Hi everyone,
I’m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I’ve decided to explore Indonesia.
I’ll be there from September 1st to October 5th, and I’m really struggling to plan my itinerary.
I’d love any advice you can share—I’ll read it all carefully.
So far, I’ve booked my first two nights with a local host in Jakarta, and then I’m heading to Borobudur. That’s all I’ve got planned for now.
Do you think I should book accommodations and transport tickets in advance? It seems really complicated, or could I just decide day by day based on how I feel?
Thanks in advance for your replies!
Hi there,
To give you some advice or ideas, it’d help if you could tell us what you’re prioritizing. Indonesia is huge...
Personally, my best memories are from Bali (I’ve been there 4 times for short stays).
In Sulawesi, in the Toraja region (Rantepao).
On Nias Island (near Sumatra).
The most adventurous and oldest experience:
With the Mentawai people on Siberut, also near Sumatra.
These different islands are so varied in terms of geography and population that each time, it feels like you’ve really changed countries.
To the very relevant comments before mine, I’d add that the first step is figuring out the *why* of Indonesia and the *what*—meaning, what kind of trip would you like to experience?
Indonesia is a country brimming with diverse experiences, so it really depends on what you’re looking for. For me, nature and ecology are important values in my travels, so I went to Sumatra for an eco-volunteering project in the Simolap rainforest. If that interests you, feel free to reach out for more details.
Anyway, I hope you have an amazing experience on your solo trip to Indonesia. Don’t hesitate to ask more questions as you prepare!
Voyager Autrement est Possible
Un Voyage à votre image
Voyages en immersion et éco-responsables
For the turtles, head to Tanjung Lepun in Bali (among other things, as there’s plenty to see in northern Bali).
To witness some unusual traditions, take a flight from Denpasar to Makassar (Sulawesi Island), then a night bus to Rantepao in Toraja country. From there, make your way to Ampana and take a ferry to Wakatobi in the Togian Islands—a little slice of paradise still off the tourist radar. In 2018, there were only generators providing electricity to the beachfront bungalows, which are great for snorkeling! You can also go on boat trips with the owner of the accommodations at Sera Beach on Malenge Island. Stay a few days (full board at low prices) and visit the lake of phosphorescent jellyfish (harmless) near Kadidiri.
Since you’ve got time, take a ferry to Gorontalo next, then head to Bunaken to admire the underwater scenery.
Before Bali, on Java, visit Borobudur and the Kawah Ijen volcano—better than Bromo, in my opinion.
For flights, take a direct to JAKARTA or via Singapore, then a train or bus to Yogyakarta. After that, use local transport and head to Bali.
Flight from Denpasar to Makassar for Sulawesi, and if you're going to Bunaken, return direct from MANADO to JAKARTA
Which flights? Domestic flights? Personally, I don’t book more than a few days in advance.
But for the return flight to JAKARTA from anywhere, you need to book before leaving France.
For international flights, I use Google Flights for prices and then book directly on the airline’s website—never through an agency site!!
For the turtles, you go to Bali at Tanjung Lepang.. (among other things because there’s plenty to see in northern Bali).
To witness unusual traditions, take a flight from Denpasar to Makassar (Sulawesi Island), then an overnight bus to Rantepao, the Toraja region. After that, head to Ampana and take a ferry to Wakatobi in the Togian Islands—a little slice of paradise still off the tourist radar... In 2018, there were only generators providing electricity to the beachfront bungalows, which are great for snorkeling! Sea excursions with the owner of Sera Beach accommodations on Malenge Island—stay a few days (full board at low prices), and also visit the lake with bioluminescent jellyfish (harmless) near Kadidiri.
Since you have time, then take a ferry to Gorontalo and head to Bunaken to admire the underwater scenery.
Before Bali, on Java, visit Borobudur and the Kawah Ijen volcano—better than Bromo, in my opinion.
Are you sure you’re not biting off a bit more than you can chew?
Jakarta (where you’ve planned 2 nights), Yogyakarta, Kawah Ijen, northern Bali and its turtles, not to mention returning to Jakarta at the end (which would be unreasonable to schedule on the same day as your international flight home) will already take at least 15-16 days if you rush a little. Will 19 days be enough for the Sulawesi program you’ve been suggested?
With 33 or 34 days, it should work.
I never plan much—or hardly anything at all.
Once I’m there, I adjust based on the number of days left. If after the Toraja region (which I recommend) it looks tight for the Togians + Bunaken, I’d skip one of the two destinations to make it to MANADO in time for the flight to JAKARTA. Obviously, never arrive in JAKARTA on the day of your flight back to France—plan for one or two extra days.
The main issue is the visa for stays longer than 30 days.
PS: The bus to Rantepao is taken overnight after the Denpasar/Makassar flight (nothing interesting in Makassar), and the ferry to Gorontalo is also overnight.
Following your suggestion to take a ferry from the Togians to Gorontalo to continue to Manado and Bunaken. If time is short and you can't make it all the way up there, Gorontalo has 1 to 2 daily flights to Jakarta, which in that case would be better and especially faster than going back down to Makassar the same way you came up.
I find Djalma’s suggestion a bit ambitious (though adaptable to some extent) due to limited time, so here’s my take—simpler and geographically more compact:
Jakarta: 2 nights
Flight to Bali for a 17-night trip, possibly including some beach time in the Gili Islands (which also offer snorkeling with turtles*)
Then a relaxed return to Jakarta with stops that could look like this:
Kawah Ijen and Bromo volcanoes, by bus, 3 nights total
Solo (Surakarta), overnight bus, 3 nights (architecture)
Yogyakarta, by bus, 4 nights (architecture, active volcano, among other highlights)
Cirebon, by train, 3 nights, off the beaten path, architecture. Close enough to Jakarta to skip an extra night there if your return flight is in the evening.
Jakarta, if needed, 1 night.
Total: 34 nights.
traditions,
You’ll find this in northern** Bali (along with genuine encounters) by exploring without a set itinerary, following your instincts, using (slow) local transport (bemos***) and hitchhiking short distances. Few travelers do this, even though Bali is perfect for it—and don’t worry about accommodation; rural Balinese won’t let you sleep outside.
* endangered species.
** draw a horizontal line just above Ubud.
*** which usually stop running around 4 PM.
Since Corinnette shared her "wish list" (I’m really curious and interested in human connections, traditions, architecture—I’d love to swim with turtles... see a volcano... among other things), Djalma and I have posted our itinerary suggestions. Of those who chimed in at the start of the discussion, only yours is missing.
Plus any from other folks who might have ideas.
From what I understand, your round-trip flight is already booked and lands in Jakarta.
It’s not necessarily the best choice, but if it’s already purchased (Indonesia is huge, so it’s better to plan your route—choosing the islands—before booking tickets to optimize your journey).
For volcanoes, Java has everything you need.
For monuments, Java as well.
Nice temples in Bali too.
For something different, I’d say Sumatra, Flores, or Sulawesi.
The last one is pretty exhausting in terms of travel.
For beaches, Lombok. As for turtles, I’m not sure.
Overtourism: mainly southern Bali.
Booking in advance is best when you want something very specific. This applies anywhere in the world.
In Indonesia, the trickiest time for bookings is Idul Fitri. Flights and accommodations—everyone in the country is on the move.
For 2026, that’s already passed.
For inter-island flights, if there’s only one or two flights per week, it’s better to book ahead. If there are 10 a day...
Jakarta didn’t exactly sell me on the dream.
La rue comme gagne-pain : concours de photos amical de septembre 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
I just realized that the time you’ll be traveling coincides with Karapan Sapi on the island of Madura (now connected to Surabaya* by a bridge). Karapan Sapi are lively local traditional bull races that lead to festivities in several towns across Madura. I don’t know much about it, but there’s no doubt you’ll get your fill of tradition here too.
* "just a stone’s throw" from the volcanoes in eastern Java.
I’m really curious and interested in human connections, traditions, architecture—I’d love to swim with turtles... see a volcano... among other things
That’s a great approach. I see you already have a few itinerary suggestions. I’m not an Indonesia expert, but I can tell you that in Sumatra, I experienced preserved nature and authentic human connections. Volcanoes, human encounters, and traditions—you’ll find what you’re looking for there, far from Bali’s overtourism. Plus, you’re going during the dry season, so travel will be a bit easier. During the rainy season, road conditions deteriorate quickly. The island is large, so journeys can be long. Planning as you go is a good strategy, and taking time to rest and enjoy your chosen destinations is key.
So, if I were you, I wouldn’t book everything in advance. That’s the beauty of a five-week trip: being able to adjust your itinerary based on encounters, weather, or a sudden inspiration.
I’d just plan the first few nights and the major inter-island trips. For the rest, booking a few days ahead is often enough in September.
A little tip: don’t try to see all of Indonesia. Each island has its own personality, and it’s much more enjoyable to explore a few of them at a leisurely pace than to rush through transport.
And at 67, traveling solo for a third big adventure—I think that’s amazing! I wish you wonderful encounters; those are often the memories that last the longest.
Voyager Autrement est Possible
Un Voyage à votre image
Voyages en immersion et éco-responsables
thanks so much Tega, you're right—it's the human connections that make for wonderful memories, and every trip I meet people who become friends. That's exactly what I need, and I hope the energy and good health last for a long time to come.
If time runs short and you can't make it all the way up there, there are 1 to 2* daily flights from Gorontalo to Jakarta, which in that case would be better—and definitely faster—than going back down to Makassar the same way you came up.
I’m really curious and interested in human connections, traditions, and architecture—I’d love to swim with turtles... see a volcano... among other things
If turtles interest you, why not take the chance to visit Meru Betiri National Park? This destination can be combined with Bromo, Tumpak Sewu, and Ijen.
(That’s actually what I’m planning to do next June with Flores Island.) Then from Banyuwangi, you can take a ferry to Gilimanuk in Bali or head to Surabaya and fly to another island.
Bali, though very touristy (in some areas), is still a charming island. The nature is lush with stunning rice terraces, beautiful temples to visit, a welcoming population, great accommodations, and amazing food...
Lombok is easily accessible from Bali. It’s a small but interesting island with a very different vibe from Bali.
Sulawesi takes more time. Personally, I’ve mostly explored Toraja country and the Togean Islands.
Je souhaite partir en août 3 jours visiter seule les volcans du Bromo et du Kawah Ijen, et j'ai pas mal de questions, 1. Tout d'abord, est_ce dangereux d'y…
L'Envie revient de m 'oganiser un voyage. Suis allée deux fois en Indonésie (vous n'étiez pas nés:-)) dans les années 80. J'avais adoré!! Fan du film "Mange,…
I’d love to settle around Da Nang for about a month and explore the surrounding areas in Vietnam.
I’ve already been to this country and don’t feel like rushing around every day like I used to a few years ago.
I’d really like to find some company to stay for at least a month, and then maybe spend a month in Cambodia...
Given that I’m now 76, I don’t want to run around like I used to, trying to see everything...
I enjoy calm people... Those who love life and with whom I can share a beer... And meet people to create a great atmosphere—la dolce vita....
hi there
I’m leaving on October 1st for Rio, which I’ll be exploring over 10 days while staying in Copacabana and Ipanema.
After that, I’m heading to Ilha Grande, Paraty, and finally a flight to Iguaçu.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Rio. Is it possible to walk around and explore without constantly worrying about getting my phone snatched?
I’m traveling alone and don’t speak Portuguese.
I need GPS to get around.
I love walking and don’t really like taking taxis, which is why I’ve booked two places to stay in Rio to experience different neighborhoods.
But is this doable given the security concerns there?!
In short, can you travel peacefully?
Thanks for your feedback if you’ve been to Rio!
Best,
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to travel solo to Oman in December 2025, renting a vehicle that allows me to camp in certain areas. For those who’ve already explored the country this way, could you share your experiences or tips?
I’d also like to visit the Wahiba Desert, but in that area, I’d prefer a guide for driving and, most importantly, not to sleep in those luxury desert-edge camps but rather have a "wild" escape under the stars. Any guide recommendations? Thanks in advance – Clem
Hi there, I’m Brigitte, 66 years old, fairly active and in great shape. I split my time between the Tarn region and Nantes, have a youthful spirit, and am very easy-going. I’m looking for a woman with a similar profile for a road trip in Southeast Asia—half humanitarian work and half free travel. The trip starts in October 2026 in the Philippines on the island of Panay, then moves on to Indonesia and Malaysia. The journey could last up to 4 or 5 months, as I have no fixed schedule. If you’re cool and friendly, feel free to message me. See you soon!
I’m traveling solo to Armenia in mid-September for three weeks, and I’ll be using public transport. I have a few questions:
- Does Yandex work everywhere, even in villages?
I’m looking for:
- Nice guesthouse addresses in the north (national park) and the south, including the village of Ararat,
and a simple but clean hotel in Yerevan that’s convenient for getting to the bus stations later.
- Any great tips or advice you can share.
Actually, I’m a bit worried I’ll be stuck only visiting tourist sites without a car. What do you think?
Thanks for your help
I’m arriving in Tana on 9/10/26 as a solo female traveler.
Which hotel in Tana is good for the first night since I’ll get in at 10 PM?
What’s worth seeing around Tana?
I’m planning 2 nights in Tana,
then 2 nights in Andasibe? After that, Lake Itasy.
Any suggestions? Thanks
I contacted several agencies in Madagascar to arrange this 4x4 trip along the coast.
Always the same answer: a tailor-made trip with at least 2 participants.
Since I don’t want to travel alone and a friend isn’t available, I’m looking for a woman to share this trip with the agency Mahay Mada, which offers a 12-day, 11-night tour of southern Madagascar. I’m available from August 23 to September 14.
Thanks for your direct response at 0784659791. See you soon, Mireille
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.
From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.
I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.
Here’s the itinerary I’m planning:
* UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses)
A few days at Lake Khövsgöl
* Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses)
A few days at the White Lakes
* White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver)
A few days in the Orkhon Valley
+ the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide)
* Return to UB
From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley.
Here are my questions:
-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route:
Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.
-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?
Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia:
-> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?
I’m considering a road trip (rental car) to explore the Canadian Rockies in September 2026, starting in Calgary and ending with about 10 days in Vancouver and the surrounding area. (Two weeks in the Rockies and a little under two weeks in Vancouver and nearby.)
I’d like to say that being a woman traveling alone doesn’t really bother me. That’s not the issue. Being a woman is just how it is, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but traveling solo is something I could fix by finding travel companions. However, I had a not-so-great experience in India with two girls who were total strangers at first and turned out to be quite annoying, so I’m a bit put off by the idea now.
My question is simple, assuming I do this trip alone: is it worth sticking *only* to driving? I have **zero** sense of direction—with a map, I’m hopeless. So, is it realistic to think, "With my GPS, I’ll just drive from Calgary to Vancouver and see what I see," since I don’t see myself hiking alone? I’m not easily scared, but I wouldn’t feel confident doing that solo. Unless all the sightseeing is done with a guide (but then, hello, the cost—my budget isn’t exactly overflowing).
What do you all think?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Take care and happy travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
After a week of sports south of Bergen, I’m not sure what to visit during the following week between Bergen and Oslo.
I haven’t planned to rent a car.
I’d love your suggestions. Thanks
Hi everyone, I’m really keen to visit Iran for three weeks in mid-March 2015.
What worries me a bit isn’t so much traveling alone—I’m used to it and know the Middle East well—but rather the current events (Islamic State) that could potentially become dangerous.
Flights are pretty cheap at the moment, and I’d like to book before prices go up.
Any advice from people who know the ground situation and Iranian current affairs better than I do would be much appreciated! :)
Hi there! I’m in the middle of planning my first solo trip (as a woman). Do you have any ideal destinations with activities like hiking, diving, sightseeing, and easy ways to meet locals—all on a small budget?
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had this experience before! :)
Hi there,
Who could recommend a reliable agency for visiting several islands, including the parks around Komodo? I’m traveling solo as a woman.
Thanks for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
I’m often in transit in Tokyo and I stay at the hotel because Japanese people speak little English and the signs are almost always in Japanese!
Any ideas for getting from Narita to a nice park or an onsen? I wanted to try Hokkaido, but apart from renting a car, it’s all trains! Any suggestions for a car with a driver? Or is it too expensive? Small group tours in Hokkaido? I read about the Explorator group’s offer—way too expensive!!!
I’ve got a maximum of 8 days. I’d just like a nice Japanese break.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
my friend, with whom I traveled to Iran, Myanmar, and India, really wanted to take a one-month trip to Armenia and Georgia. So we booked our flights (June 21 to July 19), but disaster struck—she can’t travel anymore due to serious family reasons.
Now I’m heading off on this adventure alone. It’s not that I’ve never traveled solo before—I spent three months exploring Southeast Asia by myself last year—but I still have a few questions, and I’d really appreciate your input.
* I don’t think traveling alone in these countries is very risky—what do you think?
* Maybe I could hire a driver? What would that cost, since some places seem tricky to reach by public transport. Do you have any driver recommendations?
* I don’t want to rent a car—the driving seems too unpredictable, especially in Georgia.
* I’d love to do some nice hikes—are there any guides available?
Here’s my rough itinerary:
YEREVAN and surroundings
YEGHEGNADZOR for Noravank
GORIS and TATEV
LAKE SEVAN
DILIJAN
HAGHPAT
TBILISI and surroundings
The CAUCASUS toward Mestia
UPLISTSIKHE
VARDZIA
Return to Yerevan for my flight
Thanks to anyone who can share their experiences or answer my questions!
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a few tips that really helped me better prepare my carry-on luggage. After a few trips (and some mistakes too!), I’ve finally found a way to organize myself that makes life a lot easier. Maybe this can help other travelers here.
1. Choose a practical and sturdy bag
A good bag is the foundation. I’ve noticed that a model with a solid structure, sturdy wheels, and a well-thought-out interior really changes the experience. Hard-shell suitcases hold up better, especially when you’re hopping between flights. Personally, I use a Lambert suitcase because the interior is super well-divided, but the important thing is to find a model that works for you.
2. Rolling your clothes really works
It’s simple, but it saves so much space. Plus, it wrinkles less. I do this now for almost everything, especially lightweight clothes.
3. Keep everything in a small kit
100 ml liquids, toothbrush, cream, mini first-aid kit… Having all of that in one clear toiletry bag makes going through security much easier. It saves you from having to take everything out and put it back in a rush.
4. A pouch for essentials
Passport, headphones, charger, phone… I keep all of that in the same pouch. It saves so much stress when you need to find something quickly, especially on the plane.
5. Traveling lighter makes all the difference
Since I started choosing versatile clothes that mix and match well, I travel with a lot less. Less weight, fewer decisions to make, fewer things to lug around. It honestly makes traveling so much more enjoyable.
From the conversations I’ve had with other travelers (and several customers too), I’ve realized you can really simplify your trip just by organizing a little better and choosing good accessories.
If you have other tips or methods that work for you, I’d love to read them. We always learn from others on this forum.
Looking forward to exchanging with you all!
Hi,
Has anyone recently taken the boat to Casamance from Dakar and could share their experience?
From France, is it possible to book online, or do you need to go through an agency? How far in advance?
Boarding/disembarking: how does it work? Do we have to check in our luggage and then pick it up on arrival?
What’s the vibe like on the boat in the seating area?
Has anyone ever stopped over in Carabane? Accommodation options there?
Thanks so much if you have any recent info!
Exploring India by road is all about having a good driver. I highly recommend the one I’ve traveled with for 5 "safe" trips—Rajasthan 3 times over 16 years, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. He’s been driving tourists for 25 years now and is more than just a driver. He knows how to talk about his country, the cities you visit, and suggests alternative routes.
He’s well-connected with real local guides who don’t just ramble (as he puts it himself) or drag you into shops claiming to be run by their "so-called family." Depending on your preferences, he can suggest well-tested itineraries and recommend typical hotels like Havelis.
For dining, he oversees meal prep based on your spice-level preferences. He’s Sikh and deeply respectful of his passengers.
He speaks English better than French, but one of his daughters is studying French at university.
Hi,
We’d like to spend about twenty days in Albania next July. We’re two women traveling together and we’re thinking of renting a small car. Does that sound reasonable, or should we avoid it?
Thanks for your advice.
Hi there,
I’m spending a week in Morocco (Rabat - Meknes - Fes).
I’ll be traveling solo—is it safe for a woman over 60?
For transportation, I’m planning to take the train. I was thinking of buying my ticket last minute, but it’s around the end-of-year period…?
I’ll be in Meknes on December 31st—any suggestions on how they celebrate New Year’s Eve there?
Is anyone visiting these destinations? Maybe we could meet up…?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
After hearing so much about Djerba, especially the GO clubs, is it risky for a young, pretty newly-retired woman to visit the island alone?
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Does anyone know how late the buses run from Cusco Airport to the city center? I land at 9:30 PM, plus time to clear customs, pick up my luggage, and exchange some money—figure an extra 30 to 45 minutes. Though, come to think of it, I still have 5 sols from last time—maybe that’ll be enough for the bus?
Thanks.
Brigitte
Planned arrival on Sunday evening, November 16, 2025, in San José. Staying 3 nights, then taking a bus to Tortuguero for 2 nights. Looking for a shared shuttle to La Fortuna for 2 nights, then a van-boat-van combo to Santa Elena for 2 or 3 nights. Heading to Quepos for 4 nights for day trips using local buses—Jaco, San Antonio, Uvita. After that, a full-day bus ride to Cahuita. I’m booking hotels as I go, which gives me the flexibility to stay longer in places I like. I’m looking for accommodations in city centers near restaurants and not too far from the bus station. Budget: 50 € for a room with a private bathroom (if you’ve got any great tips!). For my finale, I’ll cross the land border to Panama City for 4 days. Thanks for your suggestions! 😉
As I mentioned before, I’m heading to Istanbul next summer, and I’ve heard there have been quite a few attacks by Kurds in Turkey recently, which is making me hesitate about my trip.
What do you all think? :( I’m wondering if it’s really a good idea to go...
Hi everyone,
I’m 66 and just discovered solo travel in Uzbekistan—I loved it! So I’ve decided to explore Africa, starting with Senegal. I’m just beginning my research, but if anyone can give me advice on which month to go, what to see, and whether this destination is safe—or maybe suggest another African country—I’d really appreciate your tips!
Hi there!
We’re leaving in early November for a month.
Here’s our itinerary:
Arrival in Takhmau, then heading to:
Kampong Cham
Kratie – 2 days
Mondolkiri – 3 days
Ratanakiri – 3 days
Stung Treng – 1 day
Siem Reap – 4 days
Battambang – 1 day
Kampong Chhnang – 3 days
Kampot – 2 days
Islands (WE’RE HESITATING WHICH ONE?) – 4 DAYS
Phnom Penh – 2 days
That’s it! 😊
We’re backpacking… and we love spots that aren’t too touristy. If you’ve got any tips, we’re all ears!
Thanks
