Je viens d'improviser un voyage au Mexique pour fin de ce mois. Je vais voyager seul, en mode routard, donc auberges de jeunesse et bus essentiellement (mais possible de prendre un taxi de façon ponctuelle si ça me fait vraiment gagner du temps).
J'arrive le 21/03 à 18h à Cancun et je dois aller sur Mexico le 31/03 où je rejoins une amie qui vit là bas. J’enchaînerai ensuite avec Mexico et alentours, 1 semaine en roadtrip en basse Californie, 1 semaine chez d'autres potes à Ensenada et ensuite remontée à San Francisco 1 semaine pour voir un autre pote.
Ma question porte sur la période de 9-10j du 21/03 au 31/03. J'aimerais si possible visiter les classiques Yucatan et Chiapas.
Je ne sais pas trop quoi privilégier sans trop courir (mais je peux me lever tous les matins tôt ou prendre des bus de nuit). Ma préférence est à la nature, aux jolies villes, aux sites historiques, par contre la plage je m'en fiche totalement...
A la louche voici les destinations que j'ai identifiées et une idée macro de circuit... pourriez-vous m'aider sur ce premier jet? Je n'ai qu'une idée vague du temps nécessaire sur chaque site et des facilités de transport entre ces villes/sites. Je suis preneur de tout conseil! :)
21/03 : Arrivée Cancun 18h, bus direct pour Tulum, nuit Tulum
5 jours Yucatan pour un circuit jusque Merida :
22/03 : Tulum
23/03 : Tulum + Valladolid
24/03 : Valladolid / Ek Balam
25/03 : Chichen Itza (tôt matin) + Izamal et/ou Merida
26/03 : Merida
Vu que je m'en fiche de la plage, le passage par Tulum vaut-il la peine ou ne devrais-je pas me concentrer sur 5 jours entre Cancun et Merida sans passer par Tulum ?
Quel Cenote me conseillez-vous sur ce circuit?
Bus de nuit 26 au soir Merida - Palenque (arrivée 4h20 ou 6h50 du matin avec OCC)
4 jours Chiapas pour un circuit jusque Tuxtla
27/03 : Palenque
28/03 : trajet San Cristobal de las Casas + nuit SCdlC
29/03 : San Cristobal de las Casas
30/03 : Canyon del Sumidero
31/03 : Vol vers Mexico depuis Tuxtla dans l'après midi
Je suis ouvert à toute suggestion mais j'aimerais tant que possible garder la trame Yucatan + Chiapas pour voir Palenque et Chichen Itza. Et je pense que du coup je dois zapper tous les sites entre Merida et Palenque pour aller plus vite.
Suis actuellement au Mexique depuis un peu plus d'1 mois (enfin avec des incursions au Guatemala et Belize).
Pour répondre à certaines de tes questions :
À ta place je laisserai tomber Tulum. Je ne pense pas que ce soit un site archéologique majeur d'une part et d'autre part la présence de la plage fait que c'est TRÈS touristique.
Ça te dégagera du temps pour voir d'autres sites dans le Yucatan, je pense notamment à Uxmal qui est vraiment un site majeur.
Si tu aimes les jolies villes Campeche est aussi pas mal du tout.
Pour les cenotes ceux qui sont proches de Valladolid sont mes préfèrés mais je ne les ai pas tous vus. Ils sont accessibles en vélo.
Fait attention pas mal de bus (tous ?) font désormais un grand tour entre Palenque et sans Cristobal. Ils ne passent plus par la route directe car des indiens la bloquent (ou font payer des péages). Tu passeras par Villahermoza probablement. Vois une carte tu verras que ça rallonge drôlement. Mais san Cristobal vaut vraiment le coup à mon sens.
Voilà j'espère que ça t'aidera dans tes choix.
Didier
"Le monde vous traverse et pour un temps vous prête ses couleurs" (N. Bouvier)
Merci beaucoup pour ton retour. Je vais laisser tomber Tulum. Uxmal a l'air chouette, à voir si je ne perds pas de temps pour rallier Palenque de nuit (via Campeche par exemple, ou en revenant à Merida).
Nouveau circuit possible.
21/03 : Arrivée Cancun 18h, bus direct pour Valladolid (faisable? cf question ci-dessous).
22/03 : Valladolid (+ Cenotes, + EK Balam), nuit Valladolid
23/03 : Chichen Itza (tôt matin), bus vers Izamal, fin journée Izamal, nuit Izamal
24/03 : matin Izamal, bus vers Merida, nuit Merida
25/03 : Merida + Uxmal, nuit Merida
26/03 : Merida, trajet bus de nuit pour Palenque (arrivée tôt matin à Palenque)
27/03 : Palenque (ruines + Aqua Azul + Misol Ha), trajet bus de nuit vers SCDC
28/03 : SCDC et alentours , nuit SCDC
29/03 : SCDC et alentours, nuit SCDC
30/03 : Canyon del Sumidero, nuit SCDC
31/03 : Vol vers Mexico depuis Tuxtla dans l'après midi
Questions:
* Pour rallier Valladolid dès le 21/03, le dernier bus part depuis la gare de bus à 20h. Le trajet entre l'aéroport et la gare de bus est de 30min. Pensez-vous qu'en arrivant à 18h (avion à l'heure) j'aurai le temps de rallier directement Valladolid ou est-ce que c'est short? Normalement j'ai un poil de marge... Sinon combien me couterait un taxi aéroport Cancun jusque Valladolid?
* Est-ce que le passage par Izamal est indispensable? Ou y a t'il d'autres options sur cette phase Yucatan (autre que Campeche)? Entre Chichen Itza et Izamal, y a t'il des bus direct (je ne trouve rien sur les sites ADO et clickbus) ? Ou est-ce que je dois rentrer sur Valladolid?
* Si le trajet Palenque / SCDC n'est plus direct, comment visite t-on Agua Azul et Misol Ha? Est-ce faisable sur une journée en day trip en plus des ruines comme dans mon circuit précédent (je fais les ruines à l'ouverture).
* Que faire en priorité autour de SCDC? N'ai-je pas prévu un peu trop de temps à cet endroit et donc faire moins vite Palenque/alentours ou rajouter un stop sur le circuit Chiapas? Par exemple est-ce que j'ai le temps de passer au Canyon del Sumidero uniquement le 31/03 matin et rallier l'aéroport directement pour prendre un vol pour Mexico vers 15h?
Merci par avance, désolé pour toutes ces questions!
Désolé de ne pas répondre plus vite. Je bouge beaucoup en ce moment et pas trop de temps à consacrer à VF.
Suis en ce moment au terminal de bus de Cancun (ADO propose souvent le wifi gratuit dans les terminaux).
Pour ta 1ere question:
Je viens de questionner des chauffeurs de taxi. Ils ne peuvent pas donner un tarif ultra précis mais d'après eux le trajet aeroport-valladolid reviendrait à 3500 pesos soit ... cher ! (Plus de 150€).
Vu tes horaires, Rejoindre le terminal de bus à temps semble jouable, mais évidemment tout dépend des retards....
2/ je ne connais pas izamal. Je ne peux pas te renseigner
3/sur Palenque-SCDC
Les bus ado ne passent plus par cette route. Mais je sais que des minibus desservent agua azul. Je ne les ai pas empruntés mais il y a des agences qui proposent ça à Palenque. J'imagine qu'il est possible de continuer sur SC mais je ne peux en dire plus. Il doit y avoir une "taxe" à payer, au minimum.
4/le canyon en matinée puis l'aéroport dans la foulée ça me semble short. D'autant que l'aéroport est assez loin de Tuxtla.
Pour revenir à ce que dit Hasard85:
Sumidero n'est certes pas immanquable mais ça reste relativement impressionnant tout de même. Moi j'ai fait d'abord la route qui le surplombe (très peu de touristes) puis navigation sur la rivière (effectivement beaucoup de touristes).
Mais bon... Si tu ne comptes faire au Mexique que des choses sublimes où il n'y a pas beaucoup de touristes tu vas avoir vite fait le tour...
Voilà....
À plus peut être
Didier
"Le monde vous traverse et pour un temps vous prête ses couleurs" (N. Bouvier)
Au Mexique Il y a des choses sublimes touritisees d'autres non .Lexemple le plus frappant est Kalakmul dont On Nous rabat les oreilles à des kilomètres à la ronde et qui en dehors d une superbe vue sur La canopee ne possède aucune fresques ...alors que les sites d Hormiguero Et Balamku Dans le même secteur sont peu visites Et sont beaucoup plus intéressants d'un point de vue artistique...Quant à la biosphère ...elle sera passionnante dans -100 ans et. ne possède qu'un wsentier Par ailleurs intéressant x un kilomètre et demi.....
Je ne connais pas Agua azul situé à 5 kms de La route principales mais j'émets des réserves ..Par contre des collectivos plus i teressants Que Les bus sillonnent en journee l'itinéraire Palenque, ,Ocosingo Avec le site de Tonina sT Cristobal , Tuxtla Chiapas del Corso ....Oui Pour PalenQue Et sa forêt tropicale Je viens de passer une semaine à lhotel kin Ha mois cher sur Expédia .......À mon point de vue Il faut éviter de consommer du voyage même si son timing est limité ......
Merci tous les deux pour vos retours! Et Chouhibou, pas de souci pour ton délai de réponse, tu n'es même pas obligé de répondre hein! :)
Dans le Yucatan, j'ai décidé de visiter en étoile depuis Merida plutôt que de changer de ville tous les soirs et j'ai ajusté comme ceci:
21/03 : Arrivée Cancun 18h, bus pour Valladolid, nuit Valladolid
22/03 : Valladolid et alentours (Ek Balam, Cenotes), nuit Valladolid
23/03 : Chichen Itza matin, bus pour Merida, nuit Merida
24/03 : Merida, nuit Merida
25/03 : A/R Uxmal, nuit Merida
26/03 : A/R Izamal, trajet bus de nuit de Merida pour Palenque
27/03 : Palenque et alentours, nuit Palenque
28/03 : Palenque et alentours, trajet bus nuit to SCDC (ou de jour avec arrêt Tonina puis SCDC)
29/03 : SCDC et alentours, nuit SCDC
30/03 : SCDC et alentours, nuit SCDC
31/03 : SCDC, dans l'après midi vol vers Mexico depuis Tuxtla G.
Et au final j'ajusterai probablement sur place...
La principale inconnue est cette route entre Palenque et SCDC via Ocosingo, avec barrages fréquents. Je serais tenté de visiter Aqua Mizul et Misol Ha depuis Palenque. Mais pour Tonina je ne sais pas s'il faut que je visite depuis Palenque, depuis SCDC ou en faisant une pause en journée sur le trajet entre les deux villes (voire dormir à Ocosingo). Si quelqu'un a des avis et une bonne visibilité sur la situation là bas, je suis preneur...
Je dois passer à Valladolid d'ici qq jours. J'essaierai d'en savoir plus sur cette route et la possibilité d'y passer.
Je te tiens au courant.
Si pas de nouvelles de ma part c'est que je n'ai aucune info supplémentaire.
Didier
"Le monde vous traverse et pour un temps vous prête ses couleurs" (N. Bouvier)
Merci bien Didier, mais ne t'embête pas trop non plus, au pire je verrai sur place à Palenque ce que les gens en disent...
J'ai lu des posts récents sur trip-advisor concernant cette route, apparemment elle se fait bien depuis quelques semaines, mais il y a des blocages par intermittence (perte de temps et qqs dollars à lâcher mais rien de plus gênant).
Dans l'idéal je verrai Palenque le 27, j'y dors une nuit, puis je vais le 28 à Tonina et je dors à Ocosingo, enfin je vais le 29 tôt matin à SCDC pour y passer 2jours.
De Palenque à SCLc. En collectivo Il faut changer à Ocosingo.....du terminal Il faut aller en sens inverse pour prendre la rue qui va vers le centre.Un petit hôtel propre s y trouve très pratique ....Les collecivos Pour Tonina se prennent au marché ......apres le Zocalo.....Pour continuer sa route il faut retourner vers le terminal d'arrivée.....mLes. Ollecivos passent à environ 1 km de laeroport de Tuxtla.....possibilité d'y aller à pied ce que javais fait
Bonjour vous pouvez me guider dans mon itinéraire
nous prévoyons cet été avec 3 ados louer auto
22 nuits
isla holbox 5 nuits
mérida 3 nuits (ville uxmal cénotes)
palenque 3 nuits (site archéo- un jour pour agua azul et mi sol)
san cristobal 4 nuits (visite villages autour..)
san cristobal à calakmul 2 nuits (trop long itinéraire??? sinon comment retourner à tulum ?)
Tulum 5 nuits
nous souhaitons aller à san cristobal mais je vois beaucoup de route à l'horizon
et le retour à Tulum ou dormir sur la route ? est ce trop de se rendre à calakmul ?
nous pouvons faire un peu de route puisque nous commencons et terminer le voyage par la plage.
Difficile de conseiller Quand On ne connaît pas les goûts d'une personne.....Pour Moi alakmul est un détour inutile et coûteux de 126kms .vous avez plus près de La Grand route les sites de Balamku, Chicanna Et Bécan Pas Tres médiatisés et donc peu visites.....jNe surtout pas oublier Kohunlic.Vous pourrez dormir à Escaverga ou Xpujil.
Je prévois un gros voyage au Mexique et souhaitais avoir vos avis quant à l'itinéraire et les endroits qui remportent le coup de cœur de la communauté des…
Nous projetons un (premier) voyage pour mon épouse (pour mois il y a plus de 40ans!) au Mexique pendant 4semaines en janvier février 2020. Nous sommes des…
Je galere serieusement avec mon itineraire de 3 semaines, pas facile d'optimiser les deplacements afin de faire le moins de route possible. Je vous donne notre…
Nous sommes 2 seniors et partons en février, mode routard "adapté" Nous voyageons en bus et ne souhaitons pas voir trop de sites mayas (Palenque et Uxmal nous…
Nous désirons faire un voyage au Chiapas et Yucatan en octobre ou novembre 2019. Pensez vous qu'il soit bon d'avoir un guide autochtone? En connaissez-vous? le…
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?
Bonjour,
je doit me rendre 2 nuit par semaines à Paris ou Creteil, pendant 1 mois, je connait des backpackers pas cher, mais j aimerai encore moin cher, connaissait vous des chambre a louer au particulier ?
merci
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.
Could anyone tell me how to connect Central America (starting from which country and with which airline) to Martinique in the most budget-friendly way, please?
Flight duration and number of stopovers don’t matter.