Je m'appelle Joelle, j'ai 20 ans et je viens de Québec au Canada!!
Bon, je vous expose un peu la situation!! J'ai quand meme beaucoup voyager dans la dernière année, (Espagne, Californie, Hawaii...etc) Mais cette fois-ci, je me lance dans quelque chose de très différent!! Je veux donc partir avec ma meilleure amie Émilie et un bon vieux sac de voyage (bah....vieux...c'est un grand mot!! ) et visiter les Iles Grecques en 21 jours. Nous partirions vers la fin Juillet et nous reviendrions à la mi-Aout..!!
Maintenant...Nous avons fait les tours des agences de voyage, et visité plusieurs sites internet...Mais nous avons encore quelques intérrogations, et espérons sincèrement que vous saurez nous aider..!!
Alors voilà!!
1- Comment fonctionne l'horaire des Ferris? Y a-t'il des voyages de nuit? Combien coute les traversées?
2- Comment ça fonctionne si il y a des escales..?? Faut-il changer de bateau et repayer, ou nous ne faisons que arreter et repartir? (Ex. De Mykonos pour se rendre à Santorini....on doit passer par Paros et Ios...)
3- Combien prévoir pour manger par repas? (Nous sommes à Low Budjet...Ne pas oublier!!)
4- Comment se déplacer sur les iles? y a-t'il des autobus? en scooter-mobilette? à vélo? ......à pieds?
5- Comment fonctionne les hébergements en famille..Les chambres! Tu arrives au Port et tu as des offres??
6- Combien de temps de Ferris environ entre les iles...?
:: Athène -- Myconos ::
:: Myconos -- Ios ::
:: Ios -- Santorini ::
:: Santorini -- Crète ::
:: Crète -- Rhodes ::
:: Rhodes -- Kos ::
:: Kos -- Athène .... ou .... Kos -- Syros... Syros -- Athène ::7- Pensez-vous que ca se fait toutes ces Iles là en 21 jours...(Nous voudrions tjr voyager de nuit...Pour sauver du temps et de l'argent!! Car si on voyage de nuit, on sauve un nuit dans une famille ou un auberge de jeunesse!! On paye le bateau...et dormons lors de la traversé!!)
J'espère que vous saurez répondre à quelques une de ces questions..!! (Pas besoin de toutes y répondre!!!...!!! Celle dont vous connaissez la réponse!!)
Chère Joëlle, moi ausi je part avec ma famille en aout en Grèce et je suis tombée par hazard sur ce forum j'ai été un peu séduite de ta provenance car j'ai vécu à Sillery pendant un an... Donc pour pouvoir t'aider il faudrait d'abord savoir d'ou tu parts en europe. Le mieux c'est partir d'Italie. Par exemple Venise Patras aller retour le prix s'élève entre 56 et 70 euro (cela dépends de ton âge). Donne moi plus de renseignement et je t'aiderais. A plus et bien le bonjour au Quebec.😎
Mon fils partira mi-Juin à Thellasonique, j'essaierai d'avoir des renseignements après son retour fin Juin.
Dommage, que je n'avais pas lu votre message, car son correspondant a séjourné chez nous du 4 au 11 Mars, et il avait invité pendant l'après-midi du 09 Mars, un groupe de 12 jeunes Grecs, de plus parmi eux il y avait qui surfait sur internet, ils auraient pu, bien vous renseignez sur leur pays.
Bonjour Joelle et Émilie, moi aussi je suis canadien et vie à Gatineau, voila c'est facile de voyager en Grèce, moi ce que je fais c'est de prendre l'avion jusqu'en Crête et tu reviens en bateau d'une ile à l'autre. Oui c'est possible de voir les Cyclade en 21 jour mais faut pas juste penser à l'argent mais aussi le temps que l'avion te sauvera.Oui il y a des Ferris la nuit mais l'or de ton arrivé au port il n'y aura personne pour t'offrir son logement..Quand tu paies pour une île tu ne changes pas de bateau et tu paies une foie. Pour te déplacer il y a des autobus et si tu arrives à un port il y aura des gens qui t'offriront des logements et t'y transporteront. C'est certain que tu ne peu prendre une mobylette avec ton sac à dos, mai sans sac oui autobus, mobylette, taxi etc..je voie aussi tu parles de Rhode c'es trop loin garde ton voyage dans les Cyclades et le prochain voyage la, tu fait un autre archipel. Moi c'est ça que j'ai fait de Crête le retour en bateau, tu comprendras le sentiment et comment loin c'est, prend les ferries pas chers mais les bateaux sur ski plus vite mais double le prix.. exemple de temps on a fini le voyage à Mikonos avons pris le ferrie vers les 5:00hr et sommes arriver tau Piré le port à 6:00hr du matin. Fait certaine de passer aux moins 3 jours à Athènes, pour la raison que les bateaux ne sont pas toujours à l'heure et ou la, et ce pour ne pas manquer ton avion de retour au Canada...Aussi tous ce que je t'ai dit moi c'était un voyage en septembre plus facile pour toute, resto, aparte, voyage... j'espère qu'à ça peu t'aider...Bon voyage.
Mais vous pouvez toujours posé vos questions d'ici là. J'attire quand même votre attention, se sont des élèves ados, entre 14 et 15 ans.-
Je les soumettrai, à leur accompagnatrice durant leur séjour en Grèce.
Afin de vous apporter des renseignements qui vous seront utiles lors de votre voyage en Grèce.
Pour info : ce voyage, se sont des élèves du collège (privé) 4ième
donc, c'est vraiment sérieux, parce que j'attache beaucoup d'importance à l'éducation de mon fils.
bonjour, nous habitons a Paris et mon copain et moi nous avons decidés de partir du 21 juillet au 20 août faire le tour des iles grecques mais nous avons du mal a trouver quelques renseignements(prix des bateaux, etc...).
J ai vu ton message et je me demande si par hasard tu aurais trouver quelques chose d interessant!
Si tu peux nous tenir au courant et si on peut t aider également se sera avec plaisir!
a bientot j espere Clémentine et Gregory.
Bonjour Joëlle, j'ai fait le même voyage que toi l'an passé (et moi aussi je viens du Québec!) Ce que j'ai fait, j'ai pris l'avion pour attérir à Athènes où nous sommes demeurées seulement 2 jours (c'est bien assez) car c'est une grande ville polluée et très chaude alors ne t'y attarde pas. Tu devras réserver ton hôtel (ou auberge) avant d'arriver car c'est difficile de se loger à Athènes. Mais je crois que tu ne peux pas aller en grèce sans aller voir sa capitale et bien sûr l'acropole.
Ensuite, nous avons pris le ferry pour se rendre à Mykonos. Le voyage a duré environ 7h. C'est très long mais tu économise beaucoup en prenant les ferries et non les fast boat (qui de toute façon sont souvent pleins). Tu n'as qu'à payer une seule fois même si le bateau fait des escales. Je te conseille d'acheter des billets la veille de ton départ. Nous aussi étions sac à dos et vivions au jour le jour mais il faut tout de même prévoir un peu!! à Mykonos, essaie de loger dans la "ville" tu épargneras comme cela beaucoup de transport. Lorsque tu veux te rendre aux plages, l'autobus est très accessible. En laissant tes choses à ta chambre tu peux très bien te promener en autobus.
A santorin, prends ta chambre à Fira, tu seras près de la ville. Oublie OIA, beaucoup trop loin de tout. C'est la même chose pour les plages. Si tu prends une chambre près des plages, tu prendras l'autobus 2 fois par jour pour aller en ville manger ou juste flaner.
Une fois sur les îles, c'est très facile de trouver une chambre. Tu peux essayer de dealer pour le prix des chambres. Surtout lorsqu'il y en a plusieurs. En crète tu devrais réserver une chambre à Héraklion pour la journée de ton arrivée car il n'y a personne qui t'attends au ferry. Si tu veux je peux te donner l'info de l'endroit où j'étais (merveilleuse place). Je te conseille d'aller à Chania en autobusou en voiture (on s'est loué une voiture car c'est très grand la Crète) C'est très facile de trouver une chambre à Chania (dans le vieux quartier).
Pour le déplacement, je te déconseille les scooter (ou mobilette) la plupart des grandes iles ont un circuit d'autobus très efficace. à mykonos et ios tu ne prends les autobus que pour te rendre aux plages. A santorin c'est pareil. En prenant ta chambre à Fira, tu prendras l'autobut une journée pour aller à oia et une autre pour te rendre sur les plages. Nous nous sommes fait des amis à Santorin et ensemble (4) on a loué une voiture. C'est l'idéal si tu veux voir toute l'île en peu de temps. Sinon, pour le reste tes pieds seront tes meilleurs amis. Aie une bonne paire de sandale et n'aie pas peur de les user!!!
Oublie RHODES. Beaucoup trop loin. Personnellement, j'ai fait Mykonos, Santorin, Ios et Crète et crois moi, c'est suffisant, en plus tu ne sais jamais quel imprévu tu peux avoir par exemple, nous sommes rester 5 jours au lieu de 3 à Mykonos car la mer était trop agitée pour les ferry. Nous sommes même parties en avion car il n'y avait toujours pas de ferry...
Pour ce qui est de la nourriture, mange des gyros. C'est très peu dispendieux (entre 1, 50 et 2, 20 euros) et ca fait la job. C'est ce que j'ai mangé pendant la moitié du voyage.
Pour les voyages de nuits, je ne sais pas. Mais je crois que tu auras moins d'offre pour les chambres si tu arrives en pleine nuit.
Si tu as des questions n'hésite pas à me le demander.
Pour les ferrys Je te donne une adresse ou tu auras les horaires et les prix, présentement tu peux avoir quelques horaires pour les iles principales,
mais les horaires de tout les ferrys ne sortent qu'en Mai. Voila le site- http://www.gtp.gr/.
Je suis aller en Grèce 3 fois et j'y retourne en Juin prochain pour 2 semaines ( moins de touristes et moins chers) mais si tu veux faire le Party
en Juillet c'est parfais, comme ont te la déja dit les ferrys sont moins chers, après les aéroglisseurs plus chers mais plus rapide et enfin l'avion
beaucoup plus chers mais extrèmement rapide, exemple, ferry du Pirée a Santorini environs 9 heures de traversée et en avion, de Athène a
Santorini 1 heure.
Pour le logement regarde du coté des auberges jeunesse (pas beaucoup) et les chambres d'hôtes, et ensuite tu peux aller voir sur internet les petits hôtels 2 étoiles, pour manger reste loin des zones touristiques, c'est moins chers.
Si tu veux un conseil, tu peux voir moins d'îles et prendre le temps de les voirs a fond, mais en Juillet je t'avertie c'est très chaud, plus dur pour les
visites, c'est plus Plage et Farniente, a toi de choisir !
Je peux te conseillé des îles que j'ai visiter qui sont différentes les une des autres et que j'ai adoré, comme Santorini, la Crète, Rhodes, Kos, KarpaThos(plus sauvage) et Myconos et Ios pour le Party !
bonjour wanse je viens de lire votre annonce pour joelle et moi aussi je pars en Grece avec un amie d'italie, pouvez vous me renseigne sur comme aller de rome a athenes et comme je peut visite deux ou trois iles grecque car je en connais pas qu' elle est le methode de transport.
je vais reste seulemente 3 jours mais je suis vraiment presse puisque je pars le 23 juin et je ne sais pas si reserver un hotel en athenes ou ou
merci beaucoup
j'espere votre reponse
Je prévois un voyage d environ 3 semaines en grèce début septembre 2015, visites des météores ensuite les îles (cyclades). Le coût de la vie dans les îles se…
Je vais en grece avec ma mere au mois de octobre pour 3 semaines. je compte voir volos (ou jai de la famille) athene et les iles grecs...je suis abituer de…
En juillet, nous avons trois semaines pour visiter les iles ionniennes en arrivant d'Athènes. En arrivant à l'aéroport à 12h00, nous hésitons entre louer une…
J'envisage de faire un Par Ist le 16/08 et un ATH/Par le 28/08, j'aimerais passer par les iles et profiter des traversés bateau pour tout cela...des idées à me…
Three years after exploring northern Argentina and Chile, my two travel buddies and I want to discover the southern part of these two countries.
We’re traveling on a budget, backpacker-style, favoring public transport and modest accommodations, but we don’t hesitate to splurge a little when it’s worth it.
The classic spots that have been fueling our dreams: Bariloche, the lakes, Chiloé, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, El Calafate, Fitz Roy, Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, and wrapping up in Valparaíso.
We’ll take a round-trip flight to Santiago, then I’m thinking of a one-way flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. From there, we’ll explore and do several day hikes in the south, including Ushuaia and, if possible, Tierra del Fuego.
Then we’ll head back north by bus to Bariloche and the lakes, followed by Chiloé, then a bus to Santiago and Valparaíso.
Based on your experience, could you help me figure out the best way to structure this trip and maybe suggest some ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Didier
Hello! 👋
I’m new to this site and feeling a little desperate. 😢 My boyfriend’s birthday is in 4 days, and I wanted to surprise him with a New Year’s trip to London... except I just found out he’s already been there as a kid. Well, there goes my surprise! 😅
Since we both love Christmas and winter, I’m looking for a destination where we can really feel the holiday magic—with a budget of around 500 € for transport + accommodation for two (yes, I know, I might be asking for a Christmas miracle here 😇).
We’ve already been to Bucharest, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, so I’d love to find something a little more offbeat, not too expensive, and with a beautiful Christmas atmosphere.
Please help me! 🙏 On social media, it’s always the same ultra-touristy cities... I’m sure there are hidden gems I haven’t discovered yet!
Hi there,
I'm heading to Morocco for 10 days as a backpacker, with my car and a tent canvas if needed. Does anyone have great experiences in this country around the Tétouan and Tangier areas?
I'd love to spend time with locals, rent a small room, and take part in daily life.
If you've got any addresses to share, that'd be awesome!
Thanks a million for your replies!!!😉
Christine
I’m heading to Quebec and New Brunswick this summer and got a Revolut Classic card for the trip. I’ve already exchanged some Canadian dollars in the app so I’ll have a reserve ready for my departure day. My question is whether I’ll incur any additional fees when using my Canadian dollar account. I think I’m limited to 200 € in ATM withdrawals for my part. Thanks!
My boyfriend and I are going there for just 9 days, including the two travel days… It’s not much, but oh well!
Looking at prices online, I get the impression everything’s more expensive than I thought 😅 So, I wanted to get your feedback on a few things:
* Is hitchhiking common, easy, and generally safe in Albania?
* Is it possible to find day-to-day accommodations without booking ahead? If so, are they usually cheaper than the ones you find online?
* Is wild camping allowed or at least tolerated?
If any of you have traveled there recently, I’d love all the tips and great deals you’ve got!
Hi,
We’re a young couple planning to travel to South Africa after spending about three weeks in Namibia. We’ll arrive in Cape Town around mid-December, with no fixed travel duration (though our budget will eventually set a limit).
After browsing through the forum, we’ve realized the country is packed with incredible spots, which makes choosing an itinerary tough. We’re looking for stunning landscapes, hikes, and so on. So, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
When we arrive in Cape Town, we’d like to settle in and take it easy until New Year’s, exploring at a relaxed pace. We know this period coincides with South African holidays—does that make finding accommodations (availability/prices) more difficult? Do you think it’s possible to stay in a nice place for about 15 days without aiming for the most upscale neighborhoods? Maybe somewhere a bit outside Cape Town, like Fish Hoek, and just visit the city occasionally.
After that, we’ll have plenty of time (about 2 to 2.5 months) to explore the country. We’d like to take our time. In your opinion, is it better to focus on the Cape Town region, or is it reasonable to consider more distant areas like the Drakensberg or Blyde River Canyon? Can everything be done by car if we take our time, or are domestic flights sometimes more practical?
Budget-wise, how much do car rentals cost? For accommodations, we usually look at Airbnb—are they affordable in South Africa? What’s the average nightly rate outside the biggest cities? Are there other platforms you’d recommend for saving on lodging?
Finally, regarding safety, are there any regions to avoid besides Johannesburg?
We know this is a lot of questions, but we’re still in the early planning stages!
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi there,
After exploring southern Peru in 2024 with your help, we’d love to head north next. There’ll be 5 or 6 of us:
1. Arrive in Lima in the evening.
2. Visit Lima and take a flight at 6:35 PM to Tarapoto.
3, 4, 5. Spend a few days there to trek in a reserve (Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve) or somewhere else.
6. From Tarapoto to Chachapoyas—either by overnight bus, daytime bus, or private car.
7. In Chachapoyas: Gocta Waterfall, Sonche Canyon, and walk back to town.
8. Head to Kuelap citadel, Revash, and arrive in Leymebamba.
9. Leymebamba museum, then route to Cajamarca.
10. Cajamarca hot springs, overnight bus to Trujillo or Chiclayo—or do both.
11, 12, 13. Visit and explore the area.
14. Overnight bus back to Lima.
15. Lima.
16. Depart at 8 PM for France.
What do you think of this itinerary? Looking forward to your advice.
Thanks
I’m planning a 7-day trip to Marrakech for a sports camp, and I’ll be traveling with just a standard carry-on backpack.
I’d love to hear your best tips and tricks:
• What clothes are absolutely essential?
• Any advice for managing the heat while traveling light?
• Which accessories have been the most useful for you?
• Mistakes to avoid on a first trip to Marrakech?
I’m also open to your recommendations for neighborhoods, restaurants, or activities not to miss during my free time.
Thanks in advance for your advice and experience! !
Hi there, we’re heading to the Cyclades from June 23 to July 9. We’ll arrive in Santorini and leave from Mykonos. We’re thinking of visiting these islands: Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Tinos, and Mykonos. Do you think it’s better to book the ferries now (which site do you recommend for booking?) or can we buy the tickets on the spot? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodation under 100 €/night on each of these islands? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone!
I’m planning my dream trip for next September, lasting about a month. Here’s my itinerary:
Amsterdam: 3 days (departing from Montreal)
Tanzania: 3-day safari
Zanzibar: 6 days
Istanbul: 7 days
Return to Montreal.
Since my budget is pretty tight, I’m looking for tips and advice to cut costs without sacrificing the experience. Here are my questions:
Multi-destination flights: What’s the best way to book these connections? Is it better to buy a one-way ticket from Montreal to Amsterdam, then a separate internal flight, or use comparison tools for a multi-destination ticket?
Budget safari: Do you have recommendations for local agencies or tips to do a 3-day safari (Serengeti/Ngorongoro) at an affordable price (e.g., camping/glamping instead of luxury lodges)?
Accommodation in Zanzibar: Which villages or types of lodging are the most budget-friendly and accessible via local transport for these 6 days?
Istanbul: Any tips for well-located but cheap accommodation and great food deals?
Hi,
Are there still basic, traditional, and affordable authentic accommodations in Poland? I’ll be traveling in July with my husband and our 2 kids along the Warsaw-Łódź-Toruń-Gdańsk route, and all I can find online are standardized Ikea-style apartments in the cities. When I look for agrotourism, it’s all luxury farms.
Can you find farms in the countryside or city lodgings for under 60 euros per night? And if so, how?
Is it possible to find accommodations on the spot without internet—like from people who put up signs—even in July?
Hi,
I need to stay in Paris or Créteil for 2 nights a week for a month. I know some cheap backpacker options, but I’d like something even cheaper. Do you know of any rooms for rent from private individuals?
Thanks
We’re a young couple planning our first trip to Albania from June 23, 2026, to July 2, 2026. We have a pretty tight budget and want to make the most of this amazing country without breaking the bank.
We’re looking for all the advice you can give to help us plan our stay:
* What are the must-see places to visit?
* Which cities or villages are really worth the detour?
* What natural sites, hikes, canyons, springs, or viewpoints do you recommend?
* Do you know of any free, uncrowded, or particularly beautiful beaches?
* Where can we responsibly observe or swim with sea turtles?
* What are the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera that are accessible on a small budget?
* What budget-friendly accommodations (hotels, hostels, homestays, campgrounds) do you recommend?
* What are the best ways to get around between different regions at a low cost?
* Do you know of any reliable and affordable agencies for renting a vehicle (car, scooter, or motorcycle)? What are the average rates at the end of June, and which rental companies do you recommend or advise against?
* Is it better to rent a vehicle right when we arrive or stick to local buses and minibuses to keep costs down?
* Which restaurants or local specialties offer the best value for money?
* Are there any free or low-cost activities we shouldn’t miss?
* Which places do you think are overrated or can be skipped when you’re short on time and money?
* What practical tips would you have wished you knew before your first trip to Albania?
We’d also love any 10-day itineraries that you particularly enjoyed, along with your budget estimates for accommodation, meals, and transportation.
We’re open to off-the-beaten-path spots and local tips. If you have any secret addresses, hidden beaches, favorite accommodations, or mistakes to avoid, we’d love to hear about them! 😊
Hi there, we’re planning a road trip in northern Algeria at the end of January – early February.
Anyone have any tips for a car rental agency that’s both reliable and not too expensive? Thanks in advance!
I traveled through southern Peru in November 2024 and now I’d like to explore the north.
We’re a group of 5 people for a 15-day trip.
Iquitos or Nauta for the Amazon rainforest—I saw that you have to fly there.
Chiclayo
Chachapoyas
Kuelap
Leimebamba
Cajamarca
Trujillo
And if we have time, Huaraz for the Andes cordillera.
No problem taking overnight buses—they save a lot of time.
Or renting a car and figuring it out as we go.
We’d also love to take the train from Lima to Huancayo, but it seems complicated—I don’t understand when it runs.
I’d like to drive to Morocco from Paris via Spain. I was really surprised to see the ferry crossing prices—around 500 €—but especially the crossing time (about 1 hour). Normally, I pay 3000 € to go to Tunisia from Genoa, but that’s for a 24-hour crossing.
My question: is it cheaper to buy the ticket on the spot, as some Moroccans have advised me? Though I’ve also heard the opposite.
What do you think, considering I need to get to Tétouan around July 17th and return from Tangier around August 4th?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning a 10-day trip to Slovenia in May (9–19 May) and starting to look at accommodations. Unfortunately, I’m only seeing relatively expensive options—nothing under 50 €, and usually around 100–150 €. Traveling solo, that could quickly blow my budget. And 30 € for a bed in a 10-person dorm at a youth hostel feels like a rip-off...
Are there other booking sources besides the usual Booking.com, Airbnb, and Google? Or can anyone confirm if I’ll find more reasonable rates on the ground around Bled, Bohinj, Triglav, or in mountain huts? I’ll be renting a car to optimize my travel, so I won’t be limited geographically.
Hi there,
Could you recommend some nice and affordable neighborhoods to book a hotel in for visiting Nice and exploring its surroundings and nearby villages?
I’d like to know if it’s better to book the entire stay in Nice and take day trips to the villages, or if there are villages worth spending at least one night in to really explore them properly?
Since all the villages are stunning and we have to make a choice, which ones are absolutely must-visit?
My 16-year-old daughter and I will be spending a week there at the end of April. We’ll arrive by TGV from Paris and plan to use public transport during our stay. Do you know if there’s a weekly transport pass available and how much it costs?
I’m planning to spend about twenty days in Réunion in November.
I’d like to get around using the *car jaune* (2 € per ticket), but from what I’ve heard, it doesn’t cover the whole island.
I’m not looking to head toward the ocean and the beautiful beaches—more toward the mountainous landscapes, even if I’ll just be admiring them from below. 😉
Maybe other buses go where I want to go.
By the way, are there any relatively easy mountain hikes, and where?
But here’s the most important part:
I don’t want to book anything in advance because I don’t know what my itinerary will look like—it’ll change depending on my mood. 3 days here, 5 days there, etc.
On top of that, I’d like to arrange half-board stays with locals—not professionals—by approaching them and asking if they’d be willing to host me (overnight stay, breakfast, and dinner) for 30 € to 40 € per day.
What do you think?
Does the price seem reasonable?
And is it okay to take the initiative and ask Réunionnais directly?
The tourist office in Réunion told me that since November is peak tourist season, I should book without delay. 🤪
For four years in a row, I traveled across Canada for a month and a half each time, relying only on hitchhiking and half-board stays with Canadians who welcomed me (and refused to let me pay them).
If I’d listened to my family and friends, I never would’ve taken the leap—and that adventure remains one of the best experiences of my life.
It’s been ages since I last dropped by here... maybe simply because, apart from Nepal, I haven’t really had the chance to hit the road lately. 😉
This year, I’d love to spend a few days in Lisbon, probably in late May or early June. But with my budget being what it is, I’m looking for great tips to avoid wasting time once I’m there and risk missing out on hidden gems or unusual culinary specialties and/or quirky activities! I’m hoping to find a room in a local’s home where I can stay in a quiet neighborhood near the center, so I can get around without relying too much on public transport—my walking shoes are my best travel buddies.
I’d love all your recommendations, especially for parks, small neighborhood markets, casual eateries for a quick bite, your favorite viewpoints to soak in the scenery (I’m bringing my travel journal to sketch my getaway in watercolors), events around traditional art and crafts, and so on.
All your advice will definitely help me travel peacefully and come back with my head full of vibrant memories!
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Isabelle
I’m diving into planning a trip I’ve dreamed of for a long time: crossing Africa from North to South solo, with a departure planned for October 2025 for about 8-9 months. I’m leaving from Paris with a starting budget of around 7,000 €, aiming to supplement it with work along the way.
My planned route: Senegal → Gambia → Sierra Leone/Liberia (if logistics work out) → Côte d'Ivoire → Ghana → Togo → Benin → Cameroon → Gabon → Kenya (Masai Mara) → Uganda (Bwindi gorillas) → Rwanda → Tanzania (Kili + Serengeti + Zanzibar) → Mozambique → Malawi → Zambia (Victoria Falls) → Botswana → Namibia → South Africa (Cape Town). Madagascar as a bonus if timing/budget allows from Mozambique.
I’m not a backpacking newbie—I’ve done several trips in Europe and I’m familiar with the lifestyle, hostels, local transport, etc. But Africa is my first big adventure on this continent, and I’ve got some very concrete questions I’d love feedback on from people who’ve been there.
🎭 My big dilemma: flexibility vs. pre-organized work
What matters most to me is NOT rushing through. If I feel good somewhere, I’ll stay longer. If a region doesn’t click, I’ll cut it short. That seems totally incompatible with having pre-booked work or volunteer gigs, yet I need that income to stretch my budget.
I’m torn between two approaches:
Option A: The mixed rhythm: 3-4 weeks of volunteering in a country (free accommodation, full immersion), then 1-2 countries in classic backpacker "vacation" mode, then another mission somewhere, etc. This gives a breathing rhythm and avoids burnout from non-stop volunteering.
Option B: The continuous flow: finding gigs as I go, from the previous country, contacting hosts 2-3 weeks in advance with a flexible date range. Keeping maximum spontaneity but never arriving anywhere without a safety net.
Have you tried either? What actually works on the ground in Africa?
🌍 What I’m really looking for in this trip
Not just the classic tourist spots. I want to see the country as it is—eating at local joints, taking local transport (bush taxis, minibuses, sept-places), staying with locals when possible. The big reserves and safaris are part of the plan (Masai Mara, Serengeti, Okavango), but just as much as hanging out in a residential neighborhood in Dakar, understanding how people really live.
Volunteering or work interests me for that reason too (not just for free lodging, but because it’s the deepest way to dive into a country). Working at a school in Ghana, a lodge in Kenya, a permaculture farm in Mozambique—I see it as an immersion that classic tourism can’t offer.
🎒 My concrete questions
About Workaway and Worldpackers: I’ve read a lot but would love on-the-ground feedback, especially for West and East Africa. Are hosts really flexible with dates for long-term travelers? Do the advertised gigs match reality? Are there alternative platforms you’d recommend for Africa specifically (I’ve heard of Help Exchange, WWOOF Africa, local networks…)?
About "off-platform" jobs: Is it really doable to find informal work on the spot (bars, restaurants, lodges) without prior contacts? In which countries/cities is this most accessible for a French speaker without a local work permit?
About logistics between countries: For those who’ve done the West Coast (Senegal → Ghana → Benin), how did you cross borders? Direct buses or local shared taxis at each border? And for the jump from Central Africa → Kenya, is a flight mandatory, or are there feasible overland routes?
About Madagascar: I’m considering adding it from Mozambique (flight Maputo or Beira → Tana). Those who’ve done it backpacker-style on a tight budget—is 3-4 weeks doable, or is it too short to be worth it?
I’m open to all tips, experiences, warnings, and pleasant surprises. And if you’ve got trusted local contacts (Workaway hosts, associations, community lodges), I’m all ears!
I’ve got tons of questions and I’m eager for any advice or experiences you can share!!
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for 2 adults and 2 kids to Tanzania and Zanzibar. I’ve had a quick look, and the prices are starting to get pretty wild.
We’ve got a budget of 8,000 €, and I was thinking of doing three or four days of safari and three or four days in Zanzibar, but even that seems like it might be over budget. Have you got any thoughts? I was also considering heading straight to Zanzibar and doing a one- or two-day excursion by plane instead—maybe that’d be cheaper than staying in a lodge.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences and any price tips, departing from Nice!
Good evening,
As two senior French couples who are used to traveling independently all over the world, we’d like to visit Kenya next November.
Now, after seeing and reading a bit everywhere, and with the first quotes for a 6/7-day safari, I’m shocked by the prices (like $2,250) for places like Maasai Mara, where entry alone costs $200 per person per day, plus fees for the driver and vehicle.
So if you have any recent great tips or contacts to share to help me out, I’d really appreciate it—because despite the costs, we’d still love to go, while keeping things reasonable.
The most plausible solution is probably renting a vehicle with a driver-guide.
Thanks in advance for all your replies.
Jacques
We’ll be in Srinagar for 4 days in mid-May 2026 during our backpacking trip as a couple. Do you have any nice places to recommend, and what about the houseboats on Dal Lake? Should we spend all our nights there, or just one night for practicality when getting around?
Thanks,
Rozenn
Hi there,
This is my first time traveling to Italy, and I’m planning to go by car.
From what I’ve read, parking is tough in cities like Florence.
I’m looking for a small town not too far from Florence where I can stay and park my car, then take the train to visit Florence.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Hi there, it’s been a long time since I last went to London. I’d love to spend a week there in July with my daughter and my niece (both young adults).
Of course, I’m looking for great tips on accommodation, and I’m wondering about renting an apartment. It seems like a better deal to save on restaurants (with the option of having a few meals at home... but is that really the case? I’m not sure about the cost of a meal in a modest restaurant, the pound exchange rate, or grocery prices...).
Otherwise, I’d like to stay in accommodation (hotel or apartment) near a tube station and in Zone 1.
If you have any great tips, I’d love to hear them!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading to Morocco for a trip in the south, starting with 3 days in Marrakech (from January 8th to 11th, 2026).
If you’ve got any tips, cool spots to recommend, I’m all ears! 🎊
And, fellow traveler, if you’d like to share this Marrakech adventure together, I’d love that!
Have a great evening
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Peru and have estimated how many days I’ll spend in each place.
Any advice on must-see sights and tourist traps to avoid?
September–October
5 days in Lima
Bus: 07:00→13:30 or 06:00 to 09:30 (express) (3 hr 30 min journey)
3 days in Paracas (beach)