Je pars 15 jours en août prochain avec un copain, n ayant pas de gros moyens financiers (500 euros), que vous conseillerez nous de faire ? comment se déplacer ? le stop fonctionne t il bien ? où dormir à pas très cher ? nous envisageons le tour de gaspésie.
salut,
J'imagine que tu as déjà ton billet d'avion car pour Août, c'est plutôt haute saison donc budget en conséquence!!
Pour ce qui est de se déplacer, le bus restera pour toi le plus simple. Maintenant une fois rendu en Gaspésie, tu pourras tenter de faire du pouce (l'avantage de la Gaspésie c'est qu'il n'y a qu'une seule route pour faire le tour (la 132) donc les gens qui empruntent cette route vont forcément un peu plus loin sur la même route!)
Mais à mon humble avis, si tu décides de venir passer 15 jours ici, prévois de dépasser ton budget de 500Euros....
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
merci de ton message. en effet, mon billet est pris depuis longtemps dc moins de 500 euros. tu habites là bas ? peux t on dormir chez l habitant ? manger à pas trés cher ?
Bonjour,
500 euros pour 15 jours m'apparaît trop peu. Regarde du coté des auberges de jeunesse pour le logement. Et pour les repas, les cafétérias des centres hospitaliers pourraient etre une alternative pas cher. Mais vraiment, j'ai peur que tu sois déçus...
Salut,
Le moins cher pour coucher chez l'habitant, coachsurfing. J'ai jamais testé mais je sais que c'est pas mal ''à la mode'' pour les ''Jeunes''!! regardes sur Internet.
Pour la bouffe, va falloir que tu évites les restau, et viser de te faire ta bouffe en achetant au supermarché!
Bon voyage!
"Homme libre, toujours tu chériras la mer" (Baudelaire)
Cinq cents euros, ça fait environ 750 CAD, ce qui revient, considérant un voyage de 15 jours, à un budget de 50 CAD par jour pour couvrir les dépenses de base, à savoir dormir dans un lit, manger à sa faim et se déplacer sur des centaines de km. Comme d’autres l’ont écrit avant moi, c’est vraiment pas beaucoup.
Je viens d’aller consulter le site d’une auberge du vieux Québec : en été un lit dans un dortoir coûte entre 29 et 32 CAD! Ça veut dire qu’il en reste pas beaucoup pour manger, et rien pour se déplacer et/ou se payer un peu de bon temps.
Tu ne donnes pas ton âge. Il est bien sûr plus facile de s’arranger avec peu quand on est jeune. Plus facile aussi de faire des rencontres et éventuellement se faire inviter. Voyager sur le pouce (l’auto-stop) a déjà été très populaire et facile au Québec, mais ce n’est plus le cas depuis longtemps. Comme un peu partout dans le monde occidental je pense. C’est sans doute un peu plus réaliste où il n’y a pas d’autoroute comme en Gaspésie. Couchsurfing est une possibilité pour quelques nuits, mais c’est quand même limité (le nombre d’hôtes potentiels en Gaspésie ne doit pas être très grand, et il y a surement un peu plus de « concurrence » en été). Faut savoir aussi que pour les transports collectifs longue distance, c’est loin d’être super génial dans les coins un peu plus reculés du Québec; fréquence anémique et coûts prohibitifs. C’est pas comme en Europe, rien à voir. J’ai quand même lu sur ce forum le carnet d’une française qui s’était déplacée en autobus durant tout son séjour au Québec; étonnant, mais preuve que ça peut se faire.
Si t’avais un peu plus de sous, je dirais louez-vous une petite auto, dormez dans l’auto à l’occasion, apportez-vous une petite tente pour camping « sauvage » lorsque possible, ou camping aménagé quand le besoin d’une douche commence à se faire sentir (camping dans les parcs nationaux par exemple), et puis achetez votre bouffe à l’épicerie et évitez les restaurants. Genre en faire le plus possible avec le moins de dépenses possible.
À seize ans j’ai traversé le Canada jusqu’au Pacifique aller-retour avec environ 130 CAD. Pas besoin de dire qu’il en restait pas gros à l’arrivée. J’ai même fait un petit bout planqué dans un train de marchandise. Je dois être vieux car j’ai l’impression que ce type de voyage n’est simplement plus possible dans nos sociétés modernes ultra codées et tarifées mur à mur.
Tu peux toujours essayer d'aller chez l'habitant pour participer aux cueillettes. Puisque tu ne seras pas dans les grands centres, tu ne verras pas beaucoup de choses à caractère touristique mais tu pourras rencontrer des gens (d'ici et d'ailleurs), visiter en soirée (ou PM) le territoire où tu seras, etc. Il te faudra faire un peu de recherche. Peut-être que d'autres VFistes ont déjà fait cela au Québec? Pour ma part je l'ai fait en Grèce lorsque j'étais plus jeune. Va voir ce lien:
http://www.basseslaurentides.com/quoi-faire/agrotourisme/petits-fruits
Côté bouffe, un petit ''réchaud'' au gaz propane fait de petits miracles pour sauver des frais. Un café ou thé ou tisane chaud le matin est toujours apprécié. Avec une gamelle tu pourras très bien te débrouiller. Puis comme d'autres l'ont mentionné, il y a les épiceries pour l'essentiel.
Pour les déplacement, pourquoi ne pas louer (acheter) un vélo? Pas dans une boutique mais va sur les sites de ventes comme kijiji? Bref, il te faudra de toutes évidences être créatif.
Lors d'une rencontre entre Vfistes au Québec, un des membres nous a parlé qu'il offrait ses services de conducteur pour VR en direction des États-Unis. Toutes dépenses payées. Les gens lui remboursait même le prix du billet d'avion pour revenir au Québec.
Je voulais te dire de ne pas te décourager ! 500 euros, oui c'est peu, mais des québécois ont parfois ce seul montant pour vivre pendant un mois (s'ils sont sur l'aide sociale du gouvernement). Si tu fais du couchsurfing, du stop (appellé le pouce ici), du camping sauvage, il y a moyen de bien s'en tirer. N'hésite pas le dumpster diving. Je n'ai pas encore essayé, mais si jamais j'ai des problèmes lors de mon voyage à Terre-Neuve, c'est une option que je n'hésiterai pas à essayer ! Les commerces jettent beaucoup de pains, pâtisseries, fruits et légumes ici (comme partout dans le monde, où des gens pourtant faim). Les poubelles peuvent être de véritables trésors ;)
Bienvenue au Québec !
Ps : Couchsurfing, faut pas voir ça comme nécessairement de l'hébergement gratuit, mais comme une expérience. C'est pas payant mais il faut quand personnaliser sa demande sur le site pour chaque hôte :)
Je voulais dire qu'il y a parfois des gens au Québec qui se cherchent des conducteurs de VR pour parcourir de longues distances. Pour en trouver, ils semblent être prêt à défrayer plusieurs frais.
Si tu cherches sur internet, il existe des clubs de VR (véhicules récréatifs). À toi de voir si ce genre de chose t'intéresse et si tu veux proposer tes services.
Bref, c'est un exemple de trucs pour voyager à peu de frais.
Enfin, je crois qu'il existe une rubrique sur VF à cet effet (voyager à peu de frais).
Salut Mika
500 € pour 15 jours oui ces possible et en stop aussi je te partage mon expérience
En 1995 je suis parti sur le pouce faire le tour de la gaspésie avec moins de 300$ pour la nouriture le camping et les brevage alcoolisé de 1: tu dois savoir que le stop n'es permis que sur les route secondaire , interdit sur l'autoroute , et de toute façon les gens n'embarque personne sur l'autoroute , de 2: fabrique toi une affiche ou tu marquera ( au marqueur tres voyant ) PAR LA , comme les québecois es tres currieux tu augmentera tes chance d'etre embarqué , moi ces ce que j'ai fait et la plus pars des gens qui mon embarqué étais currieux de savoir ou j'allais , ensuite si tu a une tente tu peut demandé a scouatté sur le bord de mer sur les terrain de particulier , ne le fait pas sur les terrain sinon tu prendra une contravention pour vagabondage , la plus pars des gens sont tres sympathique et au pire tu n'aura qu'un non et tu ira essayé ailleurs et cela ces pour les endroits ou tu ne pourrais te logé a faible cout , a paspébiac je crois que l'on avait trouvé un camping municipal ou sa coutais 10$ par nuit par tente ce serait a verifié , pour la bouffe la plus pars des épicerie offrent des plat déja préparé a bon cout , vous etes 2 avec 500€ chaque oui. Ces possible soyez juste créatif , bon voyage au Québec
Bonjour Mika
J'ajoute à ces suggestions la mienne. Pour votre déplacement, comme le "pouce" n'est plus très populaire et que l'autobus est très coûteux, le covoiturage demeure une alternative au moins pour passer de Québec ou Montréal à Gaspé. Tu dois devenir membre (autour de 10$) mais ensuite tu peux te déplacer pour un prix fort raisonnable. Par exemple, ce matin, je vois un Montréal-Gaspé pour 55$.
https://www.amigoexpress.com/
C'est vrai que couchsurfing est bien; je suis moi-même une hôte et la clientèle varie plus qu'on pense en âge. Pour la Gaspésie toutefois, il faudrait aller voir s'il y a bcp de membres.
Bon voyage à vous deux
Lyne
Il y a dix ans de ça, je suis partie 4 années d'affilée au Canada (6 ou 7 semaines à chaque fois)
Je n'ai voyagé qu'en stop et j'ai dormi la majeure partie du temps chez l'habitant gracieusement : je demandais s'il pouvait m'héberger une nuit sinon j'avais une toute petite tente au cas où......
L'accueil au Québec et dans le reste du Canada a été formidable, exceptionnellement généreux.
Ceci dit, vous êtes deux et c'est peut être du coup un peu plus compliqué.
Une année, mes vacances ont failli tourner court.
En effet, arrivée à Québec, l'agent m'envoye vers une douanière ou une policière des frontières.
Elle me soutient qu'avec 1.000 euros sur mon compte, je ne pourrai pas tenir 6 ou 7 semaines et que, selon elle, je cherche à immigrer ou à travailler au noir;
j'ai eu beau lui assurer que je ne dépense quasiment rien car je voyage en stop et me fais héberger par des canadiens, rien à faire.
Si je ne veux pas retourner à la case départ (c'est à dire en France) il faut que je lui ramène des preuves : certificat de travail, revenus etc....
Elle me confisque mon passeport et heureusement, mon ami m'avait ouvert une adresse gmail et il m'a envoyée les justificatifs demandés.
A Montréal et dans l'Ouest Canadien, je n'ai pas connu ce problème.
Enfin, comme vous aurez peu de liquidités, j'espère que vous ne tomberez pas sur ce genre d'individus.
Vous pouvez me poser des questions mais je ne suis pas allée en Gaspésie.
Il paraît que les habitants y sont très sympas.
Je pars 15 jours en août prochain avec un copain, n ayant pas de gros moyens financiers (500 euros), que vous conseillerez nous de faire ? comment se déplacer ? le stop fonctionne t il bien ? où dormir à pas très cher ? nous envisageons le tour de gaspésie.
A vos claviers ;)
Bonjour
Pour le transport il y a AmigoExpress c'est un système de transport en Covoiturage.Tu peux réserver par internet.Pour le gîte il y a des auberges de jeunesse qui sont pas cher et aussi Airbnb.
Bonne recherche
Bonjour Sylvie
Il y a aussi le Couchsurfing.com qui offre des gites gratuitement chez les gens, soit sur un sofa, soit dans une chambre privée. J'en ai reçu quelques uns à dormir et ils me disent qu'en général c'est très bien...et ce n'est pas que pour les jeunes. Le gens apportent habituellement le repas du souper (diner). Y a pas plus économique que ça!!
Bon séjour parmi nous!
Lyne
Rawdon (Québec)
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
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!
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
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!
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)
Un séjour camping-car de Montréal à la GaspésieFR
De Toronto à Montréal, en passant par la GaspésieFR
Un mois au Québec en famille: Montréal-Saguenay-GaspésieFR
Trois semaines entre Montréal, Ottawa, New York et la Nouvelle AngleterreFR
Un petit bout du Québec, le Nouveau-Brunswick, etcFR
Come discover the North Shore
Three weeks in Quebec at the start of summer 2018, on a "semi-organized" trip
Les fêtes de fin d'année au CanadaFR
