile avec stationnement gratuit en passant ''par le haut'' ( au niveau du 2579 avenue Royale).
l'Ile d'Orléans est très sympa, le tour se fait tranquillos en voiture avec quelques arrêts ''pittoresques'' - il me semble que l'office de tourisme de l'Ile d'Orléans propose une application pour visite autoguidée!
A Québec c'est surtout le quartier du Petit Champlain ainsi que la Terrasse Dufferin qu'on visite.
Pour ce qui est de Montréal la biodôme et le Jardin botanique se visitent facilement ''ensemble'' et dans la même après midi!! (possibilité d'acheter un billet ''couplé'' directement au Biodôme pour aller ensuite au JArdin Botanique (Biodome-PLanétarium-Jardin Botanique et Insectarium forment un complexe muséal plus connu sous le nom d'Espace pour la Vie)
Pour Niagara je pense que c'Est mieux de faire la croisière le matin, si tu pas assez tôt de Toronto tu arriveras peut être avant la foule! Bon d'un autre côté il me semble (j'Ai pas ton premier message sous les yeux) que tu seras ''sur la route des NIagara'' un Dimanche donc moins de traffic matinal.
Après les chutes, selon l'heure, tu peux aller faire un tour au Marineland, les enfants devraient apprécier!
Je trouve ton parcours pas mal, vu la durée totale de ton séjour 😏
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
Pour Québec je te conseille de faire un petit tour au Vieux Marché tu pourras y trouvé des produits sympa à ramener et le sirop d érable y est pas très cher comparé à des endroits touristiques. .
Sinon ton séjour ne me semble pas trop chargé...
"Si vous pensez que l'aventure est dangereuse, je vous propose la routine...elle est mortelle" Paulo Coelho
Un grand merci à tous 2 : lescaribous et mapi66.
Avoir prit le temps de me répondre et me conseillez au mieux, ce forum est vraiment au top.
Je ferais un compte rendu à mon retour cet été.😉
salut,
C'est avec grand plaisir que je t'ai donné ces quelques conseils 😛, le forum est là pour cela!!
Si en plus tu prends toi aussi le temps d'écrire un petit compte rendu à ton retour, j'en serai ravi!! Personnellement j'apprécie beaucoup les personnes qui prennent le temps d'écrire un compte rendu de séjour, dans lesquels nous (re)découvrons notre propre ''pays''!
Si tu souhaite en lire quelques uns avant ton départ j'en ai sélectionné quelques uns ici :
http://voyageforum.com/discussion/carnet-voyage-canada-ontario-quebec-en-aout-2014-d6975002/http://voyageforum.com/discussion/beau-voyage-quebec-juin-2015-d7206428/
(liste non exhaustive bien évidemment - plus de carnets avec la fonction rechercher
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
C est avec plaisir que je partage ma toute petite expérience du Québec. ..Je lirai avec attention ton compte rendu de voyage...c est toujours intéressant de s imprégner des ressentis des voyageurs ...on voyage un peu ainsi par procuration ...
Bon séjour et profitez au maximum de ce fabuleux pays
"Si vous pensez que l'aventure est dangereuse, je vous propose la routine...elle est mortelle" Paulo Coelho
Votre projet de voyage m’a intéressé et je me hasarde alors à quelques conseils pour remplir vos journées.
J’ai vécu à Montréal. Ville merveilleuse. Premier repère, le Mont-Royal, pour avoir une vue panoramique de la ville.
On peut y monter à pied depuis le centre-ville. Il n’y a pas que dans les parcs qu’il faut marcher.
Aborder par le centre-ville, entrée sur l’Avenue des Pins entre les rues Peel et Drummond. On prend le Chemin Olmsted au plus court et les escaliers en bois pour aller jusqu’au Chalet du Mont-Royal. Vue panoramique depuis le belvédère.
Frédérick Law Olmsted qui est un architecte paysagiste américain a dessiné le Parc du Mont-Royal à Montréal mais aussi Central Park à New York. Il faut donc passer du temps dans ce parc de référence de Montréal.
A l’intérieur du Chalet, on observera les poutres soutenues par des écureuils si nombreux dans les parcs de la ville et des tableaux montrant les environs depuis 1535 (Jacques Cartier) jusqu’à 1760.
Faire le tour du Parc du Mont-Royal à pied et se diriger vers le parking (même si on n’a pas de voiture dans notre cas) car on va revenir par le quartier d’Outremont.
En chemin, snack possible à la Maison des Amis du Mont-Royal.
Depuis le parking donc, traverser la voie Camillien-Houde (la route principale) et pénétrer dans le cimetière du Mont-Royal par l’entrée Sud. Traverser le cimetière typiquement nord-américain jusqu’à l’entrée Nord.
Sortir par le Chemin de la Forêt, les Avenues Springrove, Maplewood, Pagnuelo. Très belles maisons à admirer en chemin dans ce quartier très résidentiel.
Ensuite à droite sur l’avenue de la Côte-Ste-Catherine, et à gauche sur l’Avenue Mc Eachran. A droite sur l’Avenue Bernard.
Le fameux glacier Le Bilboquet au 1311 de l’Avenue Bernard.
Se balader dans le quartier sachant que l’Avenue Bernard regorge d’établissements de restauration ou de commerces en tous genres.
Il y a un théâtre abrité dans un bel édifice et pleins de parcs.
A l’angle des avenues Bernard et Du Parc, on peut prendre le bus 80 (Sud) qui en 15 minutes ramène dans le Centre-Ville.
Le soir, vous pouvez dîner chez Schwartz’s au 3895 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, (514)-842-4813 pour y manger un des meilleurs smoked meat de la ville. C’est souvent plein et on y mange vite, ce n’est pas là qu’il faut envisager de rester des heures.
Le matin du deuxième jour, je suggère l’Oratoire Saint Joseph 3800 Chemin Queen Mary, Montréal, QC H3V 1H6. Vous y apprendrez qui est le Frère André.
http://www.saint-joseph.org/fr/le-sanctuaire/saint-frere-andre
La basilique est très imposante et point de vue sur le nord et les Laurentides depuis la terrasse la plus haute.
Vous pouvez déjeuner sur le pouce à l’Oratoire.
L’après-midi, le Jardin Botanique de Montréal 4101 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montréal, QC H1X 2B2 (514) 872-1400.
En fin d’après-midi, le Vieux-Montréal avec la Place Jacques Cartier, la mairie (du balcon de laquelle le Général De Gaulle a lancé son « Vive le Québec Libre ! » et ainsi relancé les velléités d’indépendance des Québécois.
Le Marché Bonsecours, le Vieux Port et la rue Saint Paul.
La Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal.
Vous pouvez dîner dans le quartier du Plateau Mont-Royal ou dans le Mile End. Les différents quartiers de Montréal s’apprécient en mode « découverte » et il faut se perdre dans ses ruelles en suivant un écureuil ou un chat et découvrir l’arrière des maisons construites en duplex et triplex. Des microbrasseries pour boire autre chose que de la Budweiser.
TORONTO
Route jusqu’à Toronto. Attention, c’est une grande ville avec les aléas de circulation. Prévoir des ralentissements sur la Don Valley Parkway aux heures de pointes qui peut augmenter le temps de parcours.
Une idée de pub pour le soir à 1 minute à pied du métro Spadina mais on est déjà dans le centre.
Madison Pub 14 Madison Avenue TORONTO, ON M5R 2S1.
www.madisonavenuepub.com/
Grand Pub dans une ancienne maison typique en briques. Plusieurs étages. Tables de billard. Restaurant.
Musée de la chaussure Bata (Bata Shoe Museum) 327 Bloor Street West 979-7799.
CN Tower (Canadian National Tower) sur Front Street. Tout en haut, vue imprenable sur le la ville, le lac Ontario et les Etats-Unis. Ne monter que si le temps est dégagé.
L’après-midi, il faut aller faire une croisière vers les îles et voir la ville depuis le lac.
Déjeuner près de là où l’on va prendre le ferry sur l’embarcadère au début de Bay Street, il y a un centre de boutiques avec des restaurant donnant face au lac.
Il n’est pas utile d’aller sur les îles, une croisière sans descendre du ferry suffit (Toronto Tours).
Autre idée style pourquoi pas s’il fait beau… Ontario Place 955 Lake Shore Blvd : grand parc d’attractions au cas où mais il faut prévoir une bonne partie de la journée et prendre la voiture.
Le soir, il y a des restaurants partout dans le quartier au Nord de Bloor St W délimité par St George St et Yonge St. Il n’y a que l’embarras du choix.
Route jusqu’aux chutes du Niagara.
La région environnante est une région de vins réputés, on peut prendre cette « route du vin » en passant par un vignoble et acheter quelques bouteilles.
Continuer pour prendre la route de Niagara-On-The-Lake, une petite ville charmante au bord du lac Ontario à ne pas manquer. Cela fait contraste avec le site des chutes qui est plus commercial.
Déjeuner sur place à Niagara-On-The-Lake. Ne pas manquer de passer par la boutique de l’apothicaire à l’angle de Queen St et King St et de se balader jusqu’au lac.
Une façon de stationner sa voiture aux chutes très stratégique : la laisser dans le quartier situé en hauteur du site car on peut aller aux chutes à pied et en prenant une cabine qui descend le plan incliné en 10 minutes.
C’est important la proximité aux chutes du Niagara car la circulation est importante (le monde entier veut les voir) et le parking tourne à la galère.
Là, pas de voiture puisqu’elle est restée en haut. A voir sur un plan du site, repérer le funiculaire.
Ne pas aller aux Etats-Unis en passant la frontière au Rainbow Bridge, le plus beau est du côté canadien. Il y a la Horse Shoe Fall et le Voile de la Mariée.
Absolument faire le bateau qui emmène dans les remous des chutes. Très impressionnant.
Une fois que l’on a fait ça, on y reviendra de nuit car ils allument les chutes le soir de différentes couleurs. Mais là encore, il suffira de reprendre la cabine et de finir à pied.
Ce qui veut dire que vous pouvez faire la route du retour vers Toronto très tard le soir. Il y aura aussi moins de circulation.
Voilà pour les quelques suggestions et en espérant que vous ferez un magnifique séjour.
Désolé de répondre un peu tard mais j'étais en vacances.
J'ai lu avec attention tous tes conseils qui vont grandement m'aider et je vais étudier cela en détail, je pense que tes conseils vont vraiment beaucoup m'aider
Merci beaucoup d'avoir prit le temps de me lire, de tes conseils et astuces.
Il me tarde de partir (juillet ça arrive à grand pas....) Je reviendrai avec un compte rendu.
J'espère que ce voyage sera au top et que nous ne serons pas trop ralenti par la circulation.
Pour Toronto quel heure le matin me conseilles tu pour y arriver et y repartir ?
Pour prendre les ticket du ferry à Toronto, y-a-t-il du monde ? Faut-il les prendre le matin pour y aller l'aprem, que me conseilles-tu ?
Sinon j'ai pensé à prendre mes billets sur internet concernant CN Tower et les bus pour Montréal et Toronto, est ce une bonne idée ?
pour le ferry à Toronto, je te conseil vivement de prendre ton billet des l'ouverture qui est valable quand tu veux dans la journée !
notre experience : nous avons pris notre billet ensuite nous avons visité la CN puis les vieux trains un peu plus loin et ensuite nous sommes retournés prendre le ferry . et notre choix fut excellent car personne au guichet le matin, puis pas trop de gens à la CN et lorsque nous sommes arrivés au ferry, il y avait une file monstrueuse pour acheter les tickets.
Avant toute visite à Montréal, une idée serait de se rendre à l’Office du Tourisme situé au 174 rue Notre-Dame Est, c’est à deux pas du Vieux Port (Métro Champ-de-Mars). Ouvert tous les jours de 9 heures à 19 heures en saison d’été. L’immeuble fait l’angle avec la Place Jacques Cartier. Vous regarderez le balcon de la Mairie en pensant au Général de Gaulle et à son "Vive le Québec Libre" qui relança l'idée d'un Québec distinct de la Fédération Canadienne et qui valut à notre Général un retour express en France.
C’est là qu’il conviendra de récupérer des plans de la ville, des bons de réductions pour les entrées d’attractions ou musées. Renseignez-vous par la même occasion comment fonctionnent les transports bus et métro qui sont efficaces et à l’heure (même quand il y a une grosse tempête de neige avec du blizzard (mais en juillet aucun risque). Le plan de Montréal avec les lignes de bus et métro est indispensable et très bien fait, récupérez-en un à l’Office du Tourisme.
Vous pouvez acheter vos titres de transport (c’est une carte souple) chez le « dépanneur », c’est l’épicier du coin de la rue.
On passe maintenant dans la province de l'Ontario.
Office du tourisme pour Toronto : Tourist Information Centre Union Station 65 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario
Pour Toronto, l’idée est d’éviter les « heures de pointe » si cela vous est possible, ce sont les habituelles heures de transit pour aller travailler. Donc entre 7 et 9 heures le matin et le soir entre 17 et 19 heures. La banlieue est très étendue, d’Est en Ouest de Oshawa à Oakville soit presque une centaine de kilomètres sur le trajet qui vous concerne soit Montréal – Toronto – Les Chûtes du Niagara.
Pour les tickets de ferry, oui il faut les prendre en passant dès que possible pour éviter de faire la queue ensuite.
Internet, pourquoi pas pour la tour CN et les bus de découverte de la ville pour Montréal et Toronto si les prix sont vraiment moins chers. Sinon, les acheter dans les offices du Tourisme qui à mon sens constituent un bon point de départ pour découvrir une ville et glaner cartes, bons de réduction et conseils.
C’est bien que vous ayez pensé à ne prendre la voiture que quand vous irez à Québec car Montréal se visite très bien à pied, en bus, et en métro. Pensez à récupérer la carte de la STM.
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?
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!
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?
Hi there!
I’m planning a trip with my wife and our three kids (ages 9, 6, and 3) from April 16 to May 6.
I’ve started sketching out the itinerary, trying to alternate between visits, hikes, safaris, and downtime. I want to keep the pace relaxed given the kids’ ages.
Could you let me know what you think of this route? I removed Nuwara Eliya, which I had originally planned before Ella, to cut down on stops. I was also wondering if I should break up the Arugam Bay to Colombo leg with an overnight in Galle, since it’s a long drive.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Day 1 – 04/16: Wilpattu
Arrival at the airport (08:00) + transfer to Wilpattu (180 km, 4–5 h) + afternoon safari
Overnight: Wilpattu
Day 2 – 04/17: Wilpattu
Morning & afternoon safari
Overnight: Wilpattu
Day 3 – 04/18: Trincomalee
Transfer Wilpattu → Trincomalee (200 km, 4–5 h) + beach relaxation
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 4 – 04/19: Trincomalee
Nilaveli Beach
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 5 – 04/20: Trincomalee
Pigeon Island snorkeling
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 6 – 04/21: Trincomalee
Fort Frederick & relaxation
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 7 – 04/22: Sigiriya
Transfer Trincomalee → Sigiriya (120 km, ~3 h) + visit to Dambulla
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 8 – 04/23: Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 9 – 04/24: Sigiriya
Minneriya safari
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 10 – 04/25: Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa & village tour
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 11 – 04/26: Ella
Transfer Sigiriya → Ella (230 km, 5–6 h) + rest
Overnight: Ella
Day 12 – 04/27: Ella
Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arches Bridge
Overnight: Ella
Day 13 – 04/28: Ella
Ella Rock
Overnight: Ella
Day 14 – 04/29: Ella
Tea Factory & relaxation
Overnight: Ella
Day 15 – 04/30: Yala
Transfer Ella → Yala (110 km, 2–3 h) + afternoon safari
Overnight: Yala
Day 16 – 05/01: Arugam Bay
Transfer Yala → Arugam Bay (80 km, 2.5–3 h) + beach time
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 17 – 05/02: Arugam Bay
Surfing & relaxation
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 18 – 05/03: Arugam Bay
Local exploration
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 19 – 05/04: Colombo
Transfer Arugam Bay → Colombo (320 km, 7–8 h) + rest
Overnight: Colombo
Day 20 – 05/05: Colombo
City tour & shopping
Overnight: Colombo
Day 21 – 05/06: Colombo
Morning return flight from Colombo
We’re heading to Sri Lanka for three weeks in July with two kids (ages 6 and 13).
We’ve drafted a rough itinerary but would love to hear from those who’ve already been there 😊
Of course, we want to see everything, but we have to make choices—even though three weeks on the ground lets us do quite a bit.
We originally planned a schedule that felt too packed, so we had to cut one stop. We decided to skip Tangalle, even though we were really tempted. The monsoon won’t let us swim there, and the weather in the south is too uncertain, so we preferred to keep our stops on the east coast. Plus, we don’t think it’s reasonable to cut nights from other places.
We’ve added a stop in Batticaloa, which we think will be a nice break between Arugam Bay and Sigiriya. What do you think?
We’re also debating between Batticaloa and Passikudah.
Does the itinerary seem logical to you?
Here it is:
Sri Lanka Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival around 1 PM at the airport
Night in Negombo
Day 2
Drive from Negombo to Galle
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Night in Galle
Day 3
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Night in Galle
Day 4
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Drive from Galle to Udawalawe
Night in Udawalawe
Day 5
Visit Udawalawe National Park
Night in Udawalawe
Day 6
Drive from Udawalawe to Ella
Night in Ella
Day 7
Ella Rock
+ Nine Arch Bridge
Night in Ella
Day 8
Visit Haputale
Lipton’s Seat and Dambatenne Tea Factory
Train ride back from Haputale to Ella
Night in Ella
Day 9
Little Adam’s Peak
+ drive from Ella to Arugam Bay
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 10
Visit Arugam Bay and surrounding areas
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 11
Visit Arugam Bay and surrounding areas
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 12
Drive from Arugam Bay to Batticaloa
Night in Batticaloa
Day 13
Visit Batticaloa
Night in Batticaloa
Day 14
Drive from Batticaloa to Sigiriya
Night in Sigiriya
Day 15
Lion Rock and Pidurangala
Night in Sigiriya
Day 16
Visit Dambulla
Drive from Sigiriya to Trincomalee
Night in Trincomalee
Day 17
Visit Trincomalee and surrounding areas
Night in Trincomalee
Day 18
Visit Trincomalee and surrounding areas
Night in Trincomalee
Day 19
Drive from Trincomalee to Anuradhapura
Night in Anuradhapura
Day 20
Visit Anuradhapura
Night in Anuradhapura
Day 21
Visit Mihintale
Drive from Anuradhapura to Negombo
Night in Negombo
Day 22
Day in Negombo and return flight
We’d love to hear your thoughts and tips! Thanks in advance!
We’re planning a 4-month trip in spring 2027. We’re looking for a third destination that optimizes transport costs. Ideally, somewhere very different from the other two (Polynesia and Indonesia). Thanks
Hi everyone!
We’re so excited to be heading to Italy for the first time this April with our two kids for a week. We’ve booked our round-trip flight, and we’ll be arriving and departing from Pisa.
Our rough plan so far includes visiting Pisa, taking the train to Florence, and exploring the Cinque Terre. Last night, a friend also suggested adding Siena to the list.
Our kids are 12 and 9 and are used to walking, but we’re not looking to rush around too much. We’d love any advice, especially about accommodation. Should we stay in Pisa and take day trips by train, or split our nights between a couple of different places?
We’re just starting our research, so any tips would be amazing! 😉
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone.
A few days ago, I asked my 14-year-old son to pick a destination for a trip, and he chose Germany. So, we’re heading to Berlin for four days in February. The catch is that I don’t know this city (or this country) at all—I hadn’t even considered visiting just a month ago .
Could you please share some suggestions to make this first mother-son trip abroad a success? 🙂
Thanks for your tips and great deals.
Nanyne
Next summer, we (2 adults and a 12-year-old child) have decided to visit Japan.
Admittedly, it’s still early to plan everything, but my wife will soon need to request her vacation time—either in August or July... and we’re hesitating.
I know summer isn’t the ideal time to visit Japan, but we don’t really have a choice... It’s either July or August. On one hand, I’d love to experience the O-Bon festivities from August 14th to 16th, and I’ve drafted an initial itinerary that would let us experience the Gujo Hachiman Bon Odori, possibly visit the Okunoin Cemetery in Koyasan, and be in Kyoto on the 16th for the Gozan Okuribi fires. But on the other hand, I’m worried it’ll be *packed*, especially in Kyoto, and less enjoyable than in July. So, have any of you experienced these celebrations? Are they worth it? Too crowded? Do you know of other celebrations or festivals in July?
Thanks for your input!
I’m reaching out because I’ve already read tons of info from other forums (thanks a million, by the way!) and blogs, but now I’m overwhelmed with details and have so many questions. I’m really hoping you can help us figure this out! Here’s the plan:
We’re leaving France for Senegal in our camper van (with two kids, aged 4 and 7), then shipping the van to South Africa before heading to Namibia. We’re planning to leave this summer and should arrive in South Africa in early September. The goal is to reach Réunion by early December, which gives us 3 months to explore Southern Africa. Originally, we wanted to pick up the van in Cape Town, head up to Namibia, and visit the main parks and iconic spots, then go north to Botswana (Etosha Park) and Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) before heading back down to South Africa to enjoy the milder temperatures while exploring the country. But now we’re wondering how to get back to South Africa. We’ve come up with three options:
- Head back down through Botswana: I’ve read everywhere that Botswana isn’t recommended for kids under 6 (most parks) because it can be potentially dangerous—few enclosures for animals (even though we have a camper van with "secure" beds), and the agencies we’ve contacted don’t recommend it. Plus, southern Botswana is tough to navigate in a camper van.
- Return from central Botswana (Maun) to Windhoek and drive back to Cape Town via Namibia.
- Cross Zimbabwe and potentially Mozambique to head down to Kruger Park and Johannesburg.
Anyone familiar with this region have any recommendations?
Also, is it necessary to book accommodations in advance? Is that only required in certain countries (maybe Botswana/Zimbabwe)? We’d like a mix of camping and lodges.
Hi there,
We’re planning a two-week trip to Colombia with our two kids at the end of July – early August, with a round-trip flight to Cartagena.
What itinerary would you recommend, knowing we’d prefer to avoid domestic flights?
We were thinking of Cartagena, Tayrona Park, Mompox, and maybe an island.
Do you think it’s a shame to skip big cities like Bogotá or Medellín?
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
Good morning! We're heading to Cape Verde for 2 weeks at the end of April—São Vicente, Boa Vista, and Santiago. We’re a family of 5: 3 kids (4, 6, and 12) and 2 adults.
My questions revolve around beaches (a spot with interesting snorkeling and safe swimming for the kids), accommodation (kid-friendly, parks nearby, pool, beach, or nature—more like guesthouses or family-run pensions), hikes (accessible for kids), and whether renting a car makes sense depending on the island, even though local buses are an adventure in themselves.
**Santiago:**
- Beach & snorkeling: Tarrafal, Quebra Canela in Praia, Ribeira da Barca (okay for kids?), Águas Belas?
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: Malagueta?, Baobab Boa Entrada, Pico António (accessible? elevation gain, time to climb, difficulty, interest for kids?)
**Boa Vista:**
- Beach + snorkeling: Santa Mónica, Praia de Chaves, Gatas, ... Estoril Beach in Sal Rei maybe?
- Can we swim at Turtle Bay to see the turtles even though it’s not nesting season?
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: Viana Desert? Can we explore it solo by renting a 4x4 and easily find the points of interest?
- Is it worth renting a 4x4 for our stay in Boa Vista?
**São Vicente:**
- Beach + snorkeling: Laginha, Porto Grande, Praia Grande, Baía das Gatas, São Pedro...? (safe, good snorkeling?)
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: cliffs?, Monte Verde?
Thanks for your feedback, great tips—especially for accommodation where we’re totally in the dark! And your thoughts on whether renting a car is a good idea and which beaches are safest for kids.
Hi,
We’d like to visit the Alpes de Haute-Provence for 2 weeks with our 2 (adult) kids.
Any ideas for things to see and do?
Where should we choose our accommodation (house only) to be centrally located for sightseeing? We’re looking for villages with restaurants and bakeries.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Best regards
Hi there, we’re heading to Tuscany in the second half of August with two kids (8 and 6 years old).
We’ve zeroed in on the area around Siena and Florence for now.
I’m looking for recommendations on places to stay and things to see that are great for families.
Also, just to add, we’ll be traveling by train and plan to rent a car once we’re there—any tips on car rental companies?
Hello everyone,
We’ve decided to head to Quebec next year—it’s been a dream for the whole family (after watching so many travel shows and the like...). There’ll be five of us: 2 adults, 2 teens (16 and 13), and a child (8 years old). We’re all pretty good walkers, though maybe the teens a little less so—it’s just that age, you know? 😊 That said, they’ve got no problem doing 15 km hikes, just not every single day.
We’re planning to go from July 23 to August 14, arriving and departing from Montreal, so almost 3 weeks.
I’ve started looking into logistics and accommodation prices, but before I dive into bookings, I’d love some advice on the itinerary. I’ve read a few threads here and there.
Our idea is to visit between 3 and 5 different places over the 3 weeks, so that means the same number of accommodations. The goal is to optimize travel as much as possible—I’ve realized that getting around can take a long time.
I think the first two days will be in Montreal to adjust to the time difference, and the last two in Quebec City, though that’s not set in stone.
Anyway, I’m not really sure about the route. I’ve got time to plan everything, but I know the longer we wait, the more expensive and scarce accommodations will get.
Same goes for budget—we’ve set aside a mid-range budget, flights included: 3k per person (1k for the flight). So if you’ve got any great tips or advice, we’re all ears!
I was thinking of going up the St. Lawrence River, but I’m not sure how long that takes or where to stop. Maybe there are other places worth visiting farther away...
Anyway, thanks for reading this far! If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate.
I hope you're starting this new year with your head full of travel memories or plans!!
I’d love to spend a week in July on a Greek island with my 8-year-old son. I’m totally in love with Amorgos, but not all the beaches are accessible for him. I’ve been to Santorini and Naxos before and don’t want to go back. Would you have an island to recommend that’s not too crowded 😕, with a few accessible beaches and where we won’t have to fight to get around or park?
A few months ago, I posted a message in the Southern Africa section about a family trip in July/August. In the end, since I had too much trouble deciding on the destination and procrastinated too much with the planning 😎, I changed my mind and we’re going for a completely different trip—to Madagascar, a country we already know a bit since we’ve traveled there several times for 4 to 6 months each time, though our last visit was back in 2012!
The tickets are booked: 19 days on the ground (excluding arrival and departure days in Tana), spanning July and August.
We’re not looking to rack up landscapes (and kilometers). The kids really want to see lots of animals, while we mostly want to show them what daily life is like in Malagasy villages. So ideally, we’d like a trip split into two parts:
- For 8/10 days, a hiking portion. The idea isn’t to do a tough trek in very remote areas but rather to walk from one village to another. Let’s say 3-4 hours a day. And when we arrive in each village, we’d have time to explore a bit, chat with the locals, let our kids play with the village children, etc. Stay with locals when possible. Move to a new village every day or every 2-3 days.
- A few days visiting 1 or 2 national parks (with lemurs if possible to keep everyone happy!)
- With the inevitable travel days, we’ll quickly hit 19 days.
Does this kind of trip sound doable (and fun) to you? Do you know of any villages that would fit our hiking plans?
I don’t have a preferred region yet, except that very dry landscapes appeal to me less. My real love from past trips was the highlands and their bright green rice paddies against red earth, but I’m a bit worried about the cold at this time of year.
After my initial research (thanks to this forum), I get the impression that the Ambalavao/Ambohimahamasina area might meet our criteria. I saw there are "accueil paysan" (farm stays) in that area, which could match what we’re looking for and would let us visit Andringitra National Park and Ranomafana on the way there or back.
But I’m open to all your more original ideas!
For logistical questions (transport, guides, accommodations, etc.), I’ll tackle those later—it’ll depend on the area we choose.
We’re a family with young kids (6 years old, 3 years old, and a newborn) and we’d like to spend about ten days in Aquitaine (in Gironde or Les Landes).
We’d love to be near pretty villages to visit and, if possible, close to the sea.
We’re planning to stay at a campsite with a pool so the kids can play.
Could you recommend any places/villages/campsites for us?
We don’t know the region at all.
We’re a family of five (our kids are 6, 15, and 19) and we’d love to go somewhere warm with our feet in the water during the first two weeks of August 2026. We’d also like to do some cultural visits and a bit of hiking. We were thinking of Guadeloupe—I know it’s not the ideal time of year, but we don’t have much flexibility. Is it really a bad idea, or can we still enjoy it despite the weather?
Another option for us would be Madeira, which seems more reliable weather-wise, but it sounds like the beaches are less accessible and not as nice.
We haven’t really looked elsewhere because everything else (except the Canary Islands, Balearics, or Corsica) seems way too expensive. But if you’ve got any recommendations, don’t hesitate—we’re just starting to look into it.
Hi,
This summer, we’re spending a month in Malaysia. There are 3 adults and two kids in our group. I’ve just finished planning our itinerary and I’d love to get your thoughts on whether it feels "coherent."
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Christelle
07/07 Depart France 10:30 AM
08/07 Arrive KL 7:50 PM
09/07 KL
10/07 KL / Batu Caves
11/07 KL
12/07 KL → Kuching (flight)
13/07 Kuching
14/07 Bako National Park
15/07 Bako → Kuching
16/07 Semenggoh Reserve
17/07 Kuching → Mulu (flight)
18/07 Mulu National Park
19/07 Mulu → Kota Kinabalu (flight)
20/07 Kota Kinabalu → Sandakan (flight)
21/07 Kinabatangan
22/07 Kinabatangan → Sandakan / Sandakan → KL (flight)
23/07 Malacca
24/07 Malacca → Chin Swee Caves Temple
25/07 Chin Swee Caves Temple → Kuala Tahan / Taman Negara Park
26/07 Taman Negara Park
27/07 Kuala Tahan → Kuala Besut
28/07 Perhentian Islands
29/07 Perhentian Islands
30/07 Perhentian Islands
31/07 Perhentian → George Town
01/08 George Town / Penang
02/08 George Town / Penang
03/08 Ipoh
04/08 Cameron Highlands
05/08 Return to KL
06/08 Return to France
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Malaysia this July with my 6-year-old son.
I’d thought we’d go this year, but we ended up returning to Samui instead.
I’ve decided to limit it to 4 stops to avoid moving around too often and to fully enjoy each place without rushing. The travel times between each spot aren’t too long, except for the one between Sandakan and Langkawi.
* 05: Arrival in KL in the afternoon.
06: Day in KL. I’ve been there a few times and know the city a bit.
* 07: Head to Kota Kinabalu
08 – 09: In KK
* 10: Flight from Sandakan to Sepilok
11: In Sepilok
* 12: Flight to Kinabatangan
13 – 14: In Kinabatangan
* 15: Head to Langkawi
15 – 21: In Langkawi
* 22: Return to KL
23 – 24: In KL
* 25: Return flight
Any thoughts on this itinerary? I have a rough idea of what we’ll do at each stop after checking online and with ChatGPT.
We’re heading out at the end of February for a road trip with our two kids, ages 3 and 7. Our itinerary includes Ait Ben Haddou, Tizi-n-Tichka, Sourate, Tinghir, Zagora, Ouarzazate, Ouzoud, and Essaouira. I’d love recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and typical/spectacular spots to visit. We’d like to spend a night in the Zagora desert. We’re looking for authenticity and a friendly vibe—not tourist traps—for our trip. We’ll be there during Ramadan—any tips?
Thanks in advance!
Your fellow globetrotter’s perspective is invaluable.
Wednesday, March 4 – Friday, March 6 — Sine-Saloum
Drive to Toubacouta via the Trans-Gambian Highway (Gambia)
Stay with a local host / camp on the bolongs
Activities: pirogue ride in the delta, Serer villages, biking, handicraft discovery
Overnights: Sine-Saloum (3 nights)
Saturday, March 7 – Sunday, March 8 — Petite Côte
Drive to Somone / Ngaparou (~3 hours)
Stay with a local host
Activities: beach, safari at Bandia Reserve, kayaking on the lagoon, craft market
Overnights: Petite Côte (2 nights, including Sunday, March 8, to enjoy the full day before the nighttime departure)
Monday, March 9 — Departure
Transfer to Blaise Diagne International Airport (~45 minutes)
Flight leaves at 2:00 AM
I’ve got a few questions:
- Is an afternoon on Gorée Island worth it? I really want to go, but the ferry departure days are a bit limiting.
- How easy is it to get around between these different stops? Can we find a taxi that fits all five of us?
- Do you have any accommodation recommendations? I’d love to stay with locals as much as possible—we’re not looking for luxury, just a bed and a shower.
- February 28 is my birthday, and I’d love to do something “special”: any ideas for a nice place to stay, a great restaurant, or an out-of-the-ordinary activity? We’ll be around Cap Skirring.
- Does this itinerary seem coherent? I really want to visit Casamance, and we’d prefer to stay no more than 3 nights in the same place.
Don’t hesitate to share your tips! Thanks so much!