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 there,
The first question... why Marloth Park and not stay inside Kruger?
The same goes for Hoedspruit...
Choice? Or no availability?
Leaving Kruger for Graskop... via Orpen or Phabeni Gate. Locals always advise against Numbi Gate. (Paranoia or reality?)
Given the kids' ages, I’d stay in Graskop to do things like the boat tour to see the Three Rondavels from below... and take the time to do the "lift" in Graskop.
NB:
Marloth to enter Kruger = 1 hour... same for Hoedspruit at minimum.
So, to avoid missing the golden hours, you’d have to get up very early and return after dark (or nearly).
A game drive in an open vehicle with a ranger = chilly, even very cold, in the morning and evening.
If possible, stay near Cape Town (CT)
like Sea Point, Green Point, or Camps Bay, for example.
From there, you can easily explore CT:
Peninsula, Boulders Beach and the penguins (the smaller beach at the entrance...),
Table Mountain, Waterfront,
West Coast National Park (Postberg section usually open, and if it’s rained... flowers!)
I’m not into the "wine route," but why not, starting from CT.
That way, I gain a night...
Why De Kelders and not Hermanus (endless accommodation options) for a whale-watching day... well-packed.
The drive to Tsitsikamma (Storms River??) is still quite long—sea, walks, and relaxation...
Then Addo (staying in the park if possible), there are a few km...
Route planned with the kids in mind...
Any suggestions... for your trip.
Yes, given the short time between planning and departure, there’s no accommodation left inside the park.
What’s the ideal time to arrive at Kruger for the golden hours, and what time should we leave? Are there risks to leaving at night and driving in the dark to get to the park?
So, no Hoedspruit then?
Which private game reserve would you recommend? Is Balule good? Is it worth it? Maybe there’s no need for a private reserve, and we’d be better off exploring the Graskop area instead?
For visiting Cape Town, is it easy if we stay nearby? Is it worth exploring the city itself, or should we focus on the surrounding areas? We’re not really into big cities.
I read that De Kelders is nicer than Hermanus. Maybe that’s not the case?
Would it be too much to ask for your "ideal" itinerary?
We arrive in Johannesburg on July 22 and leave from Johannesburg on August 11.
I forgot to mention. We don’t know anything about South Africa. This will be our first time.
Initially, we weren’t planning to do the wine route, but we’ve been told the scenery is worth it. We’re not particularly set on doing it. Do you think there are other places we should prioritize?
There are still basic accommodations available at Pretoriuskop (2 bungalows with shared bathroom).
There’s even a chalet for the whole family on the 22nd.
This camp has a nice pool if cold water isn’t an issue.
Bookings can open up—check Sanparks several times a day and jump on any opportunity! (If what you’ve already booked is cancelable)
Try to spend at least one night inside the park, even if you can only find basic options and have to split up (1 adult and 1 child per bungalow).
Consider whether the family Wild Card might be a good deal financially.
If budget isn’t an issue, there’s availability at Kruger Gate Hotel. It’s right by the Paul Kruger entrance, so you can be there at opening time.
Maybe a private lodge in Addo would be better than around Kruger.
For safari times, head out at park opening and again in the late afternoon until closing—those are the best hours for spotting carnivores. Other animals are visible during the day.
Basically, you’ll need to wake up *very* early (park opens at 6:00 AM in July), have breakfast afterward, and dress warmly—especially in open vehicles! (Fleece, gloves, hat, scarf, and a puffer jacket in that case)
Around a thousand kilometers for the first part, a solid thousand for the second (excluding detours and side trips), so roughly 25 to 30 hours without pushing it.
Nights from the 1st to the 5th: flight from Hoedspruit to Cape Town, then 2 days in Cape Town, 1 day on the peninsula, 2 days for the wine route (just the drive) or other options based on your advice (we don’t know where to stay, whether to stay all 5 nights in Cape Town and where in Cape Town, or to do 2 nights in Cape Town and 3 nights nearby—but where?)
Two nights in Cape Town if the city interests you (there’s plenty to do) or in Camps Bay, which Michel loves. 😉
Two more in Stellenbosch and/or Franschhoek (wine route), and I’d keep one for a detour into the Klein Karoo via Oudtshoorn (the kids should love the ostriches).
As usual, Mrs. Attila’s advice is worth following.
"Accommodations can become available—check Sanparks several times a day and jump on the opportunity! (If what you’ve already booked is cancelable.)"
"If your budget is very flexible, there’s space at the Kruger Gate Hotel. It’s right by the Paul Kruger entrance, so you can be there when it opens."
Marloth Park is really trendy... I don’t know it well, but I know where it is...
Golden hours are definitely at park opening... and just before closing...
If you’ve got the funds and especially if you’re not staying inside Kruger... a private reserve experience can be amazing.
I’m not sure where Balule is or what you’ve chosen...
My last trips were in Manyeleti (Honeyguide, Pungwe, Buffelshoek, and Ndzakha) or Shindzela in Timbavati...
I highly recommend them without reservation.
With a bigger budget... in Thornybush, like Kwambili... or in Sabie, like Nkhoro...
Hoedspruit doesn’t add much to the itinerary as I see it... for now.
De Kelders is probably nicer, but... in Hermanus, your rental options are endless, logistics are easy, and the coastal walk to see whales is perfect... (you have kids...)
My ideal itinerary... tough question!
I’m guessing...
Arrive in Joburg, explore that area. Fly from KNP to Cape Town. From CT to PE, then fly PE to Joburg...????
When I arrive in Joburg... depending on the time, I leave... and find a stop between JB and KNP.
Dullstroom? 1 night, breathe, rest, do some shopping.
Three Rondavels, etc., with a stop in Graskop... passing through Long Tom Pass.
You’re 1.5 hours from Mrs. Attila’s hotel...
You’re close to Skukuza (great for wildlife), it’s doable to go down to Lower Sabie for lunch and come back, or stop for a picnic before Berg-en-Dal... maybe even go to Berg-en-Dal (same for lunch and return). Check if it fits.
I exit via KNP (or not... to check) for Nelspruit/Mbombela and fly to CT.
Option to fly from Skukuza to CT or from Hoedspruit to CT.
You could also, beforehand, from Graskop go to Balule, Shindzela, or Manyeleti... then KNP...
In CT
Between CT and PE... watch out, there are still some km...
As mentioned:
Stay on the edge of CT—Sea Point, Green Point, Camps Bay...
(Consider the red hop-on hop-off bus—very handy for exploring CT without the stress of driving...)
Peninsula, Boulders Beach as early as possible.
Table Mountain,
etc., depending on your interests...
Hermanus
Knysna
Storms River / Tsitsikamma
(I skip the ostriches...)
And finally, especially for one night, you go to a private reserve near Kruger... I’d skip Addo entirely...
The WCNP option is doable...
There you go...
Apart from Pilanesberg where you can drive freely, private reserves sell packages that include safaris.
There’s nothing to book directly with the rangers.
However, make sure to check from what age children are allowed.
Just a small word of caution:
With kids that age, be mindful of the potential risk of trauma if you encounter scenes of predation or big cats feeding—with the gentle giraffe or the lovely antelope on the menu.
(This is true in any country where you can go on safari).
Even as older adults who’ve been on many safaris, we were really "shaken" the day we witnessed a giraffe fight that ended with one of the two dying...!!
(And yet, we knew this kind of thing happens...!)
Have a great trip. Happy discoveries!
Best regards,
Apart from Pilanesberg where you can drive freely, private reserves sell packages that include safaris.
There’s nothing to book directly with the rangers.
However, you need to check the minimum age for children.
Just a little warning:
With kids that age, be mindful of the potential risk of trauma if you encounter scenes of predation or big cats feeding, with the gentle giraffe or the pretty antelope on the menu.
(This is true in any country where you can go on safaris).
Even as older adults who’ve been on many safaris, we were really "shaken" the day we witnessed a giraffe fight that ended with one of the two dying...!!
(And yet, we knew it happens...!)
Have a great trip. Happy discoveries.
Cheers.
Puma2A
Oh right. Thanks for the info. Does that happen often? We’ll need to prepare the kids beforehand.
This is going to be an amazing trip. You’ll be blown away by the wildlife in Kruger and the stunning landscapes of the Garden Route and Cape Town.
As you mentioned, you’re leaving very soon, and the schedule is extremely detailed. To answer your main question: yes, it’s a lot of driving, and there are a few geographical inconsistencies in the itinerary that could exhaust you or waste your time.
Here’s a detailed analysis and my suggestions to optimize everything before you finalize your bookings.
The geographical logic issue (Graskop/Hoedspruit):
Currently, your itinerary goes: 1) Marloth Park (South), 2) Graskop (Northwest), 3) Hoedspruit (North), 4) Balule (North).
Going from Marloth Park up to Graskop and then back down to Hoedspruit means unnecessary backtracking.
My advice for optimizing the route:
Starting from Johannesburg, it makes more sense to do the Panorama Route first, then head down to Kruger, or go from southern Kruger to the north.
💡 A smoother order proposal:
July 23–25 (2 nights): Graskop (Panorama Road/Canyon on the way from Joburg).
July 25–28 (3 nights): Marloth Park (Enter Kruger from the south: Malelane or Crocodile Bridge).
July 28–30 (2 nights): Hoedspruit or Central Kruger (Head toward the center of the park, e.g., Satara, then exit toward Hoedspruit).
July 30–August 1 (2 nights): Balule (Perfectly located near Hoedspruit for your return flight).
At this time of year (southern winter), the weather in Cape Town can be very changeable (rain, wind). It’s best to stay based in the same place in Cape Town for all 5 nights. This will let you adjust your plans day by day depending on the weather (e.g., head up Table Mountain on the clearest day).
Where to stay in Cape Town?
For a family-friendly and safe stay, consider:
Camps Bay / Clifton: Stunning, oceanfront, very safe, but a bit pricier.
Green Point / Sea Point / Waterfront: Very convenient, lively, close to restaurants, and very safe for tourists.
5-day breakdown:
Day 1 & 2: Explore the city (Table Mountain, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, Kirstenbosch Gardens).
Day 3: The Cape Peninsula (Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope, and stop at the penguins at Boulders Beach).
Day 4 & 5: The wine route. Even if you don’t drink wine, the landscapes in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are breathtaking (mountains, Cape Dutch architecture). You can do this as a day trip from Cape Town (about 45 minutes by car).
The pace gets very (too) intense from De Kelders to Addo. The Garden Route is beautiful, but the distances are long.
Watch out for the route to Tsitsikamma:
August 5: Cape Town to De Kelders (Gansbaai). Perfect for whale watching in August!
August 6: De Kelders to Tsitsikamma. Warning: it’s over 5.5 hours of driving without stopping. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon and won’t have time to explore on the 6th. You’ll only have August 7th there.
What to do in Tsitsikamma?
It’s a paradise for nature and adventure:
The suspension bridge walk (Suspension Bridges walk) at Storms River Mouth (a must-do, accessible for everyone).
Kayaking and tubing in the Storms River gorges.
The Storms River Lookout hike.
Final stop: Addo Elephant Park
August 8: Tsitsikamma → Addo (about 2.5 hours of driving). You can start your first safari in the afternoon.
August 9: Full day at Addo. The park is famous for its massive elephant herds.
In summary:
Your itinerary is doable, but it’s packed. If you don’t want to spend your days driving, here’s my top recommendation:
Reverse the beginning (1. Joburg, 2. Graskop, 3. Marloth, 4. Hoedspruit/Balule) to avoid unnecessary kilometers.
Stay in one place in Cape Town for all 5 nights (Green Point or Waterfront) and explore from there.
Be ready to drive on August 6 between De Kelders and Tsitsikamma. Leave early in the morning!
Since you’re running late on bookings, prioritize accommodations in Kruger/Balule and Addo first, as national parks (SANParks) fill up quickly.
Happy planning for this incredible trip!
Oh right. Thanks for the info. Does it happen often? We’ll need to prepare the kids beforehand.
By definition, in safari areas, nature is wild and unpredictable!
Anything can happen at any moment—around a bend in the track, behind a bush, or by a watering hole.
Check this trip report for a violent incident per day toward the end of the stay, at the bottom of page 2, then in pages 3 and 4.
https://voyageforum.com/forum/retour-ruaha-selous-tanzanie-sud-d11460499/
Another question. For the southern part of the trip, do you think instead of traveling from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, we could do a lighter loop from Cape Town back to Cape Town?
Here’s the idea:
August 1st: Cape Town
August 2nd: Cape Town
August 3rd: Cape Peninsula
August 4th: Betty’s Bay then Hermanus
August 5th: Hermanus
August 6th: De Hoop Nature Reserve
August 7th: De Hoop Nature Reserve
August 8th: Franschhoek and the vineyards
August 9th: The vineyards
August 10th: Return to Cape Town for flight to Johannesburg
Do you think it’s "worth it" to spend so much time in Hermanus and the vineyards? Are there things to visit/see? I imagine there will be walks or hikes everywhere. Is there one in particular you’d recommend?
It looks like an amazing trip ahead. You're going to be blown away by the wildlife in Kruger and the landscapes of the Garden Route and Cape Town.
As you pointed out, you're leaving very soon and the schedule is extremely tight. To answer your main question: yes, it’s a lot of driving, and the itinerary has a few geographical inconsistencies that could exhaust you or waste your time. [...]
Thanks, Explora. I hadn’t seen your detailed reply, which is really helpful. I do use Google Maps, but sometimes it can change everything.
So, do you think the itinerary I just suggested above for the second part of the trip is more reasonable with kids? We’ll have already done safaris in the north, so maybe Addo isn’t essential like Michel suggested. If I cut down the distance, we’ll see fewer things but might enjoy the other places more. We don’t want to rush around trying to see everything and end up seeing nothing, but we also don’t want to stay in one place just to "rest" without doing anything. It’s a tough balance ;)
Breaking up the Kruger stay with a stop in Blyde is a great idea.
Safari days mean being cooped up in the car without much movement.
For kids, that can be a real drag.
This way, you give them a change of pace—time to stretch their legs and get some fresh air. A nice break before diving back into animal spotting.
---/---
For Cape Town, it’s not the best season. It’s the rainiest time of year.
Plus, nights will be cold in the Great Karoo, so it’s better to stick to the coastal areas and the Little Karoo.
Skipping Addo isn’t a big loss. The park is a good ten notches below Kruger.
The wine route is mostly a chance to see beautiful landscapes and stunning Cape Dutch-style houses. Don’t hesitate to explore the area and stay in accommodations with that same charm.
If I add the Little Karoo to the CT-CT loop, it ends up being about the same number of kilometers as the CT to PE route. I'm hesitating to include it because it adds almost 500 km just for that. Is it really worth it?
Hello,
We’re planning a two-week trip to Cape Verde at the end of July/beginning of August 2027 with our two teens (14 and 16). We’d like a mix of hiking, beach time, and soaking up the local vibe. We were thinking of sticking to São Vicente and Santo Antão to minimize transfers.
I’ve read that it’s the start of the rainy season and it can get pretty hot. Is hiking still doable despite that?
I’m planning a backpacking trip to Kazakhstan with my 8-year-old daughter this summer. She’s used to backpacking trips.
I’m brainstorming the sights to see and could really use some advice.
Ideally, I’d like to visit:
8 days in the Almaty region (Charyn, Kolsai, Kaindy, Altyn Emel, etc.)
1 day in Turkestan (mausoleum, caravanserai) (overnight train from Almaty, 16 hours)
1 day in Aktau (overnight train from Turkestan, 35 hours!!)
1 day in Mangystau
1 day in Astana (flight from Aktau)
1 day in Burabay (by train)
The distances are huge, especially between Almaty and Aktau, and Aktau to Astana.
Is the Aktau stop essential, given that the Mangystau desert looks stunning (but the excursion is expensive—300 € for three people), while Aktau itself seems pretty dull (a run-down Soviet city)?
Are Astana and Burabay (which also looks amazing) must-sees?
Is Turkestan worth it if we’ve already seen Uzbekistan and its wonders?
I’m torn between four scenarios:
1. Almaty + train to Astana and return to France from Astana: simple and not too expensive
2. Almaty-Turkestan-Aktau-Astana (train + flight = very expensive!!)
3. Almaty-Aktau-Astana (flights—very, very expensive but fast)
4. Almaty-Turkestan-Aktau and return to France from Aktau, but that means combining two different airlines with two one-way tickets and all the risks that entails...
Right now, only Flyarystan has released tickets for this summer, and the Almaty-Aktau-Astana flights cost nearly 1000 € for three people with luggage (200 € per person round-trip).
For the Almaty region, I could even spend two weeks there—there’s so much to do and see. That’d be a fifth scenario, but I’d really like to take the overnight train and see the capital and the Mangystau desert too.
International flights are operated by Turkish Airlines to Astana and Almaty, but they don’t serve Aktau. Pegasus flies to Aktau but not to Almaty or Astana on the days I’d want.
So, I’m looking for feedback from people who’ve visited Mangystau and Burabay—is it worth investing the time and money in those excursions, or is the Almaty region alone enough for the trip?
Thanks to all the great travel journals I’ve read—they’ve already given me plenty of ideas!
We're a family with two kids aged 7 and 2, planning a trip to Morocco from December 21 to 28, 2026.
We're thinking of spending 2 days and 2 nights in Marrakech, then heading out on the third morning to the Erg Chebbi dunes (Merzouga or Khamlia, still deciding), and returning to catch our flight.
The plan is to go via Skoura, the Valley of Roses, the Dadès Gorges, Tinghir, to reach the Merzouga dunes. On the way back, we'd stop at Tamnougalt before returning to Marrakech.
A few notes, since traveling with young kids slows everything down:
- Ideally, we'd like to travel by shared taxi or bus
- I don’t want to stop and sleep in Ouarzazate, as I’ve already visited.
Questions:
- Does this seem doable in December (especially the Marrakech-Ouarzazate stretch)?
- Which overnight stops would you recommend between Marrakech and Merzouga? We’ll spend 2 nights in two different places, then 2 nights in Merzouga, and 1 night in Tamnougalt.
- I’d prefer shared taxis, but can they drop us off a bit farther than city centers (e.g., if our hostel is a few kilometers from Boulmane Dadès, or not in central Merzouga but in Khamlia)? Basically, is it possible to travel a little off the beaten path with shared taxis?
- We love family-friendly hostels—if you have any recommendations, we’re all ears!
hello
we're heading to Marrakech with a 5-year-old and would love to give them a memorable experience. Any suggestions for something simple and definitely not too "luxury"?
Thanks so much
Hello everyone!
What a pleasure to be back on this forum after all these years… Goodness, we’re clearly far from the days of backpacking solo and carefree! Today, I’m well and truly "tied down," with two adorable little anchors—ages 3 and 5½—keeping me on my toes 😊
But here we are, finally mustering the courage to dive back into adventure, backpacks and all… this time as a family!
We know traveling with young kids won’t be a walk in the park, but we’re ready to adapt. And for that, I’ll need your brilliant advice!
Here’s our plan:
We’ve got our tickets for Kochi, from December 28 to January 5, 2026.
From my research, I’ve seen that this period is super lively in Kochi, with lots of festivities. I’ve also read that despite the crowds, it’s generally pretty "kids-friendly." Can any of you confirm this?
I figure it’d be a shame to miss all the fun, especially if there are parades (with or without elephants… even if I’m not a fan of the concept, I know my kids would be amazed…).
As for the itinerary, I’m still a bit unsure.
Since New Year’s Eve falls right in the middle of our trip, it complicates the idea of doing a loop around Kerala. Here’s what I’m considering so far:
December 28: Arrival in Kochi, then we’d head straight to Marari Beach (or a similar beach) to settle in and let the kids get their bearings.
December 30: Houseboat cruise in Alleppey
December 31: Back to Kochi, to enjoy the New Year’s festivities
We’d stay in Kochi until January 1 or 2, then head to Munroe Island for a few more relaxing days before heading home
January 5: Flight back to France
My big question: Is spending New Year’s Eve in Kochi with kids a good idea?
Or should we arrive, then leave the city quickly to avoid the crowds?
Thanks in advance for your feedback, experiences, and tips. I’m all ears for any suggestions to make this first (real) family trip as smooth as possible 😊
I’m heading to the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) at the end of October for 10 days at an all-inclusive hotel with my wife and kids (ages 8 and 10).
Since I’m not a fan of spending entire days at the hotel, I was wondering what the best way(s) to explore the area might be.
Last year, I went to Mexico and rented a car, so I initially thought about doing the same here—but this time, I’d get full-coverage insurance, which I didn’t do in Mexico.
After checking a few forums and reviews, though, I’m really second-guessing it because some posts make it sound completely crazy to drive there.
So, I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been there recently and rented a car, as well as the different ways to get around while you’re there.
Hi everyone, we're heading to Brazil for two weeks during the Easter holidays.
Arriving in Rio and departing from São Paulo. Any recommendations for hotels, guides, or must-see spots?
I’d like to organize everything myself with reliable local drivers, and I’m looking for nice, comfortable accommodations considering my 5-year-old son.
Thanks so much!
Emilie
After scouring the forum without managing to decide, I thought I’d ask for your advice!
Before becoming a mom, we traveled for a year from Iran to Indonesia, and now my partner and I are finally ready to take our first big one-month trip with our kids.
We’d like 2 or 3 places to visit, settle in, and explore the surrounding area.
We’re looking for a destination that’s fairly easy (since our kids aren’t always easy themselves), but I’m hesitant about Thailand (which I didn’t enjoy because it felt too touristy at the time).
I was thinking about Vietnam, which I don’t know at all. Maybe Laos, but spending a few days near a nice beach would be relaxing with two little ones full of energy…
We don’t want to rush through crowded, commercial sites—we want to take our time and discover beautiful places.
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our kids.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, we’d like a trip more focused on nature. We don’t want to visit any cities (maybe a floating market if it’s really worth the detour).
We’re looking for:
- Spectacular jungle;
- Animals in their natural habitat;
- Beautiful hikes or boat rides;
- Paradise-like beaches;
- Turquoise water with excellent snorkeling, preferably directly from the beach (turtles, tropical fish, etc.).
We’re thinking of including Khao Sok, but we’re unsure which islands to combine with this park.
Do you have any suggestions for 2-week itineraries with reasonable travel times? We’re prioritizing landscapes, nature, and the sea above all else.
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?
