How many cities is too many? A pacing guide for family trips
Fewer one-night hotel stays, more time actually enjoying each place — here's the rule of thumb we use when we build an itinerary, and when it's fine to break it.
Every family arrives at their first planning call with a shortlist that's a little too long. It's not a mistake — it's what a map of a country you've always wanted to see does to you. Our job is to gently talk you down to a shape your actual trip can hold.
The rule we default to
For a 7 to 10 day trip, we plan around 3 to 4 base cities, not 6 or 7. Fewer one-night hotel stays means less packing and unpacking — and that matters more to most of our travellers than covering more ground ever does.
Signs your list is too long
- More than one city change every two days
- No unscheduled afternoons anywhere in the plan
- Elderly travellers or young children in the group, and early-morning departures most days
When it's fine to break the rule
A shorter, energetic group without small children or older knees can comfortably move faster — the rule is a default, not a law. Tell us who's actually travelling, and we'll tell you honestly whether your list needs trimming.
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Tell us who's travelling and when — an advisor will call you back. Or take your time: our monthly email is one idea a month, nothing more.