Wren's Adventure

9:30 AM · arrival departure

Fly to Seattle

Confirmation: WZAFKJ Alaska 361 @ 9:30 1 checked bag each (maybe 3 w/ Wren)

arrival departure

Head to Anna's!

Land at 12:19, settle in with Anna and Gabe. Prob take cab to get there.

Anna's apartment!

10:00 AM · social

Picnic with Moncasters

Location TBD

Anna's apartment!

social

Free day in Seattle to hang with Anna

No set plans, may update later

Anna's apartment!

social

Free day in Seattle to hang with Anna

No set plans, may update later

Anna's apartment!

2:30 PM · social

Hang w/ Gabe & Carolyn

Location TBD, but they're in town, working east coast hours. We'll find something fun to do for a few hours.

Anna's apartment!

1:53 PM · arrival departure

Fly to Maui - 1:53 PM

Confirmation MLYBEH Alaska Airlines flight 233 @ 1:55 1 checked bag each (maybe 3 w/ Wren)

admin logistics

Pick up rental car

Confirmation: 41050853US4 Pick up Budget rental car @ 3:00 PM

Kahului Airport,OGG, 101 Mayor Elmer F Cravalho Way, Kahului (Maui Island), HI 96732 US

arrival departure

Check in Maui Airbnb

2495 South Kihei Road 145, Kihei, HI 96753 4 PM Checkin

beach water

Kamaole Beach Park III

Calm water, sandy entry, grassy park. 10 minute walk. Explore the neighborhood. After walk 25 mins to Akamai Coffee for something that more local and relaxed than the big tourist breakfast spots or Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade (20 minutes) if we want Acai bowls.

kid activity

Maui Ocean Center

One of the best aquariums in the US. Open early to beat cruise crowds. Shark tunnel + sea turtles. ~90 min

8:00 AM · beach water

Turtle Town snorkel

Makena Landing (better snorkling) or Maluaka Beach (more family friendly). Take turns watching W while the other person swims. Either we buy equipment or rent it night before. Ocean is most ocean in morning so should aim to go around 8 AM.

beach water

Afternoon @ Beach or Pool

Choose if we want to go to pool or beach in Kihei in the afternoon

9:00 AM · nature outdoors

ʻAhihi-Kīnaʻu tide pools

Protected marine reserve, lava coastline. Morning low tide should be 9:30-10:30 AM. Spend 10–15 minutes beforehand reading about the reserve's common species (humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, surgeonfish, sea urchins, hermit crabs, etc.), then turn it into a scavenger hunt. Check for conservation closures. Backups: Ulua Beach, Makena Landing •Go in the morning before the lava gets hot. •Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals help; the lava is sharp. •Carry more water than you think you'll need.

7:11 PM · beach water

Sunset at Keawakapu Beach

One of the best sunset beaches. 25 minute walk with Wren in stroller.

scenic ride

Drive Upcountry

Morning drive into Upcountry through Kula and Makawao — cooler air, rolling hills, and farm country. Stop at Surfing Goat Dairy for a quick visit and cheese tasting Continue through Makawao, a historic paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town with small shops and bakeries.

food dining

Surfing Goat Dairy

Cheese tasting in Upcountry, Kula • 10, 11, 12, 2 - makes sense to book in advance bc holiday weekend but maybe not needed if just doing tasting

scenic ride

Haleakalā summit drive

Volcanic crater, 30-45 min at overlooks. Wren can nap on drive back. Only need a permit if going for sunrise.

7:00 AM · scenic ride

Road to Hana

Long day of driving and seeing sights • 7:00 depart Kihei • 7:45 Twin Falls — easy waterfall stop and good first break • 9:15 Keʻanae Arboretum • 10:00 Aunty Sandy's + Keʻanae Peninsula — famous banana bread, dramatic lava coastline (turn left after Mile Marker 16) • 11:30–12:00 leisurely continue toward Hana • 1:00 lunch in Hana • 3:00 Waiʻānapanapa Sunset-ish at Waiʻānapanapa, then hotel check-in afterward

3:00 PM · beach water

Waiʻānapanapa State Park

Need to arrive by 3:30. Entrance is 3-6 PM. About a 10 min drive from Airbnb

4:00 PM · arrival departure

Check in Hana Airbnb

4816 Uakea Road

4816 Uakea Road, Hana, HI 96713

7:30 AM · food dining

Hana Farms breakfast

Breakfast at Hana Farms (banana bread, coffee, fresh fruit). If we're up really early hit the beach first.

8:45 AM · beach water

Hamoa Beach

Gorgeous crescent beach to check out for an hour. Good last morning in Maui vibes.

10:00 AM · scenic ride

Drive to OGG, Return Rental

Optional stop at Hoʻokipa Beach Park for turtles if everyone's happy. (Around 12) Budget Kahului Airport,OGG 101 Mayor Elmer F Cravalho Way

arrival departure

Fly to Oahu - 3:04 PM

3:04 PM #HPTPKH Hawaiian Airlines AS1145

arrival departure

Check in Oahu Airbnb

2425 Kūhiō Avenue #1203, Honolulu, HI 96815. Take Uber from airport.

2425 Kūhiō Avenue #1203, Honolulu, HI 96815

food dining

Maguro Brothers poke + Waikiki Beach sunset

If long line, Eli waits while T and W go to beach. Eat at sunset on the beach

9:00 AM · nature outdoors

Diamond Head hike

Uber there (~$10) or bus. Wren in carrier. 60-90 min round trip. Hot and exposed. Bring lots of water. Our entrance is at 9 AM. Bus or walk back.

food dining

Ono Seafood Lunch

Famous for the Shoyu Ahi and Spicy Ahi, but everything is good. After head to Leonard's Bakery for a malasada (Leonard's Bakery for a malasada)

food dining

Me's BBQ for dinner

Me's is right next door, get the kalbi plate or chicken plate. Pivot to Duke's (short walk) if we want more options.

beach water

Kaimana Beach + Waikiki Aquarium

About 20-25 minute walk. Can let Wren splash around, visit tide pools. Potentially visit Aquarium 45-60 min, stroller-friendly

food dining

Diamond Head Market & Grill lunch

Blueberry cream cheese scone (25-30 min walk)

food dining

KCC Farmers Market

Saturday morning, go early. 10 minute uber (2.5-3 miles)

social

Hang with Lauren!

Meet at Farmers Market and let day unfold

food dining

Waiola Shave Ice

If we haven't been yet, worth a visit!

1:00 PM · arrival departure

Fly to Japan!

Confirmation #DI6T4R , 2 checked bags E/T, 1 for Wren ANA 181 @ 1:00 PM, lands 4:15 PM on the 13th. Time for AirCouchii!

5:50 PM · arrival departure

Fly to Sapporo!

ANA 2155 @ 5:50 PM, lands 7:35. We will have to get our bags, clear customs, and re-enter security.

arrival departure

Check in Air Terminal Hotel

3rd Floor, Domestic Terminal CTS. Reservation X-DTC10S1EAMS

10:00 AM · scenic ride

Pick up rental car at CTS, drive to Furano

Ask the front desk to call (Phone: 0144-51-8655) and send a van for pickup for the three of us and bags. Rental Car Company: Nikku Rent A Car Reservation Number: TC-260218-001400 Plan: ToCoo! Only Special Plan! Snow tire Free & 4WD & Multilingual voice GPS Car Class: Station Wagon(WA(Non-smoking)) Example Models: SUBARU XV,COROLLA FIELDER, Pickup: Jul 14, 2026 Tue 10:00 Pickup Outlet: Nikku Rental Car New Chitose Airport 〒059-1361　Hokkaido227-2 Misawa, Tomakomai-shi, Phone: 0144-51-8655

3:00 PM · arrival departure

Check in Fenix Furano

Reference Number: 2930265 1 Superior room w/ Breakfast included 19-10 Kitanominecho, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0034

19-10 Kitanominecho, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0034

8:00 AM · nature outdoors

Farm Tomita & lavender fields

Before tourist buses arrive. Traditional Lavender Field, Irodori Field. Buy a Furano melon, lavender soft-serve mandatory

nature outdoors

Lavender East open-air bus

¥500, Wren free. Bigger fields, ~4km from Tomita

nature outdoors

Blue Pond, Biei

Turquoise mineral water, dead birch trees. Morning visit

animal experience

Farms Chiyoda Fureai Animal Ranch

Stop by to pet the animals for a break

scenic ride

Patchwork Road scenic drive + Biei lunch

Rolling hills of patterned crops

food class

Mascarpone workshop at Furano Cheese Factory

¥880/person, ~1 hour. Book in advance: cheese@furano.ne.jp

food dining

Pizza lunch at cheese factory pizzeria

House mozzarella + local Furano produce

food dining

Furano Winery

Free, tastings, vineyard views. ~15 min from cheese factory

scenic ride

Furano Ropeway

101-passenger cable car, 2330m, 7 min each way to 900m panoramic deck. ~¥2200/adult, 60-90 min

nature outdoors

Flower Land Kamifurano

Tractor ride through flower fields, look for lupines, marigolds, lavender, salvia against the Tokachi mountains. ~15 min drive. Another Furano melon

art culture

Ningle Terrace at dusk

Forest cottage village of artisan shops lit by lanterns, opens 5pm, best after 6pm when the light drops. Easy, atmospheric evening, 6 min drive from hotel.

3:00 PM · arrival departure

Check in JR Inn Chitose

Reservation TF4893FF31005. Dinner at SAMA Chitoseten, famous Hokkaido soup curry dish available without pork broth. 5 min walk from Hotel.

scenic ride

Drive Furano to CTS

Stop at Michi-no-Eki Minamifurano: Bata Jaga, soft serve, Montbell. ~2 hours total

11:10 AM · arrival departure

Fly to Osaka/Kyoto (ITM)

NH 774 @ 11:10 AM Plan to walk out the hotel at 8:45/8:55. Short walk to train station and ride one stop on JR Rapid Airport train. At check-in notify staff about lap infant

3:00 PM · arrival departure

Check in to MIMARU Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo

Get a cab at Hachijo-guchi 京都府京都市中京区新町通三条上ル町頭町105 〒604-8206 MIMARU京都新町三条 105 Machigashira-Cho, Sanjo-Agaru, Shinmachi-Dori, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto

arrival departure

Limousine Bus

Look for signs that say Limousine Bus or Kyoto. Can tap in w/ Suica card. Ride to Kyoto Station Hachijo-guchi 50-55 minutes typical, 75 minutes if traffic is bad. Bus is comfortable, has seatbelts, AC, and is reliably quiet. Wren can sleep. Bus drops you on the south side of Kyoto Station (Hachijo-guchi exit).

food dining

Nishiki Market grocery run

Nishiki Market is a 5 minute walk, perfect for a grocery run and light grazing on tofu, pickles, and street snacks to stock the apartment. Easy first evening, early night, let Wren decompress from the travel day.

temple shrine

Higashiyama: Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Kiyomizudera

Morning walk through the preserved stone-paved lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka — some of the most photogenic streetscapes in Japan, lined with traditional wooden shops. Continue up to Kiyomizudera, the famous temple built into the hillside with a sweeping wooden stage jutting out over the valley. Back to the apartment by midday for Wren's nap and heat break. Carrier

art culture

Gion at dusk + Pontocho dinner

Walk Gion at dusk when the light is soft — Hanamikoji Street, paper lanterns, the chance of spotting a geiko or maiko heading to an engagement. Dinner in Pontocho alley, wander until you find a skewer spot you like.

8:00 AM · temple shrine

Fushimi Inari (early)

Aim for gates by 8 AM, before heat and crowds arrive. The thousands of vermillion torii gates tunnel up the mountain and feel genuinely otherworldly in the morning mist. Walk as far as feels right with Wren — the lower section alone is spectacular and takes about 45 minutes, the full hike is 2-3 hours and unnecessary. Back at the apartment by 11am. Carrier. Afternoon completely free

4:30 PM · art culture

Gion Matsuri Yoiyama (early evening)

Head out around 4:30-5:00 PM. The floats on the streets around Shinmachi are assembled and accessible up close — you can watch the hayashi musicians rehearsing on them, see the tapestries and carvings in detail without fighting nighttime crowds. Walk through the Byōbu Matsuri displays in the merchant homes nearby. Wren's in the carrier or SmartAngel, you're grazing from early food stalls, back upstairs by 6:30 for her bedtime. You get the substance of the festival without needing darkness.

10:02 AM · scenic ride

Sagano Scenic Railway

Stroller day. Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama (17 min, ¥240). Walk next door to Saga Torokko Station and board the 10:02 train to Kameoka. The ride is 25 minutes through the Hozu River gorge — forested cliffs, river below. Skip the open-air cars in July. (Wren goes in the carrier for this; stroller must be folded on board). At Kameoka Torokko, walk 5 minutes to JR Umahori Station and take the train back to Arashiyama (7 min, ¥200). You're back by 11:00 with the whole afternoon ahead.

8:00 PM · art culture

Gion Matsuri night - solo rotation

One of you out 8-9 PM, swap. Lanterns lit on floats, summer festival energy

temple shrine

Bamboo Grove + Tenryuji

Stroller day. From Saga-Arashiyama station, walk into the bamboo grove — it's right there, and worth seeing even though it's more of a 10-minute photo walk than a destination. Continue through to Tenryuji, which is the real draw: the 14th-century garden with its pond reflecting the Arashiyama mountains behind it is one of the finest borrowed-scenery compositions in Japan. The paths are stroller-friendly. Lunch in Arashiyama after, plenty of casual spots. Then a slow walk along the Hozu River before heading back mid-afternoon. Sit on the left side heading to Kameoka for the river views. Skip Car 5 (the open-air "Rich" car) — no reserved seats, standing only, and exposed to July sun with a 13-month-old is a bad idea.

9:00 AM · art culture

Gion Matsuri Ato Matsuri procession

The procession of enormous yamaboko floats moves through central Kyoto starting around 9am — position yourselves early on the route. The floats are extraordinary, some dating back centuries, decorated with tapestries and pulled through the streets by teams of men. Done by early afternoon, then back to rest. Evening: the Yoiyama street stalls are still active around Gion — food vendors, yukata crowds, lanterns everywhere. One of the great summer festival atmospheres in Japan. Carrier.

temple shrine

Nara day trip

JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station, about 45 minutes each way. Nara Park is flat, stroller friendly, deer roaming freely everywhere — fair warning, they bow for crackers and can be pushy about it at her height. Keep crackers hidden and approach older deer who are more patient. Todai-ji temple houses one of the largest bronze Buddhas in the world and is worth seeing. Back to Kyoto by late afternoon.

2:00 PM · wellness & relaxation

Check in Hakone Ginyu

Hakone-Ginyu 箱根吟遊 Address : 100-1 Miyanoshita, Hakonemachi,Ashigarashimogun, Kanagawaken 250-0404 Taxi directly from Odawara Station to Hakone Ginyu (~20 minutes, ~¥5,000). Buy the Hakone Freepass at the Odawara station machines before grabbing the taxi; you'll use it for exploring over the next two days, just not today. Check in around 2pm, change into yukata, private onsen, kaiseki dinner, decompress.

admin logistics

Ship bags via Takkyubin to Tokyo MIMARU

Mimaru to Mimaru can be arranged at front desk. MIMARU Tokyo Ueno Inaricho arriving July 29.

arrival departure

Shinkansen Kyoto to Odawara

Taxi to Kyoto Station, Shinkansen to Odawara (~2 hours). At Odawara, skip the Hakone Tozan railway — taxi directly to Hakone Ginyu (~20 minutes, ~¥5,000). Total door-to-door from MIMARU Shinmachi Sanjo to Ginyu is about 3 hours. Check in around 2pm, change into yukata, first soak in the private onsen.

wellness & relaxation

Long onsen + kaiseki dinner

Mid-afternoon return from the day, relax with private onsen soak and enjoy Kaiseki dinner.

scenic ride

Hakone Loop: shrine, lake, ropeway

Shrine, Lake, Ropeway Morning: Bus from Miyanoshita Station to Moto-Hakone (~19 min, hourly — check schedule night before). Hakone Shrine early while cool and quiet. Torii gate in the lake, cedar-lined approach. 5-10 min walk to pier → sightseeing boat across Lake Ashi to Togendai (~25 min). Ropeway from Togendai up through Owakudani — black eggs, sulfur vents, Fuji views if clear. Continue ropeway to Sounzan → cable car down to Gora → Tozan Railway back to Miyanoshita.

wellness & relaxation

Long onsen + kaiseki dinner

Mid-afternoon return from the day, relax with private onsen soak and enjoy Kaiseki dinner.

art culture

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Tozan Railway one stop to Chokokunomori. 2-3 hours, Picasso pavilion, foot onsen.

wellness & relaxation

Final onsen sessions + last kaiseki

One final onsen soak and dinner kaiseki

10:30 AM · arrival departure

Check out and head to Tokyo

Departure. Breakfast at ryokan. Check out by 10:30. Taxi from Ginyu to Odawara Station (~20 minutes, ~¥5,000). Shinkansen to Tokyo Station (~35 minutes). JR to Ueno or taxi to MIMARU Ueno Inaricho (~15 minutes either way). Arriving early afternoon, bags should be waiting.

3:00 PM · arrival departure

Check in MIMARU Ueno Inaricho

〒110-0015 東京都台東区東上野5-8-2 MIMARU Tokyo Ueno Inaricho Reservation T72DF39B98DE0. 3 PM Check-in: Japanese Apartment (Non-Smoking, Pre-Paid)

nature outdoors

Ueno Park orientation walk

Easy walk into Ueno Park once everyone is settled — open paths, shaded areas, duck pond. No agenda beyond getting oriented.

food dining

Tsukiji Outer Market

Arrive hungry and move slowly (Thursday is the sweet spot to go). The focus is seafood: fresh uni, grilled scallops, tamagoyaki, and tuna, mostly eaten standing. Sit down at a small sushi counter for an early lunch (¥2,000–3,000). Carrier.

food dining

Ginza depachika browse

Spend an hour in a depachika basement at Ginza Six or Mitsukoshi — well-organized, air-conditioned, and easy to browse without crowds at midday. Japanese sweets, prepared foods, and high-quality produce. No rush in the afternoon

shopping tailor

JINS Ueno - eyeglasses order

Start the day at JINS Ueno right when they open — eye exam and glasses order handled efficiently, usually within about an hour, with pickup later the same day or next morning.

art culture

Tokyo National Museum

Head straight into Tokyo National Museum right when it opens. Don’t try to cover everything — 60–90 minutes focused on the highlights is perfect. Prioritize the main Honkan (Japanese Gallery): samurai armor, swords, and ceramics. It’s air-conditioned, calm, and stroller-friendly, and it delivers a strong sense of history without dragging. Stroller

food dining

Yanaka neighborhood + Kayaba Coffee

Decompress in Ueno Park with a loop around Shinobazu Pond — flat, shaded, and an easy reset walk. In August, the lotus leaves blanket the water even if the blooms close by mid-morning. Grab a coffee or snack from a kiosk and take it slow. Late morning, walk about ten minutes into Yanaka — one of the few areas that still feels like old Tokyo. Follow the natural path through Yanaka Cemetery (wide, shaded, very peaceful), then drift into the surrounding small streets with shops and cafes. Stop at Kayaba Coffee for thick toast and drip coffee as a late breakfast or early lunch.

nature outdoors

Shinjuku Gyoen

Start the morning at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden — one of the easiest large parks in Tokyo with a stroller. Wide paved paths, shaded walking loops, quiet garden sections, and open lawns make it ideal for a slower-paced morning with room for Wren to move around without the intensity of the city. Enter via the Shinjuku Gate for the smoothest access and flattest terrain. Aim to arrive early, before the late-morning heat and humidity settle in. Plan for roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours with a relaxed snack or drink break along the way. ¥500 entry. Stroller

shopping tailor

Omotesando + Kurono Tokyo

Head toward Omotesando — Tokyo's most comfortable major walking boulevard with broad sidewalks, heavy tree cover, striking architecture, and frequent cafés or department stores to duck into for AC breaks. Eli slips away briefly to visit Kurono Tokyo's Aoyama salon (2-10-22 Kita-Aoyama; roughly 8–10 minutes from Omotesando Station toward Gaienmae, or 4 minutes from Gaienmae Station Exit 3). Quick 20-minute browse: display models, Grand Urushi Aoyama boutique-only editions, photos, then regroup.

shopping tailor

Ura-Harajuku backstreets

Continue into the Ura-Harajuku backstreets and Cat Street — lower-key than central Harajuku and much easier with a stroller. Small boutiques, tucked-away cafés, side alleys, and shaded breaks give the neighborhood a slower rhythm that works well in the afternoon heat. Finish with a brief pass through Takeshita Street for the spectacle: loud music, crepes, crowds, fashion chaos, and pure teenage Tokyo energy. Keep expectations calibrated — it is narrow, congested, and not especially stroller-friendly, especially in summer. Twenty minutes is usually enough before slipping back out toward Meiji-dori. Return to Ueno in the early evening. The cleanest one-seat ride is JR Yamanote from Harajuku Station direct to Ueno (~20 min, no transfer) — busy at rush hour but stroller-manageable on the platform. If the JR Harajuku crowds feel like too much, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line from Meiji-jingumae is calmer at the origin but doesn't stop at Ueno itself; you'd exit at Yushima or Nezu (~10 min walk to the hotel area) or transfer at Otemachi. Pick based on whether you'd rather optimize for a quieter boarding or a transfer-free ride.

shopping tailor

Eli watch day: Ginza or Nakano Broadway

Eli heads out independently — either Ginza boutiques or Nakano Broadway, depending on interest.

kid activity

Tina + Wren: Nakameguro Canal

Tina and Wren walk along the Nakameguro Canal in the morning — flat, shaded, and stroller-friendly, with cafés spaced naturally along the route. Stroller

kid activity

Daikanyama

In the afternoon, move into Daikanyama, a low-rise neighborhood with a relaxed pace and good pedestrian flow. Tsutaya Books is a practical anchor — air-conditioned, seating available, and easy to spend an hour without pressure. If more outdoor space is needed, Komazawa Olympic Park is a 15-minute taxi ride away, with wide lawns and family-friendly paths. Stroller

10:00 AM · shopping tailor

Kappabashi knife shopping

Head to Kappabashi as a family. The main street is flat and stroller-friendly, and the knife shops are calm, air-conditioned indoor spaces — a good, low-key start to the day. Keep browsing focused rather than exhaustive. Eli targets Mcusta/Moki folding knives (¥15,000–25,000; bring cash). Aim to arrive by ~10:00–10:15 AM, giving a solid 60–90 minutes before needing to move.

12:00 PM · art class

Wanariya shibori workshop

~11:45 AM: Walk to Wanariya (~10 minutes from Kappabashi). Arrive a few minutes early for check-in. 12:00 PM: Wanariya shibori workshop — 90 minutes of indigo dyeing. Already registered, they know Wrennie is coming.

2:00 PM · scenic ride

Sumida River water bus to Hamarikyu

Sumida River water bus from Asakusa to Hamarikyu (¥980/adult; Wren free; garden entry included). Stroller friendly on boat Relaxed boat ride, then a shaded garden stroll. Wrap up by ~4 PM.

kid activity

Tokyo Sea Life Park

Visit Tokyo Sea Life Park in the morning. The aquarium is well laid out, with the large tuna tank as the centerpiece, and works well as a 1.5–2 hour visit. About 20 minutes from Ueno by train. Stroller.

nature outdoors

Kasai Rinkai Park

Walk next door to Kasai Rinkai Park — wide waterfront paths, open space, and plenty of room to slow down. This area is popular with local families and doesn’t feel rushed.

nature outdoors

Inokashira Park (Kichijoji)

Morning in Inokashira Park — ponds, open grass, a small zoo, and consistent shade. Stroller

shopping tailor

Shimokitazawa wander

Around midday, drift into Kichijoji for lunch. No agenda — find somewhere to sit, eat, let Wren reset. This isn't a destination, it's a decompression stop between the park and the afternoon. When energy is right — probably early-to-mid afternoon — take the Keio Inokashira Line one stop to Shimokitazawa. Start around Bonus Track for food stalls and coffee, then wander the surrounding streets for vintage shops and cafés. Plan for 90 minutes to two hours; bail when the day tells you to. Easy train back to Ueno.

temple shrine

Kanda Myojin Shrine

Walk to Kanda Myojin Shrine. Quiet morning shrine near Akihabara.

shopping tailor

Akihabara: Yodobashi Camera + arcades

Head into Akihabara for an hour of electronics stores and arcades. Yodobashi Camera works well for organized browsing and air conditioning. Carrier

admin logistics

JINS glasses pickup + pack

If not picked up earlier

8:30 AM · arrival departure

Get to Narita

8:35 AM — leave hotel 8:55 AM — arrive Keisei-Ueno Station 9:20 AM — Skyliner departs 10:11 AM — arrive Narita T1 10:15–10:30 AM — get to KE check-in 12:45 PM — wheels up

12:45 PM · arrival departure

Fly to Busan

Korean Air 130 @ 12:45. Confirmation: DPOMRS; 2 checked bags (maybe 3 w/ Wren) Should have bassinet seat

arrival departure

Check into Airbnb

3rd Floor, Domestic Terminal CTS. Reservation X-DTC10S1EAMS Taxi (~22 min, ₩25,000–35,000 / ~$18–25) Walk out of the international terminal to the taxi stand — orange/silver "regular" taxis are fine, no need for "international" deluxe taxis (which are 30–40% more for the same ride). Show the driver this in Korean: 부산 수영구 민락수변로 49 (KCC 스위첸) Cash or card both work, but have some won on hand. Most taxis accept T-money/credit cards now, but not all. Worth knowing: Kakao T is the local rideshare app (Korea's Uber). If you set it up before you land, you can hail one from the airport, fix the destination in-app so there's no language friction, and pay through the app. It uses the same regular taxi fleet, same metered fare.

beach water

Gwangalli Beach evening walk

Take a relaxed walk along Gwangalli Beach — wide promenade, flat paths, and one of Busan’s best night views as Gwangan Bridge lights up after dark. Dinner along the beachfront; keep it easy. If energy is high, Millak Raw Fish Market is an option, but not required on night one.

nature outdoors

Songdo Cloud Trails

Head west to Songdo in the morning. Start with the Songdo Cloud Trails — a glass-and-steel boardwalk extending out over the sea. Flat and easy even in a carrier, with great coastal views. Carrier.

scenic ride

Busan Air Cruise

Continue to the Busan Air Cruise and ride the crystal cabin across the bay. Views of the coastline, harbor, and Namhang Bridge from above.

nature outdoors

Amnam Park stroll + Songdo Beach

On the far side, stroll briefly through Amnam Park — shaded paths, ocean air — then ride the cable car back. Or, optional short walk along Songdo Beach before returning to Gwangalli by early–mid afternoon.

art culture

Gamcheon Culture Village

Out early to Gamcheon Culture Village to beat heat and crowds. Hillside alleys, murals, and overlooks — famously nicknamed the “Machu Picchu of Busan.” Carrier only. Focus on the main viewpoints and a few side alleys; two hours is plenty. Carrier.

food dining

Jagalchi Fish Market lunch

Taxi or bus down to Jagalchi Fish Market for a seafood lunch — either upstairs with harbor views or at ground-level stalls.

food dining

BIFF Square street food

Walk over to BIFF Square afterward for Busan’s iconic street food, especially seed-filled hotteok.

rest day

Rest / buffer day

Gwangalli Beach in the morning, neighborhood cafés, and an easy walk to Millac The Market — a modern food hall with space to roam and sit. If weather disrupted an earlier day, this is where you recover it. Dinner nearby; Korean BBQ works well tonight.

scenic ride

Haeundae Blueline Park: Sky Capsule + Beach Train

Head to Mipo for Haeundae Blueline Park. Ride the Sky Capsule from Mipo to Cheongsapo. The coastal rail line hugs the cliffs with nonstop sea views. Carrier.

nature outdoors

Daritdol Skywalk + Cheongsapo lunch

At Cheongsapo, walk to the Daritdol Skywalk — a short glass platform over the water near the lighthouse. Lunch on grilled clams or seafood in the fishing village. Return via the Beach Train, riding the full coastal route back to Mipo. Optional short walk along Haeundae Beach before heading home

7:00 AM · temple shrine

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

Early taxi east (~45–50 minutes) to Haedong Yonggungsa, aiming to arrive around 8am before tour buses. One of Korea’s rare seaside temples, built directly into the cliffs. Descend the stone steps through bamboo to the temple complex — pagodas, statues, ocean spray, and dramatic views in every direction. Spend 1–1.5 hours, then head back before midday heat and crowds. Carrier.

nature outdoors

Oryukdo Skywalk + Sunrise Park

Morning visit to Oryukdo Skywalk, perched above crashing waves where the East Sea meets the South Sea. Short glass walkway but dramatic setting. Walk up to Sunrise Park afterward for wider panoramic views. Carrier.

food dining

Farewell dinner Gwangalli beachfront

Farewell dinner on the beachfront with the bridge lit up.

12:15 PM · arrival departure

Fly to Taipei

China Air 0189 @ 12:15. Confirmation: ECETJ2; 2 checked bags per person

3:00 PM · arrival departure

Check into Airbnb

台北市信義區信義路四段415號 (Táiběi Shì Xìnyì Qū Xìnyì Lù Sì Duàn 415 Hào) Take cab from airport No. 415, Section 4, Xinyi Road, Tonghua Village, Xinyi District

food dining

Tonghua/Linjiang Night Market

Late afternoon walk to Tonghua/Linjiang Night Market — 5 minutes from your door. Grilled seafood, scallion pancakes, chicken cutlets, medicinal herb ribs soup, mango shaved ice. Wander, graze, get oriented. Home by 6:30.

7:00 AM · nature outdoors

Elephant Mountain hike

Before heat. Walk 20-30 mins, then steep 20-30 min up stairs with baby in carrier. Stop at Xiangshan Lookout if don't want to go whole way.

9:00 AM · art culture

CKS Memorial Hall changing of guard

Head to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall — catch 10am changing of the guard (hourly). Liberty Square is massive, flat, stroller-friendly. Wren can roam.

art culture

Four Four South Village

Four Four South Village — literally across the street from your apartment. Restored military village with craft vendors, exhibitions, and a weekend market. Good coffee, shaded courtyards. Easy proximity finish. Home by 6.

5:30 PM · food dining

Raohe Night Market

Wren's one late night. Enter from Ciyou Temple end, eat toward MRT. Grilled seafood, fried chicken, herb ribs, stinky tofu, mango

food dining

Yongkang Street food crawl

Mango shaved ice at Smoothie House (peak season, non-negotiable). Tian Jin scallion pancakes. Tea/ceramic shops

art culture

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Converted wine factory: pop-up exhibitions, cafés, courtyards

nature outdoors

Beitou Thermal Valley + Hot Springs Museum

MRT Red Line north to Beitou. Quick visit to Thermal Valley — steaming sulfur lake, dramatic and otherworldly. Then the Hot Springs Museum (free, gorgeous Japanese-era bathhouse, 20 min inside). Total Beitou time: about an hour.

shopping tailor

Dihua Street + tea tasting

MRT back south to Shuanglian or Zhongshan station, walk to Dihua Street. This is old Taipei — Qing Dynasty shophouses, traditional Chinese medicine stores, dried goods, tea merchants. Do a proper tea tasting at one of the tea shops. Browse the craft and souvenir stores

8:00 AM · scenic ride

Head to Jiufen

Klook driver picks you up at the apartment, to Jiufen by 9:30am before the tour bus crush. Hillside tea house village, narrow alleys, red lanterns, ocean views. Chest carrier for Wren — steep stairs, tight passages.

food dining

Jiufen tea house service

Duck into a traditional tea house for a proper Taiwanese tea service with mountain views.

art culture

Shifen sky lantern release + waterfall

Continue to Shifen — release a sky lantern together (write wishes, watch it float). Visit Shifen Waterfall (easy walk to viewing platforms). Watch the train run through the middle of the old street. Head back to Taipei by 3–3:30pm.

food dining

Maokong Gondola + tea tasting

MRT to Taipei Zoo station (you're just using it as the gondola boarding point, not going into the zoo). Take the crystal-floor cabin up to Maokong — tea plantations, mountain views, cool air. At the top, do a proper tea tasting at one of the hillside tea houses, grab tea-flavored ice cream, let Wren crawl around the outdoor terraces. It's quieter up here than anywhere else you'll be all week. Ride back down by noon. Toddler-friendly restaurant with play room Maokong Ching Chuen Square 116, Taipei City, Wenshan District, Lane 38, Section 3, Zhinan Rd, 33之1號對面山坡

nature outdoors

Da'an Forest Park

Head here in the afternoon for a playground, pond, shaded paths, flat stroller loops.

12:15 PM · arrival departure

Fly to Chiang Mai

Starlux JX751 @ 1:20 PM Confirmation: FVBWXZ; 1 checked bag per person

3:00 PM · arrival departure

Check into hotel

Hotel will arrange ride Proud Phu Fah 97/5 Moo 1, Mae Rim Samoeng Rd. (km. 18) T. Pongyang, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand

8:30 AM · nature outdoors

Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden Canopy Walk

Queen Sirikit Canopy Walk Arrive right when the botanical garden opens (~8:30 AM) to beat the heat and crowds. Rainforest canopy walkway, tropical greenhouses, stroller-friendly paths — expect about 2 hours total.

rest day

Pool / grounds at Proud Phu Fah

Head back to Proud Phu Fah by late morning and spend the rest of the day at the pool and grounds. August afternoons bring rain, so let the resort do the work — this is one of those days where doing less is doing more.

8:00 AM · animal experience

Elephant sanctuary day

Need to determine if we want ENP or Chiang Chill - Elephant Sanctuary Full-day pickup from Proud Phu Fah (~8-9 AM, return 3-4 PM). Ethical sanctuary — feeding, observing, walking alongside elephants in their habitat. Bring a carrier instead of the Doona — paths are muddy and uneven, especially in rainy season. Pack a change of clothes for Wren and expect standing time; choose an observation-style program which is easier with a toddler.

2:00 PM · arrival departure

Check into Airbnb

178 Loi Kroh Road Tambon Chang Moi, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100

arrival departure

Transfer to Erawan Condo (Old City)

Check out Proud Phu Fah, transfer to Night Bazaar area

temple shrine

Old City temple circuit on foot

Afternoon temple circuit on foot in this order: Wat Phra Singh → Wat Chedi Luang → Wat Phan Tao, with an optional quick stop at Wat Chiang Man. Plan about 60–75 minutes total — the temples are clustered close together inside the moat. Wren rides in the Doona; dress modestly, shoulders and knees covered.

food dining

Night Bazaar street food

End the day exploring the Night Bazaar area on foot — it's right outside your door and the street food is excellent.

7:30 AM · temple shrine

Doi Suthep + Wat Pha Lat

Leave early (7:30–8 AM) for Wat Phra That Doi Suthep — cloud cover and rain build by late morning in August, so timing matters. Take the 306-step dragon staircase or the elevator for the Doona; city views are best in early light. On the way back down, stop at Wat Pha Lat — the quiet jungle temple hidden in the forest, one of the most atmospheric spots in Chiang Mai and an easy stroller-friendly pause. Time the descent so you're heading into the Old City by around 11:15–11:30.

food dining

Khao Soi Khun Yai

Have your driver (or Grab) drop you at Khao Soi Khun Yai (Sri Poom 8 Alley, northeast corner inside the moat) for an early lunch. It opens at 10 and closes at 2, but regularly sells out well before then, so arriving before 11:30 matters — they don't take reservations and it's cash only, so bring small bills. Bowls run 40–70 THB depending on protein (chicken is the house favorite; beef also excellent). It's open-air, plastic-tables-in-a-lot, no AC

wellness & relaxation

Tina aerial yoga at Satva

4 PM Class. Go today so you can go again if you like it. Leave around 3:20, should take 20 minutes by tuktuk to get there.

wellness & relaxation

Hotel massage + pool

If Tina doesn't go to aerial yoga, let's have people come to the hotel to give us massages

art class

Bo Sang Umbrella Village

Watch artisans craft bamboo-and-paper umbrellas, then do the painting workshop. Expect it to be touristy and short (30–45 minutes)

art class

Tina art class: Lai Thai pattern OR watercolors

Tina does a 2-hour Lai Thai pattern class at Chamai Art Workshop or watercolors at Three Owls Gallery while Eli takes Wren to a playground or pool. Tina takes home her artwork as a one-of-a-kind souvenir — better than anything you'd buy at the night market.

food class

Cooking class with market visit

Cooking Class Morning class at a family-friendly cooking school that accommodates kids and dietary preferences — starts with a market visit to pick ingredients, then cook 3-4 dishes (pad thai, green curry, mango sticky rice, tom yum). No pork, easily accommodated.

wellness & relaxation

Mobile Thai massage at Erawan

Thai massage for Eli and Tina — $5-8/hour, you'll never find prices like this again. Book a mobile massage to the Erawan so you don't have to schlep anywhere post-cooking class.

kid activity

Carp Café (Saraphi)

Grab to Carp Café in Saraphi (~20 min from Old City). Get there when they open to beat crowds. Order drinks, buy a couple bags of fish food, and let Wren lose her mind watching hundreds of koi swarm at her feet from the sunken tables. The gardens are worth a wander too — bridges, waterfalls, tucked-away ponds. Don't plan to eat a real meal here; the food gets mediocre reviews across the board. Budget an hour, maybe 90 minutes, then Grab back.

wellness & relaxation

Tina aerial yoga at Satva

Tina does an aerial yoga class at Satva Yoga Chiang Mai while you and Wren hold down the apartment — nap, pool, low-key daddy-daughter time. Afternoon option: Warorot Market (Kad Luang) for the real local market experience — dried fruits, spices, flowers, fabrics.

shopping tailor

Sunday Walking Street (Ratchadamnoen)

Evening: hit the Sunday Walking Street on Ratchadamnoen Road if timing lines up — the most authentic market experience in Chiang Mai, far better than the Night Bazaar for crafts and street food.

3:15 PM · arrival departure

Fly to Luang Prabang

Lao Air QV636 @ 3:15. Confirmation: UCBKEU; 1 checked bag per person

arrival departure

Check into Airbnb

Ban Wat Nong Unit4 House No 97 "Hom's Home" The house is located in Ban Wat Nong next to Mekong Road, just enter the small side way in-between Saffron Café and Big Tree Café coming from the Mekong Road, our house is the 4st one on your right-hand side, called "Hom's Home". The name is marked above the entrance door. Coming from the airport or train station, taxi drivers would know where Big Tree Café and Saffron Cafe are located on Mekong Road

food dining

Grilled fish + sticky rice from night market

Grab grilled fish and sticky rice from the nearest street vendor or night market food stalls. Eat at home.

7:30 AM · nature outdoors

Mount Phousi sunrise climb

Mount Phousi early, ~7:30–8 AM before the heat. 328 steps, ~20 min up. 360° views over both rivers and the peninsula. Down by 8:30. Browse the morning market nearby for fruit and snacks.

5:00 PM · social

Big Brother Mouse - first visit

Big Brother Mouse - first visit. English conversation with local students/monks

temple shrine

Wat Xieng Thong

Walk out to Wat Xieng Thong at the tip of the peninsula — LP's most important temple, stunning gold-on-black mosaics.

beach water

Visit Pool Club

La Pistoche swimming pool and bar for easy splash afternoons with Wren - 7 min tuktuk ride (~$2.50 to get in) or Luang Prabang View Hotel if you want a nicer infinity-pool experience. 15 mins away

8:00 AM · nature outdoors

Kuang Si Waterfall + Bear Rescue Centre

Kuang Si Waterfall Depart 8 AM by tuk-tuk (~45 min, bumpy road). Bear Rescue Centre at the entrance, then the falls. Late August means spectacular water volume but pools may be too rough for swimming. Paths can be muddy — shoes with grip, rain poncho, Wren in carrier.

animal experience

Laos Buffalo Dairy stop (optional)

Optional stop at Laos Buffalo Dairy on the way back (ice cream, feed buffalos — verify it's operating). Back by early afternoon.

8:30 AM · art class

Ock Pop Tok - Batik Dye Class

Half day Batik + Indigo dye class booked for tina. Eli and Wren do the free guided tour, watch artisan demos, lunch at their Mekong-view restaurant. They are giving us a ride from their shop, need to be there at 8:30.

5:00 PM · social

Big Brother Mouse - second visit

Try to arrive by 5 PM.

beach water

2nd Visit Pool Club

La Pistoche swimming pool and bar for easy splash afternoons with Wren - 7 min tuktuk ride (~$2.50 to get in) or Luang Prabang View Hotel if you want a nicer infinity-pool experience. 15 mins away

5:00 PM · social

Big Brother Mouse

Details to be added.

temple shrine

Temple street wander: Royal Palace, Wat Mai, Wat Sene, Wat Visounarat

Wander the temple streets — Royal Palace Museum, Wat Mai, Wat Sene, Wat Visounarat, all walkable. Or slow café morning (Saffron Coffee has a Mekong terrace, Joma has great pastries and AC). Morning market if you haven't properly explored it yet.

scenic ride

Mekong sunset boat ride (1 hour, ~$10-15)

Book same day near ferry pier. Back by 5:30

9:00 AM · food class

Tamarind cooking class

Cooking class + Massage Morning: Tamarind cooking class, 9 AM–3 PM. Market visit first, then cook at their countryside pavilion (~20 min from town). You do the cooking, Tina holds Wren in the open-air space. ~5 dishes: jeow (dips), mok pa (fish in banana leaf), stuffed lemongrass, sticky rice, purple sticky rice dessert. Eat your food for lunch

5:00 PM · social

Big Brother Mouse

Can go back to BBM if we want

wellness & relaxation

Back-to-back in-home massages

Take turns watching Wren while other person gets massage

5:00 PM · social

Big Brother Mouse - final visit

Come back one last time if we want

nature outdoors

Living Land Farm (optional)

Whatever you missed or want to revisit. Living Land Farm (hands-on organic rice farm, family-friendly). Or sunset boat if you didn't do it Day 5. Or nothing — LP rewards doing nothing.

wellness & relaxation

Second round of in-home massages

Details to be added.

art culture

Garavek Storytelling (optional)

Traditional Laos stories told in English from 630-730 PM. Maybe move later in week.

4:05 PM · arrival departure

Fly to Hanoi

Vietnam Airline VN 930 @4:05 Confirmation: FSMJBI; 1 checked bag per person ~70 minute flight

arrival departure

Check into Airbnb

3 Aliza 68A Phố Từ Hoa Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội3 2 PM Checkin

3 Aliza 68A Phố Từ Hoa Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội3

art culture

Old Quarter wander + Hoan Kiem Lake

Grab to the Old Quarter. Wander the 36 streets — each named for the trade historically practiced there. Stroller-navigable but chaotic, so baby carrier might be easier for the narrow sidewalks. Hoan Kiem Lake: walk around the lake, cross the red Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple on the island. Calm, shady, photogenic.

food dining

Egg coffee at Giang Cafe (the original)

The original place to get it. Can go elsewhere if line too long.

food dining

Street Food Lunch

Street food lunch — bun cha (find a chicken version), pho, banh mi.

art culture

Train Street 🚂

Head to Train Street. Weekend schedule has daytime passes around 9 AM, 11:20 AM, 3:20 PM. The Old Quarter section requires a café owner to escort you in — contact Railway Cafe, Cafe Ga Dong Duong, or Track 5 Cafe in advance via Instagram or WhatsApp. Or hit the Lê Duẩn section near the main railway station, which is fully open with no barriers. Arrive 30 min before a scheduled pass, grab a café seat, order egg coffee, watch the train squeeze through as a family. Budget about an hour total. Afterward, walk to Hoan Kiem area for an early lunch or revisit anything you missed Saturday.

temple shrine

Tran Quoc Pagoda + West Lake walk

West Lake walk, Tran Quoc Pagoda — one of Hanoi's oldest temples, easy to access, on a small peninsula.

wellness & relaxation

In-home massage at Airbnb

Have someone come give massages during afternoon/evening

rest day

Open day - flex

No fixed plan. Options depending on energy and mood: Vietnamese Women's Museum (well-curated, air-conditioned, stroller-friendly). Cooking class — Hanoi has excellent ones, most are half-day morning sessions. Second Old Quarter run if you felt rushed on Saturday. Or just be in Tay Ho — wander, eat, let Wren set the pace. The neighborhood rewards aimless exploration.

wellness & relaxation

In-home massage at Airbnb

Have them come to Airbnb

admin logistics

Pack up for Cruise + Ninh Binh

Figure out what we can leave at Airbnb

7:45 AM · arrival departure

Pickup for Cruise

We need to hire our own driver. Need to confirm arrival time and book.

11:45 AM · arrival departure

Arrive Tuan Chau Harbor + tender to Sena

No. 25 Tuan Chau Marina Terminal 2. Welcome drink, briefing, cabin check-in

1:00 PM · food dining

Lunch sailing through Lan Ha Bay

Details to be added.

3:00 PM · nature outdoors

Dark and Bright Cave by bamboo boat

Plus swimming in Lan Ha Bay

5:00 PM · food class

Sunset deck party + spring rolls cooking class

Details to be added.

7:00 PM · food dining

Dinner + evening (karaoke, squid fishing)

Details to be added.

6:00 AM · wellness & relaxation

Tai-chi on sundeck (optional)

Details to be added.

8:00 AM · scenic ride

Viet Hai Village by day boat

Bike or tram rides, traditional houses, scenic trails

2:00 PM · beach water

Pristine bay: swim, sunbathe, kayak

From day boat

8:15 AM · beach water

Kayaking & swimming at Tra Bau

Final morning

11:30 AM · arrival departure

Disembark Tuan Chau, meet driver

Details to be added.

12:30 PM · scenic ride

Ride to Tam Coc Retreat - Ninh Binh

Đội 2 thôn Hải Nham, Ninh Hải, Nam Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình 430000, Vietnam ~3.5-4 hours. Wren naps in car Still need to hire driver

5:00 PM · animal experience

Thung Nham Bird Garden (game-time call)

Game-time decision around 3:30 PM: If on track to arrive by 4:15–4:30 PM, driver goes directly to Thung Nham Bird Garden (skip hotel check-in). Birds return to roost after 4:30 PM, peak spectacle ~5:00–5:30 PM. Tina's moment — bring camera with zoom. Entry 150,000 VND/adult, free under 1 meter. ~5:30 PM back in the car, 15 min to Tam Coc Retreat. Check in, easy dinner. If running late or everyone is fried, driver goes straight to Tam Coc Retreat. Check in, decompress, easy dinner. Thung Nham moves to Sep 11 afternoon (guaranteed slot).

arrival departure

Check in Tam Coc Retreat

Đội 2 thôn Hải Nham Family Villa Room

7:00 AM · nature outdoors

Mua Cave climb

(~7:00 AM): Mua Cave. Get there before the heat and tour groups. 500 steps up to the dragon statue overlook — panoramic view over Tam Coc valley, karst peaks, and river winding through rice paddies. One of the best viewpoints in northern Vietnam. Wren in the carrier. Bring water. In and out before it gets crowded.

8:45 AM · scenic ride

Tam Coc boat ride

Straight to Tam Coc boat ride (5 minutes from Mua Cave). Narrower waterway than Trang An, rice paddies on both sides, more intimate. Morning light is best. Shorter loop — 60–75 minutes is plenty.

4:00 PM · animal experience

Thung Nham Bird Garden (primary or revisit)

If you went on Sep 10 evening, this is a relaxed second visit with different light. If you didn't make it Sep 10, this is the primary visit — unhurried, well-timed for peak roosting.

rest day

Lunch + nap + pool at Tam Coc Retreat

Back to Tam Coc Retreat. Lunch. Wren naps. Pool. Slow afternoon — no schedule, no driving.

10:00 AM · scenic ride

Driver picks up, head to Cuc Phuong (~45 min)

Relaxed morning at Tam Coc Retreat first

11:15 AM · animal experience

Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC)

~11:15 AM: Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC). Expert tour, ~1–1.5 hours. Langurs, gibbons, lorises — one of the best conservation programs in Southeast Asia. Turtle Conservation Center nearby.

12:30 PM · food dining

Lunch at Cuc Phuong HQ

Lunch at park headquarters.

1:30 PM · animal experience

Cuc Phuong Bear Sanctuary

Bear Sanctuary. Bears just fed at 1 PM, they'll be active. Budget about 45 minutes to an hour.

2:30 PM · scenic ride

Drive Cuc Phuong to Hanoi

Should be a three hour drive

admin logistics

Decompress, laundry, groceries, pack

Decompress, laundry, groceries. Final neighborhood dinner. Pack for Hoi An.

11:45 AM · arrival departure

Fly to Hoi An

Vietnam Airline VN 171 @11:45 Confirmation: DZQJSG; 1 checked bag per person ~90 minute flight

2:00 PM · arrival departure

Check into Airbnb

37, Lý Nam Đế, Phường Sơn Phong, Thành phố Hội An, Quảng Nam 560000 2 PM Checkin

shopping tailor

Settle in, maybe check out a tailor

Grocery run for breakfast staples since you have a kitchen. Grab an easy dinner nearby, get Wren down. Maybe a short evening walk to get your bearings and mentally note which tailor shops to hit tomorrow. No agenda — you're coming off 9 intense days in Hanoi. Just land.

10:00 AM · shopping tailor

Go to A Dong for measurements

Ask about canvassed vs. fused construction, fabric sourcing, and whether they can do 3 fittings across your timeline. The whole circuit takes about 2 hours if you're thorough. Bring examples (pictures) or suits, dresses, and outfits we want made. place orders — Eli's suit, Tina's silk pajamas, Tina's sandals (sandal shops are separate, scope those during the walk). Get measured, choose fabrics and leather, confirm fitting schedule for Day 4. Bring reference photos for the suit and a dress shirt to wear during measurements. Pay no more than 50% deposit upfront.

art culture

Old town wander at Wren's pace

First real wander through the old town at Wren's pace. Riverside, market, lantern streets. Evening dinner in the Ancient Town.

8:30 AM · food class

Cooking class with market tour

Cooking class. Most start with a market tour to pick ingredients — Hoi An's market is most interesting early. Cook 3–4 dishes, confirm no pork. Wren in high chair. Red Bridge, Thuan Tinh Island, and Morning Glory's school are solid options. Classes typically start around 8:30–9 AM and run about 3 hours.

scenic ride

Cam Thanh Coconut Forest basket boats

Cam Thanh Coconut Forest basket boats, about 10 minutes from the old town. Round basket boats through coconut palm-lined waterways — the guides spin the boats and it's genuinely fun. Wren will probably love the motion and the water. Budget 1–2 hours. Ask your hotel for a small, quiet operator — avoid the loud docks near the big parking lot. The best experience is a slow, peaceful paddle through the palms.

art class

Thanh Ha Pottery Village workshop

Thanh Ha Pottery Village, about 3 km west of the old town. Hands-on workshop — shape clay on a wheel, decorate your pieces. Family-friendly, Wren can play with clay alongside you. Entry is 35,000 VND (~$1.50), workshops are a small additional fee. Budget about 2 hours. Unlike lanterns, you're not carrying something fragile for 3 more months. The village is peaceful, uncrowded, and a nice change of pace from the old town.

shopping tailor

First tailor fittings

Afternoon: first round of fittings. Suit (check cut and drape), pajamas (check fit), sandals (should be close to done — check strap comfort and sole). Be honest about what doesn't look right.

beach water

An Bang Beach morning

An Bang Beach. Head toward the Soul Kitchen / Shore Club section for a calmer, cleaner stretch. Beach chairs and umbrellas are free from beachfront restaurants if you order food. Let Wren dig in the sand, splash in the shallows. Relaxed morning — not a full beach day, head back around lunchtime.

shopping tailor

Second tailor fittings

Afternoon: second round of fittings. Sandals and pajamas should be done or very close — try everything on carefully. Suit check: sit down, raise your arms, button and unbutton. If it needs one more tweak, the tailor has overnight to make adjustments for morning pickup tomorrow. Pay balances on sandals and pajamas once satisfied.

shopping tailor

Suit Pickup

Morning: pick up the suit (final). Try it on one last time. Pay balance once satisfied.

art culture

Old town deep dive: 5 heritage sites

Late morning/afternoon: the parts of old town you haven't explored yet. Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, Central Market. Buy a 120,000 VND old town ticket covering 5 heritage sites.

art culture

Lantern-lit riverside stroll + boat ride

Lantern-lit riverside stroll along the Thu Bon River. Maybe a short boat ride. Street food dinner. By day 6 you know the good banh mi spot, the cafe with the best egg coffee, the shortcut through the back streets. Last night in Hoi An — soak it in.

4:35 PM · arrival departure

Fly to Siem Reap

Air Cambodie K6 841@4:35 Confirmation: FYDPCI; 1 checked bag per person ~2 hour flight

arrival departure

Check into Bliss Ankgor

Bliss Ankgor Near Sovannaphumi School, Wat Bo Area, Krong Siem Reap 171201, Cambodia•+855 89 290 295 They will pick us up

temple shrine

Banteay Srei + Banteay Samré

Banteay Srei + Banteay Samré 45-minute drive to Banteay Srei — the finest carved detail work in all of Angkor, pink sandstone, far fewer people than the main complex. Banteay Samré is a short detour on the way back, beautiful and nearly empty — game-time call based on energy.

4:30 AM · temple shrine

Angkor Wat sunrise + Ta Prohm + Bayon

4:30am pickup. Sunrise at Angkor Wat, then straight to Ta Prohm while it's still empty — the tree roots swallowing the stone walls hit different without crowds. Bayon and Angkor Thom after, with optional Terrace of Elephants if Wren's holding up. Done by 11:30am

rest day

Pool recovery afternoon

Vibe out by the pool, we could also move massages to this day if we want.

food class

Countryside cooking class with Ben

Countryside Cooking Class with Ben Morning pickup, 30 minutes out to a non-touristy local market where Ben walks you through the stalls, then to his countryside kitchen to cook a 3-course Khmer meal. $24/person, 20% supports local orphans.

wellness & relaxation

Alternate massages at Bliss

One of the massages we have included in our booking. Swedish Massage 60mn Aromatherapy Khmer Body Massage 60mn

10:00 AM · art class

Samatoa Lotus Silk Weaving

Plan for 10 AM Pickup (Biolab Café on Wat Bo Road), 10:30 class (90 minutes) with lunch after. Boat tour after. Go behind the scenes at Lotus Silk Farm and discover how Cambodia’s rare lotus silk is transformed from flower stem to finished textile. During this hands-on artisan experience, you'll try traditional crafts including lotus fiber spinning, bracelet making, and lotus paper creation, then enjoy a farm-fresh Khmer lunch featuring lotus-inspired dishes. If time permits, cap off the visit with a peaceful boat ride through the surrounding lotus fields for a closer look at this unique agricultural landscape.

art culture

Artisans Angkor workshop

Morning walk-through of the Artisans Angkor workshop — watch silk weaving and stone carving in action, free to enter, short and low-effort with Wren.

wellness & relaxation

Second round of massages at Bliss

Other of the two massages we have included in our booking. Swedish Massage 60mn Aromatherapy Khmer Body Massage 60mn

kid activity

Angkor Botanical Garden

Free Morning visit to Angkor Botanical Garden — free, 14 hectares, fish ponds, ostriches, and rabbits Wren will love.

shopping tailor

Free Afternoon (Old Market and Pack)

Rest of the day open — wander the Old Market, pack, or do nothing.

10:30 AM · arrival departure

Fly to Singapore

Confirmation: DGZRJQ; 1 checked bag per person Air Singapore SQ 163 10:30 AM ~2.5 hour flight

2:00 PM · arrival departure

Hotel Check In

TBD hotel

7:45 PM · art culture

Gardens by the Bay - Supertree light show

Arrive at least 15–20 minutes early to secure a spot, or lie on the ground directly beneath the trees for the best experience. A separate light show called "Borealis" runs on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM

10:15 AM · arrival departure

Fly to Bali

Scoot Airlines TR 288 @10:15 Confirmation: B9QUNZ; 1 checked bag per person ~2.5 hour flight

arrival departure

Land Bali, transfer to Ubud

Mahandita Uma 3, Jalan Katik Lantang, Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia 2 hour drive, need to arrange, I think airbnb can

nature outdoors

Get settled, small adventure

Get settled, get some groceries. Take it slow.

kid activity

Bali Family Hangout

In the afternoon, go to Bali Family Hangout for the first time. Sign up for a pass. Just a few blocks from Airbnb.

admin logistics

Hire nanny (in-person interviews)

~IDR 4-5M/month. Facebook group pre-screen, paid trial before YTT full schedule

admin logistics

Hire nanny (in-person interviews)

2nd day of in person sessions. After this we will hire one of the two.

wellness & relaxation

Tina's YTT begins

Maybe we will walk mommy to school for her big first day!

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Details to be added.

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Yay!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

nature outdoors

Tina off

Family fun day!

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

nature outdoors

Tina off

Family fun day!

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

nature outdoors

Tina off

Family fun day!

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Tina in Class

6:00 – 7:00 am Shatkarma & Pranayama 7:00 – 8:30 am Hatha Vinyasa Yoga 08:30 am Breakfast 09:30 – 10:30 am Alignment / Adjustment / Teaching Methodology 10:30 – 11:30 am Anatomy 11:30 – 12:30 pm Yoga Philosophy 12:30 pm Lunch 13:30 – 15:30 pm Sound Healing Class (only applicable for YTT + Sound Healing Course participants) 16:40 – 18:10 pm Ashtanga Yoga 18:10pm Tea Break 18:30 – 19:30 pm Meditation

kid activity

Eli with Wren

Fun time! Bali Family Hangout, walks, adventure!

wellness & relaxation

Graudation Ceremony

Go celebrate Tina's big accomplishment!

nature outdoors

Final adventure and activities

Details to be added.

3:25 PM · arrival departure

Fly To Kuala Lumpur

Air Asia AK377 @3:25 Confirmation: P9UNHS; 1 checked bag per adult ~3 hour flight

8:50 PM · arrival departure

Fly To Colombo

AirAsia, AK 47 @8:50 Confirmation: P9UNHS; 1 checked bag per adult ~3.5 hour flight

arrival departure

Kuala Lumper Layover

2.5 hour layover. We land and leave from terminal 2. Should have a lounge we can get into. Bags are likely checked through (will confirm) and we just have to go through security.

arrival departure

Check into Hotel

TBD, will book in June near airport. Ideally one to pick us up.

7:00 AM · arrival departure

Ride to Mahoor

They will coordinate, probably an early pick up. 4-5 hour drive

animal experience

Arrive to Mahoora!

Get checked in, get settled, have lunch

animal experience

Afternoon safari

If we arrive in time, we will go on our first Safari!

animal experience

Mahoora Day 2

Safari morning or afternoon. Relax, read, enjoy the scenery.

animal experience

Mahoora Day 3

Safari morning or afternoon. Relax, read, enjoy the scenery.

animal experience

Mahoora Day 4

Safari morning or afternoon. Relax, read, enjoy the scenery.

animal experience

Last Day, Morning Safari

Do a final morning safari before heading back to Colombo.

arrival departure

Ride to Colombo

Or Colombo for departure

arrival departure

Check into Hotel

TBD, will book in June near airport.

11:15 AM · arrival departure

Fly to Maldives

FlyDubai, FZ1026 @ 11:15 Confirmation: AKGWZY; 1 checked bag per adult (40kg), Wren gets 10kg ~1.5 hour flight

12:15 PM · arrival departure

Land MLE, seaplane to Maamigili, boat to Dhigurah

Clear immigration and collect bags, then walk to the seaplane terminal — Trans Maldivian Airways or Manta Air operates the Maamigili route. Typical wait after international landing is 1.5–3 hours. Pack a change of clothes for Wren in your day bag — the seaplane terminal isn't air-conditioned like the international terminal. Flight is ~25 minutes to the Maamigili water platform, then a short speedboat (~10 min) to Dhigurah. Hotel is arranging flights

beach water

Dhigurah bikini beach + Hermit's dinner

At the property by late afternoon. Welcome drinks, crib setup, walk Wren on the bikini beach at the south end of the village for her first Indian Ocean moment. Dinner at Hermit's — in-house guests get priority and it saves the village walk on a tired travel day.

8:00 AM · animal experience

Whale shark trip #1 (group)

Whale shark group trip #1, all three of you. First attempt. Book with an operator that explicitly accepts toddlers — not all do; standard liability cutoff at some Dhigurah ops is 5 or 6 years old. TGI Maldives and smaller dhoni-based outfits tend to be more flexible than the big speedboat operations. Ask Bliss to specify "child age 16 months will be on board, parents taking turns in water" when booking. Morning departure 8:00–9:00 AM, return by 12:30–1:00 PM. ~$80–120/person; Wren rides free or token charge depending on operator. Pack: child life jacket (confirm boat supplies a toddler-sized one or bring/buy your own), shaded canopy on the boat, water/snacks for Wren, sun shirt and hat. Mechanic: dive guide spots the shark, one parent slips in, the other stays on the boat with Wren. Most morning trips get 2–4 sighting attempts, so each of you should get at least one in-water moment. Pre-trip: email MWSRP at info@maldiveswhalesharkresearch.org once dates are firm to ask if their citizen science boat is running this week and whether they accept toddlers — if both yes, swap it in. Same encounters, you're on a research boat doing photo-ID, data goes into the global Wildbook for Whale Sharks.

beach water

Afternoon and Evening

Back by lunch — Hermit's or walk into the village (Hawwa's or Symphony are the reliable local cafes). Afternoon nap. Evening stroller walk along the long beach toward the south sandbank for sunset.

rest day

Recovery and family day

Nothing booked. Morning at the Bliss pool — small but it's there, which puts Bliss ahead of most Dhigurah guesthouses. Late morning walk into the village proper (Bliss is on the south end, village core is ~10 minutes north on foot). The MWSRP office is here if they're willing to host a short visit — worth asking when you email. Lunch at a local cafe. Afternoon: Wren naps, one of you snorkels the house reef directly off the bikini beach, the other reads. The Dhigurah house reef is unspectacular by Maldivian standards but you'll see reef fish and occasionally turtles. Save Tina's serious snorkeling energy for the excursions. Sunset sandbank walk — the south end extends into a kilometer-long natural sandbank when tides are right, one of the most photogenic stretches of beach in the country. Dinner at Hermit's.

8:30 AM · animal experience

Private boat charter (whale sharks)

Private boat charter, all three of you. Splurge day. Half-day private dhoni or speedboat through Bliss or directly with Sea Senses or Dhigurah Dive Center, ~$400–700 depending on boat type and duration. Book in advance — private charters get snapped up by honeymooners. Departure 8:30 AM to catch morning whale shark activity before wind picks up. Advantage over the group trip: no waiting for 12 other tourists to gear up, captain heads directly to the SAMPA hotspots, you can return to Dhigurah on 15 minutes' notice if Wren melts down. Same in-water rotation as Day 3. Confirm with the captain before booking: toddler-sized life jacket, shaded canopy, snacks/water on board

8:30 AM · food dining

Dinner in the village

Head into the village for dinner to mix it up

beach water

Sandbank picnic excursion

Half-day boat trip to a remote uninhabited sandbank for a guided picnic and snorkel — ~$50–100/person through Bliss. Pure white sand, ankle-deep water in a 360-degree ring around it, snorkeling the drop-off if you want it, lunch served on the sand. Wren will love this. Photos that will outlast everything else from this leg. Back to Bliss by mid-afternoon. If weather's bad or everyone's tired, swap for an in-village turtle reef snorkel from the beach (turtles reliably present at the southern reef edge, free, no boat needed) and call it a beach day. Built in deliberately as your slack day.

animal experience

Whale shark #3 OR full beach day

Game-day decision. If Days 3 and 5 produced strong sightings, skip this — you've had your moment. If the first two were thin, this is your insurance attempt. Same logistics as Day 3: ~8 AM departure, back by 1 PM, $80–120/person, all three of you. If you skip: long morning at the pool, late breakfast, walk the full length of the long beach (~3 km, rare in the Maldives), one last lunch at Hermit's. Afternoon packing for the early departure.

admin logistics

Pack travel kit for tomorrow

Passports, Wren's flight snacks, charged phones, formula. Pre-arrange 5 AM speedboat 48 hours out

5:00 AM · arrival departure

Speedboat Dhigurah to Maamigili

As of the now the plan is to take the 5 AM speedboat. This will be updated once we determine where we are going