Une fille à vélo: Kirghizistan, Ouzbékistan, Turkménistan, Iran

Hi everyone, I’m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I’ve decided to explore Indonesia. I’ll be there from September 1st to October 5th, and I’m really struggling to plan my itinerary. I’d love any advice you can share—I’ll read it all carefully. So far, I’ve booked my first two nights with a local host in Jakarta, and then I’m heading to Borobudur. That’s all I’ve got planned for now. Do you think I should book accommodations and transport tickets in advance? It seems really complicated, or could I just decide day by day based on how I feel? Thanks in advance for your replies!

Hi, I'm planning a trip to Jamaica. I'd love to hear about experiences traveling solo as a woman... Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone, I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.

From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.

I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.

Here’s the itinerary I’m planning: * UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses) A few days at Lake Khövsgöl * Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses) A few days at the White Lakes * White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver) A few days in the Orkhon Valley + the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide) * Return to UB

From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley. Here are my questions:

-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route: Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.

-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?

Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia: -> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Hello fellow travelers,

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

Hi everyone, I’m really keen to visit Iran for three weeks in mid-March 2015. What worries me a bit isn’t so much traveling alone—I’m used to it and know the Middle East well—but rather the current events (Islamic State) that could potentially become dangerous. Flights are pretty cheap at the moment, and I’d like to book before prices go up.

Any advice from people who know the ground situation and Iranian current affairs better than I do would be much appreciated! :)

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!

my friend, with whom I traveled to Iran, Myanmar, and India, really wanted to take a one-month trip to Armenia and Georgia. So we booked our flights (June 21 to July 19), but disaster struck—she can’t travel anymore due to serious family reasons.

Now I’m heading off on this adventure alone. It’s not that I’ve never traveled solo before—I spent three months exploring Southeast Asia by myself last year—but I still have a few questions, and I’d really appreciate your input.

* I don’t think traveling alone in these countries is very risky—what do you think? * Maybe I could hire a driver? What would that cost, since some places seem tricky to reach by public transport. Do you have any driver recommendations? * I don’t want to rent a car—the driving seems too unpredictable, especially in Georgia. * I’d love to do some nice hikes—are there any guides available?

Here’s my rough itinerary: YEREVAN and surroundings YEGHEGNADZOR for Noravank GORIS and TATEV LAKE SEVAN DILIJAN HAGHPAT TBILISI and surroundings The CAUCASUS toward Mestia UPLISTSIKHE VARDZIA Return to Yerevan for my flight

Thanks to anyone who can share their experiences or answer my questions!

Hi, Can you share some info about Mauritius, since I’m traveling alone and would like a local contact there? Thanks.

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.

DM me if you’d like his contact details.

Happy travels!

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! 😉

As I mentioned before, I’m heading to Istanbul next summer, and I’ve heard there have been quite a few attacks by Kurds in Turkey recently, which is making me hesitate about my trip.

What do you all think? :( I’m wondering if it’s really a good idea to go...

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 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

Hello everyone,

This is a warning message! I’d like to address it especially to young women traveling alone for the first time in India. Other travelers may react to my post based on their own experiences, but I think what I’m about to say shouldn’t be taken lightly—unless that’s what you’re looking for!

Last July, I traveled to Northern India. I stopped in Khajuraho to see the famous tantric temples. I stayed one night, and that was more than enough. Khajuraho is very touristy, but you should know that 80% of young Indian men there are "gigolos." Locals call these young men (aged 18 to 30) "playboys" or "Lapka" (which means "capture the woman" in Hindi)!!!

They approach tourists with kindness and politeness, offering tea or a motorcycle ride (which they’ve often gotten from generous Western female tourists) to waterfalls a few kilometers from Khajuraho or other tourist sites. After befriending you, they charm you—be careful, these are professionals who are very skilled at this; it’s all they do, and they do it well. They’ll offer you food, drinks, and even temple entry to confuse you. They’ll suggest spending the evening or even the night with them. **Refuse (unless you’re into local flings and that’s why you came)!!!!**

At first, you’ll be seduced by their generosity, let your guard down, and then they’ll make you believe in *true love*. They won’t leave you alone and will keep in touch via email or phone if you give them your details. The lines they use to soften you up and scam you include: *"I’m the only one taking care of my family, my brother is sick, I don’t know what to do..."* All of this is to manipulate you into offering them money. They’ll never ask for it outright (to avoid being exposed) but will wait for you to suggest it.

If you receive emails from them, they’ll never be signed, and their name won’t appear in the email address (to avoid leaving traces). They use fake names to avoid being reported. If you believe their sob stories and offer help, they’ll give you a bank account number to send money via Western Union. These young men make a living from this—selling their bodies and scamming people! They’re very skilled, charming, manipulative, and *big-time cheaters*!

(Especially one young man who goes by the alias *Tony*—apparently the most skilled. He lives in a hotel near the lake, *Krishna Cottage*, and is in regular contact via Skype with Western women he’s tricked into believing he loves them while shamelessly scamming them. He even opened an internet café on the roof of the hotel with money he stole from women who fell for his charm.)

So, young romantic women craving love, sensitive singles, or anyone emotionally vulnerable—**don’t let yourself be scammed!!!** This behavior is becoming more common in India and is still relatively unknown. Male prostitution is on the rise, and cases of romantic scams and financial fraud by gigolos are increasing.

hi everyone! I’d like to visit Montreal and the surrounding areas in August, and I’ve got 3 weeks of vacation. I’m traveling alone and will be visiting my daughter, who recently moved there. She’ll be working and only available in the evenings! So I’m torn between spending a week in Montreal, then taking a flight to Cuba, and returning to France from Havana—or staying in Montreal and exploring the nearby areas alone.

For my first idea—going to Cuba—is it feasible in terms of administrative formalities and legality? And for my second idea, is it possible to take buses? If so, is it too expensive? And are there many places served by them?

Thanks for your advice! 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