Je suis allée plusieurs fois à Vegas mais je n'ai jamais fait d'hôtel sans leurs fameuses charges que bien souvent nous n'utilisons pas (salle de gym, piscine...) mais qui coutent très chères. Quelqu'un a t-il des bons plans? J'ai l'impression que chaque année les prix augmentent et les hôtels du strip deviennent inabordables. Il est maintenant rare de trouver des parking gratuit!!!
En tout cas, j'ai cherché pendant de longues minutes et celui qui sort un peu du lot est le Marriot's Grand Chateau mais a un prix quand même élevé!
A vous lire si vous y êtes allés et que vous avez trouvé la perle rare
Adepte de vegas , j'y vais chaque année durant minimum une semaine depuis 7/8 ans j'ai moi aussi vu l'evolution en negatif des prix de l'hotelerie à Vegas.
En plus des resorts fees qui augmentent chaque années , le coup de grace c'est les parkings payant de la major partie des hôtels du strip même quand on y loge.
Je considéré ces fees comme de la vente forcée et sa alourdis pas mal la note d'hotel .
Petit exemple 170$ de resort fees pour 6 nuits au D sur fremont street
On va pas se mentir sur le strip impossible de trouver un hotel sans resort fees.
La major partie des hotels sans resort fees aujourd'hui sont des hotels de seconde zone plus ou moins excentré des zones que son fremont ou le strip.
Voila un petit lien qui regroupe quelques hôtels survivants a la loi du resort fee www.lasvegas-entertainment-guide.com/...s-no-re...
A Vegas, nous avons beaucoup apprécié l’hôtel The Carriage House,105 E Harmon Ave. Pas sur le Strip mais très proche donc au calme. Pas de casino non plus...L’ambiance est plutôt familiale, assez loin de la folie végassienne...Les chambres sont spacieuses, très propres avec un coin cuisine. Il n’y a pas de resort fee et le parking est gratuit. Ils ne servent pas de petit-déjeuners, nous avons été à l’Ocean One( conseillé par l’hôtel) dans le Miracle Mile shops juste à côté , il y a aussi un Starbucks. Prix pour 2 nuits fin juin en semaine pour une chambre 2 lits double: 205€.
Le Ellis Island proche du Flamingo est souvent cité sur les forums US.
Pour le Strip et les hôtels Mgm, il y a souvent des promos avec Crédit Offer à dépenser en repas et boissons. Ça couvre un peu les resorts Fees.
Il y a aussi un jeu MyVegas qui permet de gagner des nuits d'hôtels dans les MGM Resorts. Du coup tu n'as que les fees à payer et ça peut donc te revenir entre 32 et 50 dollars la nuit.
Encore chez MGM, faut savoir qu'une fois le parking payé et résidant dans un des resorts, tu jouis du parking de tous les autres hôtels du groupe sans supplément.
On ne peut nier les fees c'est certain mais tenter de limiter la casse avec le prix global oui.
Avec le Cariage cité ci-dessus, vu le prix de deux nuits, en allant dans un hôtel MGM ou Ceasars, on s'en sort pour moins cher. Surtout que chez MGM particulièrement, les prix varient régulièrement comme les prix de location de voiture chez Hertz. Ils ont un système bien rodé de Lean Management.
Stratosphere est moins cher, des fees, mais parking gratuit et pas trop bien placé. Et c'est du Best Western. Le BW Casino Royale a aussi des fees et propose des prix parfois plus élevés que certains autres hôtels.
Ne pas hésiter à vérifier des sites comme mycheapvegas, Vegas.com, Vegas advisor et quelques autres.
Bonjour;
Cela fait 25 ans que je passe par Las Vegas durant mes voyages. Après des années de vaches maigres et des nuits d’hôtel à 12$ au Stratosphère en 2012, des buffets à volonté à 6$ dans les années 90. Las Vegas profite du boom économique et se rattrape. Mais je pense qu'ils abusent et risquent fort de faire fuir les clients. Cette année au resto du pub Irlandais du NY NY une salade dégueulasse et une bière 30$. l'année dernière pour mon dernier jour de mon circuit je voulais réserver un hôtel à Las Vegas fin juillet, il y avait beaucoup de monde et pas un hôtel a moins de 300$, même le circus Circus , Le Stratosphère étaient à 340$ la nuit. Comme aussi le tarif des locations de voiture qui explose pour juin 2019, Alamo SUV avec -10% 64€ jour. Ou maintenant toutes les compagnies fond payer les bagages en soutes Pour un AR Paris Lax entre 100 et 160€ le bagage de 23kg.
Le Stratosphère est a 18€ pour la nuit du 16 au 17 Aout cela fait 53€ avec les fees et taxes parking gratuit, c'est pas cher. Pour les clients 10$ par pers pour accès a la tour avant c'était gratuit .
Voici un lien utile
www.lasvegasjaunt.com/...ort-fees-2018-guide/
Les parking gratuits : Planète Hollywood, Tropicana, Treasurd island
Ne pense pas que c'est le début de la fin. Il suffit de regarder le monde, le prix des chambres, et tenter de réserver les jours de grande affluence. Eh ben c'est souvent complet et dans les hôtels les plus chers.
Le Stratosphère fin août est entre 17 et 20€ soit 52 / 55 € TTC la nuit en semaine , ce n'est vraiment pas cher . Le Wyn 5* a 149€=209 € TTC et le Bellagio 157€ le Venitian 104€ c'est pas cher si vous voulez impressionner madame pour une nuit de noce.
Tarif des Buffets Las Vegas
Je regarde les tarifs des locations de voitures pour 3 mois, du 1 mai au 29 juillet 2019 , je n'ai rien trouver à moins de 28€ jour pour un SUV par Dollar. Alamo avec -10% est à 64€ jour.
J’espère que demain 15 Août, il va y avoir des promos sur les vols comme depuis 4 ans, mais payer 100 a 160€ la valise en soute cela fait très cher le bagage.
En ce moment les vols AR Paris Los Angeles avec LUF et Air Canada sans bagage en soute pour sept, oct, 328€ et mai, juin 2019, 364€, sur skyscanner.fr, pour les locations de voiture c'est moins cher sur Skyscanner.net SUV 26,40€ jour
Merci pour vos messages.
Je vois que je ne suis pas le seul à penser que Vegas devient malheureusement surcoté!
Je me rappelle les hôtels à moins de 50$ la nuit sur le strip comme le Hooters, l'Excalibur.
La grande question que je me pose est ne vaut-il pas mieux prendre un hôtels loin du strip et y venir en voiture dans un des parking encore gratuit (treasure island par ex)?????
Bonjour
Je serais de cet avis.
Perso, je suis allé plusieurs fois à LV, mais je ne me considere pas comme un specialiste de cette ville.
J'ai fait plusieurs hotels du strip, et je trouve que finalement, ce n'est pas le mieux.
C'est magique, c'est LV et sa demesure, mais ce n'est pas tres pratique.
On passe son temps dans les couloirs et les ascenseurs.
La prochaine fois, je prendrais un bon hotel de chaine hors strip.
Je suis allée plusieurs fois à Vegas mais je n'ai jamais fait d'hôtel sans leurs fameuses charges que bien souvent nous n'utilisons pas (salle de gym, piscine...) mais qui coutent très chères. Quelqu'un a t-il des bons plans? J'ai l'impression que chaque année les prix augmentent et les hôtels du strip deviennent inabordables. Il est maintenant rare de trouver des parking gratuit!!!
En tout cas, j'ai cherché pendant de longues minutes et celui qui sort un peu du lot est le Marriot's Grand Chateau mais a un prix quand même élevé!
A vous lire si vous y êtes allés et que vous avez trouvé la perle rare
Merci
Bonjour,
personne pour signaler l'Elara ? : très proche du Strip et à ma connaissance pas de resort fee ni de parking payant ! les chambres ont l'air très grandes et la piscine aussi.
On accède direct au miracle mile du PH puis vous êtes au centre du Strip !
L'année dernière j'avais séjourné 2 nuits (du jeudi au samedi) au Marriot Grand Chateau, et j'avais payé directement sur le site 337,12$ les 2 nuits.
Pas de resort fee ni de parking payant...
Le véhicule est amené au parking par un voiturier.
L'hôtel est sympa, notre chambre était équipée d'une cuisine et d'un coin buanderie plutôt pratique. Comme il n'y a pas de casino, l'hôtel est plutôt tranquille, et sympa pour un séjour en famille!
Bonne recherche!
Sabrina
Sabrina
De la Corse à l'Ouest américain:23 jours de bonheur ! https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=8206045;#8206045
Bonjour, je ne sais pas ce que vous appelez "pas cher", mais pour etre allé plusieurs fois a LV, je peux vous conseillez le Best Western Casino Royal ( en face du Mirage), et le Flamingo. Vous pouvez vous en tirez pour moins de 100 euros la nuit. Je ne connais pas les autres hotels hors strip, mais comme l'ont dit certains on peut trouver moins cher effectivement. A garder en tete que si vous êtes excentré, vous aurez a payer le taxi ou un Uber a chaque fois.
Salut les voyageurs
Je suis allée plusieurs fois à Vegas mais je n'ai jamais fait d'hôtel sans leurs fameuses charges que bien souvent nous n'utilisons pas (salle de gym, piscine...) mais qui coutent très chères. Quelqu'un a t-il des bons plans? J'ai l'impression que chaque année les prix augmentent et les hôtels du strip deviennent inabordables. Il est maintenant rare de trouver des parking gratuit!!!
En tout cas, j'ai cherché pendant de longues minutes et celui qui sort un peu du lot est le Marriot's Grand Chateau mais a un prix quand même élevé!
A vous lire si vous y êtes allés et que vous avez trouvé la perle rare
Le BW Casino Royale a aussi des fees et propose des prix parfois plus élevés que certains autres hôtels.
Salut
Le BW Plus Casino Royale sur le Strip n'a pas de resort fees, on peut y trouver de très bons prix mais à condition de réserver assez tôt.
C'est sûr qu'en "dernière minute" ils se font plaisir...comme tout le monde à Las Vegas.
Effectivement j'ai confondu avec le Stratosphere (groupe BW aussi). Après niveau prix, malgré qu'il n'y a pas de frais, on peut trouver moins cher. Mais ça dépend du moment de la résa.
Bonjour,
En juin, nous avons passé 2 nuits au Carriage House et nous en sommes ravis. 106 $ une nuit pour 3 avec 2 grands lit double vue piscine. Hotel calme à 10 mn à pied du Bellagio, parking gratuit par de fees, piscine chauffée avec très peu de monde. Pas de petit-dej mais café et thé à discrétion tous les matins et distributeur de boissons et snack. Très bon accueil et mes désidérata avant arrivée ont été respectés (chambre rénovée, étage élevée et vue piscine).
Good trip.
THE CARRIAGE /// EXCELLENT .... tres belles chambres avec frigo et cuisinière ... à 200 m du strip ... Tout est un inclus, pas de fees parking gratuit .... Checkin/out tres rapides ... A recommander
* 04.2016 - San Francisco (semi marathon) / New York / Washington
* 05.2015 - Chicago + Sud Ouest US -
* 08.2013 - Voyage en famille - Principaux Parcs West US.
* 06.1994 - http://georgesroy.perso.worldonline.fr/usa/
* 12.1986 - 1er Voyage USA (CA / AZ / Nevada / Colorado / FL)
Nous partons début juin à LAS VEGAS et nous voudrions nous échapper 3 jours pour visiter le Grand Canyon et monument valley en louant une voiture pour être…
Je suis doucement en train de convaincre mon mari pour un voyage à Las Vegas. Il penchait plus pour une semaine tout inclus dans les Caraibes, mais ça ne…
Mes amis et moi aimerions aller à Las Vegas environ 3-4 jours... L'an passé mon père a payé son forfait 800$, mais il me dit qu'il a vu ce même forfait varier…
Je tiens d'abord à remercier ce super forum car on y trouve un paquet d'infos, conseils, petits trucs, astuces... sur tous les voyages et ca m'a beaucoup aidé.…
Bonjour,
Je pars une 10 jours au Maroc façon routard avec ma voiture une toile de tente si nécessaire. auriez vous de belles expériences de ce pays dans la région de Térouam, Tanger
j'aimerai passer du temps chez l'habitant louer une petite chambre participer à la vie local .
Si vous auriez quelques adresses à me communiquer😏
Mille merci pour vos réponse!!!😉
christine
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
Hello ! 👋
Je suis nouvelle sur ce site et je suis un peu désespérée. 😭 Dans 4 jours, c'est l'anniversaire de mon copain et je voulais lui offrir un voyage pour le Nouvel An à Londres... Sauf que j'ai appris qu'il y est déjà allé quand il était petit. Bon, mon effet de surprise est tombé à l'eau. 😂
Comme on adore Noël et l'hiver, je cherche une destination où on ressent vraiment la magie des fêtes, avec un budget d'environ 500 € pour le transport + le logement pour deux (oui, je sais, je demande peut-être un miracle de Noël ).
On a déjà fait Bucarest, Prague, Vienne et Budapest, donc j'aimerais trouver une destination un peu plus atypique, pas hors de prix, et avec une belle ambiance de Noël.
S'il vous plaît, aidez-moi ! 🙏 Sur les réseaux, on ne parle toujours que des mêmes villes ultra-touristiques... Je suis sûre qu'il existe des petites pépites que je ne connais pas encore !
I’m heading to Quebec and New Brunswick this summer and got a Revolut Classic card for the trip. I’ve already exchanged some Canadian dollars in the app so I’ll have a reserve ready for my departure day. My question is whether I’ll incur any additional fees when using my Canadian dollar account. I think I’m limited to 200 € in ATM withdrawals for my part. Thanks!
My boyfriend and I are going there for just 9 days, including the two travel days… It’s not much, but oh well!
Looking at prices online, I get the impression everything’s more expensive than I thought 😅 So, I wanted to get your feedback on a few things:
* Is hitchhiking common, easy, and generally safe in Albania?
* Is it possible to find day-to-day accommodations without booking ahead? If so, are they usually cheaper than the ones you find online?
* Is wild camping allowed or at least tolerated?
If any of you have traveled there recently, I’d love all the tips and great deals you’ve got!
Hi,
We’re a young couple planning to travel to South Africa after spending about three weeks in Namibia. We’ll arrive in Cape Town around mid-December, with no fixed travel duration (though our budget will eventually set a limit).
After browsing through the forum, we’ve realized the country is packed with incredible spots, which makes choosing an itinerary tough. We’re looking for stunning landscapes, hikes, and so on. So, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
When we arrive in Cape Town, we’d like to settle in and take it easy until New Year’s, exploring at a relaxed pace. We know this period coincides with South African holidays—does that make finding accommodations (availability/prices) more difficult? Do you think it’s possible to stay in a nice place for about 15 days without aiming for the most upscale neighborhoods? Maybe somewhere a bit outside Cape Town, like Fish Hoek, and just visit the city occasionally.
After that, we’ll have plenty of time (about 2 to 2.5 months) to explore the country. We’d like to take our time. In your opinion, is it better to focus on the Cape Town region, or is it reasonable to consider more distant areas like the Drakensberg or Blyde River Canyon? Can everything be done by car if we take our time, or are domestic flights sometimes more practical?
Budget-wise, how much do car rentals cost? For accommodations, we usually look at Airbnb—are they affordable in South Africa? What’s the average nightly rate outside the biggest cities? Are there other platforms you’d recommend for saving on lodging?
Finally, regarding safety, are there any regions to avoid besides Johannesburg?
We know this is a lot of questions, but we’re still in the early planning stages!
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi there,
After exploring southern Peru in 2024 with your help, we’d love to head north next. There’ll be 5 or 6 of us:
1. Arrive in Lima in the evening.
2. Visit Lima and take a flight at 6:35 PM to Tarapoto.
3, 4, 5. Spend a few days there to trek in a reserve (Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve) or somewhere else.
6. From Tarapoto to Chachapoyas—either by overnight bus, daytime bus, or private car.
7. In Chachapoyas: Gocta Waterfall, Sonche Canyon, and walk back to town.
8. Head to Kuelap citadel, Revash, and arrive in Leymebamba.
9. Leymebamba museum, then route to Cajamarca.
10. Cajamarca hot springs, overnight bus to Trujillo or Chiclayo—or do both.
11, 12, 13. Visit and explore the area.
14. Overnight bus back to Lima.
15. Lima.
16. Depart at 8 PM for France.
What do you think of this itinerary? Looking forward to your advice.
Thanks
I’m planning a 7-day trip to Marrakech for a sports camp, and I’ll be traveling with just a standard carry-on backpack.
I’d love to hear your best tips and tricks:
• What clothes are absolutely essential?
• Any advice for managing the heat while traveling light?
• Which accessories have been the most useful for you?
• Mistakes to avoid on a first trip to Marrakech?
I’m also open to your recommendations for neighborhoods, restaurants, or activities not to miss during my free time.
Thanks in advance for your advice and experience! !
Hi there, we’re heading to the Cyclades from June 23 to July 9. We’ll arrive in Santorini and leave from Mykonos. We’re thinking of visiting these islands: Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Tinos, and Mykonos. Do you think it’s better to book the ferries now (which site do you recommend for booking?) or can we buy the tickets on the spot? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodation under 100 €/night on each of these islands? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone!
I’m planning my dream trip for next September, lasting about a month. Here’s my itinerary:
Amsterdam: 3 days (departing from Montreal)
Tanzania: 3-day safari
Zanzibar: 6 days
Istanbul: 7 days
Return to Montreal.
Since my budget is pretty tight, I’m looking for tips and advice to cut costs without sacrificing the experience. Here are my questions:
Multi-destination flights: What’s the best way to book these connections? Is it better to buy a one-way ticket from Montreal to Amsterdam, then a separate internal flight, or use comparison tools for a multi-destination ticket?
Budget safari: Do you have recommendations for local agencies or tips to do a 3-day safari (Serengeti/Ngorongoro) at an affordable price (e.g., camping/glamping instead of luxury lodges)?
Accommodation in Zanzibar: Which villages or types of lodging are the most budget-friendly and accessible via local transport for these 6 days?
Istanbul: Any tips for well-located but cheap accommodation and great food deals?
Hi,
Are there still basic, traditional, and affordable authentic accommodations in Poland? I’ll be traveling in July with my husband and our 2 kids along the Warsaw-Łódź-Toruń-Gdańsk route, and all I can find online are standardized Ikea-style apartments in the cities. When I look for agrotourism, it’s all luxury farms.
Can you find farms in the countryside or city lodgings for under 60 euros per night? And if so, how?
Is it possible to find accommodations on the spot without internet—like from people who put up signs—even in July?
Hi,
I need to stay in Paris or Créteil for 2 nights a week for a month. I know some cheap backpacker options, but I’d like something even cheaper. Do you know of any rooms for rent from private individuals?
Thanks
We’re a young couple planning our first trip to Albania from June 23, 2026, to July 2, 2026. We have a pretty tight budget and want to make the most of this amazing country without breaking the bank.
We’re looking for all the advice you can give to help us plan our stay:
* What are the must-see places to visit?
* Which cities or villages are really worth the detour?
* What natural sites, hikes, canyons, springs, or viewpoints do you recommend?
* Do you know of any free, uncrowded, or particularly beautiful beaches?
* Where can we responsibly observe or swim with sea turtles?
* What are the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera that are accessible on a small budget?
* What budget-friendly accommodations (hotels, hostels, homestays, campgrounds) do you recommend?
* What are the best ways to get around between different regions at a low cost?
* Do you know of any reliable and affordable agencies for renting a vehicle (car, scooter, or motorcycle)? What are the average rates at the end of June, and which rental companies do you recommend or advise against?
* Is it better to rent a vehicle right when we arrive or stick to local buses and minibuses to keep costs down?
* Which restaurants or local specialties offer the best value for money?
* Are there any free or low-cost activities we shouldn’t miss?
* Which places do you think are overrated or can be skipped when you’re short on time and money?
* What practical tips would you have wished you knew before your first trip to Albania?
We’d also love any 10-day itineraries that you particularly enjoyed, along with your budget estimates for accommodation, meals, and transportation.
We’re open to off-the-beaten-path spots and local tips. If you have any secret addresses, hidden beaches, favorite accommodations, or mistakes to avoid, we’d love to hear about them! 😊
Hi there, we’re planning a road trip in northern Algeria at the end of January – early February.
Anyone have any tips for a car rental agency that’s both reliable and not too expensive? Thanks in advance!
I traveled through southern Peru in November 2024 and now I’d like to explore the north.
We’re a group of 5 people for a 15-day trip.
Iquitos or Nauta for the Amazon rainforest—I saw that you have to fly there.
Chiclayo
Chachapoyas
Kuelap
Leimebamba
Cajamarca
Trujillo
And if we have time, Huaraz for the Andes cordillera.
No problem taking overnight buses—they save a lot of time.
Or renting a car and figuring it out as we go.
We’d also love to take the train from Lima to Huancayo, but it seems complicated—I don’t understand when it runs.
I’d like to drive to Morocco from Paris via Spain. I was really surprised to see the ferry crossing prices—around 500 €—but especially the crossing time (about 1 hour). Normally, I pay 3000 € to go to Tunisia from Genoa, but that’s for a 24-hour crossing.
My question: is it cheaper to buy the ticket on the spot, as some Moroccans have advised me? Though I’ve also heard the opposite.
What do you think, considering I need to get to Tétouan around July 17th and return from Tangier around August 4th?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning a 10-day trip to Slovenia in May (9–19 May) and starting to look at accommodations. Unfortunately, I’m only seeing relatively expensive options—nothing under 50 €, and usually around 100–150 €. Traveling solo, that could quickly blow my budget. And 30 € for a bed in a 10-person dorm at a youth hostel feels like a rip-off...
Are there other booking sources besides the usual Booking.com, Airbnb, and Google? Or can anyone confirm if I’ll find more reasonable rates on the ground around Bled, Bohinj, Triglav, or in mountain huts? I’ll be renting a car to optimize my travel, so I won’t be limited geographically.
Hi there,
Could you recommend some nice and affordable neighborhoods to book a hotel in for visiting Nice and exploring its surroundings and nearby villages?
I’d like to know if it’s better to book the entire stay in Nice and take day trips to the villages, or if there are villages worth spending at least one night in to really explore them properly?
Since all the villages are stunning and we have to make a choice, which ones are absolutely must-visit?
My 16-year-old daughter and I will be spending a week there at the end of April. We’ll arrive by TGV from Paris and plan to use public transport during our stay. Do you know if there’s a weekly transport pass available and how much it costs?
I’m planning to spend about twenty days in Réunion in November.
I’d like to get around using the *car jaune* (2 € per ticket), but from what I’ve heard, it doesn’t cover the whole island.
I’m not looking to head toward the ocean and the beautiful beaches—more toward the mountainous landscapes, even if I’ll just be admiring them from below. 😉
Maybe other buses go where I want to go.
By the way, are there any relatively easy mountain hikes, and where?
But here’s the most important part:
I don’t want to book anything in advance because I don’t know what my itinerary will look like—it’ll change depending on my mood. 3 days here, 5 days there, etc.
On top of that, I’d like to arrange half-board stays with locals—not professionals—by approaching them and asking if they’d be willing to host me (overnight stay, breakfast, and dinner) for 30 € to 40 € per day.
What do you think?
Does the price seem reasonable?
And is it okay to take the initiative and ask Réunionnais directly?
The tourist office in Réunion told me that since November is peak tourist season, I should book without delay. 🤪
For four years in a row, I traveled across Canada for a month and a half each time, relying only on hitchhiking and half-board stays with Canadians who welcomed me (and refused to let me pay them).
If I’d listened to my family and friends, I never would’ve taken the leap—and that adventure remains one of the best experiences of my life.
It’s been ages since I last dropped by here... maybe simply because, apart from Nepal, I haven’t really had the chance to hit the road lately. 😉
This year, I’d love to spend a few days in Lisbon, probably in late May or early June. But with my budget being what it is, I’m looking for great tips to avoid wasting time once I’m there and risk missing out on hidden gems or unusual culinary specialties and/or quirky activities! I’m hoping to find a room in a local’s home where I can stay in a quiet neighborhood near the center, so I can get around without relying too much on public transport—my walking shoes are my best travel buddies.
I’d love all your recommendations, especially for parks, small neighborhood markets, casual eateries for a quick bite, your favorite viewpoints to soak in the scenery (I’m bringing my travel journal to sketch my getaway in watercolors), events around traditional art and crafts, and so on.
All your advice will definitely help me travel peacefully and come back with my head full of vibrant memories!
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Isabelle
I’m diving into planning a trip I’ve dreamed of for a long time: crossing Africa from North to South solo, with a departure planned for October 2025 for about 8-9 months. I’m leaving from Paris with a starting budget of around 7,000 €, aiming to supplement it with work along the way.
My planned route: Senegal → Gambia → Sierra Leone/Liberia (if logistics work out) → Côte d'Ivoire → Ghana → Togo → Benin → Cameroon → Gabon → Kenya (Masai Mara) → Uganda (Bwindi gorillas) → Rwanda → Tanzania (Kili + Serengeti + Zanzibar) → Mozambique → Malawi → Zambia (Victoria Falls) → Botswana → Namibia → South Africa (Cape Town). Madagascar as a bonus if timing/budget allows from Mozambique.
I’m not a backpacking newbie—I’ve done several trips in Europe and I’m familiar with the lifestyle, hostels, local transport, etc. But Africa is my first big adventure on this continent, and I’ve got some very concrete questions I’d love feedback on from people who’ve been there.
🎭 My big dilemma: flexibility vs. pre-organized work
What matters most to me is NOT rushing through. If I feel good somewhere, I’ll stay longer. If a region doesn’t click, I’ll cut it short. That seems totally incompatible with having pre-booked work or volunteer gigs, yet I need that income to stretch my budget.
I’m torn between two approaches:
Option A: The mixed rhythm: 3-4 weeks of volunteering in a country (free accommodation, full immersion), then 1-2 countries in classic backpacker "vacation" mode, then another mission somewhere, etc. This gives a breathing rhythm and avoids burnout from non-stop volunteering.
Option B: The continuous flow: finding gigs as I go, from the previous country, contacting hosts 2-3 weeks in advance with a flexible date range. Keeping maximum spontaneity but never arriving anywhere without a safety net.
Have you tried either? What actually works on the ground in Africa?
🌍 What I’m really looking for in this trip
Not just the classic tourist spots. I want to see the country as it is—eating at local joints, taking local transport (bush taxis, minibuses, sept-places), staying with locals when possible. The big reserves and safaris are part of the plan (Masai Mara, Serengeti, Okavango), but just as much as hanging out in a residential neighborhood in Dakar, understanding how people really live.
Volunteering or work interests me for that reason too (not just for free lodging, but because it’s the deepest way to dive into a country). Working at a school in Ghana, a lodge in Kenya, a permaculture farm in Mozambique—I see it as an immersion that classic tourism can’t offer.
🎒 My concrete questions
About Workaway and Worldpackers: I’ve read a lot but would love on-the-ground feedback, especially for West and East Africa. Are hosts really flexible with dates for long-term travelers? Do the advertised gigs match reality? Are there alternative platforms you’d recommend for Africa specifically (I’ve heard of Help Exchange, WWOOF Africa, local networks…)?
About "off-platform" jobs: Is it really doable to find informal work on the spot (bars, restaurants, lodges) without prior contacts? In which countries/cities is this most accessible for a French speaker without a local work permit?
About logistics between countries: For those who’ve done the West Coast (Senegal → Ghana → Benin), how did you cross borders? Direct buses or local shared taxis at each border? And for the jump from Central Africa → Kenya, is a flight mandatory, or are there feasible overland routes?
About Madagascar: I’m considering adding it from Mozambique (flight Maputo or Beira → Tana). Those who’ve done it backpacker-style on a tight budget—is 3-4 weeks doable, or is it too short to be worth it?
I’m open to all tips, experiences, warnings, and pleasant surprises. And if you’ve got trusted local contacts (Workaway hosts, associations, community lodges), I’m all ears!
I’ve got tons of questions and I’m eager for any advice or experiences you can share!!
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for 2 adults and 2 kids to Tanzania and Zanzibar. I’ve had a quick look, and the prices are starting to get pretty wild.
We’ve got a budget of 8,000 €, and I was thinking of doing three or four days of safari and three or four days in Zanzibar, but even that seems like it might be over budget. Have you got any thoughts? I was also considering heading straight to Zanzibar and doing a one- or two-day excursion by plane instead—maybe that’d be cheaper than staying in a lodge.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences and any price tips, departing from Nice!
Good evening,
As two senior French couples who are used to traveling independently all over the world, we’d like to visit Kenya next November.
Now, after seeing and reading a bit everywhere, and with the first quotes for a 6/7-day safari, I’m shocked by the prices (like $2,250) for places like Maasai Mara, where entry alone costs $200 per person per day, plus fees for the driver and vehicle.
So if you have any recent great tips or contacts to share to help me out, I’d really appreciate it—because despite the costs, we’d still love to go, while keeping things reasonable.
The most plausible solution is probably renting a vehicle with a driver-guide.
Thanks in advance for all your replies.
Jacques
We’ll be in Srinagar for 4 days in mid-May 2026 during our backpacking trip as a couple. Do you have any nice places to recommend, and what about the houseboats on Dal Lake? Should we spend all our nights there, or just one night for practicality when getting around?
Thanks,
Rozenn
Hi there,
This is my first time traveling to Italy, and I’m planning to go by car.
From what I’ve read, parking is tough in cities like Florence.
I’m looking for a small town not too far from Florence where I can stay and park my car, then take the train to visit Florence.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Hi there, it’s been a long time since I last went to London. I’d love to spend a week there in July with my daughter and my niece (both young adults).
Of course, I’m looking for great tips on accommodation, and I’m wondering about renting an apartment. It seems like a better deal to save on restaurants (with the option of having a few meals at home... but is that really the case? I’m not sure about the cost of a meal in a modest restaurant, the pound exchange rate, or grocery prices...).
Otherwise, I’d like to stay in accommodation (hotel or apartment) near a tube station and in Zone 1.
If you have any great tips, I’d love to hear them!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading to Morocco for a trip in the south, starting with 3 days in Marrakech (from January 8th to 11th, 2026).
If you’ve got any tips, cool spots to recommend, I’m all ears! 🎊
And, fellow traveler, if you’d like to share this Marrakech adventure together, I’d love that!
Have a great evening
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Peru and have estimated how many days I’ll spend in each place.
Any advice on must-see sights and tourist traps to avoid?
September–October
5 days in Lima
Bus: 07:00→13:30 or 06:00 to 09:30 (express) (3 hr 30 min journey)
3 days in Paracas (beach)