Nous sommes 4 ( 2 adultes et 2 jeunes de 14 et 11 ans) et nous souhaiterions faire un voyage aux USA en juillet prochain. L eséjour s'organiserait ainsi:
départ de paris pour LA
du 2 au 9 _} Los angeles
le 9 et le 10_} las vegas
du 10 au 16_} new york
départ de NY pour Paris
comment m'organiser et réserver pour payer l'avion le moins cher possible ? Une agence?
Pour payer vos billets d'avion le moins cher possible un simple principe: acheter maintenant. Pour l'été plus vous attendrez et plus les prix monteront
Mais est ce possible de réserver par Internet l'avion Paris /LA et NY/paris ?
Ou faut il s'adresser à une agence?
Car par internet ca ne vaut pas le coup, étant donner que je prends à chaque fois un aller simple, c'est beaucoup plus cher qu'un aller-retour et l'hotel n'est pas compris dedans!
Salut !
Tu peux egalement trouver ce type de billet sur internet. Ce sont simplement des billets multidestinations. Essaye: www.opodo.fr ainsi que www.expedia.fr
Ce sont les seuls sites qui proposent ce genre de billets sur internet a ma connaissance.
bonne recherche !
pour avoir les meilleurs en aller simple il faut s'adresser directement à une agence de voyages (si possible specialisé dans les USA) vous obtiendrez ainsi un meilleurs tarif que sur internet qui propose des tarifs relativement cher en aller simple!
Même si je ne voyage pas assez souvent à mon goût, je vérifie souvent les prix sur internet. Les résultats sont souvent étonnant. Un site offre les meilleurs prix pour telle destination, puis on se rend compte que pour telle autre, il est complètement dans le champs exigeant 40 ou 50 % plus cher que d'autres sites. C'est pourquoi je vérifie sur plusieurs sites pour connaître les options de vols. Ensuite, je m'adresse à quelques agences de voyages. Elles offrent souvent des prix plus avantageux.
Dans votre cas, vous devriez diviser votre voyage en deux parties.
D'abord le vol trans-Atlantique. A ce moment, ne parlez pas d'aller simple, mais plutôt de ce que les américains appellent un "open jaw", c'est à dire un vol qui vous amène à un endroit et vous ramène d'un autre, avec la même ligne aérienne et acheté en même temps. Le prix sera probablement plus élevé que la moyenne des deux allers retours, ( Paris-LA / Paris-NY ) mais il devrait être nettement plus bas que d'acheter deux allers simples séparément.
Pour vos vols intérieurs, il y a plusieurs lignes aériennes à bas coût aux USA. Vous avez notamment JetBlue, AirTran, SouthWest, mais je ne les connais pas toutes. Pour ces vols, vous devrez probablement aller sur le site de la ligne aérienne, probablement que vous ne les trouverez pas sur les sites généralistes ni dans des agences. Notez que celles-ci limitent généralement la quantité de bagages, il faut bien lire les conditions.
Bonne chance !
Yvon LeD
J'ai fait l'exercice.
Pour LA-LV :
SouthWest n'offre pas encore des vols en juillet. Pour le 12 mars, il y a des sièges à rabais à 50$US. Ces sièges risquent de se vendre rapidement, ils ont une structure de prix complexe ( plusieurs prix différents sur le même vol ). AirTran n'offre pas ce trajet actuellement. JetBlue pars de Long Beach qui n'est pas très loin de LA, je n'ai pas vérifié comment se rendre à cet aéroport. Ils demandent 48 $US. Vous avez donc une option à choisir selon les disponibilités de sièges à rabais, l'horaire et les difficultés d'accès à l'aéroport à partir de votre hotel.
Pour LV-NY :
JetBlue offre des billets à 160 $US pour le 10 juillet. AirTran n'offre pas encore les vols en juillet. Pour le 6 mars, ils demandent 145 $. SouthWest n'offre pas encore les vols en juillet. Pour le 20 mars, les billets à rabais sont tous vendus ce qui les laisse très loin à plus de 320$US.
Espérant que le tout soit utile...
Yvon LeD
Une semaine entiere a LA! Si tu veux mon avis, je trouve que c'est tres long vu la pauvrete culturelle et touristique de cette ville. La premiere fois que j'y suis alle, j'avais 15 ans et en deux jours 1/2, j'avais tout vu (universal studios, disney (je prefere les parcs d'orlando) et hollywood blvd, chinese theater, Beverly hills et Santa Monica)
Es-tu sur de ne pas preferer SF?
Pourquoi ne pas louer une voiture pour faire les parcs nationaux californiens, qui sont restes de bien meilleurs souvenirs pour moi que LA?
De toute facon, pour LA la voiture est obligatoire vu qu'il n'y a que deux lignes de metro inutiles vu la taille de la ville et leur ridicule couverture...
Sinon, revenons au core subject.
A mon avis, les deux solutions les moins cheres sont:
1- billet open-jaw (ou multi destinations) achete en agence ou sur internet du type pour les vols transatlantiques (apparemment, British sont les moins chers en ce moment sur Internet pour ce troncon, avec un prix de 860 euros TTC par pers):
Aller: CDG-LAX (los Angeles)
Retour JFK ou EWR - CDG
Puis Southwest ou JetBlue ou AirTran ou meme une compagnie reguliere US (qui peuvent avoir des bons prix parfois sur les vols interieurs) pour Las Vegas-New York (comptez 150 USD par pers environ je pense).
(PS: Pour Los Angeles Las Vegas, cela vous reviendra toujours moins cher de faire le trajet en voiture, il faut compter 5 heures je crois et a 4, c bien plus rentable que l'avion et pas bcp plus long, vu la taille de la ville de LA (l'aeroport est au bord du pacifique donc il peut y avoir une heure de route pour s'y rendre), les delais enregistrement, securite, etc.)
Fourchette de prix pour un billet multi-destinations sur internet:
2 troncons (CDG-LAX puis EWR/JFK-CDG): 847 EUR TTC/adulte
3 troncons (CDG-LAX puis LAS (las Vegas)-JFK puis JFK-CDG): 961 EUR TTC/adulte (BA pour les vols transatlantiques, delta ou AA pour le vol interieur)
ou 938 euros si vous prenez un vol interieur depuis LAX et non LAS. (ce qui fait le vol interieur a 91 euros)
Un agent de voyage peut peut etre avoir mieux avec une tarification vol AR et un stop. cf. ci-dessous.
OU
2- billet AR CDG-LAX avec un stop a New York au retour. Pour cela il faut passer par une compagnie US ayant un hub a NY a savoir Continental (via Newark, EWR) ou American Airlines (visa JFK) probablement. Apres avec les codes shares, etc. ca devrait marchait en prenant un billet chez Delta (vol CDG-JFK fait par AF en general) ou d'autres
Cela signifie que a l'aller tu fais Paris-Los Angeles en vol direct ou non, selon ta compagnie et au retour, ton vol est un vol Los Angeles Paris, avec une escale a New York et tu demandes a l'agence un stop d'une semaine a NY.
C'est exactement pareil que la premiere solution, mais au niveau de la tarification, cela peut etre different car il s'agit d'un AR et non plus d'un open jaw.
Dans ce cas, le vol interieur (LAX-JFK ou EWR ou LGA) est inclus dans le vol transatlantique.
Nous sommes 4 ( 2 adultes et 2 jeunes de 14 et 11 ans) et nous souhaiterions faire un voyage aux USA en juillet prochain. L eséjour s'organiserait ainsi:
départ de paris pour LA
du 2 au 9 _} Los angeles
le 9 et le 10_} las vegas
du 10 au 16_} new york
départ de NY pour Paris
comment m'organiser et réserver pour payer l'avion le moins cher possible ? Une agence?
Merci de m'avoir aidé!! J'ai enfin réussi a trouver quelque chose qui me convient pour l'avion avec les billet multi destinations.
Je veux rester 1 semaine à LA car j'ai toujours rêvé d'y aller et aussi pour profiter un peu de la mer.
Par contre, je voudrais prendre une nuit à l'hôtel Bellagio à Las Vegas, l'avion arriverait vers 16h et on repartirait le lendemain pour 16h . Pensez vous que j'aurais assez de temps pour voir tout et profiter de l'hôtel?
Sinon, j'ai pensé quitter LA plus tot dans la matinée afin d'arriver plus tot à LV.
Une journee a LV (16h-16h) c'est tres bien, sauf si vous etes un acharne des casinos, dans ce cas vous serez frustre. C'est aussi pour cela que je pense que le trajet se fait tres bien depuis LA, en partant le matin, en s'arretant faire du shopping dans les immense factory outlet stores au milieu du desert, concentres sur 80 ha, puis en arrivant sur LV l'apres midi.
La chaleur est si ecrasante en juillet que l'on pouvait plus facilement se promener le soir, a la fraiche (35 degres 🙂), qu'en journee (profitez de la clim des casinos et/ou de la piscine).
En plus la ville est tres jolie, tous les casinos reproduisent des decors dignes du cinema.
Mes meilleurs souvenirs (toujours a l'age de 15 ans):
Petit dejeuner au MGM dans un decor de jungle, avec une atmosphere tres humide, c'etait digne du cinema...
Le buffet-restaurant a l'hotel Paris,
et les jeux d'eaux en musique devant le Ceasar Palace (mais tout le monde fait maintenant, ce n'est plus aussi original qu'il y a 5 ans. Meme le Hyatt de Beijing fait la meme chose sur la grande avenue qui passe a Tian an Men!!!)
Quant a LA, le Pacifique est tres froid meme en juillet... et surtout je vous conseille de louez une voiture, comme cela vous verrez que si la ville vous decoit par rapport a votre reve, vous pourrez toujours aller a san diego ou sur Death Valley. De toute facon, meme si vous restez a LA, ne pas avoir de voiture est penible vu l'immensite de la ville ( 8 000km^2, soit la taille d'un grand departement francais) et l'etat lamentable des transports en commun.
Si je peux me permettre un conseil, arrivée plutot sur San francisco, ou il y a plus de choses a voir d un point de vue touristique et ensuite prendre une voiture pour allez à los angeles, c est une ville ou l on peut etre decue.
eviter les agences, prenez une voiture certes les distances sont longues, prevoir 4 heures de route a deux conducteurs cela se fait super bien.
Nous avons fait un parcours similaire il y a deux ans. et cela ce fait tres bien et revient bien moins cher.
Sinon, prevoyer une arrivee sur New york et ensuite un vol interieur sur SFO.
bon voyage
clara
bonsoir
je ne sais pas situ as pris ton billet d'avion pour LA niou tu habites en France mais astu pense a passer par Bruxelles ?
C'est de la qu'on avait pris notre billet pour LA maisil ya maintenant 8 ans deja maisje pense que ca vaut encorele coup de regarder si tu habites pas trop loin evidemment !!!!
Comme les autres, un seul conseil, s'y prendre dès maintenant...Sinon tu peux aussi regarder directement sur les sites des compagnies aériennes ( united, american airlines, etc. ), à titre d'information, en septembre dernier nous avons passé 15 jours dans l'ouest des USA avec pour point de départ San Francisco, l'aller/retour Paris-SF nous a coûté moins cher sur united.fr que sur les sites du genre opodo, etc. ( peu d'écart toutefois ).
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Hello! 👋
I’m new to this site and feeling a little desperate. 😢 My boyfriend’s birthday is in 4 days, and I wanted to surprise him with a New Year’s trip to London... except I just found out he’s already been there as a kid. Well, there goes my surprise! 😅
Since we both love Christmas and winter, I’m looking for a destination where we can really feel the holiday magic—with a budget of around 500 € for transport + accommodation for two (yes, I know, I might be asking for a Christmas miracle here 😇).
We’ve already been to Bucharest, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, so I’d love to find something a little more offbeat, not too expensive, and with a beautiful Christmas atmosphere.
Please help me! 🙏 On social media, it’s always the same ultra-touristy cities... I’m sure there are hidden gems I haven’t discovered yet!
Three years after exploring northern Argentina and Chile, my two travel buddies and I want to discover the southern part of these two countries.
We’re traveling on a budget, backpacker-style, favoring public transport and modest accommodations, but we don’t hesitate to splurge a little when it’s worth it.
The classic spots that have been fueling our dreams: Bariloche, the lakes, Chiloé, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, El Calafate, Fitz Roy, Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, and wrapping up in Valparaíso.
We’ll take a round-trip flight to Santiago, then I’m thinking of a one-way flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. From there, we’ll explore and do several day hikes in the south, including Ushuaia and, if possible, Tierra del Fuego.
Then we’ll head back north by bus to Bariloche and the lakes, followed by Chiloé, then a bus to Santiago and Valparaíso.
Based on your experience, could you help me figure out the best way to structure this trip and maybe suggest some ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Didier
I’m heading to Quebec and New Brunswick this summer and got a Revolut Classic card for the trip. I’ve already exchanged some Canadian dollars in the app so I’ll have a reserve ready for my departure day. My question is whether I’ll incur any additional fees when using my Canadian dollar account. I think I’m limited to 200 € in ATM withdrawals for my part. Thanks!
Hi there,
I'm heading to Morocco for 10 days as a backpacker, with my car and a tent canvas if needed. Does anyone have great experiences in this country around the Tétouan and Tangier areas?
I'd love to spend time with locals, rent a small room, and take part in daily life.
If you've got any addresses to share, that'd be awesome!
Thanks a million for your replies!!!😉
Christine
My boyfriend and I are going there for just 9 days, including the two travel days… It’s not much, but oh well!
Looking at prices online, I get the impression everything’s more expensive than I thought 😅 So, I wanted to get your feedback on a few things:
* Is hitchhiking common, easy, and generally safe in Albania?
* Is it possible to find day-to-day accommodations without booking ahead? If so, are they usually cheaper than the ones you find online?
* Is wild camping allowed or at least tolerated?
If any of you have traveled there recently, I’d love all the tips and great deals you’ve got!
Hi,
We’re a young couple planning to travel to South Africa after spending about three weeks in Namibia. We’ll arrive in Cape Town around mid-December, with no fixed travel duration (though our budget will eventually set a limit).
After browsing through the forum, we’ve realized the country is packed with incredible spots, which makes choosing an itinerary tough. We’re looking for stunning landscapes, hikes, and so on. So, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
When we arrive in Cape Town, we’d like to settle in and take it easy until New Year’s, exploring at a relaxed pace. We know this period coincides with South African holidays—does that make finding accommodations (availability/prices) more difficult? Do you think it’s possible to stay in a nice place for about 15 days without aiming for the most upscale neighborhoods? Maybe somewhere a bit outside Cape Town, like Fish Hoek, and just visit the city occasionally.
After that, we’ll have plenty of time (about 2 to 2.5 months) to explore the country. We’d like to take our time. In your opinion, is it better to focus on the Cape Town region, or is it reasonable to consider more distant areas like the Drakensberg or Blyde River Canyon? Can everything be done by car if we take our time, or are domestic flights sometimes more practical?
Budget-wise, how much do car rentals cost? For accommodations, we usually look at Airbnb—are they affordable in South Africa? What’s the average nightly rate outside the biggest cities? Are there other platforms you’d recommend for saving on lodging?
Finally, regarding safety, are there any regions to avoid besides Johannesburg?
We know this is a lot of questions, but we’re still in the early planning stages!
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi there,
After exploring southern Peru in 2024 with your help, we’d love to head north next. There’ll be 5 or 6 of us:
1. Arrive in Lima in the evening.
2. Visit Lima and take a flight at 6:35 PM to Tarapoto.
3, 4, 5. Spend a few days there to trek in a reserve (Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve) or somewhere else.
6. From Tarapoto to Chachapoyas—either by overnight bus, daytime bus, or private car.
7. In Chachapoyas: Gocta Waterfall, Sonche Canyon, and walk back to town.
8. Head to Kuelap citadel, Revash, and arrive in Leymebamba.
9. Leymebamba museum, then route to Cajamarca.
10. Cajamarca hot springs, overnight bus to Trujillo or Chiclayo—or do both.
11, 12, 13. Visit and explore the area.
14. Overnight bus back to Lima.
15. Lima.
16. Depart at 8 PM for France.
What do you think of this itinerary? Looking forward to your advice.
Thanks
I’m planning a 7-day trip to Marrakech for a sports camp, and I’ll be traveling with just a standard carry-on backpack.
I’d love to hear your best tips and tricks:
• What clothes are absolutely essential?
• Any advice for managing the heat while traveling light?
• Which accessories have been the most useful for you?
• Mistakes to avoid on a first trip to Marrakech?
I’m also open to your recommendations for neighborhoods, restaurants, or activities not to miss during my free time.
Thanks in advance for your advice and experience! !
Hi there, we’re heading to the Cyclades from June 23 to July 9. We’ll arrive in Santorini and leave from Mykonos. We’re thinking of visiting these islands: Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Tinos, and Mykonos. Do you think it’s better to book the ferries now (which site do you recommend for booking?) or can we buy the tickets on the spot? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodation under 100 €/night on each of these islands? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone!
I’m planning my dream trip for next September, lasting about a month. Here’s my itinerary:
Amsterdam: 3 days (departing from Montreal)
Tanzania: 3-day safari
Zanzibar: 6 days
Istanbul: 7 days
Return to Montreal.
Since my budget is pretty tight, I’m looking for tips and advice to cut costs without sacrificing the experience. Here are my questions:
Multi-destination flights: What’s the best way to book these connections? Is it better to buy a one-way ticket from Montreal to Amsterdam, then a separate internal flight, or use comparison tools for a multi-destination ticket?
Budget safari: Do you have recommendations for local agencies or tips to do a 3-day safari (Serengeti/Ngorongoro) at an affordable price (e.g., camping/glamping instead of luxury lodges)?
Accommodation in Zanzibar: Which villages or types of lodging are the most budget-friendly and accessible via local transport for these 6 days?
Istanbul: Any tips for well-located but cheap accommodation and great food deals?
Hi,
Are there still basic, traditional, and affordable authentic accommodations in Poland? I’ll be traveling in July with my husband and our 2 kids along the Warsaw-Łódź-Toruń-Gdańsk route, and all I can find online are standardized Ikea-style apartments in the cities. When I look for agrotourism, it’s all luxury farms.
Can you find farms in the countryside or city lodgings for under 60 euros per night? And if so, how?
Is it possible to find accommodations on the spot without internet—like from people who put up signs—even in July?
Hi,
I need to stay in Paris or Créteil for 2 nights a week for a month. I know some cheap backpacker options, but I’d like something even cheaper. Do you know of any rooms for rent from private individuals?
Thanks
We’re a young couple planning our first trip to Albania from June 23, 2026, to July 2, 2026. We have a pretty tight budget and want to make the most of this amazing country without breaking the bank.
We’re looking for all the advice you can give to help us plan our stay:
* What are the must-see places to visit?
* Which cities or villages are really worth the detour?
* What natural sites, hikes, canyons, springs, or viewpoints do you recommend?
* Do you know of any free, uncrowded, or particularly beautiful beaches?
* Where can we responsibly observe or swim with sea turtles?
* What are the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera that are accessible on a small budget?
* What budget-friendly accommodations (hotels, hostels, homestays, campgrounds) do you recommend?
* What are the best ways to get around between different regions at a low cost?
* Do you know of any reliable and affordable agencies for renting a vehicle (car, scooter, or motorcycle)? What are the average rates at the end of June, and which rental companies do you recommend or advise against?
* Is it better to rent a vehicle right when we arrive or stick to local buses and minibuses to keep costs down?
* Which restaurants or local specialties offer the best value for money?
* Are there any free or low-cost activities we shouldn’t miss?
* Which places do you think are overrated or can be skipped when you’re short on time and money?
* What practical tips would you have wished you knew before your first trip to Albania?
We’d also love any 10-day itineraries that you particularly enjoyed, along with your budget estimates for accommodation, meals, and transportation.
We’re open to off-the-beaten-path spots and local tips. If you have any secret addresses, hidden beaches, favorite accommodations, or mistakes to avoid, we’d love to hear about them! 😊
Hi there, we’re planning a road trip in northern Algeria at the end of January – early February.
Anyone have any tips for a car rental agency that’s both reliable and not too expensive? Thanks in advance!
I traveled through southern Peru in November 2024 and now I’d like to explore the north.
We’re a group of 5 people for a 15-day trip.
Iquitos or Nauta for the Amazon rainforest—I saw that you have to fly there.
Chiclayo
Chachapoyas
Kuelap
Leimebamba
Cajamarca
Trujillo
And if we have time, Huaraz for the Andes cordillera.
No problem taking overnight buses—they save a lot of time.
Or renting a car and figuring it out as we go.
We’d also love to take the train from Lima to Huancayo, but it seems complicated—I don’t understand when it runs.
I’d like to drive to Morocco from Paris via Spain. I was really surprised to see the ferry crossing prices—around 500 €—but especially the crossing time (about 1 hour). Normally, I pay 3000 € to go to Tunisia from Genoa, but that’s for a 24-hour crossing.
My question: is it cheaper to buy the ticket on the spot, as some Moroccans have advised me? Though I’ve also heard the opposite.
What do you think, considering I need to get to Tétouan around July 17th and return from Tangier around August 4th?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning a 10-day trip to Slovenia in May (9–19 May) and starting to look at accommodations. Unfortunately, I’m only seeing relatively expensive options—nothing under 50 €, and usually around 100–150 €. Traveling solo, that could quickly blow my budget. And 30 € for a bed in a 10-person dorm at a youth hostel feels like a rip-off...
Are there other booking sources besides the usual Booking.com, Airbnb, and Google? Or can anyone confirm if I’ll find more reasonable rates on the ground around Bled, Bohinj, Triglav, or in mountain huts? I’ll be renting a car to optimize my travel, so I won’t be limited geographically.
Hi there,
Could you recommend some nice and affordable neighborhoods to book a hotel in for visiting Nice and exploring its surroundings and nearby villages?
I’d like to know if it’s better to book the entire stay in Nice and take day trips to the villages, or if there are villages worth spending at least one night in to really explore them properly?
Since all the villages are stunning and we have to make a choice, which ones are absolutely must-visit?
My 16-year-old daughter and I will be spending a week there at the end of April. We’ll arrive by TGV from Paris and plan to use public transport during our stay. Do you know if there’s a weekly transport pass available and how much it costs?
I’m planning to spend about twenty days in Réunion in November.
I’d like to get around using the *car jaune* (2 € per ticket), but from what I’ve heard, it doesn’t cover the whole island.
I’m not looking to head toward the ocean and the beautiful beaches—more toward the mountainous landscapes, even if I’ll just be admiring them from below. 😉
Maybe other buses go where I want to go.
By the way, are there any relatively easy mountain hikes, and where?
But here’s the most important part:
I don’t want to book anything in advance because I don’t know what my itinerary will look like—it’ll change depending on my mood. 3 days here, 5 days there, etc.
On top of that, I’d like to arrange half-board stays with locals—not professionals—by approaching them and asking if they’d be willing to host me (overnight stay, breakfast, and dinner) for 30 € to 40 € per day.
What do you think?
Does the price seem reasonable?
And is it okay to take the initiative and ask Réunionnais directly?
The tourist office in Réunion told me that since November is peak tourist season, I should book without delay. 🤪
For four years in a row, I traveled across Canada for a month and a half each time, relying only on hitchhiking and half-board stays with Canadians who welcomed me (and refused to let me pay them).
If I’d listened to my family and friends, I never would’ve taken the leap—and that adventure remains one of the best experiences of my life.
It’s been ages since I last dropped by here... maybe simply because, apart from Nepal, I haven’t really had the chance to hit the road lately. 😉
This year, I’d love to spend a few days in Lisbon, probably in late May or early June. But with my budget being what it is, I’m looking for great tips to avoid wasting time once I’m there and risk missing out on hidden gems or unusual culinary specialties and/or quirky activities! I’m hoping to find a room in a local’s home where I can stay in a quiet neighborhood near the center, so I can get around without relying too much on public transport—my walking shoes are my best travel buddies.
I’d love all your recommendations, especially for parks, small neighborhood markets, casual eateries for a quick bite, your favorite viewpoints to soak in the scenery (I’m bringing my travel journal to sketch my getaway in watercolors), events around traditional art and crafts, and so on.
All your advice will definitely help me travel peacefully and come back with my head full of vibrant memories!
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Isabelle
I’m diving into planning a trip I’ve dreamed of for a long time: crossing Africa from North to South solo, with a departure planned for October 2025 for about 8-9 months. I’m leaving from Paris with a starting budget of around 7,000 €, aiming to supplement it with work along the way.
My planned route: Senegal → Gambia → Sierra Leone/Liberia (if logistics work out) → Côte d'Ivoire → Ghana → Togo → Benin → Cameroon → Gabon → Kenya (Masai Mara) → Uganda (Bwindi gorillas) → Rwanda → Tanzania (Kili + Serengeti + Zanzibar) → Mozambique → Malawi → Zambia (Victoria Falls) → Botswana → Namibia → South Africa (Cape Town). Madagascar as a bonus if timing/budget allows from Mozambique.
I’m not a backpacking newbie—I’ve done several trips in Europe and I’m familiar with the lifestyle, hostels, local transport, etc. But Africa is my first big adventure on this continent, and I’ve got some very concrete questions I’d love feedback on from people who’ve been there.
🎭 My big dilemma: flexibility vs. pre-organized work
What matters most to me is NOT rushing through. If I feel good somewhere, I’ll stay longer. If a region doesn’t click, I’ll cut it short. That seems totally incompatible with having pre-booked work or volunteer gigs, yet I need that income to stretch my budget.
I’m torn between two approaches:
Option A: The mixed rhythm: 3-4 weeks of volunteering in a country (free accommodation, full immersion), then 1-2 countries in classic backpacker "vacation" mode, then another mission somewhere, etc. This gives a breathing rhythm and avoids burnout from non-stop volunteering.
Option B: The continuous flow: finding gigs as I go, from the previous country, contacting hosts 2-3 weeks in advance with a flexible date range. Keeping maximum spontaneity but never arriving anywhere without a safety net.
Have you tried either? What actually works on the ground in Africa?
🌍 What I’m really looking for in this trip
Not just the classic tourist spots. I want to see the country as it is—eating at local joints, taking local transport (bush taxis, minibuses, sept-places), staying with locals when possible. The big reserves and safaris are part of the plan (Masai Mara, Serengeti, Okavango), but just as much as hanging out in a residential neighborhood in Dakar, understanding how people really live.
Volunteering or work interests me for that reason too (not just for free lodging, but because it’s the deepest way to dive into a country). Working at a school in Ghana, a lodge in Kenya, a permaculture farm in Mozambique—I see it as an immersion that classic tourism can’t offer.
🎒 My concrete questions
About Workaway and Worldpackers: I’ve read a lot but would love on-the-ground feedback, especially for West and East Africa. Are hosts really flexible with dates for long-term travelers? Do the advertised gigs match reality? Are there alternative platforms you’d recommend for Africa specifically (I’ve heard of Help Exchange, WWOOF Africa, local networks…)?
About "off-platform" jobs: Is it really doable to find informal work on the spot (bars, restaurants, lodges) without prior contacts? In which countries/cities is this most accessible for a French speaker without a local work permit?
About logistics between countries: For those who’ve done the West Coast (Senegal → Ghana → Benin), how did you cross borders? Direct buses or local shared taxis at each border? And for the jump from Central Africa → Kenya, is a flight mandatory, or are there feasible overland routes?
About Madagascar: I’m considering adding it from Mozambique (flight Maputo or Beira → Tana). Those who’ve done it backpacker-style on a tight budget—is 3-4 weeks doable, or is it too short to be worth it?
I’m open to all tips, experiences, warnings, and pleasant surprises. And if you’ve got trusted local contacts (Workaway hosts, associations, community lodges), I’m all ears!
I’ve got tons of questions and I’m eager for any advice or experiences you can share!!
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for 2 adults and 2 kids to Tanzania and Zanzibar. I’ve had a quick look, and the prices are starting to get pretty wild.
We’ve got a budget of 8,000 €, and I was thinking of doing three or four days of safari and three or four days in Zanzibar, but even that seems like it might be over budget. Have you got any thoughts? I was also considering heading straight to Zanzibar and doing a one- or two-day excursion by plane instead—maybe that’d be cheaper than staying in a lodge.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences and any price tips, departing from Nice!
Good evening,
As two senior French couples who are used to traveling independently all over the world, we’d like to visit Kenya next November.
Now, after seeing and reading a bit everywhere, and with the first quotes for a 6/7-day safari, I’m shocked by the prices (like $2,250) for places like Maasai Mara, where entry alone costs $200 per person per day, plus fees for the driver and vehicle.
So if you have any recent great tips or contacts to share to help me out, I’d really appreciate it—because despite the costs, we’d still love to go, while keeping things reasonable.
The most plausible solution is probably renting a vehicle with a driver-guide.
Thanks in advance for all your replies.
Jacques
We’ll be in Srinagar for 4 days in mid-May 2026 during our backpacking trip as a couple. Do you have any nice places to recommend, and what about the houseboats on Dal Lake? Should we spend all our nights there, or just one night for practicality when getting around?
Thanks,
Rozenn
Hi there,
This is my first time traveling to Italy, and I’m planning to go by car.
From what I’ve read, parking is tough in cities like Florence.
I’m looking for a small town not too far from Florence where I can stay and park my car, then take the train to visit Florence.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Hi there, it’s been a long time since I last went to London. I’d love to spend a week there in July with my daughter and my niece (both young adults).
Of course, I’m looking for great tips on accommodation, and I’m wondering about renting an apartment. It seems like a better deal to save on restaurants (with the option of having a few meals at home... but is that really the case? I’m not sure about the cost of a meal in a modest restaurant, the pound exchange rate, or grocery prices...).
Otherwise, I’d like to stay in accommodation (hotel or apartment) near a tube station and in Zone 1.
If you have any great tips, I’d love to hear them!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading to Morocco for a trip in the south, starting with 3 days in Marrakech (from January 8th to 11th, 2026).
If you’ve got any tips, cool spots to recommend, I’m all ears! 🎊
And, fellow traveler, if you’d like to share this Marrakech adventure together, I’d love that!
Have a great evening
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Peru and have estimated how many days I’ll spend in each place.
Any advice on must-see sights and tourist traps to avoid?
September–October
5 days in Lima
Bus: 07:00→13:30 or 06:00 to 09:30 (express) (3 hr 30 min journey)
3 days in Paracas (beach)