Nous projetons moi et mon ami ( RenardZing sur le forum) de voyager avec un petit budget trois semaines en Algérie au mois de novembre prochain. L'itinéraire approximatif : Alger - Grande Kabylie, Petite Kabylie - Constantine - Massif des Aurès - Ouargla - Ghardaia - Oran.
Pour avoir un aperçu de l'itinéraire :
www.google.fr/maps/dir/Alger, +Sidi+M'Hamed, +Alg%C3%A9rie/Tizi+Ouzou, +Alg%C3%A9rie/Kherrata, +Alg%C3%A9rie/Constantine, +Alg%C3%A9rie/Arris, +Alg%C3%A9rie/Ouargla, +Alg%C3%A9rie/Gharda%C3%AFa, +Alg%C3%A9rie/Oran, +Alg%C3%A9rie/@34.3077843,0.7624145,7z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m50!4m49!1m5!1m1!1s0x128fb26977ea659f:0x4231102d38a36f49!2m2!1d3.0587561!2d36.753768!1m5!1m1!1s0x128dc7dfbffd090b:0x27cd9a20dc200804!2m2!1d4.0517169!2d36.7118213!1m5!1m1!1s0x12f32778e31faf65:0x1ba936ca9628e4dd!2m2!1d5.2781276!2d36.4931377!1m5!1m1!1s0x12f17717c4785627:0x25fb307fd08801a!2m2!1d6.642433!2d36.360155!1m5!1m1!1s0x12f42646c653c879:0xdd443086c235fdd9!2m2!1d6.3545169!2d35.3005374!1m5!1m1!1s0x125d6b8578c4bca9:0x63c3e82d2c9a71d!2m2!1d5.3335236!2d31.9526724!1m5!1m1!1s0x1264260535a026c3:0xc3b2db87d221aa04!2m2!1d3.6738412!2d32.4902246!1m5!1m1!1s0xd7e8854841f537d:0x4187f63762f7290f!2m2!1d-0.6307988!2d35.6970697!3e0
Nous avons plusieurs questions :
- Quel budget prévoir, quelles solutions logement économique ?
- Dois-je présenter mes billets d'avion pour la demande de visa ?
- On dit régulièrement qu'il faut être accompagné d'un guide/flic ? pour voyager dans le Sud. Qu'est ce que cela signifie exactement ? A partir d’où considère-t-on que commence le Sud ?
- Y a t il toujours des routes infréquentables en Kabylie ou dans les Aurès, nous aurions aimé voyager par nos propres moyens ?
Pour obtenir le visa il faut surtout avoir soit une invitation d'une personne/famille algérienne soit une prise en charge d'une agence de tourisme.
Jusqu'à Ghardaia cela devrait aller sans guide, pas au-delà (à partir d'El Golea). Mais vous devez avoir des réservations (hors les grandes villes telles qu'Alger, Oran, Constantine) à présenter aux barrages de la gendarmerie & police (il y en a beaucoup).
Logements économiques, mis à part les auberges de jeunesse je n'en vois pas d'autre... puis il ne faut pas être "exigent" au niveau hygiène et propreté...
En Kabylie et Aurès, c'est la gendarmerie qui détermine si oui ou si non les étrangers peuvent s'y rendre ou passer.... ces régions sont très vastes et à certains endroits encore la présence de terroristes...
Comment vous allez vous déplacer ? Les distances sont énormes selon ce que vous marquez...
LILI
Il n'y a personne qui soit née sous une mauvaise étoile, il n'y a que des gens qui ne savent pas lire le ciel. (Dalaï Lama)
mais rien ni personne ne vient à bout de ceux qui défendent une cause juste... (Mano Dayak)
Par petit budget, nous entendons 20€/jour/personne environ.
Concernant le visa, il me semblait qu'une réservation d’hôtel (plusieurs nuits ?) suffisait ? Qu'entends tu par agence de tourisme ?
Pour les réservations à présenter aux barrages, est ce que les réservations Airbnb font l'affaire ?
Nous ne sommes pas exigeants au niveau hygiène et propreté, vos bons plans d’hôtel ou hébergement économique correspondant à notre itinéraire sont les bienvenus :)
Concernant les trajets, nous pensons voyager en car et train. Notre itinéraire fait grossièrement 2000km selon GoogleMaps, est-ce que c'est trop pour trois semaines selon toi ?
Encore une question : est-il envisageable de randonner en Kabylie et dans les Aurès ?
J ai essaye de monter un itineraire en Algerie. Pas de souci pour le visa j y ai de la famille et des amis.
Mais ensuite ca a coince pour le budget. Surement que je m y suis mal prise (rien demande a personne la bas voulant assurer ma totale autonomie) mais le prix des hebergements m a semble bien trop eleve. (moi c est 25/euros/jour en solo).
Et question securite ca craint tout de meme un peu dixit mon gendre.
J ai laisse tomber l affaire.
Je vais suivre la discussion, au cas ou...
Pour le budget ça doit comprendre quoi ? L'hébergement y compris ?
Si c'est la cas, il n'y a que les auberges de jeunesse, il n'y a pas d'hôtels à bas prix pouvant entrer dedans... quand je parle d'hygiène, il faut vraiment savoir que les sanitaires sont souvent très sales, les cafards sont toujours bien présents... etc... et les draps & co ne sont pas changés entre deux clients... y compris dans certains hôtels dits "3*"... ce n'est pas une généralité absolue mais très courant... les tout petits hôtels sont fréquentés que par des hommes dans la plupart des cas, donc pas très top... en général... juste une question, vous êtes un couple ? Mariés ?
Une agence de tourisme, comme le nom l'indique, une agence de tourisme... qui organise des séjours en Algérie, réserve des hôtels, a ses propres guides (selon régions) etc
Certes une réservation de plusieurs nuits peuvent suffire pour obtenir le visa, mais aux barrages il faut savoir indiqué où vous allez, chez qui, etc... hors les grandes villes, les auberges & co doivent aussi vous déclarer auprès de la gendarmerie tous les soirs.
Réservations AirBnb ? Si vous avez des précisions chez qui et l'adresse, etc... cela pourrait faire l'affaire... mais svp soyez vigilant pour le choix de vos hébergements chez l'habitant ! Les algériens sont très hospitaliers, mais certains margoulins ont senti le "business" avec AirBnb donc méfiance !
Oui 2000 km en 3 semaines c'est vraiment trop court si vous comptez rester sur place pour visiter les villes et régions ! Pour ce qui concerne la randonnée, c'est fortement déconseillé dans les Aurès et en Kabylie sans être accompagnés par un guide officiel ! D'ailleurs la gendarmerie ne laissera pas faire non plus ! Des terroristes ne sont pas cachés en ville mais dans les grands massifs et forêts de la Kabylie et des Aurès (proximité de la frontière tunisienne) ! Régulièrement il y a des affrontements entre l'armée et les terroristes avec pertes humaines !
LILI
Il n'y a personne qui soit née sous une mauvaise étoile, il n'y a que des gens qui ne savent pas lire le ciel. (Dalaï Lama)
mais rien ni personne ne vient à bout de ceux qui défendent une cause juste... (Mano Dayak)
La vie au quotidien est devenu chère, donc 20 €/jour c'est vraiment très juste sauf si c'est juste pour manger et le transport local en bus... pour 1 ou 2 personnes ce budget ? Et tout dépend ce qu'on veut en faire !
Il n'y a personne qui soit née sous une mauvaise étoile, il n'y a que des gens qui ne savent pas lire le ciel. (Dalaï Lama)
mais rien ni personne ne vient à bout de ceux qui défendent une cause juste... (Mano Dayak)
Qu'entends tu exactement par "mais certains margoulins ont senti le "business" , quel est le risque ?
20€, c'est par personne. Et non, nous ne sommes pas en couple. Et donc pas mariés !
Le fait d'être en couple non marié même étranger, posera souvent des problèmes pour l'hébergement ! Ils vous proposeront deux chambres, peu importe ce que vous en faites ensuite mais c'est ainsi ! Il n'y a que les chaines internationales qui s'en fichent un peu...
Sur votre fiche police est mentionné votre N° chambre.
Certains individus peu scrupuleux peuvent louer qque chose ne correspondant pas du tout au descriptif par ex. ou réclament des suppléments bidons, etc... etc
LILI
Il n'y a personne qui soit née sous une mauvaise étoile, il n'y a que des gens qui ne savent pas lire le ciel. (Dalaï Lama)
mais rien ni personne ne vient à bout de ceux qui défendent une cause juste... (Mano Dayak)
Pour le budget je ne peux pas vous répondre ayant toujours été hébergé. Pour le reste c'est vraiment bon marché. Il n'y a pas besoin en théorie de présenter les billets d'avion pour le visa mais je les avais à chaque fois, ça inspire confiance. Une réservation d'hôtel suffit pour le reste, il faut juste faire attention que le nom apparaisse dessus. Par contre sans papier d'une agence, il vaut mieux ne pas parler d'une virée dans le sud au consulat. Pour les routes je déconseille fortement, la conduite est très particulière, il y a pas mal de barrages sur les routes et sans parler la langue c'est compliqué.
Ce n'est pas comme ça ! Un faux ??? Et les passeports ? En général ils réclament même le livret de famille dans les hôtels et auberges !
On ne joue pas avec les instances du pays, surtout avec la gendarmerie et la police !
Un bon conseil, évitez de faire les "malins" c'est du costaud !
J'y ai vécu plusieurs années, et j'ai oeuvré dans le tourisme...
LILI
Il n'y a personne qui soit née sous une mauvaise étoile, il n'y a que des gens qui ne savent pas lire le ciel. (Dalaï Lama)
mais rien ni personne ne vient à bout de ceux qui défendent une cause juste... (Mano Dayak)
Pour le logement tu pourras trouver des petit hotels à 3000 dinars dans les grandes villes mais niveau propreté et qualité c'est pas top après ca peut faire l'affaire je pense si c'est juste pour passer la nuit. Ces hotels ne sont pas sur booking il faut les contacter par téléphone ou par mail.
A Ghardaia regarde au niveau des maisons d'hôtes peut etre qu'il y en aura dans tes prix.
"Qui veut faire quelque chose trouve un moyen, qui ne veut rien faire trouve un excuse" proverbe arabe
Hum merci pour ces précisions Tassili...non ils ne s'agissaient pas de faire les malins, on a bien compris qu'ils ne rigolaient pas, il s'agissait juste de ne pas payer 2 chambres à chaque fois...ils réclament le livret de famille aussi pour les touristes étrangers (je demande ça car ce n'est pas banal de se balader avec son livret de famille, même en étant marié !
Les fiches police contiennent toutes les données y compris le N° de la chambre, donc même sans livret, avec le moindre doute, il y aura 2 chambres ! Pour la gendarmerie ou police, c'est une obligation pour lutter contre la prostitution... eh oui...
LILI
Il n'y a personne qui soit née sous une mauvaise étoile, il n'y a que des gens qui ne savent pas lire le ciel. (Dalaï Lama)
mais rien ni personne ne vient à bout de ceux qui défendent une cause juste... (Mano Dayak)
Bonsoir Stayfi,
Merci pour ces infos d'hébergement ! Je viens de lire le récit de ton voyage dans le sud et ça nous aide bien, merci du partage !
Et petite question, vous étiez à 2, un homme et une femme ? Si oui, vous a t-on réclamé un certificat de mariage ou livret de famille dans les hôtels ?
Bonjour,
Pour la région Biskra, gorges du ghoufi et batna, il y a un excellent guide qui connait la région comme sa poche et il a une très belle maison d’hôtes à Ghouffi, il est incontournable pour découvrir cette région. Il s'appelle Azouz.
"Par petit budget, nous entendons 20€/jour/personne environ"
Penses que tu vas payer en dinars algériens. Si tu changes de manière avantageuse tes euros, tu auras presque 2 fois plus de dinars.
A Biskra, en 2014, la chambre nous avait coûté 3700 dinars, soit à peu près 25 € pour 2 (en couple marié, sans livret de famille, mais avec le nom d'épouse indiqué sur le passeport).
En 2014, pour 7 jours, ce voyage nous avait coûté 659 € par personne (dont 274 € d'avion et 85 € de visa).
En 2017, pour 10 jours (à Oran et Taghit), le voyage nous avait coûté 650 € par personne (dont 200 € d'avion et 85 € de visa).
Je trouve préférable d'attendre d'avoir le visa pour réserver le billet d'avion. Si le visa est refusé, on ne se retrouve pas avec un billet non remboursable. Pour Taghit, le consulat n'avait pas voulu me délivrer le visa. Mais j'ai pu l'avoir en indiquant une réservation à Oran, et sur place rien ne m'a empêché d'aller normalement à Taghit, en me faisant enregistrer par la gendarmerie aux lieux où j'étais (y compris dans le train Oran-Béchar puisqu'il y a des gendarmes à bord, mais ce n'était pas le cas dans le train pour Biskra).
Merci beaucoup Bernard pour toutes ces précisions budget et autres !
Le récit de ton dernier voyage que je viens de découvrir sur le forum donne bien envie...nous n'hésiterons pas à revenir vers toi pour d'autres questions, merci :)
Bonjour, l'Algérie est un pays vierge. Le peuple est merveilleux tant qu'on le respecte et qu'on lui prête attention. Il y a des précautions à prendre comme n'importe ou dans le monde. Comme aller faire du tourisme dans la banlieue napolitaine, ou ailleurs en Europe il faut prendre certaines précautions logiques. Ne donnez aucune importance à vos objets, ça se remarque et ça attire l'attention. Soyez simple et avenant et les portes s'ouvriront d'elles-même. Surtout ne pas vous comportez avec condescendance comme le font les européens au Maroc. On a horreur de ça! Pour ce qui est du reste, à vous de découvrir! Pour être arnaquer, vous allez l'être surement, à vous d'être plus malin ! on est en méditerranée! Y a pas pire que les italiens! ceci dit!
Bonsoir,
Merci à tous pour vos réponses. A cause de soucis logistiques et personnels, nous avons du annuler ce voyage pour le mois de novembre :(
Mais j'espère bien aller plus tard en Algérie découvrir ce beau pays !
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)