Bonjour nous sommes 2 jeunes femmes de 22 ans et nous arrivons au Sénégal en novembre pour un mois afin de découvrir le pays. Nous souhaitons visiter le Sénégal de façon itinérante (pas les moyens de prendre un guide), nous aimerions avoir une idée d'itinéraire pour profitez au mieux du séjour. Pendant se séjour nous souhaiterions rencontrer des gens grâce au site internet couchsurfing, nous avons prévu 1 nuit d'hotel pour notre arrivée et notre départ. Pensez vous qu'il nous sera possible de trouver sur place un endroit ou dormir tout au long de notre séjour ?
Cordialement
Axelle
il est bien possible de trouver un endroit où dormir à Dakar et à faible coût. il ya de guest house, des appart déjà meublés ou des chambre à très bas prix. vous pourrez par exemple aussi visiter le site http://afrikhotels.com qui présente une liste des sites d'hergements disponibles à dakar.
Bonjour,
je suis un habitué de voyage au sénégal, par la route, mais aussi par l'avion,
un conseil même si on vous dit d'eviter d'y aller, n'oublié pas d'aller en casamance...
c'est une autre Afrique, le début de l'Afrique sub-tropical, où les gens sont gentils et intègres,
et le climat et végetation autre que dans le "nord du sénégal",
il y a les campement villageois intégré, où l'argent va pour des projets pour le village...
il y en a Affiniam, à elinkine...
pour y aller il y a le bateau a reserver 1 semaine à l'avance (en moyenne) en allant au guichet du molle du port de Dakar,
liaison de Dakar à ziguinchor pour 30 euros avec cabine le nom du bateau est l'aline sitoé Diatta,
vous pouvez y aller aussi par la route en passant par kaolack soit direct où une nuit a kaolack par exemple pour le retour...c'est un peu plus fatiguant mais ça fait une petite traversé du sénégal par la route ziguinchor dakar (700 km)
en attendant le bateau, vous pouvez aller à saint louis au nord c'est la première ville d'Afrique de l'ouest c'est une bonne entrée en matière même si le fleuve et les plages sont victimes de polution plastique, c'est une ville gorgé d histoire et qui n'a pas trop changé depuis l'époque coloniale qui c'est figé dans le temps...
cordialement
Bien à vous
On ne vas jamais si loin que lorsque que l'on ne sait pas ou l'on va, chemin fesant.
Bonjour
en 1 mois vous aurez le temps de faire Nord et Casamance !
le mieux 1 guide papier et logements dans petits campements villageois !
repas dans les maquis prix très correct !
taxis 7 places pour se déplacer !
je suis ok pour plus d'infos
francia
le mérite d'un homme réside dans sa connaissance et dans ses actes et non point dans la couleur de sa peau ou de sa religion!
Khalil Gibran
Merci pour vos conseils !
Je pense que nous irons à saint louis pour commencer, descendre faire une boucle pour revenir à Dakar.
Oui c 'est vrai qu'il serait dommage de ne pas passer par la Casamance ... je suis encore hésitante à ce sujet
Cordialement
Il n'y a aucun problème de securité en casamance... jamais un touriste n'a eu de problème...il y a seulement une propagande du nord sénégal pour s'accaparer les touristes...Franchement ça vaux le coup...son isolement fait sont bien et préserve son authenticité et ses valeurs...
Cordialement
On ne vas jamais si loin que lorsque que l'on ne sait pas ou l'on va, chemin fesant.
Bonjour,
A l'arrivée à Dakar, je vous conseillerai l'auberge thialy, tenue pâr un couple de Français. Cette auberge est très sympa, vous trouverez éventuellement les coordonnées sur le routard. De nombreux voyageurs y séjournent et on y trouve de bons conseil pour la suite du voyage.
Ne vous faites pas arnaquer à la sortie de l'aéroport, les tarifs pour aller c'est 5 000 F CFA grand maxi pour aller ds le centre de Dakar, voire moins.
Pour y avoir séjourné 2 mois fin 2012, je vous conseillerais pour ma part de descendre en Casamance par bateau (2 bateaux par semaine). Prendre une cabine pour la nuit, ça vaut le coût et arrivée à Ziguenchor (capitale de la casamance) de là vous pouvez sillonner cette belle région en taxi brousse. Il y a bcp à voir (Oussouye par exemple qui est un village central et qui permet de sillonner la région en taxi à la journée et où je vous recommande l'auberge du routard qui vous accueille dans une immense case à impluvium. Dans cette région, il y a ce qu'on appelle des campements villageois, ce sont de petites auberges gérée par le village ou bien d'autres, privées celles-là mais bien aussi.
A voir Cap skirine, le village très sympa de Bouyouye, Elinkine, l'île de Carabane, à ne pas rater et desservie par pirogue au départ d'Elinkine.
Si vous avez du temps, la région de Kafountine vaut les détour. Là -bas pas de soucis pour les hébergement. Là encore je vous renvoie sur le guide du routard (je ne fais pas de pub mais pour une fois y'a des bonnes infos).
Question sécurité, n'écoutez pas trop ce qui se dit parfois sur la Casamance et sur les risques encourus. Certaines routes sont effectivement fermées la nuit mais hormis cela aucun risque.
Pour ma part je n'ai ressenti aucun risque là-bas.
Où ça peut craindre un peu parfois, ce sont les endroits où il y a bcp de touristes et donc bcp d'arnaque. Quelques endroit sur la côte sud de Dakar et à Dakar même et un peu d'arnaques et d'insistances de la part de certains à Cap Skirine par exemple. (les sorties de bars où de boîtes de nuit sont à éviter pour ne pas prendre trop de risque inutiles.
En 1 mois, vous avez le temps de monter au nord du Sénégal pour découvrir St Louis et sa région soit au départ ou à la fin du séjour. Bus au départ de Dakar.
Petit conseil à St Louis : éviter les hébergement au centre, c'est assez cher je trouve, allez plutôt sur la langue de Barbarie, prés de hydro-base (pont célèbre qui permet de traverser la fleuve Sénégal). Là, plusieurs types d"hébergements pour toutes les bourse. Un qui est sympa : l'auberge du pélican, tenue par un couple franco-sénégalais. Vous pouvez loger dans des petites cases super sympa ou bien en dur à l'intérieur.
La fois où j'y étais retourné non pas à vélo mais à pied avé le sac à dos, j'avais pu au départ de Dakar aller à St Louis, ensuite bus pour Kaolac pat Thiès et Diourbel. Ensuite passage en bac (pas cher) direction Ziguenchor et j'étais revenu à Dakar par Ziguenchor par bateau.
Voilà.
N'hésitez pas si vous souhaitez d'autres renseignements. Voir aussi sur mon blog
Bruno
Vous pouvez être hébergées partout, et selon votre budget.
Si vous allez en Casamance, une fois à Dakar, acheter votre billet de ferry (aller/retour) rapidement
En un mois vous aurez le temps de visiter une bonne partie du Sénégal, selon votre budget.
Un itinéraire :
Dakar 1 nuit
Lac Rose 1 nuit
Saint Louis 5 nuits
Popenguine 2 nuits
Joal Fadhiouth 1 nuits
Iles du Saloum (beaucoup de choix) 5 nuits
Casamance 10 nuits
Dakar 4 nuits
Pour les hébergements, je peux vous en conseiller en MP.
Cordialement
dexxa
On ne voit bien qu'avec le coeur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux. Saint Exupéry
Bonjour, une petite question. Ton itinéraire à l'air génial!!merci! mais je voudrais passer par Touba et voir aussi le désert de Lompul, et aller près d'une réserve... Crois tu que cela soit réalisable?
Et dans quel sens sera t il plus simple de faire tout cela...je demande ca concernant les transports surtout...et comme nous serons parfois hébergées par des habitants je dois leur donner des dates d'arrivée.
Lompoul, pas de soucis, c'est sur la route de Saint-Louis. Vous pouvez y passer une nuit, ensuite rejoindre Saint-Louis via Kébémer.
Pour Touba, au retour c'est mieux, il y a une route de Kébémer à la ville sainte.
Ensuite, il faudra rejoindre la ville de Thies, et prendre la route qui va à Sindia, le village avant Popenguine.
Pour la réserve, si tu parles de celle de Bandia, à partir de Popenguine c'est faisable, car vous êtes déjà à la petite côte
Cordialemrnt
dexxa
On ne voit bien qu'avec le coeur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux. Saint Exupéry
Merci Bruno, j'ai acheté le routard et le programme sera :
ile de gorée
rufisque
lac rose
thies
touba
mbor-sur-mer
st louis
richard toll
podor
matour et ourosogui
bakel
popenguine
fadiouth
le siné saloum
ile de mar lodj
wandié
kaolack
kaffrine
siné ngayene ou nioro du rip
foundiougne
toubacouta
missirah
parc de niokolo koba
dindefelo
et ziguinchor (et sa region avec enampore, eloubaline, oussoye, mlomp, petit kassa, cap skirring, abéné, djembering, kafoutine, marsassoum...)
ziguinchor surement en fin de sejour ( casamance en scene premiere semaine de decembre)
et commencer le voyage par dakar pour acheter une puce senegalaise pour mon portable et pouvoir contacter les personnes qui peuvent nous héberger à saint louis, dakar, zinguinchor, mbor, et a banjul en gambie
Bon voyage Bruno, peut être nous croiserons nous au Sénégal !
Impossible de faire tout cet itinéraire en un mois. Même la moitié de celui-ci d'ailleurs.
A moins d'avoir beaucoup de sous, pour louer un véhicule privé ou d'aimer les taxis-brousse. Dans tous les cas, vous risquez de passer votre séjour au Sénégal à l'intérieur d'un véhicule.
Cordialement
dexxa
On ne voit bien qu'avec le coeur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux. Saint Exupéry
Oui il va falloir faire un choix parmi toutes les choses à voir malheureusement !
Je pense nous limitez à saint louis et ses environs (1semaine), zinguichor et ses environs (+ d'une semaine), kaolack et ses eniron, dakar (lac rose, ile de gorée ...), je pense finalement que sa sera "compliqué" pour la gambie (des frais supplémentaire pour le visa, changer la monnaie etc)
Oui il va falloir faire un choix parmi toutes les choses à voir malheureusement !
Je pense nous limitez à saint louis et ses environs (1semaine), zinguichor et ses environs (+ d'une semaine), kaolack et ses eniron, dakar (lac rose, ile de gorée ...), je pense finalement que sa sera "compliqué" pour la gambie (des frais supplémentaire pour le visa, changer la monnaie etc)
bonjour, votre programme est intéressant, mais à mon avis, privilégiez votre séjour en casamance !!
gorée c fait en 1 journée, et suivant votre point de départ, le lac rose aussi !!
saint louis et ses alentours, 3 à 4 jours maxi !!
après le sénégal oriental n'est pas très passionnant (sècheresse, chaleur) et beaucoup de mauvaise route !!
en fait, il y a tant de choses à voir en casamance, qu'il faut au moins 15 jours, entre kafountine, ziguenchor, cap skirring et ses environs, les iles carabanne entre autre !!!
pour la traversée de la gambie pae faraféni, pas besoin de visa, et pour le change, le dalassi ne vaut pas grand chose, on vous demandera des fcfa (pm 1 dalassi= 13fcfa ça c'était le cours quand je suis passé en juillet )
voilà pour ma part je réside en casamance profonde!! loin du confort et des toubabs !!!
Ben se serait dommage de ne pas arriver en Casamance pour découvrir un notre tourisme. je vous conseillerez de prendre le bateau qui fait la traversée Dakar-Zig-Dakar(moins fatigant que la route transgambienne) aller visiter le village d'Affiniam en pirogue motorisée, son campement en case à impluvium et ses grands fromagers.
Je connais très bien la Casamance si vous souhaitez plus de détails n'hésiter pas à m'envoyer un message
honolulu
"un voyage se passe de motifs. il ne tarde pas à prouver qu il se suffit à lui-meme. on croit qu on va faire un voyage , mais bientot c est le voyage qui vous fait, ou vous défait " NICOLAS BOUVIER
Bonjour,
Désolé mais j'ai dû supprimer mon blog (cause difficulté des mises à jour wordpress).
Mais si tu es en recherche de renseignements pour un voyage en Afrique de l'ouest notamment à vélo pour le Maroc, la Mauritanie, le Sénégal (nord et sur) Gambie Guinée Bisau et Mali de l'ouest n'hésite pas à me contacter.
Cordialement
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?
From FES, I’d like to spend a few days in:
MEKNES
CHEFCHAOUEN
TETOUAN
and then return to FES.
I’m planning this trip in November.
Thanks for your tips!
I just got back from an unforgettable road trip in Madagascar where I drove down the legendary RN7. It connects Tana (the capital) to Tulear.
Since we were traveling as a group of girls, we decided to go with a guide. I’d never done an “organized” trip before, but I have to say we loved this first tailor-made travel experience.
From the highlands of the Red Island
down to the west coast, by the Mozambique Channel.
Vast landscapes as far as the eye can see
Human encounters
Discovering ancestral artisanal know-how
Sunsets over the ochre mountains
Intense, precious moments with my friends
We loved the mountains, visits to artisans, and the parties too ;-)
We used local guides to show us specific spots (like Isalo National Park, where we were able to bivouac)
Hi there,
My friend and I are traveling together between October and November 2025—no exact dates yet.
We’d love to step away from the typical travel agency packages and are hoping to rent a car locally and stay with locals, living with them rather than in a vacation rental.
Does anyone know if this is possible?
Thanks in advance for your advice and tips!
Warm regards to all
