Hi everyone! We see some amazing plans and also posts that go unanswered despite being for pretty popular destinations. We want to liven things up to help you travel more often with companions and in complete safety. Let us know what’s missing for you!
What’s your main hurdle when it comes to using this section?
Fear of not sharing the same interests as the other person.
Difficulty managing money and bookings as a group.
Lack of seriousness (people who don’t respond or back out).
Time spent organizing the itinerary from A to Z.
What would help you the most to take the plunge?
A system of "verified" profiles (identity/trust).[/li>
Pre-built itineraries by the forum where you just need to join in.[/li>
Hi there,
This year, the conflict isn’t encouraging travel to Asian countries since we all know what’s happening beneath the air corridors leading there...
The cost of kerosene is driving up flight ticket prices everywhere, adding another hurdle...
Same goes for road trips by car across our European countries....
So, far fewer people are setting off, and plans are falling through...
Even great ones...
Sure, forming small groups with flexible itineraries to cut costs significantly is ideal, but with everyone’s wishes not always aligning... it’s tough...
That’s why people aren’t responding or are backing out—there’s a lot of uncertainty right now for these reasons...
Though I could be wrong.
Safe travels to all..
Do people usually switch to private messaging and then phone calls instead? That means whether the plans work out or not doesn’t always show up in the discussion.
Personally, I still check the Travel Buddies section regularly, but I can’t seem to find the right fit for a few reasons:
- Very few travelers around my age group. It’s mostly older retirees, followed by young students.
- Destinations are too mainstream—let’s just say *very* touristy.
- Posts are often way too vague. It’s clear the person doesn’t have a solid plan, or sometimes they’re even torn between completely unrelated destinations. If it’s unclear, there’s usually a catch.
Hello,
I’m in the "boomer" age category, so I shouldn’t have any issues with age restrictions. But, like Zarzeluelita, I find the lack of originality in destinations a bit disappointing. Also, many travel proposals are already fully planned and don’t seem very open to co-creating a trip around the destination. On the flip side, some posts have such vague travel plans that it makes me wonder if Voyage Forum is being mistaken for a dating site.
I also think private messages can skew response statistics. It’s a shame because, for those who are hesitant, it’d be helpful to know if certain proposals actually led to a trip.
I’d be more likely to respond to a post if the poster’s profile were more detailed. Maybe that’s what you mean by a "verified profile"? To answer your follow-up questions, I’m not interested in group trips or ready-made packages.
Hello there, pioneers of this traveler connection service—globetrotters, adventurers—a huge thank you for all the effort you’ve put in to keep this adventure going.
As mentioned earlier, the profiles of newly registered users have evolved. There are cruise lovers, people looking for love—I have nothing against them—but this might explain why the old-school adventurers we used to meet on this platform seem less interested.
Yes, adventure travel continues despite the chaos, flight delays or cancellations, and the irresponsible folks who think they own the world.
Meet-ups are usually finalized through private messages or phone calls.
Wishing you a long life and good health so you can keep enjoying the world’s paths.
Gilles
- Posts are often very brief. The person clearly doesn’t have a well-defined plan, sometimes even wavering between unrelated destinations. It’s vague, and when it’s vague, there’s a catch.
That’s exactly it. On top of that, some don’t provide any info about their age, personality, or physical condition.
Personally, in the past, I posted 3 or 4 very clear and detailed ads to find travel partners. I always found someone—I even had to limit the "applicants"—and it always went well.
Hello!!
I met a great travel buddy on this forum—it was so much fun! Unfortunately, our travel dates don’t line up anymore, which is a shame. I relate to some of the thoughts here: as a "boomer" traveler, I struggle to find the right person for my travel plans. It could be the cost, the timing, the age difference, or the duration—honestly, I’m not sure, but I’m staying optimistic. Thanks for creating this forum!
Hello to the administrators,
I don’t understand—I posted an ad on May 20, 2026, for a travel companion for Brazil in November 2026, and I can’t find it anymore?!!!!
Please help me because I’ve had responses via the email I provided, and I’d like to add some details....
Best regards,
Username: Soleilp31
Hi there,
It looks like your post didn’t go through or was deleted. The most recent one looking for travel companions to Brazil is from March 29, 2026.
Hello Zarzuelita.
Why would there have to be a catch when things are unclear? Some people leave the door open, while others already have a very clear idea of their future trip. For example, I don’t yet know which next destination I’ll be looking into, and yet there’s no catch—just a thought process that hasn’t come to fruition yet 🙂. With fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, and wars here and there, we’re left in... the unknown!
Wishing you many wonderful future trips.
« Le voyageur voit ce qu’il voit, les touristes voient ce qu’ils sont venus voir » – G.K. Chesterton
I completely agree with you, Kookiecd.
I prefer when things are flexible, because it leaves room to really build a trip together—whether it’s just the two of us or more. When everything’s been decided by the first person to chime in, it feels set in stone, and I get the sense there’ll be a lot of negotiating (or even frustration) if we try to change the initial plans. We’re allowed to hesitate over the destination *and* what we’ll do once we’re there, and that’s a good thing.
To echo what others have said, it’s true that retirees do seem to have an advantage when it comes to finding travel partners. But personally, I found mine while I was still working (twice, in fact), and it went really well both times.
Then there was that period of inactivity on VF (thanks to COVID, but not *just* COVID...) that hurt this site—and especially the "Travel Companions" section. Or at least, that’s how I see it.
The only real "hold-up" for me is making sure I’m meeting the right person. I don’t want to waste 5 or 6 weeks of travel with someone I don’t click with. So I need a lot of back-and-forth beforehand to, well, *test the waters*, so to speak.
Finally, I’m not sold on trips with 6 or 8 people who don’t know each other from the start. It’s already a challenge to find *one* person you mesh with—let alone 6 or 8...
Wishing VF all the best! !
"Le monde vous traverse et pour un temps vous prête ses couleurs" (N. Bouvier)
Hello everyone,
"Then there was the period of inactivity on VF (due to COVID but not only...) which hurt this site, as well as the 'travel partner search' section. At least, that’s what I think."
I share and confirm what Didier (chouhibou) said—this period really made the site "sick"... I’ve been part of this site for a long time, and back then, I was still working and traveled a lot with people I met here. It always went well; of course, there are people you want to travel with again and others you don’t, but it always worked out because for each of us, a trip is a budget, a journey to the other side of the world, and no one wanted to ruin it. So compromises were made along the way. I’ve always traveled in groups of 4 max—beyond that, it gets too complicated on all levels (whether it’s the car, restaurants, accommodation, etc.).
The important thing on the site is to fill out your profile properly—many did this back then. Clearly state your age, your travel style, your pace, your aspirations, and your interests.
What I saw before and don’t see today are meet-ups organized by members. I participated in and organized several of them—we’d meet in different regions and even in Canada. It created a dynamic and allowed us to exchange ideas and meet future travel partners. These meet-ups, sometimes over a weekend, let us see how others functioned and get an idea of whether we could travel together. I have great memories of them.
I’ve kept many friends and acquaintances from that time, and I still travel with them. Last December, we were in Panama, and we rely less on the site now. However, once a trip is decided, discussions and organization happen privately, so it might seem like nothing is happening, but I think that’s not true. I believe many things happen behind the scenes. I think it’s up to the members to take ownership of the site, make meet-up suggestions, and organize them—that would make it more dynamic. This site is a bit like a "Spanish inn"—you get out of it what you put in... That’s my little contribution to the discussion! 😉 🙂
Bonjour,
Pour ma part mon frein principal est celui qui concerne un bon nombre de profils peu ou pas renseignés. Et ma tranche d'âge sous représentée (autour de 50 ans). Puis vient ensuite la nature du voyage envisagé qui n'est souvent pas assez clair: trip, bivouac, ...
Merci.
Karl, 54 ans de Lyon
I'm heading out with friends for a week in the Queyras to hike in this beautiful region, staying at accommodation in Molines-en-Queyras near Saint-Véran, from Wednesday the 19th to Wednesday the 26th of August.
It's accommodation where we can really relax, have breakfast, prepare picnics, and go on day hikes. Some of the Queyras' most famous hikes are less than an hour's drive away. In the evenings, we'll either eat out or cook at the apartment!
Right now, there are 8 of us, and since there are 11 beds, 3 more people can still join the group. If you have any questions, don't hesitate!
Approximate budget if we're 10 people: 175 € for accommodation + 150 € for restaurants + 55 € for miscellaneous (including shuttles or paid parking) – so a week of hiking at a reasonable price!
Indicative hiking program:
After the hikes and depending on the time, we can explore the region a bit...
Wednesday 2 PM: Cascade de l'Oule from Le Laus – 7.9 km and 710 m elevation gain
Thursday: Sommet Bucher and Col des Prés Fromage – 11.9 to 15.5 km and 700 to 830 m elevation gain, depending on how we're feeling and the weather
Friday: Tour de la Tête des Toillies – 14.5 km and 1,015 m elevation gain
Saturday: Col Agnel and Lacs d'Asti, Foreant, and Égorgeou – 17.1 km and 980 m elevation gain
Sunday: Lacs du Malrif – 12 km and 960 m elevation gain
Monday: Col de Neal and Col du Lauzon – 16 km and 950 m elevation gain
Tuesday: Lac de Lestio – 17.7 km and 870 m elevation gain
Wednesday: Lac de Roue – 4.5 km and 175 m elevation gain for the return trip
I'm looking for an independent companion to share a trip to Brittany around 26/08/2026 for three weeks. Bike touring, cultural visits, birdwatching, etc., and of course, apéros. I love islands and the sea. I'm 70, a retired mountain and canyoning educator and guide. Everyone keeps their own vehicle, but we share meals, visits, etc. My van—I have a Traffic Font Vendôme van. Thanks
Hi there,
I’d like to visit Crete in September, starting on 09/07/2026 for a 20-day trip—to explore, swim, and soak up the island. I usually travel independently on a backpacker budget. We can chat and plan ahead before leaving.
I’d love to share this trip with someone—it’s more fun that way—but we could also just share a few days. I’ve never been to Crete before. Feel free to reach out for more details. I’m 60 years old. Thanks!
Looking for a travel partner to explore the Los Monegros desert and/or the Gorafe desert in late September or later (October, November...). We can go either adventurous or more "chill" depending on our vibes and the weather... the plan is to build it together!
Hi there,
I’m looking for a female co-traveler to join me in Oman for a month, from mid-February to mid-March.
We’ll rent a Toyota 4X4 locally for 1 050 € for the month—I’ll be driving the vehicle.
At the moment, there are two vehicles in our group, with a gentleman who’s going for the 4th time.
We’re planning on free camping on-site, alternating with guesthouse stays roughly every 8 days.
Planned itinerary: Muscat, heading south to the Empty Quarter desert, then back up along the coast, with canyon swims along the way, and the Hajar Mountains on the return to Muscat.
I’m a 70-year-old woman, experienced in travel.
Drop me a line for more details.
Thanks!
Hello,
I’m 76 years old and travel a lot around the world. I’m planning to go to Oman from March 19 to April 8, 2026. (After that, I’m off to Turkey to meet some friends.)
I’m looking for a fellow traveler to share a car rental to explore some off-the-beaten-path spots.
I just got back from Cape Verde, and before that, I was in the USA, Japan, Chile, etc.
I usually travel solo, and obviously, I meet a lot of people along the way.
For Oman (and Namibia next year), it seems more practical to travel with 2 or 3 people.
That’s all!
Patrice
I’m Constance, a 21-year-old student about to start a gap year.
I’m looking for young people interested in joining me for part of the trip, especially in the Lofoten Islands in Norway. I’ll be there from late September to early October. Ideally, I’d like to stay at a campsite and/or the youth hostel near Leknes to keep costs down and go hiking during the day.
If you know of any other blogs or sites (no dating sites, please!) for meeting travelers, I’d love the info! I’m used to meeting people in hostels, but there aren’t many in Norway—and even fewer outside the peak season...
We’re currently three retirees (one man and a couple) looking for one or two people to join us on a road trip through Patagonia by car.
Starting from Concepción in Chile, we’ll head to San Carlos de Bariloche (a possible meet-up point) in Argentina to reach Cabo Vírgenes. Then we’ll return via Route 40, with detours on the Chilean side (Torres del Paine, Lake General Carrera, Coyhaique).
We’ll pass by the Perito Moreno Glacier, Laguna del Desierto, Perito Moreno Park at the foot of San Lorenzo, Jeinemeni Park, Los Alerces Park, and more. A few hikes are planned.
Dates: November 6 to December 15, from Concepción back to Concepción.
Hi! I’m Hugo, I’m 20, and I’m a recent graduate with a tourism BTS. I’m heading off alone in November 2026 with my backpack for a road trip across Asia.
I already have my first flight ticket to Bangkok, but nothing else is planned yet.
So I’m signing up on this forum hoping for tips, good deals, and maybe even meet-ups while I’m there!
For February 2027,
Since it's so much better to travel as a pair, I'm looking for a friendly female travel buddy to visit Laos, with a stop in northern Thailand first to explore the Chiang Mai region before heading to Laos.
I travel backpacker-style but with comfort—staying with locals or in small hotels with private bathrooms, using the country's trains and buses. I'm easygoing, love joking around and laughing, and I'm experienced with independent travel. To avoid flight surprises, it'd be best to book them 6 to 8 months in advance. If you're interested, get in touch!
I’m organizing a photo safari with a friend in Kenya, and we’re looking for 2 people to complete our small group.
📅 Dates: July 13–23, 2027
🗺️ Itinerary:
Masai Mara
Lake Naivasha
Amboseli
Tsavo East
Tsavo West
We’ll be accompanied by a confirmed French-speaking guide, experienced in photo safaris and deeply familiar with the parks and wildlife.
💰 Price: 3,800 € per person (excluding international flights).
I’m not just looking for travelers—I’m looking for people who share the same philosophy: taking the time to observe, respecting the animals, savoring every encounter, and, of course, fully embracing the passion for wildlife photography.
I’ve been lucky enough to go on safaris in Namibia, Botswana, and twice in Kenya. Despite these incredible experiences, Africa still fills me with wonder, and I still get emotional when I hear a lion roar at dawn or see a family of elephants crossing the path.
Whether you’re an amateur or experienced photographer, what matters most is the desire to share this adventure with good humor, patience, respect for nature... and a few very early mornings to enjoy the best light!
If this adventure appeals to you, feel free to send me a message. I’d be happy to chat with you!
I'm looking for travel companion(s) to hike the Via Alpina between Schwaz and Garmisch from September 11th to 20th (deadline dates).
If you're interested, please get in touch.
Hi everyone!
I’m heading to Israel this weekend for work, and I’m going to take the opportunity to explore a bit since it’s my first time there.
I’ll be working until Wednesday evening, then I’ve planned to spend Friday and Saturday in Ein Gedi near the Dead Sea—hiking up Masada for sunrise on Saturday, probably checking out the Dodim Caves on Friday, and of course, a float in the salty water.
I’m also thinking of visiting Haifa on Thursday, but I’m not completely decided yet.
If anyone’s around during my trip and is into hiking, maybe climbing, or rappelling, let me know!
Bruno
Hello! I'm Alice and I'm 29 years old.
I'm looking for motivated people for a trip to Egypt. I don’t have a specific itinerary yet—the ideal would be to go for 6-7 days in September. There’s so much to see and do, and I’m open to all suggestions.
You can send me an email at this address if you're interested :)
Looking for a travel companion for a round-the-world expedition in a truck. Departure planned for late 2027. Someone motivated who loves adventure (moderate level), a co-pilot, a friend—all in good spirits and with respect. Appropriate age. If this speaks to you, get in touch!
Preferably someone from my region—you’ll see, I’m really friendly...
See you soon,
Didier
Hi there!
I’m planning a trip to Japan in November for about three weeks.
I’m flexible on dates and duration.
I’ve started drafting an itinerary that we can tweak based on everyone’s interests.
I’m into Japanese culture and food, temples, hot springs, and street food…
Who’s in?! ☺️
HELLO
I’m planning to travel to Senegal via Spain, Morocco, Western Sahara, and Mauritania, with Saly by the sea as the final destination (or Dakar if requested).
Looking for a male or female co-driver to share the road expenses, including the crossing.
EXPECTED DATE to be agreed (after Christmas 2026 or early January 2027)
Vehicle: 2022 Dacia, gray, in good condition, with a valid ATA travel carnet until June 2027. FINAL DESTINATION: SENEGAL
If you’re traveling light and easygoing for such a long trip, plan for a minimum of 4 days.
Maximum 2 passengers for the journey.
You can contact me privately.
Best regards,
I’m planning a trip of about three months in Vietnam starting in September 2026. I’ll arrive in Hanoi, where I plan to stay for around two to three weeks to explore the city at a relaxed pace, as well as several nearby spots: historical heritage, museums, traditional neighborhoods, markets, and craft villages.
After that, I’d like to gradually make my way toward the center and south of the country, depending on the people I meet, the weather, and opportunities along the way. I’m particularly looking forward to another longer stop in Ho Chi Minh City—probably two to three weeks—to discover the city’s modern history, Cholon, the markets, Southern cuisine, and take a few day trips, like to the Mekong Delta or natural areas accessible from the city. The rest of the itinerary is intentionally flexible: I’d rather linger in an interesting place than stick to a rigid schedule.
I’m especially interested in culture and history, museums, markets, local food, craft villages, and slightly less touristy spots. I also enjoy walking around a city, observing daily life, chatting over coffee, or occasionally going out in the evening. That said, I’m not looking for a very active trip or one focused mainly on nightlife.
I’m a calm, curious, and fairly independent person. I can be a bit reserved at first, but I’m sociable once I feel comfortable. I’m particularly interested in IT, artistic creation, and personal projects, and I enjoy quiet conversations about a variety of topics.
I’ll be traveling on a fairly budget-friendly basis: youth hostels, local transport, street food, and small restaurants, with the occasional splurge on an activity or slightly more comfortable accommodation. Of course, everyone would keep their own budget and independence, while sharing certain expenses when it makes sense.
The idea would be to start by meeting in Hanoi for a visit, a meal, or a few days together, then simply see if our paces and interests align. There’s no need to travel together for the full three months—it could be a day, a few days, a few weeks, or longer, depending on how well we get along. I like sharing parts of the journey and activities while still having the freedom to take time alone or do some sightseeing separately.
I’m open to meeting people, with a preference for a female travel companion. My approach is mainly friendly, without any particular expectations, though I’m open to a connection developing naturally.
Feel free to message me to share your dates, itinerary, and travel style.
hi, my wife and I are planning a trip to South America for a year or more, depending on our mood. We’ll be leaving from either Cayenne or Montevideo, depending on the departure date.
We’re planning to travel around the whole continent and have plenty of experience traveling by 4x4.
If anyone’s interested in joining us for the whole trip or just part of it, leave us a message and we’ll get back to you. Possible departure at the end of 2027.
Looking for female travel companions (ideally 4)
Departure mid-February for 4 to 6 weeks, flight to Delhi, domestic flight to Bangalore, stay in Auroville. Then off to Udaipur, Agra.
Stay in Rishikesh, visit Haridwar.
Visit Amritsar, Dharamshala.
Return to Delhi. The itinerary can be adjusted based on the travel companions. Backpacking trip preferred, mid-range budget. Friendly and cheerful vibes! !
Here comes the time for well-deserved holidays. Breathing in the fresh air, swimming, hiking... and enjoying an apéro 😎
I’m looking for travel buddies to co-create a getaway around Lake Annecy.
The idea is to explore with day hikes (no pressure, no performance vibes) and discover stunning views, local history...
Try canoeing, mountain biking; check out street art performances, music festivals, art exhibitions—anything that makes for a good time.
I’m also open to other suggestions: the Pyrenees, Crete, Sardinia, Lanzarote, or anywhere else here or there 🙂
Holidays in a zen, laid-back spirit—no stress, no grumpiness, no ambiguity.
Energy. Culture. Sharing. Respect. Curiosity to discover the world. Chill vibes.
If you’ve got ideas for trips mixing cultural walks, heritage, music, arts, hiking, etc. (in France or abroad), hit me up to chat.
Dates, locations, activities... we’ll figure it out together.
We can discuss via messaging and/or over coffee/ice cream in Paris, Marne-la-Vallée, or Meaux.
Marc,
(already 54 years old! *sigh*. From Seine-et-Marne)
Hello,
We’re a group of three people aged 63 to 65, planning to do the Kangchenjunga trek in April 2026 with a Nepali friend. We’d like to have a total of six participants to share costs. If you’re interested, drop us a message.
Gilles
Thirty-seven years ago, I crossed Lapland on skis in winter...
Four years later, I returned by bike to the Lofoten Islands.
Now, I’d like to go back to this stunning country by sea kayak—a sport I’ve been practicing for the past 10 years. If it’s possible to meet up with one or more people for this little trip this year, it’s pretty quick to organize. Otherwise, in 2026, I’d love to kayak around Norway as well. If you’d like to join me for part of the route, that’d be awesome. Some sections require solid kayaking skills and excellent physical condition.
I’m 58 and retired this year—in September—due to disability.
Looking forward to your questions and/or interest in joining!
Improvisation is often part of the plan!!
Hi there,
I’m looking for a travel buddy. I live on Réunion Island. I’m 65 years old.
I’ve traveled a lot already—I’m easygoing. We can decide on destinations together.
Just throwing this out there like a message in a bottle....
Hello!
For the few who’ve traveled to Iran, loved the country, and discovered its incredible thousand-year-old beauty and the amazing kindness of its people—one of the last places still untouched by mass tourism—
I’d have loved to go back, but given the current situation, it’s not possible right now, and likely won’t be for a long time.
In the meantime, a neighboring country, Uzbekistan, definitely deserves a visit!
I discovered it through photo reports, and it reminds me a lot of Iran. So, I’m planning to check it out.
On foot, on horseback, or by car 😄—this time, I’m going with a car 🚗😊😍
I’m looking for an independent, motivated travel companion to explore this seemingly wonderful country.
Who’s in? ⭐
I'm looking for a co-driver for a road trip from PARIS to the NORTH CAPE.
My co-driver had an issue and can't come with me.
The trip lasts 1 month and covers about 12,000 km.
We'll cross 6 countries:
Germany, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Finland. My vehicle is a RENAULT KANGOO.
I’m looking for people who might be interested in joining me on one or more self-sufficient treks, no agencies, between Zanskar and Ladakh this summer.
My plans:
Trek from Songde to Phuktal Gompa (return by hitching on the new road to Padum)
Trek from Lingshe to Kanji (hitch to Lingshe using the new Padum–Nimmu road)
Trek from Leh to Hundar (Nubra Valley) via Lasermo La
Trek from Korzok (Tso Moriri) to Kibber via Parang La, probably after September 10th (there are 3 buses a month on the 10th, 20th, and 30th between Leh and Korzok)
I’m pretty used to long-distance treks with a heavy backpack (self-sufficiency is key 😄!) and reasonably fit for my age 😅 (the big 5-0!).
Feel free to reach out with any ideas if you’re interested, and we can figure out what’s doable together...
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Raf
Hi there and happy New Year! I’d love to explore Greece or Austria in August 2026 for ten days.
If anyone’s interested, feel free to get in touch.
Thanks
Looking for a travel partner to visit the Azores for 2 to 3 weeks starting around September 14th. Simple hotels or even better, staying with locals, and a rental car to get around freely. Sharing costs, of course. A few easy hikes. Itinerary to be decided together—plenty of room for spontaneity. Good vibes guaranteed!
