Jusqu'en octobre, Costa Croisières n'opérera que des croisières de 7 jours maximum entre ports italiens réservées uniquement à une clientèle nationale. Les autres nationalités - ou au moins certaines - pourraient être à nouveau admises à partir du mois d'octobre.
Lire la suite...
Comme tous les passagers seront masqués dans les espaces communs les bruits seront en grande partie filtrés 😉
de plus vu les conditions jacuzzi 2 ,3 personnes maxi, piscines entre 6 et 8 maxi, pas de transat pour tous, activités limités etc, etc ...................................
Bonjour
Sur un groupe FB on peut avoir des vidéos en direct de la vie à bord
Malgré le peu de personnes au restaurant crois moi c’est bruyant
Le masque ne suffit pas atténuer le bruit 😕
Ce qui m’a choqué le plus c’est que certains serveurs n’ont pas de masques mais juste une visière 😠 ce n’est pas top en terme de sécurité sanitaire
Isabelle, amoureuse des croisières:
COSTA, MSC, ROYAL CARIBBEAN, CELEBRITY, PRINCESS, NCL, HAL, PONANT, OCEANIA, AZAMARA
A VENIR
CELEBRITY EQUINOX 09/11/2026 Grèce Italie Malte
Bonjour
Sur un groupe FB on peut avoir des vidéos en direct de la vie à bord
Malgré le peu de personnes au restaurant crois moi c’est bruyant
Le masque ne suffit pas atténuer le bruit 😕
Ce qui m’a choqué le plus c’est que certains serveurs n’ont pas de masques mais juste une visière 😠 ce n’est pas top en terme de sécurité sanitaire
Bonjour, sur le ponant les serveurs avaient en majorité des visieres. C etait mieux pour qu ils assimilent les commandes et on les comprenait mieux qu avec un masque surtout pour les philippins pour parler ennlangue francaise.
Pour les italiens, je confirme aussi. Très bruyant et peu respectueux du personnel, ce que j ai pu constater lors de mes differentes croisieres. Attention je mets pas tout le monde dans le même sac mais en majorité le silence et le respect des autres croisieristes, ils sen moquent un peu...
C etait surtout les serveurs du restaurant qui portaient la visiere. Ceux du bar avaient quant à eux le masque, tout comme le reste du personnel comme les employés des cabines.
les noirs sont meilleurs en course à pieds et sous entendu , les blancs sont plus intelligents
n'oubliez pas les Inuits qui excellent à la chasse du bœuf musqué, de l'ours blanc et du phoque...ah ces Inuits !
Quant au sujet principal moi ce qui me fait peur c'est que les ports de croisières italiens prennent l'ascendance sur les ports français...
Les italiens ils ont tout compris et c'est tout une chaîne économique : construction de bateaux par Fincantieri, aménagement des ports italiens sur la Méditerranée pour les croisières donc tout un business rentable...
déjà que les italiens investissent dans le port de Gènes pour relancer la route de la Soie...c'est un autre sujet certes mais j'ai l'impression que a France est en train de se faire manger économiquement parlant par l'Italie...
Je ne sais pas pourquoi mais l’État français n'a jamais été foutu de donner au port de Marseille toute son importance sur la Méditerranée.
Mais bon c 'est un autre sujet je suis d'accord...😏
déjà que les italiens investissent dans le port de Gènes pour relancer la route de la Soie...c'est un autre sujet certes mais j'ai l'impression que a France est en train de se faire manger économiquement parlant par l'Italie...
Le port de Gènes est financé à 49% par la Chine faisant de l'Italie son cheval de Troie. La Chine a aussi "acheté" le port de Trieste. dans ces conditions on ne peut pas vraiment dire que l'Italie "mange" la France 😎
Certainement pas un bon choix si on se réfère aux directives du Haut Conseil à la Santé Publique:
Le HCSP recommande de ne pas utiliser les visières en remplacement du port d’un masque, quel que soit le public concerné.
On rejoint un certain nombre de mesures à apparence scientifico - médicales mais à objectif marketing, lancées pour permettre la reprise des croisières.
Ne porter qu'une visière, c'est comme mettre un préservatif poreux🙂
J'aimerais tant vous croire lorsque vous écrivez en date du 14/08/20 que COSTA ne fera que des croisières de 7 jours entre ports italiens pour les Italiens.
Depuis début AOUT , nous demandons à COSTA quand sera annulée la croisière vers les Emirats Arabes Unis s/ le Costa Diadéma , avec un départ pour nous Français de Nice/Savone le 27/09/20.
Bien que les ayant informés par lettre REC A/R et mails que cette croisière avait été annulée par des agences le 30/07/20 pour un départ de Marseille le 26/09/20 et le 18/08/20 pour un départ de Civitavecchia le 28/09/20 , pourquoi COSTA maintient encore ce jour que notre croisière n'est pas annulée et que si nous souhaitons l'annuler ce serait avec les frais en vigueur...
Des personnes sur ce forum m'ont aimablement confié l'annulation de leur croisière, transmise à COSTA par mail , et COSTA nous indique que cela n'est pas de leur fait.
Je comprends bien votre situation (pas du tout confortable) mais à part attendre je ne vois pas trop quoi faire.
Les messages d'annulation que j'ai vu passer ne disaient pas exactement "la croisière est annulée" mais "votre réservation est annulée", ce qui n'est pas tout à fait pareil. Il pourrait par exemple être possible que seules certaines catégories de cabine soient supprimées pour pouvoir limiter le % de remplissage selon la réglementation?
Ceci dit je ne vois pas comment cette croisière pourrait avoir lieu, à part avec une modification radicale de l'itinéraire (et dans ce cas je pense que vous pouvez demander le remboursement).
Bon courage.
Je comprends la différence entre annuler une croisière et une réservation.
Une personne de ce forum m'a communiqué le document reçu par son agence:
"Chers clients,
Veuillez trouver ci-dessous le communiqué de la compagnie COSTA.
Comme vous le savez certainement..." la suite est dans leur communiqué s/ leur site.
Plus bas dans le communiqué à cette agence:
" Et c'est précisément pour garantir la santé et la sécurité de tous, et conformément aux précisions exigées par le gouvernement italien, que nous avons décidé de commencer au mois de septembre par des croisières nationales en Italie, qui seront réservées
aux clients résidant exclusivement en Italie.Nous pourrons ...... itinéraires.
En conséquence, nous avons le regret de vous informer que nous devons annuler les réservations de vos clients sur le COSTA DIADEMA et COSTA DELIZIOSA prévue pour le mois de septembre.Cette décision........toujours délicate.
Pour les croisières que nous sommes contraints d'annuler, nous proposons un report de voyage sur l'année prochaine ou un avoir valable 18 mois correspondant à la valeur de la croisière annulée.
Pour nous c'est clair. COSTA sait que nous sommes FRANCAIS. Nous ne pouvons pas faire cette croisière même s'il y a un changement de bateau puisque les départs en septembre sont réservés EXCLUSIVEMENT aux ITALIENS.
Notre réservation se trouve donc annulée puisque la croisière est annulée pour les Français? ou bien je ne sais plus lire.
Merci pour votre aide mais nous commençons à "péter les plombs".
Mum49
Voici un extrait de la conférence de presse du responsable costa croisières italie.
j'ai lu également sur un forum de croisière italien que des italiens avaient également reçu un message d'annulation de cette croisière savone dubai départ du 27/09.
Le nouveau programme méditerranée du costa diadema devrait être publié prochainement.
28 août08:422020 par Claudia CeciImprimer cet article
«Partir est un choix courageux. Une opportunité importante que nous ne devons ni ne pouvons gaspiller. Un premier pas vers ce que nous appelons la normalité ». C'est ainsi que Carlo Schiavon , responsable pays de Costa Croisières , raconte les quelques jours précédant la reprise des opérations de l'entreprise sous la bannière de l'Italie.
Départ d'Italie avec deux navires en septembre: Costa Deliziosa et Costa Diadema.
"Pendant longtemps! Après tant de mois de souffrance. Cela nous rend particulièrement heureux et fiers. Nous en avions besoin avant tout pour nous-mêmes. Nous espérons apporter des réponses à de nombreux clients et donner à nos partenaires et agences des opportunités de redémarrage. C'est un moment très important. Nous avons peut-être pris un peu plus de temps que nous n'aurions pu le faire. Mais nous l'avons aussi choisi parce que nous continuons à voir une certaine évolution du tableau de la pandémie au niveau international ».
Et puis une fin d'été très italienne.
«Cela nous a permis de décider de faire des plans qui n'incluent que les escales dans les ports italiens, ce que nous faisons avec des navires battant pavillon italien, sur lesquels seuls les clients résidant en Italie peuvent embarquer. Nous sommes convaincus que dans cette première phase, il s’agit d’une proposition globale encore plus sûre. Lorsqu'un secteur comme le nôtre redémarre, cela génère des répercussions positives non seulement sur le front des clients et des agences de voyages partenaires, mais aussi sur le monde de nos fournisseurs - qui en Italie sont environ 5000 - et des populations vivant dans les localités touché par les navires. Le fait que tout se passe en Italie à ce stade est une question de plus grande fierté. Nous sommes conscients que c'est un choix courageux, étant donné que nous sommes toujours dans un contexte difficile. D'ici pour dire que nous sommes hors de la tempête, c'est encore tôt.
Alors, le départ du 6 septembre est-il confirmé?
«Oui, Costa Deliziosa repart le 6 de Trieste - les autres départs sont les 13, 20 et 27 - vers cinq destinations du sud de l'Italie. Nous avons ouvert les ventes le 24 août et voyons les premiers signes. Il est encore très tôt pour faire des calculs ».
Costa Diadema: le 19 septembre, seul départ de Gênes?
«Oui, après le départ du 19, le navire avait déjà un engagement d'affrètement majeur depuis quelques semaines. Il quitte donc les lieux et reviendra vers la fin du mois d'octobre ».
Merci pour votre aide mais nous commençons à "péter les plombs".
Je comprends vraiment c'est très compliqué de ne pas savoir et de ne pas pouvoir se projeter surtout que la date est proche. Je suis dans une même situation avec un voyage en décembre avec Hurtigruten (et une croisière au Groenland cet été annulée à peine 4 semaines avant, moi qui aime bien planifier, c'est dur!).
Mais sincèrement essayez de prendre un peu de recul, vous allez vous rendre malade de stress et ça n'aide pas. Vous finirez par être informée de ce qui se passe pour cette croisière. Les croisières dont parle le message de Costa, au départ d'Italie le long des côtes italiennes et réservées aux italiens n'est clairement pas celle que vous avez réservé donc je pense qu'elle n'est pas concernée par ce message (comme on le voit dans le message de Rosechris), par contre est-ce que l'engagement d’affrètement majeur serait TMR? Dans ce cas votre croisière ne pourra avoir lieu non plus...
Bref essayez de laisser venir, il y aura forcément une publication par Costa de leur programme pour les semaines à venir. Actuellement la seule façon d'avoir une réponse certaine c'est d'annuler vous-même, ce qui est à mon avis ce que Costa cherche, et qui n'est pas dans votre intérêt financier.
Je conçois encore une fois que ce n'est pas facile à vivre, mais vu comme les temps sont incertains et changeants on risque de devenir proprement dingue si on n'essaye pas de prendre les choses comme elles viennent, quand elles viennent. Bon courage et j'espère vraiment que ça va s'arranger vite.
Costa Diadema: le 19 septembre, seul départ de Gênes?
«Oui, après le départ du 19, le navire avait déjà un engagement d'affrètement majeur depuis quelques semaines. ».
Dommage que le journaliste n'ait pas eu l'info ou le réflexe de demander pourquoi ils avaient continué à vendre des croisières aux mêmes dates que celles de la location du diadema........
Facile à écrire de prendre les choses comme elles viennent mais nous ne comprenons pas du tout pourquoi cette croisière a été annulée pour des Français et pas pour nous?
Nous sommes des "Séniors de 81 ans et 69-1/2 " et de plus en plus stressés , écoeurés de cette attitude de COSTA.
Nous contacterons l'UFC QUE CHOISIR de notre département dès lundi.
"les ronds dans l'eau de COSTA" à notre égard c'est fini.
Nous continuerons à tenir au courant les Membres de ce forum.
Non ce n'est facile ni à dire ni à faire, mais ça m'attriste de vous voir autant stresser.
Bonne idée de contacter une association de consommateurs, ils ont dû déjà traiter ce genre de cas. Bon courage en tout cas.
J'ai pensé qu'il serait bien de créer un fil consacré exclusivement aux derniers développements de l’enquête concernant le naufrage du Costa Concordia dans la…
ROME (Reuters) - Le trafic des gros navires de croisière dans la lagune de Venise va être limité et les bateaux les plus imposants, ceux de plus de 96.000…
Lors d'un voyage Rome Tirana sur la compagnie Blue express/ Blue panorama, les 19 juin et 2 juillet 2017, le bureau d'embarquement, à Rome, a refusé d'éditer…
Après d'autres villes italiennes, la municipalité de Rome a pris une ordonnance prévoyant une amende jusqu'à 500 € pour les personnes qui mangent un sandwich…
We’ve noticed some issues with sending out the newsletters.
For those of you who are subscribed, could you let us know if you didn’t receive the one for December 2025? The January newsletter will be sent out this week, so if you don’t get it, please let us know as well.
If you're planning your trips for 2026, Bruno Maltor's latest video should catch your interest. The travel tips YouTuber lists about ten destinations that could seriously complicate your stay this year.
What to expect in 2026
Without giving everything away, here are a few hints about what might ruin your trip:
- Major construction projects turning some cities into work zones (Olympics, infrastructure, etc.)
- Iconic sites under scaffolding – yes, even world-famous landmarks
- Major sporting events causing prices to skyrocket and accommodations to fill up
- Formerly affordable destinations now priced out of reach
- New tourist restrictions in cities that can’t handle any more visitors
- Concerning health or logistical situations in certain countries
10 destinations scrutinized
Bruno Maltor breaks down the cases of Los Angeles, Athens, Barcelona, Hallstatt, Vancouver, Cuba, Argentina, Kyoto, the Canary Islands, and Cairo in his video. For each, he explains exactly what the issues are and whether they’re temporary or structural.
Watch the full video.
Dear community members,
For years, we’ve shared our stories, tips, and travel mishaps here. That’s the strength of our forum. However, we’ve noticed a trend: more and more travelers find themselves stuck with critical questions that need an immediate answer.
Sometimes, a post on the forum takes a few hours or even days to get the right response. When you’re traveling, you don’t always have that time—nor do you when you come across a great deal that’s only available for a few hours for booking. Some questions also go unanswered.
Why a WhatsApp group?
To complement our discussions here, we’ve decided to launch a WhatsApp support group. The idea is simple: provide an instant communication channel for those who need reliable info, right away.
Locals with real-time access to information can answer your questions.
What you’ll find there:
Answers to your specific destination questions: Unsure about a document? Ask your question live.
On-the-ground alerts: Last-minute updates on border openings or transport conditions.
No promotional content: we focus on your questions
How to join us?
The group is open to all forum members. Whether you’re in the middle of planning or already on the road with your backpack, this thread is here to help keep you safe.
Join the WhatsApp support thread here
Note: We’ll of course continue exchanging long stories and in-depth advice on the forum, but for urgent or technical/logistical questions, we’ll see you on WhatsApp!
Dear members, dear travelers,
The whole team sends you our best wishes for this new year. We hope you’ll have unexpected roads, light backpacks, and above all, that joy of sharing that keeps our community’s heart beating.
Independence comes at a cost (but it’s priceless)
The year that just ended was decisive. We made a strong choice: to keep VoyageForum and MyAtlas independent.
In concrete terms, this means:
Zero selling of your personal data.
No invasive advertising.
Content that belongs to travelers, not algorithms.
The reality of the numbers: why we need you
To be completely transparent with you, running a platform like ours—covering hosting, data security, moderation, and the technical team that supports us—costs 10,000 € per month.
The 2026 goal: The site in your pocket
Your support will go toward a major priority you’ve often asked for: making VoyageForum and MyAtlas more mobile-friendly. We want to develop a seamless smartphone experience so you can check tips and share your stories more easily.
To maintain this standard, we’ve invested a lot technically and personally. But today, to keep the adventure going in 2026 without compromise, we need you.
How can you help? (The price of a coffee every two months)
The most direct way to support us is to subscribe to the MyAtlas membership for 19 € per year. To do this, you’ll first need to create a MyAtlas account before subscribing.
This isn’t just a subscription to a travel journal tool—it’s an act of support to keep VoyageForum’s infrastructure online, secure, and thriving.
Today, we’re a community of 100,000 active members. If just 10% of you choose to support us through the MyAtlas membership, VoyageForum’s future isn’t just secure—we’ll finally be able to invest in what you’ve been missing most.
Let’s co-build 2026
Beyond the financial aspect, we want 2026 to be the year of dialogue.
What features are you waiting for?
What are your concerns or desires for the forum?
Are you a pro (tech, tourism, content) and want to lend a hand?
Write to us at service@myatlas.com—we read everything.
VoyageForum has existed by and for you for years. Thank you for being its pillars.
Wishing you all wonderful end-of-year celebrations,
The VoyageForum & MyAtlas Team
Photo credit: Yonhap - Santa Clauses on Mount Bukhansan, Seoul
VoyageForum celebrates its 1-year reopening with MyAtlas!
Thanks for this amazing year—you’ve come back with unforgettable travel stories shared on VoyageForum, swapped tips, and dreamed up new adventures... What if now’s the time to bring them to life in a different way?
To celebrate this first milestone, MyAtlas and VoyageForum, still united, are offering you a sweet discount on your photo book.
😉 On November 27 & 28, 2025, take advantage of the huge 30% off promo on printing your MyAtlas photo book with the code 1ANVF30.
To use this code, discover MyAtlas—a simple and intuitive space to relive your adventures:
- Open your MyAtlas account for free
- Create your first travel journal with 150 free photo imports.
You upload your photos & videos from your computer, write about your stops and anecdotes, and in just a few clicks, you can turn your best memories into a gorgeous printed photo book—and don’t forget the code 1ANVF30!
🎁 It’s the perfect time to bring your stories back to life, immortalize your favorite landscapes, or turn them into a unique gift to tuck under the tree. Because a memory you revive is like setting off again—and there’s no gift more precious than that.
The end of a golden age
For years, travel forums embodied the spirit of mutual aid on the web. Travelers generously shared their experiences, tips, and secret spots. This collective generosity seemed endless. But behind this altruistic facade lay a more complex reality.
The silent infiltration of forums
Free travel forums have gradually become marketing hunting grounds. Under the guise of "experienced travelers," professionals in tourism, affiliates seeking commissions, or aspiring influencers testing monetization strategies now lurk.
These fake profiles master the community’s codes. They build credibility by answering dozens of basic questions before subtly slipping in their paid recommendations. A "favorite" hotel mentioned insistently, an "essential" guidebook systematically cited, an "extraordinary" local agency that keeps coming up in conversations.
New travelers can no longer tell the difference between selfless advice and disguised promotion. This informational pollution has gradually eroded the trust that gave these platforms their value.
The rise of paid Travel Planners
Faced with this decline, a new profession has emerged: the independent Travel Planner. These professionals fully embrace their commercial status and charge for personalized advice.
The model is transparent: you pay for real expertise, tailor-made itineraries, and guaranteed availability. Some offer packages for 150-300 € to plan a two-week trip entirely. Others charge by the hour.
This professionalization marks a turning point. Travel advice is leaving the realm of volunteerism and entering the world of paid services. Paradoxically, this acknowledged monetization can restore a form of trust: you know what you’re paying for.
The irruption of artificial intelligence
But now, a third option is emerging: generative AI. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others can now generate travel itineraries in seconds, for free, with no commercial agenda.
AI promises neutral, synthetic, endlessly customizable information. It compiles thousands of sources in real time, suggests alternatives, and adapts recommendations to your budget and time constraints. It doesn’t sell anything, earns no commissions, and has no hotels to promote.
But this apparent neutrality hides its own limitations. AI feeds on existing data, often from the same polluted forums or marketing content. It can invent restaurants that don’t exist, mix up tourist seasons, or ignore recent local realities. It has never walked a city’s streets, negotiated with a tuk-tuk driver, or felt the atmosphere of a neighborhood at nightfall.
The forgotten alternative: authentic local experts
In this landscape saturated with dubious information, imperfect AI, and monetized services, one often-overlooked option remains: consulting real local professionals.
Not the agencies at the top of Google’s first page—often the most expensive and generic. But small local businesses, independent guides established for years, still-free municipal tourism offices, and cultural associations organizing themed tours.
These players offer what neither AI nor forums can: embodied, up-to-date, contextualized knowledge of the area. They know the newly opened restaurant, the museum temporarily closed for renovations, the impromptu weekend festival, or the alternative route to avoid construction.
Finding them takes extra effort. You have to search in the local language, look beyond the first page of results, check regional institutional websites, and join community Facebook groups. But this approach is often rewarded with free or low-cost advice of unmatched precision.
Toward an ecology of travel advice
The future of travel advice likely won’t be binary but hybrid. AI can rough out itineraries, propose logistical options, and compare alternatives. Travel Planners can refine, personalize, and reassure anxious travelers. Local experts can enrich, correct, and ground advice in on-the-ground reality.
But for this ecosystem to work, we’ll need to develop new discernment. Learn to spot fake profiles on forums. Systematically verify AI suggestions. Assess the real value of a Travel Planner before paying. And, above all, rediscover the habit of contacting those who live there directly.
Travel has always been a school of discernment. It teaches us to distinguish the authentic from the fake, sincere advice from commercial manipulation. In the digital age, this skill becomes more crucial than ever.
Because ultimately, the real question isn’t which information source to prioritize, but how to cultivate our own ability to evaluate, cross-check, and ultimately make informed choices. The best travel guide may still be our critical thinking.
Travel is, above all, a story of encounters.
Those that inspire us, guide us, and make us dream.
That’s why we’re happy to announce a partnership between Petit Futé and VoyageForum, two worlds that share the same passion: travel experienced and recounted by those who truly set off.
In practical terms, you can now find VoyageForum directly on PetitFuté.com, through:
Over 190 destinations linked to the forum: on each “Discover the destination” page, a “Travelers’ Forum” tab lets you access discussions, tips, and testimonials from travelers just like you.
A link to the forum in the “Community” menu under “Discover the forum”, where you can chat, ask questions, or simply dream about your next getaway.
This partnership marks a new step in giving travelers even more of a voice.
A way to connect practical information and lived experience, to share insights so everyone can plan their trips by relying on what’s most valuable: exchanges between enthusiasts.
Thanks to all of you who keep this wonderful community alive, day after day.
Because travel is even more beautiful when it’s shared
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I’ve kept quiet about them... to preserve them.
Those are the words of a passionate traveler who recently wrote to us.
For years, he’s been discovering rare, authentic places... and chooses to say nothing.
Out of respect. Out of fear of destruction. Out of love for secrecy.
What would you do?
You stumble upon a magical spot, still untouched by mass tourism.
Do you keep it to yourself... or do you open the door, gently, to other travelers?
At DIRECTRAVEL, we’re asking ourselves these questions.
Can sharing be an act of passing something on?
Or is it always the beginning of the end for these preserved places?
Read the article here.
We’ve got a little game for you (okay, it’s not a walk in the park—you’ll have to do some digging!) with DirecTravel: the prize is 5 nights for one person at the Nilaya Experience guesthouse, right in the heart of Kerala, India.
The stay is worth 700 €. It’s set in a magical spot among the rice fields, offering a relaxing and 100% authentic getaway, far from the noise, hosted by Raghu and Véronique.
How to enter is simple:
1- Head over to directravel.org.
2- Browse the site to find the answers to the 10 contest questions. Click here for the questions.
Each question includes a clue to guide you to the right page.
3- Answer all 10 questions correctly to validate your entry.
Contest Rules
The game is free and with no purchase necessary.
A random draw will be held on September 19, 2025, among all correct entries.
The winner will be contacted directly by DIRECTRAVEL.
The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and valid based on the accommodation’s availability.
What if your travel memories had a place in a real journal? 🌍
Back-to-school season is when we get back into our routines, but it’s also when we look back on the great memories from summer. We often promise ourselves we’ll organize our photos, jot down our stories… and then life gets busy. Those memories slowly fade, stuck in our phones...
Travel journals from MyAtlas are here to change that. They let you gather your stories, your images, and your emotions in a beautiful keepsake you can hold onto and share. It’s like a personal diary, but illustrated by your travels.
Creating your journal also extends the travel experience: reliving your photos, rediscovering details you’d forgotten, and bringing those moments back to life.
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A new step for visitors starting September 2025
Laos is modernizing its border entry procedures. From September 1, 2025, the Laos Immigration Police Department will pilot a new online arrival registration system for foreign passport holders.
This new procedure is similar to Thailand’s recent switch to a digital arrival card system (introduced in May 2025). Just like in Thailand, travelers heading to Laos will still need a valid visa—either an e-visa obtained online in advance or a visa on arrival (VOA) at eligible checkpoints—but they can now skip the paper immigration forms at the border.
TikTok is currently experimenting with a hotel booking feature directly integrated into its app, in partnership with a well-known specialized platform. American users can now search for and book accommodations without leaving TikTok. Meanwhile, content creators with over 1,000 followers can promote hotels and restaurants in the U.S. and earn commissions or vouchers for bookings. This test, limited to the U.S. market for now, aligns with the trend of social commerce. There’s no doubt this initiative will be closely watched by major players in the online travel industry.
Originally planned for an official opening on July 3, 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which has already been partially open since autumn 2024, has had its official inauguration pushed back to the end of the year. This decision, made due to growing tensions in the Middle East, was motivated by the desire to give the event the international dimension it deserves.
Spanning 500,000 m²—larger than the Louvre (which has 360,000 m² of total space, including 73,000 m² of exhibition areas)—the museum will house up to 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun and a monumental statue of Ramses II.
It can already welcome 4,000 visitors per day with limited access, with a future capacity estimated at 13,000 per day once fully open.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of François Boucher, the founder of VoyageForum.
We will remember his passion for travel, but most of all, the pride he took in this forum, which has become indispensable among travelers. While there may have been heated debates, we ask that you show respect for him.
François was still very active on the forum, especially in the technical development section. VoyageForum was his life’s work. He worked passionately to update the site and make up for the 4 years of closure due to the pandemic.
Today, VoyageForum has also lost its developer.
That’s why we’re reaching out to this community to continue François’s legacy. If there are any former or current developers among you who know PERL and would be willing to help, your support would be greatly appreciated.
According to a recent study, Bangkok ranks first among the top 100 global destinations for remote workers in 2025. The Thai capital stands out for its excellent value for money, solid infrastructure, and high satisfaction levels among digital nomads.
Dubai, London, Tokyo, and Nakhon Ratchasima (in Thailand) complete the top 5, each catering to different priorities (safety, connectivity, cultural vibrancy). The study also highlights the cost-of-living gaps between cities: from Weligama (Sri Lanka), very affordable, to New York, the most expensive.
Social media engagement and visitor return rates are also becoming key indicators for assessing a destination’s appeal to nomads.
We’re thrilled to share an exclusive offer from our partner Subocea for August:
80 € per person per day to board a private luxury boat in Egypt with friends, family, or colleagues!
The offer includes everything on-site (accommodation, meals, activities, etc.), except for the flight.
Onboard, snorkel with turtles!
A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in an exceptional setting while meeting other community members.
Hurry: only 26 spots available! 😉
Departure is imminent—a great chance to escape and reconnect.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to pack your bags, here it is!
Interested? Contact us quickly to book or get more info!
You’ve probably noticed it: the real travel gems no longer show up in search results. In today’s all-digital age, those local operators, small authentic accommodations, passionate guides, and committed local initiatives remain invisible. No flashy website, no ads, often not even an online presence.
Yet they exist—people who take care of their land, their culture, their community. Hidden in valleys, villages, forests. These are the ones who truly give meaning to travel, the kind you only discover through word of mouth... or among savvy travelers.
A collaborative project is starting to patiently catalog them, one by one. It’s called DirecTravel. Not very well-known yet—it’s just getting started—but already shared among independent travel enthusiasts. Here, no standardization or flashy interface: every address has been discovered on the ground, the old-fashioned way. Some have even been recognized by the Sustainable Travel Awards.
Their approach? Taking the time to listen, build connections, and support local initiatives that will never appear on Google’s first page.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual recommendations, and if the idea of sharing genuine tips speaks to you, then this project might interest you. And maybe you, too, have a gem to share with them.
Travel bookings to the United States are seeing a significant drop in France for summer 2025, with over a 30% decrease in the spring and around -11% for summer departures.
Several reasons explain this disengagement:
an unfavorable exchange rate at the start of the year,
very high prices on the ground (accommodation, dining),
negative experiences with immigration,
as well as a political and social context perceived as off-putting (civil rights, safety, tense social climate).
Tourism professionals also note difficulties for Florida and some Southern states, while destinations like New York and Orlando are faring better.
The recent drop in the dollar and airfares could, however, encourage last-minute departures, and tourism stakeholders are betting on a gradual recovery starting this autumn, with major events planned for 2026 like the World Cup or the 250th anniversary of the United States.
This summer, your memories deserve more than just a corner of film!
For the summer season, our partner MyAtlas is offering you an exclusive deal: 10% off all travel journals to print with the code ETEVF25 😛
Perfect for preserving your photos, anecdotes, itineraries, and highlights, the MyAtlas journal turns every trip into a real keepsake book—personalized and ready to flip through anytime.
Whether you're off on an adventure or exploring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to capture the essence of your getaways and relive them again and again.
Don’t let your best stories gather dust in your phone: print them, share them, and above all, treasure them 😉
This forum was closed for a long time after COVID, then due to its sale by the previous owner. Since 2022, there have been notable changes for Russia. It became possible to travel to Russia as a tourist again after COVID restrictions ended in summer 2022. But before that, in March 2022, the EU and member countries cut air links with Russia, as well as train lines. They also cut Russian banks off from the Euro-American banking network—meaning cards and wire transfers.
EU-based insurers stopped offering policies for Russia.
The Green Card for cars in Russia was also discontinued.
Then the EU abolished the simplified visa regime agreement with Russia.
All in all, a summary of the current practical aspects would be helpful.
I’ve been traveling to Russia regularly for about twenty years, and after the long COVID break, I resumed in autumn 2022.
Visa
The usual paper visa is much more expensive. On one hand, because the previous regime was scrapped, and on the other, because invitations for multi-entry visas are pricier. A single-entry 30-day visa costs 80 €. The multi-entry one is 240 €. To be sure you’ll get a 12-month multi-entry, it’s best to buy a telex invitation from the MID (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), though there are few resellers. Prices vary depending on the seller.
E-visas are now available for Schengen passport holders. A big simplification for trips up to 16 days within a 60-day validity period. You can apply from 40 days up to 5 days before your desired date. Issued in up to four days. The site is https://evisa.kdmid.ru/ Cost: 50 €. Processed through an Emirati bank (United Arab Emirates).
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance with repatriation is required to get a visa. So you’ll need to buy a policy. This brings up payment methods. If you’re already familiar with Russia and have a Russian bank account, you can pay with your Russian card. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy from a site that accepts payments via a Belarusian bank—which means your bank must work with Belarus—or go through https://goingrus.com/fr/insurance
Transport from the EU
Minibus (marshrutka) from Kirkenes (Norway) to Murmansk. Schedules are coordinated with flights from Oslo, which arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. They wait on the right as you exit the airport. Some are chartered by groups and leave directly, but may have space—ask the driver. Otherwise, two companies run the route, with a stop in town at the corner of the Scandic, where they depart around 14:00 or 15:00. Payment in cash (NOK or RUB) to the driver. Main operator: https://borodinbus.com
Bus from Tallinn (Estonia) to St. Petersburg. The border crossing is on the Narva River. The Russian road checkpoint has been closed since January 2024 for construction expected to last 2.5 years, so reopening is possible in summer 2026. In the meantime, it’s a two-bus journey: Tallinn-Narva, then walk across the bridge between the Estonian and Russian checkpoints at Ivangorod, followed by another bus. Several companies: Luxexpress, Ecolines, Baltic Shuttle, Anniston, СКСавто.
Bus from Riga to Pskov or St. Petersburg (final destination). Departs from Riga’s bus station (behind the train station) daily between 18:00 and 19:00. Arrives in Pskov between 01:00 and 02:00 (Russian time). Company: СКСавто. There’s another bus around 21:00 with Ecolines, but it’s longer, with a long stop at the border.
Bus from Gdańsk to Kaliningrad. Several buses per day. From the PKS bus station, behind Gdańsk’s central station, on the other side of the boulevard. From Kaliningrad, a 1-hour flight to St. Petersburg costs around 5000 RUB.
Basically, unless you’re planning to go to Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula—and possibly from Murmansk, flights to Arkhangelsk, then Nenetsia (Naryan-Mar), etc.—the three main crossing points with airports are Tallinn, Riga, and Gdańsk.
The Gdańsk-Kaliningrad bus is the fastest, and the ticket to St. Petersburg is very reasonable.
The Narva-Ivangorod route is the riskiest in terms of potential queues and crossing time. Holiday periods are especially risky. Last mid-June, I took a 14:00 bus from Tallinn. I’d bought a single-berth compartment on the Grand Express St. Petersburg-Moscow train, leaving at 23:00, with the idea of a good night’s rest before a Moscow-Magadan flight. A 7-hour queue at the border meant I arrived at St. Petersburg’s bus station at 23:00—missed the train, had to book a room, and spent time finding a reasonably priced flight to Moscow the next day for the same airport as my Magadan flight.
The Riga-Pskov route is a bit long but relaxed. If you get off in Pskov, you can still get decent sleep between 02:00 and 12:00. The Oktyabrskaya Hotel is cheap. I’ve also stopped in Izborsk. You ask the driver when boarding in Riga. The stop is on the federal highway—cross the road, and the main inn is 200m away. You can explore the medieval site the next morning before taking a bus to Pskov (30 km).
From Pskov, there are fast regional Lastochka trains—three or four per day—to St. Petersburg, taking 3.5 hours. Very comfortable and affordable.
Also, two daily flights with Azimuth to Moscow-Vnukovo from 5000 RUB. A one-hour flight. It’s a section of Pskov’s military airfield, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Money
Cash. The EU issued a nonsensical decree: a ban on importing EU currency (euros, zloty, kroner, forints, etc.) except for personal travel use. This doesn’t make sense because as a citizen of a eurozone country, you *have* to have euros—cash or electronic (card). You can’t travel without them. The stipulation about a limit for personal use is absurd because personal use can mean anything from a hostel bed to a luxury hotel room, plus transport (flight tickets, train tickets in Russia), restaurants, etc. Estonian customs officers ask about this at the border when leaving. They ask in Estonian, then Russian, then English, depending. Since I cross with a French passport, I just say, "Sorry, I don’t understand," no matter what. Then they ask with a questioning look, "Euro?" and I shake my head. I haven’t been searched, but they do ask to glance in your bag. Russians with large suitcases often get checked.
Cards and phone apps: if you have a Russian bank account.
Telephony and Internet
Roaming works but is pricey. Okay for calls and SMS, but very expensive for data. In that case, use an e-SIM with your home carrier if your phone supports it. Otherwise, look into prepaid rechargeable SIMs in Russia for data only—like SIM cards for mobile modems.
Russian SIM: Since this year (2025), as of March, it’s mandatory to be registered in the EBS (Unified Biometric System) to buy a SIM card. For a non-resident foreigner, this means first registering for a SNILS at an MFC (Multifunctional Center)—also called "My Documents." The SNILS is the pension center, which doesn’t require residency. After getting your SNILS number and certificate, you register on the public services portal, Gosuslugi. Finally, you register in the EBS system (voice sample—you read numbers—and a biometric facial photo).
Personal Car
The Green Card no longer covers Russia, and neither do EU-based insurers. But third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is mandatory. Since the closure of the Russian checkpoint at Ivangorod for construction and the Finnish border closure, the routes are from Kirkenes in Norway, the Estonia-Pskov route, and—since the Belarus-Russia joint visa this year—the Belarus route, e.g., Poland-Terespol-Brest or Lithuania-Belarus.
No OSAGO sales if you cross via Kirkenes. I didn’t see any at Shumilkino, the Russian checkpoint after Estonia toward Pskov. If you have a Russian card, you can buy online, of course. Otherwise, pay in cash on-site at certain company offices (specific forms aren’t available at all agencies) or online by paying to a third-party account outside Russia—with added fees.
Spotlight on the "What A Trip Festival" in Montpellier
From September 22 to 28, 2025, head to Montpellier for the What A Trip Festival, the must-attend event for travel and adventure in images 😉
This event draws around 40,000 passionate visitors who come to (re)discover the world through documentary film screenings, followed by meet-ups, conferences, and workshops.
The "travel village" hosts a dedicated fair: exhibitor booths, a travel bookstore, photo exhibitions, food trucks, and free concerts set the pace.
The "Les rencontres voyageurs" booth will be there to offer you: a friendly atmosphere, conferences, masterclasses, fun games, and even interviews!
From December 9th to 12th, experience a winter getaway in the heart of the Czech capital, under the magical lights of the Christmas markets.
Enjoy an all-inclusive stay, blending cultural discoveries and festive holiday vibes with Hasamélis & MyAtlas.
Explore Prague’s treasures: Old Town Square, the castle, and the Town Hall Tower for breathtaking views…
This guided tour also takes you to exclusive, privately booked venues: Strahov Monastery, Estates Theatre, Municipal House… A rich cultural program in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Calling all adventure and off-road enthusiasts: the must-attend event of the year is just around the corner!
From August 26 to 30 in Valloire, don’t miss THE OFF-ROAD SHOW, the premier event dedicated to expeditions, overlanding, and motorized exploration.
4x4s, trucks, motorcycles, SSVs, gear, travel, test drives, meet-ups... Over 180 exhibitors and the 4th edition of the Rencontres Voyageurs, a 1,000 m² space hosted by Campers Lab and MyAtlas.
On the program: Activities, talks, interviews, masterclasses...
One motto: get inspired, connect, explore... in the heart of the Alps.
At the Seto forum (Association of Travel Agents), it was highlighted that, despite an uncertain geopolitical context, summer bookings are showing a slight increase (+1.4% overall as of the end of April), with +1.6% on medium-haul and +0.6% on long-haul flights. This growth is supported by an expected revenue increase of +2.9% and an average basket rise of +3.2%.
In terms of destinations, the Greek islands remain at the top despite a slight decline of -1%, the Balearic Islands are gaining ground (+2%), and Tunisia stands out with strong growth (+13%) thanks to its excellent value for money. For long-haul, Mauritius continues to dominate (+9%), while the United States is experiencing a downturn (-14%), behind Indonesia (-6%) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (+4%). Finally, French Polynesia (+16%) and Vietnam (+41%) are emerging as booming destinations.
"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.
VoyageForum needs you more than ever! To continue making it the biggest space for exchange, inspiration, and sharing, we want to better understand your desires and expectations.
Take a few moments to answer our survey and let’s build the future of VoyageForum together!
Big traveler survey! We want to know everything! 🌍
Dreaming of your next trip already? So are we, but to better understand the desires and habits of French travelers, we need your help to later offer the best tips, good deals, trips, and more.
It’s a short form (promise, it only takes a few minutes).
And... there might just be a 50 € gift voucher up for grabs for one of the participants. Just like that, to thank you for taking part✨
Just click on this link: https://tally.so/r/mRrj6J and check the box based on your travel preferences 🧳✈️
Thanks in advance for lending a hand!
The cruise sector has seen a remarkable rebound since the pandemic, with 2024 attendance 20% higher than in 2019—outpacing air traffic growth, which was limited to 10%.
This performance is driven by an early recovery in the U.S. starting in 2021, competitive pricing, and enhanced onboard offerings. Cruise companies have invested in innovation, with a notable increase in patents related to passenger health (14%) and onboard services (50%).
These efforts have attracted a younger clientele, with millennials now making up 34% of passengers. This recovery model could inspire the airline industry to accelerate its own rebound.
