Nous comptons partir en septembre prochain pour un voyage en amérique du sud pour une durée minimum de six mois (et surement maximum d'un an) Vu que nous recherchons une certaines souplesse, nous pensions prendre un billet open.
Avez des conseils pour trouver ces billets (le moins cher possibles cela va de soi)? Nous n'avons pas d'itinéraire précis, nous pouvons aussi bien arriver à buenos aires que lima ... tout dépendra des prix des billets.
Est il possible d'avoir un billet retour en open en départ d'une autre ville que celle d'arrivée?
bonjour, mon ami et moi partons également en Amérique du sud en juin 2009, pour une durée de 9 mois un an. Nous avons acheté nos billets d'avion dans une agence de voyage, en Bretagne. Nous étions plutôt ravi des tarifs qu'ils nous proposaient, nous avons prix un billet Paris-Caracas (pour l'aller) et Buenos Aires-Paris(pour le retour) pour un montant de 700 euros. Comme nous ne savons pas notre date de retour l'agence nous a proposé de rajouter 100 euros afin d'avoir une date de retour plus flexible. Le seul inconvénient, et encore, c'est que nous ne pouvons changer notre date de retour qu une seule fois et informer l'agence de voyage avant novembre 2009. Nous nous sommes renseignés sur différents sites sur les billets opens et finalement les recherches ont été assés infructueuses, le mieux c'est de vous renseigner auprès des agences de voyage je pense.
Si jamais un autre petit filon, nous avons acheté nos billets en utilisant la carte visa premier de la caisse d'épargne ( nous avons crée un compte commun) ainsi nous sommes tous deux assurés pour tout ce qui est du rapatriment, pertes de bagages, frais médicaux...pendant 3 mois ensuite nous utiliseront une assurance Anglaise, mais ça vous le savez déjà peut ètre.
Voili-voilou on vous souhaite un bon voyage du coup, beaucoup de plaisir à vous
camille et j philippe
Le véritable voyage de découverte, ne consiste pas à découvrir de nouveaux paysages mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux;
Bonjour Camille et Jean Philippe,
Je viens de lire votre réponse et elle m'interresse beaucoup. J'ai avec mon amie le meme projet que vous, nous comptons partir en Amerique du Sud vers Septembre 2009. Nous sommes donc au début de notre organisation et si c'est possible d'avoir des infos sur comment vous vous y etes pris pour organiser le votre cela nous aiderais beaucoup. J'espere que vous prendrez le temps de me répondre.
Merci beaucoup d'avance.
Antoine
pas de problème pour t'expliquer notre organisation.
cependant la question est très large!!! Dis nous ou vous en êtes dans votre préparation.
dates? parcourt? budget? envie?
car ces points là sont tous liés.
pour notre part, notre départ, initialement prévu en juin 09 sera reporté en novembre 09 pour des raisons professionnelles!!!!!🙁 en conséquence on fera notre parcourt en sens inverse!!!
camille et j philippe
Le véritable voyage de découverte, ne consiste pas à découvrir de nouveaux paysages mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux;
Bonjour!
Merci d'avoir répondu c'est gentil. Je vous envoi mon adresse mail sur votre boite privée du site, je pense que çe sera plus pratique pour communiquer. Si cela ne vous dérange pas de me donner la votre bien sur. Je vous donnerais plus de détails sur notre projet et peut etre que je pourrais vous apporter des infos aussi :).
Merci
Je me permet de vous contacter car votre voyage de 6 mois en sens inverse m'interresse. Nous partons mon amie et moi debut septembre pour 6 mois en amerique du sud: equateur, galapagos, perou, bolivie, chili, argentine... a peu pres dans cet ordre car nous sommes juste en train d'en definir le road book. Est ce possible pour vous de nous communiquer le nom de votre agence en Bretagne? et d'en savoir un peu plus sur la formule que vous avez prevu pour vous deplacer sur place? ce sera peu etre aussi l'occasion d'echanger nos info sur l'organisation de ce parcours..
Merci
l'agence de voyage s appelle cook voyage, elle est basé à Morlaix et dans d'autres villes et régions je pense. Sur place nous nous déplacerons en bus, train, et peut ètre en avion (mais c'est peu probable). Cette agence est vraiment fiable, nous étions ravis des offres qu'ils nous ont proposé, cependant comme nous changeons de date le billet sera un peu plus cher maintenant, cad 790 euros, en départ de Paris vers Buenos aires et on rajoute 100 euros pour un retour avec une date flexible (date modifiable qu'une seule fois) de Bogota vers Paris.
Nous comptons partir vers mi novembre, nous n'avons pas envie de louper les baleines dans la baie de Valdes, et ensuite on remontera tout doucement.
Bon courage pour tes recherches, n'hésites pas si tu as besoin d'info peut etre qu on pourra de donner quelques réponses.
Camille er Jean phi
camille et j philippe
Le véritable voyage de découverte, ne consiste pas à découvrir de nouveaux paysages mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux;
Bonsoir,
Je viens de me connecter sur ce site et je lis votre message qui date du mois de janvier dernier.
Mon fils veut partir en Argentine à la fin du mois mais ne sait pas quand il va revenir : 6 mois, 1 an, plus ou moins.
Il serait intéressé par un billet open mais comment faire : ou se le procurer à meilleur prix ?
Si vous avez eu des réponses à vos questions, pourriez vous avoir la gentillesse de m'informer ?
Avec mes remerciements
Dominique
Que de monde en voyage!!!
C'était juste pour dire que nous aussi (Marie et Simon des Hautes Alpes) nous partons également fin aout début septembre pour 1 an en Amérique du Sud et Amérique Centrale.
Nous pensons arrivé à Quito, descendre de Quito à Ushuaia en vélo (pendant 6 mois) puis remonter à pied et en Bus la cote Atlantique.
D'ici là il faut à la fois organiser le voyage tout en restant concentré et motivé dans le travail...
Bon préparatifs à tous, et à bientôt peu être!!!
Simon et Marie
Marie et Simon (Gap-Hautes-Alpes)
Tour de l'Amérique du Sud à pied et en vélo
Salut vous,
je viens à vous, car mon ami et moi partons aussi en amerique du sud dans les jours qui suivent. Nous avons trouver des billets A/R, Marseille/Caracas pour 460 euros, pour une durée de 1 mois pour ensuite prendre le retour sur place. Nous voulons y rester plus d'un mois, en fait nous n'avons pas vraiment de date retour. Donc pour cela nous voulions voire les billets open à un prix interessant tout de meme!!! Car si nous devons reprendre un billet retour sur place, je pense qu'on paiera pas loin de 900 euros par pers entre l'aller et le retour!
Ma kestion est, combien de temps avez svous reservez les billets à l'avance pour obtenir un billet open interessant comme le votre?
Pensez vous qu'à qlques jours du départ nous pourrions trouver un billet open interessant?
En retour si vous avez quelquonque kestion, n'hesitez pas!!!!
Merci bcp d'avance,
Sandra et Toy
Vis comme si tu devais mourir demain, apprends comme si tu devais vivre toujours...
Boudha
nous avions réservé nos billets aller-retour 8 mois à l'avance, mais nous avons du racheter des billets, un peu plus chers, car notre voyage a été reporté.Je pense que vous allez payer beaucoup plus cher si vous ne prenez qu un billet aller et puis un retour à part, le mieux je pense c'est de vous renseigner avec une agence de voyage.
En espérant que j'ai répondu à vos questions...
bon voyage à vous en tout cas
camille et j philippe
Le véritable voyage de découverte, ne consiste pas à découvrir de nouveaux paysages mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux;
marrant, nous ne sommes que le 4eme couple a partir a peut pres aux memes dates pour l'amerique du sud et pour une periode d'environ 5-6 mois.
C'est top de voir que bcp de gens préparent le meme type de projet et partagent les memes questions entre la bretagne les hautes alpes, marseille et Barcelone pour nous!
Ce que j'ai vu de mon coté: caracas semble etre la porte d'entrée la moins chere du continent en ce moment d'après mes quelques recherches. pour les billets open j'ai l'impression que la bonne vieille agence de voyage s'impose, sur internet j'ai rien trouvé oublier l'aller simple c'est trop cher l'option double aller retour est pas mal, en effet je pense qu'on doit pouvoir trouver pour 900€ environ peut etre un peu moins... et c'est peut etre l'option la plus flexible
pour ce qui est du parcours de notre coté nous n'avons pratiquement rien prévu, nous passerons noel au bresil car nous y sommes invités, mais à part ca rien. Peut etre commencerons nous par le venezuela puis descente vers bresil et manaus, l'amazone, la coté atlantique, le mois de décembre entre rio, sao paulo et notre noel chez des amis. Puis argentine en janvier (bonne période??) et remonter tranquilou pour finir en mars avril a bogota ou a caracas suivant les billets.
qu'est ce que vous pensez de l'intinéraire? des suggestions? Les baleines, c'est ou et c'est quand?
on ne veut pas partir avec un programme bien défini mais en meme temps pour des soucis d'économie et pour éviter les gros ecueils et tenter d'optimiser un peu le voyage on ne peut pas faire sans un planning minimum!! ... si vous avez des suggestions... n'hésitez pas
Bonjour a vous,
vous avez du tous partir ou etes sur la point de partir pandemie ou pas.
Juste pour vous tenir informé, on vient de finaliser l'achat des billets. et on cloture a 1700 TTC par personne pour un circuit de 6 mois.
1/09/09 Départ AVION de paris pour quito, ensuite on reste en équateur 3 semaines afin de passer 12 jours au moins au galapagos
22/09/09: départ de Quito (equateur) vers Lapaz (bolivie) AVION 1 semaine dans la region du lac titicaca puis grande boucle a l'interieur de la bolivie pendant 3 semaines. avant de traverser du sud bolivie vers argentine, route des vins direction santiago.
19/10/09: arrivée Santiago. descente vers le sud chili region de l'ile de chiloe puis visite de la region des grands lac region de pucon argentine.
11/12/09: Puerto Montt vers buenos aeres (AVION) suivi de deux semaines dans la pampa region rosario santa fe. passage des fetes et du nouvel an a montevideo et buenos aeres.
05/01/09: AVION Buenos aeres vers el calafate ou rio galengos ville du sud argentine.
20/01/09 croisiere de pouerto natales a puerto Montt.
24/01/09: Puerto Montt vers santiago en AVION
25/01/09 retour de santiago vers paris AVION
Bon courage a vous
Si vous avez des info sur les croisieres aux galapagos catamaran 10 personnes max budget -de 1800 euro pour 8 jours et sur un club de plongee sur une des iles on est preneur
Bonjour à tous.
Vu que j'avais ouvert ce sujet, je me permets de le compléter par mon expérience personnel.
ça y est, nous avons enfin nos billets ! Après avoir bien cherché ( ...euh .... nous n'avons fait que deux agences de voyages !), nous avons opté pour l'agence Nouvelles frontières. Nous partons le 25/09/09 de Paris pour Buenos Aires, notre retour étant fixé le 6/04/10 pour un Lima-Paris. Toutefois, nous avons pris l'option d'une validité des billets sur un an, ce qui nous permet de changer notre retour en payant 100 euros (+ éventuellement la différence du prix de ce nouveau billet par rapport à celui du 6/04/10). Sans compter ces 100 euros, nous en avons eu pour 1040 euros par personne.
J ai du mal a me rendre compte si c est honnête ou non.
voila
bon voyage a tous
Il est vrai qu a premier abord l agence Cook voyage nous paraissait fiable. Toutefois deux semaines apres notre arrivee en Argentine, nous leur demandons de confirmer notre changement de date et là quelle surprise !!! ils nous annoncent que l on doit payer un autre vol retour, environs 650 euros/personnes. En fin de compte ils ont oublie de faire la demande de changement de date aupres de la compagnie du coup on doit repayer des billets retour. Nous sommes tres tres tres...en colere apres cette agence!!! Tout ca pour vous dire que cette agence, pour notre part, n a pas ete du tout a la hauteur. Mefiez vous!!!!!!!!
Camille et Jean phi
camille et j philippe
Le véritable voyage de découverte, ne consiste pas à découvrir de nouveaux paysages mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux;
Je compte partir en Bolivie 3 semaines en Avril et j'ai 2 questions: j'ai les vacances scolaires du 16/04 au 02/05 et je me demandais si la semaine en plus je…
Voyager à petits prix › Équateur / États-Unis · 7 replies
Nous partons pour l'Equateur en septembre 2015 au départ de Lyon. Etant donné les prix il est plus avantageux de passer en escale par les USA savez vous s'il…
Je suis en train d'organiser un voyage en Bolivie pour août 2014 et je me rends compte que: 1. le prix du billet d'avion est très élevé (le moins cher que j'ai…
Je souhaite partir cet été en équateur pour faire du bénévolat au sein d'une association. Je suis actuellement entrain d'éplucher tous les comparateurs pour…
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!
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)
I'd love some destination suggestions for a road trip from Nice to Livorno by car, including the routes, tolls to cross, distance, and estimated travel time. We're planning a 5-day trip, with 2 nights near Nice, 1 night along the way, and finally 2 nights in Livorno. There are 4 of us in a rental car, and we'd like to stay in either an apartment, a mobile home near the sea, or a campsite. Our budget isn't too extravagant!!!! We want to visit the Promenade des Anglais, and I've heard Menton is really interesting. Once we reach Livorno, we'll take the ferry to Corsica for 12 days with the same rental car. We're planning to leave the last week of May and the first two weeks of June 2026, so around 17-18 days total.
Thanks
Hello everyone,
We’re planning our next trip for this winter and need some advice to put it together. We’d love to avoid renting a car for the whole time. We visited southern Morocco back in 2011—our first trip as retirees! We loved the country so much, and now we’re heading back. Still focusing on the south, mainly for the weather. The plan is to travel down the coast from Essaouira to the Tighmert oasis at a relaxed pace. First question: is this doable without too much hassle using local transport? The idea of driving for the entire 6-week trip doesn’t really appeal to us. After that, we’d head to Ouarzazate, Skoura, the Todgha Gorge, Tinejdad, Erfoud, and then Marrakesh. I’d also like to visit the Fès region, which we can reach by train from Marrakesh. It’s a bit all over the place, and I’m realizing that as I write!
Thanks in advance for your valuable input! We haven’t booked flights yet or even decided on a starting point. The trip is planned from mid-January to the end of February. We know the end of the trip will fall during Ramadan.