Hi everyone, I’m thinking of heading to Southern Africa next autumn for several months. I’d love some advice on my itinerary—I’m looking for authentic spots with cheap accommodation. I know Southern Africa is generally pricier than Asia or Latin America because of the lack of backpacker infrastructure (except maybe Cape Town). I’m planning to visit South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, and maybe Eswatini. My main goal in South Africa is to see the coexistence between white, mixed-race, and Black communities. I think I’ll skip Namibia and Botswana because of the cost of living. Thanks

Hello, My wife and I are planning a 15-day trip to Cambodia. Could you share some itinerary ideas with us? Thanks

Hello everyone, We’re planning our next trip for this winter and need some advice to put it together. We’d love to avoid renting a car for the whole time. We visited southern Morocco back in 2011—our first trip as retirees! We loved the country so much, and now we’re heading back. Still focusing on the south, mainly for the weather. The plan is to travel down the coast from Essaouira to the Tighmert oasis at a relaxed pace. First question: is this doable without too much hassle using local transport? The idea of driving for the entire 6-week trip doesn’t really appeal to us. After that, we’d head to Ouarzazate, Skoura, the Todgha Gorge, Tinejdad, Erfoud, and then Marrakesh. I’d also like to visit the Fès region, which we can reach by train from Marrakesh. It’s a bit all over the place, and I’m realizing that as I write! Thanks in advance for your valuable input! We haven’t booked flights yet or even decided on a starting point. The trip is planned from mid-January to the end of February. We know the end of the trip will fall during Ramadan.

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

Hi everyone! I’m heading to Indonesia in September with 3 friends, and we’re starting to plan our itinerary, but we’re still not sure which islands to prioritize. We love nature, road trips, and want to avoid mass tourism. If you have any tips on less touristy but equally stunning islands, I’d love to hear them! 😊

Also, our budget is pretty tight, so we’re looking for ways to manage money during the trip. What are your tips for saving money while still making the most of the experience? And if you have any tricks for tracking and sharing expenses between us, I’m really interested! We tried Excel, but it’s not always easy to manage.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations and great tips!

Hey everyone!

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 everyone,

Any bus companies you’d recommend for Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh?

Thanks!

Hi there, We’re heading to Argentina and Chile next February and really want to do the Carretera Austral starting from Coyhaique.

We’d love some info and feedback on bus routes to get to Coyhaique: Buenos Aires to Comodoro (which we’ve found pretty easily so far), or Buenos Aires to Bariloche (same, there are buses).

The tricky part is getting to Coyhaique in Chile, the starting point for the Carretera Austral. We can’t find any routes! Has anyone done this trip before and could share some tips?

Thanks in advance

I’ve got some new questions about Albania!

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!

Thanks ☺️

Hi everyone,

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, I’d like to travel to Réunion but where should I stay? I’m looking for info on whether there are any youth hostels. How can I travel on a budget in this country? Best,

Hi there, I’m planning to travel by bus during my stay in Greece, mainly in November. Since I’ll be spending a few days in Nafplio, is it easy to get to Olympia by bus, or is it better to take a guided tour from Nafplio? It’s not ideal, but it would be my only option to see the site. Also, since I want to go to Delphi, is it possible to take public transport, staying one night in Olympia and leaving from there the next day for Delphi? That would save me from having to go back to Athens. If anyone has already done this route, I’d love to hear about your experience. Thanks!

Hi there.

I’m planning a getaway to Bali at the end of September. I’m a bit late applying for the international driving permit through the official site. Someone told me about https://international-permit.com/en-us. Is it reliable?

Thanks for your replies.

Hi, I'd like to find a small hotel on the main street, not too far from the beach. Thanks for your help! Fanfancom

Bonjour

J’étais en Albanie en mai et on a loué principalement des appartements, petits déjeuners et dîners à l’appartement. Donc on faisait des courses et on trouvait la note bien douce…..

Peut être que Tatra donnait surtout dans les produits de luxe importés 😏

Bonsoir,

En Albanie il n'y a quasiment rien qui ne soit importé. C'était un Conad du centre, et franchement mieux valait aller au restaurant ; mais ceux qui en parlent ont ils comparé ?

Michel

Nous sommes au moins deux ici( sur VF) qui avons fait des courses alimentaires un peu partout dans le pays au nord au sud , sur la côte etc..il en ressort que les prix de l'alimentaire dans n'importe quelle supérette sont au minimum 2 fois moins cher qu'en France..je n'arrive pas à comprendre ton obstination face à un fait indéniable.. Aller au restaurant oui , on y allait tous les soirs ;c'est bien sûr plus pratique et aussi moins cher qu'en France mais il est évident que pour ceux qui ont un budget limité faire ses courses en Albanie et préparer son repas dans son appartement de location est bien plus économique que d'aller au restaurant !

Moi je sais où j'ai essayé de faire des courses, et je sais aussi où je les fais en France. Maintenant, si vous avez trouvé mieux et qu'en France vous fréquentez des commerces beaucoup plus onéreux que ceux que je fréquente, ça change la perspective. Je me souviens de morceaux de fromages ou de charcuterie, poulet, tout était au moins à 3 euros pièce, en lekke. Il y a certainement aussi des endroits discount en Albanie, mais les achats sont à faire en plus grande quantité, pas en portions pour deux...

Michel

Ce que j'ai compris c'est que devant une évidence tu cherches tjrs à noyer le poisson.

Quel est ton but dans cette discussion ?

La prochaine fois que tu vas à Tirana, tu vas faire des courses pour te faire à manger dans une des superettes de chaîne, type Conad ou Spar, et tu te feras une idée. Il y a plein de facteurs : tout est importé, de pays où c'est déjà cher, comme l'Italie, la lek est forte, ce qui fait que les prix alimentaires en Albanie sont très similaires à ce qu'ils sont ailleurs en Europe, et puis il y a 'effet "petit magasin", "petit volume", et tourisme. Cela n'est d'ailleurs pas un secret : https://www.balkanweb.com/en/Albania-will-become-more-expensive-in-2025--food-prices-will-exceed-the-EU-average-for-the-first-time/#gsc.tab=0

Maintenant tu te fies à ton expérience, et moi à la mienne.

Michel

La prochaine fois que tu vas à Tirana, tu vas faire des courses pour te faire à manger dans une des superettes de chaîne, type Conad ou Spar, et tu te feras une idée.

Euh non à Tirana je n'ai pas besoin de faire de courses, je vais à l'hotel et je mange au restaurant😏 Idem dans toutes les grandes villes.

Il y a certainement aussi des endroits discount en Albanie, mais les achats sont à faire en plus grande quantité, pas en portions pour deux...

J'ai dû avoir beaucoup de chance, car sans besoin de chercher , dans chaque petit village comme dans des bourgs plus importants je n'ai dû acheter que dans des supérettes discount!😏. Quelle chance, je devrais jouer au loto! Nous avons acheté à plusieurs reprises: charcuteries diverses, fromages, yaourts, biscuits pâtisseries, fruits de saison et même des boîtes de thon et de maquereau le tout à petit prix très doux! Il n'y a que dans les grandes villes comme Tirana où nous n'avons pas fait de courses car on ne randonne pas en ville! Je me demande bien où tu es allé en Albanie?! Tu bouges un peu lors de tes voyages ? Tu as fais Aéroport/ centre ville de Tirana? Où as tu acheté de l'alimentaire à part chez Conad à Tirana? à l'aéroport? PS: Une chose est certaine la différence de prix ( des denrées alimentaires de base) avec la France ne justifie pas de s'enquiquiner à faire des courses; il vaut mieux manger au restaurant c'est certain.Lorsqu'on faisait nos courses ce n'était pas dans un souci d'économies mais pour pouvoir pique niquer dans la nature. Toutefois pour des étudiants ou des jeunes au revenu modeste la meilleure solution n'est pas l'hotel restaurant mais la location d'appartement équipé pour cuisiner...et donc de faire ses courses. Je n'ai pas fait trop attention en Albanie mais en Roumanie les touristes locaux vont dans des "auberges" où ils peuvent se préparer eux mêmes leurs repas. Nous on prenait la demie pension pendant que les roumains eux préparaient leur barbecue dehors...Ils nous invitaient presque tjrs à l'apéro! Il est d'ailleurs très intéressant de trouver ce type d'adresse qui n'apparait pas sur les centrales de réservation style booking.. c'est souvent un peu moins "moderne" mais combien plus chaleureux et toujours bien moins cher!

Bonjour,

Je ne pense pas avoir de comptes à rendre sur mes déplacements exacts.

C'est simple, le lien que je te donne semble confirmer que le prix de l'alimentaire en Albanie est élevé, statistiquement parlant, et supérieur à la moyenne européenne ; je ne dois pas avoir à ce point la berlue financière, donc 😏. Les chiffres sont têtus, les VFistes canal historique aussi, je vais donc m'en tenir là.

Michel

Les chiffres sont têtus

Apparemment ya pas que les chiffres.🙁 On ne doit pas avoir les mêmes. Ceux-là sont à jour( juin 2026) et ne sont pas ceux d'une enseigne particulière. Ce sont bien "les prix des produits en magasin en Albanie"...Mais de toutes façon tu auras tjrs raison.Même si tu es resté un jour dans le centre de Tirana et que tu n'as que cette seule expérience de ton magasin Conad.

https://bdeex.com/fr/price/albania/?type=eat&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

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 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, We’re traveling to Vietnam (the delta), Cambodia, and Laos as a group of four for two months. We’re looking for info on how to get around by car with a driver in these countries. Specifically: How much does it cost in these different countries based on distance? Where can we find these cars with drivers? Thanks for your tips, Miguel

Hello,

There are two of us, and we’re spending a few days in Luxor (after a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, likely with Terres d'Égypte). On the way back, we’ve planned: - The evening of April 17th: the Karnak Sound and Light show - April 18th: a hot-air balloon ride - After the balloon ride on April 18th, we’re heading to Marsa Alam to join a group leaving for Sataya; our boat departs on the 19th.

Do you know what the cost of a Luxor to Marsa Alam transfer is? I’ve seen prices that vary wildly—some double what others quote—and I’m not sure what budget to plan for.

Can we organize the Karnak Sound and Light show and the hot-air balloon ride on our own, or is it complicated? If you also know of a reliable local agency for transfers and excursions, I’d love to hear about it.

Thanks for your tips!

Hi, We usually travel using local transportation. In Mongolia, that seems a bit complicated—has anyone tried this kind of trip there? Thanks.

We’re planning a week-long trip to southern Tunisia in early September and we’d like to rent a car in Djerba. We don’t have a credit card, only a debit card. Any good tips on rates and reliability?