Posts by Maxime742

Unfortunately, there’s no direct ferry from the Mediterranean to Madeira, whether by van or camper. The island is pretty isolated in the Atlantic, so there are still no regular routes for that kind of crossing from the continent.

The only option that existed in the past was a route between Portimão (southern Portugal) and Madeira, operated by Naviera Armas, but it hasn’t been running for a while (and even back then, it was seasonal and not always reliable).

So, if you really want to get there with your van or camper, the easiest way is still to take a ferry to the Canary Islands (from Cadiz, Spain) and then possibly look for a crossing to Madeira… but even that’s complicated, long, and not always open to vehicles.

Otherwise, the most realistic option: rent a van directly in Madeira. There are a few local agencies that do this, and the island is great to explore that way, even if it’s small.

Hey Damien, For summer (I’m thinking July/August), it’s true that Indonesia is in the middle of the dry season, so weather-wise, it’s great. In Thailand, it’s the rainy season, but that doesn’t mean it’s unbearable. It can rain heavily but often in the late afternoon, and it’s not every day either. Indonesia (Bali, Java, Lombok...) is magical, but in high season, it can get really crowded, especially in Bali. So yes, prices go up, and some places lose a bit of their charm because of the crowds. That said, you can still make it work if you go off the beaten path (avoid central Ubud or Canggu in the middle of summer, for example). Or you could just skip Bali and go somewhere else. Thailand is easier to organize—travel is simpler, the food is incredible, and people love kids. Bangkok – Chiang Mai – a few islands (Koh Samui or Koh Phangan on the east side, which are a bit drier in summer) can make a great mix of culture, nature, and beach. And it’s often cheaper, even for comfortable lodging. For flights, Thai Airways and Garuda are both solid airlines, known for their comfort and service, especially with a child. If you can get a direct flight or one with few layovers, it makes a huge difference with a little one. Try to book around November-December for the following summer—that’s when you’ll often find the best prices. Anyway, for a first trip to Asia with a young child, I’d say Thailand is the “easier” choice and still culturally super rich.

Hi! With 3 checked bags + 3 carry-ons, honestly the Ford Edge might be a bit tight in terms of trunk space. It’s a good SUV, but it can quickly become a hassle to fit everything without blocking rear visibility or having to force things in at every stop. If you want to be comfortable, I’d recommend going for a category above, like a Dodge Durango, GMC Yukon XL, or Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban. That way, you’ll have plenty of room for luggage, coats, and even some shopping or winter gear if needed. And most importantly, in winter in Canada—though it’s usually the case—make sure it has 4-wheel drive. It’s pretty much essential as soon as you leave the big cities.