Hi everyone,
I’m 66 and just discovered solo travel in Uzbekistan—I loved it! So I’ve decided to explore Africa, starting with Senegal. I’m just beginning my research, but if anyone can give me advice on which month to go, what to see, and whether this destination is safe—or maybe suggest another African country—I’d really appreciate your tips!
Hi Corinne, Senegal is a fantastic destination to start discovering Africa! The recommended periods are from December to April, when the temperature and climate are very favorable—if I had to pick specific months, I’d say January and February. For the rest of the year, it’s the rainy season, with a wet, hot, and humid climate.
We meet a lot of women traveling solo here—it’s a safe country, also known as the "Land of Téranga," which means "hospitality." :)
For exploring the country, it all depends on what you’re looking for. There are plenty of excursions to do, like bush markets, historical monuments such as "Gorée," natural sites like the Saloum Islands, the lush southern region called Casamance, and safaris.
Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any other questions. Have a great day! !
Hi there.
For a first solo trip to West Africa (without an agency or guide), I’d recommend Benin or Togo instead—they’re less touristy than Senegal but just as interesting. The commercial vibe is more "chill," and the locals are less focused on tourists, so there’s less pressure, less hassle from vendors, street sellers, and all kinds of "guides." Fewer scams too...
Thanks for your advice—I’m really torn now😛 I need to look into these countries a bit more, but if you say they’re safe, it’s true they do feel more authentic.
hi. like many "touristy" countries, in senegal tourism is confined to just a few square kilometers. all you have to do is step to the side to leave it behind. i regularly travel off the beaten path, away from the "must-see typical senegalese sights," and all the hassles of "the giant baobab you absolutely have to see" disappear.
« Droit devant soi on ne peut pas aller bien loin. »
Like many "tourist" countries, in Senegal tourism is confined to just a few square kilometers. All it takes is one step to the side to leave it behind.
Hi there,
That’s true pretty much everywhere... Once you’re off the tourist trail, you’re really on your own. Still, when you arrive in a country by plane, it’s hard to skip the capital and its surroundings (like certain neighborhoods I’ve forgotten the names of, markets, and Gorée Island, for example, in Senegal).
As far as I’m concerned, nowhere else in the world have I been as hassled in my first few days by trinket sellers, fake guides, and thieves as I was in Dakar. Never before had anyone dared to slip their hands into my pockets while I was surrounded on all sides! (After that, I started putting razor blades in them!)
Used to traveling in all kinds of conditions, it didn’t bother me *that* much, but I’ll admit that compared to other big African cities (Accra, Lomé, Cotonou, etc.), except maybe Abidjan, I found Dakar particularly overwhelming for the first two days. So for a woman traveling alone, I have my concerns.🙁
Hi there,
Cambrousse, a female Vf member, has traveled solo quite a bit in West Africa (Benin, Togo, and probably Senegal too).
If she doesn’t chime in on this thread, maybe you could message her privately?
Hi Corinne,
It’s a seventy-something woman answering you here.
I traveled solo in Africa, including Benin, 5 years ago. It’s a Francophone country that isn’t overrun by tourist hordes, so making connections with locals was really easy, and I felt safe everywhere. With them, I had long political conversations since, at the time, Beninese people were heading to the polls.
I stayed for over a month, traveling long distances by local buses, using shared taxis to get around, and making the most of moto-taxis. They even started calling me "the white lady" when I stayed in the same place for a few days. I often hired a private guide—usually a moto-taxi driver—to visit more remote spots (very affordable prices).
Accommodation was satisfying and not too expensive. Food was no problem, with plenty of local fruit.
I planned my itinerary using *Le Futé* guide (not always recommended for some destinations, but it was a good starting point) and filled in the details once I arrived.
You won’t find monuments like those on the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, but depending on the area, there are sites linked to the slave trade. In the north of the country, you’ll see mini individual fortified castles called *tatas sombas*, home to extended families.
And I haven’t even mentioned the daily markets everywhere!
The best time to go is during our winter, from January to April. Avoid the rainy season.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring a yellow fever vaccination certificate and check with your doctor about malaria prophylaxis.
There—I’ve finished singing Benin’s praises. Cambrousse from Vf can add more since they’ve been there several times.
Carassou,
Françoise
I’ve done quite a bit of solo travel in the region. The country I liked the least was Senegal.
It’s the only country in the area where people are so eager for your wallet...
I’m used to traveling with local public transport—that is, the transport used by locals.
There are places where you have to fight to get the right info. They’ll offer you tourist-oriented info right away, or sometimes it’s 10 times more expensive... especially for pirogues to villages. You eventually find what you need, but it doesn’t flow as smoothly as in other countries.
As soon as you arrive at accommodation, before you even order a drink, you’ve already got 5 excursion offers.
Feels like harassment.
Anyway, the country is beautiful, but I didn’t enjoy the vibe.
I much preferred Benin, for example. No one’s waiting for your wallet there. Everything’s easier, interactions with locals are simpler and less transactional.
I’ve been to Benin 3 times—3 weeks, then 6 months, then 3 months. I really loved it.
Hello,
Senegal isn’t that bad for a first destination. Personally, I didn’t experience or live through any of what’s described. I wandered around alone and everywhere, on foot for hours in both very touristy spots and much less frequented areas, and honestly, I didn’t encounter all the annoyances that are mentioned. Some comments are even disturbing, and I don’t understand why they didn’t spark any reaction—like those about colonization or the idea that Senegalese people’s life plan would be to trick a French person every day. Still, I went there with a whole suitcase of prejudices and was dreading it ten times over. But by refusing politely yet firmly, there were no issues at all. That said, it might be harder if you’re a woman—I don’t know, I’d need one less Y and one more X to say for sure.
Otherwise, Benin is also a great choice. Madagascar could be an option (not right now), as well as the Comoros or even Rwanda, which is extremely safe and very easy for a first solo trip in Africa.
Hello there. Cambrousse, you’re describing a real truth here. That said, this phenomenon really only pops up in super touristy spots. I remember your posts about the Saloum Islands. Yes, "Senegalese-style" transport is a bit hidden—I didn’t run into this issue at bus stations, with unlicensed taxis, or even in town when I asked random folks on the street. Hotels/camps in tourist hubs like Ndangane are basically prospecting grounds for guides and their crew. But I don’t quite agree with generalizing these behaviors.
I spend a lot of time on the Petite Côte, in villages or along the coast. I grab my beers (I love Gazelle) in bars where I never see those "annoying, clingy" types. Whether it’s Mbour, Warang, or Nianing, I’ll admit you’ve gotta know the right spots.
In rural villages, when you’re traveling independently, this stuff just doesn’t exist. Quite the opposite, actually.
« Droit devant soi on ne peut pas aller bien loin. »
Hi there,
Senegal isn’t that bad for a first destination. Personally, I didn’t experience or live through any of what’s described. I wandered around alone, on foot for hours, in both very touristy spots and much less frequented areas, and honestly, I didn’t encounter all the unpleasantness that’s talked about. Some of the comments are even disturbing, and I don’t understand why they didn’t spark any reaction—like the ones about colonization or the idea that Senegalese people’s life plan is to trick a French person every day. Still, I went there with a whole suitcase full of prejudices and was dreading it ten times over. But by refusing politely but firmly, I had no problems at all. That said, it might be harder if you’re a woman—I’d need one less Y and one more X to say for sure.
Otherwise, Benin is also a great choice. You could consider Madagascar (not right now), the Comoros, or even Rwanda, which is extremely safe and very easy for a first solo trip in Africa.
Hey,
Prejudices are sometimes valid, and I invite you to read the article in the link, written by a Senegalese tourism professional (also a director of social platforms) in his country—meaning he knows his stuff—and it describes well what happens between the critic and the criticized.
Our only mistake (as tourists returning from Senegal) when we say a beach is dirty or street vendors are aggressive, etc., is forgetting to say that criticism can be constructive and that we can point out what’s wrong in a way that helps improve things, rather than just saying "don’t go."
https://www.senegalinsights.com/themes/tourisme-au-senegal/le-sentiment-anti-francais-un-nouveau-defi-pour-le-tourisme-senegalais
Hello,
Of course, sometimes prejudices turn out to be true, and I’m not at all questioning what other forum members have shared. For my part, I’m just saying that I expected it wouldn’t be easy for all the reasons mentioned, and I didn’t have any problems—even in touristy areas. Lucky break, I don’t know, but the trip went really well.
As for anti-French sentiment, I didn’t feel any of that either. Again, I’m not ignoring that it exists, but insulting someone on social media and doing it in person on the street aren’t the same thing. It’s pretty true everywhere, actually—you can easily get insulted on social media for criticizing Belgium, for example, and I’ve never had any issues walking around a country that isn’t mine.
In short, I didn’t feel or experience any of that during my time in Senegal, and like a lot of things, what happens on social media stays on social media.
Yes, you do encounter the phenomenon described here: www.senegalinsights.com/...-tourism-in-senegal
Rarely in an open way, but it’s present in the minds of many young people. Prime Minister Sonko isn’t unrelated to this. For several years now, there’s been anti-French propaganda, notably from Guy Marius Sagna with his movement "FFRAP France Dégage." But as they say above, it’s the same "clientele" and the same behaviors you find in Europe and most countries these days.
« Droit devant soi on ne peut pas aller bien loin. »
Yes, I didn’t have any issues with the 7-seater minibuses or the bus stations.
Otherwise, I probably compared it to my trips to Benin, Mali, and Burkina Faso, where we’re not solicited at all.
Senegal is a really beautiful country, though, and I experienced some amazing moments, like a wrestling tournament final in Mar Lodj, far from any touristy spots.
I loved Casamance a lot.
When you've got a long drive ahead and the local cops stop the vehicle for over an hour each time, nitpicking at the driver to extort money while looking at us tourists with a certain disdain—that’s daily life in Senegal.
When you politely explain to a street vendor following you relentlessly that you’re grown women and if you need to buy something, you’ll go to him or someone else because you know what you want. And then he replies: "If you were in my house, I’d never accept you talking to me like that"—even though you’ve said "no" a thousand times.
When another guy on a supposedly secure beach waits for your group to split up so he can target a girl who’s alone for just five minutes, snatches her necklace, leaves scratches on her neck, and runs off while the so-called beach guards don’t lift a finger.
When you willingly follow a guy who says he’ll take you to a typical restaurant where you’ll eat well, only for him to lie and say "it’s nearby" while you walk for an hour. Then you end up in some sketchy place where you’re harassed throughout the meal by guys forcing you to buy their junk, piling it around your plates (and the owner lets them do it), and then the owner adds insult to injury on the bill, trying to overcharge you for a basic meal. And so on...
Yes, they need to improve if they don’t want people criticizing their country afterward (while telling you), "You colonized us, you stole our wealth."
How many more years is this going to last? Ugh...
Yeah, but that was partly my fault because I was stressing about missing my unlikely shuttle from an equally unlikely hotel. Double fault on my part for assuming the clerk at a completely official currency exchange office was like a totally by-the-book administration.
And yet, in France, I go to my bank reluctantly, telling my advisor straight up not to try selling me their crap because it won’t work on me.
When traveling abroad, I always feel invulnerable because I’m caught up in all the pleasures of stepping out of my comfort zone (and there, too, I’m wrong).
Once in Colombia, in the middle of guerrilla activity in my favorite department, a cop took my bank card right out of my hand while I was trying to explain that I was looking for a bank in an area where they only speak Costeño.
I snatched it back violently and left. It was only long after returning to France that I realized how naive I’d been—once again—with authorities who are supposed to be honest.
Same thing in the same region where a corrupt cop extorted 250,000 pesos from me just because he saw a bottle of rum at my feet in my car.
Yeah, when traveling, we often act stupid!!!
.... I’ll go ahead and share (don’t hit me, okay!). I don’t have that kind of problem when I travel. I’ve hung out in West Africa, Algeria, Mali, Morocco of course, Mauritania a bit, and Senegal quite a bit. When I say "hung out," I mean stays of several months in "hardcore backpacker" conditions.
One of the keys is relaxation, letting go.
A question: which hotel are you talking about? That’ll give us an idea of where you stayed.
« Droit devant soi on ne peut pas aller bien loin. »
.... I’ll take the liberty (don’t hit me, okay!). I don’t have that kind of problem when I travel. I’ve hung out in West Africa, Algeria, Mali, Morocco of course, Mauritania a bit, and Senegal quite a lot. When I say "hung out," I mean stays of several months in "hardcore backpacker" conditions.
One of the keys is relaxation, letting go.
One question: which hotel are you talking about? That’ll give us an idea of where you’re staying.
We traveled all over the country, so we stayed in several hotels. But I personally didn’t experience harassment or anything like that because I never let it happen and always use the right tone. The drama my friends had was mostly in Saly (which explains a lot). I should mention they had faces that seemed to attract trouble and couldn’t say no firmly (basically the current generation) 😄
Thanks for this reply. It confirms what I was saying. The so-called "must-see" tourist spots in Senegal are definitely places to avoid. That’s where you’ll find the biggest pains in the neck in West Africa. The rest of the country—basically the whole thing ;)—is honestly really cool.
Saly is *the* spot you shouldn’t go to... in my opinion, of course. Oh! And Touba. Ugh... no comment.
« Droit devant soi on ne peut pas aller bien loin. »
Thanks for this reply. It confirms what I was saying. The so-called "must-see" tourist spots in Senegal are definitely to avoid. That’s where you’ll find the biggest pains in the neck in West Africa. The rest of the country—basically everything else 😉—is honestly really cool.
Saly is *the* spot you shouldn’t go to... in my opinion, of course. Oh! And Touba. Ugh... no comment.
I didn’t have a choice about Saly for the last two days of my trip—I was with CDV, the "for girls only" agency (the one that kicked me out since)
Benin! So many great memories... except with the authorities because I traveled through the country during the revolution. In every city I passed through, I got another stamp in my passport. By the time I left the country, there wasn’t much space left!
In Parakou, I had to wait a good hour for my passport in the police station courtyard... had to wait for the ink to dry! 😉
😉🙂😉
We’ve all got stories like that.
Me, I’ve had a few—like the time at the Burkina border where they didn’t have an exit stamp... some remote border post in the middle of nowhere, and I was on a moto-taxi. I had to go 15 klicks back to get the stamp. So, officially, I never left Burkina, even though I entered one day. But I still made it into Togo. The young Togolese customs officer stamped my entry, wrote down my name, and 10 minutes later, sent me a Facebook friend request. 😉
I’ve got tons of stories like that. It’s the sweet stuff of travel in Africa.
Yeah, Senegal can be intense when it comes to harassment, etc. I described it. But my trips to 7 different places went smoothly. Having a good knowledge of West Africa definitely helped me keep some distance from all the insistence. ... Staying calm and using humor are key.
But as I’ve already said, I preferred Benin, Mali, and Burkina 1000 times over.
Yes, Senegal can be tough in terms of harassment, etc. I described it. But my trips in *sept-places* (shared taxis) went smoothly. Having some experience with West Africa definitely helped me keep my distance from all the insistence. ... Staying calm and using humor were key.
But like I said before, I preferred Benin, Mali, and Burkina *a thousand times over*.
I had to explain to the restaurant manager at the hotel why I was putting some of my breakfast stuff in my bag—it was just because I wasn’t hungry at the moment (breakfast was included). Ugh, after a while, it’s just exhausting.
..well, for my part, I crossed Mali by road, through the desert, from Gao to Timbuktu, from Diboli to Algeria... with Bambaras, with Tamasheks. The people aren't much fun. I remember noting that:
"When you ask the Bambaras for the time, it’s like you’ve insulted their mother." That’s exactly how I wrote it.
Senegal, I didn’t explore as much, but I laugh a lot more there. Senegalese people, from the random kid to the old lady selling odds and ends at the market, are way more approachable and really open to chatting—and more if there’s a connection.
Maybe it’s just a different way of looking at things? I don’t know.
That’s just how I felt.
« Droit devant soi on ne peut pas aller bien loin. »
...well, for my part, I crossed Mali by road, through the desert, from Gao to Timbuktu, from Diboli to Algeria... with Bambaras, with Tuaregs. The people aren't much fun. I remember noting that:
"When you ask the Bambaras for the time, it's like you've violated their mother." That's exactly how I wrote it.
In Senegal, I didn't travel around as much, but I laugh a lot more there. Senegalese people, from the unknown kid to the old lady selling next to nothing at the market, are way more approachable and really more open to conversation—and more if there's a connection.
Maybe it's just a way of looking at things? I don't know.
That's just how I felt.
For me in Senegal, it went much better with women than with men.
Je pars deux semaines au Sénégal en avril; je suis une femme seule et j'aurai besoin de conseils. Quels lieux incontournables à visiter (deja prévu ile de…
J'aimerais partir seule au Sénégal au mois de novembre, j'ai donc commencé à me renseigner et je vois que beaucoup de personnes déconseillent Saly car trop…
Alors voilà, en tant qu'expat travaillant au fond de la brousse sénégalaise, j'aimerais profiter des vacances du jour de l'an pour "sortir" un peu. Vite comme…
Bonjour à tous,
je suis une femme de 67 ans qui voyage et j'ai décidé pour mon 3ème périple seule de découvrir l'Indonésie.
Je pars du 1er septembre au 5 octobre et j'ai beaucoup de mal à prévoir mon itinéraire.
Je suis preneuse de tous vos conseils que j'étudierai avec attention.
J'ai réservé les 2 ères nuits chez l'habitant à Jakarta, ensuite direction Borodubur. pour le moment c'est tout ce que je sais.
Pensez que je doive réserver les logements et les billets de transport à l'avance, ce qui me semble très compliqué, ou je pourrai décider au jour le jour suivant mes envies?
Merci d'avance pour vos réponses
Bonjour à toutes et tous,
Je prévois un voyage en Mongolie cet été, en solo, sans agence. Cependant, j'aimerais être accompagnée d'un.e guide pour certaines portions de mon voyage.
D'après mes recherches, je comprend que la majorité des "activités", hébergements et déplacements s'organisent le mieux au jour le jour, en fonction des opportunités et des rencontres. Que sans agence, tout se fait sur place.
J'aimerais avoir plus d'avis sur cela, et notamment pour la Vallée de l'Orkhon.
Voici l'itinéraire que je prévois :
* UB -> Mörön (avion) -> Khatgal (bus locaux)
Quelques jours au lac Khövsgöl
* Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (bus locaux)
Quelques jours au lac blancs
* Lac blanc -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 avec chauffeur)
Quelques jours à la Vallée de l'Orkhon
+ les 8 lacs (randonnée équestre avec guide)
* Retour à UB
De ce que j'ai compris, la première partie sera plutôt aisée, mais je me questionne sur la Vallée de l'Orkhon.
Voici mes questions :
-> Trajet Tsetserleg - Kharkhorin :
Est-ce que certain.es d'entre vous ont effectué ce trajet en bookant un chauffeur sur place, en arrivant à Tsetserleg ? Était-ce facile de trouver un chauffeur disponible ? Et avez-vous trouvé facilement / difficilement / pas trouvé d'autres voyageurs pour partager ce trajet avec vous ? Car dans l'idéal je souhaiterais partager ce trajet avec des covoyageurs.
-> Les 8 lacs : pourriez-vous me partager votre expérience des 8 lacs ? Avez-vous facilement trouvé un guide directement sur place ? Avez-vous pu partager cette expérience avec des convoyageurs ?
Dernière question concerne les femmes qui ont voyagé seule en Mongolie :
-> Comment avez-vous vécu cette expérience ? Avez-vous des conseils ou recommandations spécifiques ?
I’m considering a road trip (rental car) to explore the Canadian Rockies in September 2026, starting in Calgary and ending with about 10 days in Vancouver and the surrounding area. (Two weeks in the Rockies and a little under two weeks in Vancouver and nearby.)
I’d like to say that being a woman traveling alone doesn’t really bother me. That’s not the issue. Being a woman is just how it is, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but traveling solo is something I could fix by finding travel companions. However, I had a not-so-great experience in India with two girls who were total strangers at first and turned out to be quite annoying, so I’m a bit put off by the idea now.
My question is simple, assuming I do this trip alone: is it worth sticking *only* to driving? I have **zero** sense of direction—with a map, I’m hopeless. So, is it realistic to think, "With my GPS, I’ll just drive from Calgary to Vancouver and see what I see," since I don’t see myself hiking alone? I’m not easily scared, but I wouldn’t feel confident doing that solo. Unless all the sightseeing is done with a guide (but then, hello, the cost—my budget isn’t exactly overflowing).
What do you all think?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Take care and happy travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
After a week of sports south of Bergen, I’m not sure what to visit during the following week between Bergen and Oslo.
I haven’t planned to rent a car.
I’d love your suggestions. Thanks
Bonjour, J'ai une grande envie de partir en Iran pour 3 semaines, à la mi mars 2015.
Ce qui m'inquiète un peu, ce n'est pas tant d'être seule, j'y suis habituée et connais bien le moyen-orient, mais plutôt les événements actuels (Etat islamique) qui peuvent devenir peut-être dangereux.
Les billets ne sont pas chers actuellement, et j'aimerai réserver avant que cela n'augmente.
Quelques conseils de la part de personnes qui connaissent mieux le terrain et l'actualité iranienne que moi seraient les bienvenus :)
Hi there! I’m in the middle of planning my first solo trip (as a woman). Do you have any ideal destinations with activities like hiking, diving, sightseeing, and easy ways to meet locals—all on a small budget?
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had this experience before! :)
Hi there,
Who could recommend a reliable agency for visiting several islands, including the parks around Komodo? I’m traveling solo as a woman.
Thanks for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
I’m often in transit in Tokyo and I stay at the hotel because Japanese people speak little English and the signs are almost always in Japanese!
Any ideas for getting from Narita to a nice park or an onsen? I wanted to try Hokkaido, but apart from renting a car, it’s all trains! Any suggestions for a car with a driver? Or is it too expensive? Small group tours in Hokkaido? I read about the Explorator group’s offer—way too expensive!!!
I’ve got a maximum of 8 days. I’d just like a nice Japanese break.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
mon amie, avec qui j'ai voyagé en Iran, Birmanie et Inde, souhaitait vivement faire un voyage de un mois en Arménie Géorgie. Nous prenons donc nos vols (21/6 au 19/07) et catastrophe, plus de voyage pour elle pour de graves raisons familiales.
me voici seule à partir à l'aventure.Ce n'est pas que je n'ai jamais voyagé toute seule , puisque j'ai arpenté seule l'Asie du SE durant 3 mois l'an dernier, mais je me pose tout de même quelques questions pour lesquelles vous aurez peut être la gentillesse d'avoir des réponses.
* Je pense que voyager seule dans ces pays n'est pas très risqué, qu'en dites vous?
* je pourrais peut être prendre un chauffeur , quel en serait le coût , car certains lieux ont l'air bien compliqués en transports en commun. Avez vous des adresses de chauffeurs?
* je ne souhaite pas louer une voiture , conduite trop aléatoire surtout en Géorgie.
* j'aurais aimé faire quelques jolies randonnées , existe t il des guides
mon projet en quelques étapes
EREVAN et environs
YEGHEGNADZOR pour Novarank
GORIS TATEV
LAC SEVAN
DILIDJAN
HAGHPAT
TBILISSI et environs
le CAUCASE vers Mestia
UPLISTSIKHE
VARDZIA
Retour erevan pour vol
Merci à ceux qui voudront bien me répondre et partager leurs expériences
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a few tips that really helped me better prepare my carry-on luggage. After a few trips (and some mistakes too!), I’ve finally found a way to organize myself that makes life a lot easier. Maybe this can help other travelers here.
1. Choose a practical and sturdy bag
A good bag is the foundation. I’ve noticed that a model with a solid structure, sturdy wheels, and a well-thought-out interior really changes the experience. Hard-shell suitcases hold up better, especially when you’re hopping between flights. Personally, I use a Lambert suitcase because the interior is super well-divided, but the important thing is to find a model that works for you.
2. Rolling your clothes really works
It’s simple, but it saves so much space. Plus, it wrinkles less. I do this now for almost everything, especially lightweight clothes.
3. Keep everything in a small kit
100 ml liquids, toothbrush, cream, mini first-aid kit… Having all of that in one clear toiletry bag makes going through security much easier. It saves you from having to take everything out and put it back in a rush.
4. A pouch for essentials
Passport, headphones, charger, phone… I keep all of that in the same pouch. It saves so much stress when you need to find something quickly, especially on the plane.
5. Traveling lighter makes all the difference
Since I started choosing versatile clothes that mix and match well, I travel with a lot less. Less weight, fewer decisions to make, fewer things to lug around. It honestly makes traveling so much more enjoyable.
From the conversations I’ve had with other travelers (and several customers too), I’ve realized you can really simplify your trip just by organizing a little better and choosing good accessories.
If you have other tips or methods that work for you, I’d love to read them. We always learn from others on this forum.
Looking forward to exchanging with you all!
Hi,
Has anyone recently taken the boat to Casamance from Dakar and could share their experience?
From France, is it possible to book online, or do you need to go through an agency? How far in advance?
Boarding/disembarking: how does it work? Do we have to check in our luggage and then pick it up on arrival?
What’s the vibe like on the boat in the seating area?
Has anyone ever stopped over in Carabane? Accommodation options there?
Thanks so much if you have any recent info!
Exploring India by road is all about having a good driver. I highly recommend the one I’ve traveled with for 5 "safe" trips—Rajasthan 3 times over 16 years, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. He’s been driving tourists for 25 years now and is more than just a driver. He knows how to talk about his country, the cities you visit, and suggests alternative routes.
He’s well-connected with real local guides who don’t just ramble (as he puts it himself) or drag you into shops claiming to be run by their "so-called family." Depending on your preferences, he can suggest well-tested itineraries and recommend typical hotels like Havelis.
For dining, he oversees meal prep based on your spice-level preferences. He’s Sikh and deeply respectful of his passengers.
He speaks English better than French, but one of his daughters is studying French at university.
Hi,
We’d like to spend about twenty days in Albania next July. We’re two women traveling together and we’re thinking of renting a small car. Does that sound reasonable, or should we avoid it?
Thanks for your advice.
Hi there,
I’m spending a week in Morocco (Rabat - Meknes - Fes).
I’ll be traveling solo—is it safe for a woman over 60?
For transportation, I’m planning to take the train. I was thinking of buying my ticket last minute, but it’s around the end-of-year period…?
I’ll be in Meknes on December 31st—any suggestions on how they celebrate New Year’s Eve there?
Is anyone visiting these destinations? Maybe we could meet up…?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
After hearing so much about Djerba, especially the GO clubs, is it risky for a young, pretty newly-retired woman to visit the island alone?
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Does anyone know how late the buses run from Cusco Airport to the city center? I land at 9:30 PM, plus time to clear customs, pick up my luggage, and exchange some money—figure an extra 30 to 45 minutes. Though, come to think of it, I still have 5 sols from last time—maybe that’ll be enough for the bus?
Thanks.
Brigitte
Planned arrival on Sunday evening, November 16, 2025, in San José. Staying 3 nights, then taking a bus to Tortuguero for 2 nights. Looking for a shared shuttle to La Fortuna for 2 nights, then a van-boat-van combo to Santa Elena for 2 or 3 nights. Heading to Quepos for 4 nights for day trips using local buses—Jaco, San Antonio, Uvita. After that, a full-day bus ride to Cahuita. I’m booking hotels as I go, which gives me the flexibility to stay longer in places I like. I’m looking for accommodations in city centers near restaurants and not too far from the bus station. Budget: 50 € for a room with a private bathroom (if you’ve got any great tips!). For my finale, I’ll cross the land border to Panama City for 4 days. Thanks for your suggestions! 😉
Comme je l'avais déja dit, je vais donc me rendre à istanbul l'été prochain, et j'ai entendu dire que récemment il ya avait eu pas mal d'attentats de la part des kurdes en turquie et cela frenne un peu ma décision pour mon voyage.
Je voulais savoir qu'en pensez vous?🙁Et je me demande si c'est bien raisonnable de partir...
Hi there!
We’re leaving in early November for a month.
Here’s our itinerary:
Arrival in Takhmau, then heading to:
Kampong Cham
Kratie – 2 days
Mondolkiri – 3 days
Ratanakiri – 3 days
Stung Treng – 1 day
Siem Reap – 4 days
Battambang – 1 day
Kampong Chhnang – 3 days
Kampot – 2 days
Islands (WE’RE HESITATING WHICH ONE?) – 4 DAYS
Phnom Penh – 2 days
That’s it! 😊
We’re backpacking… and we love spots that aren’t too touristy. If you’ve got any tips, we’re all ears!
Thanks
Hi there,
We’d like to stay in Switzerland for five days.
There are two of us (women).
We don’t know this country at all.
What cities or affordable spots would you recommend for visiting?
Cheap accommodation.
Looking for community-based options.
And being close to public transport.
Thanks for your tips and experiences!
Best regards.
Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone has taken a Rede Expressos bus from Lisbon Airport to Lagos, and if so, where exactly at the airport you need to board it? I’m worried I’ll get lost and miss my bus...
Hi again,
I’m adding more details to my info request. Here are two proposed itineraries. We’re hesitating:
Colombo - Unawatuna 2 days - Sinharaja 1 day - Bandarawela 2 days - Kandy 3 days - Dambulla 2 days - Wilpattu Park 1 day - Kalpitiya 3 days - Negombo 1 day
What should we change or add a day for to include Jaffna?
Or:
Negombo 1 day - Anuradhapura 2 days - Jaffna 2 days - Sigiriya 2 days - Dambulla 1 day - Kandy 2 days - Ella 1 day - Galle 3 days
For your advice.
Is it better to finish in Galle or Kalpitiya?
Thanks in advance!
Nicole
Bonjour à tous et toutes, Ce message est un message de mise en garde ! J'aimerais l'adresser, plus particulièrement, aux jeunes filles qui voyagent seules et pour la première fois en Inde. D'autres voyageurs réagiront à mon message selon leurs impressions mais il me semble que ce que je vais dire n'est pas à prendre à la légère sauf si c'est ce que vous recherchez ! En juillet dernier, j'ai voyagé dans le Nord de l'Inde. J'ai fais une halte à Khajuraho pour voir les fameux temples tantriques. J'y suis restée une nuit et c'est bien suffisant. Khajuraho est très touristiques mais il faut savoir que 80% des jeunes indiens sont des "gigolos". A Khajuraho, les commerçants locaux appellent ces jeunes hommes (entre 18 et 30 ans) des "playboys" ou bien encore " Lapka" (qui veut dire en hindi capturer la femme) !!! En effet, ils approchent les touristes avec douceur et politesse en leur proposant un thé ou bien encore un tour en moto (qu'ils se sont fait offrir par des touristes occidentales généreuses) vers les waterfalls à quelques kilomètres de Khajuraho ou vers d'autres sites touristiques. Après avoir sympathisé avec vous, ils vous charment (attention se sont des professionnels très doués, ils ne font que cela et ils le font bien), ils vous offrent à manger, à boire, l'entrée des temples pour vous mettre dans la confusion. Ils vous proposent de passer la soirée avec eux et même la nuit ! Refusez (sauf si vous aimez consommer local et que vous êtes venu pour cela) !!!! Car, dans un premier temps vous serez séduites par cette générosité, baisserez votre garde et ensuite ils vous feront croire au Grand Amour, ne vous lâcheront plus et garderont le contact avec vous par mail ou par téléphone, si vous leur donnez vos coordonnées. Les propos tenus par ces jeunes hommes pour vous attendrir et vous spolier sont : "je suis le seul à prendre soin de ma famille, mon frère est malade, je ne sais pas quoi faire..." Tout cela dans le but de vous attendrir et de vous soutirer de l'argent. Attention, ils ne vous le demanderont jamais clairement (pour éviter d'être démasqué) mais attendront que vous le proposez spontanément. Si vous recevez des e-mails de leur part, ils ne seront jamais signés, leur nom n'apparaît pas dans l'adresse mail (pour éviter de laisser des traces) pour éviter d'être dénoncés, ils correspondent sous un nom fictif. Si vous croyez à ces propos plaintifs et que vous proposez de l'aide, ils vous communiqueront un numéro de compte sur lequel vous pouvez verser de l'argent via la banque Western Union. Ces jeunes hommes ne vivent que de cela, le commerce de leur corps et l'escroquerie ! Ils sont très doués, très charmeurs, très manipulateurs, très "cheateurs" ! (en particulier un jeune homme qui se présente sous le nom d'emprunt de Tony, il parait que c'est le plus doué, il vit dans un hôtel près du lac: le Krishna cottage et est en contact régulier par skype avec des femmes occidentales à qui il fait croire qu'il les aime et qu'il spolie sans scrupules. Il a ouvert un internet café, sur le toît de cet hôtel, , avec l'argent escroqué aux dames qui sont tombées sous son charme). Alors, jeunes filles romantiques en manque d'amour, célibataire sensibles ou simplement fragiles émotionnellement ne vous laissez pas spolier !!! C'est un comportement qui est de plus en plus couru en Inde et encore peu connu. La prostitution masculine est en expansion et des cas d'arnaques amoureuses et d'escroqueries financières par des gigolos sont de plus en plus fréquents.
bonjour a tous ! je voudrais aller sur montreal et ses alentours proches en aout et j ai 3 semaines de vacances . je suis seule et je vais voir ma fille qui y vit depuis peu. elle travaillera et ne sera dispo que le soir ! j hesite donc entre passer une semaine a montreal et de là prendre un vol pour cuba et ensuite retour en France de la havane et rester sur montreal et visiter seule les alentours . donc pour ma premiere idee d aller sur cuba est ce possible au niveau formalités administratives et legalité ? et pour ma deuxieme idee est ce possible de prendre des autobus ? et si oui est ce pas trop onéreux? et y a t il bcp de coins desservis ? merci pour vos conseils ! jocelyne
From FES, I’d like to spend a few days in:
MEKNES
CHEFCHAOUEN
TETOUAN
and then return to FES.
I’m planning this trip in November.
Thanks for your tips!
I just got back from an unforgettable road trip in Madagascar where I drove down the legendary RN7. It connects Tana (the capital) to Tulear.
Since we were traveling as a group of girls, we decided to go with a guide. I’d never done an “organized” trip before, but I have to say we loved this first tailor-made travel experience.
From the highlands of the Red Island
down to the west coast, by the Mozambique Channel.
Vast landscapes as far as the eye can see
Human encounters
Discovering ancestral artisanal know-how
Sunsets over the ochre mountains
Intense, precious moments with my friends
We loved the mountains, visits to artisans, and the parties too ;-)
We used local guides to show us specific spots (like Isalo National Park, where we were able to bivouac)
Hi there,
My friend and I are traveling together between October and November 2025—no exact dates yet.
We’d love to step away from the typical travel agency packages and are hoping to rent a car locally and stay with locals, living with them rather than in a vacation rental.
Does anyone know if this is possible?
Thanks in advance for your advice and tips!
Warm regards to all
Rarely in an open way, but it’s present in the minds of many young people. Prime Minister Sonko isn’t unrelated to this. For several years now, there’s been anti-French propaganda, notably from Guy Marius Sagna with his movement "FFRAP France Dégage." But as they say above, it’s the same "clientele" and the same behaviors you find in Europe and most countries these days.
