Nous sommes deux couples rencontrés à Hanoï. Nous aimerions découvrir la baie de Halong, qui a l'air immanquable dans le coin. Mais nous avons un petit budget, disons maxi 100$ par couple. J'ai donc quelques questions :
- Que ne faut-il surtout pas manquer ? Peut-être avez-vous une suggestion d'itinéraire ? Combien de temps doit-on y passer ?
- Comment trouver un bon plan (par exemple, on m'a dit de me promener sur les quais et de demander aux locaux - est-ce facile à trouver ? - est-ce vraiment un bon plan ?) et que faut-il vérifier/demander pour éviter les mauvais plans ?
Nous aimerions découvrir la baie de Halong, qui a l'air immanquable dans le coin. Mais nous avons un petit budget, disons maxi 100$ par couple
Avec 100 USD par couple, vous ne pouvez pas faire une agréable croisière dans la baie d'Halong. Avec un tel budget, vous risquez de vous retrouver dans des jonques bas de gamme (nourriture basique, chambre insalubre - parfois avec des rats ...).
Mais je peux vous donner des info pour y aller quand même.
- Taxi Mai Linh pour la station de bus Luong Yên avant 7 H du matin (60 000 VND à partir de Hoan Kiem)
- Bus Hoang Long (départ à 7 H) pour Cua Ông, arrivée autour de 11 H (120 000 VND par personne)
- Bus local N° 01 pour Cai Rang (15 000 VND par personne)
- Bateau simple pour Quan Lan ou Speed Boat pour Minh Châu (100 000 VND par personne)
- Hôtel sur place : une chambre double pour 300 000 VND par nuit
Vous traversez les paysages karstiques de la Baie Bai Tu Long et vous pouvez bénéficier d'une très belle plage d'eau cristalline.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Pff... Bien sûr que si c'est possible de faire un croisiere tres sympa avec ce budget, si on ne cherche pas le luxe et le confort.
Il faut se rendre à Cat Ba, de hanoi forfait bus + bateau à environ 250K vnd il me semble.
Ensuite à cat ba vous pouvez trouver des bateaux privés, de mémoire à 3 on avait payé environ 75dolls par tete, sans négocier, à 4 ça baisse forcement. Pour ça on a eu 2 déjeuners, un diné, et un petit dej, départ environ 12H, retour 14h le lendemain.
Il faut demander aux hotels qui donnent sur le front de mer, j'ai perdu le numero de mon contact.
Concernant le plan d'Abalone, c'est sympa, mais ça n'a rien à voir avec une croisiere de 24H.
l baie d'Halong, c'est un endroit magique que l'on fait une fois dans sa vie. Alors, cela vaut le coup de dépenser un peu plus, quitte à réduire les dépenses ailleurs, sinon vous gâcherez une excursion exceptionnelle en ayant des services médiocres pendant 2 jours. Pour un peu plus que votre budget, si vous allez dans une agence SERIEUSE, vous pouvez réserver une croisière de 2 jours/1 nuit à bord tout compris (donc incluant les transferts AR Hanoi-Halong, qui prennent tout de même 6-7 heures). A partir de $65-75 par personne, c'est impec.
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Enfin ne pas croire que le prix est fonction de la qualité de la prestation, loin de là!
Et ça dépend de chacun, moi je recommande chaudement de se prendre un bateau privé, on va ou veut, on est pas emmerdé, c'est super pas cher, la nourriture était bonne, le confort suffisant meme s'il n'y a pas de cabine privée, seulement un grand carré et un "rooftop".
Oui, le bateau privé est le mieux, à condition de savoir a qui s'adresser vu que les arnaques pleuvent, la principale étant d'aller le moins possible à l'intérieur de la baie pour économiser du fuel !!!!! Dans le genre et sérieux, je ne connais que la jonque TUAN, super simple : un carré salon le jour.chambre la nuit, douche et WC démontables sur le pont), mais très sympa, avec d'excellents repas, et pas cher du tout si on la loue sur place à Cat Ba
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Ensuite à cat ba vous pouvez trouver des bateaux privés, de mémoire à 3 on avait payé environ 75dolls par tete, sans négocier, à 4 ça baisse forcement. Pour ça on a eu 2 déjeuners, un diné, et un petit dej, départ environ 12H, retour 14h le lendemain.
J'ai fait à peu près la même chose en 2009 et je pense que le tarif a plus que doublé.
Ayant pratiqué les croisières sous toutes les formules et dans toutes les baies (Halong, Bai Tu Long, Lan Ha), j'ai une nette préférence de la formule que j'ai évoquée précédemment, pendant les périodes estivales.
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Il faut se rendre à Cat Ba, de hanoi forfait bus + bateau à environ 250K vnd il me semble.
Ensuite à cat ba vous pouvez trouver des bateaux privés, de mémoire à 3 on avait payé environ 75dolls par tete, sans négocier, à 4 ça baisse forcement. Pour ça on a eu 2 déjeuners, un diné, et un petit dej, départ environ 12H, retour 14h le lendemain.
Tout compte fait, avec l'aller retour, cela revient à 100 USD par personne?
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Je confirme... Pour 75$ (tarif novembre 2011) tu peux obtenir une croisière de 24h00 et ce n'est pas le grand luxe mais ce n'est pas de la grosse merde non plus. J'ai rencontré beacoup de voyageurs qui le faisait au départ de Cat Ba qui semble plus approprié que la Baie d'Halong.
Sinon, ma soeur part en Juillet et suit le chemin d'Abalone qui semble 100x mieux que les circuits classiques! Je suis juste jaloux...
Le "chemin d'Abalone" c'est tres sympa, mais pas 100x mieux, c'est très différent, chacun ses critères...
@abalone: je sais plus les prix exacts donc j'ai preferé mettre la fourchette au dessus, mais je pense vraiment qu'on peut s'en tirer pour 75dollars max. trajet compris, voir moins si vous vous y rendez en moto (à ce sujet il faut bien prendre l'embarcadaire spécial pour moto, excentré du centre de haiphong) et puis comparer à un tour depuis hanoi, tu te rends quand tu veux à la gare routiere, et tu rentre quand tu veux, donc le trajet te permet de profiter de l'ile de Cat Ba, c'est plus rentable !
Moi 24h j'ai trouvé ça assez, faut pas oublié que ya rien à faire sur un bateau 😛
si vous vous y rendez en moto (à ce sujet il faut bien prendre l'embarcadaire spécial pour moto, excentré du centre de haiphong)
À propos de moto, je mets un grand bémol.
Je raconte souvent mes sorties en moto, mais uniquement aux endroits peu fréquentés par les camions et les cars de touristes. C'est très dangereux le long de la RN 1 et la route Hanoi - Halong - Haiphong et Quang Ninh - Thanh Hoa.
Le comble, 2012 c'est l'année de la Sécurité Routière au Vietnam. Les contrôles de police pour les infractions que pour les papiers (permis, carte du véhicule, assurance) sont omniprésents sur toutes les routes (toutes les 20 km sur certaines routes).
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
Ma soeur suit ce chemin car je ai fait la Baie D'halong et de Tulong sur une jonque privé (très cher +/-200$) et ce fut sympa mais j'étais déçu pour le rapport qualité/prix (je suis un mec simple) et le fait qu'on ne puisse pas naviguer dans toutes les eaux.
J'avais rencontré pas mal de gens qui l'ont fait comme toi qui semble plus approprié (partir de Cat Ba).
Mais Quan Lan en cette saison, c'est juste quasi inconnu des masses touristiques. Et les payasages et l'ambiance estivale, j'ai forcé ma soeur à emprunter ce chemin...
Haha, oui oui faites très attention à la police au Vietnam 😉
Bon je tiens pas particulièrement à lancé ici un débat sur la moto au Vietnam et serieusement la route est chiante et dangereuse en effet, hanoi cat ba comme hanoi ha long.
Le comble, 2012 c'est l'année de la Sécurité Routière au Vietnam.
Ha ha, quel cynisme ces vietnamiens. Tu vas voir qu'un jour ils vont nous faire une année de la démocratie, ou encore une année de la liberté d'expression...🤪🏴☠️
en fait la police n'arrete que les motards qui n'ont pas le casque.
mais les cars, camions et voitures qui roulent a font, doublent ne sont pas inquietes..
gasp
si vous n'aimez pas mes informations, ne les lisez pas, lisez autre chose, mais respectez les car elles serviront a d'autres
Je signale une petite chose très bien organisée, le barrage de police du samedi matin dans le virage avant d'arriver au marché de Can Cau. L'an dernier, arrêt de la 4x4 et amende de 20 000 dongs au chauffeur, il n'a pas encore compris pour quelle raison vu que tous ses papîers étaient en règle. Le mois dernier, c'est moi qui me fait arrêter en moto donc il semble bien que ce soit la norme du samedi matiin ! J'avais tous les papiers de la moto en règle et le casque car je m'attendais au barrage ; le flic a réussi à me sortir que la moto ayant été louée à Lao Cai, les papiers n'étaient pas valables car on était dans la commune de Bac Ha, donc 150 000 dong (ce qui prouve d'ailleurs que c'était vraiment du squeeze, le "'tarif" normal étant de 500 000 si on a vraiment tort, comme pas de casque ou de papiers en règle). 🏴☠️ J'ai donc immédiatement appelé qui il faut à Bac Ha ; je ne sais pas ce qui s'est discuté, mais le flic m'a fait de plates excuses en rigolant (il a même eu le culot de me demander de lui ramener une bouteille de soda du marché, ce que j'aurais fait mais je suis resté très longtemps au marché, donc, la période du squeeze matinal étant terminée, je les ai retrouvés dans Can Cau).
Donc, si vs allez à Can Cau un samedi matin en moto, attendez-vous au squeeze OU prenez la piste qui monte à gauche avant d'arriver à Can Cau, direction le village de LUNG SUI et vous redescendez dans la vallée de Can Cau en contournant le barrage (en plus, le détour est superbe).
Se méfier également des week-ends. Il y a 15 jours, barrage à la sortie de Thang Uyen sur la route Thang Uyen-Sapa et 500 000 dongs d'amende au chauffeur parce qu'il n'avait pas mis sa ceinture et moi non plus 😕 Des touristes en moto (et en casque) y ont eu droit aussi !!!!!
Bref, il y a toujours une bonne raison pour récupérer des dongs, c'est juste une question de négociation du montant sans s'énerver, ce qui est parfois très dur (ça commence généralement à 500 000 et ça se termine avec 150 000 ou 200 000)
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Beaucoup de choses sont étranges ici. En fait, le plus étrange en ce qui concerne se promener en moto est que c'est complètement illégal vu qu'il faut un permis viet (autre chose étrange : pourquoi diable le Vietnam est-il un des rares pays à ne pas reconnaître le permis international ?), mais que les agences de location de motos pullulent et que les flics vous rançonnent pour une toute autre raison, comme si le consensus était de ne pas mettre d'amende pour défaut de permis
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Salut !
La discussion a complètement dévié pendant notre absence, mais je fais quand même un retour sur notre petit périple dans la baie de Halong.
On a pris un tour dans l'hôtel Elizabeth, à Hanoï, pour 50 USD par personne pour 2 jours et 1 nuit dans le bateau. On avait choisi de partir avec Dugong, qui a de bons commentaires sur Internet. Mais le matin du départ, on nous a surclassé et on a finalement fait le tour avec Halong Party Cruize. Et du coup, on en a vraiment eu pour notre argent. Tout s'est déroulé exactement comme nous l'avait promis l'agence (vraiment très sympas d'ailleurs), on a super bien mangé, le guide parlait parfaitement anglais, la cabine était luxueuse, on a fait du kayak, de la pêche au calamar, un cours de cuisine, etc. Bon d'accord, on n'a pas eu un super temps, mais les paysages étaient quand même extraordinaires et on a passé deux très bons jours.
Bon voyage !
Lucky that we have a home/Our Home is Nha May Man/Passing rain and dry seasons/In a full-of-love atmosphere/Besides my new family/I have brothers and sisters/The sun shines over the skies/Let's stay here, with all of us,
After more than ten solo trips to India, I’ve decided to explore a new country: South Korea.
In October, I’ll be flying Lyon-Delhi, then in November Delhi-Seoul. I’ll be staying in this new (for me) country for over a month.
My main motivation when traveling is discovering a country through the people (locals) I meet. In India, I made friends through Couchsurfing that way.
I’m currently getting in touch with host families (via Servas), but if you have any ideas for authentic and budget-friendly accommodations, I’d love to hear them.
I’ll plan my route based on my hosts, and I’m also thinking of spending a few days in Seoul and Jeju.
Hi there,
I’m heading to the Greek island of Ikaria for two months and I’m looking for any tips or advice—especially on budget-friendly accommodation options like a room to rent or staying with locals. Thanks!
Hi everyone, I'm traveling solo in Spain for 8 days without a car, on a tight budget. What train/bus route do you recommend between cities, and where can I find the best prices? Looking forward to your tips! Thanks
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
