Bonjour a toutes,
J ai 30 ans, je me suis lancee dans un voyage solo de 6 mois il y a quelques semaines, et je suis en Thailande actuellement....et je me suis enfin decidee a partir pour l Inde demain...J ai envie de me ballader dans le Rajasthan, et c est vrai que malgre ma preparation et le fait d avoir un peu deja voyage seule, je flippe carrement!!! L inde me fascine et me fait peur, j espere pouvoir gerer les foules, je ne connais pas du tout ce pays, et quand on lit certaines choses dans les guides de voyages ou sur le forum...et bien ca ne me rassure pas vraiment!!!
Est ce que vous auriez quelques conseils a me donner s il vous plait? Des trucs surtout pour ne pas perdre pied face a l attitude parfois deroutante des indiens, et la facon de voyager a petit budget en se sentant tout de meme en securite...
Merci d avance, et desolee si le sujet est maintes fois rabbattu, mais entre la raison et le sentiment d avant voyage il y a un monde...Cela fait 5 fois que je repousse ce voyage qui me fait pourtant tant rever...je n aimerai pas etre degoutee d un si beau pays a cause d un stress mal gere...
Et d ailleurs si certaines d entre vous sont dans le coin ce mois ci et veulent aller boire un verre ou partager quelques jours avec moi, je suis preneuse!!!
Je m appelle paul, j ai 24 ans, je suis actuellement a delhi et je pars a Jaipur en fin de semaine et je vais ensuite a jodphur pour qq jours.
Cela fait un mois q je suis en inde, je ne connais pas bcp de choses, mais bon il est vrai q etre 2 ou plus peut etre rassurant, mm si a present lors de mes deplacement seul je n ai pas eu de pb.
Je suis prets a te rencontrer pour prendre un verre et pourquoi pas visiter le fort de jodpur ensemble par ex.
Si cela te branche, contacte moi sur mon adresse perso ; paulamir@hotmail.fr le tt ds les plus brefs delais.
Je te souhaite bon voyage ds tt les cas, et ne t inquiete pas, ya pas de pb. Pas de conseils particuliers mise a part d etre soi mm et se laisser surprrendre et prendre le temps de vivre les choses.
Pour moi, l'Inde du Nord, c'est une expérience qui a commencé à la brute pour finir en larmes... d'adieu à l'aéroport! Je suis partie solo en 2007 arrivée New-Delhi repartie de Calcutta, trois mois après. N'ayant jamais voyagé en Asie avant ça, c'est la peur au ventre que je suis arrivée à 3 heures du mat à New Delhi pour m'entendre dire que ma chambre d'hôtel, pourtant réservée par Internet du Canada, n'était plus disponible, et qu'on allait me conduire ailleurs.
C'était là le fameux choc culturel car après trois mois au contact des Indiens du Nord, la compréhension un tant soit peu curieuse des us et coutumes et de la façon dont sont perçus les Occidentaux (essentiellement, beaux et riches donc convoitise) fait considérablement baisser le baromètre des appréhensions. Et la rencontre d'autres voyageurs en chemin y participe aussi.
Bref, j'ai compris que ce que je prenais dès le premier jour (nuit en l'occurrence) pour un plan d'escroquerie quand le conducteur du taxi parlotait en Hindi avec 2 co-équipiers venus le rejoindre de l'hôtel en question, c'était en fait qu'ils étaient embêtés pour moi - et peut-être aussi pour la réputation de l'hôtel auprès des étrangers*. Le réflexe m'a fait descendre du taxi pour aller vérifier moi-même auprès du réceptionniste. Vu l'heure, on pensait que je n'arriverai plus. On avait donc reloué la chambre - et on proposait de me reloger à un hôtel du même proprio pas loin, où je n'aurais pas été s'il le réceptionniste ne m'en avait pas donné la carte de visite.
Donc, comme on dit souvent dans les guides, garder le bon sens - ou ne pas faire trop confiance... à son imagination - aide aussi. Au final, j'ai apprécié jusqu'à cette expérience qui fut la seule à m'inquiéter. Même si, à l'époque, j'ai vite quitté la grande ville avec une compagne de voyage rencontrée dans un café fréquenté par les étrangers. Le seul souci quotidien après celui-là, ça été de payer plus que les Indiens (ou de "me faire avoir", selon la perception). Apprendre quelques mots de Hindi aide alors à faire baisser les enchères si on trouve cela vraiment injuste.
Bonnes expériences!
- fabienne
* Je ne me souviens plus du nom de l'hôtel mais je l'ai trouvé recommandé sur ce forum ou dans le Lonely Planet. Et je n'ésiterais pas à y retourner mais pas au milieu de la nuit si possible.
namaste!
Merci pour ton experience!
Je suis arrivee hier midi a Delhi, en plein festival sikh, ca m a mise dans l ambiance tout de suite! Et j ai adore!
Alors voila, je comprend peu a peu les difficultes mais surtout le fosse qu il peut y avoir entre l inde et l occident, et maintenant je vais faire comme tout le monde... m adapter!
Je pars demain soir pour Pushkar, vite fuire la grande ville!
Je me rend compte aussi que je me suis beaucoup monte la tete pour pas grand chose...et je crois que je vais jeter mon guide du routard a la poublle, c est lui qui m a effrayee!!!😉
Je suis partie en "solo" en Inde deux fois et compte repartir au mois de février 2010 cette fois au Kérala. L'Inde comme vous pouvez le constater est vaste et il faut choisir des régions. Je n'ai eu aucune mauvaise expérience. Nous sommes traitées de "braves" par eux ou elles, mais tout comme par notre entourage occidental d'ailleurs.
J'aime ce pays, j'ai cessé de comparer nos cultures qui peuvent conduire à un jugement, je les reçois comme telles ; les jeunes Indiens parlent l'anglais et aller à leur rencontre, échanger avec eux sont des moments délicieux. Je les ai pris en photo, ils m'ont prise en photo... les femmes indiennes se rapprochent aussi beaucoup de nous, sont curieuses. J'ai souvent mis un penjabi (tenue pantalon serré - chemise longue) et ça passait bien.
Profitez de l'Inde, je crois que la fête aux chameaux de pushkar est terminée, comme ville j'"ai bcp aimé Jaisalmer.... Bon vent
Bonjour Vlili ,
Parisienne , je suis revenue le 20 novembre 2009 aprés un séjour en inde du nord de Dehli à Vanarasi . Circuit soutenu de 14 jours avec tour opérateur
S'il y a un pays ou je me sent en sécurité c'est bien en inde ! ils ont un profond respect . Les hommes n'ont pas de regards déplacés , vraiment je compte y retourner trés rapidement avec une amie sans psser cette fois par un tour opérateur ou tu passes a la vitesse grand V pour les vistes ? magnifique pays , habitants zen , sereins je n'en reviens pas , c'est au delà de toutes espérence .et j'aimerai par la suite y habiter
Aucune raison de flipper vraiment , comme en france éviter la nuit les coins isolés c'est tout ! J'ai même moins peur qu'en france pour te dire .Tu vas adorer ton séjour en inde , mon médecin (femme) y est allée seule il y à 20 ans pour te dire !
tu peux me contacter quand tu veux au cours de ton voyage ! à bientôt
zavie
NE jette rien ! des adresses, des pistes à suivre c'est bien parfois un guide, sur ton chemin tu en as plein des guides
et l'instinct conjugué fait un super cocktail
parfois même ! si on appréhende et alors ! on dépasse tout cela et on fonce que de plus belle, pour mieux se connaître, faire connaissance avec une autre culture, d'autres regards
on risque quoi ! en Inde des belles aventures surtout !
les voyages aiguisent l'appétit de la vie, et être seule aiguise ton instinct et ton libre arbitre !
oh inconnue situation, inconnu chemin inconnu rencontre
n'as tu jamais résolue toutes les situations rencontrées ?
voyage seule et tu seras grande et forte ! la sécurité tu l'as en toi écoute toi !
parfois j'ai peur, j'appréhende, je me sens seule
mais je ne donnerais jamais ma place à qui que ce soit !
je suis à Agra en ce moment seule dans ma chambre à rédiger ma journée et chercher le terme le plus précis
Magnificience du Taj Mahal !
merci a toutes pour vos experiences...Ah avec le recul c est vrai je rigole d avoir tant flippe!
Mais je crois que je fantasmais tant sur l Inde depuis tant d annees que j avais a la fois peur que la realite ne soit pas a la hauteur de mes reves, et que moi non plus je ne sois pas a la hauteur...et maintenant je suis simplement sereine et avide de decouvrir ce merveilleux pays qui me tend les bras...le sentiment d aventure et de liberte que j attendais, il est la...et maintenant je peux le dire aussi a celles qui n osent pas tenter l aventure en solo... n ayez pas peur!!!
Je suis franco-indienne, et retourne régulièrement en Inde.
Je manque peut-être d'objectivité, mais je pense que l'Inde n'est pas un pays plus "dangereux" que la France par exemple. C'est un pays déroutant pour des européens habitués à un certain mode de vie mais tu n'y risqueras pas ta vie à tous les coins de rue. Tu as 30 ans et tu as déjà un peu bourlingué, sers-toi de ton bon sens, être prudente sans tomber dans la parano. Les Indiens sont en général TRES CURIEUX, surtout envers les femmes blanches, ils t'accosteront certainement pour te demander d'où tu viens, si tu es mariée, blablabla, mais ça s'arrête là!! Ne sois pas décontenancée par la foule, par les odeurs, les cris etc...Il n'y aucune raison que tu "perdes pied", si un jour, tu en as marre des questions d'un tel, ou du regard d'un autre, DIS-LE!!!Si tu te fais vraiment embêtée avec insistance, ne rechigne pas à dire à ton interlocuteur que tu vas appeler la police ou ce genre de chose...et crois-moi, il te laissera vite tomber.
Evite de te ballader seule la nuit (c'est ce que j'appelle du bon sens) ou de t'ennivrer seule, mais à part ça, pas de problème pour prendre les transports en commun seule, les taxis etc...N'étale pas trop tes richesses (grosse montre, bijoux rutilants, gros appareil photo) car tu risques de te les faire voler sans même t'en rendre compte. En entammant la conversation avec des familles, des grand-mères, des jeunes lycéennes dans les bus, tu t'apercevras que les Indiens peuvent se montrer très accueillants.
Pour ce qui est du budget, l'Inde reste encore un pays tout à fait abordable pour des Européens, pour 8euros/nuit, tu peux jouir d'une chambre d'hôtel dans un quartier tout à fait "safe". Les bus et le train sont également bon marché et de très bon moyen pour aller à l'encontre des Indiens!!!
Bref, ne te prive pas d'un voyage parceque des "mythes" entourent le pays concernés.
Oh ce n'etait pas le sentiment d'insecurité qui me faisait peur mais plutot le choc des cultures, et la peur de ne pas comprendre tout ce qui m'arrivait...et c'est d'ailleurs ce qui s'est produit: je n'ai rien compris a tout ce chamboulement qu'a provoqué l'Inde en moi des mon arrivee...et je suis tombee amoureuse de ce pays...de retour depuis a peine plus d'un mois, je ne pense qu'à repartir...
Ayant fait des recherches sur les forums, je n'es toujours pas trouvé réponses à mes questions... Je désire partir visiter l'inde du nord au mois de juin,…
Je compte me rendre à la pointe sud de l'Inde cet hiver.. Je suis seule.. est ce que ce coin vaut le coup? Avez vous des recommandations? La pointe sud du…
J'entreprends début mars un périple en Inde du sud et au sri lanka pendant 2 mois. Je voulais savoir si vous aviez deja fait ce périple là en tant que femme et…
Bien le bonjour! Alors voilà, j'ai 20 ans, et j'aimerais aller en Inde cet hiver, mais le chemin étant tout aussi important que la destination pour moi, ça…
Je voyage seule en inde. J ai le choix pour arriver en Inde entre deux solutions: soit arriver à l'aéroport d'Ahmedabad à 1h00 du matinsoit rester en standby à…
j'arrive le 10/9/26 a Tana femme seule aventuriere
quel hotel à Tana pour la première nuit car j 'arrive à 22h
que visiter autour de Tana ?
2 nuits a Tana
ensuite Andasibe 2 nuits? et ensuite lac d'Itasy
suggestions ? merci
I contacted several agencies in Madagascar to arrange this 4x4 trip along the coast.
Always the same answer: a tailor-made trip with at least 2 participants.
Since I don’t want to travel alone and a friend isn’t available, I’m looking for a woman to share this trip with the agency Mahay Mada, which offers a 12-day, 11-night tour of southern Madagascar. I’m available from August 23 to September 14.
Thanks for your direct response at 0784659791. See you soon, Mireille
I’d love to settle around Da Nang for about a month and explore the surrounding areas in Vietnam.
I’ve already been to this country and don’t feel like rushing around every day like I used to a few years ago.
I’d really like to find some company to stay for at least a month, and then maybe spend a month in Cambodia...
Given that I’m now 76, I don’t want to run around like I used to, trying to see everything...
I enjoy calm people... Those who love life and with whom I can share a beer... And meet people to create a great atmosphere—la dolce vita....
Hi everyone,
I’m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I’ve decided to explore Indonesia.
I’ll be there from September 1st to October 5th, and I’m really struggling to plan my itinerary.
I’d love any advice you can share—I’ll read it all carefully.
So far, I’ve booked my first two nights with a local host in Jakarta, and then I’m heading to Borobudur. That’s all I’ve got planned for now.
Do you think I should book accommodations and transport tickets in advance? It seems really complicated, or could I just decide day by day based on how I feel?
Thanks in advance for your replies!
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.
From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.
I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.
Here’s the itinerary I’m planning:
* UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses)
A few days at Lake Khövsgöl
* Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses)
A few days at the White Lakes
* White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver)
A few days in the Orkhon Valley
+ the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide)
* Return to UB
From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley.
Here are my questions:
-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route:
Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.
-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?
Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia:
-> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?
I’m considering a road trip (rental car) to explore the Canadian Rockies in September 2026, starting in Calgary and ending with about 10 days in Vancouver and the surrounding area. (Two weeks in the Rockies and a little under two weeks in Vancouver and nearby.)
I’d like to say that being a woman traveling alone doesn’t really bother me. That’s not the issue. Being a woman is just how it is, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but traveling solo is something I could fix by finding travel companions. However, I had a not-so-great experience in India with two girls who were total strangers at first and turned out to be quite annoying, so I’m a bit put off by the idea now.
My question is simple, assuming I do this trip alone: is it worth sticking *only* to driving? I have **zero** sense of direction—with a map, I’m hopeless. So, is it realistic to think, "With my GPS, I’ll just drive from Calgary to Vancouver and see what I see," since I don’t see myself hiking alone? I’m not easily scared, but I wouldn’t feel confident doing that solo. Unless all the sightseeing is done with a guide (but then, hello, the cost—my budget isn’t exactly overflowing).
What do you all think?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Take care and happy travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
After a week of sports south of Bergen, I’m not sure what to visit during the following week between Bergen and Oslo.
I haven’t planned to rent a car.
I’d love your suggestions. Thanks
Hi everyone, I’m really keen to visit Iran for three weeks in mid-March 2015.
What worries me a bit isn’t so much traveling alone—I’m used to it and know the Middle East well—but rather the current events (Islamic State) that could potentially become dangerous.
Flights are pretty cheap at the moment, and I’d like to book before prices go up.
Any advice from people who know the ground situation and Iranian current affairs better than I do would be much appreciated! :)
Hi there! I’m in the middle of planning my first solo trip (as a woman). Do you have any ideal destinations with activities like hiking, diving, sightseeing, and easy ways to meet locals—all on a small budget?
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had this experience before! :)
Hi there,
Who could recommend a reliable agency for visiting several islands, including the parks around Komodo? I’m traveling solo as a woman.
Thanks for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
I’m often in transit in Tokyo and I stay at the hotel because Japanese people speak little English and the signs are almost always in Japanese!
Any ideas for getting from Narita to a nice park or an onsen? I wanted to try Hokkaido, but apart from renting a car, it’s all trains! Any suggestions for a car with a driver? Or is it too expensive? Small group tours in Hokkaido? I read about the Explorator group’s offer—way too expensive!!!
I’ve got a maximum of 8 days. I’d just like a nice Japanese break.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
my friend, with whom I traveled to Iran, Myanmar, and India, really wanted to take a one-month trip to Armenia and Georgia. So we booked our flights (June 21 to July 19), but disaster struck—she can’t travel anymore due to serious family reasons.
Now I’m heading off on this adventure alone. It’s not that I’ve never traveled solo before—I spent three months exploring Southeast Asia by myself last year—but I still have a few questions, and I’d really appreciate your input.
* I don’t think traveling alone in these countries is very risky—what do you think?
* Maybe I could hire a driver? What would that cost, since some places seem tricky to reach by public transport. Do you have any driver recommendations?
* I don’t want to rent a car—the driving seems too unpredictable, especially in Georgia.
* I’d love to do some nice hikes—are there any guides available?
Here’s my rough itinerary:
YEREVAN and surroundings
YEGHEGNADZOR for Noravank
GORIS and TATEV
LAKE SEVAN
DILIJAN
HAGHPAT
TBILISI and surroundings
The CAUCASUS toward Mestia
UPLISTSIKHE
VARDZIA
Return to Yerevan for my flight
Thanks to anyone who can share their experiences or answer my questions!
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a few tips that really helped me better prepare my carry-on luggage. After a few trips (and some mistakes too!), I’ve finally found a way to organize myself that makes life a lot easier. Maybe this can help other travelers here.
1. Choose a practical and sturdy bag
A good bag is the foundation. I’ve noticed that a model with a solid structure, sturdy wheels, and a well-thought-out interior really changes the experience. Hard-shell suitcases hold up better, especially when you’re hopping between flights. Personally, I use a Lambert suitcase because the interior is super well-divided, but the important thing is to find a model that works for you.
2. Rolling your clothes really works
It’s simple, but it saves so much space. Plus, it wrinkles less. I do this now for almost everything, especially lightweight clothes.
3. Keep everything in a small kit
100 ml liquids, toothbrush, cream, mini first-aid kit… Having all of that in one clear toiletry bag makes going through security much easier. It saves you from having to take everything out and put it back in a rush.
4. A pouch for essentials
Passport, headphones, charger, phone… I keep all of that in the same pouch. It saves so much stress when you need to find something quickly, especially on the plane.
5. Traveling lighter makes all the difference
Since I started choosing versatile clothes that mix and match well, I travel with a lot less. Less weight, fewer decisions to make, fewer things to lug around. It honestly makes traveling so much more enjoyable.
From the conversations I’ve had with other travelers (and several customers too), I’ve realized you can really simplify your trip just by organizing a little better and choosing good accessories.
If you have other tips or methods that work for you, I’d love to read them. We always learn from others on this forum.
Looking forward to exchanging with you all!
Hi,
Has anyone recently taken the boat to Casamance from Dakar and could share their experience?
From France, is it possible to book online, or do you need to go through an agency? How far in advance?
Boarding/disembarking: how does it work? Do we have to check in our luggage and then pick it up on arrival?
What’s the vibe like on the boat in the seating area?
Has anyone ever stopped over in Carabane? Accommodation options there?
Thanks so much if you have any recent info!
Exploring India by road is all about having a good driver. I highly recommend the one I’ve traveled with for 5 "safe" trips—Rajasthan 3 times over 16 years, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. He’s been driving tourists for 25 years now and is more than just a driver. He knows how to talk about his country, the cities you visit, and suggests alternative routes.
He’s well-connected with real local guides who don’t just ramble (as he puts it himself) or drag you into shops claiming to be run by their "so-called family." Depending on your preferences, he can suggest well-tested itineraries and recommend typical hotels like Havelis.
For dining, he oversees meal prep based on your spice-level preferences. He’s Sikh and deeply respectful of his passengers.
He speaks English better than French, but one of his daughters is studying French at university.
Hi,
We’d like to spend about twenty days in Albania next July. We’re two women traveling together and we’re thinking of renting a small car. Does that sound reasonable, or should we avoid it?
Thanks for your advice.
Hi there,
I’m spending a week in Morocco (Rabat - Meknes - Fes).
I’ll be traveling solo—is it safe for a woman over 60?
For transportation, I’m planning to take the train. I was thinking of buying my ticket last minute, but it’s around the end-of-year period…?
I’ll be in Meknes on December 31st—any suggestions on how they celebrate New Year’s Eve there?
Is anyone visiting these destinations? Maybe we could meet up…?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
After hearing so much about Djerba, especially the GO clubs, is it risky for a young, pretty newly-retired woman to visit the island alone?
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Does anyone know how late the buses run from Cusco Airport to the city center? I land at 9:30 PM, plus time to clear customs, pick up my luggage, and exchange some money—figure an extra 30 to 45 minutes. Though, come to think of it, I still have 5 sols from last time—maybe that’ll be enough for the bus?
Thanks.
Brigitte
Planned arrival on Sunday evening, November 16, 2025, in San José. Staying 3 nights, then taking a bus to Tortuguero for 2 nights. Looking for a shared shuttle to La Fortuna for 2 nights, then a van-boat-van combo to Santa Elena for 2 or 3 nights. Heading to Quepos for 4 nights for day trips using local buses—Jaco, San Antonio, Uvita. After that, a full-day bus ride to Cahuita. I’m booking hotels as I go, which gives me the flexibility to stay longer in places I like. I’m looking for accommodations in city centers near restaurants and not too far from the bus station. Budget: 50 € for a room with a private bathroom (if you’ve got any great tips!). For my finale, I’ll cross the land border to Panama City for 4 days. Thanks for your suggestions! 😉
As I mentioned before, I’m heading to Istanbul next summer, and I’ve heard there have been quite a few attacks by Kurds in Turkey recently, which is making me hesitate about my trip.
What do you all think? :( I’m wondering if it’s really a good idea to go...
Hi everyone,
I’m 66 and just discovered solo travel in Uzbekistan—I loved it! So I’ve decided to explore Africa, starting with Senegal. I’m just beginning my research, but if anyone can give me advice on which month to go, what to see, and whether this destination is safe—or maybe suggest another African country—I’d really appreciate your tips!
Hi there!
We’re leaving in early November for a month.
Here’s our itinerary:
Arrival in Takhmau, then heading to:
Kampong Cham
Kratie – 2 days
Mondolkiri – 3 days
Ratanakiri – 3 days
Stung Treng – 1 day
Siem Reap – 4 days
Battambang – 1 day
Kampong Chhnang – 3 days
Kampot – 2 days
Islands (WE’RE HESITATING WHICH ONE?) – 4 DAYS
Phnom Penh – 2 days
That’s it! 😊
We’re backpacking… and we love spots that aren’t too touristy. If you’ve got any tips, we’re all ears!
Thanks
Hi there,
We’d like to stay in Switzerland for five days.
There are two of us (women).
We don’t know this country at all.
What cities or affordable spots would you recommend for visiting?
Cheap accommodation.
Looking for community-based options.
And being close to public transport.
Thanks for your tips and experiences!
Best regards.
Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone has taken a Rede Expressos bus from Lisbon Airport to Lagos, and if so, where exactly at the airport you need to board it? I’m worried I’ll get lost and miss my bus...
Hi again,
I’m adding more details to my info request. Here are two proposed itineraries. We’re hesitating:
Colombo - Unawatuna 2 days - Sinharaja 1 day - Bandarawela 2 days - Kandy 3 days - Dambulla 2 days - Wilpattu Park 1 day - Kalpitiya 3 days - Negombo 1 day
What should we change or add a day for to include Jaffna?
Or:
Negombo 1 day - Anuradhapura 2 days - Jaffna 2 days - Sigiriya 2 days - Dambulla 1 day - Kandy 2 days - Ella 1 day - Galle 3 days
For your advice.
Is it better to finish in Galle or Kalpitiya?
Thanks in advance!
Nicole
This is a warning message! I’d like to address it especially to young women traveling alone for the first time in India. Other travelers may react to my post based on their own experiences, but I think what I’m about to say shouldn’t be taken lightly—unless that’s what you’re looking for!
Last July, I traveled to Northern India. I stopped in Khajuraho to see the famous tantric temples. I stayed one night, and that was more than enough. Khajuraho is very touristy, but you should know that 80% of young Indian men there are "gigolos." Locals call these young men (aged 18 to 30) "playboys" or "Lapka" (which means "capture the woman" in Hindi)!!!
They approach tourists with kindness and politeness, offering tea or a motorcycle ride (which they’ve often gotten from generous Western female tourists) to waterfalls a few kilometers from Khajuraho or other tourist sites. After befriending you, they charm you—be careful, these are professionals who are very skilled at this; it’s all they do, and they do it well. They’ll offer you food, drinks, and even temple entry to confuse you. They’ll suggest spending the evening or even the night with them. **Refuse (unless you’re into local flings and that’s why you came)!!!!**
At first, you’ll be seduced by their generosity, let your guard down, and then they’ll make you believe in *true love*. They won’t leave you alone and will keep in touch via email or phone if you give them your details. The lines they use to soften you up and scam you include: *"I’m the only one taking care of my family, my brother is sick, I don’t know what to do..."* All of this is to manipulate you into offering them money. They’ll never ask for it outright (to avoid being exposed) but will wait for you to suggest it.
If you receive emails from them, they’ll never be signed, and their name won’t appear in the email address (to avoid leaving traces). They use fake names to avoid being reported. If you believe their sob stories and offer help, they’ll give you a bank account number to send money via Western Union. These young men make a living from this—selling their bodies and scamming people! They’re very skilled, charming, manipulative, and *big-time cheaters*!
(Especially one young man who goes by the alias *Tony*—apparently the most skilled. He lives in a hotel near the lake, *Krishna Cottage*, and is in regular contact via Skype with Western women he’s tricked into believing he loves them while shamelessly scamming them. He even opened an internet café on the roof of the hotel with money he stole from women who fell for his charm.)
So, young romantic women craving love, sensitive singles, or anyone emotionally vulnerable—**don’t let yourself be scammed!!!** This behavior is becoming more common in India and is still relatively unknown. Male prostitution is on the rise, and cases of romantic scams and financial fraud by gigolos are increasing.
hi everyone! I’d like to visit Montreal and the surrounding areas in August, and I’ve got 3 weeks of vacation. I’m traveling alone and will be visiting my daughter, who recently moved there. She’ll be working and only available in the evenings! So I’m torn between spending a week in Montreal, then taking a flight to Cuba, and returning to France from Havana—or staying in Montreal and exploring the nearby areas alone.
For my first idea—going to Cuba—is it feasible in terms of administrative formalities and legality? And for my second idea, is it possible to take buses? If so, is it too expensive? And are there many places served by them?