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un petit lien en passant
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L'Inde a désormais un ministère du yoga
by Pachyderme
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Sacré Modi, il a pas fini de nous étonner 😄
Si maintenant il pouvait tenir ses engagements sur le développement, la réduction de la pauvreté, l'écologie, etc... ce serait plus utile que ces mesures qui visent à imposer la culture hindoue comme culture unique.
tenir ses engagements.. je connait si peu si peu..euh même pas du tout l'Inde si ce n'est comme touriste mais on dirait bien un énorme géant qui marche en vacillant avec des milliers de bras et un cerveau qui part dans tout les sens une façon pour lui de marquer son passage ça mange pas de pain et n'impose rien
comme tu dis c'est pas ça qui va faire avancer les choses utiles qui fâche et divise
et puis en rêvant un peu tant mieux pour la légitimité que cela entrainera pour ces médecines au niveau international
Je rappelle quand même que le nouveau premier ministre est issu de la mouvance hindoue fondamentaliste et que ce nom est associé à des massacres anti-musulmans. C'est une mouvance qui veut "L'Inde aux hindous", pour résumer, et chacune de ses actions visent à imposer la culture de la majorité hindoue aux musulmans. Avant qu'il soit élu, plusieurs chefs d'État ont refuser de recevoir Modi.
La création d'un ministère du yoga n'a pas les mêmes enjeux en Inde qu'ailleurs. Ce n'est pas pour pousser les gens à faire de la méditation et des postures difficiles, mais un nouvel exemple de cette politique. Mais quand on ne connaît pas le contexte, ça donne l'image d'un gouvernement cool. L'article que tu as mis en ligne aborde justement le problème.
ok ! je l'ai dit je connais pas l'inde comme toi évidement ceci étant ne me ridiculise pas non plus! je ne parle pas de méditation ou de postures difficiles mais de ce qui est considéré en France comme des médecines parallèles alors qu'elles sont bien plus anciennes et avancées que la notre alors tant mieux qu'elles soient mises en avant
je lançai cet article parce que je le trouvais intéressant et merci pour tes précisions bien qu'elles soient ..déprimantes parce que tout s'enflamme vite là bas quand à l'article il aborde juste ce que tu précises avec plus de netteté🤪
Non, je ne voulais pas te "ridiculiser", ce n'était pas mon intention! Je voulais juste bien préciser les circonstances de l'affaire. Merci d'avoir mis l'article en ligne en tout cas.
À cette belle information j’en associerai deux autres, qui éclairent de meilleure manière « le cas Modi », deux articles parus dans Le Monde et La Croix ..
http://www.lemonde.fr/asie-pacifique/article/2014/05/16/en-inde-les-defis-qui-attendent-narendra-modi_4420333_3216.html
http://www.la-croix.com/Actualite/Monde/En-Inde-les-dangers-de-la-nouvelle-politique-industrielle-2014-11-21-1268001
L’article que vous citez, se voulant vulgarisateur, nous instruit sur quelques origines historiques du yoga, en les reliant à l’hindouisme, la médecine ayurvédique, mais aussi la philosophie la plus accessible et générale : « il s’agit de découvrir le sens de l'harmonie avec vous-même, le monde et la nature », avait-il (Modi) alors déclaré pour promouvoir son idée.
La belle affaire ! C’est un peu court à mon goût, d’autant que le fil suivi par l’auteur se perd en route, yoga et ayurveda débouchant sur .. la Grèce antique, avec entrée en scène des arabes et des persans, sans oublier la Chine au passage. Tout le monde est content : tout est dans tout et réciproquement.
Industrialisation accélérée pour les uns, yoga pour les autres, c’est le grand écart de la politique de nouveau Premier Ministre. Que chacun ait un os à ronger. Il faut brasser large, les contradictions ayant pignon sur rue en tous lieux de l’ Inde.
La prochaine fois on parlera de l’Inde, de Modi-la menace (ou de Modi-Zorro) et de la grande difficulté pour ce pays à réussir son industrialisation, quand la moitié de sa population est larguée en rase campagne, entre ignorances, superstitions, poids démesuré des traditions et de la religion, on-dits et propagandes en tous genres recueillant l’adhésion générale.
Dans le registre de la propagande, éviter l’article de Courrier International :
http://www.courrierinternational.com/article/2014/05/16/seize-choses-a-savoir-sur-narendra-modi
ou ne le lire que pour se donner une bonne idée du comment le culte de la personnalité a encore un bel avenir en Inde, ce pays défini comme « la plus grande démocratie ». Pour rire, remplacer le nom de Modi par une dizaine d’autres, allant de Mao à Hitler, en passant par Ceaucescu, Sarko, Hollande et pourquoi pas Mélenchon ou Besancenot ou .. le Maire de votre ville … pour rire, je le répète.
Les saines valeurs résisteront toujours à la folle marche du monde. Commissaire Laurence.
on sait comment le monde tourne et on est dedans alors..
Il est bien entendu que cela peut surprendre notre mentalité de français européen!
Je reprendrai la citation de Nehru: l'Inde est comme un palimpseste antique sur lequel on inscrit des couches et des couches succéssives de pensées et de reveries sans qu'aucune d'entre elles ne cache ou n’efface entièrement ce qui avait été écrit précédemment.
et beaucoup de choses nous surprennent tous les jours ici en Inde (nous expatriés qui vivons dans ce pays).
Nous avons été un peu angoissé de son élection avec un énorme succès, la jeunesse de ce pays représente plus de 50% de la population totale de l'Inde, et son élection est due en grosse partie par cette jeunesse qui croit en sa nation (ce qui n'est pas le cas chez nous).
ils sont au courant des choses qu'il a faites dans le Gujarat et ils les expliquent simplement.
Monsieur Modi va devoir tenir ses promesses envers cette génération gourmande d'ouverture au monde.
Ce qui m'avait plu dans son discours de candidat: arrêtez de faire des temples , construisez des toilettes! est tout de même tres objectif!
nous suivons cela avec une grande attention et un devoir de réserve évident!
Jacques à Pondichery
si tu lis bien, c'est de l'article de "Courrier international" dont je parle, pas de Modi ...
"faut pas tout mélanger" ...
et je pense pouvoir rire de cet article .. comme du cul te de la personne alité. 🏴☠️ 😏
Les saines valeurs résisteront toujours à la folle marche du monde. Commissaire Laurence.
puisque tu as rajouté un proverbe chinois, je dirai qu'avant de regarder la lune regarde à qui appartient le doigt qui te la désigne c'est comme en politique 🤪
c'est vrai. merci ...
il faut que je fasse attention à tout, de plus en plus souvent, en ce bas monde ... 😉
Les saines valeurs résisteront toujours à la folle marche du monde. Commissaire Laurence.
http://www.la-croix.com/Religion/Actualite/Le-pape-Francois-appelle-a-une-impulsion-missionnaire-en-Inde-2014-11-23-1268761
un petit lien en passant .. pour tenter de sortir l'Inde de ses embourbements. 😄
un petit lien en passant .. pour tenter de sortir l'Inde de ses embourbements. 😄
Les saines valeurs résisteront toujours à la folle marche du monde. Commissaire Laurence.
Faut pas tout mélanger.
Mettre Hollande, même Sarko, dans le même panier que Modi, c'est n'importe quoi. Quand en plus, tu y ajoutes Hitler et Mao, franchement, c'est nul, même pour rire.
Oui, j'ai eu tout à fait la même réaction 😕
Oui, j'ai eu tout à fait la même réaction 😕
"La vie est un voyage qui se vit au présent ou jamais ...."
combien tu es payée ... pour faire la claque ?... 😇
Les saines valeurs résisteront toujours à la folle marche du monde. Commissaire Laurence.
Ni claque ni paiement.
Pour revenir au sujet , quand j'ai lu le titre , j'ai cru qu'on parlait de quelque chose de sympa : l'Inde en pleine période de modernisation ouvre un ministère consacré à une grande spécificité millénaire qui lui est propre: le yoga .
Nous ne savons rien de ce ministère . Juste quelques articles de presse critiques , quelques forumeurs embraient et voilà ce "ministère" catalogué mauvais sur toute la ligne . ..pensez quand même qu'il n'existait pas au temps des massacres au Gujarat ...Et si ce ministère avait , entre autres buts , celui d'éviter à l'avenir ce genre de dérive catastrophique ? Pourquoi pas ? Pourquoi n'y aurait-il pas quelque chose de positif ? L'Inde a-t-elle un intérêt à être un pays où auraient encore lieu des massacres inter-religieux ?
Pour revenir au sujet , quand j'ai lu le titre , j'ai cru qu'on parlait de quelque chose de sympa : l'Inde en pleine période de modernisation ouvre un ministère consacré à une grande spécificité millénaire qui lui est propre: le yoga .
Nous ne savons rien de ce ministère . Juste quelques articles de presse critiques , quelques forumeurs embraient et voilà ce "ministère" catalogué mauvais sur toute la ligne . ..pensez quand même qu'il n'existait pas au temps des massacres au Gujarat ...Et si ce ministère avait , entre autres buts , celui d'éviter à l'avenir ce genre de dérive catastrophique ? Pourquoi pas ? Pourquoi n'y aurait-il pas quelque chose de positif ? L'Inde a-t-elle un intérêt à être un pays où auraient encore lieu des massacres inter-religieux ?
"La vie est un voyage qui se vit au présent ou jamais ...."
vous êtes un intellectuel et des fois les intello ils ont l'humour fumant et ..pas marrant on est pas obligé non plus de rire avec vous et on a le droit de le dire mais merci de votre commentaire ainsi que celui des autres c'était des belles réponses (je rectifie quand je dis belle c'est dans le sens sincère) perso j'ai peur du monde ou je vis en ce moment
merci pour ton commentaire (et les autres aussi) j'ai plus rien a dire et même si tout le monde s'en fout (je parle à mon clavier) quand je vais en Inde je me sent si bien! il me semble qu'on aime tous ce pays ici 🙂
bonne soirée
Tu crois vraiment que ce ministère du yoga a été créé pour éviter les massacres interreligieux ?? Je vois pas le rapport...
En tout cas, je vois que Modi a bien réussi son coup de communication à l'international. De loin, on trouve ça cool. Ça correspond tellement au cliché qu'on se fait de l'Inde spirituelle et non-violente! Mais d'abord, le yoga, ce n'est pas que de la gym et de la méditation. En Inde, ça a beaucoup d'autres sens. Dans la Bhagavad Gita, tuer son ennemi pour rétablir l'ordre est le yoga suprême. Et dans l'histoire de l'Inde, ça a été la justification de massacres. Il faut penser cette mesure dans le musulmane indien actuel. Venant d'un gouvernement fondamentaliste, le yoga peut aussi être le symbole d'autre chose que ce qu'on croit en Occident.
Si on lit un peu les journaux, on se rend compte qu'en ce moment, beaucoup de mesures comme celles-ci, ou l'interdiction de posséder de la viande dans des quartier ou des villes entières, et j'en passe... visent uniquement à discriminer la population musulmane, ou d'autres communautés minoritaires...
En tout cas, je vois que Modi a bien réussi son coup de communication à l'international. De loin, on trouve ça cool. Ça correspond tellement au cliché qu'on se fait de l'Inde spirituelle et non-violente! Mais d'abord, le yoga, ce n'est pas que de la gym et de la méditation. En Inde, ça a beaucoup d'autres sens. Dans la Bhagavad Gita, tuer son ennemi pour rétablir l'ordre est le yoga suprême. Et dans l'histoire de l'Inde, ça a été la justification de massacres. Il faut penser cette mesure dans le musulmane indien actuel. Venant d'un gouvernement fondamentaliste, le yoga peut aussi être le symbole d'autre chose que ce qu'on croit en Occident.
Si on lit un peu les journaux, on se rend compte qu'en ce moment, beaucoup de mesures comme celles-ci, ou l'interdiction de posséder de la viande dans des quartier ou des villes entières, et j'en passe... visent uniquement à discriminer la population musulmane, ou d'autres communautés minoritaires...
voilà des informations originales, pleines de sens et de bon sens ..
je me méfie des extrémismes, de toutes natures, et votre analyse est bonne.
Modi a sans doute besoin de conforter la fraction de son électorat la plus radicale et narrow minded .. ces gens sont incontrôlables et peuvent sans sourciller tuer des dizaines de personnes dans un quartier, une ville, alors qu'ils sont voisins de longue date.
un sérieux enseignement pour tous les béni oui-oui éthérés qui pensent qu'hindouisme, yoga, végétarisme ne signifient que paradis sur terre ...
ces indiens hindous doivent savoir que de la viande est de plus en plus consommée en Inde .. de la viande de vache.
les musulmans ne sont pas un problème en Inde. les adeptes de "l'Inde aux hindous" se trompent de combat, de politique, de manière de vivre .. le problème en Inde, c'est la pauvreté, l'ignorance, l'analphabétisme, le manque d'école et de formation professionnelle et bien sur aussi la condition de la femme, tenue pour inférieure et asservie. tous ces points sont étroitement liés et transversaux à toutes les religions, croyances, coutumes, philosophies, origines, destins de vie .. il y a du boulot pour Modi ! pour cent ans ... avec ou sans séances de yoga .. regardons aussi de qui Modi s'entoure .. un bon indice : techniciens ? politicards ? affidés ? humanistes ? illuminés ? prêcheurs ? zouaves gesticulateurs ?...
ces indiens hindous doivent savoir que de la viande est de plus en plus consommée en Inde .. de la viande de vache.
les musulmans ne sont pas un problème en Inde. les adeptes de "l'Inde aux hindous" se trompent de combat, de politique, de manière de vivre .. le problème en Inde, c'est la pauvreté, l'ignorance, l'analphabétisme, le manque d'école et de formation professionnelle et bien sur aussi la condition de la femme, tenue pour inférieure et asservie. tous ces points sont étroitement liés et transversaux à toutes les religions, croyances, coutumes, philosophies, origines, destins de vie .. il y a du boulot pour Modi ! pour cent ans ... avec ou sans séances de yoga .. regardons aussi de qui Modi s'entoure .. un bon indice : techniciens ? politicards ? affidés ? humanistes ? illuminés ? prêcheurs ? zouaves gesticulateurs ?...
Les saines valeurs résisteront toujours à la folle marche du monde. Commissaire Laurence.
Il faut penser cette mesure dans le musulmane indien actuel
Je voulais dire "dans le contexte indien actuel"... Saloperie d'écriture intuitive....
Sinon, tout à fait d'accord avec vous.
Je voulais dire "dans le contexte indien actuel"... Saloperie d'écriture intuitive....
Sinon, tout à fait d'accord avec vous.
Tu crois vraiment que ce ministère du yoga a été créé pour éviter les massacres interreligieux ?? Je vois pas le rapport...
Je ne crois rien du tout . Je ne suis pas dans la tête de Modi ni de ses conseillers pour connaître leurs intentions 😮, moi 😉 .
Je suis juste étonnée qu'on n'envisage aucune retombée positive possible , alors j'en suggère .
Je ne crois rien du tout . Je ne suis pas dans la tête de Modi ni de ses conseillers pour connaître leurs intentions 😮, moi 😉 .
Je suis juste étonnée qu'on n'envisage aucune retombée positive possible , alors j'en suggère .
"La vie est un voyage qui se vit au présent ou jamais ...."
Oui, on est d'accord. C'est le contexte social et politique qui est houleux sur cette question. Mais il peut très bien y avoir des retombées positives.
Au detriment de tous les jaloux qui crie fort le non-respect De laicite, l'onu a declare le 21 juin comme la journee internationale du yoga.
C'est intressant de voir combien cela vous intresse la politique de l'inde
Pagalijavab veut dire les reponses connes et inutiles.qu'est-ce que je peux dire de plus. Au lieu de critiquer le yoga et le ministre du yoga, apprends un peu.ca va fera bien. C'est Notre pays.on fait ce qu'on veut.on aime modi et si vous avz un probleme, vous n'avez rien a faire en inde.vous pouvez amenrr les musulns extremists avec vous.on s'occupera des extremistes hindou en inde.ne vous en faites pas.
C'est intressant de voir combien cela vous intresse la politique de l'inde
Pagalijavab veut dire les reponses connes et inutiles.qu'est-ce que je peux dire de plus. Au lieu de critiquer le yoga et le ministre du yoga, apprends un peu.ca va fera bien. C'est Notre pays.on fait ce qu'on veut.on aime modi et si vous avz un probleme, vous n'avez rien a faire en inde.vous pouvez amenrr les musulns extremists avec vous.on s'occupera des extremistes hindou en inde.ne vous en faites pas.
Au lieu de critiquer le yoga et le ministre du yoga, apprends un peu.ca va fera bien.
Au detriment de tous les jaloux qui crie fort le non-respect De laicite, l'onu a declare le 21 juin comme la journee internationale du yoga.
Je ne critique pas, je remets juste dans le contexte. L'ONU peut très bien déclarer une journée mondiale du yoga, ça ne veut pas dire que la mesure de Modi n'est pas orientée politiquement. Je ne pense pas qu'il y ait que du négatif là-dedans.
C'est Notre pays.on fait ce qu'on veut.on aime modi
Je n'ai jamais dit le contraire, et je ne pense pas que Modi fait des mauvaises choses même si je suis pas d'accord avec toutes ses idées. Quasiment tous mes amis indiens sont pro-Modi, et ils semblent fonder beaucoup d'espoir dans sa capacité à régler les problèmes du pays.
Pagalijavab veut dire les reponses connes et inutiles.qu'est-ce que je peux dire de plus.
Tu en rajoutes un peu, ça veut dire "réponses folles". Tu connais le second degré sinon ? 😉
C'est intressant de voir combien cela vous intresse la politique de l'inde
Il y a peut-être une raison à ça. Que sais-tu de ma vie?
si vous avz un probleme, vous n'avez rien a faire en inde.vous pouvez amenrr les musulns extremists avec vous.on s'occupera des extremistes hindou en inde.ne vous en faites pas
Ah voilà que tu te devoiles à nouveau! Cette réflexion (pas très compréhensible) montre ta mauvaise compréhension de ce que disent les gens, ta paranoia, ta haine profonde, et ta stupidité, comme à chacune de tes interventions...
Au detriment de tous les jaloux qui crie fort le non-respect De laicite, l'onu a declare le 21 juin comme la journee internationale du yoga.
Je ne critique pas, je remets juste dans le contexte. L'ONU peut très bien déclarer une journée mondiale du yoga, ça ne veut pas dire que la mesure de Modi n'est pas orientée politiquement. Je ne pense pas qu'il y ait que du négatif là-dedans.
C'est Notre pays.on fait ce qu'on veut.on aime modi
Je n'ai jamais dit le contraire, et je ne pense pas que Modi fait des mauvaises choses même si je suis pas d'accord avec toutes ses idées. Quasiment tous mes amis indiens sont pro-Modi, et ils semblent fonder beaucoup d'espoir dans sa capacité à régler les problèmes du pays.
Pagalijavab veut dire les reponses connes et inutiles.qu'est-ce que je peux dire de plus.
Tu en rajoutes un peu, ça veut dire "réponses folles". Tu connais le second degré sinon ? 😉
C'est intressant de voir combien cela vous intresse la politique de l'inde
Il y a peut-être une raison à ça. Que sais-tu de ma vie?
si vous avz un probleme, vous n'avez rien a faire en inde.vous pouvez amenrr les musulns extremists avec vous.on s'occupera des extremistes hindou en inde.ne vous en faites pas
Ah voilà que tu te devoiles à nouveau! Cette réflexion (pas très compréhensible) montre ta mauvaise compréhension de ce que disent les gens, ta paranoia, ta haine profonde, et ta stupidité, comme à chacune de tes interventions...
C'est Notre pays.on fait ce qu'on veut.on aime modi et si vous avz un probleme, vous n'avez rien a faire en inde.vous pouvez amenrr les musulns extremists avec vous.on s'occupera des extremistes hindou en inde.ne vous en faites pas.
Ôm... Shanti, shanti, shantiiii Ôm... Peace, peace, peace
Ôm... Shanti, shanti, shantiiii Ôm... Peace, peace, peace
je crois que c'est Nehru qui commençait sa journée par 45 minutes de yoga en séance publique
des sourires c'est plus cool
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Zero selling of your personal data. No invasive advertising. Content that belongs to travelers, not algorithms.
The reality of the numbers: why we need you To be completely transparent with you, running a platform like ours—covering hosting, data security, moderation, and the technical team that supports us—costs 10,000 € per month. The 2026 goal: The site in your pocket Your support will go toward a major priority you’ve often asked for: making VoyageForum and MyAtlas more mobile-friendly. We want to develop a seamless smartphone experience so you can check tips and share your stories more easily. To maintain this standard, we’ve invested a lot technically and personally. But today, to keep the adventure going in 2026 without compromise, we need you. How can you help? (The price of a coffee every two months) The most direct way to support us is to subscribe to the MyAtlas membership for 19 € per year. To do this, you’ll first need to create a MyAtlas account before subscribing. This isn’t just a subscription to a travel journal tool—it’s an act of support to keep VoyageForum’s infrastructure online, secure, and thriving. Today, we’re a community of 100,000 active members. If just 10% of you choose to support us through the MyAtlas membership, VoyageForum’s future isn’t just secure—we’ll finally be able to invest in what you’ve been missing most. Let’s co-build 2026 Beyond the financial aspect, we want 2026 to be the year of dialogue.
What features are you waiting for? What are your concerns or desires for the forum? Are you a pro (tech, tourism, content) and want to lend a hand?
Write to us at service@myatlas.com—we read everything. VoyageForum has existed by and for you for years. Thank you for being its pillars. Wishing you all wonderful end-of-year celebrations, The VoyageForum & MyAtlas Team
Photo credit: Yonhap - Santa Clauses on Mount Bukhansan, Seoul
VoyageForum celebrates its 1-year reopening with MyAtlas!
Thanks for this amazing year—you’ve come back with unforgettable travel stories shared on VoyageForum, swapped tips, and dreamed up new adventures... What if now’s the time to bring them to life in a different way?
To celebrate this first milestone, MyAtlas and VoyageForum, still united, are offering you a sweet discount on your photo book.
😉 On November 27 & 28, 2025, take advantage of the huge 30% off promo on printing your MyAtlas photo book with the code 1ANVF30.
To use this code, discover MyAtlas—a simple and intuitive space to relive your adventures: - Open your MyAtlas account for free - Create your first travel journal with 150 free photo imports.
You upload your photos & videos from your computer, write about your stops and anecdotes, and in just a few clicks, you can turn your best memories into a gorgeous printed photo book—and don’t forget the code 1ANVF30!
🎁 It’s the perfect time to bring your stories back to life, immortalize your favorite landscapes, or turn them into a unique gift to tuck under the tree. Because a memory you revive is like setting off again—and there’s no gift more precious than that.
To celebrate this first milestone, MyAtlas and VoyageForum, still united, are offering you a sweet discount on your photo book.
😉 On November 27 & 28, 2025, take advantage of the huge 30% off promo on printing your MyAtlas photo book with the code 1ANVF30.
To use this code, discover MyAtlas—a simple and intuitive space to relive your adventures: - Open your MyAtlas account for free - Create your first travel journal with 150 free photo imports.
You upload your photos & videos from your computer, write about your stops and anecdotes, and in just a few clicks, you can turn your best memories into a gorgeous printed photo book—and don’t forget the code 1ANVF30!
🎁 It’s the perfect time to bring your stories back to life, immortalize your favorite landscapes, or turn them into a unique gift to tuck under the tree. Because a memory you revive is like setting off again—and there’s no gift more precious than that.
The end of a golden age
For years, travel forums embodied the spirit of mutual aid on the web. Travelers generously shared their experiences, tips, and secret spots. This collective generosity seemed endless. But behind this altruistic facade lay a more complex reality.
The silent infiltration of forums Free travel forums have gradually become marketing hunting grounds. Under the guise of "experienced travelers," professionals in tourism, affiliates seeking commissions, or aspiring influencers testing monetization strategies now lurk.
These fake profiles master the community’s codes. They build credibility by answering dozens of basic questions before subtly slipping in their paid recommendations. A "favorite" hotel mentioned insistently, an "essential" guidebook systematically cited, an "extraordinary" local agency that keeps coming up in conversations.
New travelers can no longer tell the difference between selfless advice and disguised promotion. This informational pollution has gradually eroded the trust that gave these platforms their value.
The rise of paid Travel Planners Faced with this decline, a new profession has emerged: the independent Travel Planner. These professionals fully embrace their commercial status and charge for personalized advice.
The model is transparent: you pay for real expertise, tailor-made itineraries, and guaranteed availability. Some offer packages for 150-300 € to plan a two-week trip entirely. Others charge by the hour.
This professionalization marks a turning point. Travel advice is leaving the realm of volunteerism and entering the world of paid services. Paradoxically, this acknowledged monetization can restore a form of trust: you know what you’re paying for.
The irruption of artificial intelligence But now, a third option is emerging: generative AI. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others can now generate travel itineraries in seconds, for free, with no commercial agenda.
AI promises neutral, synthetic, endlessly customizable information. It compiles thousands of sources in real time, suggests alternatives, and adapts recommendations to your budget and time constraints. It doesn’t sell anything, earns no commissions, and has no hotels to promote.
But this apparent neutrality hides its own limitations. AI feeds on existing data, often from the same polluted forums or marketing content. It can invent restaurants that don’t exist, mix up tourist seasons, or ignore recent local realities. It has never walked a city’s streets, negotiated with a tuk-tuk driver, or felt the atmosphere of a neighborhood at nightfall.
The forgotten alternative: authentic local experts In this landscape saturated with dubious information, imperfect AI, and monetized services, one often-overlooked option remains: consulting real local professionals.
Not the agencies at the top of Google’s first page—often the most expensive and generic. But small local businesses, independent guides established for years, still-free municipal tourism offices, and cultural associations organizing themed tours.
These players offer what neither AI nor forums can: embodied, up-to-date, contextualized knowledge of the area. They know the newly opened restaurant, the museum temporarily closed for renovations, the impromptu weekend festival, or the alternative route to avoid construction.
Finding them takes extra effort. You have to search in the local language, look beyond the first page of results, check regional institutional websites, and join community Facebook groups. But this approach is often rewarded with free or low-cost advice of unmatched precision.
Toward an ecology of travel advice The future of travel advice likely won’t be binary but hybrid. AI can rough out itineraries, propose logistical options, and compare alternatives. Travel Planners can refine, personalize, and reassure anxious travelers. Local experts can enrich, correct, and ground advice in on-the-ground reality.
But for this ecosystem to work, we’ll need to develop new discernment. Learn to spot fake profiles on forums. Systematically verify AI suggestions. Assess the real value of a Travel Planner before paying. And, above all, rediscover the habit of contacting those who live there directly.
Travel has always been a school of discernment. It teaches us to distinguish the authentic from the fake, sincere advice from commercial manipulation. In the digital age, this skill becomes more crucial than ever.
Because ultimately, the real question isn’t which information source to prioritize, but how to cultivate our own ability to evaluate, cross-check, and ultimately make informed choices. The best travel guide may still be our critical thinking.
Photo credit: Arakis Travel
The silent infiltration of forums Free travel forums have gradually become marketing hunting grounds. Under the guise of "experienced travelers," professionals in tourism, affiliates seeking commissions, or aspiring influencers testing monetization strategies now lurk.
These fake profiles master the community’s codes. They build credibility by answering dozens of basic questions before subtly slipping in their paid recommendations. A "favorite" hotel mentioned insistently, an "essential" guidebook systematically cited, an "extraordinary" local agency that keeps coming up in conversations.
New travelers can no longer tell the difference between selfless advice and disguised promotion. This informational pollution has gradually eroded the trust that gave these platforms their value.
The rise of paid Travel Planners Faced with this decline, a new profession has emerged: the independent Travel Planner. These professionals fully embrace their commercial status and charge for personalized advice.
The model is transparent: you pay for real expertise, tailor-made itineraries, and guaranteed availability. Some offer packages for 150-300 € to plan a two-week trip entirely. Others charge by the hour.
This professionalization marks a turning point. Travel advice is leaving the realm of volunteerism and entering the world of paid services. Paradoxically, this acknowledged monetization can restore a form of trust: you know what you’re paying for.
The irruption of artificial intelligence But now, a third option is emerging: generative AI. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others can now generate travel itineraries in seconds, for free, with no commercial agenda.
AI promises neutral, synthetic, endlessly customizable information. It compiles thousands of sources in real time, suggests alternatives, and adapts recommendations to your budget and time constraints. It doesn’t sell anything, earns no commissions, and has no hotels to promote.
But this apparent neutrality hides its own limitations. AI feeds on existing data, often from the same polluted forums or marketing content. It can invent restaurants that don’t exist, mix up tourist seasons, or ignore recent local realities. It has never walked a city’s streets, negotiated with a tuk-tuk driver, or felt the atmosphere of a neighborhood at nightfall.
The forgotten alternative: authentic local experts In this landscape saturated with dubious information, imperfect AI, and monetized services, one often-overlooked option remains: consulting real local professionals.
Not the agencies at the top of Google’s first page—often the most expensive and generic. But small local businesses, independent guides established for years, still-free municipal tourism offices, and cultural associations organizing themed tours.
These players offer what neither AI nor forums can: embodied, up-to-date, contextualized knowledge of the area. They know the newly opened restaurant, the museum temporarily closed for renovations, the impromptu weekend festival, or the alternative route to avoid construction.
Finding them takes extra effort. You have to search in the local language, look beyond the first page of results, check regional institutional websites, and join community Facebook groups. But this approach is often rewarded with free or low-cost advice of unmatched precision.
Toward an ecology of travel advice The future of travel advice likely won’t be binary but hybrid. AI can rough out itineraries, propose logistical options, and compare alternatives. Travel Planners can refine, personalize, and reassure anxious travelers. Local experts can enrich, correct, and ground advice in on-the-ground reality.
But for this ecosystem to work, we’ll need to develop new discernment. Learn to spot fake profiles on forums. Systematically verify AI suggestions. Assess the real value of a Travel Planner before paying. And, above all, rediscover the habit of contacting those who live there directly.
Travel has always been a school of discernment. It teaches us to distinguish the authentic from the fake, sincere advice from commercial manipulation. In the digital age, this skill becomes more crucial than ever.
Because ultimately, the real question isn’t which information source to prioritize, but how to cultivate our own ability to evaluate, cross-check, and ultimately make informed choices. The best travel guide may still be our critical thinking.
Photo credit: Arakis Travel
Travel is, above all, a story of encounters.
Those that inspire us, guide us, and make us dream.
That’s why we’re happy to announce a partnership between Petit Futé and VoyageForum, two worlds that share the same passion: travel experienced and recounted by those who truly set off.
In practical terms, you can now find VoyageForum directly on PetitFuté.com, through:
Over 190 destinations linked to the forum: on each “Discover the destination” page, a “Travelers’ Forum” tab lets you access discussions, tips, and testimonials from travelers just like you.
A link to the forum in the “Community” menu under “Discover the forum”, where you can chat, ask questions, or simply dream about your next getaway.
This partnership marks a new step in giving travelers even more of a voice. A way to connect practical information and lived experience, to share insights so everyone can plan their trips by relying on what’s most valuable: exchanges between enthusiasts.
Thanks to all of you who keep this wonderful community alive, day after day. Because travel is even more beautiful when it’s shared
In practical terms, you can now find VoyageForum directly on PetitFuté.com, through:
Over 190 destinations linked to the forum: on each “Discover the destination” page, a “Travelers’ Forum” tab lets you access discussions, tips, and testimonials from travelers just like you.
A link to the forum in the “Community” menu under “Discover the forum”, where you can chat, ask questions, or simply dream about your next getaway.
This partnership marks a new step in giving travelers even more of a voice. A way to connect practical information and lived experience, to share insights so everyone can plan their trips by relying on what’s most valuable: exchanges between enthusiasts.
Thanks to all of you who keep this wonderful community alive, day after day. Because travel is even more beautiful when it’s shared
MyAtlas Deal: 15% off your travel photo book!
You’ve explored the world, captured landscapes, and lived unique moments… What if now was the perfect time to bring them to life on paper?
With the discount offered by MyAtlas for 1 month, turn your best memories into a real printed travel journal—something to flip through, share, and cherish.
Holding a real photo book in your hands is so different from scrolling through files on a hard drive. It’s something to treasure and share with loved ones over a nice slice of cake. A tangible way to keep your travel memories alive. PROMO CODE: PROMOVF15
Discount: 15% Valid until: November 13, 2025! One use per person
Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer—if you’ve got travel photos waiting to be printed, now’s the time to go for it!
You’ve explored the world, captured landscapes, and lived unique moments… What if now was the perfect time to bring them to life on paper?
With the discount offered by MyAtlas for 1 month, turn your best memories into a real printed travel journal—something to flip through, share, and cherish.
Holding a real photo book in your hands is so different from scrolling through files on a hard drive. It’s something to treasure and share with loved ones over a nice slice of cake. A tangible way to keep your travel memories alive. PROMO CODE: PROMOVF15
Discount: 15% Valid until: November 13, 2025! One use per person
Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer—if you’ve got travel photos waiting to be printed, now’s the time to go for it!
I’ve kept quiet about them... to preserve them.
Those are the words of a passionate traveler who recently wrote to us.
For years, he’s been discovering rare, authentic places... and chooses to say nothing.
Out of respect. Out of fear of destruction. Out of love for secrecy.
What would you do?
You stumble upon a magical spot, still untouched by mass tourism.
Do you keep it to yourself... or do you open the door, gently, to other travelers?
At DIRECTRAVEL, we’re asking ourselves these questions.
Can sharing be an act of passing something on?
Or is it always the beginning of the end for these preserved places?
Read the article here.
Photo credit: Frédéric Soltan
Photo credit: Frédéric Soltan
Why not try your luck to win your next vacation?
We’ve got a little game for you (okay, it’s not a walk in the park—you’ll have to do some digging!) with DirecTravel: the prize is 5 nights for one person at the Nilaya Experience guesthouse, right in the heart of Kerala, India.
The stay is worth 700 €. It’s set in a magical spot among the rice fields, offering a relaxing and 100% authentic getaway, far from the noise, hosted by Raghu and Véronique.
How to enter is simple:
1- Head over to directravel.org. 2- Browse the site to find the answers to the 10 contest questions. Click here for the questions. Each question includes a clue to guide you to the right page. 3- Answer all 10 questions correctly to validate your entry.
Contest Rules
The game is free and with no purchase necessary. A random draw will be held on September 19, 2025, among all correct entries. The winner will be contacted directly by DIRECTRAVEL. The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and valid based on the accommodation’s availability.
We’ve got a little game for you (okay, it’s not a walk in the park—you’ll have to do some digging!) with DirecTravel: the prize is 5 nights for one person at the Nilaya Experience guesthouse, right in the heart of Kerala, India.
The stay is worth 700 €. It’s set in a magical spot among the rice fields, offering a relaxing and 100% authentic getaway, far from the noise, hosted by Raghu and Véronique.
How to enter is simple:
1- Head over to directravel.org. 2- Browse the site to find the answers to the 10 contest questions. Click here for the questions. Each question includes a clue to guide you to the right page. 3- Answer all 10 questions correctly to validate your entry.
Contest Rules
The game is free and with no purchase necessary. A random draw will be held on September 19, 2025, among all correct entries. The winner will be contacted directly by DIRECTRAVEL. The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and valid based on the accommodation’s availability.
What if your travel memories had a place in a real journal? 🌍
Back-to-school season is when we get back into our routines, but it’s also when we look back on the great memories from summer. We often promise ourselves we’ll organize our photos, jot down our stories… and then life gets busy. Those memories slowly fade, stuck in our phones...
Travel journals from MyAtlas are here to change that. They let you gather your stories, your images, and your emotions in a beautiful keepsake you can hold onto and share. It’s like a personal diary, but illustrated by your travels.
Creating your journal also extends the travel experience: reliving your photos, rediscovering details you’d forgotten, and bringing those moments back to life.
Use the code BIENVENUE10 for 10% off your first album ;)
Back-to-school season is when we get back into our routines, but it’s also when we look back on the great memories from summer. We often promise ourselves we’ll organize our photos, jot down our stories… and then life gets busy. Those memories slowly fade, stuck in our phones...
Travel journals from MyAtlas are here to change that. They let you gather your stories, your images, and your emotions in a beautiful keepsake you can hold onto and share. It’s like a personal diary, but illustrated by your travels.
Creating your journal also extends the travel experience: reliving your photos, rediscovering details you’d forgotten, and bringing those moments back to life.
Use the code BIENVENUE10 for 10% off your first album ;)
A new step for visitors starting September 2025
Laos is modernizing its border entry procedures. From September 1, 2025, the Laos Immigration Police Department will pilot a new online arrival registration system for foreign passport holders.
This new procedure is similar to Thailand’s recent switch to a digital arrival card system (introduced in May 2025). Just like in Thailand, travelers heading to Laos will still need a valid visa—either an e-visa obtained online in advance or a visa on arrival (VOA) at eligible checkpoints—but they can now skip the paper immigration forms at the border.
Read more here
Read more here
TikTok is currently experimenting with a hotel booking feature directly integrated into its app, in partnership with a well-known specialized platform. American users can now search for and book accommodations without leaving TikTok. Meanwhile, content creators with over 1,000 followers can promote hotels and restaurants in the U.S. and earn commissions or vouchers for bookings. This test, limited to the U.S. market for now, aligns with the trend of social commerce. There’s no doubt this initiative will be closely watched by major players in the online travel industry.
Read the article
Read the article
Originally planned for an official opening on July 3, 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which has already been partially open since autumn 2024, has had its official inauguration pushed back to the end of the year. This decision, made due to growing tensions in the Middle East, was motivated by the desire to give the event the international dimension it deserves.
Spanning 500,000 m²—larger than the Louvre (which has 360,000 m² of total space, including 73,000 m² of exhibition areas)—the museum will house up to 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun and a monumental statue of Ramses II. It can already welcome 4,000 visitors per day with limited access, with a future capacity estimated at 13,000 per day once fully open.
Read the article
Spanning 500,000 m²—larger than the Louvre (which has 360,000 m² of total space, including 73,000 m² of exhibition areas)—the museum will house up to 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun and a monumental statue of Ramses II. It can already welcome 4,000 visitors per day with limited access, with a future capacity estimated at 13,000 per day once fully open.
Read the article
Dear members of VoyageForum,
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of François Boucher, the founder of VoyageForum.
We will remember his passion for travel, but most of all, the pride he took in this forum, which has become indispensable among travelers. While there may have been heated debates, we ask that you show respect for him.
François was still very active on the forum, especially in the technical development section. VoyageForum was his life’s work. He worked passionately to update the site and make up for the 4 years of closure due to the pandemic.
Today, VoyageForum has also lost its developer.
That’s why we’re reaching out to this community to continue François’s legacy. If there are any former or current developers among you who know PERL and would be willing to help, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your loyalty.
Let’s keep this forum alive in his memory.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of François Boucher, the founder of VoyageForum.
We will remember his passion for travel, but most of all, the pride he took in this forum, which has become indispensable among travelers. While there may have been heated debates, we ask that you show respect for him.
François was still very active on the forum, especially in the technical development section. VoyageForum was his life’s work. He worked passionately to update the site and make up for the 4 years of closure due to the pandemic.
Today, VoyageForum has also lost its developer.
That’s why we’re reaching out to this community to continue François’s legacy. If there are any former or current developers among you who know PERL and would be willing to help, your support would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your loyalty.
Let’s keep this forum alive in his memory.
According to a recent study, Bangkok ranks first among the top 100 global destinations for remote workers in 2025. The Thai capital stands out for its excellent value for money, solid infrastructure, and high satisfaction levels among digital nomads.
Dubai, London, Tokyo, and Nakhon Ratchasima (in Thailand) complete the top 5, each catering to different priorities (safety, connectivity, cultural vibrancy). The study also highlights the cost-of-living gaps between cities: from Weligama (Sri Lanka), very affordable, to New York, the most expensive.
Social media engagement and visitor return rates are also becoming key indicators for assessing a destination’s appeal to nomads.
Read the article
Dubai, London, Tokyo, and Nakhon Ratchasima (in Thailand) complete the top 5, each catering to different priorities (safety, connectivity, cultural vibrancy). The study also highlights the cost-of-living gaps between cities: from Weligama (Sri Lanka), very affordable, to New York, the most expensive.
Social media engagement and visitor return rates are also becoming key indicators for assessing a destination’s appeal to nomads.
Read the article
Dear VoyageForum community members,
We’re thrilled to share an exclusive offer from our partner Subocea for August: 80 € per person per day to board a private luxury boat in Egypt with friends, family, or colleagues!
The offer includes everything on-site (accommodation, meals, activities, etc.), except for the flight. Onboard, snorkel with turtles!
A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in an exceptional setting while meeting other community members.
Hurry: only 26 spots available! 😉 Departure is imminent—a great chance to escape and reconnect. If you’ve been looking for a reason to pack your bags, here it is!
Interested? Contact us quickly to book or get more info!
We’re thrilled to share an exclusive offer from our partner Subocea for August: 80 € per person per day to board a private luxury boat in Egypt with friends, family, or colleagues!
The offer includes everything on-site (accommodation, meals, activities, etc.), except for the flight. Onboard, snorkel with turtles!
A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in an exceptional setting while meeting other community members.
Hurry: only 26 spots available! 😉 Departure is imminent—a great chance to escape and reconnect. If you’ve been looking for a reason to pack your bags, here it is!
Interested? Contact us quickly to book or get more info!
You’ve probably noticed it: the real travel gems no longer show up in search results. In today’s all-digital age, those local operators, small authentic accommodations, passionate guides, and committed local initiatives remain invisible. No flashy website, no ads, often not even an online presence.
Yet they exist—people who take care of their land, their culture, their community. Hidden in valleys, villages, forests. These are the ones who truly give meaning to travel, the kind you only discover through word of mouth... or among savvy travelers.
A collaborative project is starting to patiently catalog them, one by one. It’s called DirecTravel. Not very well-known yet—it’s just getting started—but already shared among independent travel enthusiasts. Here, no standardization or flashy interface: every address has been discovered on the ground, the old-fashioned way. Some have even been recognized by the Sustainable Travel Awards.
Their approach? Taking the time to listen, build connections, and support local initiatives that will never appear on Google’s first page.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual recommendations, and if the idea of sharing genuine tips speaks to you, then this project might interest you. And maybe you, too, have a gem to share with them.
Yet they exist—people who take care of their land, their culture, their community. Hidden in valleys, villages, forests. These are the ones who truly give meaning to travel, the kind you only discover through word of mouth... or among savvy travelers.
A collaborative project is starting to patiently catalog them, one by one. It’s called DirecTravel. Not very well-known yet—it’s just getting started—but already shared among independent travel enthusiasts. Here, no standardization or flashy interface: every address has been discovered on the ground, the old-fashioned way. Some have even been recognized by the Sustainable Travel Awards.
Their approach? Taking the time to listen, build connections, and support local initiatives that will never appear on Google’s first page.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual recommendations, and if the idea of sharing genuine tips speaks to you, then this project might interest you. And maybe you, too, have a gem to share with them.
Travel bookings to the United States are seeing a significant drop in France for summer 2025, with over a 30% decrease in the spring and around -11% for summer departures.
Several reasons explain this disengagement:
an unfavorable exchange rate at the start of the year, very high prices on the ground (accommodation, dining), negative experiences with immigration, as well as a political and social context perceived as off-putting (civil rights, safety, tense social climate).
Tourism professionals also note difficulties for Florida and some Southern states, while destinations like New York and Orlando are faring better.
The recent drop in the dollar and airfares could, however, encourage last-minute departures, and tourism stakeholders are betting on a gradual recovery starting this autumn, with major events planned for 2026 like the World Cup or the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Read the article
Several reasons explain this disengagement:
an unfavorable exchange rate at the start of the year, very high prices on the ground (accommodation, dining), negative experiences with immigration, as well as a political and social context perceived as off-putting (civil rights, safety, tense social climate).
Tourism professionals also note difficulties for Florida and some Southern states, while destinations like New York and Orlando are faring better.
The recent drop in the dollar and airfares could, however, encourage last-minute departures, and tourism stakeholders are betting on a gradual recovery starting this autumn, with major events planned for 2026 like the World Cup or the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Read the article
This summer, your memories deserve more than just a corner of film!
For the summer season, our partner MyAtlas is offering you an exclusive deal: 10% off all travel journals to print with the code ETEVF25 😛
Perfect for preserving your photos, anecdotes, itineraries, and highlights, the MyAtlas journal turns every trip into a real keepsake book—personalized and ready to flip through anytime.
Whether you're off on an adventure or exploring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to capture the essence of your getaways and relive them again and again.
Don’t let your best stories gather dust in your phone: print them, share them, and above all, treasure them 😉
For the summer season, our partner MyAtlas is offering you an exclusive deal: 10% off all travel journals to print with the code ETEVF25 😛
Perfect for preserving your photos, anecdotes, itineraries, and highlights, the MyAtlas journal turns every trip into a real keepsake book—personalized and ready to flip through anytime.
Whether you're off on an adventure or exploring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to capture the essence of your getaways and relive them again and again.
Don’t let your best stories gather dust in your phone: print them, share them, and above all, treasure them 😉
This forum was closed for a long time after COVID, then due to its sale by the previous owner. Since 2022, there have been notable changes for Russia. It became possible to travel to Russia as a tourist again after COVID restrictions ended in summer 2022. But before that, in March 2022, the EU and member countries cut air links with Russia, as well as train lines. They also cut Russian banks off from the Euro-American banking network—meaning cards and wire transfers.
EU-based insurers stopped offering policies for Russia. The Green Card for cars in Russia was also discontinued. Then the EU abolished the simplified visa regime agreement with Russia. All in all, a summary of the current practical aspects would be helpful.
I’ve been traveling to Russia regularly for about twenty years, and after the long COVID break, I resumed in autumn 2022.
Visa
The usual paper visa is much more expensive. On one hand, because the previous regime was scrapped, and on the other, because invitations for multi-entry visas are pricier. A single-entry 30-day visa costs 80 €. The multi-entry one is 240 €. To be sure you’ll get a 12-month multi-entry, it’s best to buy a telex invitation from the MID (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), though there are few resellers. Prices vary depending on the seller.
E-visas are now available for Schengen passport holders. A big simplification for trips up to 16 days within a 60-day validity period. You can apply from 40 days up to 5 days before your desired date. Issued in up to four days. The site is https://evisa.kdmid.ru/ Cost: 50 €. Processed through an Emirati bank (United Arab Emirates).
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance with repatriation is required to get a visa. So you’ll need to buy a policy. This brings up payment methods. If you’re already familiar with Russia and have a Russian bank account, you can pay with your Russian card. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy from a site that accepts payments via a Belarusian bank—which means your bank must work with Belarus—or go through https://goingrus.com/fr/insurance
Transport from the EU
Minibus (marshrutka) from Kirkenes (Norway) to Murmansk. Schedules are coordinated with flights from Oslo, which arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. They wait on the right as you exit the airport. Some are chartered by groups and leave directly, but may have space—ask the driver. Otherwise, two companies run the route, with a stop in town at the corner of the Scandic, where they depart around 14:00 or 15:00. Payment in cash (NOK or RUB) to the driver. Main operator: https://borodinbus.com Bus from Tallinn (Estonia) to St. Petersburg. The border crossing is on the Narva River. The Russian road checkpoint has been closed since January 2024 for construction expected to last 2.5 years, so reopening is possible in summer 2026. In the meantime, it’s a two-bus journey: Tallinn-Narva, then walk across the bridge between the Estonian and Russian checkpoints at Ivangorod, followed by another bus. Several companies: Luxexpress, Ecolines, Baltic Shuttle, Anniston, СКСавто. Bus from Riga to Pskov or St. Petersburg (final destination). Departs from Riga’s bus station (behind the train station) daily between 18:00 and 19:00. Arrives in Pskov between 01:00 and 02:00 (Russian time). Company: СКСавто. There’s another bus around 21:00 with Ecolines, but it’s longer, with a long stop at the border. Bus from Gdańsk to Kaliningrad. Several buses per day. From the PKS bus station, behind Gdańsk’s central station, on the other side of the boulevard. From Kaliningrad, a 1-hour flight to St. Petersburg costs around 5000 RUB.
Basically, unless you’re planning to go to Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula—and possibly from Murmansk, flights to Arkhangelsk, then Nenetsia (Naryan-Mar), etc.—the three main crossing points with airports are Tallinn, Riga, and Gdańsk.
The Gdańsk-Kaliningrad bus is the fastest, and the ticket to St. Petersburg is very reasonable.
The Narva-Ivangorod route is the riskiest in terms of potential queues and crossing time. Holiday periods are especially risky. Last mid-June, I took a 14:00 bus from Tallinn. I’d bought a single-berth compartment on the Grand Express St. Petersburg-Moscow train, leaving at 23:00, with the idea of a good night’s rest before a Moscow-Magadan flight. A 7-hour queue at the border meant I arrived at St. Petersburg’s bus station at 23:00—missed the train, had to book a room, and spent time finding a reasonably priced flight to Moscow the next day for the same airport as my Magadan flight.
The Riga-Pskov route is a bit long but relaxed. If you get off in Pskov, you can still get decent sleep between 02:00 and 12:00. The Oktyabrskaya Hotel is cheap. I’ve also stopped in Izborsk. You ask the driver when boarding in Riga. The stop is on the federal highway—cross the road, and the main inn is 200m away. You can explore the medieval site the next morning before taking a bus to Pskov (30 km).
From Pskov, there are fast regional Lastochka trains—three or four per day—to St. Petersburg, taking 3.5 hours. Very comfortable and affordable. Also, two daily flights with Azimuth to Moscow-Vnukovo from 5000 RUB. A one-hour flight. It’s a section of Pskov’s military airfield, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Money
Cash. The EU issued a nonsensical decree: a ban on importing EU currency (euros, zloty, kroner, forints, etc.) except for personal travel use. This doesn’t make sense because as a citizen of a eurozone country, you *have* to have euros—cash or electronic (card). You can’t travel without them. The stipulation about a limit for personal use is absurd because personal use can mean anything from a hostel bed to a luxury hotel room, plus transport (flight tickets, train tickets in Russia), restaurants, etc. Estonian customs officers ask about this at the border when leaving. They ask in Estonian, then Russian, then English, depending. Since I cross with a French passport, I just say, "Sorry, I don’t understand," no matter what. Then they ask with a questioning look, "Euro?" and I shake my head. I haven’t been searched, but they do ask to glance in your bag. Russians with large suitcases often get checked. Cards and phone apps: if you have a Russian bank account.
Telephony and Internet
Roaming works but is pricey. Okay for calls and SMS, but very expensive for data. In that case, use an e-SIM with your home carrier if your phone supports it. Otherwise, look into prepaid rechargeable SIMs in Russia for data only—like SIM cards for mobile modems.
Russian SIM: Since this year (2025), as of March, it’s mandatory to be registered in the EBS (Unified Biometric System) to buy a SIM card. For a non-resident foreigner, this means first registering for a SNILS at an MFC (Multifunctional Center)—also called "My Documents." The SNILS is the pension center, which doesn’t require residency. After getting your SNILS number and certificate, you register on the public services portal, Gosuslugi. Finally, you register in the EBS system (voice sample—you read numbers—and a biometric facial photo).
Personal Car
The Green Card no longer covers Russia, and neither do EU-based insurers. But third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is mandatory. Since the closure of the Russian checkpoint at Ivangorod for construction and the Finnish border closure, the routes are from Kirkenes in Norway, the Estonia-Pskov route, and—since the Belarus-Russia joint visa this year—the Belarus route, e.g., Poland-Terespol-Brest or Lithuania-Belarus. No OSAGO sales if you cross via Kirkenes. I didn’t see any at Shumilkino, the Russian checkpoint after Estonia toward Pskov. If you have a Russian card, you can buy online, of course. Otherwise, pay in cash on-site at certain company offices (specific forms aren’t available at all agencies) or online by paying to a third-party account outside Russia—with added fees.
EU-based insurers stopped offering policies for Russia. The Green Card for cars in Russia was also discontinued. Then the EU abolished the simplified visa regime agreement with Russia. All in all, a summary of the current practical aspects would be helpful.
I’ve been traveling to Russia regularly for about twenty years, and after the long COVID break, I resumed in autumn 2022.
Visa
The usual paper visa is much more expensive. On one hand, because the previous regime was scrapped, and on the other, because invitations for multi-entry visas are pricier. A single-entry 30-day visa costs 80 €. The multi-entry one is 240 €. To be sure you’ll get a 12-month multi-entry, it’s best to buy a telex invitation from the MID (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), though there are few resellers. Prices vary depending on the seller.
E-visas are now available for Schengen passport holders. A big simplification for trips up to 16 days within a 60-day validity period. You can apply from 40 days up to 5 days before your desired date. Issued in up to four days. The site is https://evisa.kdmid.ru/ Cost: 50 €. Processed through an Emirati bank (United Arab Emirates).
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance with repatriation is required to get a visa. So you’ll need to buy a policy. This brings up payment methods. If you’re already familiar with Russia and have a Russian bank account, you can pay with your Russian card. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy from a site that accepts payments via a Belarusian bank—which means your bank must work with Belarus—or go through https://goingrus.com/fr/insurance
Transport from the EU
Minibus (marshrutka) from Kirkenes (Norway) to Murmansk. Schedules are coordinated with flights from Oslo, which arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. They wait on the right as you exit the airport. Some are chartered by groups and leave directly, but may have space—ask the driver. Otherwise, two companies run the route, with a stop in town at the corner of the Scandic, where they depart around 14:00 or 15:00. Payment in cash (NOK or RUB) to the driver. Main operator: https://borodinbus.com Bus from Tallinn (Estonia) to St. Petersburg. The border crossing is on the Narva River. The Russian road checkpoint has been closed since January 2024 for construction expected to last 2.5 years, so reopening is possible in summer 2026. In the meantime, it’s a two-bus journey: Tallinn-Narva, then walk across the bridge between the Estonian and Russian checkpoints at Ivangorod, followed by another bus. Several companies: Luxexpress, Ecolines, Baltic Shuttle, Anniston, СКСавто. Bus from Riga to Pskov or St. Petersburg (final destination). Departs from Riga’s bus station (behind the train station) daily between 18:00 and 19:00. Arrives in Pskov between 01:00 and 02:00 (Russian time). Company: СКСавто. There’s another bus around 21:00 with Ecolines, but it’s longer, with a long stop at the border. Bus from Gdańsk to Kaliningrad. Several buses per day. From the PKS bus station, behind Gdańsk’s central station, on the other side of the boulevard. From Kaliningrad, a 1-hour flight to St. Petersburg costs around 5000 RUB.
Basically, unless you’re planning to go to Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula—and possibly from Murmansk, flights to Arkhangelsk, then Nenetsia (Naryan-Mar), etc.—the three main crossing points with airports are Tallinn, Riga, and Gdańsk.
The Gdańsk-Kaliningrad bus is the fastest, and the ticket to St. Petersburg is very reasonable.
The Narva-Ivangorod route is the riskiest in terms of potential queues and crossing time. Holiday periods are especially risky. Last mid-June, I took a 14:00 bus from Tallinn. I’d bought a single-berth compartment on the Grand Express St. Petersburg-Moscow train, leaving at 23:00, with the idea of a good night’s rest before a Moscow-Magadan flight. A 7-hour queue at the border meant I arrived at St. Petersburg’s bus station at 23:00—missed the train, had to book a room, and spent time finding a reasonably priced flight to Moscow the next day for the same airport as my Magadan flight.
The Riga-Pskov route is a bit long but relaxed. If you get off in Pskov, you can still get decent sleep between 02:00 and 12:00. The Oktyabrskaya Hotel is cheap. I’ve also stopped in Izborsk. You ask the driver when boarding in Riga. The stop is on the federal highway—cross the road, and the main inn is 200m away. You can explore the medieval site the next morning before taking a bus to Pskov (30 km).
From Pskov, there are fast regional Lastochka trains—three or four per day—to St. Petersburg, taking 3.5 hours. Very comfortable and affordable. Also, two daily flights with Azimuth to Moscow-Vnukovo from 5000 RUB. A one-hour flight. It’s a section of Pskov’s military airfield, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Money
Cash. The EU issued a nonsensical decree: a ban on importing EU currency (euros, zloty, kroner, forints, etc.) except for personal travel use. This doesn’t make sense because as a citizen of a eurozone country, you *have* to have euros—cash or electronic (card). You can’t travel without them. The stipulation about a limit for personal use is absurd because personal use can mean anything from a hostel bed to a luxury hotel room, plus transport (flight tickets, train tickets in Russia), restaurants, etc. Estonian customs officers ask about this at the border when leaving. They ask in Estonian, then Russian, then English, depending. Since I cross with a French passport, I just say, "Sorry, I don’t understand," no matter what. Then they ask with a questioning look, "Euro?" and I shake my head. I haven’t been searched, but they do ask to glance in your bag. Russians with large suitcases often get checked. Cards and phone apps: if you have a Russian bank account.
Telephony and Internet
Roaming works but is pricey. Okay for calls and SMS, but very expensive for data. In that case, use an e-SIM with your home carrier if your phone supports it. Otherwise, look into prepaid rechargeable SIMs in Russia for data only—like SIM cards for mobile modems.
Russian SIM: Since this year (2025), as of March, it’s mandatory to be registered in the EBS (Unified Biometric System) to buy a SIM card. For a non-resident foreigner, this means first registering for a SNILS at an MFC (Multifunctional Center)—also called "My Documents." The SNILS is the pension center, which doesn’t require residency. After getting your SNILS number and certificate, you register on the public services portal, Gosuslugi. Finally, you register in the EBS system (voice sample—you read numbers—and a biometric facial photo).
Personal Car
The Green Card no longer covers Russia, and neither do EU-based insurers. But third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is mandatory. Since the closure of the Russian checkpoint at Ivangorod for construction and the Finnish border closure, the routes are from Kirkenes in Norway, the Estonia-Pskov route, and—since the Belarus-Russia joint visa this year—the Belarus route, e.g., Poland-Terespol-Brest or Lithuania-Belarus. No OSAGO sales if you cross via Kirkenes. I didn’t see any at Shumilkino, the Russian checkpoint after Estonia toward Pskov. If you have a Russian card, you can buy online, of course. Otherwise, pay in cash on-site at certain company offices (specific forms aren’t available at all agencies) or online by paying to a third-party account outside Russia—with added fees.
Spotlight on the "What A Trip Festival" in Montpellier
From September 22 to 28, 2025, head to Montpellier for the What A Trip Festival, the must-attend event for travel and adventure in images 😉
This event draws around 40,000 passionate visitors who come to (re)discover the world through documentary film screenings, followed by meet-ups, conferences, and workshops.
The "travel village" hosts a dedicated fair: exhibitor booths, a travel bookstore, photo exhibitions, food trucks, and free concerts set the pace. The "Les rencontres voyageurs" booth will be there to offer you: a friendly atmosphere, conferences, masterclasses, fun games, and even interviews!
Check out the program 🙂
From September 22 to 28, 2025, head to Montpellier for the What A Trip Festival, the must-attend event for travel and adventure in images 😉
This event draws around 40,000 passionate visitors who come to (re)discover the world through documentary film screenings, followed by meet-ups, conferences, and workshops.
The "travel village" hosts a dedicated fair: exhibitor booths, a travel bookstore, photo exhibitions, food trucks, and free concerts set the pace. The "Les rencontres voyageurs" booth will be there to offer you: a friendly atmosphere, conferences, masterclasses, fun games, and even interviews!
Check out the program 🙂
From December 9th to 12th, experience a winter getaway in the heart of the Czech capital, under the magical lights of the Christmas markets.
Enjoy an all-inclusive stay, blending cultural discoveries and festive holiday vibes with Hasamélis & MyAtlas.
Explore Prague’s treasures: Old Town Square, the castle, and the Town Hall Tower for breathtaking views…
This guided tour also takes you to exclusive, privately booked venues: Strahov Monastery, Estates Theatre, Municipal House… A rich cultural program in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Details and bookings here :)
Enjoy an all-inclusive stay, blending cultural discoveries and festive holiday vibes with Hasamélis & MyAtlas.
Explore Prague’s treasures: Old Town Square, the castle, and the Town Hall Tower for breathtaking views…
This guided tour also takes you to exclusive, privately booked venues: Strahov Monastery, Estates Theatre, Municipal House… A rich cultural program in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Details and bookings here :)
Calling all adventure and off-road enthusiasts: the must-attend event of the year is just around the corner!
From August 26 to 30 in Valloire, don’t miss THE OFF-ROAD SHOW, the premier event dedicated to expeditions, overlanding, and motorized exploration.
4x4s, trucks, motorcycles, SSVs, gear, travel, test drives, meet-ups... Over 180 exhibitors and the 4th edition of the Rencontres Voyageurs, a 1,000 m² space hosted by Campers Lab and MyAtlas.
On the program: Activities, talks, interviews, masterclasses...
One motto: get inspired, connect, explore... in the heart of the Alps.
From August 26 to 30 in Valloire, don’t miss THE OFF-ROAD SHOW, the premier event dedicated to expeditions, overlanding, and motorized exploration.
4x4s, trucks, motorcycles, SSVs, gear, travel, test drives, meet-ups... Over 180 exhibitors and the 4th edition of the Rencontres Voyageurs, a 1,000 m² space hosted by Campers Lab and MyAtlas.
On the program: Activities, talks, interviews, masterclasses...
One motto: get inspired, connect, explore... in the heart of the Alps.
At the Seto forum (Association of Travel Agents), it was highlighted that, despite an uncertain geopolitical context, summer bookings are showing a slight increase (+1.4% overall as of the end of April), with +1.6% on medium-haul and +0.6% on long-haul flights. This growth is supported by an expected revenue increase of +2.9% and an average basket rise of +3.2%.
In terms of destinations, the Greek islands remain at the top despite a slight decline of -1%, the Balearic Islands are gaining ground (+2%), and Tunisia stands out with strong growth (+13%) thanks to its excellent value for money. For long-haul, Mauritius continues to dominate (+9%), while the United States is experiencing a downturn (-14%), behind Indonesia (-6%) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (+4%). Finally, French Polynesia (+16%) and Vietnam (+41%) are emerging as booming destinations.
Read the article
In terms of destinations, the Greek islands remain at the top despite a slight decline of -1%, the Balearic Islands are gaining ground (+2%), and Tunisia stands out with strong growth (+13%) thanks to its excellent value for money. For long-haul, Mauritius continues to dominate (+9%), while the United States is experiencing a downturn (-14%), behind Indonesia (-6%) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (+4%). Finally, French Polynesia (+16%) and Vietnam (+41%) are emerging as booming destinations.
Read the article
"Les rencontres voyageurs" is a must-attend event for all travel enthusiasts, at the heart of France’s most beautiful gatherings.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a beginner looking for your first adventures, these meet-ups aim to bring people together, inspire, and share knowledge.
They offer a unique opportunity to chat with inspiring travelers, discover their authentic stories, their favorite spots around the world, and their practical tips for traveling peacefully and enrichingly 😉
"Les rencontres voyageurs" also feature conferences and masterclasses led by industry experts, covering a variety of topics such as responsible travel, content creation, and optimizing itineraries.
These sessions, both practical and inspiring, are designed to expand your knowledge and fuel your projects. On top of that, there are fun and educational activities, including the famous traveler quiz, encouraging exchanges and conviviality. Finally, visitors can explore an exhibition of travel vehicles, vans, 4x4s, nomadic equipment, and chat with professionals about van conversions, mobility, and innovations dedicated to vanlife. A complete, immersive experience that’s all about discovery.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a beginner looking for your first adventures, these meet-ups aim to bring people together, inspire, and share knowledge.
They offer a unique opportunity to chat with inspiring travelers, discover their authentic stories, their favorite spots around the world, and their practical tips for traveling peacefully and enrichingly 😉
"Les rencontres voyageurs" also feature conferences and masterclasses led by industry experts, covering a variety of topics such as responsible travel, content creation, and optimizing itineraries.
These sessions, both practical and inspiring, are designed to expand your knowledge and fuel your projects. On top of that, there are fun and educational activities, including the famous traveler quiz, encouraging exchanges and conviviality. Finally, visitors can explore an exhibition of travel vehicles, vans, 4x4s, nomadic equipment, and chat with professionals about van conversions, mobility, and innovations dedicated to vanlife. A complete, immersive experience that’s all about discovery.
Dear travelers,
VoyageForum needs you more than ever! To continue making it the biggest space for exchange, inspiration, and sharing, we want to better understand your desires and expectations.
Take a few moments to answer our survey and let’s build the future of VoyageForum together!
Thanks for your support! 🙂
VoyageForum needs you more than ever! To continue making it the biggest space for exchange, inspiration, and sharing, we want to better understand your desires and expectations.
Take a few moments to answer our survey and let’s build the future of VoyageForum together!
Thanks for your support! 🙂
Big traveler survey! We want to know everything! 🌍
Dreaming of your next trip already? So are we, but to better understand the desires and habits of French travelers, we need your help to later offer the best tips, good deals, trips, and more. It’s a short form (promise, it only takes a few minutes). And... there might just be a 50 € gift voucher up for grabs for one of the participants. Just like that, to thank you for taking part✨
Just click on this link: https://tally.so/r/mRrj6J and check the box based on your travel preferences 🧳✈️ Thanks in advance for lending a hand!
Dreaming of your next trip already? So are we, but to better understand the desires and habits of French travelers, we need your help to later offer the best tips, good deals, trips, and more. It’s a short form (promise, it only takes a few minutes). And... there might just be a 50 € gift voucher up for grabs for one of the participants. Just like that, to thank you for taking part✨
Just click on this link: https://tally.so/r/mRrj6J and check the box based on your travel preferences 🧳✈️ Thanks in advance for lending a hand!
The cruise sector has seen a remarkable rebound since the pandemic, with 2024 attendance 20% higher than in 2019—outpacing air traffic growth, which was limited to 10%.
This performance is driven by an early recovery in the U.S. starting in 2021, competitive pricing, and enhanced onboard offerings. Cruise companies have invested in innovation, with a notable increase in patents related to passenger health (14%) and onboard services (50%).
These efforts have attracted a younger clientele, with millennials now making up 34% of passengers. This recovery model could inspire the airline industry to accelerate its own rebound.
Read the article
This performance is driven by an early recovery in the U.S. starting in 2021, competitive pricing, and enhanced onboard offerings. Cruise companies have invested in innovation, with a notable increase in patents related to passenger health (14%) and onboard services (50%).
These efforts have attracted a younger clientele, with millennials now making up 34% of passengers. This recovery model could inspire the airline industry to accelerate its own rebound.
Read the article
MyAtlas is happy to offer you an exceptional 20% discount on all your travel photo albums and journals from June 1st to 2nd, 2025 🙂