Hi everyone,
Back from my summer vacation, and it's already time to start planning the next one! I mean, I work to go on vacation and explore with my family—don’t you?
Next destination: Mexico (Yucatán and Quintana Roo),
When: February/March 2026,
Duration: 17 nights there (+1 arrival night, either a layover or late in the evening),
Who: Two adults and two young kids (3 and 8 years old),
Transport: Rental car
Interests: Culture, a little relaxation, hiking (though I’m not sure if the destination is ideal for that), and nature exploration.
The plan is to do the classic route but stay longer in each place—it’s easier to manage with kids.
Here’s what I had in mind:
Valladolid = 3 nights to visit Ek Balam, Chichén Itzá, and a cenote.
Mérida = 3 nights for a stop in Izamal on the way, exploring Mérida, then Uxmal + a trip to Celestún.
Campeche = 2 nights to see the Xtacumbilxunaan cave and the Edzná Maya site.
Calakmul = 1 night
Bacalar = 3 nights for the Lagoon of Seven Colors, Fort San Felipe, some downtime, and a possible day trip to Cozumel if needed.
Tulum = 5 nights to visit Cobá, Tulum, cenotes, the beach, Sian Ka’an + Muyil. Then back to the airport (1h30 drive or 2h if flying into Cancún).
Does this seem well-balanced?
Could I improve it by grouping accommodations more?
I’m guessing Palenque/Yaxchilán is too far (even if I cut other things from the itinerary)? It still sounds like an amazing trip...
Thanks,
Hi everyone,
We’d like to know if it’s realistic to go to Costa Rica (Playa Carrillo) in late September/early October. Is it too rainy? Does it rain all day, or just for an hour or so? We’ll be traveling with two kids—6 months and 2.5 years old. Do you have any suggestions for places to go? Is Playa Carrillo a good option with young children?
Thanks so much for your help, and have a great day! 😊
We’re planning a trip to Central America and South America, but we’re still unsure about the destination.
It’s for a trip in July 2025, so weather is definitely a factor.
For Ecuador, the weather seems favorable, but my wife knows an Ecuadorian woman who told her that the security situation has really deteriorated, especially on the west side (beaches, etc.).
Has anyone traveled to Ecuador recently (in 2025) and could share their experience? (security situation, recommended itineraries)
In terms of things to see (typical villages, landscapes), weather, and prices, Ecuador seems more appealing to us than Costa Rica or Panama, which we’re also considering.
I posted a few questions recently about Costa Rica and Panama, since we're still hesitating between the two for a trip in July.
Our plan would be to drive up through Panama to Bocas del Toro, then fly back (a classic loop).
We have tons of questions, since travel blogs and sites are often so glowing, which is why we'd love to hear real firsthand experiences.
1-We're really drawn to small colonial-style villages. Are there any similar to Casco Viejo in Panama City elsewhere in the country?
2-Which island is worth the detour, and are there any paradise-like beaches (clear water, snorkeling right from the beach) outside of Bocas del Toro and San Blas?
3-Which coast is better between Panama City and Bocas del Toro?
We're traveling with a child, so we'll avoid anything like treks or waterfalls that are hard to access.
Hi,
We had to cancel our trip to the Yucatan in April 2025.
So now I’m looking at 2026. But since it’s tricky to take time off during the April school holidays (we have young kids, so we have to travel around school vacation periods), what would be the best alternative time (we’re in Zone B)?
February break: end of February / early March
All Saints' break: end of October / early November
Summer vacation (but I don’t think that’s ideal).
I’m not mentioning Christmas—it’ll be too expensive.
hi, I have two kids aged 12 and 7, and we’d love to visit Costa Rica, especially to explore the national parks and see the wildlife.
I was thinking of going during the spring break in 2025.
All-inclusive trips are *super* expensive, so I was wondering if it’s doable to plan this independently, even though I don’t drive.
Has anyone had experience with this kind of trip?
Does it seem realistic to get around using local transport? And what about safety?
I’ve traveled alone with my kids before, but only in European countries close to France.
Thanks so much for your insights! !
