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! 😊

Hello everyone,

So, summer 2025 is when I turn 40, and to mark the occasion, I had the idea of doing a road trip through Northern Spain. Since I’ll be traveling with my two kids (9 and 6½ years old), I’m tied to school holidays, but I’m hoping the northern regions of Spain are a little less crowded than the Costa Brava.

We’d leave from Lyon to reach the Atlantic coast, head down to the Basque Country, cross the Spanish border, and then visit: Cantabria - Asturias - Galicia. It’s not exactly around the corner—I’ve seen that it’s about 1,500 km (one way) from Lyon to Galicia. But for this adventure, I’ve got 3 to 3½ weeks. The twist would be doing it in an electric car, stopping for 2-3 days here and there before moving on (alternating between wild camping and hotels). Why electric? Because it’s my company car, and my employer covers the charging and toll costs. Over 3 weeks of vacation, that adds up to big savings.

Question: Do you think this plan is doable? Aside from the charging stops, does the route seem too ambitious for 3 weeks with two kids? And in July/August, are these regions not too packed?

Thanks for your feedback and experiences!

Hi everyone,

After letting our backpacks gather dust for several years, we’ve decided to set off on another adventure—this time as a family, with our 10- and 12-year-old kids! We’re planning a trip from mid-June to the end of July, with two stops: Cambodia (2 weeks) and Indonesia (4 weeks). But before diving into the details, we’ve got quite a few questions and doubts.

About Cambodia: We know this period is the rainy season. Is it really a good idea to go then? And if so, is it better to start with Cambodia and then move on to Indonesia, or does the order not matter from a climate perspective? Here are the activities and sites we’ve shortlisted: · The Mekong and Irrawaddy dolphins: do we actually have a chance of seeing them? · The Mondulkiri Project (elephant sanctuary): is this an ethical project? We want to avoid any form of animal exploitation. · The temples of Angkor: are 2 or 3 days enough to fully enjoy them? · Floating villages: where should we go for an authentic experience? Is it possible to spend the night there? · Hikes with waterfalls, lakes, etc.: are there any must-do treks? · And most importantly, what activities or sites would appeal to kids?

For Indonesia: We were there 15 years ago and loved our itinerary: Yogyakarta / Borobudur → Bromo → Kawah Ijen → Bali → Gili Trawangan. This time, we’re torn: · Retracing part of that route to share it with our kids (even if revisiting the same places isn’t super appealing), · Or exploring new regions. What’s almost certain is that we’d like to spend about two weeks in Raja Ampat. For the other two weeks, we’re undecided. We’re looking for kid-friendly ideas for places and activities, while avoiding too many connections for budget and environmental reasons. Since we’ll already see temples in Cambodia, we’d like to mix things up.

And finally… On our last trip to the region, we traveled without kids and went super free-spirited: only the round-trip tickets were booked, and we improvised the rest day by day without any major issues finding accommodation, food, or accessing the activities we’d spotted. Do you think this style of travel is still doable with two kids? Or has it become too risky or stressful? Are there regions where the "backpacker" approach is still possible, and others where it’s better to book in advance? And for certain activities or sites, is it recommended to hire guides?

Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences!

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 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,

We’re heading to Hurghada for the end-of-year holidays—could you recommend some excursions for us (we’re a couple with our 14-year-old son)? Any trustworthy agencies you’d suggest? Do we need a visa?

Looking forward to your tips. Best regards

Hi everyone,

We’re a couple with an 8-year-old daughter, and we’d love to head to the islands this summer (late July to early August) for 15 days to enjoy the beaches, beautiful landscapes, snorkeling, and see sea turtles.

We’re torn between Mauritius and Guadeloupe (where we went about ten years ago as a "just the two of us" couple).

We’ve read a few things about both destinations: - About Mauritius: July and August are during the southern winter, so temperatures are cooler, and the water isn’t always very warm (it’s all relative, though!). On the east coast, it can be quite windy and therefore cooler. - About Guadeloupe: July and August are the rainy season, but the rain is mostly at night and in the morning. That means warm, sunny days with nice warm water!

Of course, it’s impossible to predict the weather six months in advance, but we’d love to hear your thoughts on these destinations.

Thanks in advance for your feedback,

Gaëlle and Laurent (and Emma!)

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

Hello,

A few months ago, I posted a message in the Southern Africa section about a family trip in July/August. In the end, since I had too much trouble deciding on the destination and procrastinated too much with the planning 😎, I changed my mind and we’re going for a completely different trip—to Madagascar, a country we already know a bit since we’ve traveled there several times for 4 to 6 months each time, though our last visit was back in 2012!

The tickets are booked: 19 days on the ground (excluding arrival and departure days in Tana), spanning July and August.

We’re not looking to rack up landscapes (and kilometers). The kids really want to see lots of animals, while we mostly want to show them what daily life is like in Malagasy villages. So ideally, we’d like a trip split into two parts: - For 8/10 days, a hiking portion. The idea isn’t to do a tough trek in very remote areas but rather to walk from one village to another. Let’s say 3-4 hours a day. And when we arrive in each village, we’d have time to explore a bit, chat with the locals, let our kids play with the village children, etc. Stay with locals when possible. Move to a new village every day or every 2-3 days. - A few days visiting 1 or 2 national parks (with lemurs if possible to keep everyone happy!) - With the inevitable travel days, we’ll quickly hit 19 days.

Does this kind of trip sound doable (and fun) to you? Do you know of any villages that would fit our hiking plans?

I don’t have a preferred region yet, except that very dry landscapes appeal to me less. My real love from past trips was the highlands and their bright green rice paddies against red earth, but I’m a bit worried about the cold at this time of year.

After my initial research (thanks to this forum), I get the impression that the Ambalavao/Ambohimahamasina area might meet our criteria. I saw there are "accueil paysan" (farm stays) in that area, which could match what we’re looking for and would let us visit Andringitra National Park and Ranomafana on the way there or back.

But I’m open to all your more original ideas!

For logistical questions (transport, guides, accommodations, etc.), I’ll tackle those later—it’ll depend on the area we choose.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions

Hi, We're traveling as a family with 2 kids (7 and 15 years old) in July 2025 for a road trip in South Africa. We have a round-trip ticket from Paris to Johannesburg and are considering taking 2 domestic flights: one between Johannesburg and Cape Town and another between Cape Town and Durban. Do you know when it's best to book the tickets to get the best fares and which airline to choose? I'm currently finding tickets on Safair for 300 € for 4 between Johannesburg and Cape Town. What do you think? Also, I have a slight hesitation. We're going for 18 days. Do you think it's better to focus on the northern part of the country, including Kruger, or is it worth visiting the Cape region as well (the kids dream of seeing whales!)? Thanks so much for your advice. I’d really appreciate it! Have a great evening, Sophie

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 fellow travelers I really need your help to plan our trip. A little background: we’re a family of 2 adults and 2 kids aged 11 and 12. We’re used to traveling independently—no guide. We’re planning a 1-month trip this summer (August) to Indonesia, but we’re unsure which island would suit us best. We’ve already been to Bali and don’t want to go back. We land in Jakarta and plan to fly to one or two islands the next day. We especially love the sea and snorkeling. We’ve already visited plenty of temples, mountain hikes (I can’t do those anymore after a serious fracture), and seen orangutans. As you’ve probably guessed, our thing is the big blue and waterfalls. So, what to choose between Lombok, Sulawesi, Flores, and Sumatra for a month? Which island is the most beach and snorkeling-focused based on your experience? We can take flights, boats, and rent a car—no guide needed. Thank you a thousand times for your valuable tips!

Hi dear Voyage Forum community,

So glad this precious forum still exists!

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?

Thanks in advance for your insights!

Hi everyone, We’re planning a trip to Florida during Belgium’s Carnival break, from February 14 to March 1, 2025. I’d love your help putting together our itinerary and getting ideas for family-friendly places to stay 😊 We’ll likely book a multi-destination flight, arriving in Miami and departing from Orlando. Here’s what we’d really love to do: - Visit beaches like Sanibel Island—we’re huge shell collectors 🐚 - See alligators in the Everglades and take a tour there - Spend some downtime in the Keys to relax a bit - Head to the Kennedy Space Center since my son is obsessed with astronauts and rockets - Maybe hit one of Orlando’s theme parks (we were leaning toward Universal, but the prices are just outrageous 😬) - Explore some cool spots in Miami.

We’d also prefer not to switch hotels too often—maybe at least two nights in each place? And no more than a 3-hour drive between stops.

Here’s our rough plan so far: Day 1–3: Miami Day 3–5: Keys Day 5–7: Everglades, Naples, and Sanibel Island Day 7–11: ??? Day 11–14: Orlando and Kennedy Space Center

As you can see, I’m not sure whether to add more days to the places we’re already visiting or if we should swing by Clearwater or somewhere else? Thanks in advance for your tips and recommendations!

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.

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, I’m planning a 3-week trip to Malaysia this July with my 6-year-old son. I’d thought we’d go this year, but we ended up returning to Samui instead.

I’ve decided to limit it to 4 stops to avoid moving around too often and to fully enjoy each place without rushing. The travel times between each spot aren’t too long, except for the one between Sandakan and Langkawi.

* 05: Arrival in KL in the afternoon. 06: Day in KL. I’ve been there a few times and know the city a bit.

* 07: Head to Kota Kinabalu 08 – 09: In KK

* 10: Flight from Sandakan to Sepilok 11: In Sepilok

* 12: Flight to Kinabatangan 13 – 14: In Kinabatangan

* 15: Head to Langkawi 15 – 21: In Langkawi

* 22: Return to KL 23 – 24: In KL

* 25: Return flight

Any thoughts on this itinerary? I have a rough idea of what we’ll do at each stop after checking online and with ChatGPT.

Thanks! 🙂

Hi everyone, Back from my summer vacation, and it's already time to start planning the next one! I mean, I work to go on vacation and explore with my family—don’t you? Next destination: Mexico (Yucatán and Quintana Roo), When: February/March 2026, Duration: 17 nights there (+1 arrival night, either a layover or late in the evening), Who: Two adults and two young kids (3 and 8 years old), Transport: Rental car Interests: Culture, a little relaxation, hiking (though I’m not sure if the destination is ideal for that), and nature exploration.

The plan is to do the classic route but stay longer in each place—it’s easier to manage with kids. Here’s what I had in mind:

Valladolid = 3 nights to visit Ek Balam, Chichén Itzá, and a cenote. Mérida = 3 nights for a stop in Izamal on the way, exploring Mérida, then Uxmal + a trip to Celestún. Campeche = 2 nights to see the Xtacumbilxunaan cave and the Edzná Maya site. Calakmul = 1 night Bacalar = 3 nights for the Lagoon of Seven Colors, Fort San Felipe, some downtime, and a possible day trip to Cozumel if needed. Tulum = 5 nights to visit Cobá, Tulum, cenotes, the beach, Sian Ka’an + Muyil. Then back to the airport (1h30 drive or 2h if flying into Cancún).

Does this seem well-balanced? Could I improve it by grouping accommodations more? I’m guessing Palenque/Yaxchilán is too far (even if I cut other things from the itinerary)? It still sounds like an amazing trip... Thanks,

Hello, I’ll be in Greece with my two daughters, aged 10 and 13, from July 6th to 27th. I’ve planned a route that seems fairly coherent, but I’d love to hear your thoughts:

J1 – Arrive in Athens in the afternoon and head straight to Corinth for the night J2 – Relax (beach) and visit Corinth or nearby – night in Corinth J3 – Mycenae + Epidaurus + Nafplio – night in Nafplio J4 – Mystras + Olympia – night in Olympia J5 – Delphi – night in Delphi J6 – Meteora (monasteries and more) – night in Kalambaka J7 – Meteora (nature walk) – night in Athens J8 – Explore Athens – night in Athens J9 – Explore Athens – night in Athens J10 – Ferry to Santorini + visit – night in Santorini J11 – Amorgos or another island – night in Amorgos J12 – Amorgos or another island – night in Amorgos J13 – Amorgos or another island – night in Amorgos J14 – Naxos – night in Naxos J15 – Naxos – night in Naxos J16 – Naxos – night in Naxos J17 – Paros – night in Paros J18 – Paros – night in Paros J19 – Paros – night in Paros J20 – Paros – night in Paros J21 – Ferry from Paros to Athens (is this possible?) – night in Athens J22 – Departure late morning

I’d like to know if there’s a town in the Peloponnese where we can stay and visit everything from there—I’d prefer not to change hotels every night. Are there any stops I can skip? Any must-see additions? I’d love to find pools or beaches to cool off at the end of the day—with the heat and the kids, we’ll need to refresh after sightseeing! For the Cyclades, I’m thinking of spending just an afternoon and evening in Santorini before moving on. I’m looking for authentic, quiet, beautiful islands with few tourists and nice beaches. Should I book all our rooms before leaving, or can we improvise a little? Thanks for your tips!

Hi there, I’m planning a 3-week trip to Greece in July with my two daughters, aged 10 and 13. After looking into it, I’m thinking of spending about ten days on the mainland and another ten in the Cyclades. I’d like to avoid tourist traps but still hit a few must-see spots. Could you share your best tips for renting a car on the mainland and what the budget might look like? I’m all ears for any great tips (accommodation, activities with my girls, areas to avoid). What’s a rough estimate for the total budget, all-inclusive? Just to give you an idea, we’re experienced travelers who’ve already done a round-the-world trip. We’re pretty adventurous, even though it’s a vacation—though we won’t be staying in no-frills hostels either! Thanks! :)

Hi there! We’re heading to Thailand next February and will be stopping in Chiang Mai with our 4- and 6-year-olds, plus a couple of friends with a 6-year-old as well. We’re looking for a boutique-style hotel (we’re not big fans of large chain establishments if we can avoid them) with a pool. The tricky part is finding family rooms.

Any recommendations, please? :) Thanks so much for your help!

See you soon! !

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, This summer, we’re spending a month in Malaysia. There are 3 adults and two kids in our group. I’ve just finished planning our itinerary and I’d love to get your thoughts on whether it feels "coherent." Thanks in advance for your feedback! Christelle 07/07 Depart France 10:30 AM 08/07 Arrive KL 7:50 PM 09/07 KL 10/07 KL / Batu Caves 11/07 KL 12/07 KL → Kuching (flight) 13/07 Kuching 14/07 Bako National Park 15/07 Bako → Kuching 16/07 Semenggoh Reserve 17/07 Kuching → Mulu (flight) 18/07 Mulu National Park 19/07 Mulu → Kota Kinabalu (flight) 20/07 Kota Kinabalu → Sandakan (flight) 21/07 Kinabatangan 22/07 Kinabatangan → Sandakan / Sandakan → KL (flight) 23/07 Malacca 24/07 Malacca → Chin Swee Caves Temple 25/07 Chin Swee Caves Temple → Kuala Tahan / Taman Negara Park 26/07 Taman Negara Park 27/07 Kuala Tahan → Kuala Besut 28/07 Perhentian Islands 29/07 Perhentian Islands 30/07 Perhentian Islands 31/07 Perhentian → George Town 01/08 George Town / Penang 02/08 George Town / Penang 03/08 Ipoh 04/08 Cameron Highlands 05/08 Return to KL 06/08 Return to France

Hi there. About a month ago, I posted a potential itinerary for Bulgaria and Istanbul, but in the end, since we found some relatively cheap flight tickets to Istanbul, we decided to go for a trip to Turkey instead.

When? 2 weeks, late August (14th to 29th) Who? Dad, mom, a 17-year-old teen, and an 11-year-old child

Here’s our plan: do you think it’s doable? Any practical tips?

We start with 4 full days in Istanbul (5 nights) Then, we rent a car and head to Ephesus. We stay there for 1 day (2 nights) After that, we drive to Kaş. We stay there for 4 full days (5 nights), enough time to relax a bit, see Kaputaş Beach and Kekova, the site of Myra, the site of Patara, and possibly the site of Çıralı/Olympos—even though it’s a bit far—and Saklıkent Gorge. From Kaş, we spend 2 nights near Denizli to see Pamukkale and Aphrodisias. Is it possible to visit both sites in the same day? Then, we travel from Pamukkale back to Istanbul, return the car, and spend one last night in Istanbul.

Thanks for your thoughts!

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 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 planning a 3-week trip to Indonesia in October 2026 with our kids, who’ll be 5 and a half and 3 and a half years old. We’re thinking of visiting Komodo—maybe on a cruise—Sulawesi, and Raja Ampat. We were wondering if it’s doable with young kids? Are they welcome on boats? In homestays? We’re not the type to shy away from traveling with our kids, but since it *is* pretty far off the beaten path, we’ve got some questions. Thanks in advance for your feedback! !

Hello,

My wife, our kids (aged 5 and 9), and I will arrive in Fukuoka on May 27, 2026. We plan to visit Japan for about a month—maybe a month and a half (we’re starting our 11-month world trip in Japan, so I’m flexible with dates).

For the driver’s license, can I get it translated in advance and receive it in France? If so, do you know of a website or contact that handles this?

For car rental, which company would you recommend? I did a simulation on Nippon Rent-A-Car, and it seems like a solid option. As for driving, I’ve already driven in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Thailand, so if all the signs are also in Latin letters, I should be fine! That said, I know I won’t be driving in big cities like Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo.

We love the freedom a car provides.

Broadly speaking, we’d like to follow this route (mixing car rental and trains): Fukuoka > Hiroshima > Himeji > Osaka > Kyoto > areas around Mount Fuji > Nagano > Nikko > Tokyo

We’ll rent the car from Fukuoka to Himeji and from Kyoto to Tokyo.

I’m torn between exploring the northern coast (Nagato / Matsue / Tottori / Miyazu) or sticking to the southern coast (Fukuoka / Hiroshima / Fukuyama / Himeji). We’d love to see both the "must-see" sites and some more offbeat, hidden spots—places off the beaten path.

I’m also not ruling out a little road trip around Kyushu. I still need to look into the details of what to see there.

Best regards, Cédric

Hi there, I’m planning a 15-day trip to Vietnam from December 15th to December 31st. There’ll be 6 adults and one little one who’s 18 months old. Would you recommend staying in the North or trying to cover both the North and South? We prefer nature and areas that aren’t too touristy. Any great tips? Thanks for your help! I’d like to book the flight tickets soon, and I’m not sure if it’s better to change airports for the arrival and return. Thanks! 😊

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.

See you soon! Christophe