Les compagnies européennes pourraient disparaître d'ici vingt ans
by VoyageForum
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Faute de restructuration, les grands groupes comme Air France-KLM, Lufthansa ou British Airways-Iberia pourraient voir leur existence remise en cause face à la concurrence des low cost sur le marché intra-européen et des compagnies du Golfe ou d'Asie sur le long-courrier.
Lire la suite...
MyAtlas Group
VoyageForum.com · MyAtlas.com
Il faut dire que quand on compare le service des compagnies asiatiques par exemple avec les compagnies europeens type AF our BA les differences sont flagrantes. Ces 2 comagnies ont un enorme effort a fournir en terme de prestation tant au niveau de l'amabilite, flexibilite, et consideration du client en general. Perso je fais regulierement l'AR entre Sydney et Paris depuis 10 ans et avec des jeunes enfants depuis 5 ans, et je prends systematiquement Singapore Airlines ou Malaysia Airlines (un peu moins bien il faut admettre). Super aeroports, avions confortables, personnel navigant charmant, service impeccable, bref rien a redire. J'ai fait une fois le trajet sur AF et le stewart a soupire quand on lui a demande une nacelle pour le bebe, pour finalement la mettre en s'enervant, refus de faire rechauffer les plats du bebe etc...sur BA ils ont perdu mes valises et l'avion etait un vieux 747 en bout de route, personnel desagreable pour un prix exhorbitant!!
L'aeroport de Roissy CDG est une blague voire une honte quand on considere que la France est la premiere destination touristique au monde. Nous y etions le mois dernier en provenance de Kuala Lumpur qui a un aeroport ultra moderne et super agreable. On arrive a Paris, obliges de traverser des tunnels sous terrains glauques et mal eclaires pour finir sur des escalators dans des tubes en plastiques. Un groupe de jeunes touristes (la trentaine) devant nous rigolaient sur le cote tres "sixities" de l'aeropoprt...il serait temps d'investir et de moderniser tout ca!! Sinon en effet la concurrence va etre rude.
Il faut que l'Europe arrete de se reposer sur ses lauriers et ouvrent les yeux sur les pays voisins qui ont desormais plusieurs longueurs d'avance dans bien des domaines - ca serait interessant de voir dans les manuels scolaires francais comment sont definis aujourd;hui les pays d'Asie du sud est, toujours en PVD???
Bonjour ,
+1 , rien a dire de plus de ton analyse .
+1 , rien a dire de plus de ton analyse .
@+ , Marco .
On aura jamais assez de temps pour tout ce qu'on veut découvrir et comprendre dans nos voyages qu'on se le dise , Amis voyageurs .
Bonjour Marcetflo!
J'approuve totalement ton commentaire . Néanmoins , en Europe, on trouve quand meme de bons aéroports au détriment de ceux de Paris , tels que Heathrow, celui de Danemark ou encore ceux en Allemagne (Munich, Francfort...)
J'approuve totalement ton commentaire . Néanmoins , en Europe, on trouve quand meme de bons aéroports au détriment de ceux de Paris , tels que Heathrow, celui de Danemark ou encore ceux en Allemagne (Munich, Francfort...)
« On a deux vies. La deuxième commence le jour où on réalise qu'on en a juste une. »
en effet, le souci ce n'est pas tant de restructurer
ce qu'on ne peut pas changer en Europe, c'est la culture du service et le sens de l'hospitalité
quand tu vois que sur la Thai on t'accueille avec le sourire et une orchidée fraiche pour les femmes
je reviens d'un vol en classe affaires sur AF, la moitié de l'équipage tirait la gueule
ok le service était au rdv, mais certains n'étaient apparemment pas enclin à faire leur boulot avec la bonne humeur...
quand je lis l'avenir dans ma boule de glace fraise vanille, je vois les pays du golfe racheter des compagnies européennes 😉
CDG, le ou les architectes qui l'ont dessiné devaient être soit aveugles soit incompétents
la structure de l'aéroport est en contradiction même avec la logique pour n'importe quel passager
je ne comprends pas qu'on ne s'inspire pas des aéroports étrangers...
ce qu'on ne peut pas changer en Europe, c'est la culture du service et le sens de l'hospitalité
quand tu vois que sur la Thai on t'accueille avec le sourire et une orchidée fraiche pour les femmes
je reviens d'un vol en classe affaires sur AF, la moitié de l'équipage tirait la gueule
ok le service était au rdv, mais certains n'étaient apparemment pas enclin à faire leur boulot avec la bonne humeur...
quand je lis l'avenir dans ma boule de glace fraise vanille, je vois les pays du golfe racheter des compagnies européennes 😉
CDG, le ou les architectes qui l'ont dessiné devaient être soit aveugles soit incompétents
la structure de l'aéroport est en contradiction même avec la logique pour n'importe quel passager
je ne comprends pas qu'on ne s'inspire pas des aéroports étrangers...
c'est pas avec la "taxe chirac" que ça va s'arranger 😠
d'autant que l'augmentation de cette taxe n'est pas profitable à notre propre pays
Oui c'est vrai, c'est pour aider les plus pauvres.... Cela s'appelle la solidarité!
Oui c'est vrai, c'est pour aider les plus pauvres.... Cela s'appelle la solidarité!
Le drame de l'existence humaine est de devoir renoncer un jour à être dans la lumière - Hubert Reeves.
d'autant que l'augmentation de cette taxe n'est pas profitable à notre propre pays
Oui c'est vrai, c'est pour aider les plus pauvres.... Cela s'appelle la solidarité!
oui en effet, la solidarité, je n'ai rien contre... quand un pays peut se le permettre hein 🤪
c'est sûr que la France n'a pas de dette et que ses contribuables roulent tous sur l'or, au point de distribuer de l'argent aux autres, c'est bien connu...
quand Chirac a créé cette taxe, notre économie n'était pas comme celle qu'on connait maintenant...
ne viens pas faire de commentaire douteux sur la solidarité
c'est bien connu, être socialiste, c'est être généreux avec l'argent des autres...
Oui c'est vrai, c'est pour aider les plus pauvres.... Cela s'appelle la solidarité!
oui en effet, la solidarité, je n'ai rien contre... quand un pays peut se le permettre hein 🤪
c'est sûr que la France n'a pas de dette et que ses contribuables roulent tous sur l'or, au point de distribuer de l'argent aux autres, c'est bien connu...
quand Chirac a créé cette taxe, notre économie n'était pas comme celle qu'on connait maintenant...
ne viens pas faire de commentaire douteux sur la solidarité
c'est bien connu, être socialiste, c'est être généreux avec l'argent des autres...
Bonjour,
Je suppose que vous parlez de CdG Terminal 1 . Ou avez vous vu des tunnels glauques et mal eclaires car c'est le contraire, ils sont clairs et ont des tapis roulants ?
Et quand vous parlez des tubes en plastique vous me faites rire car ils n'ont rien d'antiques . Ils font plutot modernes et les etrangers sont assez etonnes dans ce decor futuriste .
Pour votre info le Terminal 1 est en cours de renovation .
Moi j'aime bien ce terminal car on ne fait pas des km de couloirs .
Mais il est de bon ton dans ce forum de denigrer CDG .
Cordialement
Absolument consternant d'égoïsme, mais bon....
Le drame de l'existence humaine est de devoir renoncer un jour à être dans la lumière - Hubert Reeves.
Absolument consternant d'égoïsme, mais bon....
en effet, c'est super égoïste de ma part d'avoir été volontaire 2 ans à la croix rouge, et depuis, de leur donner 100 euros par an, tout comme je donne 100 euros par an aux restos du coeur, et ce depuis 10 ans
à part ça oses m'appeler égoïste de ne pas vouloir taxer plus des billets d'avion au profit de pays étrangers 😠
je vais désormais ignorer tes propos, toi qui te permet de juger les autres sans savoir, je ne sais pas qui est le plus consternant...
en effet, c'est super égoïste de ma part d'avoir été volontaire 2 ans à la croix rouge, et depuis, de leur donner 100 euros par an, tout comme je donne 100 euros par an aux restos du coeur, et ce depuis 10 ans
à part ça oses m'appeler égoïste de ne pas vouloir taxer plus des billets d'avion au profit de pays étrangers 😠
je vais désormais ignorer tes propos, toi qui te permet de juger les autres sans savoir, je ne sais pas qui est le plus consternant...
"c'est bien connu, être socialiste, c'est être généreux avec l'argent des autres..." Disiez vous... Ignorez mes propos si cela vous chante. Je persiste à penser que lorsque l'on a la chance d'habiter dans un des pays les plus riches au monde et qui plus est; qu'on est prêt à dépenser de l'argent pour voyager, alors oui, on peut payer une bien maigre taxe pour aider ceux qui n'ont rien.
Le drame de l'existence humaine est de devoir renoncer un jour à être dans la lumière - Hubert Reeves.
n'importe quoi!
pourquoi la solidarité doit être une obligation, surtout payer pour des pays qui ne contrôlent pas leur démographie.
chacun son problème
n'importe quoi!
pourquoi la solidarité doit être une obligation, surtout payer pour des pays qui ne contrôlent pas leur démographie.
chacun son problème
Argument intéressant... J'en déduis donc que payer pour des pays qui "contrôlent leur démographie" ne te gène pas...
Argument intéressant... J'en déduis donc que payer pour des pays qui "contrôlent leur démographie" ne te gène pas...
Je persiste à penser que lorsque l'on a la chance d'habiter dans un des pays les plus riches au monde et qui plus est; qu'on est prêt à dépenser de l'argent pour voyager, alors oui, on peut payer une bien maigre taxe pour aider ceux qui n'ont rien.
Où avez-vous vu que la France était un pays riche? Le pays est endetté jusqu'au cou. L'état emprunte un peu plus chaque année, non pas pour financer les investissements mais pour payer les dépenses courantes comme par exemple les salaires des fonctionnaires. Le pays va dans le mur. Le PNB par habitant diminue. La France sera en faillite dans un avenir proche car incapable de contrôler ses dépenses.
Quant à aider ceux qui n'ont rien, ce nest pas la taxe Chirac qui aidera quelque pauvre que ce soit. Elle finance des organisations soit-disant humanitaires dont le seul but est d'exister au profit d'elles-même ainsi que leurs dirigeants.
Où avez-vous vu que la France était un pays riche? Le pays est endetté jusqu'au cou. L'état emprunte un peu plus chaque année, non pas pour financer les investissements mais pour payer les dépenses courantes comme par exemple les salaires des fonctionnaires. Le pays va dans le mur. Le PNB par habitant diminue. La France sera en faillite dans un avenir proche car incapable de contrôler ses dépenses.
Quant à aider ceux qui n'ont rien, ce nest pas la taxe Chirac qui aidera quelque pauvre que ce soit. Elle finance des organisations soit-disant humanitaires dont le seul but est d'exister au profit d'elles-même ainsi que leurs dirigeants.
" ne viens pas faire de commentaire douteux sur la solidarité "
dit-il le plus sérieusement du monde en ajoutant une ligne plus bas :
" c'est bien connu, être socialiste, c'est être généreux avec l'argent des autres... "
😇😏😐🤪😕
dit-il le plus sérieusement du monde en ajoutant une ligne plus bas :
" c'est bien connu, être socialiste, c'est être généreux avec l'argent des autres... "
😇😏😐🤪😕
What - Me worry ?
" Une vie réussie est un rêve d'adolescent réalisé dans l'âge mûr " (un autre Alfred ...)
La France sera en faillite dans un avenir proche car incapable de contrôler ses dépenses.
meme lointain ca n arrivera pas
il suffit d'un rien pour tomber dans un cercle vicieux...
la dette qui dérape encore, ce qui entraine forcément des emprunts à des taux plus élevés, donc plus d'endettement...
on ne fait que creuser nos déficits depuis 30 ans sans discontinuer...
enfin bon, augmenter encore une taxe dans les moments difficiles, c'est vraiment pas malin
bien sûr le montant n'est pas dramatiquement élevé, mais quand on voit qu'on est de plus en plus taxés de tous les côtés, au bout d'un moment, les montants s'additionnent...
meme lointain ca n arrivera pas
il suffit d'un rien pour tomber dans un cercle vicieux...
la dette qui dérape encore, ce qui entraine forcément des emprunts à des taux plus élevés, donc plus d'endettement...
on ne fait que creuser nos déficits depuis 30 ans sans discontinuer...
enfin bon, augmenter encore une taxe dans les moments difficiles, c'est vraiment pas malin
bien sûr le montant n'est pas dramatiquement élevé, mais quand on voit qu'on est de plus en plus taxés de tous les côtés, au bout d'un moment, les montants s'additionnent...
meme lointain ca n arrivera pas
Vous tenez cette information de source sûre? De gens qui savent comment continuer à financer les dépenses courantes avec de l'emprunt, comme un ménage qui financerait ses dépenses de nourriture, de loyer et d'habillement par un crédit revolving, sans parler du remboursement des intérêt d'emprunts en cours avec un nouvel emprunt?
Et qui de plus pour donner des gages de "sérieux" continuerait à augmenter ses dépenses de loisir et ses dons aux organisations caritatives, qui plus est aux plus corrompues d'entre elles?
Vous croyez quil va finir où le le ménage en question?
Pour un Etat c'est pareil, sauf que cest le FMI qui débarque quand le pays ne peut plus rembourser. Et la potion est amère. Les rodomontades des souverainistes n'y feront rien. Quand a besoin de prêteurs, on est pas souverain. .
Vous tenez cette information de source sûre? De gens qui savent comment continuer à financer les dépenses courantes avec de l'emprunt, comme un ménage qui financerait ses dépenses de nourriture, de loyer et d'habillement par un crédit revolving, sans parler du remboursement des intérêt d'emprunts en cours avec un nouvel emprunt?
Et qui de plus pour donner des gages de "sérieux" continuerait à augmenter ses dépenses de loisir et ses dons aux organisations caritatives, qui plus est aux plus corrompues d'entre elles?
Vous croyez quil va finir où le le ménage en question?
Pour un Etat c'est pareil, sauf que cest le FMI qui débarque quand le pays ne peut plus rembourser. Et la potion est amère. Les rodomontades des souverainistes n'y feront rien. Quand a besoin de prêteurs, on est pas souverain. .
"Quand vous devez 1000 EUR à la banque, elle vous tient à la gorge. Quand vous devez un million d'euros à la banque, c'est vous qui la tenez à la gorge". Ce qui est vrai pour un particulier est vrai aussi pour un pays, en ajoutant un certain nombre de zéros : la France est "too big to fail".
Redresser la barre n'en est pas moins très douloureux, mais il y a une énorme différence avec la cessation de paiement.
Pour revenir à l'objet du fil, ce dicton est moins vrai pour une entreprise comme une compagnie aérienne qui est beaucoup moins irremplaçable.
Redresser la barre n'en est pas moins très douloureux, mais il y a une énorme différence avec la cessation de paiement.
Pour revenir à l'objet du fil, ce dicton est moins vrai pour une entreprise comme une compagnie aérienne qui est beaucoup moins irremplaçable.
"Quand vous devez 1000 EUR à la banque, elle vous tient à la gorge. Quand vous devez un million d'euros à la banque, c'est vous qui la tenez à la gorge". Ce qui est vrai pour un particulier est vrai aussi pour un pays, en ajoutant un certain nombre de zéros : la France est "too big to fail". (...).
Je pensais comme vous, mais ...
La France en 1796 qui n'a pas remboursé les assignats et a refait faillite en 1812. La Russie en 1917.
Au 19ème siècle, une tripotée de pays ont fait faillite.
Plus récemment, pensez à l’Argentine. Niveau de vie supérieur à celui de l'Europe de l'ouest avant la dernière guerre. Pays le plus développé d'Amérique du Sud jusqu'à il y a peu. Puis déclin. Endettement. Monnaie trop forte pour les performances économiques du pays à cause de leur refus de se réformer pour cause de socialisme (appelé Péronisme là-bas) dominant....
Puis faillite retentissante en 1997. Les banques qui ferment, les émeutes. Les crédits étrangers qui se tarissent, car même too big, il y a un moment où les prêteurs arrêtent les frais.
Ca ne ne ressemble pas à un autre pays que vous connaissez?
Je pensais comme vous, mais ...
La France en 1796 qui n'a pas remboursé les assignats et a refait faillite en 1812. La Russie en 1917.
Au 19ème siècle, une tripotée de pays ont fait faillite.
Plus récemment, pensez à l’Argentine. Niveau de vie supérieur à celui de l'Europe de l'ouest avant la dernière guerre. Pays le plus développé d'Amérique du Sud jusqu'à il y a peu. Puis déclin. Endettement. Monnaie trop forte pour les performances économiques du pays à cause de leur refus de se réformer pour cause de socialisme (appelé Péronisme là-bas) dominant....
Puis faillite retentissante en 1997. Les banques qui ferment, les émeutes. Les crédits étrangers qui se tarissent, car même too big, il y a un moment où les prêteurs arrêtent les frais.
Ca ne ne ressemble pas à un autre pays que vous connaissez?
"Quand vous devez 1000 EUR à la banque, elle vous tient à la gorge. Quand vous devez un million d'euros à la banque, c'est vous qui la tenez à la gorge". Ce qui est vrai pour un particulier est vrai aussi pour un pays, en ajoutant un certain nombre de zéros : la France est "too big to fail".
Redresser la barre n'en est pas moins très douloureux, mais il y a une énorme différence avec la cessation de paiement.
Pour revenir à l'objet du fil, ce dicton est moins vrai pour une entreprise comme une compagnie aérienne qui est beaucoup moins irremplaçable.
c'est comme ça que la France et beaucoup de pays creusent leurs dettes...
ils empruntent pour rembourser des échéances
on pourrait comparer ça au surendettement des particuliers qui empruntent à des sociétés de crédit pour rembourser leur prêt de banque
sauf que n'arrivant pas à rembourser un prêt à 4 ou 5%, ils empruntent à plus de 10%...
et plus la note du pays est basse, moins le marché a confiance et donc plus les taux sont élevés
bien sûr que la France ne sera jamais en cessation de paiement, elle ne cesse d'emprunter, vu que chaque génération transmet sa dette aux suivantes, on en voit jamais le bout...
Redresser la barre n'en est pas moins très douloureux, mais il y a une énorme différence avec la cessation de paiement.
Pour revenir à l'objet du fil, ce dicton est moins vrai pour une entreprise comme une compagnie aérienne qui est beaucoup moins irremplaçable.
c'est comme ça que la France et beaucoup de pays creusent leurs dettes...
ils empruntent pour rembourser des échéances
on pourrait comparer ça au surendettement des particuliers qui empruntent à des sociétés de crédit pour rembourser leur prêt de banque
sauf que n'arrivant pas à rembourser un prêt à 4 ou 5%, ils empruntent à plus de 10%...
et plus la note du pays est basse, moins le marché a confiance et donc plus les taux sont élevés
bien sûr que la France ne sera jamais en cessation de paiement, elle ne cesse d'emprunter, vu que chaque génération transmet sa dette aux suivantes, on en voit jamais le bout...
bien sûr que la France ne sera jamais en cessation de paiement, elle ne cesse d'emprunter, vu que chaque génération transmet sa dette aux suivantes, on en voit jamais le bout...
Vous avez raison sur le processus de de surendettement.
Mais pour la cessation de paiements, comment pensez-vous que nos politiques pourront refiler l'addition aux générations à venir s'il n'y a plus personne pour prêter?
Il faudra bien dire au monde: sorry the game is over. On a zéro en caisse et on ne peut pas assurer l'échéance d'août. Voyez le syndic de faillite (le FMI).
Et à partir de ce moment, on paiera au cul du camion pour tout nos achats.
Vous avez raison sur le processus de de surendettement.
Mais pour la cessation de paiements, comment pensez-vous que nos politiques pourront refiler l'addition aux générations à venir s'il n'y a plus personne pour prêter?
Il faudra bien dire au monde: sorry the game is over. On a zéro en caisse et on ne peut pas assurer l'échéance d'août. Voyez le syndic de faillite (le FMI).
Et à partir de ce moment, on paiera au cul du camion pour tout nos achats.
Les grands groupes ont des alliances, ont des compagnies low cost en interne et pèsent très lourd. En cas de difficulté, ils peuvent racheter des concurrents, fusionner ou encore obtenir des subventions de l'Etat. Lorsqu'un marché évolue, les mastodontes sont souvent en difficulté et peuvent perdre leur statut de numéro 1? mais la plupart du temps, ils mettent les choses en place pour survivre.
Récits de voyage et conseils pour la préparation d'un tour du monde sur http://tour-monde.fr/
Les grands groupes ont des alliances, ont des compagnies low cost en interne et pèsent très lourd. En cas de difficulté, ils peuvent racheter des concurrents, fusionner ou encore obtenir des subventions de l'Etat. Lorsqu'un marché évolue, les mastodontes sont souvent en difficulté et peuvent perdre leur statut de numéro 1? mais la plupart du temps, ils mettent les choses en place pour survivre.
à part fusionner, de nos jours, aucun européen ou américain n'a les moyens de racheter un autre
ça s'est vu après le 11/9 aux US, et encore heureusement pour eux, les compagnies US ont pu être protégées par le fameux chapter 11
mais en Europe, tu vois que AF va mal et qu'Alitalia est au fond du trou
pourtant, bien qu'étant tous 2 dans Skyteam et malgré les rumeurs de rachat par AF, personne ne peut se permettre de s'offrir Alitalia
le gouvernement italien avait déjà injecté des sous, ce qui avait provoqué la grogne de Bxl...
à part fusionner, de nos jours, aucun européen ou américain n'a les moyens de racheter un autre
ça s'est vu après le 11/9 aux US, et encore heureusement pour eux, les compagnies US ont pu être protégées par le fameux chapter 11
mais en Europe, tu vois que AF va mal et qu'Alitalia est au fond du trou
pourtant, bien qu'étant tous 2 dans Skyteam et malgré les rumeurs de rachat par AF, personne ne peut se permettre de s'offrir Alitalia
le gouvernement italien avait déjà injecté des sous, ce qui avait provoqué la grogne de Bxl...
Oui, entre très gros, la fusion est plus crédibles que le rachat, c'est certain. Je parlais plus de rachat, ou de prise de participation, de certaines compagnies low cost. Ça ce n'est pas absurde !
Récits de voyage et conseils pour la préparation d'un tour du monde sur http://tour-monde.fr/
Argument intéressant...
J'en déduis donc que payer pour des pays qui "contrôlent leur démographie" ne te gène pas...
ce sont des pays adultes dans ce cas. j'ai pas envie de payer pour les enfants tiers-monde voilà
ce sont des pays adultes dans ce cas. j'ai pas envie de payer pour les enfants tiers-monde voilà
Argument intéressant...
J'en déduis donc que payer pour des pays qui "contrôlent leur démographie" ne te gène pas...
ce sont des pays adultes dans ce cas. j'ai pas envie de payer pour les enfants tiers-monde voilà
voilà, c'est dit🤪
ce sont des pays adultes dans ce cas. j'ai pas envie de payer pour les enfants tiers-monde voilà
voilà, c'est dit🤪
Le drame de l'existence humaine est de devoir renoncer un jour à être dans la lumière - Hubert Reeves.
"Quand vous devez 1000 EUR à la banque, elle vous tient à la gorge. Quand vous devez un million d'euros à la banque, c'est vous qui la tenez à la gorge". Ce qui est vrai pour un particulier est vrai aussi pour un pays, en ajoutant un certain nombre de zéros : la France est "too big to fail". (...).
Je pensais comme vous, mais ...
La France en 1796 qui n'a pas remboursé les assignats et a refait faillite en 1812. La Russie en 1917.
Au 19ème siècle, une tripotée de pays ont fait faillite.
Plus récemment, pensez à l’Argentine. Niveau de vie supérieur à celui de l'Europe de l'ouest avant la dernière guerre. Pays le plus développé d'Amérique du Sud jusqu'à il y a peu. Puis déclin. Endettement. Monnaie trop forte pour les performances économiques du pays à cause de leur refus de se réformer pour cause de socialisme (appelé Péronisme là-bas) dominant....
Puis faillite retentissante en 1997. Les banques qui ferment, les émeutes. Les crédits étrangers qui se tarissent, car même too big, il y a un moment où les prêteurs arrêtent les frais.
Ca ne ne ressemble pas à un autre pays que vous connaissez?
Bonjour,
Ces comparaisons historiques sont tentantes, mais elles négligent un facteur qui n'existait pas au 19° - début 20° : le risque systémique, cet effet domino qui ferait s'effondrer toutes les économies nationales si un pays de premier plan (les USA) ou de second plan (la France) se met en cessation de paiement. Par ailleurs, l'Argentine n'était pas "too big to fail".
Mais revenons au sujet (aérien), si vous le voulez bien ? 🙂
Je pensais comme vous, mais ...
La France en 1796 qui n'a pas remboursé les assignats et a refait faillite en 1812. La Russie en 1917.
Au 19ème siècle, une tripotée de pays ont fait faillite.
Plus récemment, pensez à l’Argentine. Niveau de vie supérieur à celui de l'Europe de l'ouest avant la dernière guerre. Pays le plus développé d'Amérique du Sud jusqu'à il y a peu. Puis déclin. Endettement. Monnaie trop forte pour les performances économiques du pays à cause de leur refus de se réformer pour cause de socialisme (appelé Péronisme là-bas) dominant....
Puis faillite retentissante en 1997. Les banques qui ferment, les émeutes. Les crédits étrangers qui se tarissent, car même too big, il y a un moment où les prêteurs arrêtent les frais.
Ca ne ne ressemble pas à un autre pays que vous connaissez?
Bonjour,
Ces comparaisons historiques sont tentantes, mais elles négligent un facteur qui n'existait pas au 19° - début 20° : le risque systémique, cet effet domino qui ferait s'effondrer toutes les économies nationales si un pays de premier plan (les USA) ou de second plan (la France) se met en cessation de paiement. Par ailleurs, l'Argentine n'était pas "too big to fail".
Mais revenons au sujet (aérien), si vous le voulez bien ? 🙂
et plus la note du pays est basse, moins le marché a confiance et donc plus les taux sont élevés
Au milieu du fatras "économiste" que l'on peu lire dans cette discussion, et auquel répondre n'a aucun intérêt, je note juste ce mensonge là...
Sache la perte du fameux AAA l'an dernier n'a pas fait augmenter les taux des prêts que lève l'état français, il y a même eu des emprunts court terme fait à taux négatif... Renseigne toi...
On peut être incompétent en économie, c'est mon cas. On peut avoir des idées arrêtées sur cette "crise", c'est mon cas. Mais pour oser en parler il vaut mieux se documenter un peu.. Ça évite de dire des inepties factuelles, même si ça n'évite pas les inepties conceptuelles...
Au milieu du fatras "économiste" que l'on peu lire dans cette discussion, et auquel répondre n'a aucun intérêt, je note juste ce mensonge là...
Sache la perte du fameux AAA l'an dernier n'a pas fait augmenter les taux des prêts que lève l'état français, il y a même eu des emprunts court terme fait à taux négatif... Renseigne toi...
On peut être incompétent en économie, c'est mon cas. On peut avoir des idées arrêtées sur cette "crise", c'est mon cas. Mais pour oser en parler il vaut mieux se documenter un peu.. Ça évite de dire des inepties factuelles, même si ça n'évite pas les inepties conceptuelles...
(...) On peut être incompétent en économie, c'est mon cas. On peut avoir des idées arrêtées sur cette "crise", c'est mon cas. Mais pour oser en parler il vaut mieux se documenter un peu.. (...)
Au pays de aveugles les borgnes sont rois.
La France emprunte (pour l'instant) à bas taux, car la quantité épargne n'est pas illimitée. Les pays à risque jouant un rôle de repoussoir, l'Allemagne n'étant plus emprunteuse, il reste le moins mauvais des mauvais élève: la France.
Reste que l'échéance arrive.
Quand la France aura atteint un niveau de dette tel que sa capacité à assurer le service de celle-ci sera mise en doute, les prêteurs fuirons.
Et kaboom!
Au pays de aveugles les borgnes sont rois.
La France emprunte (pour l'instant) à bas taux, car la quantité épargne n'est pas illimitée. Les pays à risque jouant un rôle de repoussoir, l'Allemagne n'étant plus emprunteuse, il reste le moins mauvais des mauvais élève: la France.
Reste que l'échéance arrive.
Quand la France aura atteint un niveau de dette tel que sa capacité à assurer le service de celle-ci sera mise en doute, les prêteurs fuirons.
Et kaboom!
pour revenir au sujet initial
a lire .... attention 144 pages
http://www.strategie.gouv.fr/system/files/cgsp_rapport_compagnies_aeriennes_12072013_0.pdf
c'est assez bien documenté et il y a d'autres scénarios que la disparition des majors européennes ... et pourquoi pas la disparition du low cost "exteme " qui "cannibalise " le transport aérien
c'est assez bien documenté et il y a d'autres scénarios que la disparition des majors européennes ... et pourquoi pas la disparition du low cost "exteme " qui "cannibalise " le transport aérien
Bon voyage et surtout voyagez zen!
Michel France (85)
Merci Michel, pour ce qui semble être de l'info sérieuse !
Je vais faire ce que la plupart ne font pas ici : me documenter, me construire une opinion objective avant que de m'exprimer... ;)
Revenons au coeur du sujet.
Les compagnies européennes pourraient disparaitre, certainement, mais ce n'est à souhaiter à personne. Il faut que KLM-AF, LUFTH, BA continuent à vivre, pour maintenir des compagnies européennes c'est indispensable à mon sens.Il faut penser aux emplois directs et indirects.
Il faut de la concurrence, vous allez me répondre oui mais les billets AF sont excessifs.
POURQUOI les billets AF sont excessifs? Sur votre prochain billet regardez le prix du billet puis les taxes.Nous sommes trop taxés la CONCURRENCE EST FAUSSEE (et on augmente la taxe Chirac, c'est aberrant)
Savez-vous que si AF déménageait son siège social à Amsterdam elle ramènerait son déficit à zéro. (incroyable mais vrai)
La concurrence, parlons-en, par rapport à Ryanair, pas de charges (ou très peu), conditions de travail (quel français accepterait, sous-payé, viré du jour au lendemain, pas de syndicat pour se défendre un minimum, je ne parle pas des syndicats extrémistes))et toutes les subventions payées par les chambres de commerce, les conseils généraux (heureusement certains commencent à se rebiffer) donc l'argent du contribuable.
La concurrence par rapport aux compagnies du golfe (Emirates, Quatar Aiways, Ethihad, etc) est-elle juste? Ce ne sont pas des sociétés mais des compagnies étatiques qui vivent avec notre argent (quand vous faites le plein) pas de charges exorbitantes, pas d'impôts à payer, rien.Et en plus nos hautes autorités acceptent qu'elles viennent concurrencer les lignes AF sous prétexte de vendre des avions de chasse ou des chars.
Et quand ces compagnies du golfe auront englouti tous les transporteurs européens, ils fixeront les tarifs, vous n'aurez plus que les yeux pour pleurer.
Comparer le personnel de bord, on ne pourra jamais comparer les européens avec les asiatiques, c'est dans leur nature, ils sont comme ça, souriants, accueillants, gentils.Et vous passagers français, êtes-vous toujours aimable, poli, souriants?Ou râleur?
La commission européenne qui parle toujours de libre concurrence, que fait-elle?Rien!
Et nos gouvernants qui ne connaissent qu'un mot: TAXES!TAXES!ET ENCORE TAXES!
Quand on achète son billet d'avion, il n'y a pas que le prix, la durée du voyage est un facteur important.Entre 20H de voyage et parfois 30 ou 35h avec 3 escales où l'on traîne toute la journée dans une aérogare, c'est pas pareil.
certes nos politiques sont des boulets qui plombent la compétitivité des compagnies européennes
mais à un moment aussi, il faut arrêter de chouiner en montrant les compagnies du Golfe du doigt, le déclin des industries européennes ne sont liées qu'à de mauvaises décisions
quand je vois que les constructeurs français pleurent et accusent l'arrêt des primes gouvernementales pour expliquer la chute de leurs ventes
la réalité, c'est juste que les voitures françaises sont merd***** comparées aux allemandes et aux asiatiques
le problème c'est que les patrons français refusent de se sortir les doigts du fondement, de se remettre en question
quand on voit que De Juniac vit dans son monde de bisounours... des prix en hausse pour des prestations moyennes, des sièges qui ne rivalisent pas avec les concurrents et qui, une fois achetés, ne sont pas changés avant de nombreuses années, des salons rénovés jolis mais vides de services
puis enfin, il y a toujours une lutte constante entre patronat et syndicats...
l'échec des compagnies européennes n'est liée qu'à un problème de mentalité
mais à un moment aussi, il faut arrêter de chouiner en montrant les compagnies du Golfe du doigt, le déclin des industries européennes ne sont liées qu'à de mauvaises décisions
quand je vois que les constructeurs français pleurent et accusent l'arrêt des primes gouvernementales pour expliquer la chute de leurs ventes
la réalité, c'est juste que les voitures françaises sont merd***** comparées aux allemandes et aux asiatiques
le problème c'est que les patrons français refusent de se sortir les doigts du fondement, de se remettre en question
quand on voit que De Juniac vit dans son monde de bisounours... des prix en hausse pour des prestations moyennes, des sièges qui ne rivalisent pas avec les concurrents et qui, une fois achetés, ne sont pas changés avant de nombreuses années, des salons rénovés jolis mais vides de services
puis enfin, il y a toujours une lutte constante entre patronat et syndicats...
l'échec des compagnies européennes n'est liée qu'à un problème de mentalité
Un problème de mentalité en effet et d'adaptation à l'évolution du transport aérien...
Un nouveau plan de licenciement est prévu prochainement et celui-ci visera cette fois-ci HOP!...
Lufthansa, bien que déficitaire, a l'air d'anticiper l'avenir en développant à la vitesse grand V sa filiale low cost Germanwings, ce qui n'est pas le cas d'Air France-KLM avec Transavia...
HOP!, une compagnie low cost avec types d'appareils : ça ne paraît pas viable du tout. À voir son évolution dans les prochains mois.
Air France a du travail à faire, mais il faut dire que les compagnies du Golfe ont un avantage exclusif : le pétrole à moindre coût et le fait d'appartenir à des pays émergents.
Lufthansa, bien que déficitaire, a l'air d'anticiper l'avenir en développant à la vitesse grand V sa filiale low cost Germanwings, ce qui n'est pas le cas d'Air France-KLM avec Transavia...
HOP!, une compagnie low cost avec types d'appareils : ça ne paraît pas viable du tout. À voir son évolution dans les prochains mois.
Air France a du travail à faire, mais il faut dire que les compagnies du Golfe ont un avantage exclusif : le pétrole à moindre coût et le fait d'appartenir à des pays émergents.
Houlà là! Tu n'as visiblement pas compris la ligne éditoriale de ce forum. Je te rappelle qu'ici le principe c'est qu'AIR FRANCE est nulle quoiqu'il arrive alors que les compagnies du Golfe sont en tous points absolument géniales😐
De même, fait très attention à ne pas dire ici du mal de RYANAIR au risque de déclencher 3 ou 4 pages de réactions indignées.
À part cela, tu peux avoir un avis 😉 Bon courage.
Le drame de l'existence humaine est de devoir renoncer un jour à être dans la lumière - Hubert Reeves.
Houlà là! Tu n'as visiblement pas compris la ligne éditoriale de ce forum. Je te rappelle qu'ici le principe c'est qu'AIR FRANCE est nulle quoiqu'il arrive alors que les compagnies du Golfe sont en tous points absolument géniales😐
Bonjour,
Pour information, nous n'avons aucune ligne éditoriale quant à Air France et sa politique. Idem d'ailleurs pour ce qui concerne les autres compagnies aériennes.
Michel; administrateur VF
Bonjour,
Pour information, nous n'avons aucune ligne éditoriale quant à Air France et sa politique. Idem d'ailleurs pour ce qui concerne les autres compagnies aériennes.
Michel; administrateur VF
MyAtlas Group
VoyageForum.com · MyAtlas.com
Vous êtes bien le seul à ne pas la voir😠.
Le drame de l'existence humaine est de devoir renoncer un jour à être dans la lumière - Hubert Reeves.
Je crois que vous confondez "ligne éditoriale" et "avis des personnes"; ce qui n'est pas du tout la même chose.
Michel; administrateur VF
Michel; administrateur VF
MyAtlas Group
VoyageForum.com · MyAtlas.com
Log in first, then come back to this page.
You might also like
How to nail your trek in wet climates: which pants keep you truly dry?
Densha Otaku - Lesser-Known Regions
Two weeks under the Puglia sun
Back to Swedish Lapland: Trekking the Kungsleden and Crossing Sarek
Off on a winter adventure in the American West!
3 weeks in Laos, stress-free
Draw Me Your Japan...
South Africa in safari mode: February/March 2026
More discussions
Hi everyone,
We’ve noticed some issues with sending out the newsletters. For those of you who are subscribed, could you let us know if you didn’t receive the one for December 2025? The January newsletter will be sent out this week, so if you don’t get it, please let us know as well.
Thanks for your cooperation. The VF team.
We’ve noticed some issues with sending out the newsletters. For those of you who are subscribed, could you let us know if you didn’t receive the one for December 2025? The January newsletter will be sent out this week, so if you don’t get it, please let us know as well.
Thanks for your cooperation. The VF team.
If you're planning your trips for 2026, Bruno Maltor's latest video should catch your interest. The travel tips YouTuber lists about ten destinations that could seriously complicate your stay this year.
What to expect in 2026
Without giving everything away, here are a few hints about what might ruin your trip:
- Major construction projects turning some cities into work zones (Olympics, infrastructure, etc.)
- Iconic sites under scaffolding – yes, even world-famous landmarks
- Major sporting events causing prices to skyrocket and accommodations to fill up
- Formerly affordable destinations now priced out of reach
- New tourist restrictions in cities that can’t handle any more visitors
- Concerning health or logistical situations in certain countries
10 destinations scrutinized
Bruno Maltor breaks down the cases of Los Angeles, Athens, Barcelona, Hallstatt, Vancouver, Cuba, Argentina, Kyoto, the Canary Islands, and Cairo in his video. For each, he explains exactly what the issues are and whether they’re temporary or structural.
Watch the full video.
Dear community members,
For years, we’ve shared our stories, tips, and travel mishaps here. That’s the strength of our forum. However, we’ve noticed a trend: more and more travelers find themselves stuck with critical questions that need an immediate answer.
Sometimes, a post on the forum takes a few hours or even days to get the right response. When you’re traveling, you don’t always have that time—nor do you when you come across a great deal that’s only available for a few hours for booking. Some questions also go unanswered.
Why a WhatsApp group? To complement our discussions here, we’ve decided to launch a WhatsApp support group. The idea is simple: provide an instant communication channel for those who need reliable info, right away. Locals with real-time access to information can answer your questions.
What you’ll find there:
Answers to your specific destination questions: Unsure about a document? Ask your question live. On-the-ground alerts: Last-minute updates on border openings or transport conditions. No promotional content: we focus on your questions
How to join us?
The group is open to all forum members. Whether you’re in the middle of planning or already on the road with your backpack, this thread is here to help keep you safe.
Join the WhatsApp support thread here
Note: We’ll of course continue exchanging long stories and in-depth advice on the forum, but for urgent or technical/logistical questions, we’ll see you on WhatsApp!
Why a WhatsApp group? To complement our discussions here, we’ve decided to launch a WhatsApp support group. The idea is simple: provide an instant communication channel for those who need reliable info, right away. Locals with real-time access to information can answer your questions.
What you’ll find there:
Answers to your specific destination questions: Unsure about a document? Ask your question live. On-the-ground alerts: Last-minute updates on border openings or transport conditions. No promotional content: we focus on your questions
How to join us?
The group is open to all forum members. Whether you’re in the middle of planning or already on the road with your backpack, this thread is here to help keep you safe.
Join the WhatsApp support thread here
Note: We’ll of course continue exchanging long stories and in-depth advice on the forum, but for urgent or technical/logistical questions, we’ll see you on WhatsApp!
Dear members, dear travelers,
The whole team sends you our best wishes for this new year. We hope you’ll have unexpected roads, light backpacks, and above all, that joy of sharing that keeps our community’s heart beating.
Independence comes at a cost (but it’s priceless)
The year that just ended was decisive. We made a strong choice: to keep VoyageForum and MyAtlas independent.
In concrete terms, this means:
Zero selling of your personal data. No invasive advertising. Content that belongs to travelers, not algorithms.
The reality of the numbers: why we need you To be completely transparent with you, running a platform like ours—covering hosting, data security, moderation, and the technical team that supports us—costs 10,000 € per month. The 2026 goal: The site in your pocket Your support will go toward a major priority you’ve often asked for: making VoyageForum and MyAtlas more mobile-friendly. We want to develop a seamless smartphone experience so you can check tips and share your stories more easily. To maintain this standard, we’ve invested a lot technically and personally. But today, to keep the adventure going in 2026 without compromise, we need you. How can you help? (The price of a coffee every two months) The most direct way to support us is to subscribe to the MyAtlas membership for 19 € per year. To do this, you’ll first need to create a MyAtlas account before subscribing. This isn’t just a subscription to a travel journal tool—it’s an act of support to keep VoyageForum’s infrastructure online, secure, and thriving. Today, we’re a community of 100,000 active members. If just 10% of you choose to support us through the MyAtlas membership, VoyageForum’s future isn’t just secure—we’ll finally be able to invest in what you’ve been missing most. Let’s co-build 2026 Beyond the financial aspect, we want 2026 to be the year of dialogue.
What features are you waiting for? What are your concerns or desires for the forum? Are you a pro (tech, tourism, content) and want to lend a hand?
Write to us at service@myatlas.com—we read everything. VoyageForum has existed by and for you for years. Thank you for being its pillars. Wishing you all wonderful end-of-year celebrations, The VoyageForum & MyAtlas Team
Photo credit: Yonhap - Santa Clauses on Mount Bukhansan, Seoul
Zero selling of your personal data. No invasive advertising. Content that belongs to travelers, not algorithms.
The reality of the numbers: why we need you To be completely transparent with you, running a platform like ours—covering hosting, data security, moderation, and the technical team that supports us—costs 10,000 € per month. The 2026 goal: The site in your pocket Your support will go toward a major priority you’ve often asked for: making VoyageForum and MyAtlas more mobile-friendly. We want to develop a seamless smartphone experience so you can check tips and share your stories more easily. To maintain this standard, we’ve invested a lot technically and personally. But today, to keep the adventure going in 2026 without compromise, we need you. How can you help? (The price of a coffee every two months) The most direct way to support us is to subscribe to the MyAtlas membership for 19 € per year. To do this, you’ll first need to create a MyAtlas account before subscribing. This isn’t just a subscription to a travel journal tool—it’s an act of support to keep VoyageForum’s infrastructure online, secure, and thriving. Today, we’re a community of 100,000 active members. If just 10% of you choose to support us through the MyAtlas membership, VoyageForum’s future isn’t just secure—we’ll finally be able to invest in what you’ve been missing most. Let’s co-build 2026 Beyond the financial aspect, we want 2026 to be the year of dialogue.
What features are you waiting for? What are your concerns or desires for the forum? Are you a pro (tech, tourism, content) and want to lend a hand?
Write to us at service@myatlas.com—we read everything. VoyageForum has existed by and for you for years. Thank you for being its pillars. Wishing you all wonderful end-of-year celebrations, The VoyageForum & MyAtlas Team
Photo credit: Yonhap - Santa Clauses on Mount Bukhansan, Seoul
VoyageForum celebrates its 1-year reopening with MyAtlas!
Thanks for this amazing year—you’ve come back with unforgettable travel stories shared on VoyageForum, swapped tips, and dreamed up new adventures... What if now’s the time to bring them to life in a different way?
To celebrate this first milestone, MyAtlas and VoyageForum, still united, are offering you a sweet discount on your photo book.
😉 On November 27 & 28, 2025, take advantage of the huge 30% off promo on printing your MyAtlas photo book with the code 1ANVF30.
To use this code, discover MyAtlas—a simple and intuitive space to relive your adventures: - Open your MyAtlas account for free - Create your first travel journal with 150 free photo imports.
You upload your photos & videos from your computer, write about your stops and anecdotes, and in just a few clicks, you can turn your best memories into a gorgeous printed photo book—and don’t forget the code 1ANVF30!
🎁 It’s the perfect time to bring your stories back to life, immortalize your favorite landscapes, or turn them into a unique gift to tuck under the tree. Because a memory you revive is like setting off again—and there’s no gift more precious than that.
To celebrate this first milestone, MyAtlas and VoyageForum, still united, are offering you a sweet discount on your photo book.
😉 On November 27 & 28, 2025, take advantage of the huge 30% off promo on printing your MyAtlas photo book with the code 1ANVF30.
To use this code, discover MyAtlas—a simple and intuitive space to relive your adventures: - Open your MyAtlas account for free - Create your first travel journal with 150 free photo imports.
You upload your photos & videos from your computer, write about your stops and anecdotes, and in just a few clicks, you can turn your best memories into a gorgeous printed photo book—and don’t forget the code 1ANVF30!
🎁 It’s the perfect time to bring your stories back to life, immortalize your favorite landscapes, or turn them into a unique gift to tuck under the tree. Because a memory you revive is like setting off again—and there’s no gift more precious than that.
The end of a golden age
For years, travel forums embodied the spirit of mutual aid on the web. Travelers generously shared their experiences, tips, and secret spots. This collective generosity seemed endless. But behind this altruistic facade lay a more complex reality.
The silent infiltration of forums Free travel forums have gradually become marketing hunting grounds. Under the guise of "experienced travelers," professionals in tourism, affiliates seeking commissions, or aspiring influencers testing monetization strategies now lurk.
These fake profiles master the community’s codes. They build credibility by answering dozens of basic questions before subtly slipping in their paid recommendations. A "favorite" hotel mentioned insistently, an "essential" guidebook systematically cited, an "extraordinary" local agency that keeps coming up in conversations.
New travelers can no longer tell the difference between selfless advice and disguised promotion. This informational pollution has gradually eroded the trust that gave these platforms their value.
The rise of paid Travel Planners Faced with this decline, a new profession has emerged: the independent Travel Planner. These professionals fully embrace their commercial status and charge for personalized advice.
The model is transparent: you pay for real expertise, tailor-made itineraries, and guaranteed availability. Some offer packages for 150-300 € to plan a two-week trip entirely. Others charge by the hour.
This professionalization marks a turning point. Travel advice is leaving the realm of volunteerism and entering the world of paid services. Paradoxically, this acknowledged monetization can restore a form of trust: you know what you’re paying for.
The irruption of artificial intelligence But now, a third option is emerging: generative AI. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others can now generate travel itineraries in seconds, for free, with no commercial agenda.
AI promises neutral, synthetic, endlessly customizable information. It compiles thousands of sources in real time, suggests alternatives, and adapts recommendations to your budget and time constraints. It doesn’t sell anything, earns no commissions, and has no hotels to promote.
But this apparent neutrality hides its own limitations. AI feeds on existing data, often from the same polluted forums or marketing content. It can invent restaurants that don’t exist, mix up tourist seasons, or ignore recent local realities. It has never walked a city’s streets, negotiated with a tuk-tuk driver, or felt the atmosphere of a neighborhood at nightfall.
The forgotten alternative: authentic local experts In this landscape saturated with dubious information, imperfect AI, and monetized services, one often-overlooked option remains: consulting real local professionals.
Not the agencies at the top of Google’s first page—often the most expensive and generic. But small local businesses, independent guides established for years, still-free municipal tourism offices, and cultural associations organizing themed tours.
These players offer what neither AI nor forums can: embodied, up-to-date, contextualized knowledge of the area. They know the newly opened restaurant, the museum temporarily closed for renovations, the impromptu weekend festival, or the alternative route to avoid construction.
Finding them takes extra effort. You have to search in the local language, look beyond the first page of results, check regional institutional websites, and join community Facebook groups. But this approach is often rewarded with free or low-cost advice of unmatched precision.
Toward an ecology of travel advice The future of travel advice likely won’t be binary but hybrid. AI can rough out itineraries, propose logistical options, and compare alternatives. Travel Planners can refine, personalize, and reassure anxious travelers. Local experts can enrich, correct, and ground advice in on-the-ground reality.
But for this ecosystem to work, we’ll need to develop new discernment. Learn to spot fake profiles on forums. Systematically verify AI suggestions. Assess the real value of a Travel Planner before paying. And, above all, rediscover the habit of contacting those who live there directly.
Travel has always been a school of discernment. It teaches us to distinguish the authentic from the fake, sincere advice from commercial manipulation. In the digital age, this skill becomes more crucial than ever.
Because ultimately, the real question isn’t which information source to prioritize, but how to cultivate our own ability to evaluate, cross-check, and ultimately make informed choices. The best travel guide may still be our critical thinking.
Photo credit: Arakis Travel
The silent infiltration of forums Free travel forums have gradually become marketing hunting grounds. Under the guise of "experienced travelers," professionals in tourism, affiliates seeking commissions, or aspiring influencers testing monetization strategies now lurk.
These fake profiles master the community’s codes. They build credibility by answering dozens of basic questions before subtly slipping in their paid recommendations. A "favorite" hotel mentioned insistently, an "essential" guidebook systematically cited, an "extraordinary" local agency that keeps coming up in conversations.
New travelers can no longer tell the difference between selfless advice and disguised promotion. This informational pollution has gradually eroded the trust that gave these platforms their value.
The rise of paid Travel Planners Faced with this decline, a new profession has emerged: the independent Travel Planner. These professionals fully embrace their commercial status and charge for personalized advice.
The model is transparent: you pay for real expertise, tailor-made itineraries, and guaranteed availability. Some offer packages for 150-300 € to plan a two-week trip entirely. Others charge by the hour.
This professionalization marks a turning point. Travel advice is leaving the realm of volunteerism and entering the world of paid services. Paradoxically, this acknowledged monetization can restore a form of trust: you know what you’re paying for.
The irruption of artificial intelligence But now, a third option is emerging: generative AI. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others can now generate travel itineraries in seconds, for free, with no commercial agenda.
AI promises neutral, synthetic, endlessly customizable information. It compiles thousands of sources in real time, suggests alternatives, and adapts recommendations to your budget and time constraints. It doesn’t sell anything, earns no commissions, and has no hotels to promote.
But this apparent neutrality hides its own limitations. AI feeds on existing data, often from the same polluted forums or marketing content. It can invent restaurants that don’t exist, mix up tourist seasons, or ignore recent local realities. It has never walked a city’s streets, negotiated with a tuk-tuk driver, or felt the atmosphere of a neighborhood at nightfall.
The forgotten alternative: authentic local experts In this landscape saturated with dubious information, imperfect AI, and monetized services, one often-overlooked option remains: consulting real local professionals.
Not the agencies at the top of Google’s first page—often the most expensive and generic. But small local businesses, independent guides established for years, still-free municipal tourism offices, and cultural associations organizing themed tours.
These players offer what neither AI nor forums can: embodied, up-to-date, contextualized knowledge of the area. They know the newly opened restaurant, the museum temporarily closed for renovations, the impromptu weekend festival, or the alternative route to avoid construction.
Finding them takes extra effort. You have to search in the local language, look beyond the first page of results, check regional institutional websites, and join community Facebook groups. But this approach is often rewarded with free or low-cost advice of unmatched precision.
Toward an ecology of travel advice The future of travel advice likely won’t be binary but hybrid. AI can rough out itineraries, propose logistical options, and compare alternatives. Travel Planners can refine, personalize, and reassure anxious travelers. Local experts can enrich, correct, and ground advice in on-the-ground reality.
But for this ecosystem to work, we’ll need to develop new discernment. Learn to spot fake profiles on forums. Systematically verify AI suggestions. Assess the real value of a Travel Planner before paying. And, above all, rediscover the habit of contacting those who live there directly.
Travel has always been a school of discernment. It teaches us to distinguish the authentic from the fake, sincere advice from commercial manipulation. In the digital age, this skill becomes more crucial than ever.
Because ultimately, the real question isn’t which information source to prioritize, but how to cultivate our own ability to evaluate, cross-check, and ultimately make informed choices. The best travel guide may still be our critical thinking.
Photo credit: Arakis Travel
Travel is, above all, a story of encounters.
Those that inspire us, guide us, and make us dream.
That’s why we’re happy to announce a partnership between Petit Futé and VoyageForum, two worlds that share the same passion: travel experienced and recounted by those who truly set off.
In practical terms, you can now find VoyageForum directly on PetitFuté.com, through:
Over 190 destinations linked to the forum: on each “Discover the destination” page, a “Travelers’ Forum” tab lets you access discussions, tips, and testimonials from travelers just like you.
A link to the forum in the “Community” menu under “Discover the forum”, where you can chat, ask questions, or simply dream about your next getaway.
This partnership marks a new step in giving travelers even more of a voice. A way to connect practical information and lived experience, to share insights so everyone can plan their trips by relying on what’s most valuable: exchanges between enthusiasts.
Thanks to all of you who keep this wonderful community alive, day after day. Because travel is even more beautiful when it’s shared
In practical terms, you can now find VoyageForum directly on PetitFuté.com, through:
Over 190 destinations linked to the forum: on each “Discover the destination” page, a “Travelers’ Forum” tab lets you access discussions, tips, and testimonials from travelers just like you.
A link to the forum in the “Community” menu under “Discover the forum”, where you can chat, ask questions, or simply dream about your next getaway.
This partnership marks a new step in giving travelers even more of a voice. A way to connect practical information and lived experience, to share insights so everyone can plan their trips by relying on what’s most valuable: exchanges between enthusiasts.
Thanks to all of you who keep this wonderful community alive, day after day. Because travel is even more beautiful when it’s shared
MyAtlas Deal: 15% off your travel photo book!
You’ve explored the world, captured landscapes, and lived unique moments… What if now was the perfect time to bring them to life on paper?
With the discount offered by MyAtlas for 1 month, turn your best memories into a real printed travel journal—something to flip through, share, and cherish.
Holding a real photo book in your hands is so different from scrolling through files on a hard drive. It’s something to treasure and share with loved ones over a nice slice of cake. A tangible way to keep your travel memories alive. PROMO CODE: PROMOVF15
Discount: 15% Valid until: November 13, 2025! One use per person
Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer—if you’ve got travel photos waiting to be printed, now’s the time to go for it!
You’ve explored the world, captured landscapes, and lived unique moments… What if now was the perfect time to bring them to life on paper?
With the discount offered by MyAtlas for 1 month, turn your best memories into a real printed travel journal—something to flip through, share, and cherish.
Holding a real photo book in your hands is so different from scrolling through files on a hard drive. It’s something to treasure and share with loved ones over a nice slice of cake. A tangible way to keep your travel memories alive. PROMO CODE: PROMOVF15
Discount: 15% Valid until: November 13, 2025! One use per person
Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer—if you’ve got travel photos waiting to be printed, now’s the time to go for it!
I’ve kept quiet about them... to preserve them.
Those are the words of a passionate traveler who recently wrote to us.
For years, he’s been discovering rare, authentic places... and chooses to say nothing.
Out of respect. Out of fear of destruction. Out of love for secrecy.
What would you do?
You stumble upon a magical spot, still untouched by mass tourism.
Do you keep it to yourself... or do you open the door, gently, to other travelers?
At DIRECTRAVEL, we’re asking ourselves these questions.
Can sharing be an act of passing something on?
Or is it always the beginning of the end for these preserved places?
Read the article here.
Photo credit: Frédéric Soltan
Photo credit: Frédéric Soltan
Why not try your luck to win your next vacation?
We’ve got a little game for you (okay, it’s not a walk in the park—you’ll have to do some digging!) with DirecTravel: the prize is 5 nights for one person at the Nilaya Experience guesthouse, right in the heart of Kerala, India.
The stay is worth 700 €. It’s set in a magical spot among the rice fields, offering a relaxing and 100% authentic getaway, far from the noise, hosted by Raghu and Véronique.
How to enter is simple:
1- Head over to directravel.org. 2- Browse the site to find the answers to the 10 contest questions. Click here for the questions. Each question includes a clue to guide you to the right page. 3- Answer all 10 questions correctly to validate your entry.
Contest Rules
The game is free and with no purchase necessary. A random draw will be held on September 19, 2025, among all correct entries. The winner will be contacted directly by DIRECTRAVEL. The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and valid based on the accommodation’s availability.
We’ve got a little game for you (okay, it’s not a walk in the park—you’ll have to do some digging!) with DirecTravel: the prize is 5 nights for one person at the Nilaya Experience guesthouse, right in the heart of Kerala, India.
The stay is worth 700 €. It’s set in a magical spot among the rice fields, offering a relaxing and 100% authentic getaway, far from the noise, hosted by Raghu and Véronique.
How to enter is simple:
1- Head over to directravel.org. 2- Browse the site to find the answers to the 10 contest questions. Click here for the questions. Each question includes a clue to guide you to the right page. 3- Answer all 10 questions correctly to validate your entry.
Contest Rules
The game is free and with no purchase necessary. A random draw will be held on September 19, 2025, among all correct entries. The winner will be contacted directly by DIRECTRAVEL. The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and valid based on the accommodation’s availability.
What if your travel memories had a place in a real journal? 🌍
Back-to-school season is when we get back into our routines, but it’s also when we look back on the great memories from summer. We often promise ourselves we’ll organize our photos, jot down our stories… and then life gets busy. Those memories slowly fade, stuck in our phones...
Travel journals from MyAtlas are here to change that. They let you gather your stories, your images, and your emotions in a beautiful keepsake you can hold onto and share. It’s like a personal diary, but illustrated by your travels.
Creating your journal also extends the travel experience: reliving your photos, rediscovering details you’d forgotten, and bringing those moments back to life.
Use the code BIENVENUE10 for 10% off your first album ;)
Back-to-school season is when we get back into our routines, but it’s also when we look back on the great memories from summer. We often promise ourselves we’ll organize our photos, jot down our stories… and then life gets busy. Those memories slowly fade, stuck in our phones...
Travel journals from MyAtlas are here to change that. They let you gather your stories, your images, and your emotions in a beautiful keepsake you can hold onto and share. It’s like a personal diary, but illustrated by your travels.
Creating your journal also extends the travel experience: reliving your photos, rediscovering details you’d forgotten, and bringing those moments back to life.
Use the code BIENVENUE10 for 10% off your first album ;)
A new step for visitors starting September 2025
Laos is modernizing its border entry procedures. From September 1, 2025, the Laos Immigration Police Department will pilot a new online arrival registration system for foreign passport holders.
This new procedure is similar to Thailand’s recent switch to a digital arrival card system (introduced in May 2025). Just like in Thailand, travelers heading to Laos will still need a valid visa—either an e-visa obtained online in advance or a visa on arrival (VOA) at eligible checkpoints—but they can now skip the paper immigration forms at the border.
Read more here
Read more here
TikTok is currently experimenting with a hotel booking feature directly integrated into its app, in partnership with a well-known specialized platform. American users can now search for and book accommodations without leaving TikTok. Meanwhile, content creators with over 1,000 followers can promote hotels and restaurants in the U.S. and earn commissions or vouchers for bookings. This test, limited to the U.S. market for now, aligns with the trend of social commerce. There’s no doubt this initiative will be closely watched by major players in the online travel industry.
Read the article
Read the article
Originally planned for an official opening on July 3, 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which has already been partially open since autumn 2024, has had its official inauguration pushed back to the end of the year. This decision, made due to growing tensions in the Middle East, was motivated by the desire to give the event the international dimension it deserves.
Spanning 500,000 m²—larger than the Louvre (which has 360,000 m² of total space, including 73,000 m² of exhibition areas)—the museum will house up to 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun and a monumental statue of Ramses II. It can already welcome 4,000 visitors per day with limited access, with a future capacity estimated at 13,000 per day once fully open.
Read the article
Spanning 500,000 m²—larger than the Louvre (which has 360,000 m² of total space, including 73,000 m² of exhibition areas)—the museum will house up to 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun and a monumental statue of Ramses II. It can already welcome 4,000 visitors per day with limited access, with a future capacity estimated at 13,000 per day once fully open.
Read the article
Dear members of VoyageForum,
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of François Boucher, the founder of VoyageForum.
We will remember his passion for travel, but most of all, the pride he took in this forum, which has become indispensable among travelers. While there may have been heated debates, we ask that you show respect for him.
François was still very active on the forum, especially in the technical development section. VoyageForum was his life’s work. He worked passionately to update the site and make up for the 4 years of closure due to the pandemic.
Today, VoyageForum has also lost its developer.
That’s why we’re reaching out to this community to continue François’s legacy. If there are any former or current developers among you who know PERL and would be willing to help, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your loyalty.
Let’s keep this forum alive in his memory.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of François Boucher, the founder of VoyageForum.
We will remember his passion for travel, but most of all, the pride he took in this forum, which has become indispensable among travelers. While there may have been heated debates, we ask that you show respect for him.
François was still very active on the forum, especially in the technical development section. VoyageForum was his life’s work. He worked passionately to update the site and make up for the 4 years of closure due to the pandemic.
Today, VoyageForum has also lost its developer.
That’s why we’re reaching out to this community to continue François’s legacy. If there are any former or current developers among you who know PERL and would be willing to help, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your loyalty.
Let’s keep this forum alive in his memory.
According to a recent study, Bangkok ranks first among the top 100 global destinations for remote workers in 2025. The Thai capital stands out for its excellent value for money, solid infrastructure, and high satisfaction levels among digital nomads.
Dubai, London, Tokyo, and Nakhon Ratchasima (in Thailand) complete the top 5, each catering to different priorities (safety, connectivity, cultural vibrancy). The study also highlights the cost-of-living gaps between cities: from Weligama (Sri Lanka), very affordable, to New York, the most expensive.
Social media engagement and visitor return rates are also becoming key indicators for assessing a destination’s appeal to nomads.
Read the article
Dubai, London, Tokyo, and Nakhon Ratchasima (in Thailand) complete the top 5, each catering to different priorities (safety, connectivity, cultural vibrancy). The study also highlights the cost-of-living gaps between cities: from Weligama (Sri Lanka), very affordable, to New York, the most expensive.
Social media engagement and visitor return rates are also becoming key indicators for assessing a destination’s appeal to nomads.
Read the article
Dear VoyageForum community members,
We’re thrilled to share an exclusive offer from our partner Subocea for August: 80 € per person per day to board a private luxury boat in Egypt with friends, family, or colleagues!
The offer includes everything on-site (accommodation, meals, activities, etc.), except for the flight. Onboard, snorkel with turtles!
A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in an exceptional setting while meeting other community members.
Hurry: only 26 spots available! 😉 Departure is imminent—a great chance to escape and reconnect. If you’ve been looking for a reason to pack your bags, here it is!
Interested? Contact us quickly to book or get more info!
We’re thrilled to share an exclusive offer from our partner Subocea for August: 80 € per person per day to board a private luxury boat in Egypt with friends, family, or colleagues!
The offer includes everything on-site (accommodation, meals, activities, etc.), except for the flight. Onboard, snorkel with turtles!
A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in an exceptional setting while meeting other community members.
Hurry: only 26 spots available! 😉 Departure is imminent—a great chance to escape and reconnect. If you’ve been looking for a reason to pack your bags, here it is!
Interested? Contact us quickly to book or get more info!
You’ve probably noticed it: the real travel gems no longer show up in search results. In today’s all-digital age, those local operators, small authentic accommodations, passionate guides, and committed local initiatives remain invisible. No flashy website, no ads, often not even an online presence.
Yet they exist—people who take care of their land, their culture, their community. Hidden in valleys, villages, forests. These are the ones who truly give meaning to travel, the kind you only discover through word of mouth... or among savvy travelers.
A collaborative project is starting to patiently catalog them, one by one. It’s called DirecTravel. Not very well-known yet—it’s just getting started—but already shared among independent travel enthusiasts. Here, no standardization or flashy interface: every address has been discovered on the ground, the old-fashioned way. Some have even been recognized by the Sustainable Travel Awards.
Their approach? Taking the time to listen, build connections, and support local initiatives that will never appear on Google’s first page.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual recommendations, and if the idea of sharing genuine tips speaks to you, then this project might interest you. And maybe you, too, have a gem to share with them.
Yet they exist—people who take care of their land, their culture, their community. Hidden in valleys, villages, forests. These are the ones who truly give meaning to travel, the kind you only discover through word of mouth... or among savvy travelers.
A collaborative project is starting to patiently catalog them, one by one. It’s called DirecTravel. Not very well-known yet—it’s just getting started—but already shared among independent travel enthusiasts. Here, no standardization or flashy interface: every address has been discovered on the ground, the old-fashioned way. Some have even been recognized by the Sustainable Travel Awards.
Their approach? Taking the time to listen, build connections, and support local initiatives that will never appear on Google’s first page.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual recommendations, and if the idea of sharing genuine tips speaks to you, then this project might interest you. And maybe you, too, have a gem to share with them.
Travel bookings to the United States are seeing a significant drop in France for summer 2025, with over a 30% decrease in the spring and around -11% for summer departures.
Several reasons explain this disengagement:
an unfavorable exchange rate at the start of the year, very high prices on the ground (accommodation, dining), negative experiences with immigration, as well as a political and social context perceived as off-putting (civil rights, safety, tense social climate).
Tourism professionals also note difficulties for Florida and some Southern states, while destinations like New York and Orlando are faring better.
The recent drop in the dollar and airfares could, however, encourage last-minute departures, and tourism stakeholders are betting on a gradual recovery starting this autumn, with major events planned for 2026 like the World Cup or the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Read the article
Several reasons explain this disengagement:
an unfavorable exchange rate at the start of the year, very high prices on the ground (accommodation, dining), negative experiences with immigration, as well as a political and social context perceived as off-putting (civil rights, safety, tense social climate).
Tourism professionals also note difficulties for Florida and some Southern states, while destinations like New York and Orlando are faring better.
The recent drop in the dollar and airfares could, however, encourage last-minute departures, and tourism stakeholders are betting on a gradual recovery starting this autumn, with major events planned for 2026 like the World Cup or the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Read the article
This summer, your memories deserve more than just a corner of film!
For the summer season, our partner MyAtlas is offering you an exclusive deal: 10% off all travel journals to print with the code ETEVF25 😛
Perfect for preserving your photos, anecdotes, itineraries, and highlights, the MyAtlas journal turns every trip into a real keepsake book—personalized and ready to flip through anytime.
Whether you're off on an adventure or exploring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to capture the essence of your getaways and relive them again and again.
Don’t let your best stories gather dust in your phone: print them, share them, and above all, treasure them 😉
For the summer season, our partner MyAtlas is offering you an exclusive deal: 10% off all travel journals to print with the code ETEVF25 😛
Perfect for preserving your photos, anecdotes, itineraries, and highlights, the MyAtlas journal turns every trip into a real keepsake book—personalized and ready to flip through anytime.
Whether you're off on an adventure or exploring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to capture the essence of your getaways and relive them again and again.
Don’t let your best stories gather dust in your phone: print them, share them, and above all, treasure them 😉
This forum was closed for a long time after COVID, then due to its sale by the previous owner. Since 2022, there have been notable changes for Russia. It became possible to travel to Russia as a tourist again after COVID restrictions ended in summer 2022. But before that, in March 2022, the EU and member countries cut air links with Russia, as well as train lines. They also cut Russian banks off from the Euro-American banking network—meaning cards and wire transfers.
EU-based insurers stopped offering policies for Russia. The Green Card for cars in Russia was also discontinued. Then the EU abolished the simplified visa regime agreement with Russia. All in all, a summary of the current practical aspects would be helpful.
I’ve been traveling to Russia regularly for about twenty years, and after the long COVID break, I resumed in autumn 2022.
Visa
The usual paper visa is much more expensive. On one hand, because the previous regime was scrapped, and on the other, because invitations for multi-entry visas are pricier. A single-entry 30-day visa costs 80 €. The multi-entry one is 240 €. To be sure you’ll get a 12-month multi-entry, it’s best to buy a telex invitation from the MID (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), though there are few resellers. Prices vary depending on the seller.
E-visas are now available for Schengen passport holders. A big simplification for trips up to 16 days within a 60-day validity period. You can apply from 40 days up to 5 days before your desired date. Issued in up to four days. The site is https://evisa.kdmid.ru/ Cost: 50 €. Processed through an Emirati bank (United Arab Emirates).
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance with repatriation is required to get a visa. So you’ll need to buy a policy. This brings up payment methods. If you’re already familiar with Russia and have a Russian bank account, you can pay with your Russian card. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy from a site that accepts payments via a Belarusian bank—which means your bank must work with Belarus—or go through https://goingrus.com/fr/insurance
Transport from the EU
Minibus (marshrutka) from Kirkenes (Norway) to Murmansk. Schedules are coordinated with flights from Oslo, which arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. They wait on the right as you exit the airport. Some are chartered by groups and leave directly, but may have space—ask the driver. Otherwise, two companies run the route, with a stop in town at the corner of the Scandic, where they depart around 14:00 or 15:00. Payment in cash (NOK or RUB) to the driver. Main operator: https://borodinbus.com Bus from Tallinn (Estonia) to St. Petersburg. The border crossing is on the Narva River. The Russian road checkpoint has been closed since January 2024 for construction expected to last 2.5 years, so reopening is possible in summer 2026. In the meantime, it’s a two-bus journey: Tallinn-Narva, then walk across the bridge between the Estonian and Russian checkpoints at Ivangorod, followed by another bus. Several companies: Luxexpress, Ecolines, Baltic Shuttle, Anniston, СКСавто. Bus from Riga to Pskov or St. Petersburg (final destination). Departs from Riga’s bus station (behind the train station) daily between 18:00 and 19:00. Arrives in Pskov between 01:00 and 02:00 (Russian time). Company: СКСавто. There’s another bus around 21:00 with Ecolines, but it’s longer, with a long stop at the border. Bus from Gdańsk to Kaliningrad. Several buses per day. From the PKS bus station, behind Gdańsk’s central station, on the other side of the boulevard. From Kaliningrad, a 1-hour flight to St. Petersburg costs around 5000 RUB.
Basically, unless you’re planning to go to Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula—and possibly from Murmansk, flights to Arkhangelsk, then Nenetsia (Naryan-Mar), etc.—the three main crossing points with airports are Tallinn, Riga, and Gdańsk.
The Gdańsk-Kaliningrad bus is the fastest, and the ticket to St. Petersburg is very reasonable.
The Narva-Ivangorod route is the riskiest in terms of potential queues and crossing time. Holiday periods are especially risky. Last mid-June, I took a 14:00 bus from Tallinn. I’d bought a single-berth compartment on the Grand Express St. Petersburg-Moscow train, leaving at 23:00, with the idea of a good night’s rest before a Moscow-Magadan flight. A 7-hour queue at the border meant I arrived at St. Petersburg’s bus station at 23:00—missed the train, had to book a room, and spent time finding a reasonably priced flight to Moscow the next day for the same airport as my Magadan flight.
The Riga-Pskov route is a bit long but relaxed. If you get off in Pskov, you can still get decent sleep between 02:00 and 12:00. The Oktyabrskaya Hotel is cheap. I’ve also stopped in Izborsk. You ask the driver when boarding in Riga. The stop is on the federal highway—cross the road, and the main inn is 200m away. You can explore the medieval site the next morning before taking a bus to Pskov (30 km).
From Pskov, there are fast regional Lastochka trains—three or four per day—to St. Petersburg, taking 3.5 hours. Very comfortable and affordable. Also, two daily flights with Azimuth to Moscow-Vnukovo from 5000 RUB. A one-hour flight. It’s a section of Pskov’s military airfield, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Money
Cash. The EU issued a nonsensical decree: a ban on importing EU currency (euros, zloty, kroner, forints, etc.) except for personal travel use. This doesn’t make sense because as a citizen of a eurozone country, you *have* to have euros—cash or electronic (card). You can’t travel without them. The stipulation about a limit for personal use is absurd because personal use can mean anything from a hostel bed to a luxury hotel room, plus transport (flight tickets, train tickets in Russia), restaurants, etc. Estonian customs officers ask about this at the border when leaving. They ask in Estonian, then Russian, then English, depending. Since I cross with a French passport, I just say, "Sorry, I don’t understand," no matter what. Then they ask with a questioning look, "Euro?" and I shake my head. I haven’t been searched, but they do ask to glance in your bag. Russians with large suitcases often get checked. Cards and phone apps: if you have a Russian bank account.
Telephony and Internet
Roaming works but is pricey. Okay for calls and SMS, but very expensive for data. In that case, use an e-SIM with your home carrier if your phone supports it. Otherwise, look into prepaid rechargeable SIMs in Russia for data only—like SIM cards for mobile modems.
Russian SIM: Since this year (2025), as of March, it’s mandatory to be registered in the EBS (Unified Biometric System) to buy a SIM card. For a non-resident foreigner, this means first registering for a SNILS at an MFC (Multifunctional Center)—also called "My Documents." The SNILS is the pension center, which doesn’t require residency. After getting your SNILS number and certificate, you register on the public services portal, Gosuslugi. Finally, you register in the EBS system (voice sample—you read numbers—and a biometric facial photo).
Personal Car
The Green Card no longer covers Russia, and neither do EU-based insurers. But third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is mandatory. Since the closure of the Russian checkpoint at Ivangorod for construction and the Finnish border closure, the routes are from Kirkenes in Norway, the Estonia-Pskov route, and—since the Belarus-Russia joint visa this year—the Belarus route, e.g., Poland-Terespol-Brest or Lithuania-Belarus. No OSAGO sales if you cross via Kirkenes. I didn’t see any at Shumilkino, the Russian checkpoint after Estonia toward Pskov. If you have a Russian card, you can buy online, of course. Otherwise, pay in cash on-site at certain company offices (specific forms aren’t available at all agencies) or online by paying to a third-party account outside Russia—with added fees.
EU-based insurers stopped offering policies for Russia. The Green Card for cars in Russia was also discontinued. Then the EU abolished the simplified visa regime agreement with Russia. All in all, a summary of the current practical aspects would be helpful.
I’ve been traveling to Russia regularly for about twenty years, and after the long COVID break, I resumed in autumn 2022.
Visa
The usual paper visa is much more expensive. On one hand, because the previous regime was scrapped, and on the other, because invitations for multi-entry visas are pricier. A single-entry 30-day visa costs 80 €. The multi-entry one is 240 €. To be sure you’ll get a 12-month multi-entry, it’s best to buy a telex invitation from the MID (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), though there are few resellers. Prices vary depending on the seller.
E-visas are now available for Schengen passport holders. A big simplification for trips up to 16 days within a 60-day validity period. You can apply from 40 days up to 5 days before your desired date. Issued in up to four days. The site is https://evisa.kdmid.ru/ Cost: 50 €. Processed through an Emirati bank (United Arab Emirates).
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance with repatriation is required to get a visa. So you’ll need to buy a policy. This brings up payment methods. If you’re already familiar with Russia and have a Russian bank account, you can pay with your Russian card. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy from a site that accepts payments via a Belarusian bank—which means your bank must work with Belarus—or go through https://goingrus.com/fr/insurance
Transport from the EU
Minibus (marshrutka) from Kirkenes (Norway) to Murmansk. Schedules are coordinated with flights from Oslo, which arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. They wait on the right as you exit the airport. Some are chartered by groups and leave directly, but may have space—ask the driver. Otherwise, two companies run the route, with a stop in town at the corner of the Scandic, where they depart around 14:00 or 15:00. Payment in cash (NOK or RUB) to the driver. Main operator: https://borodinbus.com Bus from Tallinn (Estonia) to St. Petersburg. The border crossing is on the Narva River. The Russian road checkpoint has been closed since January 2024 for construction expected to last 2.5 years, so reopening is possible in summer 2026. In the meantime, it’s a two-bus journey: Tallinn-Narva, then walk across the bridge between the Estonian and Russian checkpoints at Ivangorod, followed by another bus. Several companies: Luxexpress, Ecolines, Baltic Shuttle, Anniston, СКСавто. Bus from Riga to Pskov or St. Petersburg (final destination). Departs from Riga’s bus station (behind the train station) daily between 18:00 and 19:00. Arrives in Pskov between 01:00 and 02:00 (Russian time). Company: СКСавто. There’s another bus around 21:00 with Ecolines, but it’s longer, with a long stop at the border. Bus from Gdańsk to Kaliningrad. Several buses per day. From the PKS bus station, behind Gdańsk’s central station, on the other side of the boulevard. From Kaliningrad, a 1-hour flight to St. Petersburg costs around 5000 RUB.
Basically, unless you’re planning to go to Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula—and possibly from Murmansk, flights to Arkhangelsk, then Nenetsia (Naryan-Mar), etc.—the three main crossing points with airports are Tallinn, Riga, and Gdańsk.
The Gdańsk-Kaliningrad bus is the fastest, and the ticket to St. Petersburg is very reasonable.
The Narva-Ivangorod route is the riskiest in terms of potential queues and crossing time. Holiday periods are especially risky. Last mid-June, I took a 14:00 bus from Tallinn. I’d bought a single-berth compartment on the Grand Express St. Petersburg-Moscow train, leaving at 23:00, with the idea of a good night’s rest before a Moscow-Magadan flight. A 7-hour queue at the border meant I arrived at St. Petersburg’s bus station at 23:00—missed the train, had to book a room, and spent time finding a reasonably priced flight to Moscow the next day for the same airport as my Magadan flight.
The Riga-Pskov route is a bit long but relaxed. If you get off in Pskov, you can still get decent sleep between 02:00 and 12:00. The Oktyabrskaya Hotel is cheap. I’ve also stopped in Izborsk. You ask the driver when boarding in Riga. The stop is on the federal highway—cross the road, and the main inn is 200m away. You can explore the medieval site the next morning before taking a bus to Pskov (30 km).
From Pskov, there are fast regional Lastochka trains—three or four per day—to St. Petersburg, taking 3.5 hours. Very comfortable and affordable. Also, two daily flights with Azimuth to Moscow-Vnukovo from 5000 RUB. A one-hour flight. It’s a section of Pskov’s military airfield, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Money
Cash. The EU issued a nonsensical decree: a ban on importing EU currency (euros, zloty, kroner, forints, etc.) except for personal travel use. This doesn’t make sense because as a citizen of a eurozone country, you *have* to have euros—cash or electronic (card). You can’t travel without them. The stipulation about a limit for personal use is absurd because personal use can mean anything from a hostel bed to a luxury hotel room, plus transport (flight tickets, train tickets in Russia), restaurants, etc. Estonian customs officers ask about this at the border when leaving. They ask in Estonian, then Russian, then English, depending. Since I cross with a French passport, I just say, "Sorry, I don’t understand," no matter what. Then they ask with a questioning look, "Euro?" and I shake my head. I haven’t been searched, but they do ask to glance in your bag. Russians with large suitcases often get checked. Cards and phone apps: if you have a Russian bank account.
Telephony and Internet
Roaming works but is pricey. Okay for calls and SMS, but very expensive for data. In that case, use an e-SIM with your home carrier if your phone supports it. Otherwise, look into prepaid rechargeable SIMs in Russia for data only—like SIM cards for mobile modems.
Russian SIM: Since this year (2025), as of March, it’s mandatory to be registered in the EBS (Unified Biometric System) to buy a SIM card. For a non-resident foreigner, this means first registering for a SNILS at an MFC (Multifunctional Center)—also called "My Documents." The SNILS is the pension center, which doesn’t require residency. After getting your SNILS number and certificate, you register on the public services portal, Gosuslugi. Finally, you register in the EBS system (voice sample—you read numbers—and a biometric facial photo).
Personal Car
The Green Card no longer covers Russia, and neither do EU-based insurers. But third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is mandatory. Since the closure of the Russian checkpoint at Ivangorod for construction and the Finnish border closure, the routes are from Kirkenes in Norway, the Estonia-Pskov route, and—since the Belarus-Russia joint visa this year—the Belarus route, e.g., Poland-Terespol-Brest or Lithuania-Belarus. No OSAGO sales if you cross via Kirkenes. I didn’t see any at Shumilkino, the Russian checkpoint after Estonia toward Pskov. If you have a Russian card, you can buy online, of course. Otherwise, pay in cash on-site at certain company offices (specific forms aren’t available at all agencies) or online by paying to a third-party account outside Russia—with added fees.
Spotlight on the "What A Trip Festival" in Montpellier
From September 22 to 28, 2025, head to Montpellier for the What A Trip Festival, the must-attend event for travel and adventure in images 😉
This event draws around 40,000 passionate visitors who come to (re)discover the world through documentary film screenings, followed by meet-ups, conferences, and workshops.
The "travel village" hosts a dedicated fair: exhibitor booths, a travel bookstore, photo exhibitions, food trucks, and free concerts set the pace. The "Les rencontres voyageurs" booth will be there to offer you: a friendly atmosphere, conferences, masterclasses, fun games, and even interviews!
Check out the program 🙂
From September 22 to 28, 2025, head to Montpellier for the What A Trip Festival, the must-attend event for travel and adventure in images 😉
This event draws around 40,000 passionate visitors who come to (re)discover the world through documentary film screenings, followed by meet-ups, conferences, and workshops.
The "travel village" hosts a dedicated fair: exhibitor booths, a travel bookstore, photo exhibitions, food trucks, and free concerts set the pace. The "Les rencontres voyageurs" booth will be there to offer you: a friendly atmosphere, conferences, masterclasses, fun games, and even interviews!
Check out the program 🙂
From December 9th to 12th, experience a winter getaway in the heart of the Czech capital, under the magical lights of the Christmas markets.
Enjoy an all-inclusive stay, blending cultural discoveries and festive holiday vibes with Hasamélis & MyAtlas.
Explore Prague’s treasures: Old Town Square, the castle, and the Town Hall Tower for breathtaking views…
This guided tour also takes you to exclusive, privately booked venues: Strahov Monastery, Estates Theatre, Municipal House… A rich cultural program in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Details and bookings here :)
Enjoy an all-inclusive stay, blending cultural discoveries and festive holiday vibes with Hasamélis & MyAtlas.
Explore Prague’s treasures: Old Town Square, the castle, and the Town Hall Tower for breathtaking views…
This guided tour also takes you to exclusive, privately booked venues: Strahov Monastery, Estates Theatre, Municipal House… A rich cultural program in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Details and bookings here :)
Calling all adventure and off-road enthusiasts: the must-attend event of the year is just around the corner!
From August 26 to 30 in Valloire, don’t miss THE OFF-ROAD SHOW, the premier event dedicated to expeditions, overlanding, and motorized exploration.
4x4s, trucks, motorcycles, SSVs, gear, travel, test drives, meet-ups... Over 180 exhibitors and the 4th edition of the Rencontres Voyageurs, a 1,000 m² space hosted by Campers Lab and MyAtlas.
On the program: Activities, talks, interviews, masterclasses...
One motto: get inspired, connect, explore... in the heart of the Alps.
From August 26 to 30 in Valloire, don’t miss THE OFF-ROAD SHOW, the premier event dedicated to expeditions, overlanding, and motorized exploration.
4x4s, trucks, motorcycles, SSVs, gear, travel, test drives, meet-ups... Over 180 exhibitors and the 4th edition of the Rencontres Voyageurs, a 1,000 m² space hosted by Campers Lab and MyAtlas.
On the program: Activities, talks, interviews, masterclasses...
One motto: get inspired, connect, explore... in the heart of the Alps.
At the Seto forum (Association of Travel Agents), it was highlighted that, despite an uncertain geopolitical context, summer bookings are showing a slight increase (+1.4% overall as of the end of April), with +1.6% on medium-haul and +0.6% on long-haul flights. This growth is supported by an expected revenue increase of +2.9% and an average basket rise of +3.2%.
In terms of destinations, the Greek islands remain at the top despite a slight decline of -1%, the Balearic Islands are gaining ground (+2%), and Tunisia stands out with strong growth (+13%) thanks to its excellent value for money. For long-haul, Mauritius continues to dominate (+9%), while the United States is experiencing a downturn (-14%), behind Indonesia (-6%) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (+4%). Finally, French Polynesia (+16%) and Vietnam (+41%) are emerging as booming destinations.
Read the article
In terms of destinations, the Greek islands remain at the top despite a slight decline of -1%, the Balearic Islands are gaining ground (+2%), and Tunisia stands out with strong growth (+13%) thanks to its excellent value for money. For long-haul, Mauritius continues to dominate (+9%), while the United States is experiencing a downturn (-14%), behind Indonesia (-6%) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (+4%). Finally, French Polynesia (+16%) and Vietnam (+41%) are emerging as booming destinations.
Read the article
"Les rencontres voyageurs" is a must-attend event for all travel enthusiasts, at the heart of France’s most beautiful gatherings.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a beginner looking for your first adventures, these meet-ups aim to bring people together, inspire, and share knowledge.
They offer a unique opportunity to chat with inspiring travelers, discover their authentic stories, their favorite spots around the world, and their practical tips for traveling peacefully and enrichingly 😉
"Les rencontres voyageurs" also feature conferences and masterclasses led by industry experts, covering a variety of topics such as responsible travel, content creation, and optimizing itineraries.
These sessions, both practical and inspiring, are designed to expand your knowledge and fuel your projects. On top of that, there are fun and educational activities, including the famous traveler quiz, encouraging exchanges and conviviality. Finally, visitors can explore an exhibition of travel vehicles, vans, 4x4s, nomadic equipment, and chat with professionals about van conversions, mobility, and innovations dedicated to vanlife. A complete, immersive experience that’s all about discovery.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a beginner looking for your first adventures, these meet-ups aim to bring people together, inspire, and share knowledge.
They offer a unique opportunity to chat with inspiring travelers, discover their authentic stories, their favorite spots around the world, and their practical tips for traveling peacefully and enrichingly 😉
"Les rencontres voyageurs" also feature conferences and masterclasses led by industry experts, covering a variety of topics such as responsible travel, content creation, and optimizing itineraries.
These sessions, both practical and inspiring, are designed to expand your knowledge and fuel your projects. On top of that, there are fun and educational activities, including the famous traveler quiz, encouraging exchanges and conviviality. Finally, visitors can explore an exhibition of travel vehicles, vans, 4x4s, nomadic equipment, and chat with professionals about van conversions, mobility, and innovations dedicated to vanlife. A complete, immersive experience that’s all about discovery.
Dear travelers,
VoyageForum needs you more than ever! To continue making it the biggest space for exchange, inspiration, and sharing, we want to better understand your desires and expectations.
Take a few moments to answer our survey and let’s build the future of VoyageForum together!
Thanks for your support! 🙂
VoyageForum needs you more than ever! To continue making it the biggest space for exchange, inspiration, and sharing, we want to better understand your desires and expectations.
Take a few moments to answer our survey and let’s build the future of VoyageForum together!
Thanks for your support! 🙂
Big traveler survey! We want to know everything! 🌍
Dreaming of your next trip already? So are we, but to better understand the desires and habits of French travelers, we need your help to later offer the best tips, good deals, trips, and more. It’s a short form (promise, it only takes a few minutes). And... there might just be a 50 € gift voucher up for grabs for one of the participants. Just like that, to thank you for taking part✨
Just click on this link: https://tally.so/r/mRrj6J and check the box based on your travel preferences 🧳✈️ Thanks in advance for lending a hand!
Dreaming of your next trip already? So are we, but to better understand the desires and habits of French travelers, we need your help to later offer the best tips, good deals, trips, and more. It’s a short form (promise, it only takes a few minutes). And... there might just be a 50 € gift voucher up for grabs for one of the participants. Just like that, to thank you for taking part✨
Just click on this link: https://tally.so/r/mRrj6J and check the box based on your travel preferences 🧳✈️ Thanks in advance for lending a hand!
The cruise sector has seen a remarkable rebound since the pandemic, with 2024 attendance 20% higher than in 2019—outpacing air traffic growth, which was limited to 10%.
This performance is driven by an early recovery in the U.S. starting in 2021, competitive pricing, and enhanced onboard offerings. Cruise companies have invested in innovation, with a notable increase in patents related to passenger health (14%) and onboard services (50%).
These efforts have attracted a younger clientele, with millennials now making up 34% of passengers. This recovery model could inspire the airline industry to accelerate its own rebound.
Read the article
This performance is driven by an early recovery in the U.S. starting in 2021, competitive pricing, and enhanced onboard offerings. Cruise companies have invested in innovation, with a notable increase in patents related to passenger health (14%) and onboard services (50%).
These efforts have attracted a younger clientele, with millennials now making up 34% of passengers. This recovery model could inspire the airline industry to accelerate its own rebound.
Read the article
MyAtlas is happy to offer you an exceptional 20% discount on all your travel photo albums and journals from June 1st to 2nd, 2025 🙂