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.

Thanks, everyone.

Hi there,

We’re planning to set off in September 2028 for a 10-month road trip. You might say we’ve got plenty of time, but all this takes some organizing! We have two kids, currently 4 and 6½ years old, and we’d like to explore South America (excluding Colombia, where security seems tricky these days) in a fitted-out van.

A few questions: - What itinerary would you recommend? - For the kids’ education, what’s your experience with CNED like? - And for the vehicle: is it better to buy locally or ship a fitted-out van from mainland France? Thanks in advance for your thoughts and experiences on this!

Hello,

As part of a 10-month trip to explore and discover South America, we’d like to start our journey in northern Brazil since the timing is perfect for traveling up the Amazon. We’re traveling as a family of five with three kids aged 6, 9, and 18.

Our plan is to leave from Manaus and reach Yurimaguas in Peru via the Amazon, mostly by boat. Since we have plenty of time, we can take breaks to explore the different stops along the way that are worth it. The idea is to eventually head to Colombia via Ecuador later on.

So far, we’ve identified the following stops: - Manaus - Tabatinga - Iquitos - Sumiria Reserve (we’d like to stay there for a week) - Yurimaguas.

We’re thinking of traveling in a cabin/hammock for the longest leg (Manaus to Tabatinga) and just in hammocks for the shorter trips (max 3 days).

I have a few questions: 1. From a safety perspective, is the area we’re planning to cross safe, considering we’ll be with our three kids, the youngest being 6? 2. Isn’t this route a bit too ambitious for our kids? 3. We’re considering adding the Santarém/Manaus leg. Is Santarém a city worth adding to the itinerary? 4. Among the planned stops, which ones deserve a special visit? 5. Do the boat trips always include meals on board, or should we be careful when booking? 6. What would be a reasonable estimate for the duration of this trip to fully enjoy it?

I’ve read quite a bit—like trying to board early to get the best hammock spots, and that travel times can vary depending on currents, stops, and potential technical issues. But that’s not a problem since we have all the time in the world! :)

We’d love to hear from anyone who’s traveled in this area before!

Thanks so much in advance for your help in planning our trip.

Rémy, Céline, Antoine, Sacha, and Paul

Hi there, We’re heading to Colombia for 3 weeks from the 9th to the 29th. Here’s the itinerary we’ve planned: Week 1 – Bogotá, mountains, hike in Páramo de Ocetá (8 nights) August 9: Arrival in Bogotá (1 night) August 10–12: Villa de Leyva (2 nights) August 12–14: Monguí + Páramo de Ocetá (2 nights) August 14–17: Barichara (3 nights) Week 2 – Authentic coffee region: Jericó, Pijao, Buenavista (6 or 7 nights) August 18–20: Jericó (2 nights) August 20–21: Salento Hike in La Carbonera August 21–24: Pijao (3 nights)

For the last week, we’re torn between: -The Pacific Coast – Nuquí/Jurubidá (5 or 6 nights) -The Caribbean Coast – Cartagena + Rincón del Mar / Bahía de Cispatá or Tayrona

We’re traveling with our 20-month-old baby, who’s used to traveling and handles transportation and hikes really well. We plan to rent a car and take domestic flights to get around easily.

We’re looking for a trip a bit off the beaten tourist path and would love your thoughts and recommendations on the itinerary and the final options. Caribbean or Pacific? Is Tayrona crowded? Is the park really worth the detour, or is the Pacific coast just as beautiful and wild?

Hello!

After a long travel hiatus, we’re (finally) back on the road for some getaways! Now with two kids in tow, we’re heading to Thailand for two weeks next February (a destination that’s stood us up twice before but seems perfect for our first big family trip).

We’d have loved to stay longer, but two weeks is already a great start and will be plenty enjoyable.

Key points: - Experience Thailand, not just live our usual routine in Thailand - Avoid crowds as much as possible, even though February will be busy - Not big city fans, so Bangkok (BKK) will be kept to a minimum - Focus on nature, the sea, forests, waterfalls, hiking, kayaking...

At this stage, here’s the rough itinerary I’m considering: - Arrival at 7 AM + a day in BKK

- DEPART for SURAT THANI (BUS) - Transfer + Khao Sok (overnight on the lake / in the trees)

- RETURN to Ko Samui - Transfer to Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Tao (snorkeling)

- RETURN to Khao Lak. While there: * Visit Ao Phang Nga Park by kayak * Excursion to caves / Ko Khao Phing Kan (the "007 beach" lol) * ALTERNATIVE = SIMILAN ISLANDS

- RETURN to KRABI or Koh Phi Phi * Visit Koh Hong or Koh Yao Yai

* Flight from SURAT THANI to BKK - If time left in BKK: - Explore BKK: Wat Pho / floating market / Maeklong Railway Market / Chinatown... - Or a day trip to Ayutthaya - Or a day at Erawan Waterfall (Haew Suwat) - Day +1 = Return to France

Questions I’m pondering: - Is this too ambitious? I think it might be... but since we’d rather see as much as possible than just lounge on a beach... - How to get around on this route? Bus or rental vehicle (which I’d prefer to avoid) - Are there any inconsistencies in the plan I’ve outlined? - Should I adjust any connections or prioritize differently? - Krabi vs. Koh Phi Phi? - Koh Hong vs. Koh Yao Yai?

We’ve booked the first night (using some leftover backpacking perks), but nothing else—so open to all ideas!

If you know a local agency that can offer advice (for a fee), that could work too, since the options feel endless...

Thanks so much for reading this far, and even more if you’ve got tips or suggestions to share!! Best wishes ;)

Hi there,

We’re planning a trip to Thailand with my husband and our two 7-year-old kids. Three weeks in February/March. Our rough itinerary is: arriving in Bangkok for 3-4 days, then Chiang Mai and the surrounding area, and finally an island in the south.

-We land in Bangkok around 7 AM. Any hotel recommendations? We’d love to rest right after we arrive. Budget is around 40 € per night.

For the rest, I’m open to any tips or suggestions:

-Accommodation in Chiang Mai, and maybe a night in an elephant sanctuary park...

-Should we take the overnight train to Chiang Mai on the way there or on the way back?

-Which island should we choose?

We love authentic experiences and connecting with locals...

Thanks so much!!!

Elodie.

Hi there,

We’re planning a trip to Central America and South America, but we’re still unsure about the destination. It’s for a trip in July 2025, so weather is definitely a factor. For Ecuador, the weather seems favorable, but my wife knows an Ecuadorian woman who told her that the security situation has really deteriorated, especially on the west side (beaches, etc.).

Has anyone traveled to Ecuador recently (in 2025) and could share their experience? (security situation, recommended itineraries)

In terms of things to see (typical villages, landscapes), weather, and prices, Ecuador seems more appealing to us than Costa Rica or Panama, which we’re also considering.

Hi there,

We’re a couple traveling with our 2.5-year-old baby. We’re heading to Patagonia in March or April 2026. We don’t have exact dates yet because this will be the start of a long trip around Latin America. We’ll be traveling by public transport, with our backpacks and a baby carrier for support. We’ll take a domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, and the rest will be by bus.

Here’s the itinerary we’ve planned: - Buenos Aires (5 days) - Ushuaia (5 days or more) - El Calafate (3 days) - El Chaltén (5 days) - Los Antiguos + border crossing at Chile Chico - Puerto Río Tranquilo (Chile) (5 days) - Coyhaique (Chile) (3 days) - Chiloé Island (Chile) (10 days) - Puerto Varas (Chile) (3 days) - Bariloche (5 days) - San Martín de los Andes (3 days) - Mendoza (5 days)

After that, we’re thinking of spending a few days in Córdoba, then a month in Salta. We plan to head back down to Santiago (Chile) and then head north along the Chilean side toward Peru.

What do you think of this itinerary (especially the Patagonia part)? Is it doable with a young child just over 2.5 years old? I’d also love to include Esquel and El Bolsón in Argentina, but I’m not sure how to fit them in or if they’re really worth it. The durations are approximate, depending on what there is to do in each place... Do you have any suggestions for improving it or any tips?

We want to do some easy hikes or half-day walks since we won’t be able to carry him all day. That’s why we’ve intentionally left out Torres del Paine National Park (very expensive and not very baby-friendly, I think). Do you know of any hikes that are accessible with a little one?

Thanks in advance! !

hi, I have two kids aged 12 and 7, and we’d love to visit Costa Rica, especially to explore the national parks and see the wildlife. I was thinking of going during the spring break in 2025. All-inclusive trips are *super* expensive, so I was wondering if it’s doable to plan this independently, even though I don’t drive. Has anyone had experience with this kind of trip? Does it seem realistic to get around using local transport? And what about safety? I’ve traveled alone with my kids before, but only in European countries close to France. Thanks so much for your insights! !

Hi there, I’m heading to Quebec from 08/07/26 to 08/21/26 with my wife and our two sons, aged 8 and 10. I’m sharing my itinerary below—if you have any suggestions or feedback, I’d love to hear it!

Day 1: Arrival in Montreal on Friday, August 7th around 2 PM (it’s also one of my sons’ 8th birthday!). We’ll head to Westmount via public transit or taxi to pick up our Airbnb.

Day 2 & 3: Exploring Montreal.

Day 4: Picking up our rental car (not yet booked, but likely with Hertz via BSP Auto). We’ll explore the area around Montreal and then head to Montebello for the night.

Day 5: Visit to Parc Omega, staying overnight in Montebello (Airbnb).

Day 6: Heading to Shawinigan, possibly catching an evening show at Cité de l’Énergie. I’ve spotted Motel Auberge Pique-Nique for the night.

Day 7: Mauricie National Park. Overnight in Shawinigan.

Day 8: Heading to Lac Saint-Jean. I’ve looked into the Village Historique Val-Jalbert, but many say there are better options for visiting an old village, like the Village Québécois d’Antan near Quebec City. We’ll stay somewhere around the lake.

Day 9: Day around the lake, then overnight in Saguenay. FYI, August 15th is a holiday in Quebec (like in France), so some places might be busier or closed.

Day 10: Heading to Tadoussac. Staying overnight at the youth hostel to meet other travelers.

Day 11: Day in Tadoussac—whale watching and a guided forest excursion to see bears. Another night in Tadoussac.

Day 12: Heading to Quebec City, possibly stopping at Montmorency Falls along the way. We’ll pick up our Airbnb along the St. Lawrence River, not far from the aquarium.

Day 13 & 14: Exploring Quebec City and its surroundings.

Day 15: Returning to Montreal to catch our flight in the late afternoon.

I’ve tried to stay in the same place for two nights in a row for logistical reasons—it’s easier with kids. So far, only the Airbnbs are booked. For the rest, motels seem like the most budget-friendly option. I’d also love to find B&Bs with meals included, like Gîtes de France, but I’m not sure if that’s a thing here—I’m struggling to find options.

Don’t hesitate to let me know if this itinerary seems too packed. I’ve been mindful of the distances, but unfortunately, we can’t do everything, so we’ve had to make some tough choices.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can chime in!

Hi, We had to cancel our trip to the Yucatan in April 2025. So now I’m looking at 2026. But since it’s tricky to take time off during the April school holidays (we have young kids, so we have to travel around school vacation periods), what would be the best alternative time (we’re in Zone B)?

February break: end of February / early March All Saints' break: end of October / early November Summer vacation (but I don’t think that’s ideal). I’m not mentioning Christmas—it’ll be too expensive.

Thanks,

Hi everyone, I’m planning to go away at the end of May for a short 5-day trip, not too far away! I currently live near Montpellier and have two kids (ages 2 and 7). The idea is to have a relaxing, low-stress vacation that’s easy to manage with young children (I’m especially thinking of my 2-year-old—cities like Florence, which I’d love to visit, are probably too tiring for his age). I was thinking of Majorca (which I don’t know at all) or Crete, for example, which I visited a long time ago (ideal: good food, ruins to explore, beautiful villages, etc.). But it could also be Malta or somewhere else... It’s true that before having kids, I had more time (and budget) and traveled farther, so I’m not very familiar with the Mediterranean—my mistake!

My question is pretty vague, but what would you recommend for a 5-day trip at the end of May? Since the sea will still be a bit cold (swimming might be tough!), preferably by the coast, with a family-friendly hotel and kid-friendly areas?

Thanks in advance to everyone! :)

Hi there,

I’m looking for that hidden gem in the Philippines for a month-long trip as a couple with our 4½-year-old in January 2026. We’ll be flying into Manila from Bangkok after spending a month traveling around northern Thailand.

Our criteria: - Good weather, obviously. From what I’ve gathered, it can still be pretty variable depending on the area at that time of year. - Not too far from Manila (max 4–5 days of travel, since we won’t be taking any internal flights). - Not too crowded, authentic vibes, beautiful beaches, and great snorkeling/diving spots.

I get the feeling we might find it quieter in terms of crowds than in Thailand—am I wrong?

Thanks for your help! !

Hello,

I’m Bruno, and I need some advice for planning a long, amazing trip (at least 1 month) to the United States. I want to show my kids the incredible places I visited nearly 30 years ago! 🤪

How do I travel with 3 teens, who should I call, and what do you recommend?

Things have changed so much since then, and it’s way easier to travel at 20 with just a backpack! ^^

Thanks in advance! 😏

Hello, I’d like to go to Morocco with my 10-year-old daughter for three weeks in February. Do you think, as women traveling alone, we’ll feel comfortable? Sorry if my question seems odd, but when I mentioned my plans, I got some hesitant reactions. I’ve never been to North Africa. I’ve traveled several times to the Sultanate of Oman, where I felt very at ease as long as we respected the basic cultural norms. For those who know Morocco, do you think it’s different? Would it be appropriate for me to cover my head?

I was thinking of arriving in Agadir and spending a few days in Taghazout and the surrounding area. After that, if you have any tips, I’m all ears. We’re looking to discover Moroccan cultures, see artisans at work, or even try our hand at a local craft—we’d love that. Simply meeting families, seeing landscapes, animals, and soaking in the culture gently, opening ourselves to something new—that’s what motivates us. And if there are opportunities to listen to local music, even better.

We’ll be traveling by public transport. Thanks in advance for your ideas. Happy travels to everyone.

Hi everyone, okay, here’s the scoop: I’ve been dealing with a pretty serious illness, but I’m determined to recover by the end of this year. I want to take my partner and my two little ones (7 and 4 years old) for a ten-day vacation in February 2026 or April 2026. The goal? To help them forget this tough year—let’s be honest—and give us all (and yes, I deserve it too 😉) some fantastic holidays.

Considering the budget for round-trip flights, cost of living on-site (hotel with pool and beach, all-inclusive or half-board meals), and food quality, which would you choose between Mauritius, Cuba, or the Dominican Republic? Heads up—I’ve been a globetrotter in another life, and all-inclusive hotels aren’t usually my thing, but this time, it’s different: I need REST and a family-friendly vacation. Of course, we’ll still do some excursions and sightseeing, so the scenery matters, but I’m really looking for the best value for money between flights, hotels, and a change of scenery :) Is Cuba too Americanized / full of junk food in the hotels?

Any family-focused travel agencies you’d recommend?

Thanks for sharing your experiences—I know this is a long message, but hopefully, it’ll keep the advice focused 😎 And thanks for this forum 😇

Hi, We’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka with our kids in July (ages 5 and 9). Could I get your thoughts on this itinerary?

D0. Arrival in Sri Lanka at 10 PM, hotel nearby (we’re coming from a stopover in Dubai) D1. Depart for Galle, visit Galle in the afternoon. Overnight in Galle D2. Depart for Tangalle, beach time, then drive to Udawalawa. Overnight in Udawalawa D3. Udawalawa NP, then drive to Ella. Overnight in Ella D4. Ella. Overnight in Ella D5. Drive to Kandy. Visit Kandy. Overnight in Kandy D6. Explore Kandy, then drive to Polonnaruwa. Overnight in Polonnaruwa D7. Polonnaruwa. Overnight in Polonnaruwa D8. Minneriya NP, then Sigiriya. Overnight in Polonnaruwa D9. Drive to Trincomalee. Beach time. Overnight in Trincomalee D10. Whale-watching excursion, Pigeon Island. Overnight in Trincomalee D11. Drive to Anuradhapura. Sightseeing. Overnight in Anuradhapura D12. Wilpattu NP D13. Return to the airport. Flight at 5 PM

I’ll admit the last few days feel a bit rushed. We’d be traveling by car with a driver.

Thanks so much for your help! Bruno

Hello,

We’re heading to Thailand this summer with our kids and would love to visit Kui Buri National Park. However, after checking the park’s website, it looks like there are no available slots for the days we’ll be there (July 22–24): https://www.thainationalparks.com/kui-buri-national-park/guided-tours/kui-buri-wildlife-safari So, I’m wondering if we *have* to book through them to access the park? (I had the same question for Kaeng Krachan.)

Thanks in advance, and have a great day! Bruno

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!

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?

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, We’d like to know if it’s realistic to go to Costa Rica (Playa Carrillo) in late September/early October. Is it too rainy? Does it rain all day, or just for an hour or so? We’ll be traveling with two kids—6 months and 2.5 years old. Do you have any suggestions for places to go? Is Playa Carrillo a good option with young children? Thanks so much for your help, and have a great day! 😊

Hi there, I’m planning a family trip to the Netherlands and I’m looking for a good base to visit Amsterdam for the day. The idea is to avoid staying in Amsterdam (to keep costs down) and to be able to get there by train/tram/bus "quickly" (less than an hour). Any neighborhoods or towns you’d recommend? Otherwise, I’ve spotted a youth hostel in the Amsterdam Oost district. Any thoughts on that area?

We’ll be traveling by train from France. I’m also considering renting a car to make it easier to visit places with the kids and to have the flexibility to go to spots without worrying about transport. Where would you suggest staying to easily explore the area? If I rent an electric car, are charging stations easy to find?

Here’s our itinerary: 3 nights in Rotterdam – 5 nights to be decided – 2 nights in Amsterdam (or another nearby spot)

Thanks to anyone who replies! 🙂

Hi there, We’re heading to California at the end of July for a road trip with our two kids, aged 7 and 9. Here’s our planned two-week itinerary: Los Angeles - San Diego - Palm Springs - Yosemite - Carmel and Big Sur - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles. We don’t want to go to San Francisco. Does this itinerary sound good to you? Any recommendations for accommodations, especially in Yosemite and Carmel?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Hello,

After spending some time reading through the forum posts, I’m finally taking the plunge to ask for your help. We’re planning a family trip—a couple with two kids aged 10 and 12—and we’ll be driving from the Paris region. Flying isn’t an option for us. We’ll pass through Munich on the way out and Mantua on the way back. I’ve tried to design an itinerary that suits our preferences: moving at a relaxed pace, avoiding constant packing and unpacking, and keeping the kids engaged. To give you an idea, our oldest wasn’t too impressed with Corsica because "it was meh, just pretty landscapes to look at." Our youngest is only happy when she can dip her feet in the water, and the parents aren’t fans of lounging on a towel for too long.

After all my research, I’ll admit I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. Is this itinerary doable without turning into a mad dash? Am I missing any must-see spots? Is the Croatia leg realistic? Is it worth staying 4 nights on Brač, given we’re not big beach fans? Have I accounted for enough time at the border crossings? I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice.

Here’s the planned itinerary from July 21 to August 17: Day 1 to 4: Munich Day 5: Depart Munich for Plitvice Lakes (overnight there) Day 6: Visit Plitvice Lakes (overnight there) Day 7: Drive to Una (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 8: Visit Una (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 9: Rafting? (overnight in Cardaklije) Day 10: Drive to Sarajevo. Visit Jajce and Travnik? (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 11: Visit Sarajevo (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 12: Skakavac Waterfalls or other points of interest in the area (overnight in Sarajevo) Day 13: Drive to Mostar. Visit Konjic and Jablanica (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 14: Kravica Waterfalls (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 15: Visit Blagaj (overnight in Mostar or Blagaj?) Day 16: Visit Počitelj—drive to Hutovo Blato (overnight where???) Day 17: Visit (overnight where??) Day 18: Visit Split (and Trogir?) (overnight in Split or nearby) Day 19: Ferry to Brač (4 nights on Brač) Day 23: Ferry back to Split—drive to Šibenik (overnight in Šibenik or nearby) Day 24: Day trip to the Kornati Islands? (overnight in Šibenik) Day 25: Krka National Park (overnight in Šibenik) Day 26: Depart for Mantua

What do you think? I’m eagerly awaiting your responses. Thanks so much for your help!

Hi everyone,

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!

Hi there,

We’re heading to Japan for 34 days next summer with our 5-year-old daughter. We’ll be arriving and departing from Tokyo.

I’m currently planning our trip, and we’re constrained to head quickly to Okinawa because afterward, the prices for domestic flights rise significantly.

Here’s the rough outline of the route I’m considering. What do you think?

Thanks in advance!

1 night in Tokyo upon arrival. 7 nights in the Kyoto/Osaka area. 9 nights in Okinawa (+ Miyakojima or Ishigaki). 5 nights in the Kyushu region. 9 nights road-tripping through the Japanese Alps. 3 nights in Tokyo before departure.

Hi everyone,

I’m arriving in Phuket on March 1st until the 10th. We’ll have about 9 days there with two kids, aged 10 and 7.

We’d like to visit a few islands... Any ideas? We’ve looked at Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Similan Islands, Phang Nga Bay...

Based on your experiences, what could be a good mini-itinerary?

We’d like to do some diving or snorkelling, a bit of sightseeing (viewpoints, etc.), and some beach time...

Thanks everyone

Hi everyone! We’re spending a month in the Philippines from mid-December to mid-January. We’ll be taking a flight from Cebu to Boracay for some kitesurfing. After that, we were thinking of heading back to Cebu Island via public transport or taxi, crossing Panay and Negros, and then going to Moalboal, Bantayan, and Malapascua. Do you think it’s worth crossing Panay and Negros? We’ve heard there were floods on Negros, and Google Maps shows that the volcano on Negros is erupting, so I don’t think hiking it is an option. We have two kids with us, ages 10 and 7. Thanks for sharing your experiences! Magali

5 days in Armenia with an 8-month-old baby

Hi everyone,

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.