Voici quelques jours que je regarde un peu sur le forum pour voir ce qu'il serait possible de faire entre le 9 et le 23 juillet, entre Lisbonne et Porto.
Nous sommes un couple, arriverons sur Lisbonne an avion , prendrons une voiture de loc au départ de Lisbonne pour la rendre à Porto et quitter Porto en avion.
Les durées que j'ai positionné sont les temps approximatifs en voiture, les commentaires sont ceux que j'ai pu trouver sur le forum.
On veut éviter au maximum les foules de touristes, avec un regard un peu culturel mais pas trop, les paysages, un peu de farniente .... des endroits pour se loger pas très chers, pas de **** ...)
Que pensez vous de ce périple ?
Merci pour vos avis et commentaires.
9 juillet : Arrivée Lisbonne
10 juillet : Lisbonne
11 juillet : Lisbonne
12 juillet : Loc voiture et route vers Evora (2h30). Evora (centre historique, vestiges)
Route vers Monsaraz (frontière espagnole, château médiéval, mégalithes) (1h30)
13 juillet : Monsaraz vers Elvas (fortifications, aqueduc, forts, château, cathédrale) (1h30)
Elvaz vers Estremoz (45 mn)
Estremoz vers Obidos (3h). Nuit Obidos (Château / Remparts)
14 et 15 juillet : Départ vers Alcobaça (45 mn). Monastère
Nazaré
Leiria (forteresse, vieux quartiers)
Ourem (château médiéval)
Tomar (ensemble château et couvent de l'ordre du Christ)
16 juillet : Route vers Coimbra (1h30). Vieille ville, cathédrale, université.
Puis Aveiro (le venise du Portugal)
Nuit
17 juillet : Route vers Amarante (2h30)
Après midi route vers Guimaraes (1h). Cité historique, château.
Nuit
18 juillet : Route vers Lindoso, en passant par Braga, Villa verde (1h30)
Villages Lindoso, Soaja, Senhora peneda avec leurs "espigueiros"
Nuit
19 juillet : Parc national Peneda Geres
Route vers Ponte de Lima (45 mn). Pont médiéval
Nuit
20 juillet : Route vers Viana do Castelo (30 mn). Architectures, plages.
Nuit
21 juillet : Départ vers Povoa de Varzim 45 mn)
Nuit
22 juillet : Porto (vallée de Douro)
23 juillet : Porto et départ
Bonjour
Pour la nuit du 18 juillet je pourrai vous donner une très bonne adresse
d'un Hôtel entre Lindoso et le parque du Gêres en Espagne
a 10 kms de Lindoso et a 20 kms du Gêres vous ne serez pas deçu.
Hotel Restaurante Lusitano a Lobios 38 euros la nuit au mois de juillet
il faut réserver sinon il sera complet (00 34 988 44 80 28).
Moi je part demain pour 15 jours a Porto et je vais passer 2 jours au
Lusitano (110 Kms) si vous voulez quelques renseignements volontiers
Mes voyages Singapour - Java-Bali Maroc-Tunisie - Égypte États Unis - Mexique 3 fois - Nicaragua - Cuba - Saint Martin-Saint Barth- Martinique-Guadalupe Équateur 3 fois-Pérou - Brésil - Argentine Espagne - Portugal - Suisse - Allemagne - Italie -Ukraine-Albanie (et bien plus) (74 croisières)
Merci Manu mais je ne vais pas réserver autant de temps de temps à l'avance, car il est possible qu'il y ait des modifications en cours de route.
Je garde l'adresse néanmoins 😉
Finalement, suite aux réservations des vols faites à l'instant, il y a plusieurs changements.
Pour des raisons de pratique ce sera un allez/retour Saint Etienne / Porto.
C'est plus simple pour se garer sur l'aéroport de St Etienne, les horaires sont plus simples (pas à 6h du matin comme sur Lyon) et nous ne serons pas assujettis à la taxe de 100 et quelques euros pour le dépôt du véhicule de location à Porto.
Cela nous coute 363 euros pour 2, bagages de 15 kg chacun en soute A/R et choix des sièges A/R avec Ryanair.
Du coup, je vais réfléchir à une autre virée, en tenant compte également des nouvelles dates.
Voici mon nouveau circuit, qu'en pensez vous ?
On arrive à Porto, location voiture puis circuit vers Lisbonne en descendant la cote par l'ouest, puis retour vers le nord par l'est.
Si vous avez des idées, des remarques, je suis preneur 😉
Je ne sais pas s'il vaut mieux faire Porto-Lisbonne par l'ouest à l'aller ou par l'est.
Puis se pose la question de la restitution de la voiture de location. Vaut il mieux la rendre sur Porto l'avant dernier jour, ou finalement la garder jusqu'au dernier jour pour la restituer le dernier jour à l'aéroport de Porto ? Je suppose également que c'est compliqué en ville avec une voiture de location alors qu'on nous a par ailleurs conseillé de prendre des petits taxis (style tricycles à 3 roues ????)
8 juillet : Arrivée Porto fin après midi, location voiture, route vers Aveiro (45 mn.
Nuit
9 et 10 juillet : Route vers Coimbra (45 mn). Vieille ville, cathédrale, université. Lierai, Ourem, Tomar, Nazaré, Alcobaça, Obidos
11 et 12 juillet : profiter de la côte : Estoril, Cascais (boca de inferno), Sintra
13 juillet : Lisbonne
Nuit
14 juillet : Route vers Evora (centre historique, vestiges) (1h30) puis Monsaraz (frontière espagnole, château médiéval, mégalithes) (1h00)
Nuit
15 juillet : Route vers Elvas (fortifications, aqueduc, forts, château, cathédrale)(1h30) puis Portalegre (1h00) puis Castelo Branco (1h00)
Nuit
16 juillet : route vers Guarda (1h00) puis Amarante (2h15) et direction Guimaraes (1h).
Cité historique, château.
Grottes et le Sanctuaire de la Penha
Nuit
17 juillet : Route vers Lindoso, en passant par Braga, Villa verde (1h30)
Palais des ducs de Bragance (Paço dos Duques de Bragança)
Montagne de la Penha
Citânia de Briteiros (ensemble de ruines impressionnantes d’un important village habité il y a plus de 2000 ans)
Nuit
18 juillet : A Braga : jardin de Ste Barbara, fontaine de l'idole, thermes romains, arcade de la Lapa, donjon ancien château, musée des Biscainhos, Monastère de Tibães
(se situe dans la paroisse de Mire de Tibães, à 6 km de Braga), sanctuaire du Bom Jesus de Braga
Villages Lindoso, Soaja, Senhora peneda avec leurs "espigueiros"
Nuit
19 juillet : Parc national Peneda Geres. Route vers Ponte de Lima (45 mn). Pont médiéval
Nuit
20 juillet : Route vers Viana do Castelo (30 mn). Architectures, plages.
Nuit
21 juillet : Départ vers Povoa de Varzim (45 mn)
Nuit
22 juillet : Porto (vallée de Douro)
Restitution voiture de location
Nuit
Nous allons également au Portugal cet été. Nous avons aussi prévu de louer une voiture de porto mais je trouve le prix de location assez élevé et je me demande s'il n'est pas préférable de prendre notre voiture.
Bonjour
Nous arrivons sur Porto le 8 juillet et repartons du Portugal (Porto) le 24 juillet.
J'ai consulté 2 sites :
- rental cars : on est à 488 en formule "protection complète" avec km illimité etc ...
- economy rental cars : un peu moins cher de mémoire
Sinon sans rachat de franchise, et pour cette période on est à 410 euros soit environ 26 euros par jour
Après c'est un choix. Je préfère mettre 500 euros en location + réservation avion et mettre 1 heure en vol plutôt que de passer 2 jours aller et 2 jours retour, avec essence, péages, énervement, fatigue, et du coup 4 jours de perdus sur mes congés.
Après, cher ou pas cher ? Chacun est libre de juger ;)
Bonjour
Pour la location de voiture c'est vrai qu'elles sont beaucoup plus chères qu'en basse saison.
Moi je part le 20 juillet a Porto et vu le prix cette année (plus chères que l'année dernière)
je vais essayer d'en louer une sur place.
Si vous n'avez pas encore louer faites attention aux arnaques de certains loueurs, méfiez
vous de (réservoir plein, réservoir vide) louez toujours (réservoir plein, réservoir plein)
le mois dernier quand j'ai loué la voiture ils mon compté 95 euros le plein de une petite voiture
je n'ai pas accepté ils me l'ont annulé car sur le contrat c'était bien (réservoir plein, réservoir plein)
Pour le rachat de la franchise je paie avec la carte Visa première et je n'ai pas besoin.
Je viens de voir votre itinéraire très complet, je pense que vous n'aurez pas le temps de
faire tout (ex 1 jour a Lisbonne c'est peu) vu que vous allez aimer le Portugal vous pourrez
y retourner 1 semaine une autre fois.
Je connais très bien le nord je viens de faire Braga, Guimaraês etc le 16 le 17 et le 18
vous avez fait un mélange que vous irez en avant en arrière pour revenir sur place (a revoir)
La Citânia de Briteiros je ne conseille pas je suis allé, des petites routes tout a l'abandon j'ai
regrette l'après midi de perdu.
Pour le parc national du Gerês, si vous ne passez pas pour le village du Gerês (très joli)
il n'y a pas de route, le plus simple c'est de Braga N103, N304, N308 Gerês village
après le très beau parc du Gerês (a voir) OU312 le village de Lobios Espagne OU540
Lindoso petites routes mais très peu de circulation Soajo et (Santuaire da Peneda dans
les montagnes) rien d'autre il faut retourner a Soajo pour aller a Ponte da Lima.
Pour le 21 Juillet je serais a Vila do Conde a cote de Povoa de Varzim je parle
l'espagnol et portugues si vous avez quelques renseignements volontiers.
17 juillet : en passant par Braga,
Palais des ducs de Bragance (Paço dos Duques de Bragança)
Montagne de la Penha (a Guimaraês et non a Braga)
Ici Google albums vous pouvez voir quelques photos
Guimaraês, Vila do Conde, Povoa de Varzim, Porto, Palacio da Bolsa a Porto etc.
Mes voyages Singapour - Java-Bali Maroc-Tunisie - Égypte États Unis - Mexique 3 fois - Nicaragua - Cuba - Saint Martin-Saint Barth- Martinique-Guadalupe Équateur 3 fois-Pérou - Brésil - Argentine Espagne - Portugal - Suisse - Allemagne - Italie -Ukraine-Albanie (et bien plus) (74 croisières)
Pour l"hébergement nous passons souvent par le site Airbnb (je ne sais pas si vous connaissez) ça revient au final moins cher que l'hôtel et on est tranquille...
J'ai bien aimé Porto, un peu "déglinguée" comme Lisbonne mais sympa quand même, avec de beaux panoramas et surtout la vie n'y est pas chère !
Nous avons aussi découvert Guimarães et Aveiro. Je conseille vivement la première, très mignonne (Aveiro aussi mais j'ai moins aimé).
En tout cas laissez-nous savoir quand vous aurez trouvé une agence de location de voitures pas chère, un jour nous aimerions louer une voiture à Porto et aller jusqu'en Galice...
- Merci pour les renseignements mais je ne comprends pas ce qui est sous entendu en gras. C'est pour appliquer une correction ? Ou je me suis trompé ?
- Le choix de 1 jour à Lisbonne, c'est simplement parsec je n'ai pas envie de me focaliser sur les grandes villes.
A MirandaMouse : oui je connais. Mais là pour le coup, on va se laisser guider par ce qui nous sera offert au bord de la route. Du coup, ce sera réservation à chaque instant, quand l'occasion se présentera.
Sinon, je vais essayer de ne pas prendre l'autoroute
Bonjour
Ce qui est en gras est une correction car le Duc de Bragance et la
montagne de Penha c'est bien a Guimaraês et non a Braga.
Etés vous au courant des tronçons de 4 voies a péage automatique. (portiques)
Mes voyages Singapour - Java-Bali Maroc-Tunisie - Égypte États Unis - Mexique 3 fois - Nicaragua - Cuba - Saint Martin-Saint Barth- Martinique-Guadalupe Équateur 3 fois-Pérou - Brésil - Argentine Espagne - Portugal - Suisse - Allemagne - Italie -Ukraine-Albanie (et bien plus) (74 croisières)
Oui je crois savoir qu'il y a deux types de péages.
Ceux payés au passage et ceux pour lesquels on doit s'affranchir auprès d'une administration quelques jours après le passage.
Les loueurs doivent m'en dire plus.
Je reste halluciné par les coûts de location; plus de 800 euros chez AVIS, plus de 1000 euros chez SIXT.
Par contre, chez les lowcost c'est dans les 500 euros.
?Autoescape chez Budjet (réservoir plein réservoir plein)
Porto Aéroport (Portugal)
Quand ? Du Mercredi 08 Juillet 2015 10:00 Au Vendredi 24 Juillet 2015 10:00 - 16 jour(s)
410.40 €
soit 25.65 € /jour
Guerin 454.64 € (réservoir idem)
soit 28.42 € /jour
Le plus simple pour les péages c'est de le payer soit même a la poste
ou a certaines stations d'essence le dernier jour.
Je loue une voiture et je dis que je paierai moi même le péage (quelques unes ont un compteur)
Le dernier jour je vais a la poste avec la carte grise et je paie...
Mes voyages Singapour - Java-Bali Maroc-Tunisie - Égypte États Unis - Mexique 3 fois - Nicaragua - Cuba - Saint Martin-Saint Barth- Martinique-Guadalupe Équateur 3 fois-Pérou - Brésil - Argentine Espagne - Portugal - Suisse - Allemagne - Italie -Ukraine-Albanie (et bien plus) (74 croisières)
Oui j'ai vu ces tarifs.
Le remboursement des franchises est il obligatoire ?
Je dois de toute manière ajouter environ 80 euros pour que madame puisse prendre le volant, au cas où.
Je suppose qu'on peut éviter n'importe quel péage en faisant la côte entre Porto et Lisbonne, et en remontant ensuite par l'ouest, n'est ce pas ?
Moi je paie toujours avec ma Visa premier et je ne prends jamais d'assurance.
Vous avez quelques péages inévitables surtout au tour de l'aéroport mais ça
ne va pas loin quelques euros
Mes voyages Singapour - Java-Bali Maroc-Tunisie - Égypte États Unis - Mexique 3 fois - Nicaragua - Cuba - Saint Martin-Saint Barth- Martinique-Guadalupe Équateur 3 fois-Pérou - Brésil - Argentine Espagne - Portugal - Suisse - Allemagne - Italie -Ukraine-Albanie (et bien plus) (74 croisières)
Hello! 👋
I’m new to this site and feeling a little desperate. 😢 My boyfriend’s birthday is in 4 days, and I wanted to surprise him with a New Year’s trip to London... except I just found out he’s already been there as a kid. Well, there goes my surprise! 😅
Since we both love Christmas and winter, I’m looking for a destination where we can really feel the holiday magic—with a budget of around 500 € for transport + accommodation for two (yes, I know, I might be asking for a Christmas miracle here 😇).
We’ve already been to Bucharest, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, so I’d love to find something a little more offbeat, not too expensive, and with a beautiful Christmas atmosphere.
Please help me! 🙏 On social media, it’s always the same ultra-touristy cities... I’m sure there are hidden gems I haven’t discovered yet!
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
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!
Hi there,
I'm heading to Morocco for 10 days as a backpacker, with my car and a tent canvas if needed. Does anyone have great experiences in this country around the Tétouan and Tangier areas?
I'd love to spend time with locals, rent a small room, and take part in daily life.
If you've got any addresses to share, that'd be awesome!
Thanks a million for your replies!!!😉
Christine
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)