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 everyone,

I’m reaching out for your advice since we’re planning a trip to Tanzania for our 10th wedding anniversary, with a continental part (4 nights) followed by Zanzibar for some relaxation (7 nights). A childhood dream.

My first question is: have families with kids this age already done this trip? Is it relatively safe, because I know that if there’s even the slightest health issue, the infrastructure can be tricky, especially on the mainland in Tanzania. We’ll of course take our precautions (vaccines and Malarone), but I want to make sure we’re not being reckless, as my in-laws seem to suggest (they’ve never traveled).

Also, for the safari, I need your opinions. I’m in advanced talks with the agency *Tanzania Wise Safari*. Has anyone heard of them?

Day 1 - night in Arusha to rest Day 2 - departure for Tarangire and safari (likely in the early afternoon), night in a lodge near the northern part of the lake at the crater entrance Day 3 - crater - night in the same lodge (I want to limit changes for my kids, but I’m not sure if that’s smart) Day 4 - I’m hesitating - what to do in the morning? Lake Manyara? Or return to Arusha at a relaxed pace and spend the night there? The guide suggested Arusha National Park, but I think it’s too much driving for the kids, since there’s already the trip from the crater to Arusha to get to the park. Day 5 - departure for Zanzibar. Do you have a recommended airline?

For flights, I tried a multi-destination option, but it seems complicated.

Thanks so much for your feedback

Hi everyone, I’ve spent two solid months reading the Lonely Planet and pretty much every post about Thailand here, plus French and English blogs. Now I’d love to get your expert opinions on our itinerary. We’re heading off in August 2025 with our 7-year-old daughter. We only have a maximum of three weeks off, and I’m keeping an eye on flight prices before booking (1400 € per person really stings 😕). So here’s what I’ve planned—let me know if you spot any major issues or if I’ve been way too "optimistic."

D1 - Arrival in Bangkok / rest, quick visit, overnight stay D2 - More temple visits, etc. D3 - Morning flight to Chiang Mai D4 - More Chiang Mai sightseeing D5 - Day trip to Chiang Rai (guided tour to book: blue and white temple), return to Chiang Mai late in the evening D6 - More Chiang Mai visits / Elephant Nature Park in the afternoon D7 - Morning flight to Koh Samui, sightseeing D8 to D10 - More Koh Samui visits D11 to D13 - Ferry to Koh Phangan D14 to D15 - Ferry to Koh Tao D16 - Return to Koh Samui, then flight to Bangkok D17 - Day trip to Ayutthaya, return to Bangkok in the evening D18 - Flight back to France :(

I know a lot of you recommend heading straight to Chiang Mai to recover from the international flight, but my partner and I NEVER sleep on planes (personally, I’ve been flying to Taiwan since I was little and have never slept more than an hour on a 14-hour flight...), so it’s essential for us to rest upon arrival . That’s also why I opted for domestic flights instead of the sleeper train—I know we’d lose over 10 hours and wouldn’t be able to rest properly in those conditions. And I’m sure you’ll also say BKK > North > South is too much for three weeks, but I really want to see as much as possible. Given how much the flights will cost, I’m not sure when we’ll be able to come back 🏴‍☠️.

So, questions: 1. Since we’ll only be in Bangkok for a maximum of two nights and need to easily reach the airport with luggage (and a child), which neighborhood should we prioritize? We’d love to experience the evening vibe of Asian night markets, ideally within walking distance of the hotel or just a few metro stops away. I’ve looked at Chinatown, but the BTS seems far... Should we go for somewhere near BTS Saphan Taksin or BTS Krungthonburi? But is the area lively in the evening with food courts, etc.? We’d also like to treat ourselves to a hotel with a pool.

2. Have we planned too many days in the south? Should I skip Koh Tao and just do Koh Samui + Koh Phangan? My partner and daughter aren’t strong swimmers, so we’re looking for beautiful beaches without too much current. Crowded beaches don’t bother us—we just want stunning turquoise waters without killer waves . Going all the way to Koh Tao and then back to Koh Samui to catch the flight to Bangkok seems too stressful. Is it still possible these days (I haven’t seen any recent posts on this) to head to Koh Samui in August and decide on the spot how many nights to spend in Koh Phangan or Koh Tao based on how we feel, booking hotels as we go? Or is that too risky?

If you have any better suggestions for fitting all this in while reducing internal flights, I’m all ears for your great tips

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

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 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, I’m right in the middle of planning a trip to the American West—23 days from 07/30 to 08/23. Departure from Orly to Los Angeles with a layover in San Francisco, and return from Los Angeles to Orly. Day 1: Orly - San Francisco (1 night) Day 2 & 3: Los Angeles (2 nights) Day 4, 5 & 6: San Francisco (3 nights) Day 7: Lake Tahoe (1 night) Day 8 & 9: Portland (2 nights) Day 10, 11 & 12: Seattle (3 nights) Day 13 & 14: Yellowstone (2 nights) Day 15 & 16: Salt Lake City (2 nights) Day 17 & 18: Las Vegas (2 nights) Day 19 & 20: Grand Canyon (2 nights) Day 21 & 22: Los Angeles (2 nights) Day 23: Return flight (1 night in the air)

The flight’s already booked: 2250 € for 3 people. Car’s reserved—just finalized the last booking today: a Rav4 for 23 days from Sixt in Santa Monica, 715 € (all insurance included). Hotels are booked with free cancellation since I keep finding better options, and the itinerary isn’t 100% set yet.

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 everyone,

We’re heading to Thailand with our four kids (ages 18, 17, 12, and 10) from August 3rd to 15th, 2026. I’ve been there twice before, but that was over 20 years ago, so I’m completely out of the loop !

We arrive in Bangkok on the morning of the 3rd and leave on the evening of the 15th.

Here’s our rough itinerary—I’d love your thoughts: 1 night in Bangkok on the 3rd (with a little sightseeing during the day), then the Grand Palace, reclining Buddha, and a floating market on the 4th. On the evening of the 4th, we take an overnight train to Chiang Mai. We’ll stay in Chiang Mai from the 5th to the 8th. On the evening of the 8th, we take an overnight train back to Bangkok. On the morning of the 9th, we head to Koh Samui. We’ll stay there from the 9th to the 12th, then return to Bangkok on the 13th. We’ll spend the afternoon of the 13th, the 14th, and the 15th in Bangkok before flying back to France 🙁.

So here are my questions: - Do you think this "itinerary is doable"? - Do you think it’s necessary to travel first class, or is second class with Air Co sufficient for the Bangkok to Chiang Mai trip? - Any recommendations for a great hotel with a pool, super central, so we can do most things on foot and visit the night market in Chiang Mai? - Any recommendations for a great hotel with a pool, super central, so we can do most things on foot and visit the night market in Bangkok? - Any recommendations for a great hotel with a pool, super central, so we can do most things on foot and visit the night market in Koh Samui?

For hotels, we’d like to spend a maximum of 200 € per night for the six of us.

Thanks in advance for your help! Mathilde

Hi! We’ll be in El Nido at the end of February. We’d love to explore the magical islands around it—any tips or guided tours you’d recommend? There are three of us, including a 10-year-old girl, and this will be our last stop before heading home!

Philippines Trip 2024

Flight Paris → Manila

Wednesday, 12/02

Flight Manila → Cebu Sunnyside Moalboal Guest House Guesthouse – 400 m from the beach

Thursday, 13/02 Turtle-sardine tour: 8 € per hotel? Departure between 6 AM and 3 PM Duration: 1 h to 1 h 30

Friday, 14/02 Sharks and waterfalls? Departure at 3 AM?

Or just sharks for 15 €

Saturday, 15/02 Nothing planned or diving

Sunday, 16/02 Watch out: taxi at 8 AM

2 h 10 min drive

Arrival at Quartel Beach Oslob at 10:00 AM Ferry departure from Quartel Beach Oslob at 11:30 AM, Arrival at Bohol, Momo Beach Panglao at 1 PM

50 min taxi / 1000 PHP (15 €) by tuk-tuk or 1500 PHP (24 €) by taxi

We arrive at Southside Hotel at 2 PM

Check if we can get room 7, which is set apart from the others, based on the reviews

Rest and walk along the river

Monday, 17/02 We visit the tarsiers

Tuesday, 18/02 The Chocolate Hills

Wednesday, 19/02 A kayak tour? A cruise?

PS: We sent an email about a dolphin tour—possible for 200 € Abraham Tour to contact for more info and rates

http://whales.bohol.ph/packages.php

Still deciding if we’ll do it.

Thursday, 20/02 Departure from Bohol to catch the flight in Cebu: Leave the hotel at 7 AM

2 h ferry ride Arrival at Pier 1: 11:20 AM

30 min to the airport

Arrival at 1:15 PM: 90 min before the flight, so 1 h 30

Arrival in Coron at 4:05 PM at a homestay

Friday, 21/02 Tour with Hakim or Coron Travel

Then a tour with Hakim’s team: reef and other islands Hakim’s rate between 3200 PHP (50 €) and 2150 PHP (33 €) Coron Travel rate: 1700 PHP (27 €)

Saturday, 22/02 Exploring the area

Sunday, 23/02 Tour with Hakim or Coron Travel

Monday, 24/02 Private tour with Hakim

Tuesday, 25/02 Travel time: accommodation to port is a 5-minute walk?? Arrival at the port at 6 AM Departure from Coron Port at 7:30 AM Ferry travel time: 3 h 30 Arrival at El Nido Port at 11 AM

11-minute drive

Wednesday, 26/02 Boat trips with Go Paradise? Contact via Messenger

Thursday, 27/02

Friday, 28/02

Saturday, 1/03

Sunday, 2/03 Book a Grab for 9 AM Drive to El Nido Airport: 12 minutes Arrival at the airport at 9:30 AM–10 AM Departure at 11:55 AM Landing in Manila at 1:25 PM NAIA Terminal 2 Travel time: 26 min Book a Grab for 2 PM

Hotel in Manila at Malaki Festive

Monday, 3/03 Possibility to explore the city for 3 hours?

Tuesday, 4/03 Departure from Manila at 7:45 PM

Landing in Hong Kong Terminal 1 at 10:15 PM Layover: 1 h 50

Wednesday, 5/03

Landing in Paris Terminal 1 at 7:35 AM

Hello! I’m so excited to be back on this forum—it’s helped me so much in the past! I need your expert advice for our next trip, which will take us to Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

We have a month, and here’s the itinerary I have in mind: Arrival in Tashkent – 2 days Bukhara – 2 days Samarkand – 3 days Panjakent – 1 day The Seven Lakes + Iskanderkul – 3 days Khujand – 2 days Fergana Valley – 3 days Song Kol Lake – 2 days Issyk-Kul Lake – 3 days Charyn Canyon – 1 day Kaindy Lake – 1 day Altyn Emel Park – 1 day Almaty – 1 day and departure

I know the travel times, especially in the mountains, can be long, but I’ve tried to optimize it so we can rest after the long drives. Our family includes three kids aged 5, 13, and 17. We’re used to backpacking. But I have *so* many questions: -Will it be extremely hot in Uzbekistan, but manageable in the other regions on my itinerary? -I’ve read conflicting things about trains in Uzbekistan: is it possible to book train tickets in advance from France? -For the Seven Lakes and Iskanderkul, do I need to hire a driver? Is it easy to find one? Since there are five of us, we’d need a large car… or is it possible to rent a car in Panjakent and drop it off in Khujand? -What’s worth visiting in the Fergana Valley? -I’d prefer to avoid domestic flights, so I planned to break up the Osh-Issyk-Kul Lake route by stopping at Song Kol Lake and taking a horseback ride. Is that realistic? Again, do I need to find a driver, or can we do it independently? -Where’s the best base for Issyk-Kul Lake? The main goal is to relax and swim (is it acceptable for women to wear swimsuits in these regions?) -For the last part of the trip—Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake from Issyk-Kul—is it doable, or do I need a driver once more? -Is Altyn Emel Park doable in the summer, or is it too hot? The idea is to see the views and do a short 3-hour hike.

Thanks so much for any firsthand tips or experiences you can share!

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 everyone, I’d love to get your thoughts on a 13-night trip to Crete this summer. We’ll be 2 adults and 2 kids (5 and 10 years old), and we’re renting a car to get around. ➔ If you have any tips on renting a car, I’m all ears! (I was thinking of picking it up at the airport.) For now, I’m planning a round-trip flight to Heraklion (I’m still debating whether to return from Chania, in which case we’d spend our last night in Paleóchora or Elos). Here’s how I’m splitting up the nights:

08/07 - 11/07 (3 nights) → Heraklion

Visit the Minoan Palace of Knossos Explore the city: archaeological museum, Venetian harbor, Koules Fortress Possible day trip to Matala or the east coast, depending on how we feel

11/07 - 14/07 (3 nights) → Rethymnon

Explore Rethymnon’s old town Walk around Argiroupoli (natural springs, waterfalls) Relax on the beaches in the area

14/07 - 18/07 (4 nights) → Chania

Visit the historic center Day trip to Seitan Limania (wild beach) Day at Balos Beach & Gramvousa (by boat or hike)

18/07 - 20/07 (2 nights) → Paleóchora or Elos ➔ Do you have a preference between these two spots? They both seem like great, low-key places, but Elos is more mountainous.

Hike through Samaria Gorge (full-day trip) ➔ Do you think this is doable with a 5-year-old? I’ve read there’s a bus at the end of the gorge, but I’m worried about missing the ferry and having to rush the kids. Relax at Elafonissi Beach

20/07 - 21/07 (1 night) → Heraklion

Return the day before our flight to avoid stress.

Thanks in advance for your feedback and tips! 😊

Hi, We’re traveling as a family to Qawra at the end of February, from Sunday the 16th to Wednesday the 19th of August. I’ve got a few questions about the area—what there is to do during the day and in the evening. There are two adults and three teens aged 12 to 16 in our group. I know the trip is short, but it’s an opportunity we got. If any forum members are familiar with the island, I’m all ears 😉 . Also, I’m planning to rent a car—good or bad idea? Thanks in advance, and looking forward to your replies.

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 everyone,

I’m planning a trip to Northern Italy for 2 weeks in August 2025. Here’s my itinerary: MILAN – 2 days LAKE MAGGIORE – 2 days LAKE COMO – 3 days BERGAMO – 1 day LAKE GARDA – 2 days VERONA – 1 day DOLOMITES – 2 days BOLOGNA – 1 day CINQUE TERRE – 2 days TURIN – 1 day Return to France

Let me know your thoughts, and any kid-friendly attractions would be great!

Hi everyone,

We’re planning a week-long trip to Finnish Lapland in February 2026 with two kids aged 7 and 4.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time browsing websites and this forum, but I still have a few questions left.

We’ll be landing in Rovaniemi but won’t be staying there, so we’re planning to rent a car. Do you have any recommendations for rental companies? Is a Golf-sized car sufficient, or should we opt for something better suited to the conditions?

I found some nice accommodations near Akaslompolo. Is the area nice? Are there restaurants, shops, etc.? If it were just me, I’d go for total isolation, but I’m not alone 😎 If not, do you have any alternatives within a 2-hour radius of Rovaniemi? I’d also spotted Luosto.

We’re planning the classic activities: - Visiting a reindeer farm (but no sled ride); - A dog-sledding excursion; - Ice fishing; - A few evenings hunting for auroras using our car and a dedicated app; - A day in Rovaniemi for Santa Claus Village, the Arctic Museum, and the small Ranua Zoo; - An ice hockey game; - And maybe a day of skiing.

Do you have any recommendations for activity providers?

What kind of clothing layers do you recommend for the kids at this time of year?

Is the amethyst mine in Luosto worth it? I think the prices are over the top and can’t figure out why… Maybe there’s a good reason?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Best regards.

Hello everyone, My wife Fanny and I, along with our three kids (ages 10, 12, and 14), are planning a two-week trip to Asia during the February break. This would be our first big family trip, and we’re looking to mix discovery, a change of scenery, some relaxation, and cultural immersion. We want to avoid overly organized tours or over-touristed destinations. Over 20 years ago, Fanny and I used to travel as a couple with backpacks, especially in India and Mongolia, but things have surely changed a lot since then. Now, we’re torn between: • Thailand: for its diversity (beaches, temples, nature) and accessibility for a first family trip. • Laos-Cambodia combo: for a potentially more authentic immersion, but we’re wondering if it’s well-suited for kids. - Sri Lanka: it seems amazing and family-friendly? Is the political situation stable enough? We have a few questions:

Which destination would you recommend for this kind of family setup? What itineraries might work for two weeks without feeling too rushed?

Logistics-wise: can we travel with a round-trip flight ticket, book a few basic hotels, and improvise the rest once we’re there? Or do we need to plan everything in advance (transport, accommodations, activities) for this time of year?

Thanks in advance for your valuable tips! Mathieu

hi everyone,

we’re heading to Thailand for 15 days at the end of February/beginning of March.

We haven’t booked our flight tickets yet, but we will soon... we’ve scoured quite a few sites to figure out where to start, but it’s still not clear.

We like to alternate between relaxation on beautiful beaches and sightseeing.

We’re thinking of landing in Bangkok and staying there for 2 or 3 days. Then, we’d spend a day visiting Ayutthaya. I’m skipping Chiang Mai on purpose—it’s too far north. After that, we’d head south (by plane?).

We love snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, or any water sports. We won’t have any means of transportation—no car rental, or at most, a bike! We’ve looked at Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao... and I’m already getting lost with all the options...

The kids might enjoy seeing elephants, but only if it’s done in a way that respects animal welfare.

That’s why I was thinking we could fly back from Bangkok instead of another city.

There are a lot of questions, but the biggest one is figuring out the route.

Thanks so much for your help!

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 there,

I’m planning my first trip to Asia next summer with my partner and our daughter, who’ll be 3 and a half at the time, for 4 weeks (maybe 5).

I’ve heard that the timing is better for visiting Indonesia, but I’m hesitant because Thailand seems more accessible, and I’m worried that traveling to Indonesia during high season might be less enjoyable and a lot more expensive due to the number of tourists. We love cultural sites as much as natural ones, and we’re big foodies. We’re not necessarily looking for luxury and tend to take our time, travel by public transport, and look for accommodations with a good value for money—though we do occasionally splurge on a high-end restaurant.

I’m also wondering when and where to buy flight tickets and how comfortable the journey will be (especially for our daughter) if we fly with Thai Airways or Garuda.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts and tips!

Damien

Hi everyone,

As part of a four-month world trip with our kids (ages 6, 12, and 13), we’ll be spending four weeks in Indonesia. Choosing destinations is so tough because everything is just so appealing! We’ll be spending some time on Java and will likely make a "quick trip" to Borneo for the orangutan reserve. We also want to experience Bali’s culture and the small islands of the Lesser Sundas, with their incredible marine life... but which ones should we prioritize? For a few days of diving and relaxation, do you think we should go for Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands, or Moyo Island? Is Sumbawa complicated to explore? Is it worth taking the time to visit? Can it be crossed by car to then reach Komodo National Park? Anyway, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Our goal is to avoid overly touristy spots (but not places that feel too unsafe with the kids), to discover local culture and villages, and to be amazed both underwater and above. 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!

Hey everyone, so happy the site is back!

After traveling solo across Iran and the Stan countries from one end to the other,

this time I’m heading to Southeast Asia with my wife and our 3-year-old.

I went to the Philippines almost 10 years ago and actually met some forum members there. It was love at first sight.

I’ve booked tickets from January 10 to March 31 for Bangkok (amazing price from Milan). I was thinking of spending: 3 weeks in Thailand 3 weeks in Vietnam 1 month in the Philippines.

Don’t worry, I won’t spam the forum with a thousand messages asking how to get from point A to point B :)))

I’m reaching out to the experts or regulars here for suggestions and ideas!

For Thailand, Obviously, some beautiful beaches wouldn’t hurt for a bit of relaxation. I was thinking of Koh Phayam or Koh Kood (or Koh Chang). If anyone knows a nice spot, even if it’s not on an island, I’m all ears. It’s tricky to ask this for Thailand, but I’m looking for a bit of tranquility (so I’ll probably avoid Phuket, Koh Samui, etc.). (Though I know sometimes you just need to get off the beaten path to find some peace, but I’m not sure if that’s the case in Thailand.)

Vietnam—I have no idea!! A friend mentioned Danang, which could be a good base to explore the countryside/inland areas.

And the Philippines—I had a huge crush on the country (Bantayan, Dumaguete, Sipalay, Siquijor) and really want to go back, maybe to new places/islands.

I have one constraint: We’ll stay in the same place each time. With a kid, it’s tough to move every 2 days (unlike when I’m solo), and I hope this will let us connect with locals by staying put for 3 weeks at a time. (Plus, my budget is pretty tight, so the idea is to negotiate a good price for 3 weeks in the same accommodation.) (My rough budget is 1000 € per month for the three of us: 450 € for lodging, 450 € for food, and 100 € for a scooter. This doesn’t include boat, bus, etc. transfers.)

If you have any ideas, tips, or experiences to share, I’m all ears! I’m totally open to shortening or extending our stays in each country, even if it means skipping one of the three.

Hi there,

We’re planning a little month-long trip to Thailand in July-August with our family (2 adults and 2 kids aged 12 and 15). Below is our tentative itinerary with our main activities—I’d love to hear your thoughts or feedback if there’s a major issue I’ve missed!

Bangkok: 6 nights to "acclimate" and explore the city and Ayutthaya Transfer to Kanchanaburi: 3 nights to discover the area (Bridge, Death Railway, Erawan, and Huai Mae Khamin) Transfer to Kaeng Krachan National Park: 3 nights, full-day visit to the park Transfer to San Roi Yot: 5 nights (Park, Kui Buri, beach) Back to Bangkok, then flight to Chiang Rai: 3 nights (city and surroundings) Transfer to Chiang Mai: 5 nights (city and nearby parks) Return to Bangkok: 2 nights before our flight home

Happy to provide any details!

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 everyone,

We’re heading out as a family from July 2nd to 16th on a loop from Montreal to Montreal. We’re a couple with a little girl who’ll be turning 7 in July, plus my in-laws (one of whom uses a wheelchair).

Here’s our itinerary:

Wednesday, July 2: Arrival in Montreal in the early afternoon – picking up the car at the airport – exploring the city and overnight in Montreal Thursday, July 3: Montreal – overnight in Montreal Friday, July 4: Visit to Parc Omega – overnight in Saint-Jérôme Saturday, July 5: Heading to Trois-Rivières – visit to a sugar shack (Chez Dany? or another name?) – exploring the old town – overnight in Trois-Rivières Sunday, July 6: Shawinigan – Le Village du Bûcheron in Grandes-Piles? – black bear watching (probably not doable for wheelchair users, I think?!) – overnight in Trois-Rivières Monday, July 7: Heading to Chicoutimi – Saguenay – day at Lac Saint-Jean / Val-Jabert – overnight in Saguenay Tuesday, July 8: L’Anse-Saint-Jean – Saguenay Fjord National Park – overnight in Saguenay Wednesday, July 9: Tadoussac – exploring the area and the town – overnight in Tadoussac Thursday, July 10: Whale watching – Baie-Sainte-Catherine – overnight in Tadoussac Friday, July 11: La Malbaie – Baie-Saint-Paul – overnight on Île aux Coudres Saturday, July 12: Exploring the area? – overnight on Île aux Coudres Sunday, July 13: Montmorency Falls – overnight in Quebec City Monday, July 14: Quebec City – overnight in Quebec City Tuesday, July 15: Quebec City and return to Montreal – overnight in Beloeil Wednesday, July 16: Montreal – evening flight

We’ve booked our rooms to ensure a wheelchair-accessible room is available. When searching on Expedia or Booking, few hotels have rooms with a shower accessible for wheelchairs (so a real PMR room). However, these are cancelable, so if something really stands out, I’m all ears 😉.

We’ve booked our car through BSP Auto and we’re flying with Air Transat.

Thanks for any feedback and tips for the visits.

See you soon 🙂 Jennifer

Hi everyone, We’re planning to visit a small part of Indonesia in October 2026 with our kids (8 years old). Ideally, do you think it’s possible to visit Kinabatangan (3 days), Yogyakarta or Borobudur, and finish with some beginner snorkeling on the Gili Islands in 2 weeks? Thanks for your valuable feedback! 😊