Après les opérations de secours du navire russe bloqué par les glaces ces dernières semaines, les scientifiques demandent un meilleur contrôle des croisières dans la zone Antarctique.
Lire la suite...
Ah les scientifiques ! Aucune ouverture, encore moins vers les touristes ! L'Antarctique, c'est LE LEUR, leur petit monde il ne faut surtout pas que quelqu'un y aille, y touche !
Le tourisme est encadré comme jamais en Antarctique (et tant mieux) : un peu de lecture à ce sujet http://www.sblanc.com/le-tourisme-en-antarctique/
Je ne vous raconte pas l'état de certaines bases scientifiques : de la Russie, de l'Inde, du Chili... niveau environnement, il y aurait à dire ! Que dire de l'hélicoptère à la base Dumont d'Urville qui part vers le glacier avec une grosse caisse et rentre à vide ? La poubelle c'est derrière le glacier ? Que les scientifiques nettoient leurs bases et s'appliquent les mêmes règles que les touristes, on discutera après...
Et, mais... personne ne parle des navires de pêche en Antarctique en grand danger chaque année, sans parler de ceux qui coulent, mais chut là on touche des lobby très puissants... 😉
Ah les scientifiques ! Aucune ouverture, encore moins vers les touristes !
Ben y'a quand même pas mal de manifestations qui existent et au cours desquelles les scientifiques exposent leur travaux au grand public.
Personnellement je bossais encore récemment dans une structure, l'observatoire du mont Aigoual, dans le Gard, dont l'objet est la vulgarisation de la science météo. C'est ouvert tous les ans du 1er Mai au 30 septembre et tu pourras y rencontrer et questionner des météorologistes. On y reçoit environ 60.000 visiteurs/an.
Tu peux aussi passer voir les astronomes au Pic du Midi de Bigorre, mais il y a évidemment plein d'autres endroits où les scientifiques aiment exposer leurs travaux.
'Antarctique, c'est LE LEUR, leur petit monde il ne faut surtout pas que quelqu'un y aille, y touche !
Ben là tu donnes toi-même un lien (http://www.sblanc.com/le-tourisme-en-antarctique/) où il est dit que l'Antarctique accueille 35.000 visiteurs/an.
C'est certes pas énorme mais je pense que c'est surtout le coût du voyage et les contraintes qui y sont associées qui limitent le nombre de visiteurs. En tout cas cela prouve que l'Antarctique n'est pas une chasse gardée. Les scientifiques à eux seuls n'ont pas le pouvoir d'interdire un territoire. Pour la petite histoire les réserves naturelles intégrales existent un peu partout dans le monde et dans ce cas là même l'accès des scientifiques est extrêmement contrôlé. Certaines zones du monde n'ont pas été foulées depuis des années par qui que ce soit, par respect envers cette législation.
Que dire de l'hélicoptère à la base Dumont d'Urville qui part vers le glacier avec une grosse caisse et rentre à vide ?
L'hélico qui aide au ravitaillement de Dumont d'Urville (DDU), quand il part (de DDU) avec "une grosse caisse", c'est soit pour l'amener à Cap Prud'homme (une base annexe située à 5 km) soit pour la ramener au bateau. Tu veux peut être parler de certains déchets qui sont parfois déposés au loin, sur la banquise: il s'agit alors de déchets bio-dégradables, qui à la fonte de la banquise, vont couler au large (je ne dis pas que c'est bien, mais en tout cas je peux assurer qu'il s'agit de bio-dégradable).
La poubelle c'est derrière le glacier ?
A DDU, c'est peu dire que le tri des déchets est très contrôlé.
- le bio-dégradable est rejeté à la mer, comme dit ci-dessus
- Le papier/carton est brûlé dans un incinérateur (et quelque part, ça pollue, certes)
- Tout le reste, sans exception, est ramené soit en Australie, soit en France
En aucun cas il n'existe de "dépotoir" sauvage à DDU, ni derrière le glacier, ni devant, ni sur le côté.
Que les scientifiques nettoient leurs bases et s'appliquent les mêmes règles que les touristes, on discutera après...
On peut en discuter tout de suite: En plus du tri sélectif strict et systématique, au cours de l'année 2 journées "nettoyage des extérieurs de la base" sont organisées, journées au cours desquelles les personnes présentes (les scientifiques et les personnels techniques) ramassent des objets qui auraient pu s'envoler par exemple.
J'ajoute à toute fin utile que les scientifiques et les personnels techniques qui travaillent sur DDU ne sont pas une espèce "à part". Ils sont aussi des citoyens, sensibilisés comme les autres aux problèmes de pollution, à l'écologie etc... (j'aurais même tendance à dire un peu plus sensibilisés à cette question que la population de non-scientifiques, mais c'est un avis personnel, pas vérifiable je pense).
Ce qui est sûr c'est que la seule présence humaine induit une pollution. Ça n'est pas propre à l'Antarctique évidemment mais ça peut être plus choquant car on parle là d'une terre quasi-vierge.
Si on veut réduire à zéro cette pollution, il faut interdire l'accès à l'Antarctique à tous, scientifiques ou pas scientifiques. Après tout, ça se discute.
Pour en revenir au bateau de touristes bloqué dans les glaces, il faut bien avouer que pas mal de personnels travaillant sur les bases ont été "choqués" par cet incident. Mais ça n'est pas la présence des touristes qui était choquante. C'est que d'une part ceux qui "commandaient" ce bateau (et je ne parle pas forcément de l'équipage ou du capitaine) ont pris de très gros risques, notamment avec la vie des passagers et accessoirement leur navire et d'autre part que de très gros moyens (matériels et donc financiers) ont été déployés pour leur porter secours (mais on est bien d'accord, suite à ces imprudences il fallait le faire). Peut-être ce sont-ils dit (les gens présents sur bases) que quitte à injecter de l'argent en Antarctique ça serait bien d'en mettre un peu plus dans la recherche ou dans les moyens pour que cette recherche se fasse dans de bonnes conditions. Bref, cette débauche d'énergie et de moyens qui faisaient suite à des comportements pas adaptés à un environnement hostile, c'était rageant.
Parmi les 3 bateaux venus au secours du bateau tanké dans le pack, il y avait un bateau avec plein de scientifiques à bord. Ils ont fait le détour par solidarité, pas par plaisir car ils languissaient de retrouver les zones civilisées (et polluées) après un an d'hivernage.
Un scientifique, actuellement en hivernage à DDU.
PS: je n'ai pas de données fiables sur l'état de pollution ou de pouvoir de pollution des bases étrangères
"Le monde vous traverse et pour un temps vous prête ses couleurs" (N. Bouvier)
Je suis un ancien de DDU aussi, et je te confirme que l'hélico est bien parti vers les glacier de l'Astrolabe et qu'il a balancé une caisse de déchets qui n'avaient rien de biodégradables, mais cela remonte à presque 10 ans maintenant. Je sais que la plupart des bases font figurent de bon élève, mais certaines et j'ai quelques photos à l'appui (en Terre de la Reine Maud notamment) sont loin de cette démarche...
Pour le navire russe bloqué l'an dernier, je rappelle que c'était une expédition scientifique, financée par Google 100 ans après les travaux de Douglas Mawson (oui il y a avait une 20aine de touristes à bord en revanche). Les risques ont été pris par les scientifiques eux-même qui n'ont pas respecté la demande du commandant, de rentrer à bord au vue des conditions scientifiques qui se dégradaient, on connait la suite... L'armateur était contre une évacuation, sachant que le bateau allait sortir des glaces tout seul par simple mouvement des glaces (il n'y avait aucun gros icebergs aux alentours) et c'est exactement ce qui s'est passé... ;-)
Bravo d'oser parler de ce sujet hyper-tabou .. pollution des pseudos- "scientifiques "des bases par certains pays (mais pas tous!!! ) Eux ils sont "tranquilles" à travers les clauses protectrices du Traité de l'Antarctique .. qui ne prévoit aucun contrôle efficace , ni de sanctions éventuelles, sur certains comportements courants dans ces bases , ni d'ailleurs dans certaines zones de pêches. En été Antarctique des dizaines et dizaines de bâteaux de pêche écument et "vident" les mer de Ross, d'Ecosse, le détroit de Bransfield, l'Antlantique sud (Orcades du sud , Géorgie du sud) et dans une moindre mesure Crozet , Kerguelen- langoustes!!!! - (et sur cela le Nicolas Hulot est d'une totale "discrétion" et ne veut pas en entendre parler) Par contre pour ce qui concerne le tourisme … alors là oui ( avec la complicité + ou - "bienveillante" de l'IAATO) ils peuvent s'en donner à volonté , relayés efficacement par le tamtam de médias -certains médias toujours les mêmes d'ailleurs- , car sujet "porteur"
@Ehquionest:
je te confirme qu'il n'y a plus de lâchers sauvages dans le coin de DDU. Il rest évidemment encore des efforts à faire mais d'après ce que tu dis, ça va dans le bon sens ici.
Les bruits courent qu'effectivement certaines bases seraient moins "regardantes" mais je ne peux dire si ce sont des rumeurs fondées ou pas.
@ Joska:
pollution des pseudos- "scientifiques "des bases par certains pays
Faut tout de même faire attention. Qu'on le veuille ou non, l'homme produit des déchets, et évidemment les scientifiques aussi (certains peuvent être même très polluants quand on parle de recherche). Mais pour autant il ne faut pas forcément jeter la pierre aux scientifiques. Car la gestion des déchets, leur tri et surtout leur rapatriement, cela a un coût. Par exemple en ce qui concerne la France c'est l'IPEV qui prend en charge ces contraintes logistiques et financières. Peut-être que sur certaines bases étrangères les équivalents de l'IPEV n'ont pas les moyens suffisants (les crédits qu'on alloue à ce genre d'organismes ne montent pas forcément en courbe exponentielle...)
Et puis après il y a des choix et des réflexions ultra-basiques genre "on ne peut pas faire d'omelette sans casser des œufs" à côté desquelles on ne peut pas passer. Par exemple moi je suis météo, chaque jour je lâche au dessus de l'Antarctique un ballon qui va servir à étudier l'atmosphère, et qui va permettre de faire de meilleures prévisions dans les zones civilisées. Ben ce ballon en latex s'envole avec des composants électroniques, des piles "propres" (ah ah), du polystyrène etc... Personnellement je n'ai évidemment aucune volonté de polluer cet environnement unique et quasi-vierge.
Je veux dire qu'en temps que citoyen, je n'ai pas de réponse à ça: mon boulot de scientifique me semble avoir une utilité, et pourtant il est polluant (faut pas rêver, les ballons et sondes retombés sur terre n'ont aucune chance d'être récupérées).
Tiens tu vois par exemple récemment il y a eu d'importants épisodes très pluvieux dans le sud de la France. Ces pluies cévenoles ont été bien prévues dans l'ensemble, et cela permet la sauvegarde des personnes et des biens (il y a quelques années encore ces évènements pouvaient faire des victimes en nombre, c'est moins le cas aujourd'hui). Ben si on prévoit mieux aujourd'hui, et si on sauve des gens, c'est aussi grâce à ces moyens, parfois polluants, qu'on utilise.
Bref l'objet de mon message c'est de répéter que les scientifiques sont aussi des êtres humains et des citoyens doués de raison, qui se posent eux aussi des questions, aux réponses pas forcément simples.
...dizaines de bateaux de pêche écument et "vident" les mers... et dans une moindre mesure Crozet , Kerguelen- langoustes!!!!
En ce qui concerne les eaux contrôlées par la France autour de Kerguelen, Crozet et Amsterdam, les quotas et les contrôles sont très stricts. Seuls quelques bateaux, avec à leur bord des contrôleurs de pêches, sont autorisés dans ces eaux. Les quotas sont fixés annuellement en fonction de la ressource.
Ceux qui "vident les eaux", dans la région en tout cas (océan indien sud) sont (pourraient être) des bateaux pirates, et la France et l'Australie mettent conjointement en œuvre des moyens pour les contrecarrer. Cela marche assez bien.
En ce qui concerne la langouste (de l'île d'Amsterdam) elle est effectivement pêchée mais les quotas respectent la survivance de la ressource (au prix, donc, d'une limite des bateaux autorisés à pêcher et de moyens "policiers").
Il faut une vraie volonté politique derrière tout ça pour que ce soit efficace.
Tiens je vois que tu es belge. La base antarctique belge est une des plus récentes. Elle est présentée dans les médias comme auto-suffisante en terme de consommation énergétique. Je trouve que c'est très bien. Mais après il faut là aussi faire attention à ce qui est raconté: d'abord la station ne fonctionne que l'été. C'est plus facile dans ce cas d'être autonome car, par exemple, les panneaux solaires ont alors une relative efficacité qu'ils ne peuvent pas avoir l'hiver (soleil rasant). Ensuite les échos que nous avons semblent dire que les efforts qui ont été faits en terme de dépense et de production (propre) énergétique pour le fonctionnement de la station sont importants, tout à fait louables évidemment, mais que dans ces régions polaires ça ne permet pas d'être à 100% autonome énergétiquement.
Ceci est juste une info que je transmets hein, pas de méprise: les français n'ont pas de leçons à donner aux belges en matière de politique énergétique et d'écologie. L'objet c'est de dire que même avec une volonté affichée, avec des moyens techniques, ben ça reste pas simple.
Didier
"Le monde vous traverse et pour un temps vous prête ses couleurs" (N. Bouvier)
Vous avez tout à fait raison , et heureusement car s'il n' y avait pas que ce coût limitatif , alors c'est des dizaines et dizaines de milliers qui s'y rendraient , nullement pour découvrirez admirer les merveilles de l'Antarctique (et de l'Arctique) , mais tout simplement parce que ce serait une destination "IN" qu'il serait de bon ton, pour certains, de pouvoir "accrocher" à leurs "palmarès" et avec leurs conséquences sur le "terrain"... ! Mais bien entendu l'aspect "visiteurs-privilégiés " serait davantage dénoncé -( il l'est d'ailleurs déjà largement dénoncé par certains journaleux et leurs médias-) par les envieux et les frustrés s'abritant bien derrière une idéologie populiste ! En définitive il faudrait savoir ce que l'on veut et annoncer clairement ce pour quoi on milite activement ! La problématique serait alors plus sincère, franche, et moins hypocrite. Cet aspect "coût" n'existant évidemment pas .. pour les scientiques et pseudo-scientifique de tout bords et pour tous ceux qui y séjournent pour un durée de plusieurs mois chaque année ou qui y résident pour des raisons essentiellement de nécessite de présence "politique" ou "historique" en Antarctique .
NB: Je ne vise ici nullement les bases d'Amundsen-Scott, de Concordia, de Rothera de Halley, de Bird Island, de Vostok, de Neumayer, de Casey ou Davis, par exemples, qui elles ont réellement une valeur scientifique inestimable et incontestable , mais à côté d'elles combien de bases réellement utiles à la science et pour l'avancée en matières de connaissances ? A chacun d'y répondre ...
La base antarctique belge est une des plus récentes. Elle est présentée dans les médias comme auto-suffisante en terme de consommation énergétique. Je trouve que c'est très bien. Mais après il faut là aussi faire attention à ce qui est raconté:
Merci pour tes contributions intéressantes .
A propos de ci-dessus on pourrait ajouter pour être complet :
La localisation de cette base à 200 kms de la banquise-iceport où arrivent et se fixent les navires de ravitaillements et de logistiques nécessite une "logistique de convois" de snowmobiles , à consommation par véhicule de rotation de minimum 20 litres de mazout par 100 kms, sur un trajet A et R, par véhicule, d'environ 400 kms, dont une partie des rotations est effectué à vide si début ou si la fin de saison ! ET ce pour quelques météors certes à valeur scientifique élevée , mais que l'on peut trouver ailleurs aussi en cherchant bien dans des lieux et conditions favorables ! Alors le cost/benefits en termes de "pollution globale en Antarctique" sur ces 200 kms d'itinéraire de chacun des véhicules à chenilles , dans une zone absolument indemne de toute "pollution" auparavant et la trouvaille de météors le vaut-elle ? D'autant quand on nous matraque , via des médias complaisants et ignorants du fond, le slogan de "zéro-pollution"de cette base !!! Sans évoquer au passage les nombreux landings et take-off des DC3 venant de Cape Town ou de Novo et destinés au transport du staff -mais pas tous- , des visiteurs, des autorités, des équipes télés et autres , tous venant juste pour 'voir" comment fonctionne une "base Zéro-pollution" . 😉 Remarques que si l'on avance comme argument de justification de la présence de cette base : Raisons historiques pour une présence Belge en Antarctique , alors là je suis 100% d'accord et le partage .MAIS il faut s'octroyer les moyens -des moyens- en proportionnalité avec l'objectif et de ce que l'on est disposé à donner , MAIS ne pas nous leurrer sous le slogan- politiquement correcte- de "zéro-pollution" ? Cette notion relève d' une autre problématique, d'autres "moyens" pour la mettre réellement en oeuvre et sa mise en pratique.
Plus de voyageurs en international alors Qantas décollera en novembre pour des rotations touristique au dessus de l’Antarctique pour 12h 13 h de vols premier…
L’aventurier Sir Ranulph Fiennes s’est lancé, ce lundi, dans une nouvelle expédition inédite, avec cinq équipiers. Direction l’Antarctique, qu’il va tenter de…
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In practical terms, you can now find VoyageForum directly on PetitFuté.com, through:
Over 190 destinations linked to the forum: on each “Discover the destination” page, a “Travelers’ Forum” tab lets you access discussions, tips, and testimonials from travelers just like you.
A link to the forum in the “Community” menu under “Discover the forum”, where you can chat, ask questions, or simply dream about your next getaway.
This partnership marks a new step in giving travelers even more of a voice.
A way to connect practical information and lived experience, to share insights so everyone can plan their trips by relying on what’s most valuable: exchanges between enthusiasts.
Thanks to all of you who keep this wonderful community alive, day after day.
Because travel is even more beautiful when it’s shared
You’ve explored the world, captured landscapes, and lived unique moments…
What if now was the perfect time to bring them to life on paper?
With the discount offered by MyAtlas for 1 month, turn your best memories into a real printed travel journal—something to flip through, share, and cherish.
Holding a real photo book in your hands is so different from scrolling through files on a hard drive. It’s something to treasure and share with loved ones over a nice slice of cake. A tangible way to keep your travel memories alive.
PROMO CODE: PROMOVF15
Discount: 15%
Valid until: November 13, 2025!
One use per person
Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer—if you’ve got travel photos waiting to be printed, now’s the time to go for it!
I’ve kept quiet about them... to preserve them.
Those are the words of a passionate traveler who recently wrote to us.
For years, he’s been discovering rare, authentic places... and chooses to say nothing.
Out of respect. Out of fear of destruction. Out of love for secrecy.
What would you do?
You stumble upon a magical spot, still untouched by mass tourism.
Do you keep it to yourself... or do you open the door, gently, to other travelers?
At DIRECTRAVEL, we’re asking ourselves these questions.
Can sharing be an act of passing something on?
Or is it always the beginning of the end for these preserved places?
Read the article here.
We’ve got a little game for you (okay, it’s not a walk in the park—you’ll have to do some digging!) with DirecTravel: the prize is 5 nights for one person at the Nilaya Experience guesthouse, right in the heart of Kerala, India.
The stay is worth 700 €. It’s set in a magical spot among the rice fields, offering a relaxing and 100% authentic getaway, far from the noise, hosted by Raghu and Véronique.
How to enter is simple:
1- Head over to directravel.org.
2- Browse the site to find the answers to the 10 contest questions. Click here for the questions.
Each question includes a clue to guide you to the right page.
3- Answer all 10 questions correctly to validate your entry.
Contest Rules
The game is free and with no purchase necessary.
A random draw will be held on September 19, 2025, among all correct entries.
The winner will be contacted directly by DIRECTRAVEL.
The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and valid based on the accommodation’s availability.
What if your travel memories had a place in a real journal? 🌍
Back-to-school season is when we get back into our routines, but it’s also when we look back on the great memories from summer. We often promise ourselves we’ll organize our photos, jot down our stories… and then life gets busy. Those memories slowly fade, stuck in our phones...
Travel journals from MyAtlas are here to change that. They let you gather your stories, your images, and your emotions in a beautiful keepsake you can hold onto and share. It’s like a personal diary, but illustrated by your travels.
Creating your journal also extends the travel experience: reliving your photos, rediscovering details you’d forgotten, and bringing those moments back to life.
Use the code BIENVENUE10 for 10% off your first album ;)
A new step for visitors starting September 2025
Laos is modernizing its border entry procedures. From September 1, 2025, the Laos Immigration Police Department will pilot a new online arrival registration system for foreign passport holders.
This new procedure is similar to Thailand’s recent switch to a digital arrival card system (introduced in May 2025). Just like in Thailand, travelers heading to Laos will still need a valid visa—either an e-visa obtained online in advance or a visa on arrival (VOA) at eligible checkpoints—but they can now skip the paper immigration forms at the border.
TikTok is currently experimenting with a hotel booking feature directly integrated into its app, in partnership with a well-known specialized platform. American users can now search for and book accommodations without leaving TikTok. Meanwhile, content creators with over 1,000 followers can promote hotels and restaurants in the U.S. and earn commissions or vouchers for bookings. This test, limited to the U.S. market for now, aligns with the trend of social commerce. There’s no doubt this initiative will be closely watched by major players in the online travel industry.
Originally planned for an official opening on July 3, 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which has already been partially open since autumn 2024, has had its official inauguration pushed back to the end of the year. This decision, made due to growing tensions in the Middle East, was motivated by the desire to give the event the international dimension it deserves.
Spanning 500,000 m²—larger than the Louvre (which has 360,000 m² of total space, including 73,000 m² of exhibition areas)—the museum will house up to 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun and a monumental statue of Ramses II.
It can already welcome 4,000 visitors per day with limited access, with a future capacity estimated at 13,000 per day once fully open.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of François Boucher, the founder of VoyageForum.
We will remember his passion for travel, but most of all, the pride he took in this forum, which has become indispensable among travelers. While there may have been heated debates, we ask that you show respect for him.
François was still very active on the forum, especially in the technical development section. VoyageForum was his life’s work. He worked passionately to update the site and make up for the 4 years of closure due to the pandemic.
Today, VoyageForum has also lost its developer.
That’s why we’re reaching out to this community to continue François’s legacy. If there are any former or current developers among you who know PERL and would be willing to help, your support would be greatly appreciated.
According to a recent study, Bangkok ranks first among the top 100 global destinations for remote workers in 2025. The Thai capital stands out for its excellent value for money, solid infrastructure, and high satisfaction levels among digital nomads.
Dubai, London, Tokyo, and Nakhon Ratchasima (in Thailand) complete the top 5, each catering to different priorities (safety, connectivity, cultural vibrancy). The study also highlights the cost-of-living gaps between cities: from Weligama (Sri Lanka), very affordable, to New York, the most expensive.
Social media engagement and visitor return rates are also becoming key indicators for assessing a destination’s appeal to nomads.
We’re thrilled to share an exclusive offer from our partner Subocea for August:
80 € per person per day to board a private luxury boat in Egypt with friends, family, or colleagues!
The offer includes everything on-site (accommodation, meals, activities, etc.), except for the flight.
Onboard, snorkel with turtles!
A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in an exceptional setting while meeting other community members.
Hurry: only 26 spots available! 😉
Departure is imminent—a great chance to escape and reconnect.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to pack your bags, here it is!
Interested? Contact us quickly to book or get more info!
You’ve probably noticed it: the real travel gems no longer show up in search results. In today’s all-digital age, those local operators, small authentic accommodations, passionate guides, and committed local initiatives remain invisible. No flashy website, no ads, often not even an online presence.
Yet they exist—people who take care of their land, their culture, their community. Hidden in valleys, villages, forests. These are the ones who truly give meaning to travel, the kind you only discover through word of mouth... or among savvy travelers.
A collaborative project is starting to patiently catalog them, one by one. It’s called DirecTravel. Not very well-known yet—it’s just getting started—but already shared among independent travel enthusiasts. Here, no standardization or flashy interface: every address has been discovered on the ground, the old-fashioned way. Some have even been recognized by the Sustainable Travel Awards.
Their approach? Taking the time to listen, build connections, and support local initiatives that will never appear on Google’s first page.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual recommendations, and if the idea of sharing genuine tips speaks to you, then this project might interest you. And maybe you, too, have a gem to share with them.
Travel bookings to the United States are seeing a significant drop in France for summer 2025, with over a 30% decrease in the spring and around -11% for summer departures.
Several reasons explain this disengagement:
an unfavorable exchange rate at the start of the year,
very high prices on the ground (accommodation, dining),
negative experiences with immigration,
as well as a political and social context perceived as off-putting (civil rights, safety, tense social climate).
Tourism professionals also note difficulties for Florida and some Southern states, while destinations like New York and Orlando are faring better.
The recent drop in the dollar and airfares could, however, encourage last-minute departures, and tourism stakeholders are betting on a gradual recovery starting this autumn, with major events planned for 2026 like the World Cup or the 250th anniversary of the United States.
This summer, your memories deserve more than just a corner of film!
For the summer season, our partner MyAtlas is offering you an exclusive deal: 10% off all travel journals to print with the code ETEVF25 😛
Perfect for preserving your photos, anecdotes, itineraries, and highlights, the MyAtlas journal turns every trip into a real keepsake book—personalized and ready to flip through anytime.
Whether you're off on an adventure or exploring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to capture the essence of your getaways and relive them again and again.
Don’t let your best stories gather dust in your phone: print them, share them, and above all, treasure them 😉
This forum was closed for a long time after COVID, then due to its sale by the previous owner. Since 2022, there have been notable changes for Russia. It became possible to travel to Russia as a tourist again after COVID restrictions ended in summer 2022. But before that, in March 2022, the EU and member countries cut air links with Russia, as well as train lines. They also cut Russian banks off from the Euro-American banking network—meaning cards and wire transfers.
EU-based insurers stopped offering policies for Russia.
The Green Card for cars in Russia was also discontinued.
Then the EU abolished the simplified visa regime agreement with Russia.
All in all, a summary of the current practical aspects would be helpful.
I’ve been traveling to Russia regularly for about twenty years, and after the long COVID break, I resumed in autumn 2022.
Visa
The usual paper visa is much more expensive. On one hand, because the previous regime was scrapped, and on the other, because invitations for multi-entry visas are pricier. A single-entry 30-day visa costs 80 €. The multi-entry one is 240 €. To be sure you’ll get a 12-month multi-entry, it’s best to buy a telex invitation from the MID (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), though there are few resellers. Prices vary depending on the seller.
E-visas are now available for Schengen passport holders. A big simplification for trips up to 16 days within a 60-day validity period. You can apply from 40 days up to 5 days before your desired date. Issued in up to four days. The site is https://evisa.kdmid.ru/ Cost: 50 €. Processed through an Emirati bank (United Arab Emirates).
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance with repatriation is required to get a visa. So you’ll need to buy a policy. This brings up payment methods. If you’re already familiar with Russia and have a Russian bank account, you can pay with your Russian card. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy from a site that accepts payments via a Belarusian bank—which means your bank must work with Belarus—or go through https://goingrus.com/fr/insurance
Transport from the EU
Minibus (marshrutka) from Kirkenes (Norway) to Murmansk. Schedules are coordinated with flights from Oslo, which arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. They wait on the right as you exit the airport. Some are chartered by groups and leave directly, but may have space—ask the driver. Otherwise, two companies run the route, with a stop in town at the corner of the Scandic, where they depart around 14:00 or 15:00. Payment in cash (NOK or RUB) to the driver. Main operator: https://borodinbus.com
Bus from Tallinn (Estonia) to St. Petersburg. The border crossing is on the Narva River. The Russian road checkpoint has been closed since January 2024 for construction expected to last 2.5 years, so reopening is possible in summer 2026. In the meantime, it’s a two-bus journey: Tallinn-Narva, then walk across the bridge between the Estonian and Russian checkpoints at Ivangorod, followed by another bus. Several companies: Luxexpress, Ecolines, Baltic Shuttle, Anniston, СКСавто.
Bus from Riga to Pskov or St. Petersburg (final destination). Departs from Riga’s bus station (behind the train station) daily between 18:00 and 19:00. Arrives in Pskov between 01:00 and 02:00 (Russian time). Company: СКСавто. There’s another bus around 21:00 with Ecolines, but it’s longer, with a long stop at the border.
Bus from Gdańsk to Kaliningrad. Several buses per day. From the PKS bus station, behind Gdańsk’s central station, on the other side of the boulevard. From Kaliningrad, a 1-hour flight to St. Petersburg costs around 5000 RUB.
Basically, unless you’re planning to go to Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula—and possibly from Murmansk, flights to Arkhangelsk, then Nenetsia (Naryan-Mar), etc.—the three main crossing points with airports are Tallinn, Riga, and Gdańsk.
The Gdańsk-Kaliningrad bus is the fastest, and the ticket to St. Petersburg is very reasonable.
The Narva-Ivangorod route is the riskiest in terms of potential queues and crossing time. Holiday periods are especially risky. Last mid-June, I took a 14:00 bus from Tallinn. I’d bought a single-berth compartment on the Grand Express St. Petersburg-Moscow train, leaving at 23:00, with the idea of a good night’s rest before a Moscow-Magadan flight. A 7-hour queue at the border meant I arrived at St. Petersburg’s bus station at 23:00—missed the train, had to book a room, and spent time finding a reasonably priced flight to Moscow the next day for the same airport as my Magadan flight.
The Riga-Pskov route is a bit long but relaxed. If you get off in Pskov, you can still get decent sleep between 02:00 and 12:00. The Oktyabrskaya Hotel is cheap. I’ve also stopped in Izborsk. You ask the driver when boarding in Riga. The stop is on the federal highway—cross the road, and the main inn is 200m away. You can explore the medieval site the next morning before taking a bus to Pskov (30 km).
From Pskov, there are fast regional Lastochka trains—three or four per day—to St. Petersburg, taking 3.5 hours. Very comfortable and affordable.
Also, two daily flights with Azimuth to Moscow-Vnukovo from 5000 RUB. A one-hour flight. It’s a section of Pskov’s military airfield, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Money
Cash. The EU issued a nonsensical decree: a ban on importing EU currency (euros, zloty, kroner, forints, etc.) except for personal travel use. This doesn’t make sense because as a citizen of a eurozone country, you *have* to have euros—cash or electronic (card). You can’t travel without them. The stipulation about a limit for personal use is absurd because personal use can mean anything from a hostel bed to a luxury hotel room, plus transport (flight tickets, train tickets in Russia), restaurants, etc. Estonian customs officers ask about this at the border when leaving. They ask in Estonian, then Russian, then English, depending. Since I cross with a French passport, I just say, "Sorry, I don’t understand," no matter what. Then they ask with a questioning look, "Euro?" and I shake my head. I haven’t been searched, but they do ask to glance in your bag. Russians with large suitcases often get checked.
Cards and phone apps: if you have a Russian bank account.
Telephony and Internet
Roaming works but is pricey. Okay for calls and SMS, but very expensive for data. In that case, use an e-SIM with your home carrier if your phone supports it. Otherwise, look into prepaid rechargeable SIMs in Russia for data only—like SIM cards for mobile modems.
Russian SIM: Since this year (2025), as of March, it’s mandatory to be registered in the EBS (Unified Biometric System) to buy a SIM card. For a non-resident foreigner, this means first registering for a SNILS at an MFC (Multifunctional Center)—also called "My Documents." The SNILS is the pension center, which doesn’t require residency. After getting your SNILS number and certificate, you register on the public services portal, Gosuslugi. Finally, you register in the EBS system (voice sample—you read numbers—and a biometric facial photo).
Personal Car
The Green Card no longer covers Russia, and neither do EU-based insurers. But third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is mandatory. Since the closure of the Russian checkpoint at Ivangorod for construction and the Finnish border closure, the routes are from Kirkenes in Norway, the Estonia-Pskov route, and—since the Belarus-Russia joint visa this year—the Belarus route, e.g., Poland-Terespol-Brest or Lithuania-Belarus.
No OSAGO sales if you cross via Kirkenes. I didn’t see any at Shumilkino, the Russian checkpoint after Estonia toward Pskov. If you have a Russian card, you can buy online, of course. Otherwise, pay in cash on-site at certain company offices (specific forms aren’t available at all agencies) or online by paying to a third-party account outside Russia—with added fees.
Spotlight on the "What A Trip Festival" in Montpellier
From September 22 to 28, 2025, head to Montpellier for the What A Trip Festival, the must-attend event for travel and adventure in images 😉
This event draws around 40,000 passionate visitors who come to (re)discover the world through documentary film screenings, followed by meet-ups, conferences, and workshops.
The "travel village" hosts a dedicated fair: exhibitor booths, a travel bookstore, photo exhibitions, food trucks, and free concerts set the pace.
The "Les rencontres voyageurs" booth will be there to offer you: a friendly atmosphere, conferences, masterclasses, fun games, and even interviews!
From December 9th to 12th, experience a winter getaway in the heart of the Czech capital, under the magical lights of the Christmas markets.
Enjoy an all-inclusive stay, blending cultural discoveries and festive holiday vibes with Hasamélis & MyAtlas.
Explore Prague’s treasures: Old Town Square, the castle, and the Town Hall Tower for breathtaking views…
This guided tour also takes you to exclusive, privately booked venues: Strahov Monastery, Estates Theatre, Municipal House… A rich cultural program in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Calling all adventure and off-road enthusiasts: the must-attend event of the year is just around the corner!
From August 26 to 30 in Valloire, don’t miss THE OFF-ROAD SHOW, the premier event dedicated to expeditions, overlanding, and motorized exploration.
4x4s, trucks, motorcycles, SSVs, gear, travel, test drives, meet-ups... Over 180 exhibitors and the 4th edition of the Rencontres Voyageurs, a 1,000 m² space hosted by Campers Lab and MyAtlas.
On the program: Activities, talks, interviews, masterclasses...
One motto: get inspired, connect, explore... in the heart of the Alps.
At the Seto forum (Association of Travel Agents), it was highlighted that, despite an uncertain geopolitical context, summer bookings are showing a slight increase (+1.4% overall as of the end of April), with +1.6% on medium-haul and +0.6% on long-haul flights. This growth is supported by an expected revenue increase of +2.9% and an average basket rise of +3.2%.
In terms of destinations, the Greek islands remain at the top despite a slight decline of -1%, the Balearic Islands are gaining ground (+2%), and Tunisia stands out with strong growth (+13%) thanks to its excellent value for money. For long-haul, Mauritius continues to dominate (+9%), while the United States is experiencing a downturn (-14%), behind Indonesia (-6%) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (+4%). Finally, French Polynesia (+16%) and Vietnam (+41%) are emerging as booming destinations.
"Les rencontres voyageurs" is a must-attend event for all travel enthusiasts, at the heart of France’s most beautiful gatherings.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a beginner looking for your first adventures, these meet-ups aim to bring people together, inspire, and share knowledge.
They offer a unique opportunity to chat with inspiring travelers, discover their authentic stories, their favorite spots around the world, and their practical tips for traveling peacefully and enrichingly 😉
"Les rencontres voyageurs" also feature conferences and masterclasses led by industry experts, covering a variety of topics such as responsible travel, content creation, and optimizing itineraries.
These sessions, both practical and inspiring, are designed to expand your knowledge and fuel your projects. On top of that, there are fun and educational activities, including the famous traveler quiz, encouraging exchanges and conviviality. Finally, visitors can explore an exhibition of travel vehicles, vans, 4x4s, nomadic equipment, and chat with professionals about van conversions, mobility, and innovations dedicated to vanlife.
A complete, immersive experience that’s all about discovery.
VoyageForum needs you more than ever! To continue making it the biggest space for exchange, inspiration, and sharing, we want to better understand your desires and expectations.
Take a few moments to answer our survey and let’s build the future of VoyageForum together!
Big traveler survey! We want to know everything! 🌍
Dreaming of your next trip already? So are we, but to better understand the desires and habits of French travelers, we need your help to later offer the best tips, good deals, trips, and more.
It’s a short form (promise, it only takes a few minutes).
And... there might just be a 50 € gift voucher up for grabs for one of the participants. Just like that, to thank you for taking part✨
Just click on this link: https://tally.so/r/mRrj6J and check the box based on your travel preferences 🧳✈️
Thanks in advance for lending a hand!
The cruise sector has seen a remarkable rebound since the pandemic, with 2024 attendance 20% higher than in 2019—outpacing air traffic growth, which was limited to 10%.
This performance is driven by an early recovery in the U.S. starting in 2021, competitive pricing, and enhanced onboard offerings. Cruise companies have invested in innovation, with a notable increase in patents related to passenger health (14%) and onboard services (50%).
These efforts have attracted a younger clientele, with millennials now making up 34% of passengers. This recovery model could inspire the airline industry to accelerate its own rebound.
