Results for "Fort+Latte+|+127"
55256 results found.
From the Awakening to Travel to Morocco in the 90s
As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, I inherited my love of travel from my parents and some of my grandparents. A strong passion, but one that was unfortunately limited by our family’s modest resources. Back then, living in northern Alsace, a simple trip to the southern part of the region—with the Wine Route as our destination—felt like an extraordinary journey to a land of plenty for the little boy I was in the late 60s and early 70s.
Everything seemed so huge when you were still just a kid.
Back then, I was overwhelmed by countless sensations—I was already highly sensitive, with a keen mind and a nose and taste buds that were developing like a pro’s. Which, as I’d later realize, wasn’t always an advantage.
Those magical days always began with a gentle late-spring or midsummer morning. The interior of the white Peugeot 404, license plate 210 LZ 67, had already soaked up the sun before the engine purred to life, and the cabin gave off a scent I could still recognize today—a fragrance I found so pleasant. Back then, I had no idea it was just the smell of warm plastic from the car’s interior. Yes, the scents of the 404 on sunny days became my madeleine de Proust... What’s more, the whole family was unusually cheerful because those moments of relaxation and leisure were rare. Everyone worked, and no one had an easy job or was well paid. Without the *Trente Glorieuses*, these experiences might never have happened.
Once we crossed the canton’s borders, I felt like I was light-years away from my everyday surroundings, and every kilometer plunged me deeper into *terra incognita*. It was thrilling. Far from my so-called "medium-sized" town, wheat fields, cornfields, and cabbage patches stretched out, punctuated by tall poles connected by long wires and topped with vegetation—like giant clotheslines without laundry, where magical beanstalks might grow to touch the sky. Back then, I was still far from tasting their product, which was simply beer. At the time, there was still a significant local hop production. Fun fact: it wasn’t until 2002 that Anglo-Saxon scientists proved hops and cannabis belong to the same biological family.
After the fields, the landscape took another step up as it rolled past the little boy’s eyes, often glued to the windows. First came modest hills, then a succession of rolling slopes that soon formed an unbroken chain. Their 700 meters in altitude felt like Himalayan peaks to me—impressive, inert giants, a whole new world. Gazing at them, an intense emotion welled up somewhere between my stomach and lungs, nearly taking my breath away. What mysteries, what treasures did these heights hold? And then there were the cherries on top—the crowning touch that made the scene even more magical: proud, majestic castles perched on the summits like impassive sentinels. Monuments from the past, yet firmly rooted in the present on their rocky spurs. The little boy’s eyes sparkled—he’d been given a castle for Christmas, complete with battlements, towers, a drawbridge, and fully armed knights. He’d watched and lived *Ivanhoe* on the only French TV channel that existed back then.
Only once did my paternal grandfather join us on one of these trips. A tall, intelligent man with a face that could shift from stern to mischievous, clearly full of humor and charisma. Sadly, his relationship with alcohol had taken a toll on his life and, by extension, those of his loved ones. He had a strong personality—if his boss crossed the line, he wouldn’t hesitate to punch him, which meant he went through a lot of different jobs. Back then, you could quit one job and easily find another. It was quite something to see him in his final stages, hallucinating pink elephants and even drinking perfume when he had nothing else left. The last time I saw him, he’d slipped away from the doctors and nurses while hospitalized in pretty bad shape—at least, I assume his liver was the issue. We were sitting down for a family lunch when the door burst open, and there he stood in his pajamas, eyes twinkling with mischief, clearly pleased with the dramatic entrance. That theatrical moment didn’t spare us from burying him a few months later at the age of 71. One day, my mother told me the family doctor had quietly remarked that it was a shame—with his robust constitution, he could’ve lived to be a hundred. Yes, the family doctor—this was the man who’d come treat you any day, at almost any hour, just for a phone call. It really existed, it’s not a myth!
That day, his wife—my paternal grandmother—was also along for the ride. Everyone agreed that Jeannette was a good woman. She worked as a waitress at *Le Tigre*, the biggest brasserie in town, right in the center. Most customers preferred to be served by her, including local dignitaries and even the mayor. As a kid, I didn’t find her very fun, open, or warm—she seemed a bit stern. Back then, women in their fifties already had the face and build of grandmothers. Same went for men, don’t get me wrong. I had no idea about the struggles she faced because of her husband. I didn’t know that 30 years earlier, she’d had to flee Alsace while pregnant, under threat from Nazi fighter-bombers. I didn’t know she’d had several miscarriages, and that my father—her only surviving child, born prematurely in March 1940 at the other end of France—weighed less than a kilo at birth and was so tiny he could fit in a shoebox. Hard to imagine he’d grow into a strapping man nearly 1.80 meters tall, tipping the scales at 100 kilos. When you come back from summer camp in early August and ask why she didn’t pick you up with your parents, and they gently tell you she’s "in heaven," you don’t realize she passed away at 54 after suffering greatly from stomach cancer that had spread.
Back to that family outing, that enchanted parenthesis. I even remembered where we’d had lunch when I passed through Dambach-la-Ville decades later. One of those charming, flower-filled towns Alsace produces in abundance—and preserves so well. This one sits high on a hill, and I was a bit stunned on the parking lot because the view stretched far, revealing the Alsace plain below—its fields, villages, hills, and forests. The world seemed so vast and enticing that day, even though I was only glimpsing a tiny fraction of it.
The region was already very touristy, but I wouldn’t notice the downsides until much later. That Sunday noon, I discovered a large restaurant filled with diners. I can still see the enormous piece of meat they served me, decorated with a little wooden skewer topped with a flag. I kept that one for a long time. Those were the golden days of rich, flowing, thick sauces—so flavorful—and the era of the world’s best fries, made on the spot with the best potatoes. To top it off, I was *exceptionally* allowed a small bottle of apple juice, Orangina, or—even better if possible—Sinalco. Yes, Sinalco—like Orangina, but better. A brand that must’ve disappeared in the 70s, but why, and what a shame! Since then, Orangina’s little bubbles have taken the brand to the other side of the planet—it’s now Japanese.
Year after year, I’d eagerly await that ecstatic moment when the most beautiful castle in Alsace, the Haut-Koenigsbourg, appeared in my field of vision. The perfect model, the archetype that blended into the landscape at the height of a child’s dreams. The trip home always felt like a reality check—less jarring than an alarm clock, but more diffuse and melancholic. From then on, there was only one wish: *When do we leave again?*
Those magical days always began with a gentle late-spring or midsummer morning. The interior of the white Peugeot 404, license plate 210 LZ 67, had already soaked up the sun before the engine purred to life, and the cabin gave off a scent I could still recognize today—a fragrance I found so pleasant. Back then, I had no idea it was just the smell of warm plastic from the car’s interior. Yes, the scents of the 404 on sunny days became my madeleine de Proust... What’s more, the whole family was unusually cheerful because those moments of relaxation and leisure were rare. Everyone worked, and no one had an easy job or was well paid. Without the *Trente Glorieuses*, these experiences might never have happened.
Once we crossed the canton’s borders, I felt like I was light-years away from my everyday surroundings, and every kilometer plunged me deeper into *terra incognita*. It was thrilling. Far from my so-called "medium-sized" town, wheat fields, cornfields, and cabbage patches stretched out, punctuated by tall poles connected by long wires and topped with vegetation—like giant clotheslines without laundry, where magical beanstalks might grow to touch the sky. Back then, I was still far from tasting their product, which was simply beer. At the time, there was still a significant local hop production. Fun fact: it wasn’t until 2002 that Anglo-Saxon scientists proved hops and cannabis belong to the same biological family.
After the fields, the landscape took another step up as it rolled past the little boy’s eyes, often glued to the windows. First came modest hills, then a succession of rolling slopes that soon formed an unbroken chain. Their 700 meters in altitude felt like Himalayan peaks to me—impressive, inert giants, a whole new world. Gazing at them, an intense emotion welled up somewhere between my stomach and lungs, nearly taking my breath away. What mysteries, what treasures did these heights hold? And then there were the cherries on top—the crowning touch that made the scene even more magical: proud, majestic castles perched on the summits like impassive sentinels. Monuments from the past, yet firmly rooted in the present on their rocky spurs. The little boy’s eyes sparkled—he’d been given a castle for Christmas, complete with battlements, towers, a drawbridge, and fully armed knights. He’d watched and lived *Ivanhoe* on the only French TV channel that existed back then.
Only once did my paternal grandfather join us on one of these trips. A tall, intelligent man with a face that could shift from stern to mischievous, clearly full of humor and charisma. Sadly, his relationship with alcohol had taken a toll on his life and, by extension, those of his loved ones. He had a strong personality—if his boss crossed the line, he wouldn’t hesitate to punch him, which meant he went through a lot of different jobs. Back then, you could quit one job and easily find another. It was quite something to see him in his final stages, hallucinating pink elephants and even drinking perfume when he had nothing else left. The last time I saw him, he’d slipped away from the doctors and nurses while hospitalized in pretty bad shape—at least, I assume his liver was the issue. We were sitting down for a family lunch when the door burst open, and there he stood in his pajamas, eyes twinkling with mischief, clearly pleased with the dramatic entrance. That theatrical moment didn’t spare us from burying him a few months later at the age of 71. One day, my mother told me the family doctor had quietly remarked that it was a shame—with his robust constitution, he could’ve lived to be a hundred. Yes, the family doctor—this was the man who’d come treat you any day, at almost any hour, just for a phone call. It really existed, it’s not a myth!
That day, his wife—my paternal grandmother—was also along for the ride. Everyone agreed that Jeannette was a good woman. She worked as a waitress at *Le Tigre*, the biggest brasserie in town, right in the center. Most customers preferred to be served by her, including local dignitaries and even the mayor. As a kid, I didn’t find her very fun, open, or warm—she seemed a bit stern. Back then, women in their fifties already had the face and build of grandmothers. Same went for men, don’t get me wrong. I had no idea about the struggles she faced because of her husband. I didn’t know that 30 years earlier, she’d had to flee Alsace while pregnant, under threat from Nazi fighter-bombers. I didn’t know she’d had several miscarriages, and that my father—her only surviving child, born prematurely in March 1940 at the other end of France—weighed less than a kilo at birth and was so tiny he could fit in a shoebox. Hard to imagine he’d grow into a strapping man nearly 1.80 meters tall, tipping the scales at 100 kilos. When you come back from summer camp in early August and ask why she didn’t pick you up with your parents, and they gently tell you she’s "in heaven," you don’t realize she passed away at 54 after suffering greatly from stomach cancer that had spread.
Back to that family outing, that enchanted parenthesis. I even remembered where we’d had lunch when I passed through Dambach-la-Ville decades later. One of those charming, flower-filled towns Alsace produces in abundance—and preserves so well. This one sits high on a hill, and I was a bit stunned on the parking lot because the view stretched far, revealing the Alsace plain below—its fields, villages, hills, and forests. The world seemed so vast and enticing that day, even though I was only glimpsing a tiny fraction of it.
The region was already very touristy, but I wouldn’t notice the downsides until much later. That Sunday noon, I discovered a large restaurant filled with diners. I can still see the enormous piece of meat they served me, decorated with a little wooden skewer topped with a flag. I kept that one for a long time. Those were the golden days of rich, flowing, thick sauces—so flavorful—and the era of the world’s best fries, made on the spot with the best potatoes. To top it off, I was *exceptionally* allowed a small bottle of apple juice, Orangina, or—even better if possible—Sinalco. Yes, Sinalco—like Orangina, but better. A brand that must’ve disappeared in the 70s, but why, and what a shame! Since then, Orangina’s little bubbles have taken the brand to the other side of the planet—it’s now Japanese.
Year after year, I’d eagerly await that ecstatic moment when the most beautiful castle in Alsace, the Haut-Koenigsbourg, appeared in my field of vision. The perfect model, the archetype that blended into the landscape at the height of a child’s dreams. The trip home always felt like a reality check—less jarring than an alarm clock, but more diffuse and melancholic. From then on, there was only one wish: *When do we leave again?*
What currency should I bring to Punta Cana?
Hi, I’m leaving soon for Punta Cana—what kind of money should we bring: Canadian dollars, US dollars, or are we forced to exchange once we arrive?
Thanks
Tunisian Impressions (Live)
Hi there,
I arrived in Tunisia this afternoon for a full 14-day stay.
I took a direct Tunisair flight from Nice, which departed about thirty minutes late (that’s nothing compared to the "nightmares" I’ve had on some of my recent trips).
The flight lasts around 1 hour and 20 minutes, and a small snack was served on board (a sort of quiche with chickpea purée, a small bread roll, a portion of cheese like La Vache qui rit, and a small chocolate cake). It’s worth mentioning because it’s becoming increasingly rare on short flights. I was seated between two Tunisian gentlemen who gave me some great tips for my trip, especially about negotiating prices. One of them is a former cameraman for France Télévisions, very cultured and well-traveled—his daughter is a journalist at France Télévisions (I found some of her articles online). In short, the flight was very pleasant and quick.
I’m staying at the Hôtel Royal Victoria. I booked it yesterday afternoon by email without providing my credit card number. The room costs 241 TND (71 €) with breakfast included. It has heating, a small fridge, a safe, a hairdryer, Wi-Fi, and a TV with international channels. There’s a police van permanently parked in the square where the hotel is located.
This hotel is housed in the former British consulate and later embassy. It has a lot of charm with its painted wood ceilings and doors, and its bathroom covered in ceramic tiles. The tiny elevator is from another era. The main advantage of the hotel is its location between the medina and Avenue Bourguiba. Nearby, there’s the Magasin Général, where you can find groceries and some typical products like rose water, geranium water, and tons of halwa (a customer kindly explained how to eat it and which is the best).
After nightfall, I took a short stroll down Avenue Bourguiba. There weren’t many people around—it’s windy and cold.
I’ve already noticed the warm welcome from Tunisians. The supermarket cashier welcomed me to Tunisia, and a gentleman I asked for directions to the Magasin Général (I was about to climb stairs leading to a mosque!) insisted on inviting me for coffee, but I declined.
The rest of my itinerary will depend on the weather. If it doesn’t rain tomorrow, I might visit Carthage since the Bardo Museum is closed on Mondays, as are the museums in Sidi Bou Said.
TO BE CONTINUED...
I arrived in Tunisia this afternoon for a full 14-day stay.
I took a direct Tunisair flight from Nice, which departed about thirty minutes late (that’s nothing compared to the "nightmares" I’ve had on some of my recent trips).
The flight lasts around 1 hour and 20 minutes, and a small snack was served on board (a sort of quiche with chickpea purée, a small bread roll, a portion of cheese like La Vache qui rit, and a small chocolate cake). It’s worth mentioning because it’s becoming increasingly rare on short flights. I was seated between two Tunisian gentlemen who gave me some great tips for my trip, especially about negotiating prices. One of them is a former cameraman for France Télévisions, very cultured and well-traveled—his daughter is a journalist at France Télévisions (I found some of her articles online). In short, the flight was very pleasant and quick.
I’m staying at the Hôtel Royal Victoria. I booked it yesterday afternoon by email without providing my credit card number. The room costs 241 TND (71 €) with breakfast included. It has heating, a small fridge, a safe, a hairdryer, Wi-Fi, and a TV with international channels. There’s a police van permanently parked in the square where the hotel is located.
This hotel is housed in the former British consulate and later embassy. It has a lot of charm with its painted wood ceilings and doors, and its bathroom covered in ceramic tiles. The tiny elevator is from another era. The main advantage of the hotel is its location between the medina and Avenue Bourguiba. Nearby, there’s the Magasin Général, where you can find groceries and some typical products like rose water, geranium water, and tons of halwa (a customer kindly explained how to eat it and which is the best).
After nightfall, I took a short stroll down Avenue Bourguiba. There weren’t many people around—it’s windy and cold.
I’ve already noticed the warm welcome from Tunisians. The supermarket cashier welcomed me to Tunisia, and a gentleman I asked for directions to the Magasin Général (I was about to climb stairs leading to a mosque!) insisted on inviting me for coffee, but I declined.
The rest of my itinerary will depend on the weather. If it doesn’t rain tomorrow, I might visit Carthage since the Bardo Museum is closed on Mondays, as are the museums in Sidi Bou Said.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Visit suggestions for Bonaire, Curaçao, and Aruba for a day?
We have a cruise planned for next April to the ABC Islands and we’d love to hear your suggestions for sights, beaches, or special shopping spots. We’ve started our research and noticed that Bonaire isn’t highly recommended for beaches because of all the coral (great for diving, though). Thanks in advance!
Bus from Sharm El-Sheikh to Alexandria
Hi, what do you think about taking the Blue Bus from Sharm El-Sheikh to Alexandria in early March? They say it’s an 8-hour trip, and it costs between 10 and 15 €. Thanks in advance!
Sun Protection
Hi everyone, next month my wife, our 6-year-old daughter, and I are flying to Thailand. It’ll be a great chance to soak up some sun—something we’ve been missing lately here in France! But speaking of sun, I burn easily, and our daughter even more so. I was wondering what SPF to get for sunscreen and whether it’s better to buy it there or before we leave? Thanks for your tips!
All-Inclusive Stay on Roatan Island
HENRY MORGAN HOTEL AND BEACH RESORT
Transfer (half an hour) from the airport to the hotel by minibus. We drop off our suitcases at the airport exit. They are loaded onto another vehicle and transported directly to the hotel, where we pick them up upon arrival.
We’re given our wristbands, two key cards for our room, a remote for the TV, a remote for the air conditioning (ours was already in the room), and a document with a detailed site map and information on restaurant, bar, and other service hours. Reception is open 24 hours.
We got room F3, located on the ground floor of a two-story building. It’s very well situated since it’s in the central part of the resort.
The room has two large beds with super comfortable mattresses, two nightstands, a coffee table with two chairs, two wardrobes, and plenty of storage space.
There’s also a large flat-screen TV. Netflix is included free of charge by the hotel—no subscription required. The safe is also provided at no extra cost.
There’s a mini-fridge, and the housekeeper provides bottles of water. However, it’s suggested to refill the bottles at the water stations by the bar, which we did several times.
The bathroom has a shower, toilet, sink with storage space, a large mirror, a towel rack, a hairdryer, soap, shampoo, and several rolls of toilet paper.
The hot water temperature in the shower varied during our stay. The air conditioning works perfectly.
We have a terrace with a chair and two hammocks.
The room uses 110 volts, and there are a few power outlets in the room.
The buffet restaurant is air-conditioned and open from 7 AM to 10 AM for breakfast, 12 PM to 3 PM for lunch, and 6 PM to 8:30 PM for dinner.
The buffet selection is very varied, and the food is delicious. The wine, both white and red, tastes great. The service is exceptional.
There’s also an à la carte restaurant ($), the Gastro Bar & Winery, open from 11 AM to 10 PM. We didn’t go there.
There’s a snack bar open from 11 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 5 PM, but I can’t comment on it since we didn’t visit.
We only went to the lobby bar near the showroom, which is open from 9:30 AM to 11 PM. The staff is very friendly, and the service is excellent.
Beer is served in cans but poured into a glass, and a wide variety of cocktails is available.
Beach towels are placed in our room upon arrival. There’s a kiosk near the main pool where you can exchange them.
There are two pools on-site. Many lounge chairs are arranged around both pools. If you prefer tranquility, I suggest heading to the pool between blocks A and B.
This hotel is located on the stunning public West Bay Beach, which is long and very pretty. It’s great for walking, and the sea color is remarkable.
There are plenty of lounge chairs on the beach, but there’s very little space between them.
There’s a long coral reef near the beach where you can observe beautiful corals and several species of tropical fish, lobsters, squid, leopard rays, turtles, etc. You’ll get a glimpse of these in an upcoming video.
Activities are offered throughout the day, but we didn’t really participate. I can’t comment on them, but the entertainment team seems very dynamic.
During our stay, there was only one evening dance show. Other days featured activities like bingo, karaoke, and games.
We didn’t go to the nightclub.
Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the resort. There are two networks you can connect to, and the passwords are listed in the brochure given to you upon arrival.
There’s also a gym, a spa ($), a boutique ($), and a winery ($).
Check-out is at 11 AM. If you lose or damage equipment or misplace key cards, you’ll be charged fees.
https://youtu.be/_KOCUQbZvsc
Transfer (half an hour) from the airport to the hotel by minibus. We drop off our suitcases at the airport exit. They are loaded onto another vehicle and transported directly to the hotel, where we pick them up upon arrival.
We’re given our wristbands, two key cards for our room, a remote for the TV, a remote for the air conditioning (ours was already in the room), and a document with a detailed site map and information on restaurant, bar, and other service hours. Reception is open 24 hours.
We got room F3, located on the ground floor of a two-story building. It’s very well situated since it’s in the central part of the resort.
The room has two large beds with super comfortable mattresses, two nightstands, a coffee table with two chairs, two wardrobes, and plenty of storage space.
There’s also a large flat-screen TV. Netflix is included free of charge by the hotel—no subscription required. The safe is also provided at no extra cost.
There’s a mini-fridge, and the housekeeper provides bottles of water. However, it’s suggested to refill the bottles at the water stations by the bar, which we did several times.
The bathroom has a shower, toilet, sink with storage space, a large mirror, a towel rack, a hairdryer, soap, shampoo, and several rolls of toilet paper.
The hot water temperature in the shower varied during our stay. The air conditioning works perfectly.
We have a terrace with a chair and two hammocks.
The room uses 110 volts, and there are a few power outlets in the room.
The buffet restaurant is air-conditioned and open from 7 AM to 10 AM for breakfast, 12 PM to 3 PM for lunch, and 6 PM to 8:30 PM for dinner.
The buffet selection is very varied, and the food is delicious. The wine, both white and red, tastes great. The service is exceptional.
There’s also an à la carte restaurant ($), the Gastro Bar & Winery, open from 11 AM to 10 PM. We didn’t go there.
There’s a snack bar open from 11 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 5 PM, but I can’t comment on it since we didn’t visit.
We only went to the lobby bar near the showroom, which is open from 9:30 AM to 11 PM. The staff is very friendly, and the service is excellent.
Beer is served in cans but poured into a glass, and a wide variety of cocktails is available.
Beach towels are placed in our room upon arrival. There’s a kiosk near the main pool where you can exchange them.
There are two pools on-site. Many lounge chairs are arranged around both pools. If you prefer tranquility, I suggest heading to the pool between blocks A and B.
This hotel is located on the stunning public West Bay Beach, which is long and very pretty. It’s great for walking, and the sea color is remarkable.
There are plenty of lounge chairs on the beach, but there’s very little space between them.
There’s a long coral reef near the beach where you can observe beautiful corals and several species of tropical fish, lobsters, squid, leopard rays, turtles, etc. You’ll get a glimpse of these in an upcoming video.
Activities are offered throughout the day, but we didn’t really participate. I can’t comment on them, but the entertainment team seems very dynamic.
During our stay, there was only one evening dance show. Other days featured activities like bingo, karaoke, and games.
We didn’t go to the nightclub.
Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the resort. There are two networks you can connect to, and the passwords are listed in the brochure given to you upon arrival.
There’s also a gym, a spa ($), a boutique ($), and a winery ($).
Check-out is at 11 AM. If you lose or damage equipment or misplace key cards, you’ll be charged fees.
https://youtu.be/_KOCUQbZvsc
Traveling to Push Your Limits: What the Sea Taught Me in Kenya
Hi there,
I often travel solo, and like many women, I get asked the same questions over and over:
“Aren’t you scared?”
“Do you feel safe?”
“Do you really dare to go that far alone?”
Recently, during a trip along the Kenyan coast, I had an experience that made me think differently about solo female travel.
At Wasini Kenya, on paper, everything seemed simple: a boat ride, then some snorkeling.
But on the boat, the sea was rough. It was rocking hard. And then that familiar little inner voice came back—the one that doubts, that overthinks, that wants to stay in control.
Traveling solo is often like that too:
being responsible for yourself, your decisions, and your limits.
Then, once underwater, everything changed.
The noise disappeared. There was nothing left to prove, nothing to control.
Just breathing, trusting your body, and letting yourself be carried.
That moment reminded me that solo female travel isn’t just about destinations or external safety.
It’s also an inner journey: learning to listen to yourself, to recognize your fears, and sometimes to overcome them without forcing it.
I took the time to share this experience in more detail here, for anyone it might help or reassure:
👉 https://noirenvoyage.com/wasini-kenya-apprendre-a-faire-confiance-sous-leau/
And I’d love to hear your thoughts:
👉 For those of you who travel solo, has travel ever taught you something about yourself?
👉 And for those who are still hesitant: what’s holding you back the most right now?
Looking forward to chatting! 🌊
Where to stay to explore the Spanish Basque Country and Navarre?
Hello,
After a road trip in Quebec in 2025, we’re looking for a destination this year (around September 20th to October 10th) where we can settle in 2 or 3 spots and explore the area without having to drive 200 km every day to see something. I’ve had my eye on northeastern Spain for a while, and I thought of the Basque Country and its hinterland (Rioja? Navarre?) to avoid too many kilometers from Belgium. Bilbao and San Sebastián seem like must-sees, and beyond that, we love the vibe of small ports, medieval old towns (like Onati), hiking in beautiful landscapes, and cycling on greenways. I also spotted the Bardenas Reales, but it might be too far from a home base—unless we make it an extra stop... Based on this, can you recommend where it’d be interesting to set up base? Have a great evening, Claire
After a road trip in Quebec in 2025, we’re looking for a destination this year (around September 20th to October 10th) where we can settle in 2 or 3 spots and explore the area without having to drive 200 km every day to see something. I’ve had my eye on northeastern Spain for a while, and I thought of the Basque Country and its hinterland (Rioja? Navarre?) to avoid too many kilometers from Belgium. Bilbao and San Sebastián seem like must-sees, and beyond that, we love the vibe of small ports, medieval old towns (like Onati), hiking in beautiful landscapes, and cycling on greenways. I also spotted the Bardenas Reales, but it might be too far from a home base—unless we make it an extra stop... Based on this, can you recommend where it’d be interesting to set up base? Have a great evening, Claire
Feedback on Northeast Brazil itinerary in February
Hello,
We’re leaving on February 19th for 13 days in the Northeast of Brazil, with my husband and our two kids (19 and 17). Here’s our itinerary: We’ll arrive in Fortaleza and stay in a guesthouse for 3 nights. Then we’ll hit the road with a private driver, heading to Pipa via the beach of Ponta do Mel, passing through Galinhos, São Miguel, and Natal.
Do you think this is a good itinerary?
Initially, I was planning to go from São Luís to Fortaleza (Lençóis Maranhenses...), but I was advised against it since it’s not really the season and the dunes and lagoons would’ve been empty. I can’t change the itinerary now, but I’m a bit worried I’ll be less impressed by this one. I’d love to know if it’s still worth it?
Thanks in advance!
We’re leaving on February 19th for 13 days in the Northeast of Brazil, with my husband and our two kids (19 and 17). Here’s our itinerary: We’ll arrive in Fortaleza and stay in a guesthouse for 3 nights. Then we’ll hit the road with a private driver, heading to Pipa via the beach of Ponta do Mel, passing through Galinhos, São Miguel, and Natal.
Do you think this is a good itinerary?
Initially, I was planning to go from São Luís to Fortaleza (Lençóis Maranhenses...), but I was advised against it since it’s not really the season and the dunes and lagoons would’ve been empty. I can’t change the itinerary now, but I’m a bit worried I’ll be less impressed by this one. I’d love to know if it’s still worth it?
Thanks in advance!
Feedback on a 2-week Thailand itinerary with kids
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 ;)
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 ;)
What can you see on safari in Tanzania in June?
hi,
We’re thinking of traveling to Tanzania in June (more specifically the first half) and would love to hear about your experiences, especially regarding the Serengeti safari. Is it a good time to see the animals? Would it be better to go later? For those who’ve been there during this period, do you recommend it?
thanks in advance
Final Curtain for 2025: What If We Built the Future of VoyageForum Together?
Dear members, dear travelers,
The whole team sends you our best wishes for this new year. We hope you’ll have unexpected roads, light backpacks, and above all, that joy of sharing that keeps our community’s heart beating.
Independence comes at a cost (but it’s priceless)
The year that just ended was decisive. We made a strong choice: to keep VoyageForum and MyAtlas independent.
In concrete terms, this means:
Zero selling of your personal data. No invasive advertising. Content that belongs to travelers, not algorithms.
The reality of the numbers: why we need you To be completely transparent with you, running a platform like ours—covering hosting, data security, moderation, and the technical team that supports us—costs 10,000 € per month. The 2026 goal: The site in your pocket Your support will go toward a major priority you’ve often asked for: making VoyageForum and MyAtlas more mobile-friendly. We want to develop a seamless smartphone experience so you can check tips and share your stories more easily. To maintain this standard, we’ve invested a lot technically and personally. But today, to keep the adventure going in 2026 without compromise, we need you. How can you help? (The price of a coffee every two months) The most direct way to support us is to subscribe to the MyAtlas membership for 19 € per year. To do this, you’ll first need to create a MyAtlas account before subscribing. This isn’t just a subscription to a travel journal tool—it’s an act of support to keep VoyageForum’s infrastructure online, secure, and thriving. Today, we’re a community of 100,000 active members. If just 10% of you choose to support us through the MyAtlas membership, VoyageForum’s future isn’t just secure—we’ll finally be able to invest in what you’ve been missing most. Let’s co-build 2026 Beyond the financial aspect, we want 2026 to be the year of dialogue.
What features are you waiting for? What are your concerns or desires for the forum? Are you a pro (tech, tourism, content) and want to lend a hand?
Write to us at service@myatlas.com—we read everything. VoyageForum has existed by and for you for years. Thank you for being its pillars. Wishing you all wonderful end-of-year celebrations, The VoyageForum & MyAtlas Team
Photo credit: Yonhap - Santa Clauses on Mount Bukhansan, Seoul
Zero selling of your personal data. No invasive advertising. Content that belongs to travelers, not algorithms.
The reality of the numbers: why we need you To be completely transparent with you, running a platform like ours—covering hosting, data security, moderation, and the technical team that supports us—costs 10,000 € per month. The 2026 goal: The site in your pocket Your support will go toward a major priority you’ve often asked for: making VoyageForum and MyAtlas more mobile-friendly. We want to develop a seamless smartphone experience so you can check tips and share your stories more easily. To maintain this standard, we’ve invested a lot technically and personally. But today, to keep the adventure going in 2026 without compromise, we need you. How can you help? (The price of a coffee every two months) The most direct way to support us is to subscribe to the MyAtlas membership for 19 € per year. To do this, you’ll first need to create a MyAtlas account before subscribing. This isn’t just a subscription to a travel journal tool—it’s an act of support to keep VoyageForum’s infrastructure online, secure, and thriving. Today, we’re a community of 100,000 active members. If just 10% of you choose to support us through the MyAtlas membership, VoyageForum’s future isn’t just secure—we’ll finally be able to invest in what you’ve been missing most. Let’s co-build 2026 Beyond the financial aspect, we want 2026 to be the year of dialogue.
What features are you waiting for? What are your concerns or desires for the forum? Are you a pro (tech, tourism, content) and want to lend a hand?
Write to us at service@myatlas.com—we read everything. VoyageForum has existed by and for you for years. Thank you for being its pillars. Wishing you all wonderful end-of-year celebrations, The VoyageForum & MyAtlas Team
Photo credit: Yonhap - Santa Clauses on Mount Bukhansan, Seoul
Unsure about destinations in Northern and Eastern India
Hi everyone! 🙂
My partner (who’s a teacher—hence the summer holidays) and I are heading to Eastern India for 23 days in July. This is my 5th trip to India, but her first.
We fly into Delhi on July 7th and leave from Delhi on the 23rd (since our flight to Kolkata arrived late at night, and I wanted to show Agra and Varanasi to my partner).
We love getting off the beaten track and meeting people, so we’ll mostly be taking the train.
Here’s what we’re planning:
- **DELHI**: 1 night on the way (short because the plane is supposed to land at 01:55), then we take the train at 13:00 - **GWALIOR**: 3 nights, including a day trip to **AGRA** by train to see the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort (I find Agra too touristy to stay overnight). Otherwise, in Gwalior, the Fort, the temples, the Man Mandir Palace, and the Jai Vilas Palace if we have time. - **ORCHHA**: 2 nights... *maybe skip this to spend more time in VARANASI?* - **VARANASI**: overnight train + 3 nights, the Ghats, temples... maybe a day trip to **SARNATH**. - **KOLKATA**: overnight train + 3 nights. Maybe a countryside excursion to the ashram in Channa. *- Here we’re hesitating over 2 nights: either 2 nights in **SHANTINIKETAN** with a visit to **CHANNA** on the way, or a 2-day excursion to the **SUNDARBAN** nature park. But is it worth it in July during the monsoon?* - **PURI**: overnight train + 4 nights. *We’re planning to do everything from Puri, as it seems nicer than staying in BHUBANESWAR. What do you think?* Visit **KONARK** and **CHILIKA LAKE**. *Is it worth visiting Chilika Lake this season? Another question: can you swim in Puri, or is it too dangerous (waves)?* - Train to **BHUBANESWAR**, then a flight from BHUBANESWAR to **DELHI**, - 2 nights in **DELHI**, visiting Jama Masjid, and *either Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung’s Tomb, or Qutb Minar.*
Back to Paris. Total: 23 nights.
What do you think of these choices? What about the options we’re still unsure about *(in bold/italics)*? Thanks so much! 🙂
We fly into Delhi on July 7th and leave from Delhi on the 23rd (since our flight to Kolkata arrived late at night, and I wanted to show Agra and Varanasi to my partner).
We love getting off the beaten track and meeting people, so we’ll mostly be taking the train.
Here’s what we’re planning:
- **DELHI**: 1 night on the way (short because the plane is supposed to land at 01:55), then we take the train at 13:00 - **GWALIOR**: 3 nights, including a day trip to **AGRA** by train to see the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort (I find Agra too touristy to stay overnight). Otherwise, in Gwalior, the Fort, the temples, the Man Mandir Palace, and the Jai Vilas Palace if we have time. - **ORCHHA**: 2 nights... *maybe skip this to spend more time in VARANASI?* - **VARANASI**: overnight train + 3 nights, the Ghats, temples... maybe a day trip to **SARNATH**. - **KOLKATA**: overnight train + 3 nights. Maybe a countryside excursion to the ashram in Channa. *- Here we’re hesitating over 2 nights: either 2 nights in **SHANTINIKETAN** with a visit to **CHANNA** on the way, or a 2-day excursion to the **SUNDARBAN** nature park. But is it worth it in July during the monsoon?* - **PURI**: overnight train + 4 nights. *We’re planning to do everything from Puri, as it seems nicer than staying in BHUBANESWAR. What do you think?* Visit **KONARK** and **CHILIKA LAKE**. *Is it worth visiting Chilika Lake this season? Another question: can you swim in Puri, or is it too dangerous (waves)?* - Train to **BHUBANESWAR**, then a flight from BHUBANESWAR to **DELHI**, - 2 nights in **DELHI**, visiting Jama Masjid, and *either Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung’s Tomb, or Qutb Minar.*
Back to Paris. Total: 23 nights.
What do you think of these choices? What about the options we’re still unsure about *(in bold/italics)*? Thanks so much! 🙂
Travel companions for first trip to Thailand in autumn 2026
Hi, I’m Ruben, I’m 22, live in the south of France, and I’m finishing my studies. I’d like to plan a trip for September-October or October-November. Since this would be my first long-haul experience, I’m a bit hesitant to go alone. So if anyone’s interested in traveling with me—or even sharing several parts of the trip together—I’m open to it. I don’t have any specific expectations. Age and gender don’t matter. I’m pretty mature, open-minded, and can hold a conversation or build a temporary friendship with just about anyone.
For this trip, my main interests will be: cultural visits, sports (personal hobby), nightlife, meeting locals, and fun activities.
DM me if you’d like more details. Thanks.
For this trip, my main interests will be: cultural visits, sports (personal hobby), nightlife, meeting locals, and fun activities.
DM me if you’d like more details. Thanks.
3-week Sri Lanka itinerary with three kids
Hi there!
I’m planning a trip with my wife and our three kids (ages 9, 6, and 3) from April 16 to May 6.
I’ve started sketching out the itinerary, trying to alternate between visits, hikes, safaris, and downtime. I want to keep the pace relaxed given the kids’ ages.
Could you let me know what you think of this route? I removed Nuwara Eliya, which I had originally planned before Ella, to cut down on stops. I was also wondering if I should break up the Arugam Bay to Colombo leg with an overnight in Galle, since it’s a long drive.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Day 1 – 04/16: Wilpattu Arrival at the airport (08:00) + transfer to Wilpattu (180 km, 4–5 h) + afternoon safari Overnight: Wilpattu Day 2 – 04/17: Wilpattu Morning & afternoon safari Overnight: Wilpattu Day 3 – 04/18: Trincomalee Transfer Wilpattu → Trincomalee (200 km, 4–5 h) + beach relaxation Overnight: Trincomalee Day 4 – 04/19: Trincomalee Nilaveli Beach Overnight: Trincomalee Day 5 – 04/20: Trincomalee Pigeon Island snorkeling Overnight: Trincomalee Day 6 – 04/21: Trincomalee Fort Frederick & relaxation Overnight: Trincomalee Day 7 – 04/22: Sigiriya Transfer Trincomalee → Sigiriya (120 km, ~3 h) + visit to Dambulla Overnight: Sigiriya Day 8 – 04/23: Sigiriya Sigiriya Rock Overnight: Sigiriya Day 9 – 04/24: Sigiriya Minneriya safari Overnight: Sigiriya Day 10 – 04/25: Sigiriya Polonnaruwa & village tour Overnight: Sigiriya Day 11 – 04/26: Ella Transfer Sigiriya → Ella (230 km, 5–6 h) + rest Overnight: Ella Day 12 – 04/27: Ella Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arches Bridge Overnight: Ella Day 13 – 04/28: Ella Ella Rock Overnight: Ella Day 14 – 04/29: Ella Tea Factory & relaxation Overnight: Ella Day 15 – 04/30: Yala Transfer Ella → Yala (110 km, 2–3 h) + afternoon safari Overnight: Yala Day 16 – 05/01: Arugam Bay Transfer Yala → Arugam Bay (80 km, 2.5–3 h) + beach time Overnight: Arugam Bay Day 17 – 05/02: Arugam Bay Surfing & relaxation Overnight: Arugam Bay Day 18 – 05/03: Arugam Bay Local exploration Overnight: Arugam Bay Day 19 – 05/04: Colombo Transfer Arugam Bay → Colombo (320 km, 7–8 h) + rest Overnight: Colombo Day 20 – 05/05: Colombo City tour & shopping Overnight: Colombo Day 21 – 05/06: Colombo Morning return flight from Colombo
Day 1 – 04/16: Wilpattu Arrival at the airport (08:00) + transfer to Wilpattu (180 km, 4–5 h) + afternoon safari Overnight: Wilpattu Day 2 – 04/17: Wilpattu Morning & afternoon safari Overnight: Wilpattu Day 3 – 04/18: Trincomalee Transfer Wilpattu → Trincomalee (200 km, 4–5 h) + beach relaxation Overnight: Trincomalee Day 4 – 04/19: Trincomalee Nilaveli Beach Overnight: Trincomalee Day 5 – 04/20: Trincomalee Pigeon Island snorkeling Overnight: Trincomalee Day 6 – 04/21: Trincomalee Fort Frederick & relaxation Overnight: Trincomalee Day 7 – 04/22: Sigiriya Transfer Trincomalee → Sigiriya (120 km, ~3 h) + visit to Dambulla Overnight: Sigiriya Day 8 – 04/23: Sigiriya Sigiriya Rock Overnight: Sigiriya Day 9 – 04/24: Sigiriya Minneriya safari Overnight: Sigiriya Day 10 – 04/25: Sigiriya Polonnaruwa & village tour Overnight: Sigiriya Day 11 – 04/26: Ella Transfer Sigiriya → Ella (230 km, 5–6 h) + rest Overnight: Ella Day 12 – 04/27: Ella Little Adam’s Peak & Nine Arches Bridge Overnight: Ella Day 13 – 04/28: Ella Ella Rock Overnight: Ella Day 14 – 04/29: Ella Tea Factory & relaxation Overnight: Ella Day 15 – 04/30: Yala Transfer Ella → Yala (110 km, 2–3 h) + afternoon safari Overnight: Yala Day 16 – 05/01: Arugam Bay Transfer Yala → Arugam Bay (80 km, 2.5–3 h) + beach time Overnight: Arugam Bay Day 17 – 05/02: Arugam Bay Surfing & relaxation Overnight: Arugam Bay Day 18 – 05/03: Arugam Bay Local exploration Overnight: Arugam Bay Day 19 – 05/04: Colombo Transfer Arugam Bay → Colombo (320 km, 7–8 h) + rest Overnight: Colombo Day 20 – 05/05: Colombo City tour & shopping Overnight: Colombo Day 21 – 05/06: Colombo Morning return flight from Colombo
5 weeks to tour Scandinavia: what are the best routes and tips?
Hi there,
We’re planning to tour Scandinavia by camper van—Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway (in that order)—for 5 weeks from late May to late June 2026.
I’ve done it before, but that was way back in 1980 😎 and by hitchhiking!
We’d love to hear from anyone who’s done this trip about the best routes, great tips, must-know advice, and what to do or avoid (ferries, campsites, etc.).
Thanks in advance!
Tips for visiting Scotland and beautiful viewpoints to sketch
hi,
After a stay in Portugal, I'm off to visit Scotland. I'm looking for recommendations for beautiful viewpoints to sketch in my travel journal. If you have any tips, I'd love to hear them! Thanks in advance! :)
Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 2
HIGHWAY 1
Highway 1 runs along the Pacific coast of California from Leggett in the north to Dana Point in the south. It's the longest state route in California, stretching 1,050 km.
It's famous for its breathtaking ocean views. That’s actually why it’s become such a popular route for road trips, with tons of attractions and points of interest all along the way.
After crossing the U.S. interior on our way out (see Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 1), we’re starting our return trip along this route from Leggett.
Videos are embedded throughout the summary. Please click on the image to start the video. To jump to a specific post, here are the appropriate links:
CALIFORNIA:
Scenic Overlooks on Route 1 Between Leggett and Fort Bragg The Pudding Creek Trestle Bridge in Fort Bragg Glass Beach - Fort Bragg Jenner Lookout Point - Highway 1 Goat Rock Beach - Sonoma Coast State Park - Jenner Point Reyes National Seashore - White House Pool Trail Point Reyes National Seashore - Limantour Beach Point Reyes National Seashore - Point Reyes Shipwreck Point Reyes National Seashore - Kehoe Beach Trail Point Reyes National Seashore - McClures Beach Trail Point Reyes National Seashore - Cypress Tree Tunnel Point Reyes National Seashore - Point Reyes Beach North Point Reyes National Seashore - Elephant Seals on Drakes Beach Point Reyes National Seashore - Point Reyes Beach South Point Reyes National Seashore – Elephant Seals Overlooks Point Reyes National Seashore - Chimney Rock Trail Point Reyes National Seashore - Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail Point Reyes National Seashore – Tule Elk Observation Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail - Sausalito Hawk Hill - Sausalito Battery Spencer Trail - Sausalito Rodeo Beach - Sausalito Point Cavallo - Golden Gate View - Sausalito Exploring Downtown Sausalito Visiting Sausalito’s Houseboats Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints - San Francisco Cruise to Alcatraz Island - San Francisco Visiting Alcatraz Island - San Francisco Civic Center - Downtown San Francisco Market Street & Yerba Buena Gardens - Downtown San Francisco Union Square & Financial District - Downtown San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 & Embarcadero - San Francisco Sea Lion Observation - Pier 39 - San Francisco Lombard Street & Cable Car - Russian Hill - San Francisco Macondray Lane Historic District - Russian Hill - San Francisco Grace Cathedral & Huntington Park - Nob Hill - San Francisco Telegraph Hill - San Francisco Chinatown - San Francisco Alamo Square & Painted Ladies - Western Addition - San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts - Marina District - San Francisco Presidio of San Francisco California Coastal Trail - Lincoln Park - San Francisco California Palace of the Legion of Honor - Lincoln Park - San Francisco Sutro Baths - Lincoln Park - San Francisco Queen Wilhelmina Garden - Golden Gate Park - San Francisco Bison Paddock - Golden Gate Park - San Francisco Portals of the Past - Golden Gate Park - San Francisco Strawberry Hill - Golden Gate Park – San Francisco Prayerbook Cross & Robin Williams Meadow - Golden Gate Park - San Francisco Hidden Garden Steps & 16th Avenue Tiled Steps - San Francisco Grandview Park - San Francisco Hike - Twin Peaks Three Summits - San Francisco Longboarding Down Twin Peaks Blvd in San Francisco Haight-Ashbury - San Francisco Corona Heights Park - San Francisco Mission Dolores - San Francisco Mural Frescoes (Part 1) - Mission District - San Francisco Mural Frescoes (Part 2) - Mission District - San Francisco Devil's Slide Bunker - Pacifica Mavericks Beach - Half Moon Bay Martins Beach - Half Moon Bay Pigeon Point Lighthouse State Historic Park - Pescadero What to See in Santa Cruz Visiting Capitola What to See in Monterey Carmel-by-the-Sea Lovers Point Park - Pacific Grove Castle Rock, Hurricane Point & Little Sur River Viewpoints Pfeiffer Falls Trail Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point & McWay Falls Highway 1 - Big Sur Viewpoints Salmon Creek Falls San Carpoforo Creek Trail Elephant Seal Vista Point - San Simeon San Simeon Pier Moonstone Beach Boardwalk Shipwreck - Estero Bluffs State Park Surfing Competition in Morro Bay Port San Luis Pier - San Luis Obispo Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove - Pismo State Beach Nojoqui Falls Park - Solvang Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Solvang, a Charming Danish Town in California Chumash Painted Cave - Santa Barbara Goleta San Marcos Rd & Cachuma Lake Vista Points - Santa Barbara Old Santa Barbara Mission Walking Tour of Santa Barbara’s Historic Downtown West Beach - Santa Barbara What to See in Ventura Paradise Falls - Wildwood Regional Park - Thousand Oaks Sandy Dune & El Matador State Beach - Malibu Point Dume Nature Reserve - Malibu Malibu Pier Road Trip in the Malibu Mountains Los Liones Trail - Santa Monica Santa Monica Pier Rodeo Drive - Beverly Hills Greystone Mansion - Beverly Hills Hollywood Walk of Fame - Los Angeles Griffith Observatory - Los Angeles Hollywood Forever Cemetery - Los Angeles What to See in Venice Beach Venice Beach Skatepark ShoreLine Aquatic Park - Long Beach Alamitos Beach - Long Beach Naples Island - Long Beach Crescent Bay Point Park & Helser Park Kiosk - Laguna Beach Shell Beach at Twin Points - Laguna Beach Prairie Dogs at Agra Vista Point Top Gun House & Oceanside Pier Annie's Canyon Trail - Solana Beach (Via North Rios Trailhead Loop) Old Town San Diego La Jolla Coastal Trail - San Diego Balboa Park - San Diego Pacific Beach - San Diego Mission Beach - San Diego Ocean Beach Tide Pools - San Diego Sunset Cliffs Natural Park - San Diego Tuna Harbor Park - San Diego Seaport Village & Embarcadero Marina Park - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter - Downtown San Diego Coronado Island - San Diego Dead Dolly Lane - Alpine Galleta Meadows Metal Sculptures - Borrego Springs What to See in Palm Springs Robolights - Palm Springs Andreas Canyon Trail - Indian Canyons - Palm Springs Palm Canyon Trail - Indian Canyons - Palm Springs West Fork Falls Trail - Indian Canyons - Palm Springs Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail - Indian Canyons - Palm Springs Desert Christ Park - Yucca Valley Pioneertown Salvation Mountain - Niland Slab City - Niland
Highway 1 runs along the Pacific coast of California from Leggett in the north to Dana Point in the south. It's the longest state route in California, stretching 1,050 km.
It's famous for its breathtaking ocean views. That’s actually why it’s become such a popular route for road trips, with tons of attractions and points of interest all along the way.
After crossing the U.S. interior on our way out (see Road Trip USA 2023 - Part 1), we’re starting our return trip along this route from Leggett.
Videos are embedded throughout the summary. Please click on the image to start the video. To jump to a specific post, here are the appropriate links:
CALIFORNIA:
Scenic Overlooks on Route 1 Between Leggett and Fort Bragg The Pudding Creek Trestle Bridge in Fort Bragg Glass Beach - Fort Bragg Jenner Lookout Point - Highway 1 Goat Rock Beach - Sonoma Coast State Park - Jenner Point Reyes National Seashore - White House Pool Trail Point Reyes National Seashore - Limantour Beach Point Reyes National Seashore - Point Reyes Shipwreck Point Reyes National Seashore - Kehoe Beach Trail Point Reyes National Seashore - McClures Beach Trail Point Reyes National Seashore - Cypress Tree Tunnel Point Reyes National Seashore - Point Reyes Beach North Point Reyes National Seashore - Elephant Seals on Drakes Beach Point Reyes National Seashore - Point Reyes Beach South Point Reyes National Seashore – Elephant Seals Overlooks Point Reyes National Seashore - Chimney Rock Trail Point Reyes National Seashore - Point Reyes Lighthouse Trail Point Reyes National Seashore – Tule Elk Observation Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail - Sausalito Hawk Hill - Sausalito Battery Spencer Trail - Sausalito Rodeo Beach - Sausalito Point Cavallo - Golden Gate View - Sausalito Exploring Downtown Sausalito Visiting Sausalito’s Houseboats Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoints - San Francisco Cruise to Alcatraz Island - San Francisco Visiting Alcatraz Island - San Francisco Civic Center - Downtown San Francisco Market Street & Yerba Buena Gardens - Downtown San Francisco Union Square & Financial District - Downtown San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 & Embarcadero - San Francisco Sea Lion Observation - Pier 39 - San Francisco Lombard Street & Cable Car - Russian Hill - San Francisco Macondray Lane Historic District - Russian Hill - San Francisco Grace Cathedral & Huntington Park - Nob Hill - San Francisco Telegraph Hill - San Francisco Chinatown - San Francisco Alamo Square & Painted Ladies - Western Addition - San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts - Marina District - San Francisco Presidio of San Francisco California Coastal Trail - Lincoln Park - San Francisco California Palace of the Legion of Honor - Lincoln Park - San Francisco Sutro Baths - Lincoln Park - San Francisco Queen Wilhelmina Garden - Golden Gate Park - San Francisco Bison Paddock - Golden Gate Park - San Francisco Portals of the Past - Golden Gate Park - San Francisco Strawberry Hill - Golden Gate Park – San Francisco Prayerbook Cross & Robin Williams Meadow - Golden Gate Park - San Francisco Hidden Garden Steps & 16th Avenue Tiled Steps - San Francisco Grandview Park - San Francisco Hike - Twin Peaks Three Summits - San Francisco Longboarding Down Twin Peaks Blvd in San Francisco Haight-Ashbury - San Francisco Corona Heights Park - San Francisco Mission Dolores - San Francisco Mural Frescoes (Part 1) - Mission District - San Francisco Mural Frescoes (Part 2) - Mission District - San Francisco Devil's Slide Bunker - Pacifica Mavericks Beach - Half Moon Bay Martins Beach - Half Moon Bay Pigeon Point Lighthouse State Historic Park - Pescadero What to See in Santa Cruz Visiting Capitola What to See in Monterey Carmel-by-the-Sea Lovers Point Park - Pacific Grove Castle Rock, Hurricane Point & Little Sur River Viewpoints Pfeiffer Falls Trail Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Vista Point & McWay Falls Highway 1 - Big Sur Viewpoints Salmon Creek Falls San Carpoforo Creek Trail Elephant Seal Vista Point - San Simeon San Simeon Pier Moonstone Beach Boardwalk Shipwreck - Estero Bluffs State Park Surfing Competition in Morro Bay Port San Luis Pier - San Luis Obispo Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove - Pismo State Beach Nojoqui Falls Park - Solvang Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Solvang, a Charming Danish Town in California Chumash Painted Cave - Santa Barbara Goleta San Marcos Rd & Cachuma Lake Vista Points - Santa Barbara Old Santa Barbara Mission Walking Tour of Santa Barbara’s Historic Downtown West Beach - Santa Barbara What to See in Ventura Paradise Falls - Wildwood Regional Park - Thousand Oaks Sandy Dune & El Matador State Beach - Malibu Point Dume Nature Reserve - Malibu Malibu Pier Road Trip in the Malibu Mountains Los Liones Trail - Santa Monica Santa Monica Pier Rodeo Drive - Beverly Hills Greystone Mansion - Beverly Hills Hollywood Walk of Fame - Los Angeles Griffith Observatory - Los Angeles Hollywood Forever Cemetery - Los Angeles What to See in Venice Beach Venice Beach Skatepark ShoreLine Aquatic Park - Long Beach Alamitos Beach - Long Beach Naples Island - Long Beach Crescent Bay Point Park & Helser Park Kiosk - Laguna Beach Shell Beach at Twin Points - Laguna Beach Prairie Dogs at Agra Vista Point Top Gun House & Oceanside Pier Annie's Canyon Trail - Solana Beach (Via North Rios Trailhead Loop) Old Town San Diego La Jolla Coastal Trail - San Diego Balboa Park - San Diego Pacific Beach - San Diego Mission Beach - San Diego Ocean Beach Tide Pools - San Diego Sunset Cliffs Natural Park - San Diego Tuna Harbor Park - San Diego Seaport Village & Embarcadero Marina Park - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter - Downtown San Diego Coronado Island - San Diego Dead Dolly Lane - Alpine Galleta Meadows Metal Sculptures - Borrego Springs What to See in Palm Springs Robolights - Palm Springs Andreas Canyon Trail - Indian Canyons - Palm Springs Palm Canyon Trail - Indian Canyons - Palm Springs West Fork Falls Trail - Indian Canyons - Palm Springs Tahquitz Canyon Loop Trail - Indian Canyons - Palm Springs Desert Christ Park - Yucca Valley Pioneertown Salvation Mountain - Niland Slab City - Niland
Cheapest flights between Central America and Martinique
Hi there,
Could anyone tell me how to connect Central America (starting from which country and with which airline) to Martinique in the most budget-friendly way, please?
Flight duration and number of stopovers don’t matter.
Thanks!
Claire
Could anyone tell me how to connect Central America (starting from which country and with which airline) to Martinique in the most budget-friendly way, please?
Flight duration and number of stopovers don’t matter.
Thanks!
Claire
What are some unusual discoveries in Marrakech?
Hi everyone,
Last-minute trip to Marrakech for a week—what unusual discoveries can you recommend in the city?
Thanks for your quick tips!
October Photo Contest Theme: Doors
Hi everyone!
This theme has probably been done before... but not recently, at least 😉 Doors—open, closed, of houses, castles... even if only the threshold remains. Since I’m not home, I don’t have access to my photos right now, and regarding the rules, I’ll let you refer to one of the previous contests.
Photos can be posted until Thursday the 23rd at 11:59 PM (Paris time). Voting will take place from the 24th to the 30th of October, and the results will be announced on the 31st during the day.
See you soon! 🙂
This theme has probably been done before... but not recently, at least 😉 Doors—open, closed, of houses, castles... even if only the threshold remains. Since I’m not home, I don’t have access to my photos right now, and regarding the rules, I’ll let you refer to one of the previous contests.
Photos can be posted until Thursday the 23rd at 11:59 PM (Paris time). Voting will take place from the 24th to the 30th of October, and the results will be announced on the 31st during the day.
See you soon! 🙂
Self-organized stopovers in the Canary Islands and Madeira
Hi there! We’d love some tips on organizing stopovers on our own in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Arrecife, Puerto del Rosario, Santa Cruz de La Palma, Las Palmas, and Funchal. Thanks so much for your help
Accommodation tips in Rajasthan
Hello everyone,
We’re a couple heading off in mid-October for 7 weeks to explore Rajasthan independently, with an extension to Varanasi.
We’re growing more skeptical about Booking.com reviews and would rather turn to fellow travelers for up-to-date recommendations on accommodations along our route. We’re looking for clean places—not necessarily luxurious—a good location preferably, and if there’s a special charm or character, even better. Budget-wise, up to 50 €, or more if needed. We’ve already gathered a few addresses from Solene and Aleph’s travel journals.
Here are our stops—we’ve already got a place for the starred cities but are still open to suggestions:
Delhi Airport*
Alwar
Bharatpur*
Mathura
Agra*
Dholpur
Karauli
Dausa*
Jaipur*
Bundi*
Kota
Udaipur*
Pushkar
Jodhpur
Barmer
Jaisalmer
Phalodi
Bikaner
Nawalgarh*
Varanasi
Central Delhi
Thanks for sharing your tips and favorites!
Do you need an international driver's permit to ride a scooter in Thailand?
Hi everyone,
My question is simple.
Do you need an international driver's permit in Thailand to ride a basic scooter?
Looking for advice on GR53 route from Wissembourg to Rotterdam
Hi there.
I’ve hiked the GR trail mentioned in the title from Wissembourg all the way to Menton.
Now I’ve got the section from Wissembourg to Rotterdam left.
But I can’t find any maps for this route—I’m looking for someone who’s done this part of the trail.
Thanks in advance! 😊
Feedback on Mexico itinerary with kids
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,
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,
Motorcycle rental in Cuba
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a road trip in Cuba and was wondering if there are any bike rental places (125/500cc) with reasonable rates—not the Harley rental places!
Thanks for your help. Wave of headlights! !
I’m planning a road trip in Cuba and was wondering if there are any bike rental places (125/500cc) with reasonable rates—not the Harley rental places!
Thanks for your help. Wave of headlights! !
Two weeks in Corfu with the family – our feedback
Hi everyone,
Here’s a little account of our two-week family trip (with two boys aged 7 and 10) to Corfu. I hope it helps other travelers! We chose Corfu because there are direct flights from Paris, and we were looking for a destination where it’d be easy to swim with the kids. We were there from August 14 to 28.
Since I wasn’t sure about the distances and had read quite a bit about Greek driving and the state of the roads, I decided to split the trip into three parts: Corfu Town, the North, and the South.
Corfu Town (3 nights) Day 1: We landed in the late afternoon. Booked three nights via Booking on the edge of the old town (Sueno Garden Apartment), which is walkable from the airport—no need to rent a car for the first few days or stay in Corfu Town. First evening in the old town, dinner at Pane e Souvlaki on Dimarchiou Square. Touristy, but good vibes.
Day 2: Visited the Old Fort. Nice for the Church of St. George, which looks like an ancient Greek temple, and especially for the 360° view from the top. By 11 a.m., the sun was already beating down. Left the fort and strolled through the People’s Gardens. Lunch at Mouragia a bit further away, then backtracked to let the kids swim at Faliraki Bathing Beach.
Day 3: We took bus line 2A from Spinada (in front of the Old Fort) to the end of the runway (stop ΚΑΛΟΚΑΙΡΙ Ε). Poorly signposted when you’re at the top—you have to go down via the bar. Not well set up, which is a shame. The Panagia Vlacherna Monastery is pretty on its little island, but don’t turn around—the landings are impressive. Returned via the 2A with a stop at Mon Repos Beach, where the kids loved jumping off the pier.
North (6 nights) Day 4: Headed to Sidari, rented a small Fiat Panda from Europcar—no issues with this rental company (I booked late, so it’s probably possible to find cheaper). We’d also booked via Booking at Blue Dreams Apartment, just south of Sidari. A family-run hotel with a nice pool, we had a great stay (it’s just been taken over by Belgians who speak French). We wandered around Sidari to the Canal d’Amour. Not easy to access—you have to walk through all the bars, and the tiny beach is pretty dirty. Still, it’s fun for a swim and exploring the cave.
Day 5: Quick breakfast to be at Cap Drastis by 9 a.m. Parked at the top, but there’s very little space (we couldn’t park on the way back), and it’s a dirt road. The signs saying “To the sea” actually lead to a boat dock for a cape tour. You only see the cape from above, not below. A bit of a letdown, but since it was early and no one was down there yet, we treated ourselves to a quick swim. Brunch back in Sidari at Eviva—I recommend it: not Greek at all, but high quality. Agios Stefanos in the late afternoon after the heat. The port is awful (dirty and uninteresting), but there’s a swimming spot just before the beach, near the old port (park above, by the church). No one was there—great moment with the kids.
Day 6: Left around 9 a.m. for Mount Pantokrator. A bit of a climb at the end in the Fiat Panda—it’s steep! The road is long, but I think it’s worth it for the lunar landscape at the top, the monastery-antenna, and the 360° view. Then down to Kassiopi (we paid 5 euros for the Kassiopi Car Park—I think it’s the best option, as there’s no big free parking like in Sidari) and a swim at Paralia Mpataria (small but nice). Really relaxing in the late afternoon. Walked around the peninsula and saw several dolphin pods with amazing jumps. Unforgettable. Kassiopi is more family-friendly than Sidari and has more charm (Sidari has none, so that’s easy!).
Day 7: Morning off at the hotel, then afternoon at Paralia Kalamaki for the inflatable playground the kids had spotted on the way back from Kassiopi. 10 euros per person for an hour, not many people around 4 p.m., and we had a blast. Shallow sandy beach. Not much marine life, but safe for young kids. Note: free freshwater shower. Dinner at Nikos Family Restaurant in Roda. Great welcome and atmosphere. The stifado and soutzoukakia were delicious, and the Greek desserts were amazing too. Next door, at Roda Park restaurant, there was a Greek party with traditional dancing and plaster plate-smashing. Even though we didn’t eat there, everyone was invited to join in the street—it was fun. Probably touristy, but pretty spontaneous, and it was a good time.
Day 8: I’d booked two dives in Paleokastritsa with Achilleon Diving Center, directly via WhatsApp. Great international vibe, two easy but interesting dives (a barracuda school and a “cow” nudibranch at Colovri Reefs, cool crevasses and holes at Donald’s Place). In the afternoon, we visited the Paleokastritsa Monastery (well-maintained, pretty nice) and spent some time at the beach (very crowded).
Day 9: Day off—we enjoyed the hotel pool and went to Olea next door to buy a small olive wood souvenir. Note that the old man who works the wood doesn’t have many fingers left…
South (5 nights) Day 10: Headed to Lefkimmi. Stopped at Achilleion on the way. I knew from reviews that only the gardens were accessible, but I think it’s worth it, even at 7 euros. We passed by the French military cemetery nearby (nothing special, poorly signposted but quiet and peaceful) and ate at Elia Tavern right next door: super good, best calamari of the trip. We’d booked our accommodation at Villa Rosa South Corfu, a bit outside Lefkimmi, near Alikes. Pretty isolated, but the beach is a 3-minute walk away, right next to the old salt pans. On the way, we saw a poster (use Google Lens to translate) for a local festival near Linia. We went that evening: barbecue, concert, and local dancing. Lots of people, but only locals—it was a great time.
Day 11: Short “hike” to Arkoudilas. We parked at the exit of Kavos, just before The Rose Tree restaurant. Some people drive all the way to the beach, but it’s very rocky. We followed the “Monastery” path to see Cape Asprokavos and the ruins of the monastery nearby. To avoid backtracking, we continued through the woods after the monastery to reach Arkoudilas Beach. Nice shaded walk, but dusty road. Dinner at Agali on the Potami Canal (friendly family vibe, but long wait).
Day 12: Boat trip to Sivota with Pegasus. A wooden boat, human-sized. Crowded, but not cramped. Two swimming stops (Blue Lagoon in the morning and a beach in the afternoon) and a 2-hour stop at noon in Sivota. We knew it’d be touristy, but the vibe was good, with some dancing on the way back. Not too many people at the swimming stops.
Day 13: Kouris Museum in Lefkimmi. Okay, don’t go for the history—the guide cracks more jokes than gives rational explanations. Still, we laughed a lot and had a great time. Lunch at The Village on the main road: very fresh, very good. Perfect homemade dip platter. Not the best location since it’s right on the road, but it’s worth it. Free ice cream for the kids, super-friendly owner. Fresh ratatouille (finally, some veggies!). Afternoon at Paralia Issos. View of Korission Lagoon and a walk through the sand dunes, a bit like the Sahara in places (hard to do before 5 p.m., even 6 p.m., because of the heat).
Day 14: I’d booked a visit/tasting at Pontiglio Winery. Short tour of the small site and tasting of the 4 wines produced there: 2 whites, 1 red, 1 rosé. Fresh homemade snacks, fruit for the kids, great welcome. Then to Paralia Kanoula Beach. Mikro Nisi Bar, sunbeds at 20 euros—expensive. But a nice beach with some rocks, so a bit of marine life. We saw octopuses while snorkeling with the kids—great moment.
Honest take on Corfu The island is dirty—not just at the garbage sites, which aren’t collected often enough and overflow constantly, but everywhere. Not a single square meter without cigarette butts, even if you get off the main paths. Stray cats everywhere, wasps everywhere, sewage smells often.
The natural heritage is stunning but ruined by private encroachment on the coastline. Bars and restaurants take over the land right up to the sea. I’d only been to Santorini and Paros about ten years ago, and I don’t remember it being like this at all. Maybe the Cyclades are different now. From talking to a few tourists here and there, it seems Crete is better managed. We still had a good vacation, even if it was sometimes hard to overlook the dirtiness.
Here’s a little account of our two-week family trip (with two boys aged 7 and 10) to Corfu. I hope it helps other travelers! We chose Corfu because there are direct flights from Paris, and we were looking for a destination where it’d be easy to swim with the kids. We were there from August 14 to 28.
Since I wasn’t sure about the distances and had read quite a bit about Greek driving and the state of the roads, I decided to split the trip into three parts: Corfu Town, the North, and the South.
Corfu Town (3 nights) Day 1: We landed in the late afternoon. Booked three nights via Booking on the edge of the old town (Sueno Garden Apartment), which is walkable from the airport—no need to rent a car for the first few days or stay in Corfu Town. First evening in the old town, dinner at Pane e Souvlaki on Dimarchiou Square. Touristy, but good vibes.
Day 2: Visited the Old Fort. Nice for the Church of St. George, which looks like an ancient Greek temple, and especially for the 360° view from the top. By 11 a.m., the sun was already beating down. Left the fort and strolled through the People’s Gardens. Lunch at Mouragia a bit further away, then backtracked to let the kids swim at Faliraki Bathing Beach.
Day 3: We took bus line 2A from Spinada (in front of the Old Fort) to the end of the runway (stop ΚΑΛΟΚΑΙΡΙ Ε). Poorly signposted when you’re at the top—you have to go down via the bar. Not well set up, which is a shame. The Panagia Vlacherna Monastery is pretty on its little island, but don’t turn around—the landings are impressive. Returned via the 2A with a stop at Mon Repos Beach, where the kids loved jumping off the pier.
North (6 nights) Day 4: Headed to Sidari, rented a small Fiat Panda from Europcar—no issues with this rental company (I booked late, so it’s probably possible to find cheaper). We’d also booked via Booking at Blue Dreams Apartment, just south of Sidari. A family-run hotel with a nice pool, we had a great stay (it’s just been taken over by Belgians who speak French). We wandered around Sidari to the Canal d’Amour. Not easy to access—you have to walk through all the bars, and the tiny beach is pretty dirty. Still, it’s fun for a swim and exploring the cave.
Day 5: Quick breakfast to be at Cap Drastis by 9 a.m. Parked at the top, but there’s very little space (we couldn’t park on the way back), and it’s a dirt road. The signs saying “To the sea” actually lead to a boat dock for a cape tour. You only see the cape from above, not below. A bit of a letdown, but since it was early and no one was down there yet, we treated ourselves to a quick swim. Brunch back in Sidari at Eviva—I recommend it: not Greek at all, but high quality. Agios Stefanos in the late afternoon after the heat. The port is awful (dirty and uninteresting), but there’s a swimming spot just before the beach, near the old port (park above, by the church). No one was there—great moment with the kids.
Day 6: Left around 9 a.m. for Mount Pantokrator. A bit of a climb at the end in the Fiat Panda—it’s steep! The road is long, but I think it’s worth it for the lunar landscape at the top, the monastery-antenna, and the 360° view. Then down to Kassiopi (we paid 5 euros for the Kassiopi Car Park—I think it’s the best option, as there’s no big free parking like in Sidari) and a swim at Paralia Mpataria (small but nice). Really relaxing in the late afternoon. Walked around the peninsula and saw several dolphin pods with amazing jumps. Unforgettable. Kassiopi is more family-friendly than Sidari and has more charm (Sidari has none, so that’s easy!).
Day 7: Morning off at the hotel, then afternoon at Paralia Kalamaki for the inflatable playground the kids had spotted on the way back from Kassiopi. 10 euros per person for an hour, not many people around 4 p.m., and we had a blast. Shallow sandy beach. Not much marine life, but safe for young kids. Note: free freshwater shower. Dinner at Nikos Family Restaurant in Roda. Great welcome and atmosphere. The stifado and soutzoukakia were delicious, and the Greek desserts were amazing too. Next door, at Roda Park restaurant, there was a Greek party with traditional dancing and plaster plate-smashing. Even though we didn’t eat there, everyone was invited to join in the street—it was fun. Probably touristy, but pretty spontaneous, and it was a good time.
Day 8: I’d booked two dives in Paleokastritsa with Achilleon Diving Center, directly via WhatsApp. Great international vibe, two easy but interesting dives (a barracuda school and a “cow” nudibranch at Colovri Reefs, cool crevasses and holes at Donald’s Place). In the afternoon, we visited the Paleokastritsa Monastery (well-maintained, pretty nice) and spent some time at the beach (very crowded).
Day 9: Day off—we enjoyed the hotel pool and went to Olea next door to buy a small olive wood souvenir. Note that the old man who works the wood doesn’t have many fingers left…
South (5 nights) Day 10: Headed to Lefkimmi. Stopped at Achilleion on the way. I knew from reviews that only the gardens were accessible, but I think it’s worth it, even at 7 euros. We passed by the French military cemetery nearby (nothing special, poorly signposted but quiet and peaceful) and ate at Elia Tavern right next door: super good, best calamari of the trip. We’d booked our accommodation at Villa Rosa South Corfu, a bit outside Lefkimmi, near Alikes. Pretty isolated, but the beach is a 3-minute walk away, right next to the old salt pans. On the way, we saw a poster (use Google Lens to translate) for a local festival near Linia. We went that evening: barbecue, concert, and local dancing. Lots of people, but only locals—it was a great time.
Day 11: Short “hike” to Arkoudilas. We parked at the exit of Kavos, just before The Rose Tree restaurant. Some people drive all the way to the beach, but it’s very rocky. We followed the “Monastery” path to see Cape Asprokavos and the ruins of the monastery nearby. To avoid backtracking, we continued through the woods after the monastery to reach Arkoudilas Beach. Nice shaded walk, but dusty road. Dinner at Agali on the Potami Canal (friendly family vibe, but long wait).
Day 12: Boat trip to Sivota with Pegasus. A wooden boat, human-sized. Crowded, but not cramped. Two swimming stops (Blue Lagoon in the morning and a beach in the afternoon) and a 2-hour stop at noon in Sivota. We knew it’d be touristy, but the vibe was good, with some dancing on the way back. Not too many people at the swimming stops.
Day 13: Kouris Museum in Lefkimmi. Okay, don’t go for the history—the guide cracks more jokes than gives rational explanations. Still, we laughed a lot and had a great time. Lunch at The Village on the main road: very fresh, very good. Perfect homemade dip platter. Not the best location since it’s right on the road, but it’s worth it. Free ice cream for the kids, super-friendly owner. Fresh ratatouille (finally, some veggies!). Afternoon at Paralia Issos. View of Korission Lagoon and a walk through the sand dunes, a bit like the Sahara in places (hard to do before 5 p.m., even 6 p.m., because of the heat).
Day 14: I’d booked a visit/tasting at Pontiglio Winery. Short tour of the small site and tasting of the 4 wines produced there: 2 whites, 1 red, 1 rosé. Fresh homemade snacks, fruit for the kids, great welcome. Then to Paralia Kanoula Beach. Mikro Nisi Bar, sunbeds at 20 euros—expensive. But a nice beach with some rocks, so a bit of marine life. We saw octopuses while snorkeling with the kids—great moment.
Honest take on Corfu The island is dirty—not just at the garbage sites, which aren’t collected often enough and overflow constantly, but everywhere. Not a single square meter without cigarette butts, even if you get off the main paths. Stray cats everywhere, wasps everywhere, sewage smells often.
The natural heritage is stunning but ruined by private encroachment on the coastline. Bars and restaurants take over the land right up to the sea. I’d only been to Santorini and Paros about ten years ago, and I don’t remember it being like this at all. Maybe the Cyclades are different now. From talking to a few tourists here and there, it seems Crete is better managed. We still had a good vacation, even if it was sometimes hard to overlook the dirtiness.
Southwest USA in August: possible or not with the heat?
Hi everyone.
For 2026, I’m considering what might be my last long trip to the States.
A loop from Dallas back to Dallas via Houston, San Antonio, Tucson, Albuquerque...
Simple question: Is it doable in August with the extreme heat?
Best,
For 2026, I’m considering what might be my last long trip to the States.
A loop from Dallas back to Dallas via Houston, San Antonio, Tucson, Albuquerque...
Simple question: Is it doable in August with the extreme heat?
Best,