Nous sommes actuellement en voyage pour 3 mois en Asie du Sud Est et arrivons a Samui le 27 Fevrier.
Notre probleme, trouver un bungalow pas trop cher, pour les voyageurs type routards comme nous a petit budget et plutot calme pour se reposer quelques jours. Sauf que nous cherchons un bungalow pour environ 10 euros la nuit pas plus. Dans le forum je ne trouve que des conseils a 50 euros ou plus pour des message intitules "pas cher"..
Ben moi j oublie Samui pour aller sur Phangan - coté Nord !! Ce sera plus authentique, plus reposant et moins cher qu'a Samui. Sans doute aucun 😎
"Dans vos phrases, n'utilisez qu'un sujet, un verbe, un complément d"objet direct ; Quand vous aurez besoin d'un adjectif, venez me trouver." (Georges Clemenceau)
10 euros à Samui et en bungalows en plus c'est très optimiste !
Peut-être à Lamai.
Il y en a un qui semble dans ces prix, le New Hut Bungalow à vérifier.
Mais effectivement pour le mode routard, mieux vaut aller à Phangan. Koh Samui n'est plus "routarde" depuis longtemps ( au moins depuis qu'elle a un aéroport ;) )
pas bon du tout pour le soleil, la mer et la plage
Tiens ! Le néo- psychologue se transforme en marin pour le plaisir de la contradiction ??
Moi au Nord Ouest de l'Ile voici ce que je constate à Mae Haadt 😎😎
"Dans vos phrases, n'utilisez qu'un sujet, un verbe, un complément d"objet direct ; Quand vous aurez besoin d'un adjectif, venez me trouver." (Georges Clemenceau)
tu remarqueras que sur ta photo, la plage et la mer c'est vraiment pas ça !!! ou alors faut vraiment pas aimer les belles plages , pour la vase t'as prévu des bottes ?
et jamais vu un lever ou coucher de soleil sur une plage orientée nord ! ou alors révise ta géo
tu remarqueras que sur ta photo, la plage et la mer c'est vraiment pas ça !!!
Marée basse... Tout simplement ! Tu t'enlise... 😛
et jamais vu un lever ou coucher de soleil sur une plage orientée nord ! ou alors révise ta géo
Photo prise à Mae Haadt (tout près de Chaklolum).... C'est plus simple non ?
Tu vas bien trouver encore un truc à redire.... 😛
"Dans vos phrases, n'utilisez qu'un sujet, un verbe, un complément d"objet direct ; Quand vous aurez besoin d'un adjectif, venez me trouver." (Georges Clemenceau)
Mais qu'ai je bien pu mettre juste au dessus de la photo jointe à ma réponse ? 😇😇
Tu pinailles.... tu t'enlise.... et le post n'avance plus... 😛
"Dans vos phrases, n'utilisez qu'un sujet, un verbe, un complément d"objet direct ; Quand vous aurez besoin d'un adjectif, venez me trouver." (Georges Clemenceau)
Vrai que c'est une partie de l'île qui est un havre de tranquilité et un bonheur de coucher de soleil.
Haad, hat, hadt, haat, had,
aucune importance c'est de l'ecriture farang, ce qui compte c'est la phonetique.
Exemple le titre de ce concert de Taï Orathaï (originaire de Ubon, pas Udon) qui s'intitule ici
"Kin kao rueh young"
En vérité il faut lire "Kin Khaô rû yang"
- Le Mira Mare à Lamai (Googlize). Bungalow basic, eau froide et ventilo. Le ressort donne directement sur la plage. Les bungalows pas cher, forcement sont les plus éloignés de la plage mais tu sera quand même à 80 mètres du sable. Ressort tenu pas une famille de thai, à l'ancienne. Bon restaurant grande terrasse en bord de plage on mange sur des tables en plastique qui on passé l'age, c'est kitch, c'est backpacker, c'est sympa.
les premiers prix sont à 500THB (12€).
- Je te donnerai bien un plan à 290THB pas loin du centre mais c'est vraiment... ca tombe en ruine. enfin, très basic.
- Autre plan, si tu préfère avoir un truc un peu mieux équipé (TV+frigo) et tu es pres à pas être directement en bord de plage, il y a le Jinna Garden House (350THB), toujours centre de Lamai, enfin pas loin du centre et à 200 mètres de la plage. un plan d'accès ici. On est plus tout à fait dans les bungalow mais c'est un bon plan pas cher et bien placé.
Pour la personne qui disait qu'il faut aller sur le côte ouest pour éviter les touristes et donc payer moins cher, je sais pas d'où sort cette hyphothèse mais en tout cas à Koh Samui l'île n'est pas segmenté de cette facon. Le marché de l'immobilier fait que le sud et l'ouest est inaccessible à quelqu'un qui voudrait faire un ressort pas cher. La côte ouest, comme la côte sud contient les hôtels parmi les plus cher de l'île qui ont tous (ou quasiment) plusieurs piscines car la mer ne se prete pas à la baignade . Exception faite pour le Jinta à Ban Phang Ka (extreme sud ouest) mais le secteur est mort (mais pas sans charme) et la plage bof. Alors bien sûre tu trouvera une ou deux exceptions aussi sur le secteur de Lipa Noï, où la journée tu aura le plaisir d'entendre la musique digne d'une discothèque qui sort du Nikki Beach, très cher et principalement convoité par des têtes blondes, mais le secteur est loin d'être convoité par des back packer : à commencer par le fait qu'ici on est loin de tout, et entre autre loin du marché de nuit où on peut manger à pas cher. Aucun avantage à séjourner sur la côte ouest car les ressort les moins cher ne sont pas moins cher que les moins cher de lamai et en plus tu va griller ici plus d'essence pour bouger, tu perdra donc du temps pour te déplacer et tu aura peu de choix en restau pas cher.
Juste par ce que j'en ai entendu parler de couché de soleil, pour moi, les plus beau sont à Koh Lanta. dans le golf de thailande le soleil tombe sur le continent là ou se forme les masse nuagueuse (faut aimer les coucher de soleil nuagueux... y en a des beau..). à Lanta, le soleil tombe... dans l'eau, tu peux presque l'entendre crépiter quand il touche l'eau 😏 et la diffraction de la lumière dans les derniers instant est superbe
Juste par ce que j'en ai entendu parler de couché de soleil, pour moi, les plus beau sont à Koh Lanta. dans le golf de thailande le soleil tombe sur le continent là ou se forme les masse nuagueuse (faut aimer les coucher de soleil nuagueux... y en a des beau..). à Lanta, le soleil tombe... dans l'eau, tu peux presque l'entendre crépiter quand il touche l'eau 😏 et la diffraction de la lumière dans les derniers instant est superbe
C'est vrai, trés beau
Un autre endroit dans un autre registre:
Ban Saphan
Les photos ne sont pas retouchées
Désolé pour le hors sujet
🙂
Merci pour vos reponses, en particulier charlythai et asianmike qui ont fait de "vraies reponses".
Je vais regarder les endroits que vous me proposez. sinon mon copain a trouver en fouillant sur le net The Cottage a moins de 10 euros d'apres leur site et a Lamai. Si vous connaissez, quand pensez vous?
Aprés avoir agrementé ton fil de photos qui (devraient) te donner envie
Une "VRAIE" réponse😏 :
The Cottage trés bien placé, pas essayé.
Une autre piste, moins interresante géographiquement,
Elle date de 03/ 2010 à vérifier
Pour les petits budgets:
Le Weekender
En plein centre de Lamaï quelques bungalows sympas en retrait de la rue principale.
Basiques mais propres, ventilateur (pas de tv ni frigo)
La nuitée : 250 bahts
Direction Thaïe
Mon fils et ses amis y ont séjourné 15 jours,
Petit inconvénient :
Souvent complet
Le bruit nocturne (A 100 mètres du Fusion club) pour les insomniaques (jusqu’à 2 heures)
Tu peux trouver des bungalow à 10 euros ou moins sur la plage à Samui ;)
Je te conseil le Nord de l'île : Ban Thai, Bang Po ou l'ouest : Lipa Noi Talim Ngam;
Contrairement à ce qu'on peut lire parfois, koh samui garde un côté sauvage, bien sur chaweng et Lamai à éviter.
Louez des motos et partez dans la montagne , elle est parsemé de route, lesquelles vous ne croiserez peu ou pas de touriste, Et attention à la vue et au paysage c'est magnifique.
Comme dit plus haut Koh Pangan est plus sauvage que koh samui (éviter le sud de koh pangan tout de même)
Les logements sont un peu moins chère à Koh pangan mais le reste est un peu plus couteux (nourriture...) île très sympa.
The Cottage trés bien placé, pas essayé.
Une autre piste, moins interresante géographiquement,
Elle date de 03/ 2010 à vérifier
Pour les petits budgets:
Le Weekender
En plein centre de Lamaï quelques bungalows sympas en retrait de la rue principale.
Basiques mais propres, ventilateur (pas de tv ni frigo)
La nuitée : 250 bahts
Direction Thaïe
Mon fils et ses amis y ont séjourné 15 jours,
Petit inconvénient :
Souvent complet
Le bruit nocturne (A 100 mètres du Fusion club) pour les insomniaques (jusqu’à 2 heures)
Tes tarifs pour le weekender date de quelle année ? car les tarifs le weekender me donne sont plutôt autour de 1000THB.
Aussi, comme tu indique que le weekender à un direction Thai, on peut aussi noter que le Cottage à une direction francophone. C'est une bonne référence.
@MaXoM : je trouve douteux de conseiller la côte ouest et... Bang Por... Ban Por = une route principal avec des voitures qui roule à donf car dans le coin y a personne + quelques rues désertes qui s'échappent vers la mer. Une fois j'ai rencontré à Mae Nam un touriste Suisse qui cherchait son chemin. Il était tout content de me dire qu'il avait un hôtel à Bang Por à 250THB. bien bien... je lui demande alors où il va. et lui de me répondre qu'il cherche un autre hôtel car y a rien à faire à Bang Por. Cet anecdote me semble assez représentative de ce qui attend n'importe qui allant sur la côte ouest, sud ou la pointe nord ouest (donc Bang Por).
Quant à dire qu'il vaut éviter Chaweng et Lamai, c'est démago. En société les gens aiment dire qu'ils recherchent un coin tranquille où y a personne, mais dans la réalité, qui a envie d'aller se faire chi*r là où il n'y a personne ? tien ba la réponse est comprise dans la question.
ca reste un point de vue personnel, je l'entend bien ainsi.
Ca dépend complétement ce qu'ils recherchent comme vacances .... Ia des gens qui recherche le calme et seront très bien à Ban Thai (super plage juste après mae nam) Lipa Noi ou Taling Nam . Bang Por c'est pas mal pour les restaurants thai sur la plage très bon seafood (juste après Ban Thai)
Je suggérais ces endroits pour des gens voulant passer leur journée au calme sur la plage devant leur petit bungalow et se faire un bon pti restaurant le soir.
Quelqu'un qui vient pour faire la fête , avoir de l'animation faire du shopping direction Lamai alors.
Maenam est sympa aussi moins agité que Chaweng ou Lamai et avec pas mal de truc à faire.
Je disais d'éviter chaweng et lamai parce qu’ils avaient précisé "calme" (même si tu trouve des endroits calme la bas ...)
The cottage est plein et les autres ne me repondent pas par email (ceux conseilles plus quelques autres) malgres plusieurs emails envoyes depuis 2 adresses differentes.
J'espere pouvoir trouver en arrivant a Samui, surtout que je devrais arriver vers la fin de l'apres midi...
"Dans vos phrases, n'utilisez qu'un sujet, un verbe, un complément d"objet direct ; Quand vous aurez besoin d'un adjectif, venez me trouver." (Georges Clemenceau)
Nous voulons quand meme passer a Samui, pour voir. En plus mon copain y etait alle quand il etait petit (il y a 15 ans) donc aussi pour voir l'enorme evolution de l'ile.
Mais bien sur apres nous prevoyons d'aller a Phangan. D'ailleurs si vous avez de bonnes adresses je suis preneuses !
Je suis un vieux routard, j'ai vécu à phuket et à kho samui. Maintenant j'aimerais retourner à kho samui mais dans un endroit calme et pas trop cher A l'époque…
Je poste un message car cet été je pars en Thailande et j'aimerais réserver un bungalow sur krabi pour quelques jours en particuliers sur la baie d'ao phra…
Quelqu'un pourrait me dire si c'est possible de trouver un bingalow sur koh tao avec salle de bain, chiotte et electricité + ventilO, pas trés loin de la playa…
Nous partons, mon mari et moi mi janvier prochain en Thailande avec nos 2 enfants de 3 et 9 ans. nous cherchons des plages sympa et calmes, nous pensions à KO…
Three years after exploring northern Argentina and Chile, my two travel buddies and I want to discover the southern part of these two countries.
We’re traveling on a budget, backpacker-style, favoring public transport and modest accommodations, but we don’t hesitate to splurge a little when it’s worth it.
The classic spots that have been fueling our dreams: Bariloche, the lakes, Chiloé, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, El Calafate, Fitz Roy, Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, and wrapping up in Valparaíso.
We’ll take a round-trip flight to Santiago, then I’m thinking of a one-way flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. From there, we’ll explore and do several day hikes in the south, including Ushuaia and, if possible, Tierra del Fuego.
Then we’ll head back north by bus to Bariloche and the lakes, followed by Chiloé, then a bus to Santiago and Valparaíso.
Based on your experience, could you help me figure out the best way to structure this trip and maybe suggest some ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Didier
Bonjour,
Je pars une 10 jours au Maroc façon routard avec ma voiture une toile de tente si nécessaire. auriez vous de belles expériences de ce pays dans la région de Térouam, Tanger
j'aimerai passer du temps chez l'habitant louer une petite chambre participer à la vie local .
Si vous auriez quelques adresses à me communiquer😏
Mille merci pour vos réponse!!!😉
christine
I’m heading to Quebec and New Brunswick this summer and got a Revolut Classic card for the trip. I’ve already exchanged some Canadian dollars in the app so I’ll have a reserve ready for my departure day. My question is whether I’ll incur any additional fees when using my Canadian dollar account. I think I’m limited to 200 € in ATM withdrawals for my part. Thanks!
My boyfriend and I are going there for just 9 days, including the two travel days… It’s not much, but oh well!
Looking at prices online, I get the impression everything’s more expensive than I thought 😅 So, I wanted to get your feedback on a few things:
* Is hitchhiking common, easy, and generally safe in Albania?
* Is it possible to find day-to-day accommodations without booking ahead? If so, are they usually cheaper than the ones you find online?
* Is wild camping allowed or at least tolerated?
If any of you have traveled there recently, I’d love all the tips and great deals you’ve got!
Hi,
We’re a young couple planning to travel to South Africa after spending about three weeks in Namibia. We’ll arrive in Cape Town around mid-December, with no fixed travel duration (though our budget will eventually set a limit).
After browsing through the forum, we’ve realized the country is packed with incredible spots, which makes choosing an itinerary tough. We’re looking for stunning landscapes, hikes, and so on. So, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
When we arrive in Cape Town, we’d like to settle in and take it easy until New Year’s, exploring at a relaxed pace. We know this period coincides with South African holidays—does that make finding accommodations (availability/prices) more difficult? Do you think it’s possible to stay in a nice place for about 15 days without aiming for the most upscale neighborhoods? Maybe somewhere a bit outside Cape Town, like Fish Hoek, and just visit the city occasionally.
After that, we’ll have plenty of time (about 2 to 2.5 months) to explore the country. We’d like to take our time. In your opinion, is it better to focus on the Cape Town region, or is it reasonable to consider more distant areas like the Drakensberg or Blyde River Canyon? Can everything be done by car if we take our time, or are domestic flights sometimes more practical?
Budget-wise, how much do car rentals cost? For accommodations, we usually look at Airbnb—are they affordable in South Africa? What’s the average nightly rate outside the biggest cities? Are there other platforms you’d recommend for saving on lodging?
Finally, regarding safety, are there any regions to avoid besides Johannesburg?
We know this is a lot of questions, but we’re still in the early planning stages!
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi there,
After exploring southern Peru in 2024 with your help, we’d love to head north next. There’ll be 5 or 6 of us:
1. Arrive in Lima in the evening.
2. Visit Lima and take a flight at 6:35 PM to Tarapoto.
3, 4, 5. Spend a few days there to trek in a reserve (Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve) or somewhere else.
6. From Tarapoto to Chachapoyas—either by overnight bus, daytime bus, or private car.
7. In Chachapoyas: Gocta Waterfall, Sonche Canyon, and walk back to town.
8. Head to Kuelap citadel, Revash, and arrive in Leymebamba.
9. Leymebamba museum, then route to Cajamarca.
10. Cajamarca hot springs, overnight bus to Trujillo or Chiclayo—or do both.
11, 12, 13. Visit and explore the area.
14. Overnight bus back to Lima.
15. Lima.
16. Depart at 8 PM for France.
What do you think of this itinerary? Looking forward to your advice.
Thanks
I’m planning a 7-day trip to Marrakech for a sports camp, and I’ll be traveling with just a standard carry-on backpack.
I’d love to hear your best tips and tricks:
• What clothes are absolutely essential?
• Any advice for managing the heat while traveling light?
• Which accessories have been the most useful for you?
• Mistakes to avoid on a first trip to Marrakech?
I’m also open to your recommendations for neighborhoods, restaurants, or activities not to miss during my free time.
Thanks in advance for your advice and experience! !
Hi there, we’re heading to the Cyclades from June 23 to July 9. We’ll arrive in Santorini and leave from Mykonos. We’re thinking of visiting these islands: Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Tinos, and Mykonos. Do you think it’s better to book the ferries now (which site do you recommend for booking?) or can we buy the tickets on the spot? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodation under 100 €/night on each of these islands? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone!
I’m planning my dream trip for next September, lasting about a month. Here’s my itinerary:
Amsterdam: 3 days (departing from Montreal)
Tanzania: 3-day safari
Zanzibar: 6 days
Istanbul: 7 days
Return to Montreal.
Since my budget is pretty tight, I’m looking for tips and advice to cut costs without sacrificing the experience. Here are my questions:
Multi-destination flights: What’s the best way to book these connections? Is it better to buy a one-way ticket from Montreal to Amsterdam, then a separate internal flight, or use comparison tools for a multi-destination ticket?
Budget safari: Do you have recommendations for local agencies or tips to do a 3-day safari (Serengeti/Ngorongoro) at an affordable price (e.g., camping/glamping instead of luxury lodges)?
Accommodation in Zanzibar: Which villages or types of lodging are the most budget-friendly and accessible via local transport for these 6 days?
Istanbul: Any tips for well-located but cheap accommodation and great food deals?
Hi,
Are there still basic, traditional, and affordable authentic accommodations in Poland? I’ll be traveling in July with my husband and our 2 kids along the Warsaw-Łódź-Toruń-Gdańsk route, and all I can find online are standardized Ikea-style apartments in the cities. When I look for agrotourism, it’s all luxury farms.
Can you find farms in the countryside or city lodgings for under 60 euros per night? And if so, how?
Is it possible to find accommodations on the spot without internet—like from people who put up signs—even in July?
Hi,
I need to stay in Paris or Créteil for 2 nights a week for a month. I know some cheap backpacker options, but I’d like something even cheaper. Do you know of any rooms for rent from private individuals?
Thanks
We’re a young couple planning our first trip to Albania from June 23, 2026, to July 2, 2026. We have a pretty tight budget and want to make the most of this amazing country without breaking the bank.
We’re looking for all the advice you can give to help us plan our stay:
* What are the must-see places to visit?
* Which cities or villages are really worth the detour?
* What natural sites, hikes, canyons, springs, or viewpoints do you recommend?
* Do you know of any free, uncrowded, or particularly beautiful beaches?
* Where can we responsibly observe or swim with sea turtles?
* What are the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera that are accessible on a small budget?
* What budget-friendly accommodations (hotels, hostels, homestays, campgrounds) do you recommend?
* What are the best ways to get around between different regions at a low cost?
* Do you know of any reliable and affordable agencies for renting a vehicle (car, scooter, or motorcycle)? What are the average rates at the end of June, and which rental companies do you recommend or advise against?
* Is it better to rent a vehicle right when we arrive or stick to local buses and minibuses to keep costs down?
* Which restaurants or local specialties offer the best value for money?
* Are there any free or low-cost activities we shouldn’t miss?
* Which places do you think are overrated or can be skipped when you’re short on time and money?
* What practical tips would you have wished you knew before your first trip to Albania?
We’d also love any 10-day itineraries that you particularly enjoyed, along with your budget estimates for accommodation, meals, and transportation.
We’re open to off-the-beaten-path spots and local tips. If you have any secret addresses, hidden beaches, favorite accommodations, or mistakes to avoid, we’d love to hear about them! 😊
Hi there, we’re planning a road trip in northern Algeria at the end of January – early February.
Anyone have any tips for a car rental agency that’s both reliable and not too expensive? Thanks in advance!
I traveled through southern Peru in November 2024 and now I’d like to explore the north.
We’re a group of 5 people for a 15-day trip.
Iquitos or Nauta for the Amazon rainforest—I saw that you have to fly there.
Chiclayo
Chachapoyas
Kuelap
Leimebamba
Cajamarca
Trujillo
And if we have time, Huaraz for the Andes cordillera.
No problem taking overnight buses—they save a lot of time.
Or renting a car and figuring it out as we go.
We’d also love to take the train from Lima to Huancayo, but it seems complicated—I don’t understand when it runs.
I’d like to drive to Morocco from Paris via Spain. I was really surprised to see the ferry crossing prices—around 500 €—but especially the crossing time (about 1 hour). Normally, I pay 3000 € to go to Tunisia from Genoa, but that’s for a 24-hour crossing.
My question: is it cheaper to buy the ticket on the spot, as some Moroccans have advised me? Though I’ve also heard the opposite.
What do you think, considering I need to get to Tétouan around July 17th and return from Tangier around August 4th?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning a 10-day trip to Slovenia in May (9–19 May) and starting to look at accommodations. Unfortunately, I’m only seeing relatively expensive options—nothing under 50 €, and usually around 100–150 €. Traveling solo, that could quickly blow my budget. And 30 € for a bed in a 10-person dorm at a youth hostel feels like a rip-off...
Are there other booking sources besides the usual Booking.com, Airbnb, and Google? Or can anyone confirm if I’ll find more reasonable rates on the ground around Bled, Bohinj, Triglav, or in mountain huts? I’ll be renting a car to optimize my travel, so I won’t be limited geographically.
Hi there,
Could you recommend some nice and affordable neighborhoods to book a hotel in for visiting Nice and exploring its surroundings and nearby villages?
I’d like to know if it’s better to book the entire stay in Nice and take day trips to the villages, or if there are villages worth spending at least one night in to really explore them properly?
Since all the villages are stunning and we have to make a choice, which ones are absolutely must-visit?
My 16-year-old daughter and I will be spending a week there at the end of April. We’ll arrive by TGV from Paris and plan to use public transport during our stay. Do you know if there’s a weekly transport pass available and how much it costs?
I’m planning to spend about twenty days in Réunion in November.
I’d like to get around using the *car jaune* (2 € per ticket), but from what I’ve heard, it doesn’t cover the whole island.
I’m not looking to head toward the ocean and the beautiful beaches—more toward the mountainous landscapes, even if I’ll just be admiring them from below. 😉
Maybe other buses go where I want to go.
By the way, are there any relatively easy mountain hikes, and where?
But here’s the most important part:
I don’t want to book anything in advance because I don’t know what my itinerary will look like—it’ll change depending on my mood. 3 days here, 5 days there, etc.
On top of that, I’d like to arrange half-board stays with locals—not professionals—by approaching them and asking if they’d be willing to host me (overnight stay, breakfast, and dinner) for 30 € to 40 € per day.
What do you think?
Does the price seem reasonable?
And is it okay to take the initiative and ask Réunionnais directly?
The tourist office in Réunion told me that since November is peak tourist season, I should book without delay. 🤪
For four years in a row, I traveled across Canada for a month and a half each time, relying only on hitchhiking and half-board stays with Canadians who welcomed me (and refused to let me pay them).
If I’d listened to my family and friends, I never would’ve taken the leap—and that adventure remains one of the best experiences of my life.
It’s been ages since I last dropped by here... maybe simply because, apart from Nepal, I haven’t really had the chance to hit the road lately. 😉
This year, I’d love to spend a few days in Lisbon, probably in late May or early June. But with my budget being what it is, I’m looking for great tips to avoid wasting time once I’m there and risk missing out on hidden gems or unusual culinary specialties and/or quirky activities! I’m hoping to find a room in a local’s home where I can stay in a quiet neighborhood near the center, so I can get around without relying too much on public transport—my walking shoes are my best travel buddies.
I’d love all your recommendations, especially for parks, small neighborhood markets, casual eateries for a quick bite, your favorite viewpoints to soak in the scenery (I’m bringing my travel journal to sketch my getaway in watercolors), events around traditional art and crafts, and so on.
All your advice will definitely help me travel peacefully and come back with my head full of vibrant memories!
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Isabelle
I’m diving into planning a trip I’ve dreamed of for a long time: crossing Africa from North to South solo, with a departure planned for October 2025 for about 8-9 months. I’m leaving from Paris with a starting budget of around 7,000 €, aiming to supplement it with work along the way.
My planned route: Senegal → Gambia → Sierra Leone/Liberia (if logistics work out) → Côte d'Ivoire → Ghana → Togo → Benin → Cameroon → Gabon → Kenya (Masai Mara) → Uganda (Bwindi gorillas) → Rwanda → Tanzania (Kili + Serengeti + Zanzibar) → Mozambique → Malawi → Zambia (Victoria Falls) → Botswana → Namibia → South Africa (Cape Town). Madagascar as a bonus if timing/budget allows from Mozambique.
I’m not a backpacking newbie—I’ve done several trips in Europe and I’m familiar with the lifestyle, hostels, local transport, etc. But Africa is my first big adventure on this continent, and I’ve got some very concrete questions I’d love feedback on from people who’ve been there.
🎭 My big dilemma: flexibility vs. pre-organized work
What matters most to me is NOT rushing through. If I feel good somewhere, I’ll stay longer. If a region doesn’t click, I’ll cut it short. That seems totally incompatible with having pre-booked work or volunteer gigs, yet I need that income to stretch my budget.
I’m torn between two approaches:
Option A: The mixed rhythm: 3-4 weeks of volunteering in a country (free accommodation, full immersion), then 1-2 countries in classic backpacker "vacation" mode, then another mission somewhere, etc. This gives a breathing rhythm and avoids burnout from non-stop volunteering.
Option B: The continuous flow: finding gigs as I go, from the previous country, contacting hosts 2-3 weeks in advance with a flexible date range. Keeping maximum spontaneity but never arriving anywhere without a safety net.
Have you tried either? What actually works on the ground in Africa?
🌍 What I’m really looking for in this trip
Not just the classic tourist spots. I want to see the country as it is—eating at local joints, taking local transport (bush taxis, minibuses, sept-places), staying with locals when possible. The big reserves and safaris are part of the plan (Masai Mara, Serengeti, Okavango), but just as much as hanging out in a residential neighborhood in Dakar, understanding how people really live.
Volunteering or work interests me for that reason too (not just for free lodging, but because it’s the deepest way to dive into a country). Working at a school in Ghana, a lodge in Kenya, a permaculture farm in Mozambique—I see it as an immersion that classic tourism can’t offer.
🎒 My concrete questions
About Workaway and Worldpackers: I’ve read a lot but would love on-the-ground feedback, especially for West and East Africa. Are hosts really flexible with dates for long-term travelers? Do the advertised gigs match reality? Are there alternative platforms you’d recommend for Africa specifically (I’ve heard of Help Exchange, WWOOF Africa, local networks…)?
About "off-platform" jobs: Is it really doable to find informal work on the spot (bars, restaurants, lodges) without prior contacts? In which countries/cities is this most accessible for a French speaker without a local work permit?
About logistics between countries: For those who’ve done the West Coast (Senegal → Ghana → Benin), how did you cross borders? Direct buses or local shared taxis at each border? And for the jump from Central Africa → Kenya, is a flight mandatory, or are there feasible overland routes?
About Madagascar: I’m considering adding it from Mozambique (flight Maputo or Beira → Tana). Those who’ve done it backpacker-style on a tight budget—is 3-4 weeks doable, or is it too short to be worth it?
I’m open to all tips, experiences, warnings, and pleasant surprises. And if you’ve got trusted local contacts (Workaway hosts, associations, community lodges), I’m all ears!
I’ve got tons of questions and I’m eager for any advice or experiences you can share!!
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for 2 adults and 2 kids to Tanzania and Zanzibar. I’ve had a quick look, and the prices are starting to get pretty wild.
We’ve got a budget of 8,000 €, and I was thinking of doing three or four days of safari and three or four days in Zanzibar, but even that seems like it might be over budget. Have you got any thoughts? I was also considering heading straight to Zanzibar and doing a one- or two-day excursion by plane instead—maybe that’d be cheaper than staying in a lodge.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences and any price tips, departing from Nice!
Good evening,
As two senior French couples who are used to traveling independently all over the world, we’d like to visit Kenya next November.
Now, after seeing and reading a bit everywhere, and with the first quotes for a 6/7-day safari, I’m shocked by the prices (like $2,250) for places like Maasai Mara, where entry alone costs $200 per person per day, plus fees for the driver and vehicle.
So if you have any recent great tips or contacts to share to help me out, I’d really appreciate it—because despite the costs, we’d still love to go, while keeping things reasonable.
The most plausible solution is probably renting a vehicle with a driver-guide.
Thanks in advance for all your replies.
Jacques
We’ll be in Srinagar for 4 days in mid-May 2026 during our backpacking trip as a couple. Do you have any nice places to recommend, and what about the houseboats on Dal Lake? Should we spend all our nights there, or just one night for practicality when getting around?
Thanks,
Rozenn
Hi there,
This is my first time traveling to Italy, and I’m planning to go by car.
From what I’ve read, parking is tough in cities like Florence.
I’m looking for a small town not too far from Florence where I can stay and park my car, then take the train to visit Florence.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Hi there, it’s been a long time since I last went to London. I’d love to spend a week there in July with my daughter and my niece (both young adults).
Of course, I’m looking for great tips on accommodation, and I’m wondering about renting an apartment. It seems like a better deal to save on restaurants (with the option of having a few meals at home... but is that really the case? I’m not sure about the cost of a meal in a modest restaurant, the pound exchange rate, or grocery prices...).
Otherwise, I’d like to stay in accommodation (hotel or apartment) near a tube station and in Zone 1.
If you have any great tips, I’d love to hear them!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading to Morocco for a trip in the south, starting with 3 days in Marrakech (from January 8th to 11th, 2026).
If you’ve got any tips, cool spots to recommend, I’m all ears! 🎊
And, fellow traveler, if you’d like to share this Marrakech adventure together, I’d love that!
Have a great evening
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Peru and have estimated how many days I’ll spend in each place.
Any advice on must-see sights and tourist traps to avoid?
September–October
5 days in Lima
Bus: 07:00→13:30 or 06:00 to 09:30 (express) (3 hr 30 min journey)
3 days in Paracas (beach)
I'd love some destination suggestions for a road trip from Nice to Livorno by car, including the routes, tolls to cross, distance, and estimated travel time. We're planning a 5-day trip, with 2 nights near Nice, 1 night along the way, and finally 2 nights in Livorno. There are 4 of us in a rental car, and we'd like to stay in either an apartment, a mobile home near the sea, or a campsite. Our budget isn't too extravagant!!!! We want to visit the Promenade des Anglais, and I've heard Menton is really interesting. Once we reach Livorno, we'll take the ferry to Corsica for 12 days with the same rental car. We're planning to leave the last week of May and the first two weeks of June 2026, so around 17-18 days total.
Thanks