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! I’m in the middle of planning my first solo trip (as a woman). Do you have any ideal destinations with activities like hiking, diving, sightseeing, and easy ways to meet locals—all on a small budget?

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had this experience before! :)

Hello everyone! I REALLY need some advice because I’m feeling lost with my choices for my next solo trip—I’d like to book within the month . Just so you know, my trip will be in September 2025 for about 17 days. My top pick is Vietnam; I’ve never been to Asia. I know the rainy season will be in full swing in September, but several reviews seemed to say it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, even though it might affect a few hours each day. PS: I was considering Cambodia, but apparently, the situation isn’t safe for a woman or a tourist right now. I’ve also heard a lot about New Zealand, but I don’t know anyone who’s been there—especially solo. The nature looks amazing, but does 100% nature get boring quickly when you’re alone? Are there meet-up spots or restaurants/cafés in all the must-see places? To give you some background, I’ve traveled solo before: Seville, Sweden (Stockholm and Lapland), and I spent 6 months exploring Marseille on my own. I love discovering places and cultures by myself. Fun fact: my favorite trip was South Africa—for the change of scenery, the people I met, the landscapes, and the nature—but I wasn’t solo there. Do you have any firsthand experience with these two destinations for a solo trip as a woman? Or do you have other ideas that fit a similar budget and are interesting for 15–17 days, with a real sense of adventure? And, of course, safe and not too stressful for a woman! (I’d also love to hear about any custom travel agencies you’ve had good experiences with—I really want to plan this trip as best as I can, but all the agencies I’ve found have mixed reviews.) Thank you so much for your help!! I’ll keep you posted on my choice and I’m happy to answer any questions you might have!

Hi there

I’m traveling from Geneva to Marseille in May and only have 18 minutes to change trains in Lyon. Do you think that’s doable?

Thanks and have a great day

I’d like to visit Malta for the first time as a solo woman, in January 2025 for two weeks from Lille in northern France. Explain everything to me from A to Z, please! Is it possible to go without a guide? What do you recommend? Thanks for your valuable advice

Hi everyone, I’m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I’ve decided to explore Indonesia. I’ll be there from September 1st to October 5th, and I’m really struggling to plan my itinerary. I’d love any advice you can share—I’ll read it all carefully. So far, I’ve booked my first two nights with a local host in Jakarta, and then I’m heading to Borobudur. That’s all I’ve got planned for now. Do you think I should book accommodations and transport tickets in advance? It seems really complicated, or could I just decide day by day based on how I feel? Thanks in advance for your replies!

Hi there! I’m a 43-year-old woman planning to travel solo in early March. I’m not into commercial resorts, so I’m looking for places like youth hostels or *casas particulares* where I can meet other travelers. I’d love to do a mix of activities—ideally snorkeling, hiking, Latin dance, group tours, biking, etc. Mostly, I want to meet people (not necessarily a man, just folks in general!). My dream spot would be somewhere I can do Latin dance almost every night, but I’m open to other suggestions. Thanks!

Hi there, My sister and I are planning a little 10-day trip to Morocco. We haven’t decided on a destination yet. We’d like to go at the end of March or beginning of April. We want to be close to a big city but near the sea, in a hotel with a pool and gym. For this first trip to the country, we’d like to mix relaxation, sports activities, and visits to the city and surrounding areas. If you have any suggestions, we’d love to hear them. Thanks in advance.

Hi there, Does anyone know if there’s a bus from Luang Namtha to Boten to catch the train coming from China to Vientiane? If so, what’s the name of the company? Also, how long does the bus take to cover that distance? What’s the condition of the road like? Thanks for your help! Tom

Hi everyone, Here’s my route—I’d like to stay at least 3 nights in each stop, take Indian dance classes, a cooking class, and any other discoveries you might recommend! I arrive in Delhi in early March 2025, then take a flight to Jaisalmer. Do you know of any charming, well-located hotels along this route? Between buses, trains, or another flight, what would you suggest? Jaisalmer / Jodhpur: Jodhpur / Udaipur Udaipur / Jaipur Jaipur / Agra Agra / Varanasi Maybe head down to Kolkata and then back up to Delhi. I’d love to hear about any firsthand experiences you’ve had!

Best, MurieJeanne

Hi everyone, I’m planning my trip to South Africa for February. I’m a woman traveling solo. I have a flight to Nelspruit where I plan to rent a car to visit Kruger Park, then drive the Panoramic Route (starting from Hoedspruit and returning to Nelspruit to drop off the car). The issue is, this will be my first time renting a car, and it’s stressing me out! I travel alone a lot but always manage with public transport. This time, I don’t really have a choice but to rent, but I’m uneasy about driving a car that isn’t mine—especially since it’s left-hand drive... I figure driving in Kruger Park should be manageable since speeds are limited. But I’m worried about the Panorama Road, the mountain pass, etc. Is the road very winding and dangerous? I’m afraid of ending up on narrow, rough roads with the void (Blyde Canyon) right next to me... I know I need to watch out for potholes. But do you think it’s manageable, or is it really too risky for someone who isn’t very comfortable behind the wheel?

And regarding safety (crime), do you know if there are any issues on this route? Thanks for your advice!

Hi everyone, I wanted to share a few tips that really helped me better prepare my carry-on luggage. After a few trips (and some mistakes too!), I’ve finally found a way to organize myself that makes life a lot easier. Maybe this can help other travelers here. 1. Choose a practical and sturdy bag A good bag is the foundation. I’ve noticed that a model with a solid structure, sturdy wheels, and a well-thought-out interior really changes the experience. Hard-shell suitcases hold up better, especially when you’re hopping between flights. Personally, I use a Lambert suitcase because the interior is super well-divided, but the important thing is to find a model that works for you. 2. Rolling your clothes really works It’s simple, but it saves so much space. Plus, it wrinkles less. I do this now for almost everything, especially lightweight clothes. 3. Keep everything in a small kit 100 ml liquids, toothbrush, cream, mini first-aid kit… Having all of that in one clear toiletry bag makes going through security much easier. It saves you from having to take everything out and put it back in a rush. 4. A pouch for essentials Passport, headphones, charger, phone… I keep all of that in the same pouch. It saves so much stress when you need to find something quickly, especially on the plane. 5. Traveling lighter makes all the difference Since I started choosing versatile clothes that mix and match well, I travel with a lot less. Less weight, fewer decisions to make, fewer things to lug around. It honestly makes traveling so much more enjoyable. From the conversations I’ve had with other travelers (and several customers too), I’ve realized you can really simplify your trip just by organizing a little better and choosing good accessories. If you have other tips or methods that work for you, I’d love to read them. We always learn from others on this forum. Looking forward to exchanging with you all!

Hi there,

Do you know if it’s possible to book train tickets from France on the IRCTC website with a non-Indian phone number? https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search

12GoAsia lets you do it but adds extra fees we’d rather avoid—like an extra 9 € in taxes for two Ahmedabad–Mumbai tickets that cost 38 €. https://12go.asia/fr The same tickets are 3360 rupees on IRCTC.

Thanks in advance for your tips! Alod

Hi everyone, I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.

From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.

I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.

Here’s the itinerary I’m planning: * UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses) A few days at Lake Khövsgöl * Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses) A few days at the White Lakes * White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver) A few days in the Orkhon Valley + the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide) * Return to UB

From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley. Here are my questions:

-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route: Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.

-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?

Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia: -> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Hi there,

I’m thinking of (re)visiting Thailand in a few months, and my planned itinerary includes an overnight train ride.

My goal is to book a first-class compartment, so I should reserve it as soon as possible...

Which website (reliable, please!) can I use to make this reservation, and are e-tickets available?

Thanks!😊

Hi everyone, I first traveled solo to Japan in 2019, exploring the Kyushu region (28 days), and I’m planning to return with my daughter (she’s an adult and it’ll be her first time in Asia) from April 25 to May 9. I’m reaching out on this forum to ask for route ideas—this time north of Tokyo, but without heading to the Sapporo island (I’m saving that for a future trip). I’d love to take advantage of the cherry blossom season and its festivities. I’m looking to create a route that’s a little off the beaten path while staying within 5-6 hours by train from Tokyo to avoid spending too much time on transfers. Thanks in advance for sharing your suggestions and experiences! Michael

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)

we’ve got a 1.5-hour layover in Paris—we’re arriving by TGV and then catching an Air France flight to MONTREAL

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 everyone, For traveling in Rajasthan by train and bus, could you give me some info: where to buy tickets, cost, purchase locations, websites, etc.? Any tips you have would be super helpful. Thanks

Hi everyone,

I’m planning our very first trip to mainland France in January 2027. There’ll be 2 adults and 2 kids, and we’ll mostly be traveling by train.

Here’s our itinerary:

Paris Rouen (Normandy) Lyon Aix-les-Bains (with day trips to Annecy and Geneva) Saint-Gervais-les-Bains (with Chamonix and a day in Aosta) Back to Paris

Do you think this itinerary is well-balanced? Any tips, must-see spots, or mistakes to avoid for a first-time visit?

Thanks in advance for your advice! !

Hi everyone,

I’m heading to Japan for the second time with my 20-year-old son. During our first trip, we spent two weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto (plus the surrounding areas). This time, we’re planning to stay in Tokyo for at least 4-5 days and then head to the island of Naoshima. I’m looking for suggestions and advice: Is getting to Naoshima from Tokyo complicated? If so, do you have any recommendations for a stopover somewhere? Given that we’d prefer not to move every day, we’d rather settle in one place and then explore on day trips... Do you think it’s possible to do something like this: 5 nights in Tokyo (Shinjuku) 3 nights in Kyoto 2 nights in Naoshima (or is one night enough??) and if one night is enough, where could I spend a second night on the way back to Tokyo? 2 nights in Tokyo (I’d love your advice on staying in a different neighborhood—last time we stayed near Ueno Park)—keeping in mind we’re flying out of Narita.

I’m considering maybe skipping Kyoto, which I love but has apparently become *very* touristy... Not really keen on Osaka... since we’ll already have done Tokyo as our "big city." I’d prefer towns where nature is present... (a bit like Kyoto, which offers all that...)

For info, we’ll be traveling by train. Thanks in advance for all your suggestions and help!

I have one last little question: Is cash still widely used in Japan, or not at all anymore?

Thanks so much,

Karine

Hello, We’re two active and fit retired couples. We’re planning a trip for the second half of March 2026. We prefer traveling by train but wouldn’t mind renting a car if necessary. We don’t want to change accommodations every night (we’d rather see less but enjoy it more). If possible, we’d love to stay in guesthouses or similar—impersonal hotels aren’t really our thing. Questions: What do you think are the best airlines? We don’t have to fly back from Tokyo. We’re also big fans of getting off the beaten path—any original ideas are welcome! Many thanks in advance, Gorgui

Hi there, I’ll be traveling to Japan this coming August. We’ve finalized our itinerary and booked our flight tickets. Now I’m at the stage of buying train tickets for the few segments we’ll need to cover: Tokyo - Hakone Hakone - Kyoto Kyoto - Osaka Osaka - Tokyo Here are my questions: a) Is it possible to buy train tickets for these segments from Canada? b) If so, which website should I use to do this? c) And if it is possible, will we be able to print our tickets from Canada? d) If it’s not possible, where in Tokyo should I go to buy these tickets when I arrive?

Thanks a bunch,

Mario Séguin Québec, Canada

Hi there,

I need to take a sleeper train from Bangkok to Vientiane in January. I found some ticket options on 12Go Asia, but booking doesn’t seem possible at the moment. I’ve tried simulations for several dates, but no luck. I’m wondering if it’s already fully booked, if they’ve stopped selling tickets… yet 12Go still features it every day 😕

Has anyone else run into this issue? Can I find tickets on another site? (I tried Baolau, but no sleepers left for January 8th.)

Thanks!

Good evening everyone. I’m so glad VoyageForum is back up and running. This forum has helped me plan so many trips thanks to all your contributions. So, I’m turning to you for advice on a trip I’m planning for March 2025, from the 7th to the 21st. I was thinking of a classic itinerary: Arrival in Delhi at 12:05 AM on Saturday, then taking a train in the afternoon to Agra. 2 nights in Agra 2 nights in Jaipur 2 nights in Pushkar 2 nights in Jodhpur 3 nights in Udaipur Then flying back to Delhi. The trip would mostly be by train (which we love) and bus. However, after reading various travelers’ comments, some cities seem less interesting, while others I hadn’t included—like Bundi and Jaisalmer—are catching my eye. But traveling by train and bus, I’m worried it might get really complicated. I’m not sure how to organize my stay anymore, especially since we love nature and peace and quiet… and I’m afraid of too much hassle if everything isn’t planned. Also, how can I book trains and buses in advance from France? Thanks in advance for your help. Magali

Hi everyone, I can't seem to book a first-class sleeper from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on February 2nd using the train company's official website. At first, I thought it was because I was searching too early. But now (December 3rd), it should be working. No trains show up for that date.



Is there another way to book this train ticket? Thanks so much.

Hi there,

I’d love to know if any of you have recently eaten on the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

We’ve always ordered food on the train, and it was really good (and super convenient). But in 2022, we ended up feeling like total idiots (with our 4-year-old daughter...) when we boarded the train only to find out that this service was no longer available... (It was the first time we’d traveled right after COVID.)

That’s also when we saw once again how kind Thai people are—they all offered to share their food with us, even though we were mortified. In the end, we managed to buy some instant noodles, which was better than nothing. Anyway, that’s the little story behind it.

In the following years, we’ve always brought our own meals.

I’ve read online that meal trays are back in service (could you confirm this, please?), but that the quality is really poor. I’ve also seen multiple reports that, even though you can eat well everywhere in Thailand, the train meal was the worst food travelers had during their trip...

Could you give me a recent opinion on this? We’ll be departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station—do you know if there’s anywhere to buy a meal there before boarding the train?

Thanks so much for your help, and have a great Sunday!

Hi! I arrive in Vancouver on August 24, 2025, and I’m staying until Friday, August 29, 2025—the day I take *The Canadian* train to Toronto.

I’m exploring several things in Vancouver, including whale watching—if you’ve got any great tips, don’t hesitate! Thanks!

Hi everyone,

We’re planning this *very* last-minute—I know! But we’d love to spend 4 days soon (within the next 10–12 days) on a city getaway with our young adult kids. Ideally by train, and for this short trip, we’d prefer not to spend more than 4–6 hours in transit, leaving from Lausanne (Switzerland). We’ve been considering Milan, Strasbourg, or Freiburg im Breisgau, but I’ll admit I’m feeling a bit lost...

Venice was our original plan, but the connection changes in Domodossola or Milan are making the travel time longer this year.

It’s peak summer, so there’ll be tourists and it’ll likely be hot, but oh well...

Any suggestions? We love wandering around, taking photos, exploring cities on foot, trying out restaurants, and keeping things low-key.

Thanks to anyone who wants to chime in! :o)