Nous avons acheté mon ami et moi deux billets d'avion aller-retour pour Paris - Ankara au mois d'aôut pour 15 jours!! nous devions être logé et nourri par un ami qui vient de nous faire faux bond… 🤪 et nous ne pouvons pas annuler le billet…
Je suis complètement paniquée… le billet d'avion n'était déjà pas donné, ca a été un gros effort financier, nous sommes étudiants et donc très petit budget!! 😕
C'est notre premier voyage… nous n'en avons pas l'habitude…
Auriez-vous des plans pour des hébergements et des endroits où manger pas chers, pas forcément sur Ankara du coup, on peut s'éloigner un peu…
Les modérateurs commencent à m'énerver royalement !
Salut BUG, j'ai un super conseil pour toi ! Si tu veux pouvoir être hébergé par l'habitant et que celui-cite fasse découvrir sa ville, son pays, vas sur ce site www.couchsurfing.com
Tu pourras trouver des gens sympa chez qui habiter pour quelques temps en plus de rencontrer des gens de l'endroit. Une super façon de voyager à petit prix et qui fonctionne vraiment !
Adrem
Hello je reviens d'un voyage d'un mois en Turquie et j'ai même passé une semaine entiere à ankara, chez des Turcs rencontrés en voyage. Ils sont aussi sur hospitalityclub il faut d'abord vous inscrire et ainsi vous pouvez contacter des turcs qui peuvent vous héberger s'ils peuvent. Je peux vous donner les pseudos de ceux qui nous ont héberger en plus d'étre tres sympas ils habitent pas trop loin du centre.
bjr...alors tt d'abord je tiens à vous dire que ce n'est pas tres sympa de la part de votre ami surtt pour un prmier voyage...en ce qui concerne l'hebergement il faut réserver avant d'y aller sa sera le meilleur...pour cela regarder sur google, tapé tt simplement hotekl ankara ou turquie et vous aurez ce kil vous fo...
http://voyages.kelkoo.fr/browse/b/170701/t_Ankara.html neanmoins allé sur se site jpense kil va vs aider..bon courage
Merci pour l'adresse du site, j'y avais déjà jeter un coup d'oeil mais comme on part 15 jours il y a au moins 14 nuits sur place… et avec l'hôtel le moins cher ça fait pas loin de 700 euros pour 2 rien que pour l'hébergement!! (reste à manger et à visiter quand même!!)… autant dire imposssible pour nous financièrement, d'où mon inquiétude…
Merci quand même pour le ptit message et le lien…😉
et bas zut alors je n'ai pas pu t'aider, j'ai regarder de mon coté et l'hotel le moins cher sur ankara est a 45€ la nuit en chambre double, ce qui n'est pas donné encore une fois...moi aussi je vais partir au mois d'aout rejoindre mon copain, pareil il me faut un hotel vraiment pas cher mais c'est impossible, car ceux ci ne sont pas sur les sites...je te conseil de reserver au moins pour une nuit et de rechercher sur place tt de suite un hotel sans étoiles..voila...c vraiment la galère tt est basé sur du luxe c'est fou sa!!!
Je suis bien d'acoord avec toi et c'est vraiment dommage… après tout, tout le monde a le droit de voyager!! mais ceux qui ont des petits budgets sont finalement toujours un peu pénalisés, en plus août c'est en pleine haute saison!! en partant en septembre ca devrait être moins cher mais le voyage et pour aôut alors… je vais certainement suivre ton conseil et être sûre d'avoir un lit pour le premier soir et après je verrais…
Bon courage à toi aussi…
a ba la il nya pa de doute ceux ki on de l argent peuvent voyager facilement, moi il fo ke je trouve un billet pas troop cher c la galere aussi mais bon il le fo bien...voila...courage...
Ah ouais pour les biellets d'avion c'est une autre histoire… j'ai acjheté le mien il y a 2/3 semaines… et j'ai bien afit car plus car plus le temps passe plus les prix augmentent!! Si ça peut t'aider, en faisiant le tour des sites internet les deux les moins chers que j'avais trouvé c'était www.voyage-sncf.com et www.expedia.fr
Moi j'ai réussi à trouvé un A-R Paris - Ankara en partant un vendrediu et en revenant un samedi pour 450 euros… mais par contre si tu n'as pas forcément besoin d'aller jusqu'à Ankara, pour aller à Istanbul aux même dates c'est moins de 300 euros!!
Bon courage 😉
le problem est ke je nai pa cet argen maintenan t d esuite jvai travailler juillet pr l acheter debut aout pr partir fin aout, c la vie dune etudiante koi!!!
Bonjour,
Moi aussi je cherche un hotel ou pension à Ankara et pas trop cher, nous sommes 4 alors 2 chambres à payer, c'est pas donné!
Je ne passe que 2 nuits à Ankara le24/06 et le 14/07, sur le GDR ou d'autres guides on conseille le quartier d'Ulus, il parait que les hotels sont à touche- touche et qu'il faut faire jouer la concurence, ne pas hésiter à visiter une chambre puis une autre dans un autre endroit, certes cela prend du temps, mais si on a une chambre à un prix normal ça serat bien. Comme je reviens avant que tu partes je te donnerais des renseignements à mon retour si tu veux.
Peut-être aurais tu intéret à quitter Ankara, même avec un petit budget, je crois que tu peux rejoindre la cappadoce en bus pour pas trop cher et là tu peux trouver des pensions plus abordables.trajet d'ankara kayseri 5 h autour de 9€par personne après pour dormir peut-être des campings, ou des auberges de jeunesse.
enfin bon courage
A +
Merci pour ton mail gisa…
J'ai acheter le guide Michelin de la Turquie donc je commence à me renseigner avec ça déjà… très bien fait d'ailleurs comme guide… et ils parlent effectivement du quatier d'Ulus…
Mais du coup comme on sera un peu livrés à nous-mêmes, on est plus tenus de rester 15 jours complets à Ankara (sauf pour atterir et redécoller de l'aéroport…) on va effectivement bougés un peu plus loin je penses pour trouver moins cher et visiter…
Par contre comme tu reviens effectivement avant que je ne partes, ce serait avec plaisir que j'aimerais savoir quel plan vous avez trouvé pour le logement et éventuellement des choses à voir… et à ne pas voir… 😉
Bon voyage à toi là-bas et au plaisir de te lire à ton retour…
Le quartier d'Ulus est effectivement le quartier le moins cher d'Ankara. J'ai déjà logé au Spor Hotel. Je me souviens d'un hôtel correct, pas trop cher, mais c'était en 1999.
Ankara ne présente pas beaucoup d'intérêt mais ce serait dommage de louper le musée des civilisations anatoliennes.
Si tu choisis de te rendre en Cappadoce, il faut prendre le bus qui va à Nevsehir (compagnie Nevsehir Seyahat) et on te conduira dans le village de ton choix. Il existe quelques campings et une multitude de pensions pour tous budgets.
Merci pour ces précieux renseignements… comme ça j'établis mon parcours petit à petit et en lisant les guides j'ai bien compris que 15 jours à Ankara ça fait un peu beaucoup alors on va bouger un peu, on sera juste obligé d'y revenir pour prendre l'avion puisqu'on a un vol A-R Paris-Ankara…
J'ai bein pris note pour le musée à Ankara…😉
bon, a ce qu'il parait, il y a vraiment le musée des civilisations à voir à Ankara, peut-être le mausolé d'Ataturk et pour s'amuser un petit park sympa!!Aller en tout t'en as pour 1 journée.
Après je crois qu'il faut que tu partes, la cappadoce( je crois sublime), gordion, ou les citées hittites(bogazkale??).
Le guide du routard est pas mal, peut-etre des adresses moins cher!!
Enfin ce que je sais c'est que dans les pensions en cappadoce on te sert de guide gracieusement(enfin vérifie)et je ne crois pas que tu doives réserver à l'avance, tu trouveras toujours à te loger et les prix diminuerons à ce moment là, par contre, oui il faut quand même une stratégie de repli( 1 ou 2 adresses avec des prix que tu pourras monter au cas ou!!).Il y a aussi le camping mais je ne connais pas!
Tu sais finalement, ton pote qui vous a fait faux bond, se sera peut-être l'occasion de vivre un super truc; dès fois il faut positiver.En tout cas je te communiquerai mon expérience dès mon retour, mais surtout si j'oublie lances un débat sur le forum, je répondrai.
A+
Merci beaucoup pour les infos…
Oui je suis assez d'accord avec toi finalement… ca va être une autre aventure qui ne peut être qu'enrichissante je penses… mais si je paniquais autant c'est que c'est mon premier voyage donc pas l'habitude de me retrouver "livrée à moi-même" dans un pays étranger… mais comme je suis de nature assez débrouillarde et mon copain encore plus… on va réussir à s'organiser et à passer j'espère de super vacances…
En tous cas merci à tous ceux qui ont répondu à mon appel… ça m'a remonté le moral et je me renseignes dans les guides et je me construit petit à petit mon circuit avec tous vos conseils…😎
Bonjour,
Moi aussi c'est mon 1èr voyage, c'est vrai que ça se prépare!
D'ailleurs à 2 semaines du départ, plein de boulot, mon mari aussi, je panique!
Je ne sais pas quoi mettre dans ma valise, c'est bête, mais j'ai pas envie de trimballer n'importe quoi!
Mais l'essentiel, c'est quoi?
J'en sais rien, alors je vais demander dans un forum, c'est un des meilleurs moyen pour moi d'avoir des infos.
A+
Oui je comprends votre situation… moi mon copain est loin d'être dispo donc je dois gérer un peu seule mais il me reste deux mois donc j'ai le temps!!
Je suis bien d'accord avec vous pour la valise… pour ma part le voyage qui devait se passer chez l'habitant va se transformer en circuit itinérant avec sac à dos pendant 15 jours!! donc juste l'essentiel à emporter mais quand on ne connait pas le pays on en sait pas quoi emporter!
Pour ma part c'est la première fois que je m'inscris sur un forum et j'ai eu beaucoup de réponses très intéressantes qui me font avancer dans le déroulement de voyage…
Bon courage!!
Bonjour,
Bon, on m'a conseillé le petit polair pour la Cappadoce( lesnuits peuvent-être fraiches), j'emporte aussi un imper le plus ligth possible en cas d'orage?
une termos, j'aime l'eau fraiche, boussole( le sens de l'orrientation n'est pas mon fort), lampe torche dynamo, il faut dire aussi que j'ai un petit garçon de 10 ans, alors il a l'équipement du vrai explorateur, nous allons jouer aussi.C'est aussi ça les vacances!
Je suis entrain de construire ce voyage depuis 8 mois, tout ce que j'ai lu ou presque est très possitif sur la Turquie( carnet de route, récits de voyage..).A toi de définir ton circuit, les liaisons bus, dolmus et la gentillesse des turcs permettent ça; puis sur place négocies les prix: tu te renseignes avant sur les prix pratiqués sachant que ceux qui ont des sites internets sont les plus chers, sur certains forums tu as les adresses à éviter absolument( hygiène, pas sympa..).
Les sites de campingcarristes sont assez intérressants, car ce sont vraiment des voyages à la bonne franquette, ça fait réver dès fois.
A +
Bon voyage
Cherchons un hebergement pres de l'aeroport Sabiha Gökçen où nous arrivons à deux heures du matin et qui soit accessible facilement. Pendik serait idéal pour…
Nous sommes 2 femmes qui partons du 22 au 29 dec a istanbul nous avons un petit budget de 40 euros par jour pour nous loger connaissez vous un hotel une…
Voyager à petits prix › France › Paris - Île de France / Turquie · 4 replies
Un bonjour à chacun (e) Voila, le goût du voyage m'appel et cette année je m'dis que c'est encore mieux de partir à micro budget à l'étranger que de squatter…
Je suis très content d'être tombé sur ce forum qui regorge d'informations utiles:) Je me permet de vous parlez de notre voyage à Istanbul: j'ai décidé avec…
Je me rend à Istanbul du 16 au 23 juillet 2010 pour une compétition international jeune de tennis de table et cherche un endroit pas trop chère (hôtel, auberge…
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!
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
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)