Voiture, catégorie et assurance aux États-Unis
by Catimini74
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonsoir,
Suite de notre préparation de voyage pour l'Ouest américain, départ Phoenix et retour par Los Angeles avec piste par Monument Valley, environ 2000 kms -
2 personnes avec 2 valises et 2 sacs à dos.
Nous pensons louer un véhicule catégorie "COMPACT" gabarit correspondant
à nos véhicules en France (style 207), car nous ne sommes pas habituées à conduire de grosses voitures et n'osons pas prendre plus grand, en plus il y aura le stress car jamais conduit de voiture automatique et encore plus de stress à conduire à Los Angeles.
Au niveau garantie faut-il prendre l'assurance "TOUS RISQUES" ?
Est-il possible d'avoir des avis féminins car ces messieurs sont plus à l'aise dans ce domaine là. Mais nous acceptons bien volontiers messieurs tous vos conseils.
Merci à tous.
Bonjour,
Je vais prendre ton contre pied, je suis une femme, je voyage souvent seule avec mes "grandes" filles.
Je prends toujours, un SUV car franchement hyper confortable, pas de galère pour y rentrer / sortir tous les jours les sacs de voyages, glacière...etc...en plus tu es en hauteur c'est donc plus sympa pour voir les paysages.
La conduite aux Etats Unis est vraiment cool, l'automatique, rien de plus facile, et là bas tout est adapté aux grandes voitures. Aucun souci pour te garer !
ma fille de 22 ans conduit également et no problem.....en France elle a une twingo 😎
pour la prise en main en sortant de la location, la rue est assez calme, tu fais des va et vient pour te sentir à l'aise et ensuite la circulation, ça se fait bien.
N'hésite pas si tu as d'autres questions, je comprends ton stress mais sincèrement relax ....
Pour les assurances, difficile de te conseiller, as tu une visa premier ? si oui voit avec ta banque pour savoir exactement pour quel montant elle couvre. Tu peux prendre les assurances, casse de pare-brise et changement de pneus.....etc... à toi de voir.
Je vais prendre ton contre pied, je suis une femme, je voyage souvent seule avec mes "grandes" filles.
Je prends toujours, un SUV car franchement hyper confortable, pas de galère pour y rentrer / sortir tous les jours les sacs de voyages, glacière...etc...en plus tu es en hauteur c'est donc plus sympa pour voir les paysages.
La conduite aux Etats Unis est vraiment cool, l'automatique, rien de plus facile, et là bas tout est adapté aux grandes voitures. Aucun souci pour te garer !
ma fille de 22 ans conduit également et no problem.....en France elle a une twingo 😎
pour la prise en main en sortant de la location, la rue est assez calme, tu fais des va et vient pour te sentir à l'aise et ensuite la circulation, ça se fait bien.
N'hésite pas si tu as d'autres questions, je comprends ton stress mais sincèrement relax ....
Pour les assurances, difficile de te conseiller, as tu une visa premier ? si oui voit avec ta banque pour savoir exactement pour quel montant elle couvre. Tu peux prendre les assurances, casse de pare-brise et changement de pneus.....etc... à toi de voir.
Bsr Catherine,
No stress pour la conduite d'une automatique, ma femme ne voulait pas en entendre parler en 1993, depuis elle ne conduit pratiquement plus que ça, et elle adore.
Une seule règle à avoir en tête au départ, tu pose ton pied gauche sur la moquette et tu l'y laisses, ton pied droit fera comme sur une boite manuelle, alternance entre accélérateur et frein.
Pour la taille nous avions choisi la même catégorie que toi pour notre voyage dans l'ouest de 2006, mais nous avons eu la chance d'être surclassés lors de la perception de la voiture et avons eu au même prix une routière que nous avons grandement appréciée pour faire les quelques 6000 km du voyage. Nous avons fait avec elle la piste de monument valley et celle de valley of the God, sans aucun problème.
Toujours pour la taille, comme dit Leeloo, les routes aux US ont une largeur du double des notres et donc pas de probléme pour les manœuvres ou autre, les places de parking sont en rapport.
Ma femme n'est pas une fana de conduite et pourtant et de plus en france elle fait son affaire au volant d'un monospace américain de plus de 5 m de long ou d'un pick up lui aussi americain de 6 m, bon effectivement nous n'habitons pas en ville.
Pour les assurances idem ce que dit Leeloo pas de soucis si tu as une gold master card par exemple, pour nous nous n'avons jamais pris d'assurance complémentaire, mais nous prenons la formule all inclusive, 3 conducteurs, le plein compris (on peut rendre la voiture à sec), il me semble que l'assurance est renforcée dans ce cas aussi.
Pour d'autre infos sur la location tu peux lire les introductions de mes carnet de voyage.
No stress pour la conduite d'une automatique, ma femme ne voulait pas en entendre parler en 1993, depuis elle ne conduit pratiquement plus que ça, et elle adore.
Une seule règle à avoir en tête au départ, tu pose ton pied gauche sur la moquette et tu l'y laisses, ton pied droit fera comme sur une boite manuelle, alternance entre accélérateur et frein.
Pour la taille nous avions choisi la même catégorie que toi pour notre voyage dans l'ouest de 2006, mais nous avons eu la chance d'être surclassés lors de la perception de la voiture et avons eu au même prix une routière que nous avons grandement appréciée pour faire les quelques 6000 km du voyage. Nous avons fait avec elle la piste de monument valley et celle de valley of the God, sans aucun problème.
Toujours pour la taille, comme dit Leeloo, les routes aux US ont une largeur du double des notres et donc pas de probléme pour les manœuvres ou autre, les places de parking sont en rapport.
Ma femme n'est pas une fana de conduite et pourtant et de plus en france elle fait son affaire au volant d'un monospace américain de plus de 5 m de long ou d'un pick up lui aussi americain de 6 m, bon effectivement nous n'habitons pas en ville.
Pour les assurances idem ce que dit Leeloo pas de soucis si tu as une gold master card par exemple, pour nous nous n'avons jamais pris d'assurance complémentaire, mais nous prenons la formule all inclusive, 3 conducteurs, le plein compris (on peut rendre la voiture à sec), il me semble que l'assurance est renforcée dans ce cas aussi.
Pour d'autre infos sur la location tu peux lire les introductions de mes carnet de voyage.
Jean Maurice
Voyager c'est la seule dépense enrichissante.
Travel with an Airstream travel trailer, and See more, Do more, Live more
Voyager c'est la seule dépense enrichissante.
Travel with an Airstream travel trailer, and See more, Do more, Live more
Bonjour à tous,
je me permets d´intervenir car je ne suis pas tout à fait d´accord en ce qui concerne l´assurance, ou tout du moins j´ai de gros doutes.
Il me semble très important de prendre une assurance 100% tout risques là bas, à prendre avec l´agence de location, car que se passe -t- il en cas de gros pepin? (pas une roue crevée) mais un accident grave (mortel pour l´assuré pour pour autrui) Bon ok je suis hyper négative mais on ne sais jamais. Et en cas d´accident "je vais bien mais j´ai detruit la voiture"...les cartes bancaire couvrent- elles ce genre de problème?
Si je ne me trompe pas, il faut pouvoir prouver à l´assureur que vous êtes couvert par une assurance pour qu´il puisse louer la voiture. Or, vos assurances en France vous couvrent- elles à l´étranger?
ce n´est pas par hasard que les assurances de responsabilités civile pour les US couvrent à hauteur de 1 million de dollars...ça m´étonne qu´une simple carte bancaire offre ce service!
J´adorerai avoir une réponse à ces doutes car cela fais 4 années que je loue des voitures aux US, 4 années que je prends l´assurance maximum (qui coûte une fortune, ne nous leurrons pas)...tout ce temps aurais-je fais des dépense inutiles?
Par contre en ce qui concerne la conduite, il n´y a absolument aucun soucis à se faire, je ne conduis qu´aux US et j´y suis comme un poisson dans l´eau!
je me permets d´intervenir car je ne suis pas tout à fait d´accord en ce qui concerne l´assurance, ou tout du moins j´ai de gros doutes.
Il me semble très important de prendre une assurance 100% tout risques là bas, à prendre avec l´agence de location, car que se passe -t- il en cas de gros pepin? (pas une roue crevée) mais un accident grave (mortel pour l´assuré pour pour autrui) Bon ok je suis hyper négative mais on ne sais jamais. Et en cas d´accident "je vais bien mais j´ai detruit la voiture"...les cartes bancaire couvrent- elles ce genre de problème?
Si je ne me trompe pas, il faut pouvoir prouver à l´assureur que vous êtes couvert par une assurance pour qu´il puisse louer la voiture. Or, vos assurances en France vous couvrent- elles à l´étranger?
ce n´est pas par hasard que les assurances de responsabilités civile pour les US couvrent à hauteur de 1 million de dollars...ça m´étonne qu´une simple carte bancaire offre ce service!
J´adorerai avoir une réponse à ces doutes car cela fais 4 années que je loue des voitures aux US, 4 années que je prends l´assurance maximum (qui coûte une fortune, ne nous leurrons pas)...tout ce temps aurais-je fais des dépense inutiles?
Par contre en ce qui concerne la conduite, il n´y a absolument aucun soucis à se faire, je ne conduis qu´aux US et j´y suis comme un poisson dans l´eau!
🙂
je confirme, la conduite là-bas est cool, très cool 😎. et ça c'est en partie grace/à cause des boites automatiques (on s'y fait très vite, c'est au retour que c'est plus difficile ;-) ) Ils ne sont pas nerveux comme nous, ne démarrent pas au quart de tour au feu vert...
Rien à voir avec la france! c'est vrai que leurs voitures sont énormes, mais tout est proportionnel: la largeur des routes, les places de parking ... (C'est vraiment exceptionnel de se garer en créneau) Le nombre de voies dans les échangeurs aussi est impressionnant!
nous à coté on à l'air de playmobils.
pour être totalement rassurées, ammenez avec vous un gps, ou louez-le.
pour l'assurance, nous avons pris le max (LIS à 7,5 M$, via Locationdevoiture). Passe par un intermédiaire français et tu auras les assurances qu'il faut (ne compte pas sur ta CB pour ça, même Gold ou Premium, ce n'est pas adapté pour faire face aux frais de justice potentiellement astronomiques, il te faut un plafond mini de 1 million de dollars)
il y a déjà eu beaucoup de post à ce sujet, parcourre-les pour mieux comprendre tous les termes.
en 2005 nous avions réservé un petit modèle. Nous avons étés upgradés 2 fois et avons eu une Chevrolet Impala. Le Luxe quand on est habituée à conduire une clio!
en 2013 nous avons pris un monstre: le Suburban. Ah, on y prend très vite gout!😎
Si tu veux tranquilement faire la piste de MV , prennez vous un petit SUV, la garde au sol sera plus haute que si vous prennez une berline. Et sur les routes, en étant en hauteur vous serez moins impressionnées par la circulation, et la vue sera meilleure.
soit rassurrée, c'est surtout impressionant avant, mais on s'y fait rapidement.
je confirme, la conduite là-bas est cool, très cool 😎. et ça c'est en partie grace/à cause des boites automatiques (on s'y fait très vite, c'est au retour que c'est plus difficile ;-) ) Ils ne sont pas nerveux comme nous, ne démarrent pas au quart de tour au feu vert...
Rien à voir avec la france! c'est vrai que leurs voitures sont énormes, mais tout est proportionnel: la largeur des routes, les places de parking ... (C'est vraiment exceptionnel de se garer en créneau) Le nombre de voies dans les échangeurs aussi est impressionnant!
nous à coté on à l'air de playmobils.
pour être totalement rassurées, ammenez avec vous un gps, ou louez-le.
pour l'assurance, nous avons pris le max (LIS à 7,5 M$, via Locationdevoiture). Passe par un intermédiaire français et tu auras les assurances qu'il faut (ne compte pas sur ta CB pour ça, même Gold ou Premium, ce n'est pas adapté pour faire face aux frais de justice potentiellement astronomiques, il te faut un plafond mini de 1 million de dollars)
il y a déjà eu beaucoup de post à ce sujet, parcourre-les pour mieux comprendre tous les termes.
en 2005 nous avions réservé un petit modèle. Nous avons étés upgradés 2 fois et avons eu une Chevrolet Impala. Le Luxe quand on est habituée à conduire une clio!
en 2013 nous avons pris un monstre: le Suburban. Ah, on y prend très vite gout!😎
Si tu veux tranquilement faire la piste de MV , prennez vous un petit SUV, la garde au sol sera plus haute que si vous prennez une berline. Et sur les routes, en étant en hauteur vous serez moins impressionnées par la circulation, et la vue sera meilleure.
soit rassurrée, c'est surtout impressionant avant, mais on s'y fait rapidement.
7 semaines dans l'ouest avec enfants http://voyageforum.com/discussion/retour-sept-semaines-dans-ouest-avec-enfants-d6195384/
Merci pour vos réponses; du coup nous avons loué via locationdevoiture.fr avec le pack premium.
en fait l 'assurance tout risques c'est entre 35 et 40 $ / jour . et la location 20$ /jour en miles illimités . j'avais une DODGE de 300cv . voiture neuve avec une conso de 8.5 l/100 . c'était il y a 2 semaines .
TOUJOURS PLUS LOIN / isuzu d'max / caravane hobby 610 prestige
RE ;
- j'avais pris le top assurance , sans franchise , vandalisme , pneus , glaces , phares etc . . . comme j'allais traîner dans des endrois " un peu chauds " . c'était l'agence PAYLESS prés de l'aéroport de SAN DIEGO . - si je continue à venir réguliérement , j'achéterais un truck dans les $ 5000 .
- j'avais pris le top assurance , sans franchise , vandalisme , pneus , glaces , phares etc . . . comme j'allais traîner dans des endrois " un peu chauds " . c'était l'agence PAYLESS prés de l'aéroport de SAN DIEGO . - si je continue à venir réguliérement , j'achéterais un truck dans les $ 5000 .
TOUJOURS PLUS LOIN / isuzu d'max / caravane hobby 610 prestige
Bonsoir. Attention aux assurances liées à la carte Visa Premier: en ce qui concerne la garantie véhicule de location, l'article 5, pages 46-47 de la notice d'information précise les cas d'exclusion. Et on découvre plein de voitures exclues de cette garantie, dont les Corvette, Lamborghini, Porsche, Jeep, Ferrari... mais aussi les 4x4 ou tout terrain ( et je pense que par extension les SUV seront considérées comme tout terrain en cas de problème...), les camping-cars etc. Donc mieux vaut prendre les extensions proposées par les intermédiaires ( genre cardelmar, locationdevoiture.com, autoescape, etc) qui reviennent moins cher que lorsqu'elles sont proposées par le loueur sur place. Enfin, c'est ce que j'ai constaté jusqu'à maintenant dans d'autres pays et que j'ai prévu pour l'ouest américain que je vais découvrir cet été. Bonne soirée et surtout bon voyage.
alquesn
hello ,
je te souhaite bon séjour dans l'ouest . pour ce qui est des cartes " banquaire " , perso , je ne compte dessus que en cas de grosse misére : maladie accident etc . . . pour les autos , motos , je vais toujours aux bonnes assurances . je ne suis pas riche , je " réduit " sur autre chose . mais on ne sait jamais . . . . et comme ici les frais de justice sont EMORMES . j'y vais cool .
je te souhaite bon séjour dans l'ouest . pour ce qui est des cartes " banquaire " , perso , je ne compte dessus que en cas de grosse misére : maladie accident etc . . . pour les autos , motos , je vais toujours aux bonnes assurances . je ne suis pas riche , je " réduit " sur autre chose . mais on ne sait jamais . . . . et comme ici les frais de justice sont EMORMES . j'y vais cool .
TOUJOURS PLUS LOIN / isuzu d'max / caravane hobby 610 prestige
Bonjour
En somme, en reservant chez un loueur local, vs avez payé plus cher pour la même chose.
Pour les voitures, il faut tjrs reserver sur un site français, pour beneficier des forfaits tout compris.
Pour les vols intérieurs US, par contre il vaut mieux reserver sur les sites US des compagnies.
Pour les voitures, il faut tjrs reserver sur un site français, pour beneficier des forfaits tout compris.
Pour les vols intérieurs US, par contre il vaut mieux reserver sur les sites US des compagnies.
Bonjour à tous. Oui oui, c'est bien ce que je pensais avoir dit dans mon message précédent: on assure correctement tout, depuis son salon, avant de partir sur le site et normalement, ça roule...
Quant à la remarque d'un autre "forumer" sur la différence 4x4- SUV, elle est juste mais certains véhicules de la catégorie SUV peuvent étre des 4x4 mai on ne le sait qu'une fois sur place et c'est surtout la notion de " tout-terrain" qui pourrait prêter à interprétation dans les exclusions des garanties de la carte Premier.
Enfin, autre réponse : je loue toujours sur des sites internet, et c'est juste en comparant avec les prix affichés sur place que je me suis rendu compte que cela était toujours avantageux (et parfois même très avantageux - du simple au double parfois)
Voilà, bonne fin de journée à tous
alquesn
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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.
DM me if you’d like his contact details.
Happy travels!
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.
DM me if you’d like his contact details.
Happy travels!
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...
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
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
Hello everyone,
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.
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?
Thanks for your advice! Jocelyne
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?
Thanks for your advice! Jocelyne
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
Does anyone know if this is possible? Thanks in advance for your advice and tips! Warm regards to all