The first theme of 2026 is:
"Waterways Around the World".
Water is present almost everywhere on our blue planet, so I’ve narrowed the theme down to waterways—rivers, streams, brooks, and the like.
Seas, oceans, lakes, or other stagnant waters won’t be considered for this month’s theme 😅.
However, waterfalls and cascades are very welcome 😊!
Practical details:
**Participation**
Each VF member can submit up to 3 photos, until Sunday, January 25th at 11:59 PM Paris time.
Each photo must be posted in a separate message, with its number (1, 2, or 3).
Don’t forget to add a little explanation (commentary, location, etc.).
**Voting**
Each VF member can vote for the 3 photos they consider the best, based on their own criteria and the theme.
Voting will take place from Monday, January 26th to Saturday, January 31st at 11:59 PM Paris time.
Photos should be ranked in order of preference:
- 1st photo: 3 points
- 2nd photo: 2 points
- 3rd photo: 1 point
The winner is the photographer whose photo receives the most points.
Results will be published on February 1st.
In case of a tie, the number of first-place votes will decide.
The winner will have the honor of organizing February 2026’s contest.
Photos that have already been nominated (1st, 2nd, or 3rd place) in another contest are not eligible to participate in this one.
This thread is exclusively for contest photo submissions. All discussions, comments, and chit-chat should take place in the thread: here
Hi there, we're planning a 3-week trip to Indonesia in October 2026 with our kids, who’ll be 5 and a half and 3 and a half years old.
We’re thinking of visiting Komodo—maybe on a cruise—Sulawesi, and Raja Ampat.
We were wondering if it’s doable with young kids? Are they welcome on boats? In homestays?
We’re not the type to shy away from traveling with our kids, but since it *is* pretty far off the beaten path, we’ve got some questions.
Thanks in advance for your feedback! !
Hey everyone,
I travel quite a bit, and I’m here to share my thoughts about an upcoming trip to Indonesia, specifically the Togian Islands.
I’m planning to go for 3 or 4 weeks in July-August and looking for a sunny destination that’s not too expensive (flights + cost of living), with varied points of interest.
About fifteen years ago, I had planned a trip to the Togian Islands, but it didn’t happen, so I’m revisiting this destination (Sulawesi, Toraja country) + maybe others? Given that in Indonesia, I’ve already done volcanoes in Java, Bali, part of Lombok, and the Gili Islands.
The issue is that I’ve read some posts about the plastic waste problems around the Togians, and it seems like they’re not the paradise islands they once were.
So, I have a few questions:
I’d love to hear recent feedback from travelers who’ve been to the Togians to get an objective opinion (?) or if you’d recommend other paradise-like islands in Indonesia (not overcrowded).
If you confirm that it’s still an exceptional destination, what did you pair it with? The Moluccas and which islands in particular?
Or Flores/Komodo?
For my part, I don’t scuba dive—just snorkeling.
Finally, if you have other dream-island destinations (affordable and sunny), I’m all ears.
First off, 12 days of great weather at the end of summer—my husband’s fleece jackets were totally unnecessary. We visited Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn in that order, and it was a great tip. Vilnius is peaceful, very colorful, the food is delicious, street art is everywhere, and strolling through the historic center is really enjoyable. We stayed there for 2 nights.
A 4-hour Lux Express bus ride was perfect for getting to Riga, where we spent 3 days. The city is a mix of medieval, Gothic, and Baroque art, with Orthodox churches and synagogues in the old town, plus an Art Nouveau district featuring the Rosenthal House. The central market looks austere and huge, facing the colorful walls of the tourist center—it’s a real pleasure to wander the cobblestone streets and taste the local cuisine, with its Germanic and Uzbek influences.
In Tallinn, the highlight of the trip, we found Art Nouveau again, colorful walls, and a fitting reminder of the past at the Museum of Occupations. There’s a hipster district, a trendy area, stunning originality, and an unexpected maritime museum in its design. The city is at the cutting edge of technology, and the youth are everywhere.
The welcome was friendly everywhere, and we’ll keep great memories of it.
First and foremost, I hope this topic won’t just focus on my region—the South of France—and that those of you who enjoy exchanging ideas will share what makes your own regions special.
Personally, I’ve often wanted to push back when people call us vulgar (though I’ll admit I sometimes play it up). At heart, we pure-blooded Southerners just have our own way of expressing ourselves, which differs from other regions. We also get heated in conversations pretty easily (some researchers say it’s the influence of the sun and climate in general).
What some perceive as vulgar, we don’t see that way at all.
Do you want a uniform world with no differences? If so, how do you handle traveling to places with cultures completely different from your own?
In the travel community, the word "authenticity" comes up a lot, and it often takes priority in people’s searches.
In my specific case, speaking a purely regional language without having gone to school for it doesn’t help with understanding on this forum. That’s what creates what you call controversies—and what I call passionate exchanges.
It left me speechless and ended the conversation because, for him, that’s just how he sees things, and he refuses to debate it, sticking to his position. I’ll quote him, hoping he won’t hold it against me:
"For me, things like bullfighting, boxing, football, and MMA are just tangible proof that human evolution is still at a primitive stage."
For him, our Latin-origin bullfights are barbaric customs. For us *taurins*, we need to see men face wild beasts (bulls and *toros*) at the risk of their lives every day. Does that make us barbarians?
We’ve always had this need to confront death—it’s in our genes.
Take the example he gave about football: fans of the sport would be considered mentally underdeveloped. But what about a kid who’s passionate about the game and has that drive to be a winner, just like a boxer or athletes in other violent sports?
As a traveler myself, passionate about old stones and beautiful historic buildings, I’ve visited Rome but couldn’t fully appreciate it. Religion is everywhere, and I felt like I had a lead weight on my head realizing that millions of people worldwide have believed in a god for millennia.
I’ve also judged believers for basing their faith on archaic texts that don’t prove a god (or gods) ever existed—I still think that, but I’m open to being proven wrong so I can say, "You’ve convinced me I was mistaken."
- If everyone clings to their own ideas and positions, no discussion is possible, and that’s a shame.
I’ll take away two things from my forum interactions: some accuse me of being omnipresent when I just love exchanging ideas. My way of speaking is misunderstood (regional differences), even if I’ll admit I sometimes turn up the heat—or rather, the *aïoli* —which for me is just lively debates 🔥 (a regional specialty).
And my "mocking" side, which I really need to work on.
This topic isn’t just about me—I hope other forum members will share their own regional "specialties" . For example, in Alsace, some older folks switch to their local language when they don’t want outsiders to understand, and I still don’t know if it’s German or something else.
Hey everyone! 😊
Aircraft manufacturers will probably adapt in the coming years, but until future planes are designed to handle severe turbulence directly linked to climate change, personally, I’ll only unbuckle my seatbelt to go to the bathroom and take a few steps to keep my blood circulating.
I already made it a habit to stay buckled up during my flights.
My only issue is my preference for aisle seats—getting hit in the face with luggage isn’t great 😅.
What about you?
Hi everyone.
Not sure if guidebooks, agencies, and other tour operators are keeping up by changing their visiting hours and offerings.
Personally, I see a promising opportunity here—jumping on this adaptation to extreme climates before others do, since they’re inevitably coming.
From my own travel experience, I’ve met a few guides so far who are starting to adjust, like in Egypt, Kenya, Senegal, and elsewhere.
They avoid crowds and the hottest hours by starting their tours around 6–7 AM, when it’s cooler.
Yeah, you’ve gotta wake up early, but the payoff is so worth it. 😴
If you’ve got any great tips like this, why not discuss them in this thread and share addresses or websites where the people in charge have realized climate change is real and are adapting? 😊
Hi everyone,
Accepting the rules everywhere has become the norm, and customer service keeps getting worse and worse.
Who’s to blame? All those who comply without a fuss, even though you’re paying full price everywhere. What used to be normal (good service) has now become the exception.
Example: Hotels and their overly strict rules (rules that, personally, I successfully bend almost every time) 😄.
We pay for a room for 24 hours, not 12-15 hours.
How many times have I arrived at my hotel around noon after exhausting flights, asked for my reserved room, and been told that rooms are only available from 3 or 4 PM? Unacceptable (especially since we often have to check out by 10-11 AM—just as unacceptable).
“Miss, I’m really tired from my trip. Could you make a small effort? I’m sure several rooms are ready by now.”
The response? “It’s the rule. Come back at 4 PM.” 😒
Of course, I get that the front-desk clerk is just blindly following orders (or overdoing it).
I stay calm and ask her to fetch her supervisor (who shows up right away, probably afraid of a scene). I explain with my best "puppy-dog eyes," and—bingo—10 minutes later, I’ve got my room (I’ll spare you the comments from my fellow travelers calling me a rude, uneducated nightmare).
I’m thrilled because they’ll be waiting around for 4 hours 😏.
It’s the same everywhere—restaurants (especially in France), where you arrive at 9:05 PM and are told they’re no longer serving because the chef has finished and turned off the ovens. (Do you really need an oven and 2 hours to make an English breakfast or a cheese platter with good wine?) And then some restaurant owners complain about not meeting their targets—pfft. The list goes on, and I don’t have all the complaints about service providers fresh in my mind (feel free to add yours if you agree). Otherwise, keep bowing your heads—I won’t change the world, but I’ll never accept being told I’m too demanding. It’s the people who let things slide (the majority) who have no standards left, to the detriment of service quality for everyone 😏.
I briefly set out to tally things up, having asked myself the same question, and here are some figures and my thoughts on the travel journals that have seen the greatest success over more than 22 years—the first one was posted on 04/17/2003.
Before sharing the TOP 25, I notice that the United States of America seems to have sparked the most interest among readers: 11 out of the 25 most read. The American dream is still very much alive. With passionate travelers, too, since there are often many participants (quite chatty ones), which significantly boosts the number of views. Since VF was hosted in Canada, maybe there’s also a fair number of Canadian readers adding to that?
Asia comes in second with 8 journals, confirming the appeal of these destinations.
We also see 4 Europe-related journals in this best-of.
The numbers are undeniable, but they should be put into perspective. For example:
- A journal published a long time ago has a better chance of being widely read than a more recent one.
- A journal published all at once will get fewer visitors than one published over 30 days, recounting a month-long trip.
- Some journals have renewed readability because their author or readers add information or comments.
You could also say that a journal with 5,000 views about Ireland or Iceland, for instance, doesn’t fall short compared to those about a more popular destination like the U.S., which might have tens of thousands of views.
Personally, I regret the absence from the ranking of journals I admired—both very well-written and featuring stunning photos. On the other hand, the presence of some journals in the most-read list is quite puzzling to me.
Three distinct periods stand out:
- The 2000s. It took some time for the site to become known and for word-of-mouth to spread. Back then, some people, especially older travelers (who are more likely to both travel and publish journals on VF), didn’t even have internet yet. Plus, many journals from that era had few or no photos, which doesn’t attract some readers.
- The early 2010s. There was probably a peak, an optimal moment, with the site being more well-known and visible, and a generation of travelers ready to share and help. With few exceptions, all the most-read journals date from 2006 to 2016.
- From the late 2010s onward, there may have been a turning point. Fewer people enjoying (or knowing how to) read, more people moving to various social media platforms for their immediacy and ease?
I’m not unhappy to be in 26th place with my 2013 journal about a part of southern Thailand. I owe it largely to the photos of the adorable langur monkeys and the messages from all those who went to see them thanks to me. Those were good times that will be hard to relive.
It seems that cooking equipment and utensils aren’t provided in the bungalows at the rest camps in Kruger Park 🤪
We’ve booked bungalows at Shingwedzi, Olifants, Mopani, and Satara.
What cooking equipment is provided for preparing meals? Is it better to bring our own gear?
Thanks so much for your feedback!😎
My name’s Emilie, and my view of travel has changed. I used to travel just to tick off the "places and things to do/see" boxes. But lately, I’ve realized that encounters have become really important to me while traveling. In fact, the people I’ve met and what they’ve brought to my life are now my best travel memories. What do you think? Have you had a similar shift in perspective? Are you more interested in meeting people while traveling now?
To be totally honest, I’m training to become a travel planner (a trip organizer), and I was thinking of focusing on organizing trips that are more centered around encounters. So I’d love to know if this makes sense—if travelers are interested in this kind of experience. Just to be clear, I’m not selling anything; I just want to chat and hear your thoughts.
Hi everyone,
Here’s the theme for August... the world’s felines.
Yep, wildlife photography! 😺
Forest cat
So, this theme isn’t exactly a "travel invitation," but coming up with a new one is quite a puzzle 😅.
During February’s “white” theme discussion, we had pages of cats, so you should be inspired 😸.
I won’t be restrictive—wild felines, domestic cats, and even those in zoos (though I’m not a fan) will be accepted.
Plus, engravings, paintings, statues, or any other representations of felines fit the theme.
The Sphinx is also welcome ;).
Practical details:
Participation:
Each VF member can submit up to 3 photos, until Monday, August 25th at 11:59 PM Paris time.
Each photo must be posted in a separate message, with its number (1, 2, or 3).
Don’t forget to add a little explanation (comment, location, etc.).
Voting:
Each VF member can vote for the 3 photos they consider the best, based on their own criteria and the theme.
Voting will take place from Tuesday, August 26th to Saturday, August 30th at 11:59 PM Paris time.
Selected photos will be ranked in order of preference:
- 1st photo: 3 points
- 2nd photo: 2 points
- 3rd photo: 1 point
The winner is the photographer with the most points.
Results will be published on August 31st.
In case of a tie, the number of first-place votes will decide.
The winner will have the honor of organizing September 2025’s contest.
Photos that have already been nominated (1st, 2nd, or 3rd place) in another contest are not eligible for this one.
This thread is exclusively for contest submissions. Any discussions or comments should be posted here.
I’ve lived in Savoie long enough to tell you one thing: Vanoise National Park isn’t just a pretty postcard. Here, nature is vast, untamed, and incredibly alive. Whether you're visiting for a holiday or live in a nearby valley, here are my top picks you shouldn’t miss.
Sleeping in a mountain hut—the best way to experience the mountains
Hiking in Vanoise National Park is already magical, but spending a night in a refuge? That’s sacred. I recommend the glacier tour, a 4- to 7-day trek with stops at huts like L’Arpont, Dent Parrachée, or Leisse. The food’s great, you’ll meet other hikers, and in the early morning, when the sun lights up the peaks, I guarantee you won’t be thinking about your emails. Even a single night at Refuge du Fond d’Aussois or La Valette is enough to unplug.
High-altitude lakes: when the peaks reflect in the water
High-altitude lakes are a bit like my madeleine de Proust. I love climbing up early in the morning when everything’s still quiet. Lac Blanc, starting from Termignon, is a pretty accessible hike, often punctuated by the whistling of marmots. Wilder, Lac de la Glière near Champagny-en-Vanoise is one of my favorite spots for a picnic far from everything.
Glacial valleys—my breath of fresh air
I often go there to reconnect with the mountains, especially when I want a spectacular setting without hours of climbing. The Orgère valley, starting from Saint-André in Maurienne, is a gem. Easy to access, super wild, with its Swiss pine trees and singing streams... You’re instantly immersed in the alpine atmosphere. A little higher up, from Val Cenis/Termignon, I recommend the Cirque du Génépy. It’s an old glacial landscape just the way we love it: rocks smoothed by ice, near-total silence, and a real sense of the end of the world.
Glacier mountaineering at the heart of the ice
For the more athletic (and always with a guide, of course), climbing the Grande Casse, 3,855 m, remains a legendary goal. I’ve only done it once, but what a rush! You’ll need crampons, an ice axe, and good fitness, but the view up there is indescribable. There are also more accessible glacial routes around Pointe de la Réchasse or the Dôme de Chasseforêt.
Gateways to Vanoise National Park
Bonneval-sur-Arc... this little village perched at 1,835 meters, I never get tired of it. It’s kept its charm: stone houses, slate roofs, fountains... It’s simple, everything’s beautiful. It’s also a great base for hiking in the park. And then there’s Pralognan-la-Vanoise, my favorite gateway. It’s a mountain village just the way I like them—quiet streets, typical chalets, and above all, direct access to incredible landscapes.
A 4-month travel journal of a family with two kids aged 9 and 11 across the Americas, spring-summer 2025.
US, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru, Brazil.
link to our blog
More of a journal with descriptions, encounters, light reflections, and photos than a travel blog featuring photos of a young woman in shorts on a dune or by the side of a road, shot from behind with a hat and a mug.
"Les rencontres voyageurs" is a must-attend event for all travel enthusiasts, at the heart of France’s most beautiful gatherings.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a beginner looking for your first adventures, these meet-ups aim to bring people together, inspire, and share knowledge.
They offer a unique opportunity to chat with inspiring travelers, discover their authentic stories, their favorite spots around the world, and their practical tips for traveling peacefully and enrichingly 😉
"Les rencontres voyageurs" also feature conferences and masterclasses led by industry experts, covering a variety of topics such as responsible travel, content creation, and optimizing itineraries.
These sessions, both practical and inspiring, are designed to expand your knowledge and fuel your projects. On top of that, there are fun and educational activities, including the famous traveler quiz, encouraging exchanges and conviviality. Finally, visitors can explore an exhibition of travel vehicles, vans, 4x4s, nomadic equipment, and chat with professionals about van conversions, mobility, and innovations dedicated to vanlife.
A complete, immersive experience that’s all about discovery.
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a road trip along the American West Coast in July 25 and, of course, I’d love to visit the parks east of Las Vegas. The crowds—but especially the heat—are making me second-guess whether it’s a good idea (the parks). I’d really appreciate your (honest!) feedback from those who’ve been there. Is the experience ruined? Maybe it’s manageable (early morning visits)? I have no doubt the scenery will be breathtaking, but does the context let you fully enjoy it? Thanks so much in advance for sharing your thoughts!
To drop everything and try the adventure. The real deal? Not quite. We did some planning, skimmed through travel guides, and booked 4 nights.
But most importantly, we have a return flight.
The adventure has an end date. Like in any neat story, the parenthesis will close. The memory-making machine will run, feeding us for a while. For a long time, we hope. Helping us grow. But we know the machine will stop, leaving its faint scent lingering in our orderly lives, like a footprint in the sand.
Anyone have experience with a trip to Cinque Terre in early June? How’s the tourist crowd and the heat? Any nice accommodation recommendations?
Thanks a bunch!
I’m planning to travel solo to the Dolomites from July 25 to August 4, 2025.
I’d love to find a travel companion for this trip—by plane or car.
The plan is easy hiking and exploring the area, mixing up accommodations (camping, hostels, etc.), all to be decided together.
@+
Destination choices for summer 2025 are evolving, with some countries gaining popularity while others see a decline.
According to recent data, summer 2025 shows notable shifts in the preferences of French travelers. Spain, Greece, and France are seeing a drop in bookings compared to 2024. On the other hand, Tunisia (+11.2%), Italy (+10.6%), and especially Egypt (+36.1%) are experiencing a significant rise in popularity. The United Kingdom is also showing notable growth (+28.7%) among medium-haul destinations. For long-haul trips, the United States is surprising with a 17.3% increase in bookings, despite a complex geopolitical context. These trends reflect a diversification in travelers' choices for summer 2025.
Read the article...
Travelers in 2025 are leaning toward immersive and original experiences.
Here are 3 new trendy terms to casually drop in your next conversation 😉:
"Cowboy Core" is gaining popularity, with trips focused on country music and horseback riding across vast plains.
"Destination Dupes" offer less crowded and more affordable alternatives to overrun tourist spots, like Albania instead of the Greek islands.
Finally, "Goods Getaways" encourage tourists to discover gourmet products that have gone viral on social media—such as Japanese matcha or Dubai chocolate—by visiting their place of origin.
What are your positive and negative experiences with dental implants in different countries around the world? Looking for something like 4-5 dental implants, good quality-to-price ratio.
From the most sophisticated suitcase to the bundle on your shoulder, from gear strapped to a motorcycle to bags on top of buses, what matters is capturing travel with luggage. Whether it's a stroll, an expedition, a simple outing, or a tour—anything goes, as long as the luggage is highlighted, of course 🙂
...........
Here’s my copy-paste:
Every VF member can submit up to 3 photos, until Tuesday, March 25 at 11:59 PM Paris time.
Each photo should be posted in a separate message, with its number (1, 2, or 3).
Don’t forget to add a little explanation (commentary, location, etc.).
Voting:
Every VF member can vote for the 3 photos they think are the best, based on their own criteria and the theme.
Voting will take place from Wednesday, March 26 to Sunday, March 30 at 11:59 PM Paris time.
Photos will be ranked in order of preference:
- 1st photo: 3 points
- 2nd: 2 points
- 3rd: 1 point
The winner is the person whose photo receives the most points.
I’ll be away during the last days of March and won’t be very available, so the results will be announced on April 1st (no, it’s not a joke). And please, while I’m gone, be as well-behaved and disciplined as you always are 🙂
In case of a tie, the number of first-place votes will decide.
The winner will have the honor of organizing April’s contest.
Attila, could you please put together the slideshow? You know how to do it, and I don’t!!
Hi there,
Everything’s in the title. For those who’ve already been to South Africa, I was wondering if our French type C plugs work with the sockets you’ve encountered in your accommodations there. Apparently, South Africa uses types D, M, and N, and type C plugs are only compatible with type N sockets.
Do accommodations mostly have type N sockets? Or are they mostly D and M, which would mean buying an adapter?
Thanks for your replies!
Hi everyone,
We’re self-drivers planning a trip through Zimbabwe in 2026—our route is Johannesburg, Zimbabwe, Mozambique.
We’ll have a rented 4x4.
We’d like to know about any difficulties at the borders between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and between Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Also, which park in Zimbabwe is the best?
Thanks in advance for your replies!
Forest cat
