Hello everyone,
My wife Fanny and I, along with our three kids (ages 10, 12, and 14), are planning a two-week trip to Asia during the February break. This would be our first big family trip, and we’re looking to mix discovery, a change of scenery, some relaxation, and cultural immersion. We want to avoid overly organized tours or over-touristed destinations.
Over 20 years ago, Fanny and I used to travel as a couple with backpacks, especially in India and Mongolia, but things have surely changed a lot since then. Now, we’re torn between:
• Thailand: for its diversity (beaches, temples, nature) and accessibility for a first family trip.
• Laos-Cambodia combo: for a potentially more authentic immersion, but we’re wondering if it’s well-suited for kids.
- Sri Lanka: it seems amazing and family-friendly? Is the political situation stable enough?
We have a few questions:
Which destination would you recommend for this kind of family setup? What itineraries might work for two weeks without feeling too rushed?
Logistics-wise: can we travel with a round-trip flight ticket, book a few basic hotels, and improvise the rest once we’re there? Or do we need to plan everything in advance (transport, accommodations, activities) for this time of year?
It's common to recommend Thailand as a starting point for Asia. The country has been managing tourism for a long time and might do it more practically than its neighbors.
A bit of basic English is enough to get by, and your hotel or taxi driver will often be a big help.
You can always find last-minute flights and hotels online, but some prefer to plan ahead, especially during peak tourist season.
Plan for a maximum of 3 days/4 nights in Bangkok at the start, and I’d strongly recommend at least 5 days in Chiang Mai—a wonderful region with so much to do.
It’s up to you if you want to finish with some beach time.
If you book early, you can get great deals on domestic flights. Check out Air Asia.
Click on my username to access my travel journals. The ones from 2013 to 2017 are very detailed and will show you a lot about the country.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
It sounds like you're looking for places off the "tourist highways" with guaranteed culture shock.
If you're planning a week in the north and a week in the south, here’s an idea:
- Base yourselves in Udon Thani and explore the area: Nong Khai and up to Chiang Khan. Then head to Buang Khan.
For this, renting a car is your best bet. International rental companies are available at the airport.
For the south, it’ll be peak tourist season, so expect crowds.
Check out Khanom—it’s barely known to Westerners. Huge white-sand beaches, a few nice beachfront restaurants… Khanom is just a few kilometers from the ferry terminal to Samui.
After returning from a one-month stay, I’d definitely recommend a Thailand/Laos combo, with a beach week near Bangkok (I’ll leave that to the experts) and a week (or 10 days) around Luang Prabang, just a 2-hour flight away.
The country is still (for now) free from mass tourism, and there are plenty of activities to delight the kids—plus you can even sneak in a getaway to the northern mountains (completely safe).
On my profile, my latest travel journal gives you the highlights.
With kids, a Laos/Cambodia combo might be tricky—the distances are pretty big. …
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
With our 3 replies, I'm afraid we might lose Jojo...
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Three completely different answers to the same question.
What state of mind will he come back in (if he comes back at all)?
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
I’ve got a bit of time to chime in on this topic and add a fourth reply.
First off, Jojoone, I wouldn’t congratulate you—Mathieu said he didn’t want a super touristy destination, and you immediately suggested Chiang Mai in peak season with all the Chinese tourists there for their New Year. Bold move! 😄 😛
Garecinlazare’s suggestion of Udon Thani is a bit better, but for a first trip to the Land of Smiles, renting a car isn’t the first thing I’d recommend unless Mathieu’s a pro driver. Thailand has, if I recall correctly, some quirks when it comes to driving that you need to be prepared for.
It’s a shame to generalize when talking about the south, since the vast majority of tourists stick to about 5% of the country. That leaves plenty of much quieter areas, even in the south.
And within that 5%, there are some islands I’ve mentioned in another thread (Koh Mook, Koh Libong, or Koh Sukorn) that stay pretty peaceful and are easily accessible for a first trip.
That doesn’t take away from the charm of Khanom, which I haven’t been to.
Montagnard’s idea is good if you’ve got at least a month, but for 15 days, you’d spend a lot of time traveling—even if some of it’s by air.
Not to mention the budget and paperwork (Laos visa) for such a short trip.
So my suggestion would be a mix of Bangkok and some beach time, either toward Garecinlazare’s destination (though I don’t know how easy it is to get there) or a small combo of the islands I mentioned earlier, or even the nearby coasts that most people overlook in favor of the islands.
Laos and Cambodia in 15 days? Forget it, especially since Mathieu said he doesn’t want it to be too packed. Plus, that’s two visas for four people to sort out.
Sri Lanka? No opinion—I haven’t been there. 😊
That was my two cents on part 1.
Moving on to part 2:
I think the first option is totally doable, but you might have fewer choices for accommodations. The upside is you can adjust how much time you spend in a place based on how much you like it (quality over quantity).
Still, for Bangkok, it’s better to have the comfort of knowing where you’re staying than to go hotel-hopping, especially with two teens and a pre-teen.
For trains and domestic flights, book as early as possible—trains are getting fuller and fuller, sometimes 1 or even 2 weeks in advance, especially if you want sleeper berths, no matter what some people claim.
I experienced this very recently, and it wasn’t even peak season.
I’ll admit the visa cost extra might put some people off, but I really loved this part of Laos, so I want to send everyone there (well, not *too* many people, so it stays nice).
Plus, I’m not a fan of Bangkok—way too crowded, way too noisy, just too much of everything.
For the distance, Bangkok to LP is a 1.5-hour flight, so it’s pretty easy to "stomach."
But that’s just my two cents 😛
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
Hi,
With 3 kids, I’d go for the southern islands of Thailand, which (only a few of them) weren’t yet overrun by tourists 6 or 7 years ago.
There are 2 options for this. First, take a flight to Kuala Lumpur, then an early-morning AirAsia low-cost flight to Langkawi, followed by a speedboat to Koh Lipe (you’re in Thailand, and formalities are handled upon arrival at Koh Lipe). It’s a fairly busy island (most tourists don’t leave this one), but it has beautiful beaches for snorkeling, clothing shops, and more—even a hospital. There are plenty of restaurants, dive clubs, and options for boat trips to snorkel over coral reefs. You can spend 2 or 3 days there.
Next, head to Koh Muk, which is much quieter. You can rent kayaks to visit the Emerald Cave before the tourists arrive, go to small coves for picnics, or rent bikes. If you have time, also check out Koh Libong.
If you really want to be almost alone on an island, go to Koh Tarutao, a marine park. You can rent kayaks, bikes, hike through the jungle, see lots of monkeys (thieves!), monitor lizards, sea turtles, and wild boars. You can take a jeep to the other side of the island for snorkeling or kayak to the Crocodile Cave. Visit an old prison. The island is practically untouched, with only 2 state-run restaurants 5 km apart and a small shop. There are 2 bungalow complexes (under vegetation by the beach) also 5 km apart, including comfortable family bungalows at reasonable prices. You’re guaranteed to find availability—even in February (high season), they were only 20% occupied. The beaches are huge and deserted. Why? Most tourists don’t like solitude. They also want bars, nightclubs, a variety of restaurants, shops, etc.
You can also reach these islands from Bangkok via Phuket and then by boat, but it’s longer. If you’d like more details about these islands near Malaysia, don’t hesitate to ask!
Thailand is easy to travel but it's huge!
And some areas are super touristy...
With 15 days, you'll have to make choices. So either focus on beaches—meaning the south—or temples and nature, which means the north...
Laos + Cambodia are even bigger... and less easy to get around. Plus, the beaches, well... they're just okay...
Sri Lanka is a great option for relaxation, culture, and nature. In 15 days, you could plan a nice itinerary (cultural triangle, Kandy, tea plantations, southern beaches). It’s a bit like India but less complicated. I really enjoyed it.
But I don’t know the current political situation.
You won’t be alone in any of these 4 countries...
I’d skip Laos + Cambodia for a first family trip.
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
First of all, a huge thank you to each and every one of you! Your feedback has really helped us see things much more clearly and lay the groundwork for this first big family trip.
We’re tentatively planning to head to Thailand! Your comments about the long distances and formalities in a Laos-Cambodia combo convinced us it would be too ambitious for 15 days. We’ll keep that idea for a longer trip in the future.
What’s catching our attention
• Bangkok and its surroundings: no more than 2 days to explore the capital and settle in a bit after the flight, as suggested by Jojoone1 and Partirdeloin.
• The north: Chiang Mai comes up often in your tips (despite the crowds mentioned by Partirdeloin). Taking an overnight train (which I think needs to be booked in advance…) sounds super fun! We’ll look into whether it’s still a good option for a few days of cultural discovery and outdoor activities.
• The south and the islands: Many of you suggested more authentic alternatives to the classic tourist spots. Khanom, Koh Muk, Koh Libong, or even Koh Tarutao seem perfect for a few days of peace and swimming away from the crowds. Thanks for these lesser-known ideas!
Next step: the “family meeting” !
Thanks to you, we’ve got a great foundation to discuss with the kids and build an itinerary that everyone will enjoy. We’ll start by narrowing down the destinations (north and/or south) and see how to balance activities to mix discovery and relaxation.
This trip is already taking shape in our minds thanks to you, and we won’t hesitate to come back here if we have more specific questions along the way!
• Bangkok and its surroundings: no more than 2 days to explore the capital and rest a bit after the flight, as suggested by Jojoone1 and Partirdeloin.
Since you only have 2 weeks, I’d keep Bangkok for the end of the trip.
If you arrive in Bangkok in the middle of the day on your way out, leave your luggage in a locker to take a quick tour, then head to the station and take an evening train to Chiang Mai since that’s what you want. If you arrive in the morning, it’s better to book a hotel and leave the next evening... that’s what I’d do. In case of any issues on the way back to Bangkok—like flight cancellations, fully booked trains or buses, or delays—it’s best to save a day or two for Bangkok at the end of the trip. If you do it at the beginning, it’ll feel like too much time in Bangkok (I’m not a big fan of this polluted and noisy city).
When you return to Bangkok, keep 2 days in the city—that should be enough, in my opinion.
Time-wise, it might be tight to go to Chiang Mai and then head to the far south.
One solution (maybe a bit pricey) would be to book a flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket, take a speedboat from Phuket to the islands in the far south, and finish in Ko Lipe or Tarutao, where you can quickly reach the mainland and fly back to Bangkok from Hat Yai.
Hi Mathieu,
I was about to report you to the mods to get you kicked off the forum because there’s no reason for you to stay if you don’t listen to MY advice.
Joking, of course—I *loved* the vibe on that overnight train (especially the dining car), it was an adventure all on its own!
Have a great trip!
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
It depends on how people feel, but for me there’s no doubt: Bangkok while you’re still fresh after arriving from the northern hemisphere, and beach time at the end to finish with some proper relaxation.
After that, people know themselves best and should decide for themselves. I just feel bad for those who travel all that way for only 10 to 15 days.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
some beach time at the end to finish with a good relaxation.
You should also think about booking the return flight from Bangkok to Paris... It's better to be in Bangkok 2 days before in case the domestic flight goes wrong and you have to find a last-minute bus from Hat Yai to Bangkok (for example). All that takes time...
Ever since I got stuck at the other end of a country (Cameroon, not Thailand) and missed my return flight to Paris, I take certain precautions... Luckily, my ticket allowed me to take the next flight.
Before leaving, we *have* to spend a night in Paris because we’re the world champions of strikes, and sure enough, there’s always at least the last night in Bangkok.
And after a while, that last night in a hotel near the airport—after once spending an endless amount of time stuck in traffic with an apathetic driver, thinking we’d miss our flight.
But we can’t hold every traveler’s hand; I think it’s up to the individuals to take that into consideration.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Hi Jojoone and everyone else (I won’t reply to each person I mention individually—I hope no one takes offense!),
I agree with that, but another alternative worth considering is placing Bangkok in the middle based on their long-haul flight arrival times.
Two advantages to this option:
-The chance to use a luggage storage service to leave half the stuff needed for the south when heading north, and vice versa on the way back to the south.
-Using overnight trains for both legs. Despite what those suggesting all-flights might say, for a family of five, it’s the most budget-friendly and reliable transport option—barring natural disasters (and February isn’t known for those). There are no last-minute cancellations like with flights, no extra baggage fees, it’s more comfortable and safer than buses, and since it’s overnight, you don’t lose a day or spend extra on hotel nights.
Finally, responding to Djalma’s latest comment: Thailand isn’t Africa—there’s no need to be *too* cautious. Plus, if our friend books flights and train tickets with a credit card, there’s insurance for unexpected events that covers any extra costs that might come up.
You do it once, it's quite folkloric, but you don't think about repeating the experience afterward.
I must say that back then, I booked way in advance with AirAsia, and the fares were too good to pass up.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Stringing together flights isn’t really my thing anymore.
It’s pretty time-consuming too—getting to the airport, checking in, allowing extra time, the flight itself, arrival, etc. 🤪
The most efficient option is an Open Jaw ticket.
But depending on the destinations, it’s not exactly cheap…
If you want to explore part of the north and then settle in the south, the best plan would be arriving in BKK, taking a night train to Chiang Mai after visiting Bangkok, then a flight to Phuket before flying back from there…
For trains, daytime is definitely the way to go. The vibe and the scenery are worth it!
At night, you’re pretty much guaranteed not to get real rest (especially if you only sleep like a baby in a bed and without noise 😊). Once is fine for the experience, though.
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
After that, it’s up to each person to decide based on their own criteria.
I never said there weren’t any drawbacks, but since the nights aren’t consecutive, you recover quickly the following night.
Personally, I only use this mode of transport, and sometimes you make some interesting encounters—it’s much more fun than any other way to travel.
Finally, for a flight to Phuket, you also have to consider the disadvantages and extra costs: mandatory travel insurance, an obligatory overnight stay since speedboats leave quite early, the prohibitive transport costs (except for public buses) from Phuket Airport to the piers where speedboats and ferries depart, and you’ll still have to add the non-negligible cost of the speedboat for 5 people.
The familleJojo will choose the option that works best for them based on their budget and preferences.
And I feel like this is the criterion that comes up most often.
Because not everyone has an "unlimited" budget, which is why different options are useful...
Finally, a flight to Phuket,
The flight could be to Krabi, Surat Thani, or Hat Yai.
No matter the arrival city (except Surat Thani, since the nearby destination isn’t an island), it won’t be possible to reach the chosen island on the same day, forcing a night in a hotel on the mainland...
QED
So, 15 days with kids, enjoying cultural aspects, nature, and some "relaxation" (without going to an island)...
You could head to Ayutthaya, which isn’t too far from Bangkok. Tons of agencies in Bangkok offer day trips there for cheap. Still, the best option is to go on your own by bus or train and spend the night.
The Kanchanaburi region, accessible by bus and train, could also be interesting for you: Erawan waterfalls, the River Kwai, elephants. You could spend 3–4 days there.
Further south, I found Khao Sok National Park stunning. It’s accessible by bus or taxi from Surat Thani (served by train and flights, which are really affordable). From there, you can easily reach Phuket, which would just be a stopover for a beach stay by the Andaman Sea. Krabi could be a good option. There are still some beautiful sights to see, even if they’re touristy: Phang Nga Bay, Chicken Island off Krabi...
You’ve got enough here to fill your 15 days, including Bangkok.
The Chiang Mai region requires at least 5–6 days. It’s also quite busy...
The islands further south in Satun Province, like Lipe, are harder to access and might not be the best idea for your first trip to Thailand.
The islands in the southeast near the Cambodian border—I know Koh Kood and Koh Mak well—offer the advantage of being much quieter.
As a general rule in Thailand, the most beautiful beaches are on the islands...
February is an excellent season
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
That’s really kind of you, but you can bet I’ve known everything there is to know about trains in Thailand for quite a while now—and then some! 😛
That said, I wasn’t aware of this particular site, though it already has some outdated timetables.
What’s more, it redirects to a third-party booking site (sponsored), while the official SRT website does the job perfectly well without paying totally unnecessary middlemen.
Notes from a long-time resident in Thailand:
1/February = major burning in northern Thailand; the air is unbreathable. Chiang Mai becomes the most polluted city in the world.
2/For kids, there are some great parks and sites (animals = elephants, toucans, monkeys...) to visit.
3/With 5 people, transfers between buses, songthaews, vans, boats, and taxis are often tricky because of limited seats, so it wastes time. Minimize transfers or rent a van with a driver.
You can still have a great 15-day trip if you don’t try to cover the whole country. :P
Totally agree!
A few years ago, I organized a trip for some friends who were only coming for 12 days.
I was already there, and we picked them up at Bangkok airport—otherwise, they’d have been completely lost. We headed straight south on an overnight train. Phuket/visiting the surrounding islands/then back up north to spend a few days in Bangkok and its surroundings before flying home. They LOVED it!!!
That said, personally, I wouldn’t recommend less than 12 days—it starts to feel *really* short. And you end up frustrated...
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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?
Hi there, I’m really sorry if this question has already been asked several times—I’ve been scouring blogs, forums, and various sites for a while now, but I still have some more specific questions for our trip...
First off, we’re a family of four with two kids aged 10 and 14. We’ve already been to Thailand and Laos five times with them (each trip lasting a month or six weeks), and we’re huge Thailand lovers, but this year we’d like to discover Indonesia, which we don’t know at all (for a duration of 4 or 5 weeks between late June and late July). We travel pretty "roots" style with a budget of 100 € per day and avoid touristy areas as much as possible. We get around using local transport, rent scooters, and take our time (for a one-month trip, we usually visit 4 destinations to really soak it in). So here are my upcoming questions:
For a first visit, I wanted to focus on a single island—Lombok—by taking a flight from Paris to Denpasar and then a boat to Lombok.
Do you think the following route would work?
- Kuta Lombok
- Gili Gede
- Gili Meno
- Tetebatu
I saw there’s a local boat to Lombok—has anyone here taken it before?
For those who’ve been there during this period, do you know if Gili Meno and Gili Gede get crowded, or should we focus more on the coasts?
To get between these spots, are there buses, or do we need to take private taxis?
As for accommodations, we’re used to booking triple rooms for all four of us in Thailand. For those who travel with kids, do you know if that’s doable in Indonesia, or should we book two double rooms instead?
Last (slightly silly) question: We want to go to Indonesia because our son dreams of seeing beautiful marine life while snorkeling—I think Lombok is a good choice for that. But my daughter is a huge fan of those "knick-knack" markets full of Chinese trinkets that you find all over Thailand. Do you know if Lombok has any day or night markets where we could go?