If I don’t want to go to Bali, it’s also because I’m afraid of ending up in a landscape like this (see photo here)
: www.rtbf.be/...te-a-geneve-11587247)
You can find this kind of landscape anywhere in the world, even in Belgium. Illegal dumps exist everywhere—except maybe in Switzerland. Usually, you stumble upon them by accident, but this isn’t what you see in a Balinese landscape.
In this case, it’s in Java, in the mangroves of Surabaya—not exactly a tourist hotspot! Indonesia, like Thailand, isn’t a model when it comes to waste management.
What I can say is that, generally, the most touristy islands (or parts of islands) are the best preserved—let’s just say the waste is better hidden ;). Tourism demands it! In Bali, beaches and tourist sites like temples are regularly cleaned, which isn’t the case on other islands. I’ve seen "beaches" in some parts of Sulawesi (for example) that aren’t frequented by Western tourists—littered with trash. They were real dumps!
Even remote islands like the Togians aren’t spared. The sea washes everything onto the shores, everywhere! Bali isn’t immune, but it’s regularly "cleaned up," so it’s less noticeable in the landscape.
It's interesting because when you get into the practical details, new factors (routes, infrastructure) come up that might change your choice.
It's better this way because if you had started by asking something like, "I'm torn between these countries—like a 600-page guidebook for each, tell me everything I need to know without missing a thing so I can decide,"* you probably wouldn’t have gotten many precise answers—just stuff like "check out my blog."
* That actually happens sometimes.
Just for "local" flights (from KL or SG onward), how much could that roughly cost per person?
No, because it’s impossible to even give a rough estimate with so many flights involved. Plus, that’s a lot of work I’ll leave to you.
To avoid airline websites that glitch (not all of them) because they don’t like foreign IP addresses—or sites that are just overly complicated—for Indonesia, I recommend running your searches on a site like this one: https://en.tiket.com/pesawat. For example, right now, I see that for K.Lumpur-Labuan Bajo on 16/07/2026, it’s 103 € per person with a carry-on but no meal or checked baggage (you can add that on the page where you enter your details).
Don’t forget:
- Not all flights run daily (for example, I first tried 15/07 for the flight above).
- You’ll also see non-direct options (again, for 15/07, only "1 or 2 layovers"). Direct flights usually appear first on the selected date, marked "direct" or "1 layover" under the flight duration.
- Some airlines don’t include checked baggage unless you pay extra (check the "what's included" section once you’ve selected a flight).
Do these flights also need to be booked in advance?
In July-August, yes.
I don’t know, but from a practical standpoint, if I leave Belgium for southern Italy (2.5-hour flight), it takes me a whole day (especially with a kid who doesn’t have an adult’s patience and needs breaks). In the morning, we get ready. In the early afternoon, we head to the train station to catch a bus to the airport, where we make sure to arrive at least 2 hours early to go through security at a relaxed pace and handle any unexpected crowds. The flight leaves in the late afternoon (5-6 PM). We land in the evening (8-9 PM), and by the time we reach our accommodation, it’s nighttime.
Yep, it’s the same over there—often, even a short flight can eat up most of your day unless you’re taking an early-morning flight. However:
- 2 to 3 of the flights would be domestic, so no police checks, and you only need to be at the airport an hour before departure.
- In small towns, the (also small) airports are rarely far from the city center, so no need for a metro or train. And given the cost of living in Indonesia, you’ll think twice before hesitating to take a taxi or similar.
If that’s the case, all these flights seem like they’d take up a week out of the five planned.
Am I misjudging this, or is that realistic?
A week, including the intercontinental flights, yes. But don’t count it as if all the flights happen back-to-back.
Also, if you’re worried your daughter won’t handle the 13-hour direct flight to KUL or SGP well, there are great airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, or Etihad* that require a layover in the Gulf (international zone) for a few hours. Sure, it makes the flight longer, but at least you can stretch your legs outside the plane for 2-3 hours, wander around the duty-free shops, etc. Another perk: these flights are often cheaper than direct ones.
* Few European travelers to Southeast Asia haven’t flown with at least one of these airlines...
One more important thing no one’s mentioned yet (unless I missed it): on Flores, public transport between towns is slow, uncomfortable, and infrequent (though it does exist between all the towns along "the" road that crosses the island). The upside: you’ll have an easier time connecting with locals—even more so with a young child in your group. Expect offers to hold her on their lap. And if she’s blonde...
Between towns on Flores, public transport is slow, uncomfortable, and infrequent (but it does exist between all the towns along "the" road that crosses the whole island).
Personally, I took shared taxis.
The experience was less of a hassle than the buses in Java or Flores.
The most uncomfortable part of Flores is for those who can’t handle winding roads.
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
If I understand correctly, Flores is a bit "adventurous." That’s what attracts me because it seems like the kind of place where you really connect with a world far removed from our Western civilization—that’s what makes travel so interesting. But on the other hand, safety and budget are important too (can’t have it all, right?—I get it!)
I’ll go read Gange’s experience, think it over a bit, and come back later to share my updates.
Since we’ve been talking about work and chatting for a while now, I’m starting to feel like I know you all a little, and there’s a question burning on my lips, Songsam: do you have any professional interest in answering questions on this blog, or is it purely volunteer work that lets you share your passion?
Hello, what's great about Flores is renting a boat for a little cruise around the islands—it's pretty unforgettable.
Just a heads-up about traveling in Indonesia with a little one: it can be a bit of a hassle with a stroller because there aren’t proper sidewalks in many cities.
No particular risks with kids otherwise, except, like everywhere, being careful around pools that aren’t fenced.
Do you have any professional interest in answering questions on this blog, or is it purely volunteer work that lets you share your passion?
Your question is kind of offensive.
No, I don’t have any professional, financial, or monetary interest—direct or indirect. Just the desire to share my experience, with answers or suggestions that are always well-reasoned, otherwise there’s no point in writing them. That’s why my replies can sometimes be a bit long-winded.
You're so knowledgeable about so many regions that we think you're a pro. Rarely seen such a nice compliment! 😎
« 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
Well, I’m competing with Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize 😉
« 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’m a bit late to the party... I only got back a week ago after my big month in Thailand, among other places. I replied to your private message in general terms, but I see you’ve already made your choice.
But as I told you, even if you end up going to Indonesia, keep Thailand in mind for another time (since I understand you’ll mostly travel in the summer to have more days off). The monsoon isn’t really a deal-breaker (unless you want to go trekking for 3 days and get lost in the northern mountains or ride a scooter on winding roads with your kid on the back). Anyway, it’s really super safe with kids. And honestly, our trip was amazing with the added bonus that it wasn’t packed with tourists—since a lot of people hesitate because of the monsoon, you get to enjoy things without the huge crowds (though it’s still very touristy, don’t imagine it’s deserted😛). That’s mainly what made me hesitate with Indonesia (since I was aiming for Bali, which is also very touristy).
For the flight tickets, bought at the end of March for a mid-July departure, direct flight Paris <> Bangkok with Aircalin (a French airline that serves New Caledonia and stops in Bangkok), 3,600 € for the 3 tickets. Well, mid-July to mid-August is the most expensive time, plus direct flights... there were cheaper options with layovers, around 3,100 € for the 3 tickets at the time!
Domestic flights are great (European airlines should take notes) and the prices are super reasonable (for example: 39 € for a Chiang Rai > Bangkok flight with Thai Airways, checked baggage included).
Either way, I think you’ll have a wonderful trip. Indonesia is definitely on my list too.
I was asking myself the same thing😛!!!
Well, I just booked the flight without overthinking it—I went for the cheapest direct option at the time. Nothing negative to report; I found the service on par with Air France—nothing exceptional, but decent. The little bonus? It made me want to visit New Caledonia 😎 (for the landscapes)
BKK 9:40 AM – CDG 5:00 PM
To check in and drop off your luggage,
you need to be there at least 3 hours before departure.
That means 6:40 AM.
Plus, depending on where you’re coming from,
1 to 1.5 hours of travel time.
So, leaving at 5:00 AM.
BKK 9H40 – CDG 17h00To check in and drop off luggage
You need to arrive at least 3 hours before departure
That means 6:40 AM
That’s not exactly the reality. You have to understand that the flight comes from New Caledonia, so most travelers have already checked in from there, which means there are very few people at check-in in BKK. Personally, we arrived at the airport at 8 AM (for the flight that actually leaves at 9:50 AM), I had checked in online the day before, and that was more than enough. So you have to take that into account—it’s different for other airlines where everyone checks in at BKK, so there’s a line.
After that, it’s very personal—3 hours before is for some airports/destinations, 2 hours is enough at BKK, 2 hours 30 minutes if you’re a bit stressed. And on top of that, for Aircalin, since very few people check in at BKK, as I mentioned above.
And the possibility of where you’re coming from—1h to 1h 30m of travel
5:00 AM departure
Well, that’s up to everyone to decide. Personally, I stayed at a hotel near BKK (8 minutes from the airport, their shuttle cost 100 baht for 3 people) that costs 49 € per night. The next morning, I was downstairs at 7:45 AM for the shuttle—definitely not 5:00 AM...
There are many ways to travel, I think. Everyone should adapt based on their budget, personality, stress level, etc...
Hi there,
Of course, everyone travels in their own way.
I’ve taken the BKK-CDG route more than 40 times (with or without layovers), and I’ve never missed a flight.
I always make it a habit to arrive early for check-in and baggage drop-off, and I’ll keep doing that.
You can always check in online the day before to save time, but don’t forget there’s a strict deadline for dropping off your bags.
BKK 9:40 AM – CDG 5:00 PM
To check in and drop off luggage
You need to arrive at least 3 hours before departure
That means 6:40 AM
Plus the possibility of where you're coming from
1 to 1.5 hours of travel time
Leaving at 5:00 AM
I agree with the reasoning—it’s what I do too—and I’d add the issue of traffic jams, which you should never underestimate. So for an international flight that early, I try not to book it if possible. That said, Gange’s reasoning makes sense too, but I don’t want to "waste" a night in a hotel near the airport. Even though fewer passengers board in this case (so shorter check-in lines), the wait time at Immigration and the length of the corridors you have to walk don’t get any shorter.
BKK 9:40 AM – CDG 5:00 PM
To check in and drop off luggage
You need to arrive at least 3 hours before departure
That means 6:40 AM
Plus the possibility of where you're coming from
1 to 1.5 hours of travel time
So, departure at 5:00 AM
I agree with the reasoning—it’s what I do too—and I also factor in traffic jams, which you should never underestimate. So, for an international flight that early, I try not to book it if possible. That said, Gange’s reasoning makes sense too, but I don’t want to "waste" a night in a hotel near the airport. Even if fewer passengers board in this case, meaning shorter lines at check-in, the wait time at Immigration and the length of the corridors you have to walk don’t get any shorter.
For the Air Calin flight
Nouméa – CDG
Nouméa to Bangkok flight at 10:20 AM
Bangkok to CDG flight at 12:45 PM
All passengers coming from Nouméa deplane in Bangkok for aircraft cleaning, even those continuing to CDG
Well well 😉, I think it’s all very personal and depends on the travel context. I wasn’t in Bangkok myself—I arrived in BKK the night before leaving the next morning. If I *had* been in Bangkok, I would’ve stayed in the city and left early the next day to enjoy my last evening. I did that on the way there (I was heading to Laos for a wedding). I took the train from BKK after arriving from Paris to Ratchaprarop station and stayed at a hotel right next to it (40 baht for the trip—totally worth it and no traffic hassle), then left the next day to catch my flight to Luang Prabang.
Otherwise, the Aircalin flight was 400 € cheaper than AF and Thai. So it really depends on everyone’s budget too. Honestly, I didn’t even check the schedule—it was really secondary for me... as long as the flight was direct and not with some obscure airline.
But for that reason, I really think it depends on each person (budget, personality, travel context, etc.) 😛
There was a bit of a mix-up: in the end, I’m leaning more toward a trip to Thailand after realizing how complex a trip to Indonesia can be (lots of flights, less developed infrastructure, etc.).
I can’t read your second private message because of a platform bug (it keeps taking me back to the first one—will check again later).
Thanks for the chat about flights. I’ll probably leave from Brussels or Amsterdam, but now I know I’ll need to plan on spending a night in BKK or leaving later than you did to get back to Europe. :-)
About domestic flights:
- Did you buy them in advance or on the spot?
- Did you do all your travel within Thailand by plane?
- Based on what you’ve heard or experienced there, would you recommend buses, trains, or boats?
Hello,
In Thailand, the daytime and nighttime road-based public transport network is so well-developed and often comfortable that you can easily skip domestic flights, especially with 4-5 weeks.
Buses are so numerous that most of the time, booking your seats the day before* at the bus station or through your accommodation is enough.
Sleeper trains are an additional option not to be overlooked, but you need to book them much earlier.
You can buy your domestic flights on the spot (including at 7/Eleven convenience stores in some cases) a few days before, but it's better to save that for routes with plenty of options (e.g., Bangkok-Chiang Mai) and not for a departure during the weekend.
Bangkok has two airports: the main one (Suvarnabhumi, pronounced Su-wan-na-poom, international code BKK) and the secondary one mostly used by low-cost airlines (Don Mueang, code DMK). Both are international and not close to each other.
I gathered that you're not a fan of crowds, which should encourage you not to stay *only* on the tourist highway and could result in a really interesting itinerary. If you need info/help/suggestions based on your tastes while planning, we're always here.
If you're now certain it'll be Thailand, I think you should start a new thread in the Thailand section (this one is getting a bit off-track) instead of the "traveling with kids" section.
* or even 1-2 hours before departure on many routes.
Thanks again for these super helpful practical tips.
I’ll borrow some guidebooks from the local library, and once I’ve got a better idea of my itinerary, I’ll start a new thread like you suggested to talk it through.
Enjoy the time until then, and safe travels if you get the chance!
For getting around, it all depends on your itinerary.
If you want to explore all corners of Thailand, you’ll need to plan some domestic flights. North + south: one international flight in and out from Phuket or Krabi.
For travel, trains are nicer than buses. More room to move around, especially with a kid... Plus better views.
Some routes need to be booked in advance.
Renting a car is an option worth considering.
It’s the best way to get around comfortably.
Best for less populated areas! (International driver’s permit required)
You can also book pre-reserved taxis to travel between cities. Much cheaper than in Europe, and when traveling with others, it’s often cheaper than the bus...
I also found there were noticeably fewer public transport options than before.
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
Hi,
Oh shoot, actually my next message was about my domestic flights (I took 2). But anyway, Thierry/Attila covered everything—it was mostly thanks to the forum’s tips that I planned my trip😛.
I’ll definitely add a little travel journal too; it might give some ideas.
Happy planning! !
If you want to go to all four corners of Thailand, you’ll need to plan some domestic flights. The north + the south:
I hope he doesn’t want to go to all four corners—we don’t want him turning his trip into a marathon or a game of hopscotch...
About the need to connect the North to the South with a direct flight—if that’s what you meant—the itinerary can easily include a stop between the two to avoid flying. For example, a direct VIP bus from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi, visiting for 4 nights (just the city) to 8-9 nights (the whole province), then a 55-minute bus (route 81, A/C) from Kan to Ban Pong, and from there, an overnight train to the South. The result? You skip the flight, explore a beautiful province, and avoid passing through Bangkok.
For getting around, the train is nicer than the bus.
Only the Rapid or Express trains, though—because the third-class slow trains, uh, well, you’d better be *very* patient, even if they do have the advantage of not requiring reservations.
Renting a car is an option worth considering.
It’s the best way to get around comfortably.
Obviously, it’s more comfortable—like in any country, you’re stating the obvious a bit... But I see two downsides that I don’t think are negligible:
- As long as you’re in your car, you’re not really with the Thais,
- Doing the whole circuit that way pushes you to visit too quickly.
Example of a direct VIP bus from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi, visiting for 4 nights (just the city) or 8-9 nights (the whole province), then a 55-minute bus ride (line 81, A/C) from Kan to Ban Pong, and from there, an overnight train to the South. Result: you skip the flight and visit a pretty province without going through Bangkok.
Sure, but what if you’ve already done that on the way there?
On a single trip, there’s not enough time to go from Bangkok to the north one way, then from the north to the south another way, and finally return to Bangkok—always trying to take a different route.
Plus, with a child, you can’t quite travel the same way you would alone.
because third-class slow trains, ugh, you’d better be very patient
True for long distances and mid-route departures.
For a departure at the start of the line and a two-hour trip, it’s like the Paris RER but with fewer people.
And come on, a Clermont-Ferrand to Paris trip often takes 10 hours, so Thai trains can only seem better to me.
as long as you’re in your car, you’re not with the Thais
You can also meet Thais no other tourist has ever seen while in your car...
It lets you go *everywhere*!
doing the whole circuit that way pushes you to visit too quickly
That depends on everyone’s mood.
Transportation doesn’t define the traveler.
Some people can do Europe in 15 days by train, while others in a car will only visit one French department.
In my opinion, a car has two key advantages:
- freedom
- discovering landscapes at their best
I’ve taken a bus one way and a rental car back on the same route.
On the bus, I saw almost nothing...
Ponts du monde : concours de photos amical de juillet 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
Way up north in Chiang Rai province, I had some trouble doing everything by public transport. After a while, the schedules just didn’t line up, or it simply didn’t let me go exactly where I wanted. Maybe I didn’t look hard enough, but it seemed like it was easier to take "tours" from Chiang Rai (though they often cover several sites in a single day). So I went with private transport instead—super easy to arrange through the guesthouse the night before for the next day—and I’ve got to say, the prices are low (maybe because of the season, I’m not sure...).
I could’ve rented a car from the start, but there are quite a few mountainous roads, hairpin turns, and so on...
All the way north in Chiang Rai province, I had some trouble doing everything by public transport. After a while, the schedules just didn’t line up, or it simply didn’t let me go exactly where I wanted. Maybe I didn’t look hard enough, but it seemed easier to just take "tours" from Chiang Rai (though they often cover several sites in a single day). So I went with private transport—super easy to arrange through the guesthouse the night before for the next day—and I’ve got to say, the prices are low (maybe because of the season, I’m not sure...)
Hiring a car (or a songthaew) with a driver for a full or half day is a great option when sites are poorly served by public transport or too spread out from each other, but I always try not to overuse it.
From Chiang Rai, that’s how I visited the White Temple, the Black House, and the Doi Tung Royal Villa & Garden (which you could only reach by regular songthaew on weekends) all in one day. To do this, I first went into a travel agency but turned down their offer because I thought the price was too high. As I was leaving, I ran into a really nice guy who was waiting there and offered me the same service for half the price, which I accepted.
I could’ve rented a car from the start, but there were quite a few mountainous roads, hairpin turns, etc...
Hiring a car (or a songthaew) with a driver for a full or half day is a good option when sites are poorly served by public transport or too spread out from each other
That definitely seemed like the best option in that area.
Personally, I can’t go back to Thailand without renting a car—it’s *so* much better.
Plus, rentals aren’t too expensive, gas isn’t either, and the roads are decent. You get to go places you’d never reach otherwise… even to lots of islands where ferries let you take your car.
It’s not too complicated to get from Chiang Rai to Mae Salong using public transport: take a bus toward Mae Sai, get off at Mae Chan, and from there, there are 5 songthaews a day to Mae Salong.
Your photos are amazing😎!!
I really wanted to go to Kanchanaburi too, but it would’ve been too rushed, so maybe next time.
The issue was that I left Chiang Rai heading east, thinking I’d make a loop. I didn’t have a precise itinerary—just a few places I’d noted (the Opium Museum, Wat Phra That Doi Tung, Mae Fah Luang, Mae Salong tea plantation...)—and honestly, from Chiang Rai it was fine, but getting between those spots was a bit of a hassle. I hadn’t really planned that part well enough to do it any other way than private transport. But in the end, it was still good and easy
Personally, I can't go to Thailand anymore without renting a car—it's just so much better...
Plus, renting isn't too expensive, gas isn't either, and the roads are decent. You get to go places you'd never have gone otherwise... even to visit many islands, there are ferries where you can take your car.
But in the end, aren’t you considering expatriation?
« 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
Just to come back to Bali—watch out for preconceptions about "overtourism" or "pollution"...
I had a few of those myself before leaving.
But after 3 weeks in Bali this summer, I can confirm that the media only shows you what they want you to see (what’s more sellable than criticizing overtourism and pollution!).
I’m not saying it doesn’t exist, but if you avoid the south of the island, I mostly saw pretty empty warungs, beaches with hardly anyone around, and homestays with plenty of availability. As for plastic pollution, it’s still nowhere near Egypt...
With a 3-year-old, Bali is definitely doable.
Nos escapades : Le Maroc, l'Egypte, la Mauritanie, la Tunisie, l'Afrique du Sud, Lanzarote, les Etats-Unis (3 ans), le Canada, le Mexique, la Colombie, le Pérou, la Guadeloupe, la Martinique, l'Indonésie, la Thaïlande, Israël, Dubaï, la Jordanie, la Turquie, et Tahiti... pour l'instant !
Nous souhaitons nous rendre en THAILANDE au mois d'AOUT prochain. Que choisir entre PHUKET ou KOH SAMUI? La dernière fois nous sommes allés à KOH SAMUI à…
Pouvez vous me donnez vos avis entre ces 2 îles... Quelqu un qui vit la bas ma plutôt conseillé samui (puket serai plus ds l esprit de pataya), et d aller a…
Nous partons à phuket pour 2 semaines en mars et nous hésitons entre l'ibis kata ou le all seasons naiharn. Nous serons avec notre Bb de 18 mois donc nous…
Nous partons à Singapour avec notre fille qui aura 11 mois. Quelles visites/promenades me conseillez-vous avec un bébé? Par ailleurs, mon mari va travailler…
Je fais un combo Phuket / Siem Reap en famille (enfants de 5 et 9 ans). Nous serons de retour sur Phuket sur le vol Air Asia qui arrive à 10H du matin et…
Après avoir écumé le forum sans réussir à me décider, je me permets de solliciter vos conseils !
Après avoir voyagé 1 an de l'Iran à l'Indonésie avant de devenir maman, nous sommes enfin prêts avec mon conjoint à réaliser une premier grand voyage d'un mois avec nos enfants.
Nous aimerions 2/3 lieux à visiter, s'installer, rayonner autour.
Une destination assez facile (car nos enfants ne le sont pas tous les jours) mais je crains la Thaïlande (que je n'avais pas apprécié car trop touristique à l'époque).
Je pensais au Vietnam, que je connais pas. Peut être le Laos, mais passer quelques jours vers une belle plage c'est reposant avec 2 petits plein d'énergie..
Nous ne voulons pas enchainer les sites bondés et commerciaux, prendre le temps, et découvrir de beaux lieux.
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’d love some advice on choosing a Christmas destination for a trip with my partner and our two kids, aged 10 and 12.
We’re looking for a place where we can enjoy great, easy snorkeling with the kids—ideally from the beach or in shallow water.
And if possible, a beautiful spot to explore, with nature, hikes, and a more laid-back, backpacker-friendly vibe than big resorts or mass tourism.
A "reasonable" flight time and not too much jet lag would be ideal!
I’ve been considering Mauritius, Zanzibar (plus possibly Tanzania), Martinique, or Guadeloupe—but maybe you have other suggestions or thoughts on these options?
I wanted to share our experience after a 5-day trip to Armenia with my wife and our 8-month-old baby.
It’s a destination that’s still relatively unknown, but it’s really worth the trip, especially if you enjoy cultural, spiritual, historical, and human-centered travel.
We were looking for a change of scenery but not too complicated with a baby—and easy to organize (even though our travel agency helped us a lot, thanks to them! 😊). In the end, Armenia was a wonderful surprise. It’s not a "postcard-perfect" destination. It’s a raw, mountainous, ancient country with real depth.
And most importantly: Armenians *love* children.
That’s probably what surprised us the most. In restaurants, waitresses, owners, or even other customers would naturally come over to play with our baby, hold them for a few minutes, smile at them, or keep them entertained while we ate.
It wasn’t intrusive. It was very natural, very family-oriented. You can tell that children have a real place in society. For parents traveling with a baby, it’s honestly a pleasure.
Day 1 — Yerevan
We started with Yerevan, a pleasant capital that’s quite easy to explore with a child.
The city isn’t huge. You can stroll around Republic Square, visit cafés, discover markets, and walk at a relaxed pace.
With a baby, it’s pretty practical: you can easily take breaks, return to the hotel, or go back out in the evening. The vibe is laid-back, family-friendly, and we felt safe.
In the evening, Yerevan is very lively. The restaurants are welcoming, and almost everywhere, our baby drew smiles.
Day 2 — Etchmiadzin and Khor Virap
On the second day, we headed to Etchmiadzin, the spiritual heart of Armenia. It’s an important place for understanding the country and its Christian identity.
Then, we visited Khor Virap, facing Mount Ararat.
It’s probably one of the most striking places on the trip. The monastery, the plain, the distant Ararat—everything is visually and symbolically powerful.
With a baby, you just need to plan a relaxed pace, avoid rushing, and take your time.
Day 3 — Garni and Geghard
The third day was one of our favorites.
We visited the Temple of Garni, very different from the monasteries, with a stunning setting in the mountains.
Then we went to Geghard, a monastery partially carved into the rock.
The atmosphere is incredible. It’s quiet, mineral, almost timeless. Even if you’re not very religious, you feel something.
With a child, the visit goes well, but again, it’s best not to overload the day. The key is to keep a flexible pace.
Day 4 — Noravank
On the fourth day, we headed to Noravank.
The road itself is an experience: dry landscapes, mountains, red rocks, valleys. The monastery is surrounded by impressive cliffs.
It’s one of the most beautiful sites we saw in Armenia.
You really get the sense that Armenian monasteries were built in impossible places—between sky, stone, and mountain.
Along the way, you can also pass through the Areni region, known for its wine. With a baby, we mostly prioritized simple breaks, relaxed meals, and uncompressed travel times.
Day 5 — Lake Sevan and return to Yerevan
For the last day, we went to Lake Sevan.
The lake is vast, bright, and surrounded by mountains. The Sevanavank Monastery, up high, offers a beautiful view.
It’s a gentler stop, perfect for ending the trip.
Then we returned to Yerevan for a final dinner. Once again, the welcome in restaurants stood out. In Armenia, traveling with a baby isn’t seen as a hassle. On the contrary, people spontaneously come up to the child.
Our overall impression
In 5 days, you obviously don’t see all of Armenia. To reach Tatev, Dilijan, Haghpat, or Sanahin, you’d need more like 7 to 10 days.
But for a first visit, 5 days are enough to feel the essence: Yerevan, the major monasteries, Mount Ararat, the landscapes, the Christian history, and the Armenian hospitality.
What we loved most:
- the kindness of people toward our baby;
- the very family-friendly atmosphere;
- the monasteries in incredible landscapes;
- the view of Mount Ararat from Khor Virap;
- the atmosphere of Geghard;
- the cliffs of Noravank;
- the food;
- the feeling of safety;
- the fact that the country is still relatively untouched by mass tourism.
What to know when traveling with a baby:
- distances can be longer than expected;
- some roads are mountainous;
- avoid overloading the day;
- it’s better to have a driver or a car;
- plan for breaks, water, diapers, baby meals;
- a stroller isn’t always practical on ancient sites;
- a baby carrier can be very useful.
Recommended 5-day itinerary
For a first trip, I’d suggest:
Day 1: Yerevan
Day 2: Etchmiadzin + Khor Virap
Day 3: Garni + Geghard
Day 4: Noravank + Areni
Day 5: Sevan + return to Yerevan
It’s balanced, not too tiring, and gives a great first impression of the country.
Conclusion
Armenia is a wonderful destination with a baby, as long as you travel slowly and don’t try to see everything.
What touched us most, beyond the landscapes and monasteries, was the attitude toward children. There, you feel that babies are welcomed with real tenderness. In restaurants, people naturally helped us, played with our child, and gave us a few minutes to breathe.
That’s rare, and it makes a big difference in the travel experience.
Armenia isn’t a destination you consume quickly.
It’s a country that you *feel*.
For those who love cultural, spiritual, historical, family, and human-centered travel, I highly recommend it.
Hi everyone,
We're heading to Colombia soon for two weeks as a family with our two 10-year-old boys. I'm a bit behind on planning our itinerary and could really use your advice!
We arrive in Cartagena, where we'll spend 3 nights.
Next, we're heading to the Tayrona area for 3 nights. Could you recommend a nice hotel with a pool, ideally family-friendly? Unfortunately, Senda Watapuy and Senda Koguiwa are already fully booked for our dates.
After that, we were thinking of spending a few days in Minca. Is that a good idea in late July/early August? How many nights would you recommend?
Finally, we're looking for a last stop before returning to France. We've heard about Mompox, but we're hesitant because it seems like a big detour. We love nature, animals, beautiful landscapes, beaches, and authentic places. Do you think Mompox is worth the detour with two kids, or would you recommend another destination (Palomino, Barú, La Guajira...) instead?
We don’t want to take any domestic flights.
Thanks in advance for all your tips and experiences!
This summer, we’ve decided to do a 3-week road trip starting from Nice and heading down to Ksamil in Albania.
We’re leaving from Nice, and our route is already pretty much set:
Nice - Verona (Italy) - Rijeka (Croatia) - Zadar - Split - Budva (Montenegro) - Shkodër (Albania) - Ksamil, then back through Italy via Bari.
The itinerary is packed! 🙂
Do you have any suggestions for things to see—visits, beaches, viewpoints, villages, or excursions—to make the most of our journey?
Hi there, we're planning our vacation in Indonesia. We're a family with two kids aged 11 and 14. We leave on July 26th and return on August 17th, 2026.
We initially planned to visit Bali, Komodo, and Flores, but after looking into it more, we came across Sumatra, which is less touristy... a real plus for us. However, skipping Bali might be a shame.
I was wondering if spending 12 days in Sumatra and finishing with about 7 days in Bali is a doable plan.
Hi,
I’m traveling with my 5-year-old son this summer to Northern Thailand, Northern Vietnam, Yunnan, and Indonesia. I plan to equip him with a GPS tracker, but the SIM cards come with a contract. Do you know what the options are in Asia?
Thanks,
Nora
Hi there,
We’d like to spend 2 days in Lyon in May with our 8- and 12-year-old kids, exploring the city on foot.
We’ll arrive on day 1 around 11 AM and leave on day 2 around 6 PM.
I’ve mapped out two routes and was wondering if they’re doable in our 2 days, and if you have any tips or info on visit prices.
We’re not sure where to stay yet, but we’d like to optimize by booking accommodation (hotel or Airbnb) between the two routes, maybe?
Hi there!
I’m planning a trip with my wife and our three kids (ages 9, 6, and 3) from April 16 to May 6.
I’ve started sketching out the itinerary, trying to alternate between visits, hikes, safaris, and downtime. I want to keep the pace relaxed given the kids’ ages.
Could you let me know what you think of this route? I removed Nuwara Eliya, which I had originally planned before Ella, to cut down on stops. I was also wondering if I should break up the Arugam Bay to Colombo leg with an overnight in Galle, since it’s a long drive.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Day 1 – 04/16: Wilpattu
Arrival at the airport (08:00) + transfer to Wilpattu (180 km, 4–5 h) + afternoon safari
Overnight: Wilpattu
Day 2 – 04/17: Wilpattu
Morning & afternoon safari
Overnight: Wilpattu
Day 3 – 04/18: Trincomalee
Transfer Wilpattu → Trincomalee (200 km, 4–5 h) + beach relaxation
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 4 – 04/19: Trincomalee
Nilaveli Beach
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 5 – 04/20: Trincomalee
Pigeon Island snorkeling
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 6 – 04/21: Trincomalee
Fort Frederick & relaxation
Overnight: Trincomalee
Day 7 – 04/22: Sigiriya
Transfer Trincomalee → Sigiriya (120 km, ~3 h) + visit to Dambulla
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 8 – 04/23: Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 9 – 04/24: Sigiriya
Minneriya safari
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 10 – 04/25: Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa & village tour
Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 11 – 04/26: Ella
Transfer Sigiriya → Ella (230 km, 5–6 h) + rest
Overnight: Ella
Day 12 – 04/27: Ella
Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arches Bridge
Overnight: Ella
Day 13 – 04/28: Ella
Ella Rock
Overnight: Ella
Day 14 – 04/29: Ella
Tea Factory & relaxation
Overnight: Ella
Day 15 – 04/30: Yala
Transfer Ella → Yala (110 km, 2–3 h) + afternoon safari
Overnight: Yala
Day 16 – 05/01: Arugam Bay
Transfer Yala → Arugam Bay (80 km, 2.5–3 h) + beach time
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 17 – 05/02: Arugam Bay
Surfing & relaxation
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 18 – 05/03: Arugam Bay
Local exploration
Overnight: Arugam Bay
Day 19 – 05/04: Colombo
Transfer Arugam Bay → Colombo (320 km, 7–8 h) + rest
Overnight: Colombo
Day 20 – 05/05: Colombo
City tour & shopping
Overnight: Colombo
Day 21 – 05/06: Colombo
Morning return flight from Colombo
We’re heading to Sri Lanka for three weeks in July with two kids (ages 6 and 13).
We’ve drafted a rough itinerary but would love to hear from those who’ve already been there 😊
Of course, we want to see everything, but we have to make choices—even though three weeks on the ground lets us do quite a bit.
We originally planned a schedule that felt too packed, so we had to cut one stop. We decided to skip Tangalle, even though we were really tempted. The monsoon won’t let us swim there, and the weather in the south is too uncertain, so we preferred to keep our stops on the east coast. Plus, we don’t think it’s reasonable to cut nights from other places.
We’ve added a stop in Batticaloa, which we think will be a nice break between Arugam Bay and Sigiriya. What do you think?
We’re also debating between Batticaloa and Passikudah.
Does the itinerary seem logical to you?
Here it is:
Sri Lanka Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival around 1 PM at the airport
Night in Negombo
Day 2
Drive from Negombo to Galle
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Night in Galle
Day 3
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Night in Galle
Day 4
Visit Galle and surrounding areas
Drive from Galle to Udawalawe
Night in Udawalawe
Day 5
Visit Udawalawe National Park
Night in Udawalawe
Day 6
Drive from Udawalawe to Ella
Night in Ella
Day 7
Ella Rock
+ Nine Arch Bridge
Night in Ella
Day 8
Visit Haputale
Lipton’s Seat and Dambatenne Tea Factory
Train ride back from Haputale to Ella
Night in Ella
Day 9
Little Adam’s Peak
+ drive from Ella to Arugam Bay
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 10
Visit Arugam Bay and surrounding areas
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 11
Visit Arugam Bay and surrounding areas
Night in Arugam Bay
Day 12
Drive from Arugam Bay to Batticaloa
Night in Batticaloa
Day 13
Visit Batticaloa
Night in Batticaloa
Day 14
Drive from Batticaloa to Sigiriya
Night in Sigiriya
Day 15
Lion Rock and Pidurangala
Night in Sigiriya
Day 16
Visit Dambulla
Drive from Sigiriya to Trincomalee
Night in Trincomalee
Day 17
Visit Trincomalee and surrounding areas
Night in Trincomalee
Day 18
Visit Trincomalee and surrounding areas
Night in Trincomalee
Day 19
Drive from Trincomalee to Anuradhapura
Night in Anuradhapura
Day 20
Visit Anuradhapura
Night in Anuradhapura
Day 21
Visit Mihintale
Drive from Anuradhapura to Negombo
Night in Negombo
Day 22
Day in Negombo and return flight
We’d love to hear your thoughts and tips! Thanks in advance!
We’re planning a 4-month trip in spring 2027. We’re looking for a third destination that optimizes transport costs. Ideally, somewhere very different from the other two (Polynesia and Indonesia). Thanks
Hi everyone!
We’re so excited to be heading to Italy for the first time this April with our two kids for a week. We’ve booked our round-trip flight, and we’ll be arriving and departing from Pisa.
Our rough plan so far includes visiting Pisa, taking the train to Florence, and exploring the Cinque Terre. Last night, a friend also suggested adding Siena to the list.
Our kids are 12 and 9 and are used to walking, but we’re not looking to rush around too much. We’d love any advice, especially about accommodation. Should we stay in Pisa and take day trips by train, or split our nights between a couple of different places?
We’re just starting our research, so any tips would be amazing! 😉
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone.
A few days ago, I asked my 14-year-old son to pick a destination for a trip, and he chose Germany. So, we’re heading to Berlin for four days in February. The catch is that I don’t know this city (or this country) at all—I hadn’t even considered visiting just a month ago .
Could you please share some suggestions to make this first mother-son trip abroad a success? 🙂
Thanks for your tips and great deals.
Nanyne
Next summer, we (2 adults and a 12-year-old child) have decided to visit Japan.
Admittedly, it’s still early to plan everything, but my wife will soon need to request her vacation time—either in August or July... and we’re hesitating.
I know summer isn’t the ideal time to visit Japan, but we don’t really have a choice... It’s either July or August. On one hand, I’d love to experience the O-Bon festivities from August 14th to 16th, and I’ve drafted an initial itinerary that would let us experience the Gujo Hachiman Bon Odori, possibly visit the Okunoin Cemetery in Koyasan, and be in Kyoto on the 16th for the Gozan Okuribi fires. But on the other hand, I’m worried it’ll be *packed*, especially in Kyoto, and less enjoyable than in July. So, have any of you experienced these celebrations? Are they worth it? Too crowded? Do you know of other celebrations or festivals in July?
Thanks for your input!
I’m reaching out because I’ve already read tons of info from other forums (thanks a million, by the way!) and blogs, but now I’m overwhelmed with details and have so many questions. I’m really hoping you can help us figure this out! Here’s the plan:
We’re leaving France for Senegal in our camper van (with two kids, aged 4 and 7), then shipping the van to South Africa before heading to Namibia. We’re planning to leave this summer and should arrive in South Africa in early September. The goal is to reach Réunion by early December, which gives us 3 months to explore Southern Africa. Originally, we wanted to pick up the van in Cape Town, head up to Namibia, and visit the main parks and iconic spots, then go north to Botswana (Etosha Park) and Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) before heading back down to South Africa to enjoy the milder temperatures while exploring the country. But now we’re wondering how to get back to South Africa. We’ve come up with three options:
- Head back down through Botswana: I’ve read everywhere that Botswana isn’t recommended for kids under 6 (most parks) because it can be potentially dangerous—few enclosures for animals (even though we have a camper van with "secure" beds), and the agencies we’ve contacted don’t recommend it. Plus, southern Botswana is tough to navigate in a camper van.
- Return from central Botswana (Maun) to Windhoek and drive back to Cape Town via Namibia.
- Cross Zimbabwe and potentially Mozambique to head down to Kruger Park and Johannesburg.
Anyone familiar with this region have any recommendations?
Also, is it necessary to book accommodations in advance? Is that only required in certain countries (maybe Botswana/Zimbabwe)? We’d like a mix of camping and lodges.
Hi there,
We’re planning a two-week trip to Colombia with our two kids at the end of July – early August, with a round-trip flight to Cartagena.
What itinerary would you recommend, knowing we’d prefer to avoid domestic flights?
We were thinking of Cartagena, Tayrona Park, Mompox, and maybe an island.
Do you think it’s a shame to skip big cities like Bogotá or Medellín?
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
Good morning! We're heading to Cape Verde for 2 weeks at the end of April—São Vicente, Boa Vista, and Santiago. We’re a family of 5: 3 kids (4, 6, and 12) and 2 adults.
My questions revolve around beaches (a spot with interesting snorkeling and safe swimming for the kids), accommodation (kid-friendly, parks nearby, pool, beach, or nature—more like guesthouses or family-run pensions), hikes (accessible for kids), and whether renting a car makes sense depending on the island, even though local buses are an adventure in themselves.
**Santiago:**
- Beach & snorkeling: Tarrafal, Quebra Canela in Praia, Ribeira da Barca (okay for kids?), Águas Belas?
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: Malagueta?, Baobab Boa Entrada, Pico António (accessible? elevation gain, time to climb, difficulty, interest for kids?)
**Boa Vista:**
- Beach + snorkeling: Santa Mónica, Praia de Chaves, Gatas, ... Estoril Beach in Sal Rei maybe?
- Can we swim at Turtle Bay to see the turtles even though it’s not nesting season?
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: Viana Desert? Can we explore it solo by renting a 4x4 and easily find the points of interest?
- Is it worth renting a 4x4 for our stay in Boa Vista?
**São Vicente:**
- Beach + snorkeling: Laginha, Porto Grande, Praia Grande, Baía das Gatas, São Pedro...? (safe, good snorkeling?)
- Any nice places to stay?
- Hikes: cliffs?, Monte Verde?
Thanks for your feedback, great tips—especially for accommodation where we’re totally in the dark! And your thoughts on whether renting a car is a good idea and which beaches are safest for kids.
Hi,
We’d like to visit the Alpes de Haute-Provence for 2 weeks with our 2 (adult) kids.
Any ideas for things to see and do?
Where should we choose our accommodation (house only) to be centrally located for sightseeing? We’re looking for villages with restaurants and bakeries.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Best regards
Hi there, we’re heading to Tuscany in the second half of August with two kids (8 and 6 years old).
We’ve zeroed in on the area around Siena and Florence for now.
I’m looking for recommendations on places to stay and things to see that are great for families.
Also, just to add, we’ll be traveling by train and plan to rent a car once we’re there—any tips on car rental companies?
Hello everyone,
We’ve decided to head to Quebec next year—it’s been a dream for the whole family (after watching so many travel shows and the like...). There’ll be five of us: 2 adults, 2 teens (16 and 13), and a child (8 years old). We’re all pretty good walkers, though maybe the teens a little less so—it’s just that age, you know? 😊 That said, they’ve got no problem doing 15 km hikes, just not every single day.
We’re planning to go from July 23 to August 14, arriving and departing from Montreal, so almost 3 weeks.
I’ve started looking into logistics and accommodation prices, but before I dive into bookings, I’d love some advice on the itinerary. I’ve read a few threads here and there.
Our idea is to visit between 3 and 5 different places over the 3 weeks, so that means the same number of accommodations. The goal is to optimize travel as much as possible—I’ve realized that getting around can take a long time.
I think the first two days will be in Montreal to adjust to the time difference, and the last two in Quebec City, though that’s not set in stone.
Anyway, I’m not really sure about the route. I’ve got time to plan everything, but I know the longer we wait, the more expensive and scarce accommodations will get.
Same goes for budget—we’ve set aside a mid-range budget, flights included: 3k per person (1k for the flight). So if you’ve got any great tips or advice, we’re all ears!
I was thinking of going up the St. Lawrence River, but I’m not sure how long that takes or where to stop. Maybe there are other places worth visiting farther away...
Anyway, thanks for reading this far! If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate.
I hope you're starting this new year with your head full of travel memories or plans!!
I’d love to spend a week in July on a Greek island with my 8-year-old son. I’m totally in love with Amorgos, but not all the beaches are accessible for him. I’ve been to Santorini and Naxos before and don’t want to go back. Would you have an island to recommend that’s not too crowded 😕, with a few accessible beaches and where we won’t have to fight to get around or park?
A few months ago, I posted a message in the Southern Africa section about a family trip in July/August. In the end, since I had too much trouble deciding on the destination and procrastinated too much with the planning 😎, I changed my mind and we’re going for a completely different trip—to Madagascar, a country we already know a bit since we’ve traveled there several times for 4 to 6 months each time, though our last visit was back in 2012!
The tickets are booked: 19 days on the ground (excluding arrival and departure days in Tana), spanning July and August.
We’re not looking to rack up landscapes (and kilometers). The kids really want to see lots of animals, while we mostly want to show them what daily life is like in Malagasy villages. So ideally, we’d like a trip split into two parts:
- For 8/10 days, a hiking portion. The idea isn’t to do a tough trek in very remote areas but rather to walk from one village to another. Let’s say 3-4 hours a day. And when we arrive in each village, we’d have time to explore a bit, chat with the locals, let our kids play with the village children, etc. Stay with locals when possible. Move to a new village every day or every 2-3 days.
- A few days visiting 1 or 2 national parks (with lemurs if possible to keep everyone happy!)
- With the inevitable travel days, we’ll quickly hit 19 days.
Does this kind of trip sound doable (and fun) to you? Do you know of any villages that would fit our hiking plans?
I don’t have a preferred region yet, except that very dry landscapes appeal to me less. My real love from past trips was the highlands and their bright green rice paddies against red earth, but I’m a bit worried about the cold at this time of year.
After my initial research (thanks to this forum), I get the impression that the Ambalavao/Ambohimahamasina area might meet our criteria. I saw there are "accueil paysan" (farm stays) in that area, which could match what we’re looking for and would let us visit Andringitra National Park and Ranomafana on the way there or back.
But I’m open to all your more original ideas!
For logistical questions (transport, guides, accommodations, etc.), I’ll tackle those later—it’ll depend on the area we choose.
We’re a family with young kids (6 years old, 3 years old, and a newborn) and we’d like to spend about ten days in Aquitaine (in Gironde or Les Landes).
We’d love to be near pretty villages to visit and, if possible, close to the sea.
We’re planning to stay at a campsite with a pool so the kids can play.
Could you recommend any places/villages/campsites for us?
We don’t know the region at all.
We’re a family of five (our kids are 6, 15, and 19) and we’d love to go somewhere warm with our feet in the water during the first two weeks of August 2026. We’d also like to do some cultural visits and a bit of hiking. We were thinking of Guadeloupe—I know it’s not the ideal time of year, but we don’t have much flexibility. Is it really a bad idea, or can we still enjoy it despite the weather?
Another option for us would be Madeira, which seems more reliable weather-wise, but it sounds like the beaches are less accessible and not as nice.
We haven’t really looked elsewhere because everything else (except the Canary Islands, Balearics, or Corsica) seems way too expensive. But if you’ve got any recommendations, don’t hesitate—we’re just starting to look into it.
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.
)
