Je pars dans un mois au Yunnan, et je suis en train de faire le point sur les chaussures. J'ai des chaussures de rando pour la haute montagne (qui vont surtout être utiles les 15 premiers jours sur le plateau tibétain). A part ça, il me faut une paire pour la partie sud (frontière birmane) et je pensais commander les techamphibian 3 chez Salomon ou les Waterpro Maipo chez Merrel.
Tout ça c'est bien, mais entre un trek en montagne et un dans la jungle / montagne (chaude), je vais quand même passer quelque temps en ville, et je me suis dit que des sandales, ce serait pas mal si il fait beau. Et là, problème: j'ai le pied creux donc soit je mets des talons relativement hauts et fins (et surtout inconfortables et pas adaptés pour le voyage), soit il me faut des sandales avec un méga renfort de voûte plantaire ou dans lesquelles je puisse glisser une semelle (sinon je ne peux pas passer plus d'une heure ou 2 debout).
Quelqu'un aurait-il des pistes ? Je voudrais quelque chose d'un peu élégant quand même, qui puisse passer pour une chaussure de ville (évidemment, le mouton à 5 pattes)...
Bonjour Auri
J ai aussi des pb de voûte plantaire avec nécessité de semelles adaptées , indispensables pour toutes les marches sinon douleurs au dos...
Donc j'ai des chaussures Mephistos certes chères en choisissant celles qui ont des semelles interchangeables avec des semelles orthopédiques...;et j 'ai même des sandales avec de telles semelles..... et je parcours le monde entier
Voila mes pistes
Bon courage et bon voyage ..... au Yunnan
Carassou
C'est vrai que j'espérais m'en tirer pour un peu moins que des Mephisto, surtout que les sandales ne sont pas franchements soldées en ce moment, mais ça reste une piste.
J'ai vu un modèle pas trop cher sur internet d'une marque allemande, qui a l'air (photo) d'avoir un bon renfort à l'intérieur, je me dis que je vais essayer. Au pire, elles serviront pour aller bosser cet été.
Dommage de ne pas être aux USA, là-bas, on trouve des modèles pour voûte plantaire haute... qui ne soient pas hors de prix.
Connais- tu les chaussures MBT? Techniques, sportive ou ville, des formes très chouettes ....pour la ville, ; le seul problème leur prix....mais on peut en trouver en fin de série à moitié prix sur le net, si non trouve sa taille...
entre 220/ 250 € , je n'ai jamais trouvé des chaussures aussi bonnes....légères et propulsantes...
Je viens d'en acheter 2 paires pour partir au Japon, une sportive que j'ai eu à moitié prix et une de ville...enfin des chaussures de Geisha....😉
C'est important de voyager avec chaussure à son pied....!!!
"Ce que je fais m'apprends ce que je cherche".Soulages
Toutes les marques ne sont pas adaptées à tous les pieds. A chacun sa marque.
Après qu'on m'ait chanté les louanges de Merell je me suis laissé convaincre et en ai acheté une paire.
Comme je ne m'y sentais pas vraiment à l'aise à l'usage je les ai mises au placard.
Puis, après une longue période sans randonner je m'y suis remis un peu trop fort avec des chaussures aux semelles trop usées: j'y ai gagné un problème à la voute plantaire.
Une podologue m'a fait des semelles orthopédiques qui me font du bien mais, alors que j'avais données mes chaussures au cordonnier (pour qu'il me remette mes semelles à neuf), j'ai ressorties les Merell du placard, leurs semelles n'ayant pas besoin de cordonnier.
Grâce à ces Merell en plus de mon problème à la voute plantaire je me paie maintenant un double névrome de Morton. J'avais eu raison de les mettre au placard et tort d'écouter les recommandations sur cette marque (certainement bonne pour d'autres mais pas pour moi)/
Là je morfle depuis novembre et faire 100 mètres pour faire mes courses est devenu un calvaire.
Nos pieds sont trop importants pour vouloir gratter quelques euros sur une paire de chaussures ou des semelles. Si tu ne parviens plus à marcher lors de ton voyage le surcout que cela engendrera risque de dépasser largement le prix d'une paire de pompes avec des semelles orthopédiques.
Enfin ne prend pas une marque de chaussures parce que quelqu'un de confiance t'en aura dit du bien: cette personne n'a pas forcément les mêmes pieds que toi.
Si tu as la chance d'être à Paris alors tu peux rendre visite au Vieux Campeur où tu pourras vraiment essayer avant d'acheter.
Si tu te sens bien dans des Méphisto alors n'hésite pas à casser ta tirelire, il y a des économies qui peuvent coûter cher.
"La seule chose dont on soit sûr, en ce qui concerne l'avenir, c'est qu'il n'est jamais conforme à nos prévisions." (Jean Dutourd)
J'ai été au vieux campeur, ils n'ont rien de chez rien. A part bien évidemment les chaussures d'hiver ou de haute montagne. Et le peu de sandales de marche qu'ils ont ont des semelles internes totalement plates sur les modèles femme. Ou alors c'est des tongs. Pour les pays chauds, ils ont pataugas ou pataugas (je ne rentre pas dedans, pas assez large).
J'ai pris les salomons pour aller dans l'eau. Première paire de ce modèle, c'est vrai, mais j'ai déjà eu pas mal de sandales, baskets et chaussures de sport en tout genre chez eux, je sais que ça me va (jusqu'à présent).
Je vais tester mon modèle pas cher avant de partir, voir comment je me sens dedans. Ca ne peut pas être pire que mon dernier voyage : 1 semaine de marche (en ville) en... tongs ^^ Et si ça va pas, ben j'irai voir chez Mephisto si ça me convient. D'ici là, le vieux campeur aura peut-être refait son stock.
Ma foi je suis un peu surpris, peut-être n'étiez-vous pas dans le bon magasin, chacun d'entre eux étant spécialisé?
De mémoire il me semble que pour les sandales de marche il faut aller dans un des magasins de la rue des Ecoles (peut-être à l'angle avec la rue Saint-Jacques).
Dans le magasin dédié aux sandales de marche on ne trouve pas de chaussures de haute montagne.
En tout cas on est censé y trouver les Salomon qui vous intéressent:
Oui, merci bien, j'étais dans le bon magasin ! Soit il y a un magasin fantôme que les vendeurs ne connaissent pas, soit votre magasin "sandales" n'existe que l'été. J'ai fait un total de 4 magasins, en demandant à chaque fois aux vendeurs si il n'y avait pas des chaussures ailleurs (je ne compte pas le magasin de plongée où je me suis seulement renseignée pour avoir l'adresse de celui des chaussures de rando).
Le magasin rue des écoles dont vous parlez n'a que des vêtements de ville pour l'hiver. Celui au 44 n'a également que des vêtements (rando hiver, alpinisme). Avant que vous ne me disiez d'aller voir, j'y ai été pour chercher une veste. Pas de chaussures de rando en vue.
Toutes les chaussures de randonnée (et de ville), y compris les sandales, se trouvent dans le magasin bd St Germain, au sous-sol pour la rando. Les sandales occupent deux pauvres rayonnages mal rangés tout au fond. C'est ce qu'il leur reste de l'été dernier, pas de nouvel arrivage depuis. Ils attendent les livraison du stock (déjà disponible sur internet) pour le mois de mars, mais ils ne savent pas quand.
Pour les petites pointures de toutes façons, ils n'ont pas grand chose en stock, la plupart des modèles sont maintenant indisponibles... Ni pour les grandes pointures d'ailleurs, quelques clients étaient fort déçus.
Des sac à dos, ça ils en avaient... En fait, vu qu'ils changent pas mal leurs magasins entre l'été et l'hiver (et qu'ils sont bien évidemment approvisionnés en fonction du climat français), trouver des affaires légères chez eux en ce moment est assez galère. Même en vêtements, ils n'ont pas grand chose...
J'aimerais avoir vos avis sur ce parcours + distance bus + Guest hotel si vous connaissez Je n'ai rien réservé. En juin est il plus prudent de réserver avant…
Je suis en pleine preparation de depart a l'aventure made in China et je suis en quete d'infos et conseils sur le Yunnan. Le principe: Je vais voyager seule,…
J'envisage un voyage au Yunnan en août 2008 (seule période de disponible pour moi). Je suis donc à la recherche de conseils: est-ce judicieux de voyager durant…
Nous partons en mai pour le Yunnan. je voudrais savoir si on peut utiliser Messenger ou Skype et sinon trouve-t-on facilement des cibercafés. Quelqu'un a-t-il…
Il y a-t-il quelqu'un qui serait allé, à pieds, à la rencontre des Wa ou autre ethnie, dans les régions montagneuses, isolées, du Yunnan? Merci. Christian
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