As part of a four-month world trip with our kids (ages 6, 12, and 13), we’ll be spending four weeks in Indonesia.
Choosing destinations is so tough because everything is just so appealing!
We’ll be spending some time on Java and will likely make a "quick trip" to Borneo for the orangutan reserve.
We also want to experience Bali’s culture and the small islands of the Lesser Sundas, with their incredible marine life... but which ones should we prioritize?
For a few days of diving and relaxation, do you think we should go for Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands, or Moyo Island?
Is Sumbawa complicated to explore? Is it worth taking the time to visit? Can it be crossed by car to then reach Komodo National Park?
Anyway, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Our goal is to avoid overly touristy spots (but not places that feel too unsafe with the kids), to discover local culture and villages, and to be amazed both underwater and above.
Thanks so much for your help!
Java on the go + Tanjung Puting + Bali on the go + Sumbawa on the go + Komodo and surroundings + returning to Bali always by road, that’s at least 8 weeks, not 4.
a "quick trip" to Borneo for the orangutan reserve.
In July-August, it’ll be crowded.
Plan for at least 3 nights if you go through an agency. It’s expensive.
Or 6 nights if you organize everything yourself. It won’t end up being much cheaper than going through an agency.
Is Sumbawa complicated to explore?
No. The road that crosses it isn’t a problem. After that, when you leave this main road, it gets a little to a lot more complicated depending on the places.
Is it worth taking the time to explore it?
Yes. Don’t expect any must-see sites, but you’ll find it interesting to leave the main road. Even in July-August, you’ll be left in peace because most travelers fly directly from Bali to Flores.
Is it drivable to get to Komodo National Park afterward?
So, drivable, yes—eastward as far as Sape, where you take the daily ferry to Labuhan Bajo (no stop at Komodo). It’s in L. Bajo that you organize your trip to Komodo and the snorkeling islands (in July-August, book in advance through an agency or talk to boat captains).
With kids: Direct to Flores (flight from Jakarta or Denpasar) or direct to Bali (Denpasar). Local agency in Labuan Bajo for Komodo and visits to part (west) of Flores. Return in stages: Flores → Lombok → Bali.
Beaches in Lombok. Lombok to Bali by ferry. If you have a few days left, Bali to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida by speedboat.
and probably make a "detour" to Borneo for the orangutan reserve.
I don’t think this round trip just to see orangutans is a good option.
In one month, it's not possible to cover all the islands.
Travel times are long, and flights can be unpredictable.
Arrive on the east side of Java and depart from Lombok.
A rough itinerary could be: Yogyakarta, Bromo, Kawa Ijen, ferry to Bali, explore Bali, flight to Flores, explore Flores, Flores-Lombok cruise, end your trip in Lombok.
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Thanks for your replies.
I didn’t mention that we’re arriving from Australia directly to Bali (Denpasar Airport) and leaving for France from Jakarta at the end of our stay. That’s why it’s a bit tricky to organize, since Bali is right in the middle of the area we want to visit.
I’m well aware that it’s unrealistic to try to visit all the islands in a month—that’s not the goal. But I listed all the destinations we’re interested in so you could help me pick the ones that are *really* worth stopping at. It’s so hard to decide when you don’t actually know the places!
Thanks! That’s good to know (because Sulawesi was tempting me too!! But for another trip).
About the Flores-Lombok cruises, is safety a given? Because I’ve read online that local boats and the sea can sometimes be quite dangerous. If it were just adults, I wouldn’t think twice, but with kids (including one who’s only just learned to swim recently), we’re obviously a bit more cautious...
I can’t really comment on the cruise since I’ve only been to Rinca from Flores. There was actually an issue with the boat, too...
But it’s definitely important to choose your provider carefully because Indonesia isn’t exactly known for following all safety regulations. (Local airlines were on the blacklist for a long time, after all.)
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Back in the summer of 2012, we spent a month exploring the islands of Java and Bali with our two 13-year-olds.
For Java, we went through a small agency that organized a circuit with a driver. One really fun thing to do with kids is visiting Meru Betiri National Park—our goal was to see turtles laying eggs on the beach and, the next morning, watch the babies head into the sea.
In Bali, we dove from the north to the south of the island, ending with a dive to see manta rays. The dives were amazing! We’ve shared some photos here under *Photo Gallery* → *Underwater Photos* → *Bali 2012*.
On days we weren’t diving, we got around and visited the island with a driver. It was a great solution for us because the price was the same as renting a car, and we didn’t have to deal with the car on diving days. Our driver, Putu, even showed us his farm and some less touristy spots.
Hi there,
I’d recommend limiting the number of islands you plan to visit. Bali and the Gili Islands aren’t a great idea for the time you’re considering—they’ll be packed with tourists. Sumatra could be a good option if you want to see orangutans, and there are also some nice smaller islands. The key is not to try to do too much and end up spoiling the experience. I’ve sent you a DM.
One cool thing to do with kids is exploring Meru Betiri National Park, with the ultimate goal of watching turtles lay their eggs on the beach and seeing the babies head to the sea in the morning.
Thanks for the tip!
About the car with a driver, yes, that’s an option we’re considering. Did you book it on the spot or in advance? (I’m worried about the timing and the number of tourists then)
Thanks for the info!
About the car with a driver, yes, it's an option we're considering. Did you book it on the spot or in advance? (I'm worried about the season and the number of tourists at that time)
If it's for the driver in Bali, we booked directly on the spot. It was the people we were staying with at Lake Bratan who gave us his phone number. We're still in touch with him. If you're interested, I can give you his phone number.
Another important piece of info, in my opinion. If you're heading to Bali and have a car (with or without a driver) and (as you mentioned) you're looking for spots that aren't too touristy, avoid staying in the south of the island—even Ubud is overcrowded, while there are still plenty of peaceful places in the heart of nature! Sure, you need a vehicle, but the island's interior offers calm and lush nature in the north, close to waterfalls and not far from the northern beaches (Lovina Beach). Stay somewhere like Munduk, for example. Check out Villa Manuk (it's really secluded)—you could all stay there.
Hi there,
I see that apart from a couple of very quick mentions, no one’s talked about Java—as if it’s a dirty word not to be spoken—even though it’s right between your arrival and departure airports and offers the highest density of things to see in the entire archipelago.
Here’s a little itinerary showing that Java also has plenty to keep you busy.
After Bali:
- Arrival in Banyuwangi and 4 nights there and in the surrounding area, including visits to Kawah Ijen and Meru Betiri National Park (recommended by Girardinpho)
- Cemoro Lawang for 1 or 2 nights to see Bromo,
- Continue to Surabaya for 1 night as a transit stop
- Flight to Pangkalan Bun (Borneo) and its Tanjung Puting National Park, famous for its orangutans (+ easier with an agency), 3 to 4 nights
- Flight to Semarang for 1 night as a transit stop
- Boat to the Karimunjawa Islands for 3-4 nights there
- Return to Semarang, then continue by train to Surakarta (Solo) for 2-3 nights
- Bus to Yogyakarta with a stop along the way to visit Prambanan, which is on the route (you can leave your bags in a small eatery for a small fee)
- Yogyakarta for 5 nights, and don’t forget to plan a day trip to Nepal Van Java with an agency.
- Pangandaran for 3-4 nights for its beaches and the Green Canyon
- Bandung and the Puncak Pass area for 4-5 nights total
- Bogor for 2 nights
- Access and visit to Ujung Kulon National Park for 4-5 nights total
- Jakarta for 1 night
You're right about Java—it’s an island with tons to discover and lots of variety. But I remembered they wanted to see orangutans, which is why I suggested Sumatra.
Thanks for this detailed itinerary!
We’ve actually planned to spend some time on Java, which really appeals to us (though more like ten days than 5 weeks!!).
We’ll take a closer look at this.
How do you plan such an itinerary on Java? I imagine it’s complicated to ask a driver to cross the island from east to west! That famous site that’s supposed to let you book train connections only shows me flights. How can we organize the itinerary at least a little (we have the kids with us, which keeps us from being too "chill" about it)? Bus? Driver? Train?... I found a rental car, but it’s way too expensive.
Thanks for any help you can give us.
I once rented a car with a driver from Yog to the ferry terminal for Bali.
3 days - 2 nights.
To go from Yog westward, the bus.
Public transport goes everywhere.
For comfort and speed, though...
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How do you plan such an itinerary across Java? I imagine it’s complicated to ask a driver to cross the island from east to west!
How? I feel like my answer won’t thrill you: the same way you’d do it in any other country.
Do you *really* want to do everything by car? Otherwise, I’d be happy to help you figure out the best transport options (bus, train, agency, or hiring a driver for specific legs) based on the stops you want to connect—but which ones would you keep from the list I shared earlier? Don’t be too ambitious with just 10 days.
Where are you heading during your 18 days *before* Java?
At the moment, we're still in the planning phase and haven't decided yet. But regarding the destinations you mentioned, the things that interest us are Meru Betiri National Park (though it's really remote and hard to access without a driver), Mount Bromo, the city of Malang, Tanjung Puting, the Karimunjawa Islands, and Yogyakarta with its surroundings. Then Jakarta at the end of our trip (a day or two to see friends).
I'm seriously considering skipping the Komodo Islands (with some regret, though) to focus more on Bali (a little), Nusa Penida, and Java. That would mean spending more time on Java, but nothing's set in stone yet, as I said.
As for transportation, it's not as simple as elsewhere... When we used to travel backpacking as a young couple, we'd jump from one transport to another very spontaneously, deciding everything on the spot at the last minute. But now we have three kids with us and flight schedules to stick to (we can't get stuck in the middle of Java and miss our return flight). Since we've had kids, we've only traveled in Europe and always rented a car, which was easy and quick to arrange remotely. In fact, for Polynesia and Australia, where we're also heading, our transport is already booked (campervan or car + ferries and/or flights). But for Guatemala and Indonesia, organizing this from afar is much more complicated... Unless we go through agencies, but the prices are way too high for us.
That's why I'm here, and why I have these questions! ;)
Actually, for transportation, you don’t need to plan everything in advance—except, I think, if you choose Java and want to take the train, because it seems you have to book that ahead of time.
For everything else, it’s much easier to figure things out as you go. Anyway, buses often leave when they’re full, and reservations don’t really make sense. Your host will always find a solution—sometimes the bus even passes right by your accommodation. There’s always an option, whether it’s a bus or a shared (or even private) taxi. It’ll be much simpler to do it this way with your kids.
I had noted that he wanted to see orangutans, which is why I suggested Sumatra.
We didn’t go there (to Bukit Lawang) knowing it was already a bit of a zoo... I can’t imagine it being any better in Borneo... Taking a flight just to go that far just to see orangutans when you can see these animals in pretty much any zoo in "almost" the same conditions—I’m really questioning it...😉
My son, on the other hand, was blown away by the Komodo dragons devouring a goat carcass in a ravine, right in the middle of the forest on Komodo. Animals from prehistory that size, in the wild—you only see that on the two islands of Komodo and Rinca, and the landscapes are still pretty unique.
Back to choosing between Java and Bali (for example), of course, it’s very debatable...
Having experienced Bali at different times, I’ve always enjoyed spending a few days there, trying to stay a bit away from the crowds (some beaches and Ubud lately). The advantage of Bali (especially with kids!) is first of all the convenience, a peaceful atmosphere (Hinduism plays a big part in that). The food is also more varied and, in my opinion, better than on the other islands. You can attend lots of festivals (Galungan, Kuningan, Saraswati, etc.) and ceremonies (like Legong, for example), cremations, etc...
All in all, if you want to see a bit of both, it’s best to stay in eastern Java and take the ferry to Bali
Thanks for your latest replies.
Regarding Borneo’s natural park, it seems to me that even if there are lots of tourists, seeing these endangered animals in their natural habitat rather than behind bars in a zoo must have a different emotional impact... The reviews I’ve read are pretty enthusiastic. But we’re still hesitating because it really "eats up" 3 or 4 days out of our four weeks.
As for Java or Bali, I think we’ll do both, but we won’t stay too long in Bali (since it’s packed in August). I think we’ll focus more on Nusa Penida.
Komodo is still my big dilemma: I really want to discover this place and the quirky creatures that live there, but it adds extra travel time too...
It’s tough to decide with so many amazing options... We’ll have to come back! 😉😉
Regarding Borneo’s natural park, I think that even if there are a lot of tourists, seeing these endangered animals in their natural habitat rather than behind bars in a zoo must have a completely different emotional impact...
I can imagine it, but personally, the idea of a guided tour or following in a line one after the other wouldn’t work for me. It’s true that if you *really* want to see them, a group guided tour is the only way (or so I assume).
I prefer seeing animals without searching for them—it’s the surprise that moves me.
For Komodo, the trip is indeed long. I was lucky enough to go when it was still quiet, and we could stay on the island in a modest guesthouse, isolated in the middle of nature and surrounded by deer.
Honestly, the reservations you have about visiting orangutans are the same ones I have about Komodo: what I’ve read in recent traveler accounts makes me a little nervous... Some travelers feel it’s become a tourist trap. Some even mention the theory that rangers deliberately drug the dragons so tourists can get close and take selfies!!! If that’s what it’s like, I really don’t want to be part of that circus... So I’m really torn. The marine life and the unique landscapes of Padar and Rinca are tempting, but I don’t want to support a kind of tourism I don’t agree with...
If you're doing Bali and Java, don’t do more—except for Nusa Penida and the other Gili Islands, which are often grouped together (even though they’re part of Lombok). Take the time to explore the cool, less crowded spots on each island instead of flocking to the famous tourist hotspots with millions of other travelers who’ll be there this summer. You’ll see you won’t have enough time to do it all as it is.
Otherwise, I’ll confirm that Komodo and Labuan Bajo have become huge tourist machines. The dragons? Just tourists taking selfies. Labuan Bajo? A travel agency every 5 meters. But the snorkeling and diving are still exceptional.
Do what real Indonesia lovers do—come back another time for Flores and Komodo, then another time for Sumatra, etc. You can’t do it all in one go; it’s like saying, "I’ll visit all of Europe in a month." That wouldn’t make sense either.
Of course, I’m totally aware of that. Especially since we’ll be on a four-month round-the-world trip, and the idea isn’t to rush through all the “must-see” spots at breakneck speed and burn ourselves out.
But there’s no guarantee we’ll be back, so when you’re as indecisive as I am, faced with so much beauty and curiosity, it’s tough to decide!
Don’t worry, you’re going to have an amazing time. And the best way to do that is to take your time and really live each moment. If you have young kids, it means you’ve still got many years of travel ahead of you. Four months might not be enough for a round-the-world trip, but it’s already a great start to slow down and experience a different pace of life.
Don’t leave with the feeling that you’re going to miss out on something—you’ll actually live more intensely than usual. And yes, you *will* miss out on countless incredible experiences and places, the world is vast and fascinating. But that’s a good thing—it’ll leave you with plenty of excitement for future trips.
That’s why I recommend focusing on a few islands. It’ll be easier when you come back to say, "Let’s go to Sumatra or Flores," rather than, "We really want to see what we missed in Java, Bali, Flores-Komodo, etc." Plus, you’ll discover there are some insane things to do in Sulawesi, the Moluccas, Papua, Raja Ampat, and more.
No doubt about it! I’m squeezing my eyes shut really tight to avoid looking too much at Raja Ampat and Sulawesi—just because I’m way too tempted!!
Thanks anyway for your replies and your thoughts. I totally agree with your point of view.
Hi there,
If you're heading to Java with kids, you *have* to go to Sukamade to see the green turtles nesting. I was there twice last year in September and November. The turtles still come, even if there are fewer than a few years ago.
For both kids and adults, it’s an unforgettable memory. It’s really off the beaten path (Betiri Park), and there are only two lodges to stay overnight. The easiest way is to go through an agency that organizes everything.
If you're camping, I find that Bukit Lawang is more reliable than Ketambe, even for kids. In Ketambe, there are still local guides and assistants who bathe in the river—I saw it myself. Yet, they use the same water for drinking and cooking. It's real.
Not at all.
You misread my message. There are only 2 basic lodges on-site, and getting there is no walk in the park. That means it’s limited in terms of crowds. Plus, it’s highly regulated. The nesting beach is only accessible with a ranger and at set times. Once you’re there, you have to wait patiently for the turtles to settle in before observing them from a distance. Flash photography is prohibited.
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Bien contente que ce précieux forum existe encore !
J'aimerais des conseils pour choisir une destination pour Noël, en couple avec deux enfants de 10 et 12 ans.
Nous aimerions un endroit qui nous permettrait de faire du snorkelling chouette et facile avec les enfants, si possible depuis la plage et-ou à faible profondeur.
Et aussi, tant qu'à faire, un bel endroit à visiter et découvrir, avec de la nature et des randos, et une ambiance plus cool-routarde que resorts et tourisme en folie.
Un temps de vol "raisonnable" et pas trop de décalage horaire, ce serait mieux !
J'ai pensé à l'ïle Maurice, Zanzibar (+ éventuellement Tanzanie), la Martinique ou la Guadeloupe, mais peut-être avez-vous d'autres idées, ou des avis sur ces choix ?
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.
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!
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!
Hello,
I’d like to go to Morocco with my 10-year-old daughter for three weeks in February.
Do you think, as women traveling alone, we’ll feel comfortable? Sorry if my question seems odd, but when I mentioned my plans, I got some hesitant reactions.
I’ve never been to North Africa. I’ve traveled several times to the Sultanate of Oman, where I felt very at ease as long as we respected the basic cultural norms. For those who know Morocco, do you think it’s different? Would it be appropriate for me to cover my head?
I was thinking of arriving in Agadir and spending a few days in Taghazout and the surrounding area.
After that, if you have any tips, I’m all ears. We’re looking to discover Moroccan cultures, see artisans at work, or even try our hand at a local craft—we’d love that. Simply meeting families, seeing landscapes, animals, and soaking in the culture gently, opening ourselves to something new—that’s what motivates us. And if there are opportunities to listen to local music, even better.
We’ll be traveling by public transport.
Thanks in advance for your ideas.
Happy travels to everyone.
we’re taking our grandkids in early 2026 (14 and 10 years old) without their parents. Do we really need to have birth certificates and other forms translated by a sworn translator?
