préparant nos vacances de cet été dans l'ouest (2.5-3 semaines à 4 personnes), je vois 2 variantes
a) acheter un autotour (tous les hotels aux étapes) et la location de voiture
a) tout organiser moi même et trouver les hôtels aux étapes.
Pour la solution a), habitant en Suisse, je ne trouve pas de société vendant des autotours tels que ceux de Directours (Paris). En connaissez vous ? est-ce possible ou recommandé d'acheter un forfait à une société française ? Y a-t-il des risques (p.ex. en cas de litiges ?)
Je ne suis pas encore un spécialiste incontesté des Etats-Unis, mais cet été, j'en serai à mon 2° voyage dans l'Ouest américain et je prépare tout à chaque fois moi-même, en suivant les conseils avisés des forums d'internautes et de globe-trotters et de leurs expériences très riches et empruntes de sagesse.
Surtout notamment pour valider ton parcours et son tempo et obtenir des infos sur les sites à visiter.
Pour ton périple : 2 solutions.
Soit tu confies tout ou partie à un "Tour Opérator", soit tu fais tout toi-même.
1° solution) L'an dernier en étudiant de près mon premier périple, je me suis vite rendu compte, que d'abord dans les prestatires : il y a les généralistes (à éviter pour moi : car ce sont des vendeurs de soupe qui n'y connaissent rien et qui sont trè très chers et ne t'apportent rien en connaissances) et les "spécialistes" de la destination : dont il faut retenir les conseils avisés (car ils conniassent vraiment bien le pays pour y aller très souvent superviser les hotels et les sites ...). Attention, malgré tout, car il sont également là pour vendre et donc tu dois avoir ton libre-arbitre sur toutes leurs propositions et les comparer.
Je ne connais pas les prestataires suisses, mais en France par exemple tu as :
Back Road
14 Place Denfert Rochereau
75014 Paris
Tel : + 33 1 43 22 65 65
E-mail : contact@backroads.fr
Site internet : www.backroads.fr/
J'avais comme interlocutrice Ingrid (tu as toujours la même personne qui suit ton dossier) et j'ai pu avec elle valider le bien fondé de mes points de chutes, du tempo de mon voyage en fonction des visites à effectuer ...
Par contre, comme j'étais à l'affût des prix en comparant tous azimuts, j'ai pris mes billets d'avion par Nouvelles Fontières : qui avaient fait une offre canon à un moment, sur laquelle Back Road n'a pas pu s'aligner et la location de voiture où là encore j'ai obtenu bien mieux (quoiqu'ils téaient assez bien placé).
Dans l'ensemble leurs prix sont assez bons.
Je ne leur ai confié quant à moi que les hôtels, où j'ai tout vérifié malgré tout entre 2 sites : Expédia et Tripadvisor pour voir la quaklité et les commentaires et juger des prix.
Au total; je ne gagnais perso que 2%, donc j'ai préféré qu'isl s'occupent de toutes les réservations.
2° solution : Mais ... par soi-même on peut obtenir bien mieux : c'est du boulot, mais c'est tellement intéressant. Donc cette année et fort de l'expérience de l'an dernier et de plusieurs voyages, je fais tout moi-même.
J'ai trouvé mes billets d'avion à prix record en consultant tous les jours les sites comparateurs et en sautant à un moment donné sur la bonne occasion.
Après avoir établi mon parcours sur une carte des USA.
J'ai cherché tous les hotels qui me convenaient, ai validé leurs caractéristiques, ai comparé en utilisant : Tripadvisor, et Voyages SNCF + = Expédia (It's the same) ou encore hotel.com ou hotelclub.com et j'ai réservé moi-même directement.
Je m'y suis pris plus tôt que l'an dernier et je peux te dire que j'ai fait de réelles économies (qui me permettront de + profiter sur place). J'ai réservé une grande partie par Voyages SNCF qui était très bien positionné avec quasi toujours les prix les moins chers / leurs concurrents et en direct sur 2 hotels : et je peux te dire que j'ai épluché à l'aide d'un tableau Excel toutes les prestations (p'tit déj, mico-ondes, frigo, piscine ...) : car je peux te dire que çà peut faire une différence pour le même prix.
Là, je suis en train d'étudier les modalités de location de ma voiture et il y a encore matière à économie.
Ebookers est pas mal. Attention aux différences d'assurances !!!
Bon ben voilà, j'ai essayé de te donner quelques infos. Un peu long peut-être, mais si tu es arrivé jusque là, c'est que tu étais intéréssée.
Merci bcp pour ta réponse très détaillée. Je n'ai pas encore trouvé de prestataire spécialisé comme Backroads, le Comptoir ou Directours en Suisse, mais apparemment ils peuvent me vendre leurs produits avec la contrainte de décoller depuis la France pour les billets d'avion (habitant près de Mulhouse, ce n'est pas un problème).
Les 2 premiers font des proposition customizables, le 3ème non modifiables.
Je vais essayer de demander des propositions à Backroads basé sur un itinéraire de 20 jours que j'ai assez bien en tête puis comparer avec tripadvisor. En fait, j'avais commencé de le faire avec les propositions de Directours en les prix avaient l'air assez proches.
Y'a une solution intermédiaire - c'est celle que j'ai choisi pour cet été car je vais aussi aux States -😉
a)Réserver tes billets d'avions et ta voiture chez ton agent de voyage.
b) Réserver par téléphone ou par internet l'hôtel dans la ville où tu arrives avec ton vol ainsi que quelques étapes "sensibles" en été genre:
Las Vegas si tu pense y être en fin de semaine ( à éviter de toutes façons parce que les prix prennent l'ascenseur...),
Certains parc nationaux où tu voudrais dormir ( yellowstone ou Deathvalley par ex.)
et pour le reste, tu trouveras en route sans trop de problème.
Un autotour est cher, et plein de contraintes puisque tu dois impérativement te retrouver aux endroits prévus sans déroger à ce qui est planifié.Ca peut être frustrant, parfois.
si tu veux plus de précisions contacte-moi en bal!
bonne journée
Corine
Nous sommes une famille de 4 et nous avons pris nos billets d’avion pour passer 6j à Barcelone du 18 au 24 octobre 2026.
Nous cherchons maintenant un logement et nous sommes un peu paniqués par les prix. Nos premières recherches nous mènent à des nuitées à 250 ou 300 euros.
D’ou notre question: ratons nous quelque chose pour trouver des adresses plus économiques ? Et auriez vous des bons plans à nous partager ?
Hi, I'm heading to Italy soon and I wanted to know if Italian banks charge fees when you withdraw cash at an ATM, or if, like in Spain or Greece, it's better to avoid taking out money and bring cash instead. Looking forward to your replies... Thanks
We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Amazing trip in May 2026: fantastic landscapes, such a different vibe from our other journeys, wonderful memories, but...
- Discovering the population: very few "native" Icelanders,
and exceptional discretion from the police, who were notably absent from the white vehicle stopped by the roadside that caught us speeding in mid-May...
To this day, only our inquiry with the car rental company has informed us of a "speeding ticket" message. More than a month later, we still don’t know the "severity" of the offense or the amount of the fine we’ll be "hit with."
Well, well, a taste of Icelandic administrative experience...
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
Hi everyone,
I rented a car through Klaus Wagen, picking it up in downtown Porto and returning it in downtown Lisbon.
After paying, I read some pretty negative reviews about them.
So, can anyone reassure me with positive experiences they’ve had with them?
Thanks in advance!
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
Hi there,
I’m heading to Setúbal at the end of June with my granddaughter, and I can’t seem to find clear info on the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal. It looks like there’s a train or bus, but I can’t find the exact names of the bus (or train) companies or the precise departure points. Thanks if anyone can help me out! 😉 Just to clarify, I’m on a tight budget and have already ruled out taxis or similar options.
Hello,
We’re heading to Puglia at the end of May. We’re a senior couple. We arrive in Bari, where we’ve booked accommodation for 2 nights. We’ve rented a car.
Day 1: Bari
Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli
Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi
Day 4: Lecce
Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area
Day 9 & 10: Matera
We’re considering renting a place near Lecce for 5 days and using it as a base to explore the region.
Hi there,
I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip:
- Before leaving, I consulted travel guides and blogs. I was surprised by how repetitive and unoriginal the featured sites were. This leads hurried travelers to follow the same overcrowded routes, which can annoy locals. I found that all Faroese villages were interesting—they reflect the country’s identity, even without the iconic grass-roofed houses. Those are indeed harmonious and beautiful, but they feel like an exotic cliché. For activities, I loved the lively ports that keep the country running.
- I was annoyed by the paid trails in tourist spots. Locals explained that these paths cross private land, and owners are responsible for maintenance and safety. There are plenty of free trails, too—signs at the start detail their features. While not alarmist, the extreme and unpredictable weather is a key factor to consider before setting out.
- The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days.
- Distances are relatively short. I was happy to be based near Tórshavn because it was easy to explore one or more places in a day. The roads are in great condition. In late March, diesel was 2 €. Tunnel tolls can add up (~26 € per crossing), making a fixed base less practical than I’d thought.
- Everyone agrees: the landscapes are breathtaking. Nature feels untamed here—except for the short grass, thanks to all the woolly sheep.
- The flight from Paris to the Faroe Islands (and back) was long in March—11 hours with three legs: Paris-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Vágar. In bad weather, Vágar Airport can close, causing delays. During tourist season, Atlantic Airways offers a direct Paris-Faroe Islands flight, which is more comfortable and cheaper.
- I found a book recommendation in a guide that fascinated me after my trip: *Les collectionneurs d'images* by Joanes Nielsen. Through its sometimes caricatured characters, it offers a glimpse into Faroese mentalities from the 1950s to 1970s—attitudes that likely persist today.
In conclusion, I’ve traveled a lot and I’m tired of destinations that all start to look the same. The Faroe Islands were a delight—a country stunning in its landscape, climate, and culture, where tourism has barely altered its authenticity.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for October to visit Naples (6 nights) and the Amalfi Coast (5 nights). We’ve already got the historic center and the Lapis Museum in Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Procida, Sorrento, and Ravello on our list. Any suggestions, addresses, or tips?
Thanks for your help.
Hello,
We’re heading to Rome from 21/09, arriving in the early afternoon, and returning on 28/09, leaving in the morning. We’ve already booked our flight tickets and our accommodation in the city center: Via Ezio.
I’d love to get your feedback on our itinerary and if there are any visits we should book right now:
Monday 21 afternoon:
Largo di Torre Argentina: a sacred spot for cats.
Tuesday 22:
The Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and if possible, the necropolis.
Wednesday 23:
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Afternoon: Trastevere neighborhood and the Monumento a Garibaldi.
Thursday 24:
Piazza Navona, Church of St. Louis of the French, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain.
Friday 25:
Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Quirinale, Piazza della Repubblica, and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Saturday 26:
Aventine and Testaccio neighborhoods, the Capuchin Crypt.
Sunday 27:
Ostia.
Monday 28:
Departure.
Are any days too packed, or should we add more visits?
Thanks for your input and help!
Cheers!
Anne
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it?
Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA
Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.)
Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town
Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia
Day 7: Ortigia
Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?)
Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional)
Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?)
Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice
Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip)
Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible
Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits
Day 20: The city
Day 21: The city (Monreale?)
Day 22: Options:
- Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello)
- Cefalù (45 min by train)
Day 23: Return flight
Hello,
We’re heading to Bavaria from May 13 to 23, with a side trip to Austria.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Brussels-Munich
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich and departure for Salzburg
We’ll be staying three nights in Salzburg.
Then we’ll head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’ll stay for five nights.
Visiting Munich and Salzburg isn’t too tricky.
Once in Garmisch, we’re planning a day in Innsbruck, a day for Neuschwanstein Castle, and the rest is still up in the air.
What’s really got me stumped is that we’d love to see Königssee Lake—everyone says it’s a must-see.
We’d also like to visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), where the landscapes are supposedly stunning.
This would either be a round trip while we’re in Salzburg or on the way between Salzburg and Garmisch, but I’m guessing it’s impossible to do the drive from Salzburg to Garmisch, the Eagle’s Nest, *and* Königssee Lake all in one day.
Plus, the Alpine route between Salzburg and Garmisch seems prettier than the highway.
But honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning.
We should’ve added a stop between Salzburg and Garmisch, but the hotels are already booked.
Thanks for any advice on the itinerary and visits!
Another question: How far in advance should we book Neuschwanstein, Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest in May?
Thanks so much in advance for your tips and ideas!
hi
I’m wondering if anyone can give me some info on how to get from Mallorca to Menorca.
Since flights are cheaper to Mallorca, I’d like to go that way.
Thanks so much for your help!
We’re planning a trip to Finland and Norway this summer, starting in Oulu to explore Lapland, heading up to the North Cape, and then making our way down to Bergen.
This route means renting a car in Finland and dropping it off in Norway. My initial searches are showing rental rates that are... astronomical—about three times the price compared to returning it at the starting point.
I’m guessing I’m not the only one wanting to visit both countries. Are there any great tips to drastically reduce the cost of renting a car?
Hi there, we’re a couple of bikers planning a trip to Majorca in June 2026, and I’d love to organize a half-day or full-day boat or catamaran outing. Which coast do you think is the nicest for this, and do you have any suggestions or personal experiences to share? Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
Does anyone know if there are any works in progress at Torcello, and if so, what type of works and how long they’re expected to last?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I’m sharing my draft itinerary with you because I just booked our flight tickets, and I feel like it’s quite late in the season. So, I’d like to be sure about my stops before reserving the hotels. I’ll be traveling alone with my two adult children. We want to prioritize outdoor walks, avoid too many indoor visits (both for budget and preference), and not spend too much time on the road.
D1: Arrival at 9 AM in Malaga, day in Malaga and overnight stay
D2: Head straight to Nerja (1-hour drive) and spend the night there
D3: Head straight to Granada (1.5-hour drive), spend the day and night there
D4: Granada. Visit the Alhambra (Nasrid Palaces tour at 5 PM) and spend the night
D5: Head to Ronda (2.5-hour drive) and spend the night
D6: White Villages and overnight in Ronda
D7: Head straight to the Costa del Sol (e.g., Estepona), spend the day and night there
D8: Return to Malaga to catch our flight
There you go! This itinerary takes into account that we’d like to do a circuit starting from Seville in a few years. That said, it’d be a shame to miss something doable from Malaga.
Questions:
Since the Alhambra visit is only at 5 PM, and we’d already have the day to explore Granada, would arriving the day before be a mistake? Or should we skip this day and dedicate it elsewhere (Costa del Sol? Head toward Tabernas?)? The old town appeals to me, but maybe the Sacromonte neighborhood isn’t essential...
Same question for Ronda: should we dedicate a full day to it, or combine Ronda and the White Villages in one day?
Note that we love wandering around villages outside, so that might answer my question! :)
Final question: Is it better to rent the car at Malaga Airport or in the city? If we rent at the airport, we’d need a hotel with parking, which doesn’t seem easy. Or stay outside the city and park for free near the center if possible? I’ve read comments about taking a taxi to Malaga and then picking up the rental car at the airport the next morning. The taxi would really need to be affordable...
Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions for visits during this little circuit.
Have a great day, everyone!
Christine
Hello,
we’re a couple planning a 2-week road trip this August, with a must-stop (about 3 days on Skye). Any route suggestions? Hotel recommendations? Photo spots?
My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland in September 2026.
We’ll be flying from Montreal to London, where we’ll spend three nights.
After that, we’ll head to Dublin for a few days and take trains to visit the main attractions.
Our ideal plan would be to choose hotels near train stations and take tours to the interesting spots.
Would 8 days in Ireland be enough for this kind of trip?
We’re a group of 4 heading out at the end of June for 11 days.
I’m just starting my research.
We’ll be renting a regular car, not a 4x4.
I’m not finding a ton of info on the North.
Would love your take on all those kilometers—is there a route that lets us cut out a section?
Thanks
