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2-week itinerary for Indonesia with kids
by Kvillani · 2025-12-20 · 10 replies
Hi everyone, We’re planning to visit a small part of Indonesia in October 2026 with our kids (8 years old). Ideally, do you think it’s possible to visit Kinabatangan (3 days), Yogyakarta or Borobudur, and finish with some beginner snorkeling on the Gili Islands in 2 weeks? Thanks for your valuable feedback! 😊
1 month in Malaysia - feedback on our itinerary
by Chrismdz · 2025-12-15 · 7 replies
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
Feedback on a 15-day China itinerary
by Phil4000 · 2025-11-29 · 4 replies
Hi everyone,

I’ve traveled a lot outside Europe before Covid, usually organizing my trips myself. In recent years, I’ve focused on Europe, which I’d neglected before. Now, I’d like to get back to long-haul trips and fill in some gaps on my world map.

At the moment, I’m considering a route in China—I’ve only been to Hong Kong (which isn’t really China)—for late April/early May 2026. Here’s a first draft:

D1: Departure D2: Arrive in Beijing in the morning – hutongs – night in Beijing D3: Forbidden City – Temple of Heaven – night in Beijing D4: Great Wall – night in Beijing D5: Summer Palace – (Ming Tombs?) – night in Beijing D6: Train to Datong – Yungang Grottoes – night in Datong D7: Train to Pingyao – visit – night in Pingyao D8: Train to Xi’an – Wild Goose Pagoda – night in Xi’an D9: Terracotta Army – Xi’an city walls – night in Xi’an D10: Flight to Zhangjiajie (or the night before) – Tianzi Mountain – night in Wulingyuan D11: National park – night in Wulingyuan D12: National park – night in Wulingyuan D13: Train to Chongqing – night in Chongqing D14: Explore Chongqing – night in Chongqing D15: Return flight

I know it’s tight, but what do you think? For the Great Wall section, what do you recommend? Jinshanling seems like the best option, or Simatai, but it’s far. For the budget, I’m planning on 2,500 € per person. Thanks for your feedback! Phil
Transforming a 2-week West American itinerary into 3 weeks
by MichelLebre · 2025-11-13 · 8 replies
Hi everyone, I’m planning a three-week road trip in the American West, starting from Las Vegas, roughly following the two-week itinerary here. I like the loop idea, but since I’ve got an extra week, I’m wondering if it’s better to take time for a break in a city or just spread out the stops a bit. Is it worth staying a few days in another big city like Denver to break up the drive? I like cities, but nothing’s really inspiring me. I’m also hesitant about Canyonlands National Park: is it really worth two days or more, or is it less impressive than others like Arches or Bryce Canyon? If any of you have done a longer road trip in this region, I’d love your advice on where to extend the trip, where to relax a bit, and which lesser-known spots are worth the detour. Thanks!
Summer Loop in Quebec with Family
by Victorfds · 2025-08-18 · 4 replies
Hi, Part of the family is Canadian, and we usually go there every two years. We’ve already visited quite a bit, but since the family is in New Brunswick, we’ve never really explored Quebec (aside from the two main cities). I’m starting to plan a new little loop for late July 2026 to finally enjoy Quebec a bit more. We’re aiming for about ten days before heading to NB.

Here’s a first draft: Montreal (1 night) Mauricie National Park (1 night) Lac Saint-Jean via Route 155 (2 nights for the zoo and the historic village) Saguenay Fjord National Park (1 night) Then two options to get down to Quebec City: A- Jacques-Cartier National Park via Route 175 B- Tadoussac, then down the St. Lawrence River

We have an 11-year-old and plan to do some hikes. Driving doesn’t bother us, but we also want to take the time to explore. The traditional whale-watching cruise in Tadoussac isn’t planned this time since we’ve already seen whales in Saint Andrews, NB, during our last trip.

Does the itinerary seem reasonable? Which option is nicer for getting down to Quebec City? Is there anything we shouldn’t miss on this loop?

Thanks for your tips! Victor
Driving the RN7 in Madagascar
by Mariiionss · 2025-07-09 · 2 replies
I just got back from an unforgettable road trip in Madagascar where I drove down the legendary RN7. It connects Tana (the capital) to Tulear. Since we were traveling as a group of girls, we decided to go with a guide. I’d never done an “organized” trip before, but I have to say we loved this first tailor-made travel experience. From the highlands of the Red Island down to the west coast, by the Mozambique Channel. Vast landscapes as far as the eye can see Human encounters Discovering ancestral artisanal know-how Sunsets over the ochre mountains Intense, precious moments with my friends We loved the mountains, visits to artisans, and the parties too ;-) We used local guides to show us specific spots (like Isalo National Park, where we were able to bivouac)
One-month itinerary for northeastern Brazil
by Penneteau · 2025-07-07 · 7 replies
Hi everyone, We’re a group of 3 friends traveling from Salvador de Bahia to Belém in November for a month. To plan our route, I’d love some tips on the must-see spots. We’ll be traveling by bus and are mostly looking for nature, as well as pretty towns and villages. Your advice will help us avoid missing too many great places. Thanks in advance to all of you! Thierry
Where to spend 6 weeks in Costa Rica in early 2026 for a retired couple?
by Reist · 2025-06-07 · 15 replies
We’re a retired couple in our 70s looking to spend six weeks in Costa Rica between mid-January and mid-March 2026. We’d like to stay in comfortable bungalows (2x3 weeks) and rent a car for the entire period. We enjoy light hiking and some beach time, but we also love relaxing on a shaded veranda, reading, and unwinding. Which places would suit these preferences? We have a lot of experience with this kind of stay in the French West Indies or Indian Ocean islands but have never been to Central America. Does anyone have good tips?
Croatia: which region is ideal for hiking and snorkelling?
by Laumac · 2025-05-28 · 2 replies
Hi there, Once again, I’m turning to VoyageForum to kick off my trip planning—this time, it’s Croatia! I’m treating my 29-year-old daughter to a trip where we’d love to combine hiking and snorkelling. I’m not sure if we can focus on just one region, but that’d be ideal since we’ll only have 10–15 days in August this year. Could anyone point me in the right direction for a first lead? Are transport links easy to navigate? Is it better to go with Airbnb or a hostel? Thanks in advance for your tips! Laurence from Bayonne
Newfoundland - Hikes in the Central Region of the Island
by Pinacoladada · 2025-05-25 · 15 replies
A land of adventure, the central region of Newfoundland is a vast area of dense forests and rugged coastlines.

To the north, between April and June, icebergs from Greenland drift along the famous "Iceberg Alley."

Inland, forests, lakes, and rivers dominate—once precious resources for Indigenous peoples and European settlers.

To the east lies Terra-Nova National Park and its typical habitat, made up of islands, ponds, bogs, and forests.

Finally, the southern coast, dotted with spectacular fjords, is home to several isolated fishing villages as well as the Miawpukek First Nation of Conne River, the province’s only recognized reserve.

Source:
https://www.exploretnl.ca/region-centre

Below is a list of the hikes we did in this region. Each hike has a link attached so you can quickly access more information about it.

Videos are embedded throughout the summary. Click on the image to start the video.

King's Point - Alexander Murray Trail Grand Falls-Windsor - Thunder Brook Falls Trail King's Point - Rattling Brook Falls Trail Harbour Breton - Gun Hill Lookout Trail Harbour Breton - Deadman's Cove Trail Harbour Breton - Rocky Point Lighthouse Trail Harbour Breton Community Dildo Run Provincial Park - Black Head Trail Twillingate - Lower Little Harbour Trail Twillingate - Rockcut Twillingate Trails Twillingate - Lower Head Loop Trail Twillingate - Cuckhold's Point Trail Twillingate - Top of Twillingate Trail Terra-Nova National Park - Mill Cove Lookout Trail Eastport - Sandy Cove Lookout Trail
Feedback on Quebec itinerary in September-October
by Claireloise · 2025-05-10 · 20 replies
Hello, I need some advice because I can't decide on an itinerary. We're going to join our son around September 20th, who's spending a year in Canada on a working holiday visa. I did the classic Quebec loop over 30 years ago, so I’m ruling out the Saguenay Fjord and Lac Saint-Jean right away. Here are the stops (overnights) I’ve tentatively planned:

D1-2-3: Quebec City D4: Malbaie Gorges National Park via Routes 360 and 362 D5: Malbaie Gorges National Park (fishing and canoeing) D6: Tadoussac (walks and whale watching from the shore, hiking up to Cap du Bon Désir) D7: Whale-watching zodiac excursion – ferry – Bic National Park D8: Bic National Park D9: Carleton-sur-Mer via the Matapedia Valley D10: Percé D11: Percé (Bonaventure Island excursion) D12: Forillon National Park D13: Forillon National Park D14: Sainte-Anne-des-Monts via Route 132 D15: Sainte-Anne-des-Monts (Gaspésie National Park) D16: Kamouraska D17: Quebec City D18-19-20: Montreal

I feel like one night in Tadoussac is too short. Wouldn’t it be better to add another night there and only spend one night in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, skipping Gaspésie National Park? Just to clarify, we love nature and hiking but limit ourselves to about 10 km per day.

Also, I’m wondering about the distances (even though I tried to keep them reasonable), the short stops (max 2 nights except in Quebec City and Montreal, so not much time to settle in), and the weather in Gaspésie in late September-October (my husband doesn’t handle the cold well). Maybe it’d be better to only go as far as Bic National Park, then head back, and add more nights at Malbaie Gorges National Park (I didn’t stay in a park on my first trip, and my son, who got his fishing license, would be proud to bring us dinner 😊), Tadoussac, and maybe around Bic/Rimouski?

One last detail: the plan is to land in Quebec City, rent a car on D4, return it on D17, and take the train or bus to Montreal the next day, where we’ll catch our flight 4 days later. This is to cut down on rental costs and avoid having a car in Quebec City.

Thanks for reading this far—I hope I can count on your advice! 😊

Claire
Gaspésie / Quebec / Canada Road Trip - August 2025
by Christelle09 · 2025-04-22 · 0 replies
Hello!

I’m embarking on a long-awaited dream trip—Canada!

For my first visit to this incredible country, I’ve set my sights on Gaspésie and the city of Quebec.

I’m a huge fan of hiking in nature, and I’m also passionate about Canadian history and its diverse cultures, especially the history and cultures of the First Nations. My trip will be a mix of nature and culture.

I’ll be traveling from August 3rd to 24th, flying from Paris to Quebec City.

I’m looking for one or more travel companions (ages 30–40) who are also planning to spend 3 weeks in Gasp��sie this summer (unfortunately, my dates aren’t flexible). The idea is to rent a car together and explore this beautiful region! :)

Here’s my rough itinerary (still fine-tuning it): - 08/03: Arrival in Quebec City - 08/04–08/05: Tadoussac and surrounding area - 08/06–08/08: Gaspésie National Park - 08/09–08/11: Gaspé and Forillon National Park + Gespeg First Nation Pow Wow - 08/11–08/12: Percé and surrounding area - 08/13: Bonaventure River - 08/14: Drive around Chaleur Bay and Matapedia - 08/15–08/17: Hike around Cacouna + WOLASTOQIYIK WAHSIPEKUK First Nation Pow Wow - 08/18–08/20: Hike around Rimouski and Bic National Park - 08/20: Return to Quebec City, stopping to visit Kamouraska - 08/20–08/24: Exploring Quebec City and Wendake

If my itinerary resonates with you and you share my interests, feel free to send me a PM! 🌿🏕️🏞️
Looking for travel companions for India and Nepal September/October 2025
by Karim75 · 2025-04-17 · 0 replies
Hi everyone!

I’m heading to India and Nepal from September 6th to October 28th. I’ll arrive in Delhi and plan to stay there for 2 to 3 days to soak it all in before moving on. I’ve been traveling to India for 21 years and have visited 60% of the country. I’d love to share part of the journey with you—it’s way more fun with two or three people!

I’m considering entering Nepal overland (I’ve done it before, and it’s a great experience). Then, I’ll be trekking in Annapurna National Park for the third time! So, it’s open for pure bliss!

I’m not set on any particular destination in India—I’m open to all regions. I’ve got 7 weeks, so plenty of time! Looking forward to hearing from you if you’re up for an unforgettable adventure! We can already get in touch. See you soon!! Email: etre.yoga@gmail.com
Solo traveler: Discovering Argentina differently
by VoyageForum · 2025-03-01 · 0 replies
If you dream of an extraordinary adventure, you’ve come to the right place! Argentina, this land at the end of the world, offers a unique change of scenery and the perfect opportunity to travel solo. With its spectacular landscapes, stretching from the ends of Tierra del Fuego to the high Andean plateaus, this vast country captivates both nature lovers and those passionate about authentic encounters. Here, the notions of borders and distance fade away: the glaciers of Patagonia, the Iguazu Falls in the heart of the tropical forest, wild steppes, and Andean villages nestled in colorful valleys. In Argentina, you quickly forget the passing of time, as the human experience and the beauty of the places leave their mark on every moment.



The perfect place to escape mass tourism

When traveling solo, there’s nothing like Argentina to get off the beaten path and avoid the crowds. Of course, some iconic spots like the Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate or Tierra del Fuego National Park in Ushuaia attract travelers from all over the world. However, the country’s vastness offers plenty of opportunities to find yourself almost alone in nature. A sunrise over the Andes, an afternoon riding with gauchos in the pampa, or a hike deep in Patagonia—these suspended moments happen far from the crowds.

A country ideal for connecting with local communities

One of Argentina’s strengths is the warmth of its people. Deeply attached to their traditions and genuinely curious about visitors, Argentinians have a knack for breaking down barriers, whether linguistic or cultural. You might find yourself chatting in Spanish over a mate (the local herbal tea), joining an impromptu barbecue, or even trying a few tango steps in a milonga. Simply showing interest in their culture and history is often enough to start a conversation. With Argentinians’ innate sense of hospitality, you never feel alone, even as a solo traveler.

Meeting local communities: a unique human adventure

Traveling solo in Argentina also means encountering its diverse communities. Staying with a local family or in an estancia (an Argentine ranch) lets you dive into the daily lives of families who often live self-sufficiently. In the Northwest, for example, you can share the life of an Andean community and learn to cook delicious local specialties. In Bariloche, some stays even include discovering a Mapuche community, offering a chance to better understand their relationship with the land and the importance of their ancestral traditions.



Diverse experiences for an unforgettable trip

Argentina is a true playground for outdoor enthusiasts: hikes in the steppes, sailing on the Beagle Channel in Tierra del Fuego, whale watching in Puerto Madryn (from June to December), or exploring the Iguazu jungle to encounter its wildlife and flora. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, Argentina still has surprises in store. In the Salta region, the Quebrada de Humahuaca reveals mountains with seven colors that tell the geological history of the Andes. It’s a feast for the eyes!

Why not join a small group with Tierra Latina?

Traveling alone doesn’t mean you can’t share parts of your journey with other enthusiasts. That’s what Tierra Latina offers: small-group tours (between 2 and 12 people), designed to balance the freedom of traveling in a small group with the camaraderie of exchanges between travelers. Each itinerary is crafted to alternate highlights (like visiting must-sees: Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Perito Moreno…) with more intimate moments, far from mass tourism.

The focus is on authentic encounters and respect for local communities—that’s Tierra Latina’s signature. For example, in northwestern Argentina, Tierra Latina offers the chance to spend time in an Andean community to learn about traditional dish preparation during a cooking workshop. It’s an opportunity to exchange recipes and knowledge passed down through generations. The goal: to go beyond simple sightseeing and experience true moments of sharing.

In a small group, you quickly feel like part of a family of travelers, all united by the beauty of the landscapes. You also benefit from French-speaking guides who share their tips and anecdotes while leaving plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, you’ll find the perfect balance between independence and the comfort of being surrounded.



Human connections at the heart of the journey

At Tierra Latina, the goal is to put people at the center of the experience. Accommodations are chosen for their authentic character, often tested and approved by the team itself. Whether you’re staying with an Andean family in a small village in the Quebrada de Humahuaca or in an estancia in the heart of the Patagonian steppe, you’ll take part in local life and contribute to the economy of these sometimes isolated regions.

This responsible approach to travel helps minimize environmental impact while maintaining a privileged connection with those who make Argentina so rich: its people. You’ll leave with intense memories, marked by moments of sharing that are hard to replicate elsewhere. So, ready to pack your bags? Follow the guide and fly off to this fascinating country—you’ll only want one thing: to come back!
Which destination to prioritize in Southeast Asia in the summer?
by Gange · 2025-02-28 · 41 replies
Hi there, Big travel year in Asia for me. I’m heading to Southeast Asia for a month in mid-July. The dates aren’t flexible since I’m going primarily for a wedding (Laos). So, I’ll start my trip in Laos for 4 days, then head off... where?

I’ve already done a trip exclusively in Laos a few years ago. I also visited Vietnam for the second time last year, so I’d love to explore something new. I was thinking of Cambodia (but only for Angkor) and northern Thailand, which I haven’t seen yet (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phrae, Phayao, Pa Hin Ngam National Park), and wrapping up with a few nights in Koh Samui. My question is about the weather. From what I’ve seen, Koh Samui seems to be spared during this period. But for Angkor and northern Thailand, I’m not so sure—it feels like a gamble. And I’m really not in the mood for rainy vacations, since I already get enough gray skies where I live 😅.

So, I had another idea: after Laos, I could head to Bali (or another Indonesian island) where it’s supposedly the right season. The flight ticket price is exactly the same, including a one-way to Bali and the return from Bali (with a layover in Bangkok). For those who’ve traveled in July, what do you think? Is there a big risk in trying northern Thailand and Angkor?

Thanks in advance!
Looking for a guide to reach the Altai Mountains in Mongolia in August and September 2025
by EmmanuellePm · 2025-02-19 · 4 replies
Hello,

I’m heading to Mongolia in August and September and I’m looking for a French-speaking guide who can accompany me to the Altai Mountains to stay with a nomadic or semi-nomadic family that would be willing to host me in exchange for work and money. Do you know anyone? Looking forward to your replies! Thanks, Emmanuelle
What to visit in Koh Samui, Thailand?
by Pomme83 · 2025-02-15 · 21 replies
Ideas for things to see and do
What to see and do in the Dolomites and when?
by Herodotos · 2025-01-26 · 15 replies
Hi everyone,

The last time we saw the Dolomites—briefly—was back in 1982. Obviously, things have changed dramatically since then, as few Italian tourist spots are spared from crowds these days.

So, I have two questions:

1) When? Which period offers relatively good weather and moderate crowds? I was thinking October, but are the cable cars still running then? And what about accommodations?

2) Where? Which "must-see" spots should we skip? On the other hand, which places should we prioritize?

We’d like to do a few hikes—moderate in terms of time, distance, and elevation gain.

Thanks for your tips!
A week in Basilicata (Italy): transport, sights, accommodations
by Barbara06 · 2025-01-20 · 4 replies
Hi there, I’m wondering about spending a week in Basilicata in southern Italy in mid-to-late March. Initially, I was talking about Puglia, but I realize that in my imagination it was actually Puglia—but no, it’s really the timeless charm of Basilicata that I want to discover.

We’d be leaving from Nice. Do any of you have any tips? People who’ve been there recently—how about transport? Accommodations? A possible itinerary? Maybe fly into Naples and rent a car? Thanks for your feedback!

Have a great day,

Barbara
Family trip to Quebec: checking our itinerary
by Jentia · 2025-01-17 · 9 replies
Hi everyone,

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

Here’s our itinerary:

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

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

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

Thanks for any feedback and tips for the visits.

See you soon 🙂 Jennifer
Review Request - 19-Day Quebec Road Trip
by Artlou31 · 2025-01-03 · 13 replies
We’ve got our tickets—we’re leaving from August 5th to the 24th! We’ve got a few hesitations about our itinerary, so we’re here to ask for tips and feedback. This forum has been a huge help for other trips. Here’s our draft plan:

3 days - Montreal 2 or 3 days in Mauricie 3 days in Quebec City, including one day for Jacques-Cartier Park 2 days in Charlevoix 3 days in Saguenay Fjord 2 days in Tadoussac 2 days in Bas-Saint-Laurent 1 day to return to Montreal—our flight leaves at 11 PM

Maybe we’re being too ambitious? Should we cut some stops? We’d still like to avoid driving too much in one go this year. Thanks for your suggestions! Artlou
Malaysia/Borneo 4-week itinerary
by Marcodelphin · 2025-01-02 · 3 replies
We're a family with two kids aged 15 and 12 planning to visit Malaysia and Borneo. We'd like to travel from 23/07/2025 to 20/08/2025, which is almost 4 full weeks on the ground. We've made good progress but would love some advice. We're planning a flight from Paris to Singapore.

Singapore – 2 days Malaysia: Malacca Kuala Lumpur Cameron Highlands Pulau Pangkor Taman Negara National Park Georgetown and Penang Island Perhentian Islands Other islands on the west coast Tioman

Borneo: Semporna Archipelago Turtle Island National Park Traditional village in Sarawak Gunung Mulu National Park Borneo jungles to see orangutans

Do you think this is doable or not?

Thanks in advance for your replies
A week in Dalmatia with the kids
by Delrome · 2024-12-21 · 0 replies
Croatia

October 2024

Hi everyone, I wanted to share our family week in Croatia. Alex and I, with Apolline (6), Olympe (4), and Artémis (18 months).

Itinerary

Planning the itinerary was complicated, but in the end, I wouldn’t change a thing. Since we had a round-trip flight from Dubrovnik, I preferred to prioritize proximity, so we skipped Plitvice, which I’d really love to visit—but that’ll be for next time. We had time to... take our time, and it was really nice.

Day 1: Marseille-Dubrovnik flight. Night in Ston.

Day 2: Visit to Ston and Mali Ston. Ferry to Mljet. Night in Pomena (3 nights total).

Days 3 & 4: Walks in Mljet National Park and swimming.

Day 5: Return ferry. Visit to the Trsteno Arboretum. Night in Dubrovnik (3 nights total).

Day 6: Visit to Dubrovnik’s city walls and Old Town.

Day 7: Lokrum.

Day 8: Morning in Dubrovnik, then Cavtat and overnight flight back to Marseille.

Our visits

Ston area:

Ston village, small but charming. We walked the walls from Ston to Mali Ston. It’s a steep climb, but the views over Ston and then Mali Ston are stunning. Easy return by road, and we visited the fort. Stroller impossible on the walls.

Pratpano Beach before taking the ferry. A beautiful beach and our first swim!

Mljet

Everything is beautiful on Mljet—the villages, landscapes, beaches... There are plenty of hiking and biking trails of varying difficulty. We saw lots of bike rental shops (Pomena, Polače, at the dock for St. Mary’s...), with some bikes equipped with child seats (though no baby trailers). In Pomena, there’s a small national park office that provides maps, sells entry tickets, and gives info on possible routes. The trails are well-marked. The boat to St. Mary’s Island is included in the park entry fee.

On the first day, from Pomena, we were 20 minutes’ walk from the small saltwater lake and the dock for St. Mary’s Monastery. We visited the little island, but the monastery interior was closed. We swam in Malo Jezero Lake (but there are plenty of spots to swim in both lakes).

The next day, we did a big loop starting from Pomena, walking through the forest (with beautiful sea views) to Janik (across from the monastery), then returning along the shore paths for a swim. An easy hike with little elevation—Olympe did it without any problems. The route is clearly marked on the bike trail map from the park office.

On our last day before the 3 PM ferry, we swam and had a picnic on one of Saplunara’s gorgeous sandy beaches—we had the whole place to ourselves!

Trsteno Arboretum (30 minutes from Dubrovnik). A stunning botanical garden overlooking the sea, which we visited in the late afternoon. Stroller accessible.

Dubrovnik:

City walls. Very expensive, but worth it! Lets you see the whole Old Town and the port from above. Stroller impossible.

Old Town: lots of beautiful, narrow alleys where laundry dries between buildings. Stroller possible but not practical. We visited the two monasteries and the cathedral inside but skipped the Rector’s Palace and St. Lawrence Fort.

Lokrum: deserves a full day. A beautiful walk circles the island, alternating between coves, historic buildings, and botanical gardens. We were short on time before the last boat left, but there are plenty of great spots to swim. You can’t do the full loop with a stroller, but I think the main sights near the dock are accessible.

Cavtat: a great surprise—I’d recommend it if, like us, you have a late flight. Just 15 minutes from the airport, it’s a charming seaside village with a lovely waterfront promenade (stroller-friendly), several swimming coves, and a cute center with things to see if you have extra time (museum, mausoleum, church...), plus restaurants, gelato shops, and boutiques...

Even though the girls walked a lot and enjoyed the walks, they *loved* swimming almost every day.

Transportation

Flight with Volotea. 1-hour delay on the way back.

Rental car with Goldcar. Office 100m outside the airport (it’s small, so about a 10-minute walk from arrivals). We were first in line, and luckily so—the employee was alone, and the queue behind us got really long, so budget extra time.

Don’t plan on driving in central Dubrovnik—the parking is outrageously expensive (over 5 €/hour near the walls), so book accommodation with parking and be ready for some walking.

Ferry: punctual. This time of year, we didn’t need to be at the dock more than 30 minutes before departure. Booked online.

Accommodation

I won’t talk about our place in Ston—it wasn’t very comfortable—or the one in Pomena, where we were really poorly received. But both locations were great for sightseeing. In Dubrovnik, we spent 3 nights at Natasa’s Airbnb (Apt Kalea), which was well-equipped, comfortable, and well-located—20 minutes’ walk from the center, with parking, a garden, and... a washing machine. All right across from a supermarket and a great bakery. For those with bigger budgets, the Art Deco Hilton in the center had me dreaming for 3 days!

Food

We didn’t eat out much because of the prices, but when we did, the food was great. The cuisine blends Italian and Slavic influences, so expect amazing seafood dishes, cuttlefish ink risotto, and big mixed grilled meats, not to mention pepper sauce. Despite the price, I’d recommend the restaurant in Mali Ston, *Kapetanova Kuća*. The food was great, and the service was friendly. If you have a late flight like we did, don’t hesitate to eat at the bistro almost across from the airport, *Pod Dubom*—good, affordable menu and a smiling waiter!

A great local picnic specialty: *burek*, a delicious savory pie (meat or cheese) you’ll find in bakeries or supermarkets. Also, good dry sheep’s cheese.

For picnics in Dubrovnik, I’d recommend the pine grove at St. Lawrence Fort or the benches above the port (at the end of Dominika Street). Both have amazing views.

Weather

We had beautiful weather—perfect for swimming *and* hiking. A light sweater for mornings and late afternoons, T-shirt and swimsuit during the day. In this part of Croatia, I’d say it’s comparable to southeastern France, so ideal for a fall break.

Gear

We like taking our stroller (Yoyo) for airport trips, but it wasn’t much use otherwise. If you have to choose, a baby carrier is better—between the cobblestones and hiking trails, it’s often the only way to carry a little one. We have the Deuter Pro hiking carrier, and Artémis loves it. We had high chairs in the few restaurants we went to, but not in our accommodations, so I brought a foldable fabric seat that fits on any chair. We had a crib in Ston and Pomena but not in Dubrovnik—Artémis slept on the floor on a folded duvet.

I invested in a Minimax *cabin-sized* suitcase for Apolline for this trip—she was so proud to have her first rolling suitcase! It turned out to be practical and seems sturdy. It let us take just one checked bag for all five of us for the first time.

Good and bad impressions

The swims in Mljet’s stunning, nearly empty nature.

Unfortunately, we felt unwelcome. The guidebook mentioned that Croatians can be standoffish at first, but we never got past that first impression. The constant feeling of being in the way—even though we weren’t there in peak season—was a bit unsettling. On the way back, I found out everyone I talked to (with or without kids) felt the same. Of course, it’s not universal—some people were polite, even warm (yes, really!).

No major issues, but a few things to note:

The car rental company only accepted debit cards, not credit cards. It was clearly stated in the contract, but I didn’t take it seriously. Luckily, Alexandre had a professional debit card, but *double-check yours before you go*.

For the car, despite the super-low rental price, you’ll have to add fees if you plan to take a ferry (50 to 80 € depending on the agency).

On Mljet, the only supermarket in Pomena was closed. We had to drive 10 minutes to Polače for basics. For diapers, we had to go even farther. I only saw formula for newborns in small supermarkets—maybe you can find more in Dubrovnik or at a pharmacy. I ended up using regular milk for Artémis.

Health

No issues, and no one got sick. We swam in very accessible spots given the girls’ ages, but if you’re eyeing a gorgeous little cove, watch out for sea urchins—we saw a lot!

Portable DVD players for the plane and car, but we barely used them. The girls watched cartoons in English on TV.

Kidizoom cameras.

A few toys for Artémis.

Budget

We found Croatia expensive, and I imagine it’s even worse in summer. For restaurants, sightseeing, and groceries, expect to pay the same as—or more than—in France. On the other hand, flights were low-cost, and accommodations were reasonable. The rental car was almost a steal, even with the extra ferry fees.

Round-trip flight from Marseille: 583 €

Car for 8 days: 56 € (+50 € for ferry fees)

Accommodations (7 nights): 509 €

Sightseeing:

Mljet National Park entry: 15 €/adult for 2 days (boat to St. Mary’s included)

Arboretum: 10 €/adult

Dubrovnik walls: 35 €/adult

Ferry Pratpano-Mljet: 60 € round-trip
23-Day Itinerary in the Pacific Northwest (USA) and Western Canada
by Tomemilie · 2024-12-09 · 16 replies
Hi everyone,

We’re heading to the Pacific Northwest (USA) and Western Canada this summer. We’ve made some progress planning, but we still have a few questions.

Our trip is mostly nature-focused—hiking, wildlife spotting (ideally bears, orcas/whales, otters, etc.), mountains, forests—and a few days in cities, though we’re not big on museums.

We’re looking at flying into Seattle (cheaper than Vancouver), then renting a car and staying in Airbnbs.

A few years ago, we traveled through eastern Canada/USA (Halifax/Montréal/Boston/Halifax) and ended up driving *way* too much and switching accommodations too often. This time, we’d like to settle in a bit more.

Here’s our current plan:

- 2 nights in Seattle to avoid hitting the road right after the flight. One day for a quick city visit, then we’ll leave early after the second night. -> Heading to Olympic National Park from the south.

- 4 nights near Olympic National Park, likely around Forks. -> Then to Port Angeles and a ferry to Vancouver Island via Victoria (maybe 1 night there).

- 7 nights in Port Alberni, which seems like a central base for exploring Vancouver Island (Tofino, Pacific Rim, Cathedral Grove, etc.). We really want to enjoy the area without constantly packing and unpacking.

The issue is, that brings us to 13–14 nights, and we’d like to spend 2 in Vancouver.

We’re wondering if we should head farther north on the island and add a few more days, or reduce our stay in Port Alberni to explore the north as well.

After that, we’d have about a week left. We’re considering a detour near the Canadian Rockies, then slowly making our way back to Seattle via North Cascades National Park.

Anyway, we’d love your input on all this!

Thanks for your suggestions,

Emilie and Thomas
Tips for our Québec itinerary
by Odilji · 2024-12-09 · 10 replies
Hello, We’re a couple in our 70s planning to visit Québec this summer. We only do short hikes of about 6 km round trip. What do you think of our itinerary? Thanks so much for your advice! Day 1: FRANCE/MONTREAL Days 2 & 3: MONTREAL Day 4: MONTREAL/BAIE ST PAUL – 2 nights Day 5: BAIE ST PAUL Day 6: BAIE ST PAUL/La Malbaie/Port-au-Persil/BAIE STE CATHERINE – 2 nights Day 7: BAIE STE CATHERINE/TADOUSSAC/BAIE STE CATHERINE Day 8: BAIE STE CATHERINE/SACRÉ-CŒUR/LES BERGERONNES – 2 nights Day 9: LES BERGERONNES/ferry LES ESCOUMINS/BIC NATIONAL PARK – 2 nights in Rimouski Day 10: BIC NATIONAL PARK Day 11: BIC NATIONAL PARK/CARLETON-SUR-MER – 1 night Day 12: CARLETON-SUR-MER/PERCÉ – 2 nights Day 13: PERCÉ Day 14: PERCÉ/GASPÉ/CAP DES ROSIERS – 1 night

Visit Forillon Park

Day 15: CAP DES ROSIERS/GASPÉSIE PARK – 2 nights in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts Day 16: GASPÉSIE PARK Day 17: GASPÉSIE PARK/KAMOURASKA – 1 night Day 17: KAMOURASKA/QUÉBEC CITY Days 18 & 19: QUÉBEC CITY Day 20: QUÉBEC CITY/AIRPORT MONTREAL for France
Planning a 3-week itinerary in Brazil
by Aurelie3 · 2024-11-29 · 13 replies
Hi, We’re considering a discovery trip to Brazil in summer 2025 for a maximum of 3 weeks, transport included. Since the must-see sites are very far apart, we’ve selected the ones that seemed the most spectacular and have little or no equivalent elsewhere in the world. Here’s what we’re thinking: Outbound: 1 day Paris → São Paulo Iguaçu: 2 days Transfer: 1 day via São Paulo or Rio and São Luís Lençóis National Park: 3 days Transfer: 1 day via São Luís Salvador de Bahia: 2 days Transfer: 1 day via Rio Rio: 4 days Return: 1 day What do you think? I was thinking of adding a stop that’s easily accessible without flying from one of the places above. Ilha Grande? Tinharé Island? Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance for your tips! Virginie
What to prioritize in Mauritius?
by Ruam · 2024-11-28 · 2 replies
Hi there, we’re heading to Mauritius in December-January. The question is: what should we visit first?

Thanks for your tips!

JP
Our 22-day Ecuador road trip itinerary with a rental car
by Galapagos63 · 2024-10-30 · 11 replies
Hi everyone, My husband and I are planning to explore Ecuador in the coming year, and to make the most of the trip, we’d like to do it with a rental car. We already have a rough idea of the route we’d take, and I’m reaching out to the community to help us refine this journey. Here’s the plan: Day 1: Flight to Quito Days 2 and 3: Exploring Quito Days 4 and 5: Picking up the rental car and driving to Otavalo and Laguna Cuicocha Day 6: Drive to Papallacta via Cayambe to enjoy the hot springs in the evening Days 7 and 8: Drive to Lasso via Malachi – Excursions in Cotopaxi National Park. Laguna Limpiopungo Days 9 and 10: Laguna Quilotoa Day 11: Drive to Baños via Latacunga/Ambato to enjoy the hot springs in Baños Days 12 and 13: Hiking in the Chimborazo Reserve Day 14: Hiking in Sangay National Park Day 15: Drive to Guamote to arrive by late afternoon Day 16: Guamote market in the morning. Drive to Cañar in the afternoon Day 17: Guided tour of Ingapirca, then drive to Cuenca Day 18: Visit Cajas National Park early in the morning Day 19: Exploring Cuenca Day 20: Returning the rental car and flight to Quito or driving back to Quito (depending on cost) Day 21: Relaxing in Quito Day 22: Flight back to France

We won’t be doing any ascents—just hikes in the parks (we’re walkers, but we’re feeling our age and prefer to take it easy now!).

We’d love to hear your thoughts, critiques, or advice... Thanks in advance. Looking forward to reading your replies! martine
9-day road trip from Melbourne to Sydney
by Marieno75 · 2024-10-23 · 10 replies
Hi everyone, What great news to read that Voyage Forum is back up and running—I’m so happy! 🙂 I need some advice for a trip we’re planning in 2025: New Caledonia and Australia.

We’ll arrive in Australia on September 1, 2025, and the plan is to spend 2 nights in Melbourne to explore the city, then rent a car to drive from Melbourne to Sydney, where we’ll arrive on September 12. Unfortunately, we won’t have time for the Great Ocean Road

I’ve checked several blogs for this route and here’s the itinerary I’ve put together:

9/4: Melbourne to Philip Island (140 km) – 1 night 9/5: Philip Island to Wilsons Promontory National Park – 2 nights 9/7: Raymond Island (free ferry to cross a 200 m sea channel) – Lakes Entrance – 1 night 9/8: Drive to Narooma (stop at Quarry Beach) – 1 night at "Bodalla Park Forest Rest Area" 9/9: Batemans Bay – Pebbly Beach – Dolphin Point – Jervis Bay – 1 night (to be found) 9/10: Jervis Bay and surroundings – 1 night at Bendeela Picnic Area 9/11: Blue Mountains National Park (1 hour from Sydney) – 1 night (to be found) 9/12: Arrival in Sydney

I know we won’t be able to see everything, and this 9-day route is just a starting point. The goal is to avoid rushing—if we see a place we like, we’ll stop, even if it means seeing less. A vacation where we don’t watch the clock too much! 🙂 Does this route (a mix of several blogs where not all stops are noted) seem realistic or too ambitious? Are there certain spots that are more worth prioritizing over the ones I’ve listed? For example, in one of the blogs I read, travelers skipped Blue Mountains National Park because they chose another site (which I’ve forgotten 😎).

For accommodation, we’ll likely be camping (free or paid), so if you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them! 😎

Our arrival in Sydney on September 12 depends on my hope to participate in the marathon on September 15, 2025. After that, we’ll leave Sydney on September 17 for Ayers Rock.

Thanks in advance for your tips and ideas—it’s always tricky to plan a route from a distance when time is limited.

And long live this site, which I’ve missed so much since 2020! 😎🙂

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