Nous avons prévu de passer 3 grandes semaines au Cambodge avec nos 2 enfants de 7 et 9 ans.
Voici l'itinéraire que nous avons prévu :
Jour 1 - Arrivée à Siem Reap
Jour 2 à 5 - Siem Reap (temples, ville, village flottant Kampong Khleang)
Jour 6 - trajet Battambang en bateau
Jour 7 - Battambang
Jour 8 - Trajet pour Phnom Penh
Jour 9 - Phnom Penh
Jour 10 à 13 - Kampot et Kep
Jour 14 - Sihanoukville
Jour 15 à 18 - Koh Rong Samloem
Jour 19 à 21 - trek light au Kirirom/Chambok ou Chi Pat
Jour 22 - Phnom Penh
Jour 23 - Phnom Penh et retour
Quelques questions:
- des avis sur l'itinéraire?
- faut-il prévoir un jour de plus à Siem Reap pour mieux en profiter?
- même question pour Battambang?
- est ce que la météo pluvieuse nous permettra de faire tout ca ou faut il abandonner certaines options?
- Est ce envisageable de faire un trek au Kirirom ou à Chi Pat à cette période? Lequel nous conseilleriez vous?
Siem Reap n’a pas d’intérêt particulier si ce n’est d’être le pied à terre pour visiter les temples d’angkor. Donc si tu as prévus de faire 3 jours plein à Angkor, pas besoin de rester plus longtemps dans la ville (tout au plus, tu trouveras de quoi faire des achats souvenirs/fringues/.. au marché de nuit). Perso, concernant les villages flottants, on s’est arrêté à Kompong Chhnang (entre Battambang et Phnom Penh), c’était très sympa. Peu de touriste (tu peux enchaîner ta journée par une balade en vélo dans les alentours si le temps te le permet!)
Concernant Battambang, j’ai trouvé que les principaux attraits résider aux alentours de la ville. Ce qui signifie de prévoir une journée et un moyen de locomotion. Sinon la ville se visite facilement le temps d’une journée (la promenade le long du Tonlé Sap est très agréable).
Pour les treks, je ne peux te conseiller (trop chaud lors de mon passage au Cambodge). J’ai eu des bons et des mauvais retour de Chi Pat.
Pour Siem Reap, nous avons effectivement prévu de passer 3 jours pour voir les temples, 1 journée au marché flottant de Kampong Khleang. Et encore une journée dans le coin. Je pensais qu'il était agréable de passer du temps à Siem reap et ses environs, c'est pourquoi on avait prévu d'y passer 5 jours, mais tu as l'air de dire le contraire.
Par contre on va certainement prévoir de passer une journée de plus à Battambang.
Effectivement, Battambang vaut vraiment la peine de rester deux ou trois jours, pour visiter la campagne aux alentours. C'est très joli et très paisible.
Concernant Siem Reap, nous y avons passé toute une semaine en juillet dernier, mon fils et moi, et nous ne nous sommes pas ennuyés ... J'avais prévu d'alterner une journée de visite des temples (dont une pour aller voir celui de Beng Mealea, qui nous a beaucoup plu) et une journée d'excursion ailleurs dans la campagne ou sur le Tonlé Sap.
Je vous recommande vivement de passer une soiré au cirque Phare, ça a été une soirée magnifique pour mon fils (8 ans à ce moment-là), comme pour moi. C'est bourré d'humour, de talent, de poésie, c'est magique.
Merci pour votre réponse et pour les bons tuyaux. Nous allons adapter notre itinéraire en conséquence (et prévoir une soirée au cirque!)
Est ce que vous sauriez nous renseigner sur une randonnée ou un trek à cette période. Nous voulions visiter le Kirirom ou Chi Pat ou une autre destination?
Non, malheureusement, je n'ai pas fait de trek pendant notre séjour, je ne peux pas vous aider ...
Par contre, comme randonnée, autour de Siem Reap, nous étions passés par l'agence Buffalo Trails pour aller visiter la campagne et c'est un super souvenir.
Pour le cirque, je précise qu'il n'est vraiment pas utile d'acheter les places les plus chères, elles se valent toutes et on voit très bien de partout dans le chapiteau, qui est petit. J'ajoute aussi que c'est plus qu'un cirque, c'est une association qui vient en aide aux enfants des rues, notamment (tous leurs artistes sont d'anciens enfants des rues).
Merci pour vos conseils.
Nous avons déjà passer quelques jours à Bagan au Myanmar avec les enfants, ils ont adoré. Je pense qu'on arrivera à les occuper pendant 3 jours en alternant avec d'autres activités autour de Siem Reap.
Si une fois rendus à Siem Reap, vous voulez casser le rythme des visites consacrées à l'architecture et à l'histoire, vous pouvez réserver 0,5 j à la visite de la magnanerie de Puok.
Vous y découvrirez toutes les étapes nécessaires à l'obtention du fil de soie dorée et à sa transformation. Le site abrite également une plantation de mûriers et une boutique. Puok est située géographiquement à environ 18 km à l'ouest de SR.
Il s'agit d'une soie rare, très recherchée, et en cours de réhabilitation au Cambodge depuis plusieurs années maintenant. Les cocons sont énormes, le fil qui en est tiré est plus court que dans le cas de la soie blanche, mais il est de plus gros diamètre.
En cas d'overdose de temples, filez vers Puok.
Pensez aussi aux ateliers de fabrication de palets et poudre de sucre de palmiers à sucre, en particulier sur l'axe SR - Banteay Srei. Il s'agit encore d'une activité exercée à l'échelon familial, et emblématique du pays bien que visible ailleurs en Asie où l'on pratique aussi la culture du palmier à sucre.
Bonsoir,
Les enfants connaisent Bagan et apprécient c'est une bonne culture générale.
J'ai visité 2 fois Bagan en calèche quel souvenir agréable et 3 visites au site Angkor pas de calèche trop étendu mais des tuc tuc climatisés ça va plaire au enfants.
A Siem Reap je vous conseille de prevoir 3-4 jours sur place. La visite des temples principaux peut se faire sur 2 grosses matinees (depart tot le matin retour debut d'aprem):
- 1 matinee petit tour
- 1 matinee grand tour
Ca vous permettra de couvrir environ 6-7 temples, ce qui est suffisant avec les enfants. Nous avons visite Siem Reap avec nos enfants de 8 et 5 ans en Novembre 2016 et on en garde tous un excellent souvenir. Je peux d'ailleurs vous recommender les services d'un jeune conducteur de tuk tuk qui fait egalement guide, un jeune homme adorable et extremement motive - il apprend entre autres plusieurs langues etrangeres pour mieux communiquer avec ses customers. Son prenom est Wang et son profile facebook Tuk Tuk friendly driver. Super sympa aussi avec les enfants, et un service impeccable, je recommende vivement!!
Il fait tres chaud a Siem Reap donc mon conseil est de commencer les visites tot le matin, et prendre un hotel avec une piscine pour les apres-midi, ca fait un bien fou apres avoir passe plusieurs heures dans la chaleur et la poussiere des routes.
La soiree au Cirque reste egalement un excellent souvenir, extremement bien organise et pro - des jeunes avec un talent extraordinaire.
Sinon il y a le marche couvert, flaner un peu dans les rues, les restos etc...
Nous sommes aussi une famille avec 2 enfants (11 et 13 ans) et nous rendons au Cambodge l'été prochain. Voici, à titre indicatif, notre programme:
Départ 28/07, retour 22/08, soit 24 jours
-29/07-03/08 : 5 nuits à Siem Reap (Angkor) . Hôtel Sweet Villa
Temples, Cours de cuisine, Cirque Phare, Danses Apsara, croisière villages flottants…
-03/08-07/08 : 4 nuits à Kampong Cham, dans une ONG (OBT Homestay Chiro)
Avec les habitants : pêche sur le Mékong, balade en char à bœufs, vélo sur l’île de Koh Paen (sur le Mékong), temples, rencontre et repas chez l’habitant, participation aux cours d’anglais des enfants de l’école dirigée par l’ONG…
-07/08-11/08 : 4 nuits à Sen Monorom, dans la jungle. Hôtel Indigenous People Lodge
Treck et bain avec les éléphants, chutes d’eau et cascades, rando…
-11/08-14/08 : 3 nuits à Phnom Penh. Hôtel Kabiki
Musée S21 (prison et musée du génocide par les Khmers Rouges), Marchés, visite de PSE (Pour un Sourire d’Enfant), croisière nocturne sur le Mékong, Palais Royal…
-14/08-20/08 : île de Koh Rong Samloem (4 nuits + 2 nuits à Sihanoukville pour prendre le Ferry) Hôtel Seapony Bungalow
-20-21/08 : Phnom Penh
Pour 4 personnes, budget total hébergements : 673 Euros
Transport (bus entre les villes, ferry) : 216 Euros
Bonsoir à tous,
Nous aussi on part le 21 juillet pour 1 mois avec 2 enfants (10 et 13 ans)
Voici notre parcours mais on se pose quelques questions notamment peut-être avons nous vu un peu grand !
Arrivée Phnom Penh 2 nuits
Kratie
Mondol Kiri
Kampong Cham
Kampong Luong
Siem Reap
Battambang
Koh Kong
Phumi Cham Yeam
Sihanoukville
Kaoh Rung Samloem
Kampot
Phnom Penh
On aimerait sur cet itinéraire ne rien râter, alors si vous avez des conseils à nous donner ou voire à modifier
Merci d'avance pour vos réponses
il ne faudra pas traîner !
Avez-vous calculer les temps de trajet pour chacune de ces étapes ?
Pour prendre un exemple :
> Battambang à Koh Kong : vous pensez pouvoir le faire en combien de temps ?
Ce n'est pas la "porte à côté", ça risque d'être long et fatigant (surtout avec 2 enfants).
Quand vous mettez "Mondol Kiri", ça signifie une journée sur place ? Ou un trek de 5 jours ?
A mon avis, vous devriez détailler un peu par journée.
Bonsoir,
et merci pour votre réponse
voici un lien où vous pourrez avoir plus de détails sur notre itinéraire avec la durée des différentes étapes, je ne suis pas sûr que ça fonctionne, alors n'hésitez pas à me redire si ça ne ne marche pas et vous qu'avez-vous prévu comme itinéraire ?
https://planificateur.a-contresens.net/itineraire/92877#.WsaPA3SJumc.mailto
je trouve que votre itinéraire est assez difficile à cerner, car il n'indique pas les temps de transports.
Personnellement, je pense qu'on partira sur quelque chose ressemblant à ça (on voyage à 4, avec 2 enfants de 7 et 10 ans).
"Copier coller" de ce que j'ai imaginé, mais c'est seulement indicatif.
On a réservé quelques hôtels (Battambang, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh et Bangkok). Le reste, on verra sur place car on ne veut pas être "esclave" de cet itinéraire.
J1 – Dimanche 15/07 (trajet Bangkok - Battambang)
Arrivée à Bangkok à 09h35
Trajet Bangkok – Poipet (taxi réservé, environ 3h00 – 2100 Baths ou 60 $ / 54 €)
Passage de la frontière
Trajet Poipet – Battambang (180 km, 2h30 au maximum / en taxi 30/40 $ maximum)
Le matin, bus Poipet – Battambang : 200 Baths (6$) / personne
Taxi collectif Poipet – Battambang : 200 Baths (6$) pour une étape de 100 km.
Capitol Tours : Poipet – Battambang à 13h30 (le dernier) en 3h30 : prix : 5$
GH à Battambang : Blue Guest House, Street 106 : 54 $ / 3 nuits
Chambre familiale 4 lits
J2 – Lundi 16/07 (BATTAMBANG)
Quartier colonial (voir document KA Architectural Tours)
Balade à pied vers village de Vat Kor (2 km au sud) et maisons khmers (1,5 km plus loin).
Cf. LP p. 245
Cirque Phare Ponleu Selpak (spectacle à 19h00, billets en vente à 18h00) : 14$ / 7$
J3 – Mardi 17/07 (BATTAMBANG)
Balade dans les environs (artisanat local – LP p. 253) : location moto ou tuk-tuk
Terminer par l’envol des chauves-souris au Phnom Sampeau à 12 km au SO (vers 17h30)
Peut-être un stop à Kompong Luong (village flottant) avec nuit à Krakor.
Dans ce cas, on enlèvera une journée ailleurs (à Kompong Chhnang ou Kompong Cham).
J4 – Mercredi 18/07 (trajet Battambang – Kompong Chhnang)
Trajet en bus Battambang – Kompong Chhnang (90 km avant Phnom Penh) soit 254 km
Prendre un bus direction Phnom Penh (Capitol dès 06h45, trajet en 5h00 jusque PP, prix 8$)
http://www.capitoltourscambodia.com/
Pas de gare routière centrale, trajet réel : 3h30 à 04h00
Capitol Tours : Battambang – Phnom Penh (254 km) toutes les 30 minutes en 5h00 : prix : 8$
J5 – Jeudi 19/07 (KOMPONG CCHNANG)
Marché local (tôt le matin) à 2 km du centre
Location vélo / campagne
Barque sur le quai : 10 $ / barque / heure
Village flottant au coucher de soleil : Phoum Kandal (viet) & Chong Kos (khmer)
J6 – Vendredi 20/07 (KOMPONG CHHNANG)
Location moto ou tuk-tuk
Village de potiers (Ondong Rossey à 7 km), Vat Santuk (à qqes km), campagne
J7 – Samedi 21/07 (trajet Kompong Chhnang – Phnom Penh)
Trajet Kompong Chhnang – Phnom Penh (trajet en 2h00, pour 3 à 5$)
GH à Phnom Penh : RS III Location Hostel, Preah Ang Makhak Vann St. (178), 855 77668999
Chambre familiale 4 lits : 26,70 € / 2 nuits = 13,34 € / nuit
Ballade sur le quai Sisowath (fin d’après-midi)
Quartier français, pagode Wat Phnom
Psar Kandall
Marché russe (?)
J8 – Dimanche 22/07 (PHNOM PENH)
Marché O'Russei et son quartier
Après-midi : Vat Phnom
J9 – Lundi 23/07 (trajet Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville)
Trajet Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville (durée : entre 04h00 et 06h00)
Site Giant Ibis : bus Universe County à 08h00 : 13$ (trajet en 5h30 avec un arrêt 30’) : http://giantibis.com/
Europe GH : bus Giant Ibis à 08h00 : 11 $ (trajet en 04h00)
Minivan Mekong Express à 8h00 : 10 $ (trajet en 4h00) TUK TUK Gare routière – Otres : 5 à 8 $
TAXI (Petit futé) : 55 $, mieux car directement à l’hôtel à Sihanoukville
Après-midi à Sihanoukville : repos / plage
J10 – Mardi 24/07 (SIHANOUKVILLE)
Sianoukville Otres 2
?? Plage de Prek Treng Beach (au nord de Sianoukville)
REPOS
J11 – Mercredi 25/07 (trajet Sihanoukville – Kampot)
Trajet Sihanoukville – Kampot (durée : 2h30 minimum)
Site Giant Ibis : bus Universe County à 09h00 : 8$ (trajet en 2h15) : http://giantibis.com/
Alternative : minibus (Anna Travel, Rith Travel, Kampot tours à éviter)
Alternative : taxi (30 $ en octobre 2015 / 25 à 35 $ en principe)
Après-midi à Kampot
J12 – Jeudi 26/07 (KAMPOT)
Kampot – Balade dans les mangroves en canoé (rivière Prek Kampong)
Balade à vélo / moto (Fishing Island...)
J13 – Vendredi 27/07 (KAMPOT)
Environs : collines calcaires (grottes de Phnom Chhnork, Phnom Sorsia), marais salants (ne fonctionnent pas en été ??), plage secrète de Angkul Beach (?)
Location moto ou tuk-tuk
J14 – Samedi 28/07 (trajet Kampot – Kep)
Trajet Kampot - Kep (30 minutes de minibus pour 3$ / personne). Taxi : 10 $
Site Giant Ibis : bus Universe County à 10h45 : 3$ (trajet en 0h30) : http://giantibis.com/
Après-midi à Kep : plage, marché aux crabes
J15 – Dimanche 29/07 (KEP)
Matin : parc National de Kep*, à pied (bouche de 8 km, en 4h00)
Après-midi : tuk tuk - plantations de poivre (Sothy’s Pepper Farm) & Wat Kirisan (Kirisela) **
J16 – Lundi 30/07 (KEP – Koh Tonsay)
Journée sur l’île aux lapins (Koh Tonsay).
Embarcadère à l’est de la plage, départ à 09h00, retour vers 16h00 (bateau 30 minutes).
Prix : 10$ / personne / AR. ?? bateau AR 6 personnes 25 $
J17 – Mardi 31/07 (trajet Kep – Phnom Penh – Kompong Cham)
Trajet Kep – Phnom Penh (TAXI : 40 à 45 $) – De 3h00 à 4h00
Site Giant Ibis : bus Universe County à 08h00 : 10$ (trajet en 3h00) : http://giantibis.com/
Trajet Phnom Penh – Kompong Cham (124 km par la N7) – Environ 2h00 / 3h00
Bus Sorya, Rith Mony, Capitol à 14h00 (1 bus par heure jusque 16h00) : 5 $
J18 – Mercredi 01/08 (KOMPONG CHAM – Ile de Koh Paen)
Kompong Cham – Journée sur l’île de Koh Paen (balade à pied ou à vélo)
J19 – Jeudi 02/08 (KOMPONG CHAM)
Kompong Cham – Balade en tuk-tuk (Pagode bois de Vat Maha Leap, Village soie Prey Chung Kan, plantation d’héveas Michelin à Chup, collines Phnom Srei, Phnom Pros)
J20 – Vendredi 03/08 (trajet Kompong Cham – Kratie)
Trajet Kompong Cham à Kratie (220 km, 3h00 à 4h30 pour 15000 / 20000 Riels ou 5$)
SORYA : départ à 11h00 (10000 à 17000 Riels) – HUA LIAN : départ à 10h00 (30 000 Riels)
LP : BUS via Chhlong, départ à 09h30 – Trajet en 2h00 (20 000 Riels)
Logement chez l’habitant : Koh Trong Community Homestay
Après-midi sur l’île
J21 – Samedi 04/08 (KRATIE – Ile de Koh Trong)
Matinée sur l’île
Traversée en journée
Nuit à Kratie
J22 – Dimanche 05/08 (KRATIE)
Marché le matin
Balade en vélo dans les environs
Nuit à Kratie centre, pour prendre le bus le lendemain.
J23 – Lundi 06/08 (trajet Kratie – Siem Reap)
Trajet Kratie – Siem Reap 280 km (4 bus / jour en 4h30 minimum) - Départ à 07h30
Ou minibus 13 $
Après-midi à Siem Reap
Récupérer billets Angkor à 17h30.
Hôtel à Siem Reap : The Unique Angkor Villa, 558, Stueng Thmey Village, Svay Dangkum Commune. Téléphone : 855 12927731
Chambre familiale Deluxe 4 lits (piscine) : 115,20 $ / 5 nuits = 23,04 $ / nuit
Comme tu le vois, j'ai essayé de limiter les grosses journées de transport, et le nombre d'étapes. On aime prendre le temps (ou essayer de le faire, en seulement 1 mois).
On est pas trop plage, on préfère la campagne, où l'on aime se balader un peu au hasard, à pied, à vélo, à moto...
J'ai placé quelques jours à la plage pour faire plaisir aux filles, en essayant de les espacer un peu sur les 30 jours (J9-10 puis J16). Sans les enfants, je n'aurais pas mis les pieds à Sihanoukville par exemple. Mais ça me servira à les motiver ;-)
Alors comme tu as pu le constater, nous ne sommes pas aussi avancé dans l'organisation de notre voyage, vous avez réservé tous les hôtels que tu as indiqué ?
Nous concernant une réservation des 2 1ère nuits nous suffit, on avisera le reste sur place, et sans les enfants, je pense que nous aurions rien réservé.
On aime bien s'adapter en fonction des rencontres.
Pour Angkor, vous avez réservé des choses ? comme un guide français ? et les visites à pied, en Tuk-tuk, vélo.....
et pour nous passer du temps sur les îles nous paraît indispensable, nous sommes allés en Indonésie sur de toutes petites îles et c'est des souvenirs que nous n'oublierons pas et encore plus avec les enfants.
Purée t'es un agent de voyage à toi tout seul Frédéric ; ça c'est du planning détaillé 😛.
Je rentre de 3 semaines au Cambodge et je vais faire (bientôt, dés que j'aurais le temps😉 ) un carnet de voyage qui devrait vous intéresser à tous les 2.
Je vais au moins pouvoir te renseigner sur la "plage secrète d'Angkul beach" que nous sommes aller voir (et j'en ris d'avance mais je te laisse la surprise 😄)
A bientôt alors 😎
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
- le premier à Battambang (on arrivera directement de Bangkok après une journée de vol et un passage de frontière dans la foulée... je ne sais pas trop à quel heure, donc ça me paraissait confortable).
- le dernier à Siem Reap (car je voulais un truc plus "sympa" avec piscine, bien placé, mais pas trop cher, pour terminer le voyage avec un peu de "luxe").
- celui à Phnom Penh (par facilité)
- celui à Bangkok (car on partira de Siem Reap le matin même, avec une journée de déplacement dans les pattes, sans savoir quand on arrivera et avec le vol retour le lendemain matin. Je voulais donc trouver un hôtel proche du Skyline).
Pour Angkor, oui, j'ai réservé un tuk-tuk pendant 4 jours.
J'ai utilisé les propositions du forum pour l'organisation des 4 jours et j'ai contacté un conducteur francophone conseillé par le forum.
selon ce que j'ai pu lire (ou voir à droite et à gauche) sur des blogs, Angkuol Beach, pour faire une rime, ça serait "plage locale" mais aussi à priori "très sale".
Donc, je verrais sur place si on me conseille d' aller ou pas.
Et ben tant pis, raté pour la surprise 😏.
Je dirais un village de pécheurs hyper authentique (ils bossaient tous sur leurs filets quand on y était), une plage magnifique bordée de cocotiers ....le tout archi, méga, super dégueulasse (et j'ai un seuil de tolérance assez élevé, moi l'amoureuse de l'Inde 😛).
Mais je ne regrette pas ne serait ce que parce que la balade pour y aller est bien sympa et que ça a été quasiment le seul coin où on n'a pas croisé de blancs sur ses 3 semaines ah ah
A bientôt pour la suite
Christelle
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Ah oui tu vas être gâté pour les photos 😛.
Patience, j'essaie de m'y mettre bientôt 😉
"D'autres endroits de ce type" tu veux dire quoi ? : authentique et degueu, oui, authentique et propre non !!
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Peut-être un stop à Kompong Luong (village flottant) avec nuit à Krakor.
Dans ce cas, on enlèvera une journée ailleurs (à Kompong Chhnang ou Kompong Cham).
Bonsoir,
J'aimerais savoir si vous êtes allés à Kompong Luong et si oui, si c'est différent des villages flottants à Kompong Chhnang.
Merci d'avance
Murielle
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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’ve read the forum a lot and found a wealth of information. I’ve tried to compile all of it into our itinerary and would love your feedback to finalize the bookings (we’re planning this *very* last-minute).
Here’s what we’re thinking of doing:
22 July: arrival in Johannesburg
Night of 22–23: Johannesburg
Nights of 23–26: Marloth Park (with Kruger visits on the 24th, 25th, and a crossing visit on the 26th)
Nights of 26–28: Graskop (visiting the canyon and Panorama Road on the 27th and 28th)
Nights of 28–30: Hoedspruit (visiting the central area of Kruger on the 29th?)
Nights of 30 July–1 August: Balule Park (private reserve with safari)
Nights of 1–5 August: flight from Hoedspruit to Cape Town, then 2 days in Cape Town, 1 day on the peninsula, and 2 days for wine (just the route) or something else based on your advice (we don’t know where to stay—whether to stay all 5 nights in Cape Town and where in the city, or do 2 nights in Cape Town and 3 nights nearby—but where?)
Night of 5–6 August: Kelders for penguins and whales
Nights of 6–8 August: Tsitsikamma (what is there to do/see?)
Nights of 8–10 August: Addo Park on the 9th
10 August: flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg and back home
What do you think?
Is there a lot of driving time?
We’d really appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Thanks!
I wanted to share our experience after a 5-day trip to Armenia with my wife and our 8-month-old baby.
It’s a destination that’s still relatively unknown, but it’s really worth the trip, especially if you enjoy cultural, spiritual, historical, and human-centered travel.
We were looking for a change of scenery but not too complicated with a baby—and easy to organize (even though our travel agency helped us a lot, thanks to them! 😊). In the end, Armenia was a wonderful surprise. It’s not a "postcard-perfect" destination. It’s a raw, mountainous, ancient country with real depth.
And most importantly: Armenians *love* children.
That’s probably what surprised us the most. In restaurants, waitresses, owners, or even other customers would naturally come over to play with our baby, hold them for a few minutes, smile at them, or keep them entertained while we ate.
It wasn’t intrusive. It was very natural, very family-oriented. You can tell that children have a real place in society. For parents traveling with a baby, it’s honestly a pleasure.
Day 1 — Yerevan
We started with Yerevan, a pleasant capital that’s quite easy to explore with a child.
The city isn’t huge. You can stroll around Republic Square, visit cafés, discover markets, and walk at a relaxed pace.
With a baby, it’s pretty practical: you can easily take breaks, return to the hotel, or go back out in the evening. The vibe is laid-back, family-friendly, and we felt safe.
In the evening, Yerevan is very lively. The restaurants are welcoming, and almost everywhere, our baby drew smiles.
Day 2 — Etchmiadzin and Khor Virap
On the second day, we headed to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual heart of Armenia. It’s an important place for understanding the country and its Christian identity.
Then, we visited Khor Virap, facing Mount Ararat.
It’s probably one of the most striking places on the trip. The monastery, the plain, the distant Ararat—everything is visually and symbolically powerful.
With a baby, you just need to plan a relaxed pace, avoid rushing, and take your time.
Day 3 — Garni and Geghard
The third day was one of our favorites.
We visited the Temple of Garni, very different from the monasteries, with a stunning setting in the mountains.
Then we went to Geghard, a monastery partially carved into the rock.
The atmosphere is incredible. It’s quiet, mineral, almost timeless. Even if you’re not very religious, you feel something.
With a child, the visit goes well, but again, it’s best not to overload the day. The key is to keep a flexible pace.
Day 4 — Noravank
On the fourth day, we headed to Noravank.
The road itself is an experience: dry landscapes, mountains, red rocks, valleys. The monastery is surrounded by impressive cliffs.
It’s one of the most beautiful sites we saw in Armenia.
You really get the sense that Armenian monasteries were built in impossible places—between sky, stone, and mountain.
Along the way, you can also pass through the Areni region, known for its wine. With a baby, we mostly prioritized simple breaks, relaxed meals, and uncompressed travel times.
Day 5 — Lake Sevan and return to Yerevan
For the last day, we went to Lake Sevan.
The lake is vast, bright, and surrounded by mountains. The Sevanavank Monastery, up high, offers a beautiful view.
It’s a gentler stop, perfect for ending the trip.
Then we returned to Yerevan for a final dinner. Once again, the welcome in restaurants stood out. In Armenia, traveling with a baby isn’t seen as a hassle. On the contrary, people spontaneously come up to the child.
Our overall impression
In 5 days, you obviously don’t see all of Armenia. To reach Tatev, Dilijan, Haghpat, or Sanahin, you’d need more like 7 to 10 days.
But for a first visit, 5 days are enough to feel the essence: Yerevan, the major monasteries, Mount Ararat, the landscapes, the Christian history, and the Armenian hospitality.
What we loved most:
- the kindness of people toward our baby;
- the very family-friendly atmosphere;
- the monasteries in incredible landscapes;
- the view of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap;
- the atmosphere of Geghard;
- the cliffs of Noravank;
- the food;
- the feeling of safety;
- the fact that the country is still relatively untouched by mass tourism.
What to know when traveling with a baby:
- distances can be longer than expected;
- some roads are mountainous;
- avoid overloading the day;
- it’s better to have a driver or a car;
- plan for breaks, water, diapers, baby meals;
- a stroller isn’t always practical on ancient sites;
- a baby carrier can be very useful.
Recommended 5-day itinerary
For a first trip, I’d suggest:
Day 1: Yerevan
Day 2: Etchmiadzin + Khor Virap
Day 3: Garni + Geghard
Day 4: Noravank + Areni
Day 5: Sevan + return to Yerevan
It’s balanced, not too tiring, and gives a great first impression of the country.
Conclusion
Armenia is a wonderful destination with a baby, as long as you travel slowly and don’t try to see everything.
What touched us most, beyond the landscapes and monasteries, was the attitude toward children. There, you feel that babies are welcomed with real tenderness. In restaurants, people naturally helped us, played with our child, and gave us a few minutes to breathe.
That’s rare, and it makes a big difference in the travel experience.
Armenia isn’t a destination you consume quickly.
It’s a country that you *feel*.
For those who love cultural, spiritual, historical, family, and human-centered travel, I highly recommend it.
Hi everyone,
We're heading to Colombia soon for two weeks as a family with our two 10-year-old boys. I'm a bit behind on planning our itinerary and could really use your advice!
We arrive in Cartagena, where we'll spend 3 nights.
Next, we're heading to the Tayrona area for 3 nights. Could you recommend a nice hotel with a pool, ideally family-friendly? Unfortunately, Senda Watapuy and Senda Koguiwa are already fully booked for our dates.
After that, we were thinking of spending a few days in Minca. Is that a good idea in late July/early August? How many nights would you recommend?
Finally, we're looking for a last stop before returning to France. We've heard about Mompox, but we're hesitant because it seems like a big detour. We love nature, animals, beautiful landscapes, beaches, and authentic places. Do you think Mompox is worth the detour with two kids, or would you recommend another destination (Palomino, Barú, La Guajira...) instead?
We don’t want to take any domestic flights.
Thanks in advance for all your tips and experiences!
This summer, we’ve decided to do a 3-week road trip starting from Nice and heading down to Ksamil in Albania.
We’re leaving from Nice, and our route is already pretty much set:
Nice - Verona (Italy) - Rijeka (Croatia) - Zadar - Split - Budva (Montenegro) - Shkodër (Albania) - Ksamil, then back through Italy via Bari.
The itinerary is packed! 🙂
Do you have any suggestions for things to see—visits, beaches, viewpoints, villages, or excursions—to make the most of our journey?
Hi there, we're planning our vacation in Indonesia. We're a family with two kids aged 11 and 14. We leave on July 26th and return on August 17th, 2026.
We initially planned to visit Bali, Komodo, and Flores, but after looking into it more, we came across Sumatra, which is less touristy... a real plus for us. However, skipping Bali might be a shame.
I was wondering if spending 12 days in Sumatra and finishing with about 7 days in Bali is a doable plan.
Hi,
I’m traveling with my 5-year-old son this summer to Northern Thailand, Northern Vietnam, Yunnan, and Indonesia. I plan to equip him with a GPS tracker, but the SIM cards come with a contract. Do you know what the options are in Asia?
Thanks,
Nora
Hi there,
We’d like to spend 2 days in Lyon in May with our 8- and 12-year-old kids, exploring the city on foot.
We’ll arrive on day 1 around 11 AM and leave on day 2 around 6 PM.
I’ve mapped out two routes and was wondering if they’re doable in our 2 days, and if you have any tips or info on visit prices.
We’re not sure where to stay yet, but we’d like to optimize by booking accommodation (hotel or Airbnb) between the two routes, maybe?
Hi there!
I’m planning a trip with my wife and our three kids (ages 9, 6, and 3) from April 16 to May 6.
I’ve started sketching out the itinerary, trying to alternate between visits, hikes, safaris, and downtime. I want to keep the pace relaxed given the kids’ ages.
Could you let me know what you think of this route? I removed Nuwara Eliya, which I had originally planned before Ella, to cut down on stops. I was also wondering if I should break up the Arugam Bay to Colombo leg with an overnight in Galle, since it’s a long drive.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Day 1 – 04/16: Wilpattu
Arrival at the airport (08:00) + transfer to Wilpattu (180 km, 4–5 h) + afternoon safari
Overnight: Wilpattu
Day 2 – 04/17: Wilpattu
Morning & afternoon safari
Overnight: Wilpattu
Day 3 – 04/18: Trincomalee
Transfer Wilpattu → Trincomalee (200 km, 4–5 h) + beach relaxation
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 4 – 04/19: Trincomalee
Nilaveli Beach
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 5 – 04/20: Trincomalee
Pigeon Island snorkeling
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 6 – 04/21: Trincomalee
Fort Frederick & relaxation
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 7 – 04/22: Sigiriya
Transfer Trincomalee → Sigiriya (120 km, ~3 h) + visit to Dambulla
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 8 – 04/23: Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 9 – 04/24: Sigiriya
Minneriya safari
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 10 – 04/25: Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa & village tour
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 11 – 04/26: Ella
Transfer Sigiriya → Ella (230 km, 5–6 h) + rest
Overnight: Ella
Day 12 – 04/27: Ella
Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arches Bridge
Overnight: Ella
Day 13 – 04/28: Ella
Ella Rock
Overnight: Ella
Day 14 – 04/29: Ella
Tea Factory & relaxation
Overnight: Ella
Day 15 – 04/30: Yala
Transfer Ella → Yala (110 km, 2–3 h) + afternoon safari
Overnight: Yala
Day 16 – 05/01: Arugam Bay
Transfer Yala → Arugam Bay (80 km, 2.5–3 h) + beach time
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 17 – 05/02: Arugam Bay
Surfing & relaxation
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 18 – 05/03: Arugam Bay
Local exploration
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 19 – 05/04: Colombo
Transfer Arugam Bay → Colombo (320 km, 7–8 h) + rest
Overnight: Colombo
Day 20 – 05/05: Colombo
City tour & shopping
Overnight: Colombo
Day 21 – 05/06: Colombo
Morning return flight from Colombo
We’re heading to Sri Lanka for three weeks in July with two kids (ages 6 and 13).
We’ve drafted a rough itinerary but would love to hear from those who’ve already been there 😊
Of course, we want to see everything, but we have to make choices—even though three weeks on the ground lets us do quite a bit.
We originally planned a schedule that felt too packed, so we had to cut one stop. We decided to skip Tangalle, even though we were really tempted. The monsoon won’t let us swim there, and the weather in the south is too uncertain, so we preferred to keep our stops on the east coast. Plus, we don’t think it’s reasonable to cut nights from other places.
We’ve added a stop in Batticaloa, which we think will be a nice break between Arugam Bay and Sigiriya. What do you think?
We’re also debating between Batticaloa and Passikudah.
Does the itinerary seem logical to you?
Here it is:
Sri Lanka Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival around 1 PM at the airport
Night in Negombo
Day 2
Drive from Negombo to Galle
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Night in Galle
Day 3
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Night in Galle
Day 4
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Drive from Galle to Udawalawe
Night in Udawalawe
Day 5
Visit Udawalawe National Park
Night in Udawalawe
Day 6
Drive from Udawalawe to Ella
Night in Ella
Day 7
Ella Rock
+ Nine Arch Bridge
Night in Ella
Day 8
Visit Haputale
Lipton’s Seat and Dambatenne Tea Factory
Train ride back from Haputale to Ella
Night in Ella
Day 9
Little Adam’s Peak
+ drive from Ella to Arugam Bay
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 10
Visit Arugam Bay and surrounding areas
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 11
Visit Arugam Bay and surrounding areas
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 12
Drive from Arugam Bay to Batticaloa
Night in Batticaloa
Day 13
Visit Batticaloa
Night in Batticaloa
Day 14
Drive from Batticaloa to Sigiriya
Night in Sigiriya
Day 15
Lion Rock and Pidurangala
Night in Sigiriya
Day 16
Visit Dambulla
Drive from Sigiriya to Trincomalee
Night in Trincomalee
Day 17
Visit Trincomalee and surrounding areas
Night in Trincomalee
Day 18
Visit Trincomalee and surrounding areas
Night in Trincomalee
Day 19
Drive from Trincomalee to Anuradhapura
Night in Anuradhapura
Day 20
Visit Anuradhapura
Night in Anuradhapura
Day 21
Visit Mihintale
Drive from Anuradhapura to Negombo
Night in Negombo
Day 22
Day in Negombo and return flight
We’d love to hear your thoughts and tips! Thanks in advance!
We’re planning a 4-month trip in spring 2027. We’re looking for a third destination that optimizes transport costs. Ideally, somewhere very different from the other two (Polynesia and Indonesia). Thanks
Hi everyone!
We’re so excited to be heading to Italy for the first time this April with our two kids for a week. We’ve booked our round-trip flight, and we’ll be arriving and departing from Pisa.
Our rough plan so far includes visiting Pisa, taking the train to Florence, and exploring the Cinque Terre. Last night, a friend also suggested adding Siena to the list.
Our kids are 12 and 9 and are used to walking, but we’re not looking to rush around too much. We’d love any advice, especially about accommodation. Should we stay in Pisa and take day trips by train, or split our nights between a couple of different places?
We’re just starting our research, so any tips would be amazing! 😉
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone.
A few days ago, I asked my 14-year-old son to pick a destination for a trip, and he chose Germany. So, we’re heading to Berlin for four days in February. The catch is that I don’t know this city (or this country) at all—I hadn’t even considered visiting just a month ago .
Could you please share some suggestions to make this first mother-son trip abroad a success? 🙂
Thanks for your tips and great deals.
Nanyne
Next summer, we (2 adults and a 12-year-old child) have decided to visit Japan.
Admittedly, it’s still early to plan everything, but my wife will soon need to request her vacation time—either in August or July... and we’re hesitating.
I know summer isn’t the ideal time to visit Japan, but we don’t really have a choice... It’s either July or August. On one hand, I’d love to experience the O-Bon festivities from August 14th to 16th, and I’ve drafted an initial itinerary that would let us experience the Gujo Hachiman Bon Odori, possibly visit the Okunoin Cemetery in Koyasan, and be in Kyoto on the 16th for the Gozan Okuribi fires. But on the other hand, I’m worried it’ll be *packed*, especially in Kyoto, and less enjoyable than in July. So, have any of you experienced these celebrations? Are they worth it? Too crowded? Do you know of other celebrations or festivals in July?
Thanks for your input!
I’m reaching out because I’ve already read tons of info from other forums (thanks a million, by the way!) and blogs, but now I’m overwhelmed with details and have so many questions. I’m really hoping you can help us figure this out! Here’s the plan:
We’re leaving France for Senegal in our camper van (with two kids, aged 4 and 7), then shipping the van to South Africa before heading to Namibia. We’re planning to leave this summer and should arrive in South Africa in early September. The goal is to reach Réunion by early December, which gives us 3 months to explore Southern Africa. Originally, we wanted to pick up the van in Cape Town, head up to Namibia, and visit the main parks and iconic spots, then go north to Botswana (Etosha Park) and Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) before heading back down to South Africa to enjoy the milder temperatures while exploring the country. But now we’re wondering how to get back to South Africa. We’ve come up with three options:
- Head back down through Botswana: I’ve read everywhere that Botswana isn’t recommended for kids under 6 (most parks) because it can be potentially dangerous—few enclosures for animals (even though we have a camper van with "secure" beds), and the agencies we’ve contacted don’t recommend it. Plus, southern Botswana is tough to navigate in a camper van.
- Return from central Botswana (Maun) to Windhoek and drive back to Cape Town via Namibia.
- Cross Zimbabwe and potentially Mozambique to head down to Kruger Park and Johannesburg.
Anyone familiar with this region have any recommendations?
Also, is it necessary to book accommodations in advance? Is that only required in certain countries (maybe Botswana/Zimbabwe)? We’d like a mix of camping and lodges.
Hi there,
We’re planning a two-week trip to Colombia with our two kids at the end of July – early August, with a round-trip flight to Cartagena.
What itinerary would you recommend, knowing we’d prefer to avoid domestic flights?
We were thinking of Cartagena, Tayrona Park, Mompox, and maybe an island.
Do you think it’s a shame to skip big cities like Bogotá or Medellín?
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
Good morning! We're heading to Cape Verde for 2 weeks at the end of April—São Vicente, Boa Vista, and Santiago. We’re a family of 5: 3 kids (4, 6, and 12) and 2 adults.
My questions revolve around beaches (a spot with interesting snorkeling and safe swimming for the kids), accommodation (kid-friendly, parks nearby, pool, beach, or nature—more like guesthouses or family-run pensions), hikes (accessible for kids), and whether renting a car makes sense depending on the island, even though local buses are an adventure in themselves.
**Santiago:**
- Beach & snorkeling: Tarrafal, Quebra Canela in Praia, Ribeira da Barca (okay for kids?), Águas Belas?
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: Malagueta?, Baobab Boa Entrada, Pico António (accessible? elevation gain, time to climb, difficulty, interest for kids?)
**Boa Vista:**
- Beach + snorkeling: Santa Mónica, Praia de Chaves, Gatas, ... Estoril Beach in Sal Rei maybe?
- Can we swim at Turtle Bay to see the turtles even though it’s not nesting season?
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: Viana Desert? Can we explore it solo by renting a 4x4 and easily find the points of interest?
- Is it worth renting a 4x4 for our stay in Boa Vista?
**São Vicente:**
- Beach + snorkeling: Laginha, Porto Grande, Praia Grande, Baía das Gatas, São Pedro...? (safe, good snorkeling?)
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: cliffs?, Monte Verde?
Thanks for your feedback, great tips—especially for accommodation where we’re totally in the dark! And your thoughts on whether renting a car is a good idea and which beaches are safest for kids.
Hi,
We’d like to visit the Alpes de Haute-Provence for 2 weeks with our 2 (adult) kids.
Any ideas for things to see and do?
Where should we choose our accommodation (house only) to be centrally located for sightseeing? We’re looking for villages with restaurants and bakeries.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Best regards
Hi there, we’re heading to Tuscany in the second half of August with two kids (8 and 6 years old).
We’ve zeroed in on the area around Siena and Florence for now.
I’m looking for recommendations on places to stay and things to see that are great for families.
Also, just to add, we’ll be traveling by train and plan to rent a car once we’re there—any tips on car rental companies?
Hello everyone,
We’ve decided to head to Quebec next year—it’s been a dream for the whole family (after watching so many travel shows and the like...). There’ll be five of us: 2 adults, 2 teens (16 and 13), and a child (8 years old). We’re all pretty good walkers, though maybe the teens a little less so—it’s just that age, you know? 😊 That said, they’ve got no problem doing 15 km hikes, just not every single day.
We’re planning to go from July 23 to August 14, arriving and departing from Montreal, so almost 3 weeks.
I’ve started looking into logistics and accommodation prices, but before I dive into bookings, I’d love some advice on the itinerary. I’ve read a few threads here and there.
Our idea is to visit between 3 and 5 different places over the 3 weeks, so that means the same number of accommodations. The goal is to optimize travel as much as possible—I’ve realized that getting around can take a long time.
I think the first two days will be in Montreal to adjust to the time difference, and the last two in Quebec City, though that’s not set in stone.
Anyway, I’m not really sure about the route. I’ve got time to plan everything, but I know the longer we wait, the more expensive and scarce accommodations will get.
Same goes for budget—we’ve set aside a mid-range budget, flights included: 3k per person (1k for the flight). So if you’ve got any great tips or advice, we’re all ears!
I was thinking of going up the St. Lawrence River, but I’m not sure how long that takes or where to stop. Maybe there are other places worth visiting farther away...
Anyway, thanks for reading this far! If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate.
I hope you're starting this new year with your head full of travel memories or plans!!
I’d love to spend a week in July on a Greek island with my 8-year-old son. I’m totally in love with Amorgos, but not all the beaches are accessible for him. I’ve been to Santorini and Naxos before and don’t want to go back. Would you have an island to recommend that’s not too crowded 😕, with a few accessible beaches and where we won’t have to fight to get around or park?
A few months ago, I posted a message in the Southern Africa section about a family trip in July/August. In the end, since I had too much trouble deciding on the destination and procrastinated too much with the planning 😎, I changed my mind and we’re going for a completely different trip—to Madagascar, a country we already know a bit since we’ve traveled there several times for 4 to 6 months each time, though our last visit was back in 2012!
The tickets are booked: 19 days on the ground (excluding arrival and departure days in Tana), spanning July and August.
We’re not looking to rack up landscapes (and kilometers). The kids really want to see lots of animals, while we mostly want to show them what daily life is like in Malagasy villages. So ideally, we’d like a trip split into two parts:
- For 8/10 days, a hiking portion. The idea isn’t to do a tough trek in very remote areas but rather to walk from one village to another. Let’s say 3-4 hours a day. And when we arrive in each village, we’d have time to explore a bit, chat with the locals, let our kids play with the village children, etc. Stay with locals when possible. Move to a new village every day or every 2-3 days.
- A few days visiting 1 or 2 national parks (with lemurs if possible to keep everyone happy!)
- With the inevitable travel days, we’ll quickly hit 19 days.
Does this kind of trip sound doable (and fun) to you? Do you know of any villages that would fit our hiking plans?
I don’t have a preferred region yet, except that very dry landscapes appeal to me less. My real love from past trips was the highlands and their bright green rice paddies against red earth, but I’m a bit worried about the cold at this time of year.
After my initial research (thanks to this forum), I get the impression that the Ambalavao/Ambohimahamasina area might meet our criteria. I saw there are "accueil paysan" (farm stays) in that area, which could match what we’re looking for and would let us visit Andringitra National Park and Ranomafana on the way there or back.
But I’m open to all your more original ideas!
For logistical questions (transport, guides, accommodations, etc.), I’ll tackle those later—it’ll depend on the area we choose.
We’re a family with young kids (6 years old, 3 years old, and a newborn) and we’d like to spend about ten days in Aquitaine (in Gironde or Les Landes).
We’d love to be near pretty villages to visit and, if possible, close to the sea.
We’re planning to stay at a campsite with a pool so the kids can play.
Could you recommend any places/villages/campsites for us?
We don’t know the region at all.
We’re a family of five (our kids are 6, 15, and 19) and we’d love to go somewhere warm with our feet in the water during the first two weeks of August 2026. We’d also like to do some cultural visits and a bit of hiking. We were thinking of Guadeloupe—I know it’s not the ideal time of year, but we don’t have much flexibility. Is it really a bad idea, or can we still enjoy it despite the weather?
Another option for us would be Madeira, which seems more reliable weather-wise, but it sounds like the beaches are less accessible and not as nice.
We haven’t really looked elsewhere because everything else (except the Canary Islands, Balearics, or Corsica) seems way too expensive. But if you’ve got any recommendations, don’t hesitate—we’re just starting to look into it.
Hi,
This summer, we’re spending a month in Malaysia. There are 3 adults and two kids in our group. I’ve just finished planning our itinerary and I’d love to get your thoughts on whether it feels "coherent."
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Christelle
07/07 Depart France 10:30 AM
08/07 Arrive KL 7:50 PM
09/07 KL
10/07 KL / Batu Caves
11/07 KL
12/07 KL → Kuching (flight)
13/07 Kuching
14/07 Bako National Park
15/07 Bako → Kuching
16/07 Semenggoh Reserve
17/07 Kuching → Mulu (flight)
18/07 Mulu National Park
19/07 Mulu → Kota Kinabalu (flight)
20/07 Kota Kinabalu → Sandakan (flight)
21/07 Kinabatangan
22/07 Kinabatangan → Sandakan / Sandakan → KL (flight)
23/07 Malacca
24/07 Malacca → Chin Swee Caves Temple
25/07 Chin Swee Caves Temple → Kuala Tahan / Taman Negara Park
26/07 Taman Negara Park
27/07 Kuala Tahan → Kuala Besut
28/07 Perhentian Islands
29/07 Perhentian Islands
30/07 Perhentian Islands
31/07 Perhentian → George Town
01/08 George Town / Penang
02/08 George Town / Penang
03/08 Ipoh
04/08 Cameron Highlands
05/08 Return to KL
06/08 Return to France
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Malaysia this July with my 6-year-old son.
I’d thought we’d go this year, but we ended up returning to Samui instead.
I’ve decided to limit it to 4 stops to avoid moving around too often and to fully enjoy each place without rushing. The travel times between each spot aren’t too long, except for the one between Sandakan and Langkawi.
* 05: Arrival in KL in the afternoon.
06: Day in KL. I’ve been there a few times and know the city a bit.
* 07: Head to Kota Kinabalu
08 – 09: In KK
* 10: Flight from Sandakan to Sepilok
11: In Sepilok
* 12: Flight to Kinabatangan
13 – 14: In Kinabatangan
* 15: Head to Langkawi
15 – 21: In Langkawi
* 22: Return to KL
23 – 24: In KL
* 25: Return flight
Any thoughts on this itinerary? I have a rough idea of what we’ll do at each stop after checking online and with ChatGPT.
We’re heading out at the end of February for a road trip with our two kids, ages 3 and 7. Our itinerary includes Ait Ben Haddou, Tizi-n-Tichka, Sourate, Tinghir, Zagora, Ouarzazate, Ouzoud, and Essaouira. I’d love recommendations for accommodations, restaurants, and typical/spectacular spots to visit. We’d like to spend a night in the Zagora desert. We’re looking for authenticity and a friendly vibe—not tourist traps—for our trip. We’ll be there during Ramadan—any tips?
Thanks in advance!
Your fellow globetrotter’s perspective is invaluable.
Wednesday, March 4 – Friday, March 6 — Sine-Saloum
Drive to Toubacouta via the Trans-Gambian Highway (Gambia)
Stay with a local host / camp on the bolongs
Activities: pirogue ride in the delta, Serer villages, biking, handicraft discovery
Overnights: Sine-Saloum (3 nights)
Saturday, March 7 – Sunday, March 8 — Petite Côte
Drive to Somone / Ngaparou (~3 hours)
Stay with a local host
Activities: beach, safari at Bandia Reserve, kayaking on the lagoon, craft market
Overnights: Petite Côte (2 nights, including Sunday, March 8, to enjoy the full day before the nighttime departure)
Monday, March 9 — Departure
Transfer to Blaise Diagne International Airport (~45 minutes)
Flight leaves at 2:00 AM
I’ve got a few questions:
- Is an afternoon on Gorée Island worth it? I really want to go, but the ferry departure days are a bit limiting.
- How easy is it to get around between these different stops? Can we find a taxi that fits all five of us?
- Do you have any accommodation recommendations? I’d love to stay with locals as much as possible—we’re not looking for luxury, just a bed and a shower.
- February 28 is my birthday, and I’d love to do something “special”: any ideas for a nice place to stay, a great restaurant, or an out-of-the-ordinary activity? We’ll be around Cap Skirring.
- Does this itinerary seem coherent? I really want to visit Casamance, and we’d prefer to stay no more than 3 nights in the same place.
Don’t hesitate to share your tips! Thanks so much!
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?
