Avec une amie je pars découvrir pour la première fois la Thailande pour un petit mois; il a fallu faire des choix draconiens et j'aimerai avoir votre avis car je ne me rends pas compte si le programme tient la route: nous souhaitons voir les temples mais aussi la nature , le Nord et le Sud; voilà où j'en suis:
- 3 jours à Bangkok
-2 jours à Ayutthaya (trajet bus)(logées près des temples)
- 3 jours à Sukhotay (trajet bus) (idem)
- 3 jours à Chiang Mai (trajet bus)
Avion Chiang Mai - Surat Thani
-3 jours au parc de Kao Sok (trajet bus) (excursion et nuit sur le lac)
-3 jours à Krabi ou Ao Nang (trajet bus) (excursion bateau)
- 3 jours à l'Ile de Koh Yao Noi
Avion Krabi Bangkok
- 3 jours à Bangkok
Qu'en pensez vous ?
Merci pour votre attention et votre expérience du terrain !
2 jours à Bangkok sont suffisants, au retour. À l'arrivée, 3 jours ça vous donne un p'tit break du long voyage...
2 jours à Sukhothai
(grand débat ici: Ayutthaya ou Sukhothai?
C'est du pareil au même donc faites un choix entre les deux...
4 jours à Chiang Mai
Le reste me semble correct, mais pas 3 jours à Krabi quand même...
Faites les îles au sud ou la côte au moins...
1 mois, prenez ça relax.. 😉
Lah gorn!
"😎😎"
"Plus il y a de fous, moins il y a de riz"
Paris, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Rhône, Alpes, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, Barcelona, Figueres, Belém, Sao Paulo, Manaus, Marajò, Soure, Joanes, Ilha de Mosqueiro, Cambu, Iccoraci, Costa Rica, Corse, México, Cuba, Thaïlande, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodge, Chine...
Bonjour,
Ca fait beaucoup de temples mais si vous êtes passionné, vous ne serez pas déçus. Peut-être 1 ou 2 jours de trop à Bangkok en début de séjour.
Notez que nous sommes plusieurs à conseiller de filer directement de Suvarnabhumi à Ayutthaya, ne serait-ce que pour son air beaucoup moins pollué.
Par ailleurs, pas inutile de note les dates du 5 février (Nouvel an chinois) et du 19 février (Makha Bucha, fête bouddhique) et selon votre planning de s'y rapprocher de quelque festivité.
Contrairement à ce que dit Fzoo il y a largement de quoi occuper trois jours pleins en étant basé à Ao Nang. Et vu le nombre d'étapes déjà envisagées, en rajouter encore vers les îles du sud n'est pas judicieux.
Ayutthaya vous pourriez faire en une bonne grosse journée depuis Bangkok en commençant tôt.
Koh Yao Noi, à mon avis ne dépassez pas trois nuits (donc deux jours pleins de visites) et au besoin louez des vélos sinon vous serez bloqués sur la côte est, où il n'y a plus rien à faire à la tombée de la nuit. Et depuis cette île, ferry ou speedboat pour Bang Rong Pier qui n'est pas très loin de l'aéroport de Phuket.
Merci pour la réponse rapide !!
Pour Bangkok et Aytthaya nous avons déjà réservé des chambres; du coup ça donne a réfléchir: retirer Sukhothay et rester plus longtemps à Chiang Mai (on perd beaucoup de temps en transport et installation !)
Nous hésitons aussi entre Koh Yao Noi et Koh Tao ?
Bonjour,
Vous avez le temps de visiter une bonne partie de la Thaïlande sans courir....mais chacun va vous donner son avis en fonction de ses goûts. Ce qu'il faut savoir c'est ce que vous aimez.
Je vais souvent en Thaïlande et j'y emmène des amis. Leurs réactions sont très différentes: certains préfèrent les temples khmères de l'Est et les ruines des anciennes capitales notamment Sukhotay, d'autres sont plus sensibles aux sculptures des temples en bois de Chiang Mai ou Lampang( dans le nord), certains adorent traîner dans les marchés authentiques des villes de province, d'autres pas. On ne peut guère visiter la Thaïlande sans voir les incontournables de Bangkok ( Wat Phra Keo, palais Royal, bouddha couché du Wat Po, temple montagne du Wat Arun) mais on peut aussi s'intéresser aux barges royales, aux maisons de Jim Thomson et Palais Suan Pakkard, au palais de Teck de Vinnanmek...On peut prendre le bateau bus jusqu'à son terminus pour 3 fois rien, et regarder la vie sur la Chao Phraya et le long du fleuve, déjeûner dans une gargote et se balader dans le marché au terminus... On peut faire du shopping dans les centres commerciaux climatisés (Central est l'équivalent local des Galeries Lafayettes..)
Pour la mer , j'ai connu la Thaïlande il y a plus de 25 ans, je ne vais plus dans les endroits qui sont maintenant envahis par les touristes avec des hôtels partout, je retourne à Prachuap Kiri Khan et je vais aller pour la première fois à Ko Sukorn.
Selon mon expérience, vous avez raison de couper en deux votre séjour à Bangkok, çà évite l'overdose de temples et de pollution. Vous commencez à visiter en arrivant selon votre forme après le long voyage , et vous programmez ce qui vous fait encore envie pour la fin du séjour.
Puisque vous ne pouvez pas réduire ou supprimer Ayutthaya, vous pouvez ne réserver que 2 nuits à Sukhotay, vous verrez sur place si vous restez une nuit de plus ou si vous allez sur Chiang Mai plus tôt. Il y a beaucoup à voir et diverses activités proposées à Chiang Mai.
Je vous conseille de réserver dans la vieille ville de Chiang Mai, le Carré, où il y a beaucoup de petits hôtels, on peut aller à pied visiter les temples selon sa forme du moment. Le quartier du Night Market n'a plus grand intérêt: grands hôtels et faux artisanat fabriqué en usine en Chine.
A Sukhotay, préférer la vieille ville où il y a une vie locale, marchés et commerces et des navettes pas chères pour aller au parc historique, A New Sukhotay il y a surtout des hôtels pour les tours operator .
De toute façon, quand on termine un voyage même bien préparé, on se dit toujours qu'on aurait pu rester une journée de plus ici et une de moins là...Et çà change selon les années parce qu'on tombe sur une fête , un hébergement particulièrement sympa, ou parce que la météo a été mauvaise ou excellente.
Je suis sûre que vous allez faire une très beau voyage. Il faut surtout bien se préparer au marchandage, se renseigner sur les taxis, prévoir les antimoustiques efficaces...
Bonnes vacances,
Un immense merci pour vos avis précieux et chaleureux; on a encore un peu de temps pour s'organiser !
En février , pensez vous qu'il vaut mieux réserver le billet d'avion de Chiang Mai vers le sud (Surat Thani ou Krabi) de la France ? ou est ce qu'on peut improviser et trouver facilement sur place?
Il y a bien cinq compagnies low cost qui font différents trajets intérieurs.
C'est bien plus intéressant de réserver lors des périodes de promotion qu'au dernier moment ( bon, dans la mesure du possible, hein ).
Faites déjà des simulations. Il y a notamment Air Asia qui fait régulièrement des promos les week-ends. Voyez aussi Thaismile, Nokair, Bangkok Airways.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Je le fait à chaque année à l'avant-dernière minute car mes horaires sont vraiment aléatoires en voyage, je suis bohème le plus possible... L'an passé par contre, en période de Nouvel An Chinois, de retour du Laos => Chiang Mai puis => Krabi, ça m'a coûté plus cher qu'à l'habitude.
AirAsia puis BangkokAirways sont super. Nok Air est très bien aussi, souvent avec un arrêt à DMK... et l'an passé, j'ai pris Thaï pour Krabi=> BKK
Tout dépend de vos horaires une fois là-bas.
Bonne préparation!
Vous allez vous régaler! 😉
"😎😎"
ps: pour répondre à Denis, je parlais de Krabi en tant que tel, pas de Ao Nang.
"Plus il y a de fous, moins il y a de riz"
Paris, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Rhône, Alpes, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, Barcelona, Figueres, Belém, Sao Paulo, Manaus, Marajò, Soure, Joanes, Ilha de Mosqueiro, Cambu, Iccoraci, Costa Rica, Corse, México, Cuba, Thaïlande, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodge, Chine...
Je reviens vers vous tous, fins connaisseurs du pays, et moi bien ignorante!! Dans la 2ème partie du voyage nous serons donc dans le sud... mais voilà quand je regarde les hotels du côté de Krabi ou de Ao Nang ça m'inquiète un peu car je n'aime pas l'ambiance station balnéaire; en revanche j'ai vu des bungalows sympa du côté de Klong Muang beach (et aussi moins chers et en bord de plage); connaissez vous cet endroit ? est ce simple de rejoindre Ao Nang pour des excursions quand on n'est pas motorisé ? je ne vois pas de location de vélos non plus ?
On peut louer des vélos et des scooters partout, il y a des tuk-tuk aussi. Je ne connais pas votre endroit mais il y a PLEINS de petits coins tranquilles, hors circuit. On en parle ici de temps en temps mais plusieurs restent secrets... vous comprendrez pourquoi!
Fouillez un peu le forum... 😉
Lah gorn!
"😎😎"
ps: les thaïs sont les spécialistes du transport tout azimuts. Avec eux, comme vous dites en gaule, "y'a pas de soucis"! Demandez et vous recevrez! 😇
pps: Ko Yao Noi (fév 2016) Directement en face de mon gros orteil, c'est Ao nang! 😮
"Plus il y a de fous, moins il y a de riz"
Paris, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Rhône, Alpes, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, Barcelona, Figueres, Belém, Sao Paulo, Manaus, Marajò, Soure, Joanes, Ilha de Mosqueiro, Cambu, Iccoraci, Costa Rica, Corse, México, Cuba, Thaïlande, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodge, Chine...
Reponse de message vraiment judicieuse, ds 2 semaines nous entrerons en Thaïlande pour une 20 ieme fois et chacun a sa propre perception et gouts ce qui fait le charme de voyager, peu importe le pays , je crois, vous souhaitant un prochain beau voyage
Roger
Encore merci à tous pour votre aide ! nous avons encore une hésitation concernant le trajet bus ou train entre Phitsanulok et Chiang Mai. J'étais tentée de le faire de jour en imaginant que l'on passerai par de beaux paysages (alors que de nuit bien sûr...);mais mon amie a lu que les paysages que l'on traverse en bus sont pas terribles!!
Auriez vous une expérience à ce sujet ? et les bus sont ils un peu confortable pour les 6h de trajet.... en train, bien sûr on peut bouger!
En effet, le bus de Old Sukhothaï (pas Phitsanulok! => Old Sukhothaï est un minibus correct pour petit trajet) vers Chiang Mai est un peu serré (pour moi, 1m82) mais pas la fin du monde. 5 heures (de jour) qui ont passées bien plus vite que je ne l'aurais cru au départ.
Je le referais volontiers.
Bon voyage les filles! 😉
"😎😎"
ps: erreur! La photo est le mini bus de Phitsanulok vers Old Sukhothaï.. Le bus vers Chiang Mai était plus gros mais j'étais au fond et un peu tassé.. ;)
photos 2 et 3 : le bus de Old Sukhothaï vers Chiang Mai, et mon espace restreint un peu... 😇
"Plus il y a de fous, moins il y a de riz"
Paris, Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Rhône, Alpes, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon, Barcelona, Figueres, Belém, Sao Paulo, Manaus, Marajò, Soure, Joanes, Ilha de Mosqueiro, Cambu, Iccoraci, Costa Rica, Corse, México, Cuba, Thaïlande, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodge, Chine...
Nos experiences terresttes furent entre Bangkok et Chang Mai par train , et ce fut bien agreable, comme vous le mentionne, on peut bouger a l aise et moins stressant .et a deux autres occasions ce fut par Air Asia, mais toujours de Bangkok
Nous partons entre 5 amies d'enfance pour un voyage que nous espérons mythique en thailande du 12 au 28 septembre. Nous ne serons sur place que du 14 au 27…
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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
