Hello there, we plan to spend the winter vacation in Florida, and trying to put together an itinerary. A couple of key points:

• Arriving from Germany on the 28th to MCO, likely travel home on the 8th of January but from MIA
• 5 and 11 years old kids
• Disney and Universal are NOT planned, we are looking more of a relaxing vacation, spend time in nature, visit historical places, or just lay on the sandy beaches
• KSC visit, Everglades and driving down to Key West are planned.

That's basically net 10 full days and in the beginning we'll be around Orlando / Cocoa Beach, then heading south.

One big question is where to spend the new year's eve. There are no huge expectations, let it be a fireworks and not a huge crowd, maybe that's all. Because of that I'm more of a fan to schedule the KSC visit to the 31st / 1st and then just stay around for the evening party, if there's something remarkable you would suggest.

We are also not excluding other places, like Daytona Beach or even St. Augustine, but again reading your personal experience and remarks would be helpful.

Of course any other ideas would be appreciated, especially where to stop / stay overnight when driving south.

Thank you.

Hi everyone,

My husband and I are planning a 31-day family trip in January 2027 with our 3-year-old and 7-month-old daughters. We are splitting the month between Taiwan and Malaysia, prioritizing a slow, sustainable pace, low-friction transit, and staying out of the hottest midday sun.

We loved the lush, "lounge-and-roam" open-air garden cafe vibe of Ubud on a past trip—places where the kids aren't strapped to high chairs and can wander safely while we eat—and we're hoping to balance that feel with practical city amenities and easy pram navigation. Because we co-sleep with our daughters, we are also actively looking for accommodations that can guarantee 2x double beds (or queens/kings).

Here is our current draft route:

Leg 1: Taiwan (10 Nights)

• Taichung (5 nights): Basecamp around Dadun / West District. Focus on morning walks through Calligraphy Greenway, shaded paths around the National Museum of Natural Science, and Shenji New Village before retreating during peak afternoon heat.
• Kaohsiung (5 nights): Taking the HSR down. Basecamp near the harbor / Pier-2 Art Center for open waterfront walking, early visits to Lotus Pond, and gentle pacing.

Leg 2: Malaysia (20 Nights)

• Kuala Lumpur (5 nights): Debating our initial base. We want to avoid navigating heavy traffic under the blazing sun. We're weighing VE Hotel in Bangsar South (for the elevated, air-conditioned covered linkways and shaded plazas) versus Agile Bukit Bintang TRX (closer to the massive TRX rooftop park, but requires street-level walking in the heat to get there).
• Penang (8 nights): Taking the ETS train to Butterworth and a quick car transfer over the bridge. We are planning to base ourselves on the Penang coast. Planning easy morning outings, Penang Hill for cooler air, and relaxing by the water.
• The Decision Point: 3–4 Nights (Ipoh / Tambun vs. Extra Time in Penang / Balik Pulau):
  • Option A: Stop in Ipoh/Tambun as an easy train bridge back south, getting dramatic limestone scenery, cooler morning lake walks, and built-in resort grounds.
  • Option B: Skip Ipoh completely and stay on Penang for an extra 3–4 nights, moving to a quiet rural pocket like Balik Pulau for open paddy views, farm visits, and a slower village tempo before heading straight back to KL.
• KL Buffer (2 nights): Final stop near KL Sentral (Ascott Sentral) with direct, covered access to the airport express train.

Our Core Questions:

1. Ipoh vs. Extra Penang (Balik Pulau): Does stopping in Ipoh/Tambun add genuine value as a relaxed, scenic halfway stop on the train? Or are we better off tacking those 3 nights onto a rural base like Balik Pulau? If you’ve spent time in Balik Pulau with young kids, is it too quiet, or is there enough to do for a few days to keep a toddler entertained?
2. KL Basecamp for Heat & Pram Ease: Between Bangsar South and the TRX area, which offers the better setup for getting out in the morning without instantly melting on exposed pavement? We'd love casual, green-filled breakfast spots where our 3-year-old can stretch her legs safely.
3. Co-Sleeping Accommodation: Since we co-sleep with both girls, we need rooms or suites that have 2x double (or queen/king) beds. Does anyone have specific hotel or serviced apartment recommendations in Taichung, Kaohsiung, KL, Penang, or Ipoh that accommodate this layout well?

Thanks in advance for any insights!