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.
A bit of history: In the middle of the last century, the Punta Cana region was just a vast swamp, but with the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Then Club Med built an all-inclusive hotel. Despite poor air service (neither Punta Cana Airport nor the El Coral highway existed), it was a success. Note, by the way, that the El Coral highway, 70 km long (Punta Cana - La Romana), is the only one in the country that allows a maximum speed of 100 km/h, while everywhere else it’s 80 km/h max (and thankfully so, given Dominican driving habits!)
Given Club Med’s success, hotels sprang up like mushrooms. So they built an airport to supply all these hotels, dedicated to international tourism.
Punta Cana isn’t a city. It’s a 40 km stretch of hotels, one after another, with the occasional commercial area for deep-pocketed tourists.
This area has one particular feature: excellent public transport to allow locals to come work there and return home, mainly to Verón and Higuey.
Indeed, only a minority of wealthy Dominicans (yes, they exist!) or wealthy expats live in the Punta Cana area.
So there’s NOTHING authentically Dominican in this international tourism zone—it’s just a gigantic tourist factory.
But it’s perfect for those who want to relax on stunning beaches, enjoy the facilities, entertainment, and good all-inclusive hotels, plus 1 or 2 excursions for deep pockets.
Across the country, *guaguas* (public minibuses) operate from just before sunrise until just after sunset. But in this area (as well as in the capital and its suburbs), some *guagua* lines continue until around 10 PM.
You’ll find the *guagua* routes for the Punta Cana region on a map here:
A forum member here already commented on this report, saying the journalists wanted to sensationalize it. But that’s not the case. The report simply confirms what I’ve observed during my frequent stays here (several times a year for 25 years).
Driving in this country can only be compared to Thailand, as these two countries compete for first place on the podium of the world’s deadliest roads, according to official statistics published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
You need to be aware that in case of a personal injury accident (it’s enough for your opponent to claim they’re hurt, here or there), incarceration is the rule. And if there’s one thing the DR and France have in common, it’s the slowness of the justice system. In fact, as a result of French colonial history, the basis of Dominican law—that is, the civil code—is nothing other than the Napoleonic Civil Code, translated word for word.
If it’s only a material accident, and you or your opponent have subscribed to the "casa del conductor" option in their insurance (there are only 2 in the whole country: one in Santo Domingo and the other in Santiago), the consequences will be "softer": the "casa del conductor" (mentioned in the French TV report) is a gilded prison, but it’s still a prison!
Finally, a visit to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (diplomatie.gouv.fr), in the "travel advice" section for the DR, will complete your information.
But once well-informed, everyone does as they please.
Thanks for the reply.
Since we're going as a family, we need something for everyone.
I have 9 days there, so I’d like to keep everyone happy with:
- 3-4 activities for the kids (I think these are the "wallet-on-legs" activities you mentioned 🙂 like Saona, Montana Redonda / Los Haitises, Ojos Indígenas, etc., on organized excursions).
- Visiting more authentic places and heading to Higüey and the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, for example (preferably by taxi, guaguas, or Uber).
- In the middle of all that, spending 2-3 rest days at the resort, without ruling out a nearby outing—maybe a market, a beach to see, or a fishing village (taxi, guaguas, or Uber).
I wanted to rent a car to head up to Las Terrenas and Samaná to be independent, but we’re dropping that idea.
A friend who goes there 2-3 times a year told me everything people say about driving is false and that it’s not a problem, but I don’t want the stress of dealing with that...
On the other hand, I looked into guaguas—they stop at the intersection of Francia and España roads, which is apparently a 20-minute walk from the hotel, and that’s with the kids to consider...
Do you have any suggestions? Any ideas for outings or organization are welcome!
In almost all all-inclusive hotels, there’s a kids’ club. You can leave your children with the activity leader. If you need to be away during lunch, with a decent tip, the leader will look after your kids. They’ll even be happy to do it, given the low Dominican salaries.
I think these are the "wallet-on-legs" activities you mentioned 🙂 like Saona, Montaña Redonda / Los Haitises, Indigenous Eyes..., organized excursions).
That’s nothing like activities for kids! For example, Saona involves:
Leaving from Bayahibe, usually by catamaran. On the way there or back, a stop in the middle of the sea—but in shallow water—so you can sip a drink while watching starfish (which are dying from this intensive tourism). On Saona Island, a beachside meal with lobster and unlimited alcohol. That’s it. Watch out for sunburn—it’s brutal on the water. I’ve seen more than one person come back badly burned.
- Visiting more authentic places and going to Higüey and the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, for example (preferably by taxi, guaguas, or Uber).
Higüey, from Bávaro (I assume that’s where you’re staying since you mentioned Avenida España and Francia), is very easy to reach by guagua. It’s not very big. The only attraction is the Basilica La Altagracia, but it’s quite unique. The main draw is immersing yourself in local life. You’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink.
The Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo: Take the guagua to the Cruce de Friusa terminal, then catch the first APTPRA bus of the day at 5:30 AM. You’ll get off at Parque Enriquillo (the last stop before the terminal). Actually, it doesn’t stop at Parque Enriquillo in that direction but very close by. From there, you’re just a short walk from the Colonial Zone. On the way back, take the same APTPRA bus to Bávaro from Parque Enriquillo (where APTPRA is written in huge letters on the bus station). On the return trip, it makes request stops in front of almost all the all-inclusive hotels in Bávaro, including the corner of Francia/España if that’s where you want to get off.
Schedules: You can easily find them by searching APTRA on Google.
- In the middle of all that, spending 2-3 rest days at the resort, maybe with a nearby outing to a market, beach, or fishing village (by taxi, guaguas, or Uber).
One beautiful Punta Cana beach looks just like another.
But the challenge is finding access to the beach since you can’t walk through the all-inclusive resorts.
Fishing villages: None in the Punta Cana area—it’s just one giant tourist factory.
I wanted to rent a car to go up to Las Terrenas, Samaná, to be independent, but we’ll drop the idea.
That’s a *lot* of driving! A same-day round trip is out of the question. Remember, the only exception is the El Coral highway, which is 70 km long and allows a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Everywhere else, the speed limit is 80 km/h.
- Driving in the DR is doable, but *very* stressful. You can expect anything and everything, anywhere, anytime: overtaking on the right is allowed, roundabouts have no clear right-of-way rules, cows on the highway, potholes—*huge* ones, like the chickens could live in them—vehicles going the wrong way, and of course, all sorts of unmarked and unsafe carts and trailers. Driving at night multiplies the dangers. Also, if anything goes wrong, even if it’s not your fault, you—assumed to be the wealthy foreigner—will likely be the one blamed. This is all from personal experience or friends’ stories, and we lived in Punta Cana for a total of 3 years. In short, for 9 days, it’s up to you, but in my opinion, don’t ruin your vacation time for such a short trip. Good for your friend if they’re a driving virtuoso who’s never had a hiccup, but having lived it daily—and in quite a few other countries—I can say the *real* danger in the DR is the roads.
That said, from Punta Cana, there are very regular buses—several per day—to Santo Domingo, the capital (departures from Friusa, Cruz de Veron, or the airport; check with your hotel). In my opinion, this is the most worthwhile place to visit in your area given your stay length. It’ll give you a completely different perspective on the country. The bus ride takes about 2-3 hours, and you’ll find interesting sights in the Zona Colonial, which will be a nice change from the somewhat artificial vibe of Punta Cana (the beaches aren’t artificial and are truly beautiful, even if you won’t find solitude there, but honestly, there’s not much else to see in the area).
For Saona Island, the only thing left that’s authentic are the sand flies, and they bite *hard* as soon as you settle on a beach. The natural scenery is admittedly stunning, but you’ll never get to enjoy it peacefully: even if you opt for a less crowded transport option—more expensive, of course—you’ll still end up surrounded by dozens of noisy, packed neighboring boats. It’s sad to say, but it’s really not worth it—neither the hassle nor the cost. PS: You can take the catamaran option, which is pricier but less polluting; the catch is it takes *way* longer, and ultimately, you’ll end up in the same spot as everyone else, with just as many people and just as much noise.
If you get the chance, I’d recommend the Miches region instead—direct route along the coast from Punta Cana, about 100 km west. There’s still some authenticity left there. You’ll find pretty hills, coffee and cocoa plantations, and the nearby (about 40 km past Miches) beautiful Los Haitises National Park (but don’t rush to the Taíno cave-islets that every tour offers: they’re not bad, but they’re no Lascaux, and unfortunately, they’re overcrowded; maybe opt for a forest and/or mangrove walk instead, which are less packed, with a somewhat professional guide to explain what you’re seeing). Just before Miches on the way from Punta Cana, there’s also the gorgeous Playa Esmeralda, still not too spoiled by resorts (at least that was the case in 2024). Along the way, instead of Montaña Redonda (the big swing at the top of a hill with a decent view, but still a bit overrated), try Playa Limón nearby. All of this is doable as a day trip (check with your accommodation), or you could hire a taxi for the day to take you there—just negotiate the price well. There aren’t a ton of facilities, but this region has real charm.
If you want to see a fishing village near Punta Cana, there’s one between the airport and Bávaro, at Cabeza de Toro: from the "highway," heading toward Bávaro, turn right where there’s a pretty ugly dinosaur statue (?! don’t ask me what it’s doing there...). Follow the small road, pass the entrance to the Catalonia resort, and keep going until you reach the sea, about 4-5 km from the highway. There’s a small village, still with some local houses, a few fishermen, and some *colmados* (local grocery-bar hubs, the center of social life in the country). It’s not 100% authentic, but for the region, it’s still pretty Dominican. That said, you’ll have seen it all in 30 minutes...
As for going to Las Terrenas/Samaná, the issue is there’s no direct road from Punta Cana: if you follow the north coast, the road stops at the eastern entrance of Los Haitises National Park. Samaná is on the other side and can’t be reached by car. Getting there by road means taking the southern "highway" almost all the way to Santo Domingo, then heading up a very long road to the peninsula. It’s a huge detour, and a round trip isn’t doable in a day. One alternative is to drive to Sabana de la Mar, past Miches, and take a (somewhat unreliable) ferry to the city of Samaná from there, but the city itself isn’t worth much. You’d still need to take public transport to get to, say, Las Terrenas... Not doable in a day.
Leaving the beach scene isn’t easy in Punta Cana, but the DR is a country that’s *really* worth exploring beyond the usual tours. With 9 days, tricky transportation, and being at the far eastern end of the country, you obviously can’t see everything. Still, I hope you get to enjoy it!
After reading all the alarming posts on the forums, I eventually gave up on the idea of renting a car altogether (plus, a simulation showed it would cost around 1000 € with, say, two full tanks of gas and full insurance). Even though I might regret it once we're there with the kids, we'll see how it goes.
We’ll try to alternate between organized excursions and rest days with short outings by taxi/guaguas if we feel like it. That’ll give us 4-5 nice excursions and 4-5 rest days—I think it’s a good compromise with the kids.
I’ll admit that, being a bit more anxious when traveling with the kids, the posts by ElviajeroPar really put me off. Last year, I drove for 10 days in Mexico—even though it’s probably more relaxed there, I saw potholes, big speed bumps, families of three on a single motorcycle without helmets, and got pulled over by the police twice for minor shakedowns. But none of that really bothered me or stressed me out.
Maybe it’s all about perspective and how adaptable each of us is. Even just in France, driving styles can vary a lot between regions. I’ve heard plenty of people from other parts of the country say they’re scared to drive in downtown Nice, whereas I do it every day without any issues. Not that it’s the same as the DR, but just out of curiosity—ElviajeroPar, how do you see yourself among French drivers? Is driving in Paris or another big French city something you find easy, or does it make you nervous?
Anyway, I still hope we’ll have a great trip. What you’ve described about the DR isn’t exactly motivating, I’ll admit! :)
No relation to the DR again, but just out of curiosity, ElviajeroPar, how would you rate yourself among French drivers?
Is driving in Paris or a big French city something easy for you, or does it scare you?
Hi there,
I can put your mind at ease: I live in the immediate suburbs of Paris. So, driving through the city isn’t an issue for me if it’s just to cross it.
However, if it’s about parking there, that’s a whole different story. In that case, I only go to Paris using public transport (metro, RER, or bus—all available very close to my home) because parking in Paris has become nearly impossible, and the travel time is infinitely longer (except late at night) than with public transport.
I’ll add that even though I’m retired now, I spent a large part of my career visiting clients all over the Paris region (including Paris itself), obviously driving. But back then, you could still park in Paris without too many problems, and there weren’t as many traffic jams as there are now.
So, I think I can say I’m an experienced driver. In fact, I’ve had a maximum no-claims bonus (50%) for countless years, plus an additional safe driver discount from my insurance company.
But driving in the DR is a completely different story. There *is* a highway code, but the one that’s actually applied is "move over so I can pass."
Worse: if you’re on the Las Américas highway on a Sunday late afternoon, it’s a contest of drunk drivers heading back to Santo Domingo after spending the day at Boca Chica beach (the closest to the capital) or the beaches of Guayacanes or Juan Dolio.
If this country has the deadliest roads in the world, it’s not without reason! And the hassle with the police and justice after an accident is also very annoying, especially if it involves bodily harm. In that case, it’s simply dramatic—pre-trial detention before seeing a judge is the rule.
Anyway, I still hope to have a good trip, because what you’ve described down there isn’t exactly motivating either, I must admit :)
Your interpretation is off. I’m a regular in the DR, a country where I spend nearly 20% of my time, split into 4 stays per year. So, I can say the DR is a very enjoyable country for many reasons. But you can’t live there the same way you do in France.
The huge issue in the DR is driving. But getting around by public transport is infinitely easier than in France. For anything other than long intercity trips, you don’t even need schedules. And even for long intercity routes (comfortable coaches), you often don’t need schedules! For example, Santo Domingo–Puerto Plata has departures every half hour. Santo Domingo–Higüey is every 20 or 30 minutes... The public transport network is basically the country’s road map, with frequent service from sunrise to sunset.
Finally, just to let you know, I landed at Paris Orly last week after a stay in the Puerto Plata area (Atlantic coast). My flight departed from Santo Domingo (Caribbean coast). I, of course, made the overland trip using Caribe Tours coaches and two *guaguas* (shared minibuses)—one to get to the Puerto Plata bus station and the other from the terminal to the hotel where I spent my last night in the DR.
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?
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
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 😊
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.
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!
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?
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?
