Comme chaque année, le site Skytrax qui fait référence en la matière vient de sortir ses divers classements pour les compagnies aériennes. Au niveau mondial, c'est toujours la Qatar qui domine (cinq fois première en 20 ans de classement) devant Singapore Airlines et d'autres transporteurs asiatiques.
Les classements...
Si le classement semble faire référence, de gros doutes se posent régulièrement sur la legitimité de leur classement et les critères d'évaluation des compagnies qui permettent un tel classement.
Donc à relativiser malgré la campagne mediatique pour promouvoir cette société.
Air France
World's Best First Class Onboard Catering
World's Best First Class Amenities
World's Best First Class Lounge Dining
Best Cabin Crew in France
Si le classement semble faire référence, de gros doutes se posent régulièrement sur la legitimité de leur classement et les critères d'évaluation des compagnies qui permettent un tel classement.
Donc à relativiser malgré la campagne mediatique pour promouvoir cette société.
C'est sur la base de questionnaires envoyés aux passagers…. Avez-vous déjà reçu un questionnaire Skytrax ? 😊
Il n'y a pas de problème sans solution... et si il n'y a pas de solution, il n'y a pas de problème !
Tiens Ethiad derrière AF?
J'avais pourtant eu un bon souvenir de cette compagnie, avec une escale sympa a Abu Dhabi. Meilleure que Qatar Airways pour moi.
Bon après la dernière fois que j'ai pris Ethiad ou Qatar c'était en 2015....
Aigle Azur n'y figure pas dans ce classement? Pourtant les rapports qualité/prix vers le Brésil sont imbattables. Du moins l'année dernière.
Aigle Azur n'y figure pas dans ce classement? Pourtant les rapports qualité/prix vers le Brésil sont imbattables. Du moins l'année dernière.
Il me semble que le prix n'est pas dans les critères d'évaluation de Skytrax, donc le rapport qualité/prix non plus.
(Par ailleurs, pour ce qui est des critères de qualité, l'opacité des données génère beaucoup de soupçons.)
Il me semble que le prix n'est pas dans les critères d'évaluation de Skytrax, donc le rapport qualité/prix non plus.
(Par ailleurs, pour ce qui est des critères de qualité, l'opacité des données génère beaucoup de soupçons.)
Il y a beaucoup de subjectivité surtout...
Et pour une même compagnie, on devrait pouvoir différencier entre les apoareils
Sur Qatar Airways, premier du classement, c’est très bien (même si je n’ai jamais trouvé le service exceptionnel), mais le confort n’a rien â voir entre un A380 ou un vieil A340 (on s’y croit 20 ans en arrière 😕) ou même un B787 (sièges peu larges, durs, qui m’ont fait penser à la navette Air France...)
Il n'y a pas de problème sans solution... et si il n'y a pas de solution, il n'y a pas de problème !
Pourquoi relativiser ? Parce que AF brille par son absence ?
Non absolument pas.
Je ne suis pas pro AF ni autre compagnie particulièrement
Ou plus généralement je suis plus pro compagnies nationales, qui représentent et ont l image de leur pays plutôt que des compagnies purement commerciales si il fallait faire une difference: ancien monde diraient certains.
Mais prenons quelques exemples:
comment expliquer la place de Lufthansa?
Oui Lufthansa est une compagnie de qualité, qui propose un produit robuste mais par contre sans trop de fantaisie.
Hors les bouteilles de bière, ils ne font pas trop briller la “german touch”, pourtant un pays qui a une culture et gastronomie assez forte.
Lufthansa propose une classe affaire mais qui ne donne pas systématiquement accès au couloir. La configuration 2+2+2 est tres répandue voir meme 2+3+2 sur les 747.
Il est question d une nouvelle classe affaire, mais toujours pas déployée.
La classe affaire actuelle donne tres peu d intimite entre les passagers.
A l inverse, les autres compagnies du groupe Lufthansa que sont Swiss, Austrian voir Brussels Airlines, offrent des configurations avec beaucoup plus de sieges solo et offrent un niveau d intimité beaucoup plus important meme dans les places doubles.
De plus, la restauration de Swiss fait appel a des restaurateurs locaux renommes, offrant une cuisine regionale qui varie a chaque saison.
La compagnie offre egalement un service de premiere classe sur tous ses vols.
Le salon premiere de Zurich, je parle de celui du terminal E d ou partent les vols long courrier, semble etre de tres bonne qualite.
Austrian a aussi une forte touche autrichienne.
La compagnie propose les services d un vrai chef a bord, des specialites de cafe typiquement autrichiennes.
Les aeroports de Vienne et Zurich n ont rien a envier aux hubs de Lufthansa, encore moins en comparant avec Francfort qui n est pas le plus ideal et souffre de nombreux defauts.
Alors, outre le reseau moins developpe, en quoi Lufthansa est mieux que Swiss ou Austrian?
Lutfhansa vs Air France
Comparons maintenant ces deux compagnies:
La premiere classe d Air France semble tres belle surtout dans les B777 en offrant une forte intimite a bord.
Le salon a Roissy a une tres bonne reputation et la restauration est offerte par des grands chefs etoiles francais.
En classe affaire, la majorite de la flotte propose les nouvelles cabines affaires avec sieges Zodiac, offrant confort et intimite tout en permettant des voyages en couple.
Largement meilleure que Lufthansa pour comparer.
L aeroport de Roissy a fait de tres gros efforts sur l accueil.
Les filtres de surete se passent assez rapidement desormais et la mise en place de l inspection-filtrage unique fluidifie les parcours.
Cote greves, certes Air France a connu une periode troublee l annee passee, mais auparavant de nombreuses annees sans nouvements sociaux qui ont ete egalemet tres frequents chez Lufthansa (avec une situation sociale toujours un peu mouvementee ces temps ci contrairement a Air France)
Donc qu est ce que Lufthansa a de mieux que Air France?
Luxair
Vous qui venez du Luxembourg, parlons de Luxair.
Compagnie que j ai decouverte et utilisee recemment.
J en dirai beaucoup de bien:
Tres bon service a bord, personnel courtois et attentif.
L aeroport du Findel est tres pratique et agreable, les filtres sont passes rapidement et l acces au centre ville n est pas si mauvais.
Le salon de cet aeroport est de qualite avec une offre de restauration acceptable pour un aeroport regional.
Les tarifs sont sans surprise, le bagage est inclus et il ne semble pas y avoir une politique ultra repressive pour les bagages.
A bord le service est inclus. Sur Roissy un petit snack. Sur les vols plus long un sandwich frais, du niveau que l on peut trouver en boulangerie mais quasi inexistant en avion.
Cette compagnie ne figure pas dans le top 100.
Certes le reseau est petit. Mais tout de meme.
Porter Airlines, compagnie regionale canadienne, y figure pourtant.
Asie
Une chose qui me surprend, ce n est pas le niveau des compagnies asiatiques.
Les asiatiques sont connus pour le sens du service au client, mais les asiatiques ne sont pas non plus les clients les plus indisciplines.
Prenons Taiwan.
J ai utilise a plusieurs reprises China Airlines et ai recemment decouvert Eva Air son rival.
Eva Air est 7e
China Airlines est 34e
Je trouve China Airlines de tres bonne qualite.
Le personnel de bord est tres attentif, les sieges confortables, le service efficace.
Sur un vol court, Hong Kong <> Taipei, un repas chaud est meme servi (je ne suis pas sur qu Eva Air le propose toujours).
Les avions ont une tres bonne decoration interieure avec une reference a la culture Taiwanaise.
Leur salon a Taipei Taoyuan est sublime, une athmosphere tres originale mais paisible.
Je n ai pas de critique envers Eva Air, mais leur produit est moins typique, moins marque.
Alors en quoi cette compagnie est mieux que China Airlines, en termes objectifs?
Et comment expliquer que China Airlines, qui offre un repas chaud sur des vols courts, soit moins bien classe que Air Canada, qui fait payer les boissons alcoolisees et le service a bord sur les vols domestiques/amerique du nord/caraibes d une duree pouvant etre assez elevee?
Surtout avec des niveaux de prix qui ne sont pas non plus bons marches.
Alors je pourrais augmenter les exemples.
Mais Qatar Airwayas, en oubliant les critiques sur le respect des droits humains particulierement faible de cette compagnie ni les amities sulfureuses de ce pays mais que le client prefere ne pas voir, est la meilleure compagnie.
Un atout tres fort de Qatar sont les fameuses Qsuites en classe affaires sur certaines B777.
Ces suites permettent de faire des “espaces de reunion a 4”
Je ne suis pas certaines que la clientele d affaire se deplace enormement par 4 (pas 3 ni 5, exactement 4!)
De plus des sieges en sens inverse ne sont pas tres naturels... etonnant qu ils soient si apprecies.
Vous me direz le cote intimite de ces fauteuils qui ont une separation forte avec le couloir. Mais alors pourquoi Delta Airlines, qui proposent meme une fermeture sur le couloirs dans les classes affaires de ses nouveaux A350 est si mal classée?
Une des rares compagnie offrant un choix de 3 repas en classe économique long courrier dont une salade/plat froid.
(Tout en ayant un service similaire a Air Canada en Amérique du nord)
Voila les incoherences en particulier.
Personnellement je n ai jamais ete sollicite par des avis Skytraxx et n ai jamais entendu beaucoup de monde etre solicites.
Alors oui cela fait reference... mais j entends aussi beaucoup de critiques.
Les consequences marketing semblent être tellement importantes pour ce classement...
Une video interessante au sujet de Skytrax de la part d’un blogeur d’aviation, Josh Cahil.
Il est menacé de poursuites judiciaires pour diffamation pour avoir remis en cause le fait que Skytrax, contrairement à ce qu’ils annoncent, a des relations commerciales avec les compagnies.
Vous savez les classements des compagnies ne m'intéressent pas , j'ai voulu vous taquiner 😉😉 .
Maintenant je ne regarde pas ces classements pour choisir une compagnie je me suis fait mon propre classement , j'ai un pool de compagnies en fonction des destinations du rapport qualité/prix et des compagnies sur "listes noires" .
Après si tu ne peux pas t'empêcher de lancer des piques même lorsqu'il n'y a rien à dire alors peut être que cela dépasse le stade de la simple plaisanterie n'est il pas ?
Au final rien de bien grave si pour toi ce n'est que de la plaisanterie.
Perso je ne le perçois pas comme de la plaisanterie mais comme une pique sempiternelle.
Pique qui aura eu le mérite de me permettre de prendre connaissance des méthodes potentiellement peu orthodoxes de Skytrax.
Et je t'en remercie.
Hmmm...
Vu mon âge et vu mon éloignement du bac de français, probablement lire mon argumentation sera plus rapide que faire ce devoir de mon cote 😉
Mais pour resumer c était mon argumentation pour dire qu il fallait relativiser le classement de Skytrax. Je n aime pas dire une chose sans argumenter.
Je ne dis pas que j ai raison et je veux bien entendre d autres avis argumentés, c est toujours interessant d échanger.
Mais pour resumer c était mon argumentation pour dire qu il fallait relativiser le classement de Skytrax
Bonsoir,
Le classement de SKYTRAX, comme tout site "d’avis", reflète ce que les passagers y ont mis en ligne comme compte-rendu de leur propre expérience. Il en est tout autant de celui (assez différent en le propos) de FLIGHT REPORT, ou même de TRIPADVISOR.
En tous cas le classement (de ces sites) est moins « partiel et partial » (il me semblerait) que celui des sociétés qui traitent les dossiers de réclamation des passagers (règles CEE 261 / 2004) et qui se font de la « publicité » gratuite en communiquant vers les média « grand public » leur « classement ». Celui-ci est en effet basé principalement à partir de données de réclamation.
Pour SKYTRAX, j’avais voulu mettre en ligne un compte-rendu d’un voyage (février 2015) qui s’est terminé par un procès (gagné) contre une compagnie aérienne. Celle-ci avait procédé à deux déclassements et tentait de ne rembourser que 50 % de la réelle différence tarifaire correspondante.
La Juridiction de Proximité de PARIS 8 avait condamné la compagnie aérienne (décembre 2016). En rédigeant mon avis (et mentionnant litige et jugement) celui-ci a été rejeté par SKYTRAX.
M’étant mis en rapport avec SKYTRAX (échange de courriels) il m’a été précisé que les « règles » de SKYTRAX interdisaient d’évoquer litiges et contentieux.
Il a fallu que je supprime la mention du jugement pour que mon avis (assez critique évidemment) soit publié (et que je prouve à SKYTRAX avoir été vraiment passager sur la compagnie aérienne concernée).
Sur d’autres sites, par contre, la mention du jugement n’a évidemment posé aucune difficulté de publication ….
Effectivement, comme vous le mentionniez, tout est à « relativiser » en ces sites en sus du « faible échantillonnage » en regard des quelques 100 000 vols commerciaux quotidiens mondiaux et des 4 milliards de passagers par an !
Je suis d'accord avec vos dires ! 🙂
Et trouve que la situation a très bien été résumée par ces propos :
Effectivement, comme vous le mentionniez, tout est à « relativiser » en ces sites en sus du « faible échantillonnage » en regard des quelques 100 000 vols commerciaux quotidiens mondiaux et des 4 milliards de passagers par an !
Que je vais encore bien plus résumer... en ne choisissant qu'un seul et unique mot, pour décrire ce que je pense réellement de ce genre de classement. Et ce maître-mot sera : "Relativiser" ! 😉
Je trouve bien beau tous ces classements, ils nous aide dans nos choix de compagnie , néanmoins sont ils vraiment fondé? Seul les voyageurs et voyageuses pourront témoigner de la qualité et du classement des compagnies, lorsqu'une compagnie est bonne elle se fait entendre de bouche à oreille, pour ma part je fais maintenant en comparateur de vol, comme ça je suis moins déçue. Comparateur https://www.flydeals.fr il est très pratique
Tous les classements sont bons et utiles s'ils sont lus avec esprit critique et discernement.
Un peu comme sur le forums ; pour évaluer le prix que l'on accorde à un avis ou un conseil, il faut le lire comme venant de quelqu'un de précis, dans un contexte singulier.
Tout ce qu'on trouve dans le discours public doit se lire ainsi, de toutes façons. Même les sites officiels.
Sur pratiquement toutes les compagnies avec lesquelles j'ai volé il y a un questionnaire (à condition d'avoir un écran de divertissements ?!) souvent accessible dans le rubrique 'Flight'.
Pour ma part j'ai souvent remarqué que la qualité des compagnies dépendait de la destination (donc implicitement des passagers, voire du staff) et de la durée du vol sans oublier le type d'avion. Je me souviens particulièrement d'un service plus qu'extra pourtant en classe éco sur un vol Perth Tokyo et celui plus que minable d'un autre vol Bangkok-Perth, tout deux avec Qantas (quand cette compagnie déservait encore ces destinations !).
Je remarque également qu'au fil des années que le service se dégrade d'une manière générale, que les petits extras disparaissent, que la qualité des repas n'est plus la même qu'auparavant (je parle toujours de la classe éco) sans oublier le confort des siéges de plus en plus pénible (allez je veux bien mettre celui-là sur le compte de l'age de ce passager !).
Dans ce classement, un peu subjectif quand même, il n'est pas question (il me semble) de la qualité des aéroports de transit pourtant un aspect important pour un voyage long courrier avec escale.
En ce qui me concerne, et Jusqu'à présent, je n'ai jamais été déçu par Singapore Airlines ni par Changi Airport. Je ne peux hélas pas dire la même chose pour aucune des autres compagnies que j'ai eu l'occasion de reprendre.
Mais le principal reste d'arriver à destination en entier, avec les bagages de préférence, et là il y a une amélioration certaine ou au moins une certaine amélioration.
En l'occurrence à un lien pour voter pour l'aéroport préféré de l'année ; mais parfois c'est pour la compagnie...
Michel
Ca ressemble à quoi ?
Je comprends avec ton lien que finalement tout le monde peut voter...
Je trouve par contre le formulaire trop "ouvert"... Je peux dire que le meilleur aéroport au monde est Changi alors que je n'y ai pas mis les pieds depuis 10 ans...
Il faudrait plutôt demander de noter les aéroports où le voyageur est passé dernièrement.
Il n'y a pas de problème sans solution... et si il n'y a pas de solution, il n'y a pas de problème !
Brussels Airlines a décidé de supprimer son programme entier de 222 vols le 13 février, jour de grève en Belgique.. Les itinéraires de voyage de plus de 16000…
L’aéroport de Milan Linate va fermer 3 mois durant l’été 2019 pour des travaux au niveau des pistes et des terminaux... La nouvelle a été diffusée via notre…
Https://www.lesoir.b... L’utilisation des compartiments bagages en cabine sur les vols à l’arrivée ou au départ de l’Italie est désormais interdite pour des…
Ayant déjà une santé financière fragile, la compagnie Norwegian fait l’objet d’un préavis de grève de la part du personnel operant ses vols. Infos sous: Le…
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If you're planning your trips for 2026, Bruno Maltor's latest video should catch your interest. The travel tips YouTuber lists about ten destinations that could seriously complicate your stay this year.
What to expect in 2026
Without giving everything away, here are a few hints about what might ruin your trip:
- Major construction projects turning some cities into work zones (Olympics, infrastructure, etc.)
- Iconic sites under scaffolding – yes, even world-famous landmarks
- Major sporting events causing prices to skyrocket and accommodations to fill up
- Formerly affordable destinations now priced out of reach
- New tourist restrictions in cities that can’t handle any more visitors
- Concerning health or logistical situations in certain countries
10 destinations scrutinized
Bruno Maltor breaks down the cases of Los Angeles, Athens, Barcelona, Hallstatt, Vancouver, Cuba, Argentina, Kyoto, the Canary Islands, and Cairo in his video. For each, he explains exactly what the issues are and whether they’re temporary or structural.
Watch the full video.
Dear community members,
For years, we’ve shared our stories, tips, and travel mishaps here. That’s the strength of our forum. However, we’ve noticed a trend: more and more travelers find themselves stuck with critical questions that need an immediate answer.
Sometimes, a post on the forum takes a few hours or even days to get the right response. When you’re traveling, you don’t always have that time—nor do you when you come across a great deal that’s only available for a few hours for booking. Some questions also go unanswered.
Why a WhatsApp group?
To complement our discussions here, we’ve decided to launch a WhatsApp support group. The idea is simple: provide an instant communication channel for those who need reliable info, right away.
Locals with real-time access to information can answer your questions.
What you’ll find there:
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The group is open to all forum members. Whether you’re in the middle of planning or already on the road with your backpack, this thread is here to help keep you safe.
Join the WhatsApp support thread here
Note: We’ll of course continue exchanging long stories and in-depth advice on the forum, but for urgent or technical/logistical questions, we’ll see you on WhatsApp!
Dear members, dear travelers,
The whole team sends you our best wishes for this new year. We hope you’ll have unexpected roads, light backpacks, and above all, that joy of sharing that keeps our community’s heart beating.
Independence comes at a cost (but it’s priceless)
The year that just ended was decisive. We made a strong choice: to keep VoyageForum and MyAtlas independent.
In concrete terms, this means:
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The 2026 goal: The site in your pocket
Your support will go toward a major priority you’ve often asked for: making VoyageForum and MyAtlas more mobile-friendly. We want to develop a seamless smartphone experience so you can check tips and share your stories more easily.
To maintain this standard, we’ve invested a lot technically and personally. But today, to keep the adventure going in 2026 without compromise, we need you.
How can you help? (The price of a coffee every two months)
The most direct way to support us is to subscribe to the MyAtlas membership for 19 € per year. To do this, you’ll first need to create a MyAtlas account before subscribing.
This isn’t just a subscription to a travel journal tool—it’s an act of support to keep VoyageForum’s infrastructure online, secure, and thriving.
Today, we’re a community of 100,000 active members. If just 10% of you choose to support us through the MyAtlas membership, VoyageForum’s future isn’t just secure—we’ll finally be able to invest in what you’ve been missing most.
Let’s co-build 2026
Beyond the financial aspect, we want 2026 to be the year of dialogue.
What features are you waiting for?
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Are you a pro (tech, tourism, content) and want to lend a hand?
Write to us at service@myatlas.com—we read everything.
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Wishing you all wonderful end-of-year celebrations,
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VoyageForum celebrates its 1-year reopening with MyAtlas!
Thanks for this amazing year—you’ve come back with unforgettable travel stories shared on VoyageForum, swapped tips, and dreamed up new adventures... What if now’s the time to bring them to life in a different way?
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The end of a golden age
For years, travel forums embodied the spirit of mutual aid on the web. Travelers generously shared their experiences, tips, and secret spots. This collective generosity seemed endless. But behind this altruistic facade lay a more complex reality.
The silent infiltration of forums
Free travel forums have gradually become marketing hunting grounds. Under the guise of "experienced travelers," professionals in tourism, affiliates seeking commissions, or aspiring influencers testing monetization strategies now lurk.
These fake profiles master the community’s codes. They build credibility by answering dozens of basic questions before subtly slipping in their paid recommendations. A "favorite" hotel mentioned insistently, an "essential" guidebook systematically cited, an "extraordinary" local agency that keeps coming up in conversations.
New travelers can no longer tell the difference between selfless advice and disguised promotion. This informational pollution has gradually eroded the trust that gave these platforms their value.
The rise of paid Travel Planners
Faced with this decline, a new profession has emerged: the independent Travel Planner. These professionals fully embrace their commercial status and charge for personalized advice.
The model is transparent: you pay for real expertise, tailor-made itineraries, and guaranteed availability. Some offer packages for 150-300 € to plan a two-week trip entirely. Others charge by the hour.
This professionalization marks a turning point. Travel advice is leaving the realm of volunteerism and entering the world of paid services. Paradoxically, this acknowledged monetization can restore a form of trust: you know what you’re paying for.
The irruption of artificial intelligence
But now, a third option is emerging: generative AI. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others can now generate travel itineraries in seconds, for free, with no commercial agenda.
AI promises neutral, synthetic, endlessly customizable information. It compiles thousands of sources in real time, suggests alternatives, and adapts recommendations to your budget and time constraints. It doesn’t sell anything, earns no commissions, and has no hotels to promote.
But this apparent neutrality hides its own limitations. AI feeds on existing data, often from the same polluted forums or marketing content. It can invent restaurants that don’t exist, mix up tourist seasons, or ignore recent local realities. It has never walked a city’s streets, negotiated with a tuk-tuk driver, or felt the atmosphere of a neighborhood at nightfall.
The forgotten alternative: authentic local experts
In this landscape saturated with dubious information, imperfect AI, and monetized services, one often-overlooked option remains: consulting real local professionals.
Not the agencies at the top of Google’s first page—often the most expensive and generic. But small local businesses, independent guides established for years, still-free municipal tourism offices, and cultural associations organizing themed tours.
These players offer what neither AI nor forums can: embodied, up-to-date, contextualized knowledge of the area. They know the newly opened restaurant, the museum temporarily closed for renovations, the impromptu weekend festival, or the alternative route to avoid construction.
Finding them takes extra effort. You have to search in the local language, look beyond the first page of results, check regional institutional websites, and join community Facebook groups. But this approach is often rewarded with free or low-cost advice of unmatched precision.
Toward an ecology of travel advice
The future of travel advice likely won’t be binary but hybrid. AI can rough out itineraries, propose logistical options, and compare alternatives. Travel Planners can refine, personalize, and reassure anxious travelers. Local experts can enrich, correct, and ground advice in on-the-ground reality.
But for this ecosystem to work, we’ll need to develop new discernment. Learn to spot fake profiles on forums. Systematically verify AI suggestions. Assess the real value of a Travel Planner before paying. And, above all, rediscover the habit of contacting those who live there directly.
Travel has always been a school of discernment. It teaches us to distinguish the authentic from the fake, sincere advice from commercial manipulation. In the digital age, this skill becomes more crucial than ever.
Because ultimately, the real question isn’t which information source to prioritize, but how to cultivate our own ability to evaluate, cross-check, and ultimately make informed choices. The best travel guide may still be our critical thinking.
Travel is, above all, a story of encounters.
Those that inspire us, guide us, and make us dream.
That’s why we’re happy to announce a partnership between Petit Futé and VoyageForum, two worlds that share the same passion: travel experienced and recounted by those who truly set off.
In practical terms, you can now find VoyageForum directly on PetitFuté.com, through:
Over 190 destinations linked to the forum: on each “Discover the destination” page, a “Travelers’ Forum” tab lets you access discussions, tips, and testimonials from travelers just like you.
A link to the forum in the “Community” menu under “Discover the forum”, where you can chat, ask questions, or simply dream about your next getaway.
This partnership marks a new step in giving travelers even more of a voice.
A way to connect practical information and lived experience, to share insights so everyone can plan their trips by relying on what’s most valuable: exchanges between enthusiasts.
Thanks to all of you who keep this wonderful community alive, day after day.
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Valid until: November 13, 2025!
One use per person
Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer—if you’ve got travel photos waiting to be printed, now’s the time to go for it!
I’ve kept quiet about them... to preserve them.
Those are the words of a passionate traveler who recently wrote to us.
For years, he’s been discovering rare, authentic places... and chooses to say nothing.
Out of respect. Out of fear of destruction. Out of love for secrecy.
What would you do?
You stumble upon a magical spot, still untouched by mass tourism.
Do you keep it to yourself... or do you open the door, gently, to other travelers?
At DIRECTRAVEL, we’re asking ourselves these questions.
Can sharing be an act of passing something on?
Or is it always the beginning of the end for these preserved places?
Read the article here.
We’ve got a little game for you (okay, it’s not a walk in the park—you’ll have to do some digging!) with DirecTravel: the prize is 5 nights for one person at the Nilaya Experience guesthouse, right in the heart of Kerala, India.
The stay is worth 700 €. It’s set in a magical spot among the rice fields, offering a relaxing and 100% authentic getaway, far from the noise, hosted by Raghu and Véronique.
How to enter is simple:
1- Head over to directravel.org.
2- Browse the site to find the answers to the 10 contest questions. Click here for the questions.
Each question includes a clue to guide you to the right page.
3- Answer all 10 questions correctly to validate your entry.
Contest Rules
The game is free and with no purchase necessary.
A random draw will be held on September 19, 2025, among all correct entries.
The winner will be contacted directly by DIRECTRAVEL.
The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and valid based on the accommodation’s availability.
What if your travel memories had a place in a real journal? 🌍
Back-to-school season is when we get back into our routines, but it’s also when we look back on the great memories from summer. We often promise ourselves we’ll organize our photos, jot down our stories… and then life gets busy. Those memories slowly fade, stuck in our phones...
Travel journals from MyAtlas are here to change that. They let you gather your stories, your images, and your emotions in a beautiful keepsake you can hold onto and share. It’s like a personal diary, but illustrated by your travels.
Creating your journal also extends the travel experience: reliving your photos, rediscovering details you’d forgotten, and bringing those moments back to life.
Use the code BIENVENUE10 for 10% off your first album ;)
A new step for visitors starting September 2025
Laos is modernizing its border entry procedures. From September 1, 2025, the Laos Immigration Police Department will pilot a new online arrival registration system for foreign passport holders.
This new procedure is similar to Thailand’s recent switch to a digital arrival card system (introduced in May 2025). Just like in Thailand, travelers heading to Laos will still need a valid visa—either an e-visa obtained online in advance or a visa on arrival (VOA) at eligible checkpoints—but they can now skip the paper immigration forms at the border.
TikTok is currently experimenting with a hotel booking feature directly integrated into its app, in partnership with a well-known specialized platform. American users can now search for and book accommodations without leaving TikTok. Meanwhile, content creators with over 1,000 followers can promote hotels and restaurants in the U.S. and earn commissions or vouchers for bookings. This test, limited to the U.S. market for now, aligns with the trend of social commerce. There’s no doubt this initiative will be closely watched by major players in the online travel industry.
Originally planned for an official opening on July 3, 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which has already been partially open since autumn 2024, has had its official inauguration pushed back to the end of the year. This decision, made due to growing tensions in the Middle East, was motivated by the desire to give the event the international dimension it deserves.
Spanning 500,000 m²—larger than the Louvre (which has 360,000 m² of total space, including 73,000 m² of exhibition areas)—the museum will house up to 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun and a monumental statue of Ramses II.
It can already welcome 4,000 visitors per day with limited access, with a future capacity estimated at 13,000 per day once fully open.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of François Boucher, the founder of VoyageForum.
We will remember his passion for travel, but most of all, the pride he took in this forum, which has become indispensable among travelers. While there may have been heated debates, we ask that you show respect for him.
François was still very active on the forum, especially in the technical development section. VoyageForum was his life’s work. He worked passionately to update the site and make up for the 4 years of closure due to the pandemic.
Today, VoyageForum has also lost its developer.
That’s why we’re reaching out to this community to continue François’s legacy. If there are any former or current developers among you who know PERL and would be willing to help, your support would be greatly appreciated.
According to a recent study, Bangkok ranks first among the top 100 global destinations for remote workers in 2025. The Thai capital stands out for its excellent value for money, solid infrastructure, and high satisfaction levels among digital nomads.
Dubai, London, Tokyo, and Nakhon Ratchasima (in Thailand) complete the top 5, each catering to different priorities (safety, connectivity, cultural vibrancy). The study also highlights the cost-of-living gaps between cities: from Weligama (Sri Lanka), very affordable, to New York, the most expensive.
Social media engagement and visitor return rates are also becoming key indicators for assessing a destination’s appeal to nomads.
We’re thrilled to share an exclusive offer from our partner Subocea for August:
80 € per person per day to board a private luxury boat in Egypt with friends, family, or colleagues!
The offer includes everything on-site (accommodation, meals, activities, etc.), except for the flight.
Onboard, snorkel with turtles!
A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in an exceptional setting while meeting other community members.
Hurry: only 26 spots available! 😉
Departure is imminent—a great chance to escape and reconnect.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to pack your bags, here it is!
Interested? Contact us quickly to book or get more info!
You’ve probably noticed it: the real travel gems no longer show up in search results. In today’s all-digital age, those local operators, small authentic accommodations, passionate guides, and committed local initiatives remain invisible. No flashy website, no ads, often not even an online presence.
Yet they exist—people who take care of their land, their culture, their community. Hidden in valleys, villages, forests. These are the ones who truly give meaning to travel, the kind you only discover through word of mouth... or among savvy travelers.
A collaborative project is starting to patiently catalog them, one by one. It’s called DirecTravel. Not very well-known yet—it’s just getting started—but already shared among independent travel enthusiasts. Here, no standardization or flashy interface: every address has been discovered on the ground, the old-fashioned way. Some have even been recognized by the Sustainable Travel Awards.
Their approach? Taking the time to listen, build connections, and support local initiatives that will never appear on Google’s first page.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual recommendations, and if the idea of sharing genuine tips speaks to you, then this project might interest you. And maybe you, too, have a gem to share with them.
Travel bookings to the United States are seeing a significant drop in France for summer 2025, with over a 30% decrease in the spring and around -11% for summer departures.
Several reasons explain this disengagement:
an unfavorable exchange rate at the start of the year,
very high prices on the ground (accommodation, dining),
negative experiences with immigration,
as well as a political and social context perceived as off-putting (civil rights, safety, tense social climate).
Tourism professionals also note difficulties for Florida and some Southern states, while destinations like New York and Orlando are faring better.
The recent drop in the dollar and airfares could, however, encourage last-minute departures, and tourism stakeholders are betting on a gradual recovery starting this autumn, with major events planned for 2026 like the World Cup or the 250th anniversary of the United States.
This summer, your memories deserve more than just a corner of film!
For the summer season, our partner MyAtlas is offering you an exclusive deal: 10% off all travel journals to print with the code ETEVF25 😛
Perfect for preserving your photos, anecdotes, itineraries, and highlights, the MyAtlas journal turns every trip into a real keepsake book—personalized and ready to flip through anytime.
Whether you're off on an adventure or exploring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to capture the essence of your getaways and relive them again and again.
Don’t let your best stories gather dust in your phone: print them, share them, and above all, treasure them 😉
This forum was closed for a long time after COVID, then due to its sale by the previous owner. Since 2022, there have been notable changes for Russia. It became possible to travel to Russia as a tourist again after COVID restrictions ended in summer 2022. But before that, in March 2022, the EU and member countries cut air links with Russia, as well as train lines. They also cut Russian banks off from the Euro-American banking network—meaning cards and wire transfers.
EU-based insurers stopped offering policies for Russia.
The Green Card for cars in Russia was also discontinued.
Then the EU abolished the simplified visa regime agreement with Russia.
All in all, a summary of the current practical aspects would be helpful.
I’ve been traveling to Russia regularly for about twenty years, and after the long COVID break, I resumed in autumn 2022.
Visa
The usual paper visa is much more expensive. On one hand, because the previous regime was scrapped, and on the other, because invitations for multi-entry visas are pricier. A single-entry 30-day visa costs 80 €. The multi-entry one is 240 €. To be sure you’ll get a 12-month multi-entry, it’s best to buy a telex invitation from the MID (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), though there are few resellers. Prices vary depending on the seller.
E-visas are now available for Schengen passport holders. A big simplification for trips up to 16 days within a 60-day validity period. You can apply from 40 days up to 5 days before your desired date. Issued in up to four days. The site is https://evisa.kdmid.ru/ Cost: 50 €. Processed through an Emirati bank (United Arab Emirates).
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance with repatriation is required to get a visa. So you’ll need to buy a policy. This brings up payment methods. If you’re already familiar with Russia and have a Russian bank account, you can pay with your Russian card. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy from a site that accepts payments via a Belarusian bank—which means your bank must work with Belarus—or go through https://goingrus.com/fr/insurance
Transport from the EU
Minibus (marshrutka) from Kirkenes (Norway) to Murmansk. Schedules are coordinated with flights from Oslo, which arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. They wait on the right as you exit the airport. Some are chartered by groups and leave directly, but may have space—ask the driver. Otherwise, two companies run the route, with a stop in town at the corner of the Scandic, where they depart around 14:00 or 15:00. Payment in cash (NOK or RUB) to the driver. Main operator: https://borodinbus.com
Bus from Tallinn (Estonia) to St. Petersburg. The border crossing is on the Narva River. The Russian road checkpoint has been closed since January 2024 for construction expected to last 2.5 years, so reopening is possible in summer 2026. In the meantime, it’s a two-bus journey: Tallinn-Narva, then walk across the bridge between the Estonian and Russian checkpoints at Ivangorod, followed by another bus. Several companies: Luxexpress, Ecolines, Baltic Shuttle, Anniston, СКСавто.
Bus from Riga to Pskov or St. Petersburg (final destination). Departs from Riga’s bus station (behind the train station) daily between 18:00 and 19:00. Arrives in Pskov between 01:00 and 02:00 (Russian time). Company: СКСавто. There’s another bus around 21:00 with Ecolines, but it’s longer, with a long stop at the border.
Bus from Gdańsk to Kaliningrad. Several buses per day. From the PKS bus station, behind Gdańsk’s central station, on the other side of the boulevard. From Kaliningrad, a 1-hour flight to St. Petersburg costs around 5000 RUB.
Basically, unless you’re planning to go to Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula—and possibly from Murmansk, flights to Arkhangelsk, then Nenetsia (Naryan-Mar), etc.—the three main crossing points with airports are Tallinn, Riga, and Gdańsk.
The Gdańsk-Kaliningrad bus is the fastest, and the ticket to St. Petersburg is very reasonable.
The Narva-Ivangorod route is the riskiest in terms of potential queues and crossing time. Holiday periods are especially risky. Last mid-June, I took a 14:00 bus from Tallinn. I’d bought a single-berth compartment on the Grand Express St. Petersburg-Moscow train, leaving at 23:00, with the idea of a good night’s rest before a Moscow-Magadan flight. A 7-hour queue at the border meant I arrived at St. Petersburg’s bus station at 23:00—missed the train, had to book a room, and spent time finding a reasonably priced flight to Moscow the next day for the same airport as my Magadan flight.
The Riga-Pskov route is a bit long but relaxed. If you get off in Pskov, you can still get decent sleep between 02:00 and 12:00. The Oktyabrskaya Hotel is cheap. I’ve also stopped in Izborsk. You ask the driver when boarding in Riga. The stop is on the federal highway—cross the road, and the main inn is 200m away. You can explore the medieval site the next morning before taking a bus to Pskov (30 km).
From Pskov, there are fast regional Lastochka trains—three or four per day—to St. Petersburg, taking 3.5 hours. Very comfortable and affordable.
Also, two daily flights with Azimuth to Moscow-Vnukovo from 5000 RUB. A one-hour flight. It’s a section of Pskov’s military airfield, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Money
Cash. The EU issued a nonsensical decree: a ban on importing EU currency (euros, zloty, kroner, forints, etc.) except for personal travel use. This doesn’t make sense because as a citizen of a eurozone country, you *have* to have euros—cash or electronic (card). You can’t travel without them. The stipulation about a limit for personal use is absurd because personal use can mean anything from a hostel bed to a luxury hotel room, plus transport (flight tickets, train tickets in Russia), restaurants, etc. Estonian customs officers ask about this at the border when leaving. They ask in Estonian, then Russian, then English, depending. Since I cross with a French passport, I just say, "Sorry, I don’t understand," no matter what. Then they ask with a questioning look, "Euro?" and I shake my head. I haven’t been searched, but they do ask to glance in your bag. Russians with large suitcases often get checked.
Cards and phone apps: if you have a Russian bank account.
Telephony and Internet
Roaming works but is pricey. Okay for calls and SMS, but very expensive for data. In that case, use an e-SIM with your home carrier if your phone supports it. Otherwise, look into prepaid rechargeable SIMs in Russia for data only—like SIM cards for mobile modems.
Russian SIM: Since this year (2025), as of March, it’s mandatory to be registered in the EBS (Unified Biometric System) to buy a SIM card. For a non-resident foreigner, this means first registering for a SNILS at an MFC (Multifunctional Center)—also called "My Documents." The SNILS is the pension center, which doesn’t require residency. After getting your SNILS number and certificate, you register on the public services portal, Gosuslugi. Finally, you register in the EBS system (voice sample—you read numbers—and a biometric facial photo).
Personal Car
The Green Card no longer covers Russia, and neither do EU-based insurers. But third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is mandatory. Since the closure of the Russian checkpoint at Ivangorod for construction and the Finnish border closure, the routes are from Kirkenes in Norway, the Estonia-Pskov route, and—since the Belarus-Russia joint visa this year—the Belarus route, e.g., Poland-Terespol-Brest or Lithuania-Belarus.
No OSAGO sales if you cross via Kirkenes. I didn’t see any at Shumilkino, the Russian checkpoint after Estonia toward Pskov. If you have a Russian card, you can buy online, of course. Otherwise, pay in cash on-site at certain company offices (specific forms aren’t available at all agencies) or online by paying to a third-party account outside Russia—with added fees.
Spotlight on the "What A Trip Festival" in Montpellier
From September 22 to 28, 2025, head to Montpellier for the What A Trip Festival, the must-attend event for travel and adventure in images 😉
This event draws around 40,000 passionate visitors who come to (re)discover the world through documentary film screenings, followed by meet-ups, conferences, and workshops.
The "travel village" hosts a dedicated fair: exhibitor booths, a travel bookstore, photo exhibitions, food trucks, and free concerts set the pace.
The "Les rencontres voyageurs" booth will be there to offer you: a friendly atmosphere, conferences, masterclasses, fun games, and even interviews!
From December 9th to 12th, experience a winter getaway in the heart of the Czech capital, under the magical lights of the Christmas markets.
Enjoy an all-inclusive stay, blending cultural discoveries and festive holiday vibes with Hasamélis & MyAtlas.
Explore Prague’s treasures: Old Town Square, the castle, and the Town Hall Tower for breathtaking views…
This guided tour also takes you to exclusive, privately booked venues: Strahov Monastery, Estates Theatre, Municipal House… A rich cultural program in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Calling all adventure and off-road enthusiasts: the must-attend event of the year is just around the corner!
From August 26 to 30 in Valloire, don’t miss THE OFF-ROAD SHOW, the premier event dedicated to expeditions, overlanding, and motorized exploration.
4x4s, trucks, motorcycles, SSVs, gear, travel, test drives, meet-ups... Over 180 exhibitors and the 4th edition of the Rencontres Voyageurs, a 1,000 m² space hosted by Campers Lab and MyAtlas.
On the program: Activities, talks, interviews, masterclasses...
One motto: get inspired, connect, explore... in the heart of the Alps.
At the Seto forum (Association of Travel Agents), it was highlighted that, despite an uncertain geopolitical context, summer bookings are showing a slight increase (+1.4% overall as of the end of April), with +1.6% on medium-haul and +0.6% on long-haul flights. This growth is supported by an expected revenue increase of +2.9% and an average basket rise of +3.2%.
In terms of destinations, the Greek islands remain at the top despite a slight decline of -1%, the Balearic Islands are gaining ground (+2%), and Tunisia stands out with strong growth (+13%) thanks to its excellent value for money. For long-haul, Mauritius continues to dominate (+9%), while the United States is experiencing a downturn (-14%), behind Indonesia (-6%) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (+4%). Finally, French Polynesia (+16%) and Vietnam (+41%) are emerging as booming destinations.
"Les rencontres voyageurs" is a must-attend event for all travel enthusiasts, at the heart of France’s most beautiful gatherings.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a beginner looking for your first adventures, these meet-ups aim to bring people together, inspire, and share knowledge.
They offer a unique opportunity to chat with inspiring travelers, discover their authentic stories, their favorite spots around the world, and their practical tips for traveling peacefully and enrichingly 😉
"Les rencontres voyageurs" also feature conferences and masterclasses led by industry experts, covering a variety of topics such as responsible travel, content creation, and optimizing itineraries.
These sessions, both practical and inspiring, are designed to expand your knowledge and fuel your projects. On top of that, there are fun and educational activities, including the famous traveler quiz, encouraging exchanges and conviviality. Finally, visitors can explore an exhibition of travel vehicles, vans, 4x4s, nomadic equipment, and chat with professionals about van conversions, mobility, and innovations dedicated to vanlife.
A complete, immersive experience that’s all about discovery.
VoyageForum needs you more than ever! To continue making it the biggest space for exchange, inspiration, and sharing, we want to better understand your desires and expectations.
Take a few moments to answer our survey and let’s build the future of VoyageForum together!
Big traveler survey! We want to know everything! 🌍
Dreaming of your next trip already? So are we, but to better understand the desires and habits of French travelers, we need your help to later offer the best tips, good deals, trips, and more.
It’s a short form (promise, it only takes a few minutes).
And... there might just be a 50 € gift voucher up for grabs for one of the participants. Just like that, to thank you for taking part✨
Just click on this link: https://tally.so/r/mRrj6J and check the box based on your travel preferences 🧳✈️
Thanks in advance for lending a hand!
The cruise sector has seen a remarkable rebound since the pandemic, with 2024 attendance 20% higher than in 2019—outpacing air traffic growth, which was limited to 10%.
This performance is driven by an early recovery in the U.S. starting in 2021, competitive pricing, and enhanced onboard offerings. Cruise companies have invested in innovation, with a notable increase in patents related to passenger health (14%) and onboard services (50%).
These efforts have attracted a younger clientele, with millennials now making up 34% of passengers. This recovery model could inspire the airline industry to accelerate its own rebound.
Densha Otaku - Lesser-Known Regions
Two weeks under the Puglia sun
Return to Swedish Lapland: Trekking the Kungsleden and Crossing Sarek
Off on a winter adventure in the American West!
3 weeks in Laos, at a relaxed pace
Draw Me Your Japan...
South Africa in safari mode: February/March 2026
Back in Tunisia (live account)
