J'ai vu qu'il y avait déjà quelques sujets concernant des itinéraires en Argentine, mais ils datent un peu et je souhaitait bénéficier de vos conseils tous frais :)
Avec une amie nous envisageons de partir à la découverte du chili et de la Bolivie environ 3semaines fin juillet/début août 2015. Nous avons un petit budget et nous pensions donc voyager principalement en bus.
Auriez-vous des conseils-propositions concernant un itinéraire entre le nord du Chili et la Bolivie? Est-ce qu'un sens est à privilégier par rapport à la saison? Quelles villes sont intéressantes? Personnellement j'ai une petite préférence pour les paysages désertiques, j'ai déjà visité le Salar de Atacama mais cela ne me dérange vraiment pas d'y retourner (c'était si merveilleux).
Est-il possible d'aller à la plage durant ces mois?
Pour l'instant nous n'avons pas d'aéroport de départ ou d'arrivée fixés, donc nous sommes passablement libres sur le trajet. :)
En vous remerciant d'avance pour vos conseils, je vous souhaite à tous un bon voyage! :)
On vient de passer 3 semaines en Bolivie avec une petite incursion au Chilie.
Notre trajet (en autonomie complète en 4x4) : arrivée à La Paz - Sucre - passage éclair à Potosi - Tupiza - Sud Lipez - San Pedro de Atacama (geysers El Tatio, Vallée de la Lune, Vallée Arc en Ciel) - Sud Lipez - Salar d'Uyuni - Salar de Coïpasa - Sajama - La Paz.
Au Chili, on a fait San Pedro de Atacama, les geysers d'El Tatio, la Vallée de la Lune. On a beaucoup aimé. Par contre, si vous êtes en bus, il faut tout faire avec des tours operator, pas de bus locaux pour y aller.
En Bolivie, si vous arrivez de San Pedro, il faudra trouver un TO là bas qui accepte de passer la frontière ou qui organise un rdv avec un TO bolivien à la frontière. Si vous commencez par la Bolivie, je n'ai qu'un conseil, faites le Sud Lipez en partant de Tupiza et non d'Uyuni. Il y a beaucoup moins de monde, vous profiterez mieux de la tranquillité des lieux.
Côté paysages désertiques, vous serez servis dans le Sud Lipez et le Salar d'Uyuni! Si votre budget vous le permet, essayez de prendre un tour de 4 jours pour en voir un maximum (la majorité des tours se font en 3 jours) (nous on a fait le tour en une semaine tout seuls!). Le Salar de Coïpasa est splendide, beaucoup plus sauvage que le Salar d'Uyuni (on n'a pas croisé une seule personne...) mais plus compliqué d'accès et impossible à faire sans 4x4 perso ou TO avec un circuit personnalisé donc beaucoup plus cher.
Sucre est une ville magnifique et à mon sens incontournable. En ce qui me concerne, je pense qu'il faut y rester au moins 2 jours pour profiter pleinement de la ville.
Sinon, vous pouvez passer de la Bolivie au Chili ou l'inverse par le poste frontière de Sajama. Le parc national Sajama est superbe, paysages magnifiques mais plutôt montagneux que désertiques, pas mal de belles randos à faire là bas, quelques sources d'eau chaude et petits geysers à voir.
N'hésitez pas si vous avez d'autres questions.
Bonne prépa de voyage, c'est un pays magnifique
Christine
Grimpez si vous le voulez, mais n'oubliez jamais que le courage et la force ne sont rien sans prudence, et qu'un seul moment de négligence peut détruire une vie entière de bonheur. N'agissez jamais à la hâte, prenez garde au moindre pas. Et dès le début, pensez que ce pourrait être la fin.
Bonjour,
En pleine préparation de notre voyage en Bolivie en juillet-août 2015, je découvre votre post sur voyageforum...
Si j'ai bien compris, vous avez loué un 4x4 pour toute la durée de votre séjour ? A moins que vous ne soyez partis avec le votre ? S'il s'agit d'une location, comment avez-vous fait (chez qui/budget ?) ? Pas de pépin ou de mauvaise surprise pour trouver la bonne route ou la station essence ?
Quel fut votre parcours, et le temps de trajet par jour ?
Nous sommes 5, les enfants ont 6, 9 et 12 ans, le mode de voyage est petit à moyen budget, bus, trains, mais l'idée de l'autonomie complète me plait bien...
Nous arrivons et repartons de Santa Cruz, et avons envie du Sud Lipez, Sucre, La Paz... si vous avez des adresses hôtels ou logements ou autre bon plan/mauvais plan à éviter...
Merci d'avance !
Et vous, quelle est votre prochaine destination ?
Cécile
Effectivement, nous sommes partis 3 semaines en Bolivie avec une incursion de quelques jours au Chili en louant un 4x4 (toyota land cruiser chez biz rent a car pour 21 jours, 2500€ comprenant 4000km, l'assurance complète, le compresseur, 2 roues de secours, une pelle, une trousse à outils ultra complète, 3 bidons supplémentaires pour l'essence, les docs pour passer au Chili). Sur les 4050km que nous avons fait, nous n'avons eu aucune mauvaise surprise avec le 4x4 quasi neuf (20000km au compteur, état parfait), pas de crevaison, pas de panne. Nous avions volontairement pris un grand 4x4 alors que nous n'étions que 2 pour pouvoir dormir dedans et être autonome à 100%.
Pour ce qui est du trajet, nous l'avions bien préparé avant (ce qui est exceptionnel chez nous!) en repérant les traces sur viajero mapas. Sur place, on a utilisé 2 GPS qui se sont révélés bien complémentaires (2 cartes, 2 réseaux de pistes différents entre eux et parfois différents de ce qu'on a trouvé sur le terrain) mais on n'a jamais eu de gros problème. On a dû 2 fois rouler au cap et tourner un peu mais pas plus et c'était dans un coin vraiment pas touristique.
Concernant les stations essence, pas de souci. Le réservoir du land cruiser fait 140 litres + les 3 bidons, on était large. Il peut être parfois difficile de faire le plein des bidons mais on y arrive toujours. Par contre, il faut vraiment estimer la conso avant le sud lipez et faire des réserves en conséquence.
Notre parcours :
- J1 La Paz
- J2 La Paz - bivouac avant Potosi (on a été bloqué à cause de la journée sans voiture, on avait prévu de descendre directement à Sucre mais on a dû passer par les pistes donc beaucoup plus long)
- J3 arrivée à Sucre + balade à Sucre
- J4 Sucre. nuit à la Casa Verde, je recommande +++
- J5 Sucre - Tupiza. on a volontairement évité Potosi qui ne nous a pas du tout attiré. nuit à l'annexe de l'hotel Mitru, bien sans plus
- J6 Tupiza, balade à cheval
- J7 Tupiza - sud de San Pablo de Lipez. bivouac 4x4
- J8 San Pablo - laguna Mojeron - laguna Celeste - Quetena Chico - laguna Hedionda. bivouac 4x4
- J9 laguna Hedionda - salar de Chalviri (contourné par l'est et non par la piste des TO, ça vaut vraiment le coup) - laguna Blanca - San Pedro de Atacama
- J10 San Pedro de Atacama
- J11 geyser El Tatio
- J12 vallee de La Lune - vallee de la Muerte
- J13 San Pedro de Atacama (bloqué par la neige...)
- J14 San Pedro de Atacama - laguna Blanca et Verde - thermes de Polques. bivouac 4x4
- J15 thermes de Polques - geysers Sol de Manan - laguna Colorada - Arbol del Piedro - route des joyaux des Andes - laguna Negra. bivouac 4x4
- J16 laguna Negra - Colcha K - salar d'Uyuni - Uyuni
- J17 Uyuni - isla Inca Huasi - isla Del Pescado. bivouac 4x4
- J18 Ilsa del Pescado - Jirira - Salinas de Garci Mendoza - salar de Coïpasa (attention, la traversée est réellement dangereuse, à faire si vous êtes surs qu'il n'a pas plu récemment et qu'il ne va pas pleuvoir et que vous êtes surs de vous!) - nord de Sabaya (attention, la station service de Sabaya était encore en construction en septembre). bivouac 4x4
- J19 Sabaya - Sajama. c'est ce trajet qui a été le plus "compliqué". on a fait pas mal de demi tour car plusieurs pistes finissaient dans des rivières ou des parcs à lama... hotel Sajama, très sympa
- J20 Sajama. rando jusqu'aux lagunes en altitude et geyser
- J21 Sajama - La Paz par les pistes. hotel Ananay, vraiment sympa
- J22 La Paz
- J23 retour...
Pour le nombre d'heures de route, je peux difficilement répondre à la question. En général on partait vers 7h30 et on s'arrêtait à 16h mais avec un nombre incalculable de pauses photo-balade-sieste-bouffe en cours de route... Si ça vous intéresse et que vous avez envie de faire ce parcours en autonomie, je peux vous donner notre trace GPS. Par contre, c'est assez fatiguant, entre l'altitude en quasi permanence entre 4000 et 5000m, le froid à -20° la nuit, les pistes souvent chaotiques.
Notre prochaine destination sera plus "soft", New York et Washington en mars!
Bonne préparation et n'hésitez si besoin
Christine
Grimpez si vous le voulez, mais n'oubliez jamais que le courage et la force ne sont rien sans prudence, et qu'un seul moment de négligence peut détruire une vie entière de bonheur. N'agissez jamais à la hâte, prenez garde au moindre pas. Et dès le début, pensez que ce pourrait être la fin.
Bonjour Christine,
Merci beaucoup de votre réponse. Vous avez fait un super voyage visiblement, éprouvant sans doute en effet... Mais les paysages et la liberté devaient bien compenser cette fatigue. Au vu de votre description, ce ne sera pas l'option que nous pourrons choisir. Partant avec les enfants, à moins d'avoir un fourgon aménagé (et chauffé !), nous resterons sans doute plus sur les circuits avec chauffeur pour le Sud Lipez.
Merci en tout cas, et bon voyage aux Etats-Unis ! Habitant en Guyane, nous partirons de Paramaribo en juillet, et passerons donc 2 jours à Miami avant de continuer sur Santa Cruz. Ce ne sera qu'un tout petit pas sur le sol "états-unien" que nous ne connaissons pas encore...
Bons voyages !
Cécile
C'était un voyage absolument magnifique et le faire en autonomie nous a permis d'apprécier pleinement la beauté des lieux sans être au milieu d'un flot de 4x4... Mais votre option me semble effectivement plus simple avec des enfants. -20° la nuit dans une voiture non chauffée, c'est frais même très bien équipés! Par contre, les lodges du Sud Lipez ne sont pas tellement plus chauffés que notre voiture donc prenez de très bons sacs de couchage et des sous-vêtements polaire.
Juste un conseil : pour le Sud Lipez, je vous recommanderai vraiment de commencer votre tour en partant de Tupiza. Il y a beaucoup moins de monde qu'à Uyuni. D'autre part, si vous pouvez inclure la laguna Celeste dans votre tour, ça vaut vraiment le coup. C'est, en ce qui me concerne, la plus belle des lagunes (et il n'y a que très peu de touristes que y vont, ça permet d'apprécier le calme et la beauté du site...).
Bon voyage, joyeuses fêtes de fin d'année
Christine
Grimpez si vous le voulez, mais n'oubliez jamais que le courage et la force ne sont rien sans prudence, et qu'un seul moment de négligence peut détruire une vie entière de bonheur. N'agissez jamais à la hâte, prenez garde au moindre pas. Et dès le début, pensez que ce pourrait être la fin.
Merci de vos conseils, je retiens la laguna Celeste !
Bonnes fêtes à vous, et, si l'Amazonie vous tente un jour, bien que le budget voyage en Guyane soit assez élevé, n'hésitez pas à me contacter,
Cécile
Merci beaucoup pour votre proposition. Nous sommes déjà allé en Guyane il y a 4 ans, nous avions beaucoup apprécié.
Joyeuses fêtes de fin d'année
Christine
Grimpez si vous le voulez, mais n'oubliez jamais que le courage et la force ne sont rien sans prudence, et qu'un seul moment de négligence peut détruire une vie entière de bonheur. N'agissez jamais à la hâte, prenez garde au moindre pas. Et dès le début, pensez que ce pourrait être la fin.
Voyager à petits prix › Chili / Argentine · 16 replies
Après avoir visité le nord de l'Argentine et du Chili il y a 3 ans, nous voulons avec mes 2 coéquipiers explorer la partie sud de ces 2 pays. Nous voyageons…
Nous sommes deux étudiants et nous allons passer 2 semaines (17 jours) en décembre en Argentine. Nous arrivons et repartons de Buenos Aires, et nous avons un…
Voyager à petits prix › Bolivie / Pérou · 11 replies
Tous, je suis entrain de planifier un voyage de 5 semaines au Pérou eten Bolivie. J'ai déjà planifier plusieurs trucs, mais j'aimerais avoir votre avis sur mon…
Je pars au début mai avec une amie pour une durée de 5 semaines. Comme nous désirons voyager à moindre coût, nous pensons passer d'avantage de temps en Bolivie…
Nous partons mon amie et moi au Pérou cet été! un peu plus de 3 semaines (mais dison 3) Nous sommes étudiants donc le budget est limité. Voici les lieux…
Three years after exploring northern Argentina and Chile, my two travel buddies and I want to discover the southern part of these two countries.
We’re traveling on a budget, backpacker-style, favoring public transport and modest accommodations, but we don’t hesitate to splurge a little when it’s worth it.
The classic spots that have been fueling our dreams: Bariloche, the lakes, Chiloé, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, El Calafate, Fitz Roy, Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, and wrapping up in Valparaíso.
We’ll take a round-trip flight to Santiago, then I’m thinking of a one-way flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. From there, we’ll explore and do several day hikes in the south, including Ushuaia and, if possible, Tierra del Fuego.
Then we’ll head back north by bus to Bariloche and the lakes, followed by Chiloé, then a bus to Santiago and Valparaíso.
Based on your experience, could you help me figure out the best way to structure this trip and maybe suggest some ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Didier
I’m heading to Quebec and New Brunswick this summer and got a Revolut Classic card for the trip. I’ve already exchanged some Canadian dollars in the app so I’ll have a reserve ready for my departure day. My question is whether I’ll incur any additional fees when using my Canadian dollar account. I think I’m limited to 200 € in ATM withdrawals for my part. Thanks!
Hello! 👋
I’m new to this site and feeling a little desperate. 😢 My boyfriend’s birthday is in 4 days, and I wanted to surprise him with a New Year’s trip to London... except I just found out he’s already been there as a kid. Well, there goes my surprise! 😅
Since we both love Christmas and winter, I’m looking for a destination where we can really feel the holiday magic—with a budget of around 500 € for transport + accommodation for two (yes, I know, I might be asking for a Christmas miracle here 😇).
We’ve already been to Bucharest, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, so I’d love to find something a little more offbeat, not too expensive, and with a beautiful Christmas atmosphere.
Please help me! 🙏 On social media, it’s always the same ultra-touristy cities... I’m sure there are hidden gems I haven’t discovered yet!
Hi there,
I'm heading to Morocco for 10 days as a backpacker, with my car and a tent canvas if needed. Does anyone have great experiences in this country around the Tétouan and Tangier areas?
I'd love to spend time with locals, rent a small room, and take part in daily life.
If you've got any addresses to share, that'd be awesome!
Thanks a million for your replies!!!😉
Christine
My boyfriend and I are going there for just 9 days, including the two travel days… It’s not much, but oh well!
Looking at prices online, I get the impression everything’s more expensive than I thought 😅 So, I wanted to get your feedback on a few things:
* Is hitchhiking common, easy, and generally safe in Albania?
* Is it possible to find day-to-day accommodations without booking ahead? If so, are they usually cheaper than the ones you find online?
* Is wild camping allowed or at least tolerated?
If any of you have traveled there recently, I’d love all the tips and great deals you’ve got!
Hi,
We’re a young couple planning to travel to South Africa after spending about three weeks in Namibia. We’ll arrive in Cape Town around mid-December, with no fixed travel duration (though our budget will eventually set a limit).
After browsing through the forum, we’ve realized the country is packed with incredible spots, which makes choosing an itinerary tough. We’re looking for stunning landscapes, hikes, and so on. So, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
When we arrive in Cape Town, we’d like to settle in and take it easy until New Year’s, exploring at a relaxed pace. We know this period coincides with South African holidays—does that make finding accommodations (availability/prices) more difficult? Do you think it’s possible to stay in a nice place for about 15 days without aiming for the most upscale neighborhoods? Maybe somewhere a bit outside Cape Town, like Fish Hoek, and just visit the city occasionally.
After that, we’ll have plenty of time (about 2 to 2.5 months) to explore the country. We’d like to take our time. In your opinion, is it better to focus on the Cape Town region, or is it reasonable to consider more distant areas like the Drakensberg or Blyde River Canyon? Can everything be done by car if we take our time, or are domestic flights sometimes more practical?
Budget-wise, how much do car rentals cost? For accommodations, we usually look at Airbnb—are they affordable in South Africa? What’s the average nightly rate outside the biggest cities? Are there other platforms you’d recommend for saving on lodging?
Finally, regarding safety, are there any regions to avoid besides Johannesburg?
We know this is a lot of questions, but we’re still in the early planning stages!
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi there,
After exploring southern Peru in 2024 with your help, we’d love to head north next. There’ll be 5 or 6 of us:
1. Arrive in Lima in the evening.
2. Visit Lima and take a flight at 6:35 PM to Tarapoto.
3, 4, 5. Spend a few days there to trek in a reserve (Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve) or somewhere else.
6. From Tarapoto to Chachapoyas—either by overnight bus, daytime bus, or private car.
7. In Chachapoyas: Gocta Waterfall, Sonche Canyon, and walk back to town.
8. Head to Kuelap citadel, Revash, and arrive in Leymebamba.
9. Leymebamba museum, then route to Cajamarca.
10. Cajamarca hot springs, overnight bus to Trujillo or Chiclayo—or do both.
11, 12, 13. Visit and explore the area.
14. Overnight bus back to Lima.
15. Lima.
16. Depart at 8 PM for France.
What do you think of this itinerary? Looking forward to your advice.
Thanks
I’m planning a 7-day trip to Marrakech for a sports camp, and I’ll be traveling with just a standard carry-on backpack.
I’d love to hear your best tips and tricks:
• What clothes are absolutely essential?
• Any advice for managing the heat while traveling light?
• Which accessories have been the most useful for you?
• Mistakes to avoid on a first trip to Marrakech?
I’m also open to your recommendations for neighborhoods, restaurants, or activities not to miss during my free time.
Thanks in advance for your advice and experience! !
Hi there, we’re heading to the Cyclades from June 23 to July 9. We’ll arrive in Santorini and leave from Mykonos. We’re thinking of visiting these islands: Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Tinos, and Mykonos. Do you think it’s better to book the ferries now (which site do you recommend for booking?) or can we buy the tickets on the spot? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodation under 100 €/night on each of these islands? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone!
I’m planning my dream trip for next September, lasting about a month. Here’s my itinerary:
Amsterdam: 3 days (departing from Montreal)
Tanzania: 3-day safari
Zanzibar: 6 days
Istanbul: 7 days
Return to Montreal.
Since my budget is pretty tight, I’m looking for tips and advice to cut costs without sacrificing the experience. Here are my questions:
Multi-destination flights: What’s the best way to book these connections? Is it better to buy a one-way ticket from Montreal to Amsterdam, then a separate internal flight, or use comparison tools for a multi-destination ticket?
Budget safari: Do you have recommendations for local agencies or tips to do a 3-day safari (Serengeti/Ngorongoro) at an affordable price (e.g., camping/glamping instead of luxury lodges)?
Accommodation in Zanzibar: Which villages or types of lodging are the most budget-friendly and accessible via local transport for these 6 days?
Istanbul: Any tips for well-located but cheap accommodation and great food deals?
Hi,
Are there still basic, traditional, and affordable authentic accommodations in Poland? I’ll be traveling in July with my husband and our 2 kids along the Warsaw-Łódź-Toruń-Gdańsk route, and all I can find online are standardized Ikea-style apartments in the cities. When I look for agrotourism, it’s all luxury farms.
Can you find farms in the countryside or city lodgings for under 60 euros per night? And if so, how?
Is it possible to find accommodations on the spot without internet—like from people who put up signs—even in July?
Hi,
I need to stay in Paris or Créteil for 2 nights a week for a month. I know some cheap backpacker options, but I’d like something even cheaper. Do you know of any rooms for rent from private individuals?
Thanks
We’re a young couple planning our first trip to Albania from June 23, 2026, to July 2, 2026. We have a pretty tight budget and want to make the most of this amazing country without breaking the bank.
We’re looking for all the advice you can give to help us plan our stay:
* What are the must-see places to visit?
* Which cities or villages are really worth the detour?
* What natural sites, hikes, canyons, springs, or viewpoints do you recommend?
* Do you know of any free, uncrowded, or particularly beautiful beaches?
* Where can we responsibly observe or swim with sea turtles?
* What are the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera that are accessible on a small budget?
* What budget-friendly accommodations (hotels, hostels, homestays, campgrounds) do you recommend?
* What are the best ways to get around between different regions at a low cost?
* Do you know of any reliable and affordable agencies for renting a vehicle (car, scooter, or motorcycle)? What are the average rates at the end of June, and which rental companies do you recommend or advise against?
* Is it better to rent a vehicle right when we arrive or stick to local buses and minibuses to keep costs down?
* Which restaurants or local specialties offer the best value for money?
* Are there any free or low-cost activities we shouldn’t miss?
* Which places do you think are overrated or can be skipped when you’re short on time and money?
* What practical tips would you have wished you knew before your first trip to Albania?
We’d also love any 10-day itineraries that you particularly enjoyed, along with your budget estimates for accommodation, meals, and transportation.
We’re open to off-the-beaten-path spots and local tips. If you have any secret addresses, hidden beaches, favorite accommodations, or mistakes to avoid, we’d love to hear about them! 😊
Hi there, we’re planning a road trip in northern Algeria at the end of January – early February.
Anyone have any tips for a car rental agency that’s both reliable and not too expensive? Thanks in advance!
I traveled through southern Peru in November 2024 and now I’d like to explore the north.
We’re a group of 5 people for a 15-day trip.
Iquitos or Nauta for the Amazon rainforest—I saw that you have to fly there.
Chiclayo
Chachapoyas
Kuelap
Leimebamba
Cajamarca
Trujillo
And if we have time, Huaraz for the Andes cordillera.
No problem taking overnight buses—they save a lot of time.
Or renting a car and figuring it out as we go.
We’d also love to take the train from Lima to Huancayo, but it seems complicated—I don’t understand when it runs.
I’d like to drive to Morocco from Paris via Spain. I was really surprised to see the ferry crossing prices—around 500 €—but especially the crossing time (about 1 hour). Normally, I pay 3000 € to go to Tunisia from Genoa, but that’s for a 24-hour crossing.
My question: is it cheaper to buy the ticket on the spot, as some Moroccans have advised me? Though I’ve also heard the opposite.
What do you think, considering I need to get to Tétouan around July 17th and return from Tangier around August 4th?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning a 10-day trip to Slovenia in May (9–19 May) and starting to look at accommodations. Unfortunately, I’m only seeing relatively expensive options—nothing under 50 €, and usually around 100–150 €. Traveling solo, that could quickly blow my budget. And 30 € for a bed in a 10-person dorm at a youth hostel feels like a rip-off...
Are there other booking sources besides the usual Booking.com, Airbnb, and Google? Or can anyone confirm if I’ll find more reasonable rates on the ground around Bled, Bohinj, Triglav, or in mountain huts? I’ll be renting a car to optimize my travel, so I won’t be limited geographically.
Hi there,
Could you recommend some nice and affordable neighborhoods to book a hotel in for visiting Nice and exploring its surroundings and nearby villages?
I’d like to know if it’s better to book the entire stay in Nice and take day trips to the villages, or if there are villages worth spending at least one night in to really explore them properly?
Since all the villages are stunning and we have to make a choice, which ones are absolutely must-visit?
My 16-year-old daughter and I will be spending a week there at the end of April. We’ll arrive by TGV from Paris and plan to use public transport during our stay. Do you know if there’s a weekly transport pass available and how much it costs?
I’m planning to spend about twenty days in Réunion in November.
I’d like to get around using the *car jaune* (2 € per ticket), but from what I’ve heard, it doesn’t cover the whole island.
I’m not looking to head toward the ocean and the beautiful beaches—more toward the mountainous landscapes, even if I’ll just be admiring them from below. 😉
Maybe other buses go where I want to go.
By the way, are there any relatively easy mountain hikes, and where?
But here’s the most important part:
I don’t want to book anything in advance because I don’t know what my itinerary will look like—it’ll change depending on my mood. 3 days here, 5 days there, etc.
On top of that, I’d like to arrange half-board stays with locals—not professionals—by approaching them and asking if they’d be willing to host me (overnight stay, breakfast, and dinner) for 30 € to 40 € per day.
What do you think?
Does the price seem reasonable?
And is it okay to take the initiative and ask Réunionnais directly?
The tourist office in Réunion told me that since November is peak tourist season, I should book without delay. 🤪
For four years in a row, I traveled across Canada for a month and a half each time, relying only on hitchhiking and half-board stays with Canadians who welcomed me (and refused to let me pay them).
If I’d listened to my family and friends, I never would’ve taken the leap—and that adventure remains one of the best experiences of my life.
It’s been ages since I last dropped by here... maybe simply because, apart from Nepal, I haven’t really had the chance to hit the road lately. 😉
This year, I’d love to spend a few days in Lisbon, probably in late May or early June. But with my budget being what it is, I’m looking for great tips to avoid wasting time once I’m there and risk missing out on hidden gems or unusual culinary specialties and/or quirky activities! I’m hoping to find a room in a local’s home where I can stay in a quiet neighborhood near the center, so I can get around without relying too much on public transport—my walking shoes are my best travel buddies.
I’d love all your recommendations, especially for parks, small neighborhood markets, casual eateries for a quick bite, your favorite viewpoints to soak in the scenery (I’m bringing my travel journal to sketch my getaway in watercolors), events around traditional art and crafts, and so on.
All your advice will definitely help me travel peacefully and come back with my head full of vibrant memories!
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Isabelle
I’m diving into planning a trip I’ve dreamed of for a long time: crossing Africa from North to South solo, with a departure planned for October 2025 for about 8-9 months. I’m leaving from Paris with a starting budget of around 7,000 €, aiming to supplement it with work along the way.
My planned route: Senegal → Gambia → Sierra Leone/Liberia (if logistics work out) → Côte d'Ivoire → Ghana → Togo → Benin → Cameroon → Gabon → Kenya (Masai Mara) → Uganda (Bwindi gorillas) → Rwanda → Tanzania (Kili + Serengeti + Zanzibar) → Mozambique → Malawi → Zambia (Victoria Falls) → Botswana → Namibia → South Africa (Cape Town). Madagascar as a bonus if timing/budget allows from Mozambique.
I’m not a backpacking newbie—I’ve done several trips in Europe and I’m familiar with the lifestyle, hostels, local transport, etc. But Africa is my first big adventure on this continent, and I’ve got some very concrete questions I’d love feedback on from people who’ve been there.
🎭 My big dilemma: flexibility vs. pre-organized work
What matters most to me is NOT rushing through. If I feel good somewhere, I’ll stay longer. If a region doesn’t click, I’ll cut it short. That seems totally incompatible with having pre-booked work or volunteer gigs, yet I need that income to stretch my budget.
I’m torn between two approaches:
Option A: The mixed rhythm: 3-4 weeks of volunteering in a country (free accommodation, full immersion), then 1-2 countries in classic backpacker "vacation" mode, then another mission somewhere, etc. This gives a breathing rhythm and avoids burnout from non-stop volunteering.
Option B: The continuous flow: finding gigs as I go, from the previous country, contacting hosts 2-3 weeks in advance with a flexible date range. Keeping maximum spontaneity but never arriving anywhere without a safety net.
Have you tried either? What actually works on the ground in Africa?
🌍 What I’m really looking for in this trip
Not just the classic tourist spots. I want to see the country as it is—eating at local joints, taking local transport (bush taxis, minibuses, sept-places), staying with locals when possible. The big reserves and safaris are part of the plan (Masai Mara, Serengeti, Okavango), but just as much as hanging out in a residential neighborhood in Dakar, understanding how people really live.
Volunteering or work interests me for that reason too (not just for free lodging, but because it’s the deepest way to dive into a country). Working at a school in Ghana, a lodge in Kenya, a permaculture farm in Mozambique—I see it as an immersion that classic tourism can’t offer.
🎒 My concrete questions
About Workaway and Worldpackers: I’ve read a lot but would love on-the-ground feedback, especially for West and East Africa. Are hosts really flexible with dates for long-term travelers? Do the advertised gigs match reality? Are there alternative platforms you’d recommend for Africa specifically (I’ve heard of Help Exchange, WWOOF Africa, local networks…)?
About "off-platform" jobs: Is it really doable to find informal work on the spot (bars, restaurants, lodges) without prior contacts? In which countries/cities is this most accessible for a French speaker without a local work permit?
About logistics between countries: For those who’ve done the West Coast (Senegal → Ghana → Benin), how did you cross borders? Direct buses or local shared taxis at each border? And for the jump from Central Africa → Kenya, is a flight mandatory, or are there feasible overland routes?
About Madagascar: I’m considering adding it from Mozambique (flight Maputo or Beira → Tana). Those who’ve done it backpacker-style on a tight budget—is 3-4 weeks doable, or is it too short to be worth it?
I’m open to all tips, experiences, warnings, and pleasant surprises. And if you’ve got trusted local contacts (Workaway hosts, associations, community lodges), I’m all ears!
I’ve got tons of questions and I’m eager for any advice or experiences you can share!!
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for 2 adults and 2 kids to Tanzania and Zanzibar. I’ve had a quick look, and the prices are starting to get pretty wild.
We’ve got a budget of 8,000 €, and I was thinking of doing three or four days of safari and three or four days in Zanzibar, but even that seems like it might be over budget. Have you got any thoughts? I was also considering heading straight to Zanzibar and doing a one- or two-day excursion by plane instead—maybe that’d be cheaper than staying in a lodge.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences and any price tips, departing from Nice!
Good evening,
As two senior French couples who are used to traveling independently all over the world, we’d like to visit Kenya next November.
Now, after seeing and reading a bit everywhere, and with the first quotes for a 6/7-day safari, I’m shocked by the prices (like $2,250) for places like Maasai Mara, where entry alone costs $200 per person per day, plus fees for the driver and vehicle.
So if you have any recent great tips or contacts to share to help me out, I’d really appreciate it—because despite the costs, we’d still love to go, while keeping things reasonable.
The most plausible solution is probably renting a vehicle with a driver-guide.
Thanks in advance for all your replies.
Jacques
We’ll be in Srinagar for 4 days in mid-May 2026 during our backpacking trip as a couple. Do you have any nice places to recommend, and what about the houseboats on Dal Lake? Should we spend all our nights there, or just one night for practicality when getting around?
Thanks,
Rozenn
Hi there,
This is my first time traveling to Italy, and I’m planning to go by car.
From what I’ve read, parking is tough in cities like Florence.
I’m looking for a small town not too far from Florence where I can stay and park my car, then take the train to visit Florence.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Hi there, it’s been a long time since I last went to London. I’d love to spend a week there in July with my daughter and my niece (both young adults).
Of course, I’m looking for great tips on accommodation, and I’m wondering about renting an apartment. It seems like a better deal to save on restaurants (with the option of having a few meals at home... but is that really the case? I’m not sure about the cost of a meal in a modest restaurant, the pound exchange rate, or grocery prices...).
Otherwise, I’d like to stay in accommodation (hotel or apartment) near a tube station and in Zone 1.
If you have any great tips, I’d love to hear them!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading to Morocco for a trip in the south, starting with 3 days in Marrakech (from January 8th to 11th, 2026).
If you’ve got any tips, cool spots to recommend, I’m all ears! 🎊
And, fellow traveler, if you’d like to share this Marrakech adventure together, I’d love that!
Have a great evening
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Peru and have estimated how many days I’ll spend in each place.
Any advice on must-see sights and tourist traps to avoid?
September–October
5 days in Lima
Bus: 07:00→13:30 or 06:00 to 09:30 (express) (3 hr 30 min journey)
3 days in Paracas (beach)
