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.
Hi,
While "Paris 15th, Thailand" is pretty clear... 😉
What bothers me more is that Tribu3434 seems to have a lot of non-negotiable requirements that don’t all add up, and they haven’t specified how long the trip will last.
- What month of the year?
- Cambodia isn’t on the list of possible countries—was that intentional?
- Would Thailand off the tourist trail work for you?
rayonner autour
Just for the day?
Une destination assez facile
Meaning the country in general, or easy stops (access, accommodation options, etc.) in that country?
Nous aimerions 2/3 lieux à visiter
(...)prendre le temps
Hi,
If you're considering Vietnam, I think it could be a great fit.
Beautiful beaches, like in Nha Trang in the center, with some interesting cultural sites.
Natural areas such as near Ninh Binh: Tam Coc or Cuc Phuong National Park.
Historic urban centers like Saigon, Hue, Hanoi...
And the option to spend a few days in Cambodia at Siem Reap to see the Angkor temples.
There’s plenty to create an interesting mix for both parents and kids.
So, I had noted March 27 in the title—you even mentioned it yourselves in the original post 😊—and since I edited it because you found it unclear, I accidentally removed "March."
Anyway, thanks for the other replies, and sorry for taking out the word "March."
To clarify: we’d be traveling for the entire month of March with our two little ones.
We’re intentionally considering Cambodia because I’ve read that the heat there is stifling in March.
We’re also looking at Laos, which is supposed to be wilder, with beautiful waterfalls and natural sites, but apparently the journeys are grueling.
That’s what I mean when I talk about a destination that’s not too difficult: travel and meals—two things that are really essential with little ones.
I know Thailand is extremely easy in those respects, but being in a tourist crowd really put me off 10 years ago.
On the other hand, I’ve looked at some of your suggestions in the Northeast, near the Laos border—gorgeous! But is it accessible? Is it the right time of year?
I loved India, but on the flip side, it’s an exhausting destination—I wouldn’t go there with our kids.
I would’ve loved to take them to discover Myanmar… a country I adored.
Yes, at least 7 days.
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply—it’s really kind of you!
Why not Thailand, but away from the tourist hotspots? Just to remind you, at least 80% of the country sees very few—or even no—tourists. All you have to do is cross the few touristy cities/provinces off your map (which I’m guessing you’ve already visited), and you’ll see you’ll be spoiled for choice!
Hi,
I don’t know, I’ve never been to Thailand.
But you want easy destinations from which to explore, with a nice beach.
The places I mention fit the bill—you’ll find everything essential for your kids if needed, pleasant sites to visit with children, and a big beach in Nha Trang.
Now, if you want interesting spots with no one around, that’ll be tough.
Hi there,
Personally, with kids, I’d prioritize Thailand for the ease it offers if any issues come up (medical or otherwise). There are so many regions that are practically tourist-free! The vast majority of visitors stick to Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, the coast south of Bangkok (around Pattaya), and a few islands like Phuket, Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. The rest of the country is super peaceful—unless things have changed in the last five years, which I doubt!
Laos is a good option too, but there’s no sea… which is a shame for the kids. Plus, it starts getting really hot in March.
I’d start in Isan (eastern Thailand) or around Mae Hong Son / Mae Sariang (northwest) or even Fang / Thaton…
Or near Kanchanaburi… Erawan National Park.
Then spend a few days on one or two islands in the Andaman Sea—but not the Gulf of Thailand. Sure, there’ll be tourists, but not as many as you’d think…
If you go to these islands, take a flight to Hat Yai and head to Koh Lipe (one of the best spots in Thailand for diving and snorkeling, but not just that).
Then spend 2 nights on Tarutao (Robinson Crusoe island!). What a change of scenery!
Here are two random links to give you an idea of the places:
https://voyagesautenteo.com/thailande/conseils/plages-sud/koh-lipe/https://aurorevoyage.com/2018/01/14/thailande-pourquoi-se-rendre-a-koh-tarutao/
Hello,
I’d have said the same as Djalma—Thailand off the beaten path has plenty to offer! 😊 And if you’ve got the budget (and the faith), you can rent a vehicle, which makes traveling with two little ones much safer.
Vietnam’s not bad either—pretty diverse and super easy for getting around.
Laos is a lot quieter, but it means more expensive logistics (domestic flights) if you want to go from north to south. And there’s no sea nearby either…
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
Northern Vietnam isn’t very warm in March...
For independent travelers with kids, I find Vietnam harder to visit—quite a few scams, too. The commercial aspect is strong, and people are often pushy.
In my opinion, the real highlights are cities like Huế and Hội An... maybe a bit boring for little ones. Nature-wise, it’s just okay (except for the north), and beaches are often concrete-heavy (like Đà Nẵng) or not always very clean. Not many great spots for snorkeling—or at least, I didn’t find any.
That’s just my take. Out of all the Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam is the one I liked the least.
We’re also looking at Laos, which is supposed to be wilder, with beautiful waterfalls and natural sites, but apparently the journeys are tough.
A high-speed railway line has opened from Vientiane to the Chinese border (and continuing into China), serving cities that might interest travelers, such as Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Na Teuy (for Luang Nam Tha). Booking on these trains isn’t straightforward, and boarding is tightly controlled (inspections with some everyday items banned).
That’s what I mean when I talk about a destination that’s not too difficult: transportation and meals—two things that are really essential with little ones.
Transportation: easy in all four countries, often with several levels of bus comfort up to VIP (except Laos). Trains are comfortable enough but slow (Thailand, Vietnam), slow and with very limited options in Cambodia.
Meals: you can find food pretty much everywhere in all four countries, so no problem there. The real factor to consider is the level of chili use. Thailand and Laos are the countries where three-quarters of the dishes are very spicy, but sticking to guesthouse cuisine can greatly reduce the issue.
I know Thailand is extremely easy in those respects, but I really didn’t like the tourist crowds when I was there 10 years ago.
Outside the tourist trail, there are much less crowded cities with day-trip-worthy surroundings. I’m thinking of Mae Hong Son (which also has milder temperatures thanks to the altitude). Even less crowded (just a bit of Thai tourism on weekends for the city’s famously beautiful temples) is the charming little town of Nan and its lovely province, which you can explore in a day by car with a driver. Both cities are easily accessible (including by low-cost flights for the latter) and can justify a relaxed 7-day stay.
On the other hand, I looked at some of your suggestions in the Northeast, near the Laos border—gorgeous! But is it accessible? Is it the right time of year?
I don’t remember creating a specific thread about the Northeast in this forum. I’m not sure which places you’re referring to. If it’s the ones along the Mekong from Chiang Khan to Nong Khai, Chiang Khan, Nong Khai, Sri Chiangmai, and Sangkhom are accessible by direct buses from Bangkok and some from other cities. For Pakchom, you’d need to take a bus to Loei (which is well-connected from Bangkok, including by low-cost flights, and from elsewhere). Getting between these places is less straightforward but doable.
As for the timing, the Northeast is one of the hottest regions in the country.
Nobody thinks of Malaysia 😉. It's easy, not crowded, and has quite a few different spots (nature, beach, city, temples...). And in March, you're entering the right season. I went there with kids aged 4 and 8—super easy.
Otherwise, with kids your age, Thailand is totally doable. Yeah, it’s busy, but it’s not that bad—it’s still a big country. I took my kids to Bangkok at the same age, and it’s a great memory.
Il n'y a pas de problème sans solution... et si il n'y a pas de solution, il n'y a pas de problème !
Those are two worthwhile spots but very crowded. I think beyond Kanchanaburi and easily accessible from there, Sangkhlaburi would be a better choice: accommodations available, little tourism (just some discreet Thai visitors on weekends), peaceful, unique setting, beautiful scenery, and short walks on foot or by boat...
Thanks so much for these really thorough replies!
I can see that this side of Thailand seems to be a big hit!
I was worried about accommodation prices, but they look reasonable after a quick glance.
For Vietnam, we were thinking of the North, which seems pleasant at this time of year, and possibly a beach in the central region. Land in Hanoi, visit the city and its surroundings, then head toward Ninh Binh and south of Hue.
I’ll look into the Thai cities you suggested.
I often read that connecting with locals is trickier in Vietnam, and that there are more scams—so you seem to confirm that...
Food-wise, we’re vegetarian, and I think Thailand would be easier for that too...
I’ve already been to Malaysia—it’s definitely super safe and a great country. But the flight is longer and the cost of living (accommodation) is much higher there.
And it’s more industrialized.
Yes, exactly—I’d totally spaced on the timing, sorry. So with two little ones, scratch Mae Hong Son and Nan. That said, you could look into a stay in Sangkhlaburi; I mention it upthread in my reply to Djalma.
I keep reading that connecting with locals is trickier in Vietnam, that there are more scams—so you’re confirming that…
I never said anything like that in my earlier replies. But since you bring it up, I’ve noticed that whenever there’s no direct or indirect money in it for the person you’re talking to, making a real connection is harder in Vietnam than in the other three countries. Mind you, my Vietnam experience is limited—I’ve only done two trips and only know Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and a small part of the Mekong Delta, so it’s not a huge sample.
Food-wise we’re vegetarian; I think Thailand would be easier for that…
No problem for vegetarians,* but the chili issue (if it’s an issue) remains.
And don’t forget that Thai cooks put MSG in pretty much everything—some people are allergic to it.
* – vegetarian food: ahan je
– Is there vegetarian food?: mi ahan je mai kaa/krap? (have vegetarian food yes/no + polite word depending on whether the speaker is female (kaa) or male (krap))
– For a dish that normally contains meat but you know the name, just say “je” instead of the meat type (only works for made-to-order dishes). Example: khao pad kaprao moo → replace “moo” (pork) with je.
This is really very kind of you to share all this information, and the glossary—thank you so much!
I’ll be studying up on the Sangkhlaburi area to see what we could do there over a week or 10 days.
It’s school holidays, so the two little ones are home—sorry for the short replies!
I’ll be looking into the Sangkhlaburi area to see what we could do there for a week or 10 days.
There aren’t enough activities to justify 7 to 10 days for travelers with less time—I usually recommend 3 or 4 nights—but the setting might be reason enough to chill there longer.
Here’s what else to do besides what I already mentioned above:
- P.Guesthouse*, by the lake, rents canoes (here, you paddle yourself, unlike boat tours).
- I remember the same guesthouse used to offer day-long mini-treks, but they don’t mention them on their site anymore. Worth checking on-site or elsewhere.
- A trip to the Three Pagodas Pass (Dan Chedi Sam Ong), accessible by regular songthaews. While the name sounds dreamy, the three "pagodas" (actually chedis—the Thai name is more accurate) aren’t worth more than 10 seconds of your time. That said, you might enjoy the vibe of a small border post and catching a glimpse of the Burmese village on the other side. At certain times, they’ll let you cross for the day for $10–20 per person and hold your passport, though you can’t go beyond the village.
* This guesthouse (their site isn’t hard to find) is modern—I was one of the first guests when it opened, cleaning up both literally and figuratively—but the cheapest rooms don’t have en-suite bathrooms. There are other accommodation options.
Getting from Bangkok to Sangkhlaburi in one day will be long (7 to 9–10 hours, no direct buses), so it might make sense to plan at least one night in Kanchanaburi. From there, several regular buses (6-hour trip) and minivans (4 hours) go to Sangkhlaburi. You can also arrive in/depart from Kanchanaburi to/from other cities/regions besides Bangkok. Sangkhlaburi is only accessible from Kanchanaburi.
For Vietnam, we were considering the north, which seems pleasant at that time of year,
Since Vietnam was your initial idea and fits several of your criteria, I’m surprised you’re not mentioning it anymore.
A road trip I did with kids by car, which is really much more practical and not too expensive.
Waterfalls, beautiful parks, a bit of history with traces of the war (Bridge on the River Kwai period), few people or Western tourists, an immersion in lovely countryside...
And seeing the Burmese border—even if, as Songsam says, there’s nothing exceptional, the atmosphere is something else...
a bit of history with traces of the war (Bridge on the River Kwai period),
...and also history from the 12th century thanks to the Prasat Muang Sing temple, the westernmost Khmer site of the past empire (no need to go to Cambodia!😉 ). Just 1.5 km south of Highway 323 Kanchanaburi-Tong Pha Phum-Sangkhlaburi. Accessible from Kan by car/motorcycle, through an agency, or by train—get off at Thakilen station where motorcycle taxis wait for travelers who’d rather not walk the 1.5 km.
In terms of interest, preservation of the ruins, and size, it can be compared to Phimai in Isan, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
A thousand thanks for all the info—I took the time to pore over it again and again... and in the end, to answer your last question, I decided on Vietnam. Simply because I still had this urge to discover a country I don’t know (though of course, you don’t really *know* a country after just a month there and without having made the most amazing connections, no doubt...)
I did travel for a year from Kyrgyzstan to India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Iran... and the only country where I experienced aggression was Thailand.
Not that I’m drawing any conclusions from that, but maybe there’s a little superstitious side in me... I’ll give Thailand another chance next time, exploring the magnificent regions you suggested!
Hi there! Personally, given what you're looking for, I’d definitely consider Vietnam. With two little ones, I think it could be a great option if you skip the usual tourist spots and limit your travel to 2 or 3 bases.
Pu Luong is a great place to admire rice terraces and villages, then Phong Nha, where you can take boat rides, explore caves, and enjoy the countryside around the national park. Finally, Vinh Hy is in Ninh Thuan province, in the south-central part of Vietnam—it’s a small, well-preserved bay with clear water, pretty coves, and boat trips.
This way, you can take your time, enjoy nature, and avoid the overly touristy and commercial side you didn’t like in Thailand.
Hi Tristine,
Sure enough, that’s the decision we’ve made! We’re in the process of planning the itinerary—thanks for the tips!
Do you think there’s enough to do for a week in Phong Nha without any transport (scooter, etc.)? Thanks again!
I’d say Vietnam—there’s so much to see, and it’s less touristy than Thailand.
Prices can be ridiculously low in some cases (taxis, restaurants, hotels).
It’s doable with kids. I went with my son when he was 1 (my daughter was 11). No major issues as long as you stay alert. Just one little scare with my daughter (and me too!) at a water park near Phan Thiet—the slides were safe but maybe a bit more intense than European standards (speed, drops, etc.) 🤪
Plan for long trips between the south, center, and north—the country is really stretched out. Flying is preferable in some cases (VietJet has cheap flights).
I haven’t been to the north, but I loved the central region (Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An).
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Hi everyone,
I’m planning a family trip with our two kids, aged 5 and 8. I’m leaning toward using a local agency to take the mental load off organizing everything once we’re there and to fully enjoy the moment.
Do you know any reliable, local agencies I could reach out to?
I’d love to hear from parents who’ve traveled in this country with young children.
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!
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
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.
Hi there,
I’m heading to Oman this coming October with my 13-year-old son for 11 days. My plan is to rent a car, probably a 4x4, to reach villages in the mountains, among other places. We’ll be sleeping in a tent the whole trip.
Since it’s a short stay, we’ll stick to the eastern part of the country, from Muscat to Duqm, most likely.
Any recommendations?! Things to know, like where to exchange money without high fees, a reliable car rental agency, road safety tips, wildlife like snakes, and anything else... I’ve done a lot of research already, but any suggestions would be super helpful!!
Thanks in advance,
Happy travels to everyone,
Céline
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?
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.
