Besoin d'air
by Demelidemelo
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour tous le monde.
Je suis nouvelle sur ce forum et d'ailleurs c'est mon premier forum, mais au vue des réflexions et pensées je pense qu'il est temps d'échanger.
J'ai 36 ans, maman solo de deux enfants dont plus que un a la maison mais qui va bientôt prendre son envol ...
En septembre dernier j'ai fait mon premier voyage seule!!!!! 15 jours toute seule , seule depuis 18 ans!!!!! J'aime mes enfants mais bon s'en quel pieds!!!!!!!!!
Bref, voilà ce qui m'amène vers vous , depuis quelques années maintenant je sais que je vais partir, que la vie dans cette société ne me conviens pas. Je n'y est jamais trouver ma place et je pense simplement que je ne suis pas faite pour.
Trop de choses m'énerve et ne trouve pas d'eco dans mon esprit, le métro/boulot/dodo...la consomation excessive ... La moralité de l'être humain...enfin bref un dégoût qui ne fait que croître et avec lesquels mon esprit c'est battu pour être comme tous le monde... Aujourd'hui je sais avec une grande certidude qu'au lieu de vivre comme les autre et etre malheureuse je veux arrêter de perdre mon temps et vivre comme je le veux et enfin etre heureuse!!!
Seulement voilà , j'aime ma solitude mais j'aime aussi les échanges sauf qu'actuellement je n'est personne avec qui en parler, je suis " hors normes" ou bien " un peu taré" ou je ne sais quoi d'autre.... Résultat je me coupe de tout et de tt le monde ...j'aime pas faire semblent et encore moin les hypocrites...
En vous parcourant sur ce forum j'ai constater que je suis loin d'être seule ...punaise que ça fait du bien!!!!
Donc voilà si ma petite histoire, réflexion vous parle n'hésitez pas contactez moi
Ps: désoler suis nul en français donc mille excuses aux yeux sensibles...
Bonjour Sabrina,
Bienvenue sur ce forum !
Oui, effectivement, tes réflexions rejoignent pas mal d'échanges sur ce forum.
D'ailleurs, n'hésite pas à entrer dans ces discussions, si tu as quelque chose à y dire ou demander ! Je pense que tu auras plus de réponses qu'avec ce message (tu ouvres ici une discussion, mais tes réflexions balayent tellement de sujets que tu n'auras pas forcément beaucoup d'intervenants.
Cordialement,
Murielle
... là-bas si j'y suis...
Ayant connu les deux, la vie marìé et celle de célibataire, j'apprécie bien cette dernière car je fais ce que je veux. Célibataire ne veut pas dire esseulé : Il y a un tas de gens intéressants à rencontrer (par contre, pour trouver de VRAIS amis, c'est beaucoup plus difficile ; on les reconnait uniquement quand on est dans le pétrin, notamment financier, et on a besoin d'eux ; les "bons amis" disparaissent comme par enchantement). Mon conseil : ne vous "fermẻz" pas mais ne cherchez pas trop non plus ; c'est souvent quand on ne cherche pas que l'on trouve, en voyage, ou à une terrasse de café, dans un musée, etc.
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
bonjour
C'est clair que nous sommes plus ou moins dans ce genre de shéma par la force des choses puis on s'apercoit effectivement (souvent lorsque nos enfants quittent le nid familiale)que ce mode de vie ne nous convient pas...un retour sur soi....par le voyage?
Au plaisir
regine
bonjour
que dire ?
que oui , tu n'est pas seule a avoir ce ras le bol !
que tu n'es pas la seule à être nulle en français 😉 , moi aussi !
que le besoin d'air il faut aller le chercher , il ne va pas t'arriver tout seul !
que tu n'es pas non plus seule à être hors norme ! , moi aussi je suis taré , je voyage dans les pays ou ça craint le plus 😠
que je suis pour la deuxième fois célibataire et que l'on ne m'y reprendra plus !😎
et que la vie est difficile , mais belle 😏😏😏
bon dimanche !
francia
le mérite d'un homme réside dans sa connaissance et dans ses actes et non point dans la couleur de sa peau ou de sa religion!
Khalil Gibran
Bonsoir!
Votre message m'a ému et je me ressens en vous! Nous sommes de plus en plus dans une société (surtout en occident) ou tout est rapport de force, d'argent, de matérialisme et d'égoïsme. Pour ma part, j'ai fait le tri sur beaucoup de choses et sur les êtres humains... Ce qui en ressort, c'est que nous nous retrouvons, malheureusement, seuls (si nous sommes nous mêmes, simples et non hypocrites) en face les réalités de cette vie sur terre très superficielle? SURTOUT EN OCCIDENT. Non, vous ne faites pas partie des personnes "hors normes", vous êtes tout simplement "VOUS!" et non pas "TAREE!" Ce sont les autres personnes qui sont souvent "TAREES!". Ceci dit, "L'ETRE HUMAIN né BON, MAIS C'EST LA SOCIETE QUI LE CORROMPT!". Dite vous, que vous êtes une personne sensée et logique et en accord avec vous même, cela est déjà exceptionnel dans ce monde de fous! En ce qui me concerne, j'ai déjà pas mal voyagé dans le monde depuis l'âge de 18 ans et j'ai trouvé des gens extraordinaires. Dites vous qu'il y a aussi des personnes "SIMPLES" et qui sont restées eux-mêmes, sans artifices et qui savent bien gérer leurs vie sans aller chercher tout le temps des choses qu'ils n'ont pas vraiment besoin. J'avoue, que c'est aussi très dur, pour un être humain, de ne pas pouvoir obtenir certaine choses face à "LA TENTATION PERMANENTE QUE NOUS OFFRES LES MEDIAS (Publicité permanente pour consommer de plus en plus!): INTERNET, TELEPHONES MOBILES, ORDINATEURS, TABLETTES, VOITURES (Savez vous qu'il y a 80% de personnes en FRANCE qui roulent seuls tous les jours dans leur voiture... HALLUCINANT, N'EST CE PAS!). Pour ma part, j'ai tout eu... TRES HAUT DANS L'ECHELLE (Directeur et manager dans de grands groupes internationaux!) et ... TRES BAS (SDF!) ou j'ai tout perdu (travail, femme décédée, enfants et famille qui m'ont abandonnés, etc... Mais je m'en suis toujours sorti en ayant la force et la volonté de "VIVRE", tout simplement. J'ai vécu dans un camping-car pendant plusieurs années, seul (avec peu d'argent) où j'ai rencontré des gens très intéressants et je ne me suis jamais ennuyé. Cela m'a permis aussi de prendre le temps d'observer les choses, la nature, de discuter plus facilement avec les gens (ALORS QUE NOUS SOMMES DANS UN MONDE DE MOINS EN MOINS COMMUNIQUANT, SI, LE NOUVEAU PROLONGMENT DE LA MAIN, LA NOUVELLE TETE (PARCE QUE VOUS NE VOYEZ PLUS LES PERSONNES QUI SONT EN FACE DE VOUS!)ET LA DEUXIEME BOUCHE, "LE TELEPHONE MOBILE!" AH, QUELLE BELLE INVENTION!!! Aujourd'hui, j'ai fait le tri... Je suis seul, mais en recherche d'AMOUR et de BONHEUR! JE NE SAIS PAS SI CELA EXISTE ENCORE! Alors, je me suis inscrit sur ce site "QUI ME FAIT REVER" car "JE VOYAGE" et apprend des tas de choses de gens qui sont en quête, comme vous, "DU BONHEUR" et d'être "HEUREUX". Dites vous qu'il y a des personnes encore plus malheureuses que vous sur terre (problèmes de santé par exemple) et que les petits bonheurs de tous les jours sont déjà bien. Cependant, je voudrai dire ceci à toutes les personnes qui liront ce message : Que notre monde se remette en question et que l'être humain se dise, que s'il avait un peu plus d'AMOUR pour son prochain et moins d'EGOCENTRISME et D'INTOLERANCE et qu'il essayait de "MIEUX COMPRENDRE L'AUTRE", il serait rempli de "JOIE ET DE BONHEUR". Je vous embrasse et continuez à vous battre et à avancer. Chris
Votre message m'a ému et je me ressens en vous! Nous sommes de plus en plus dans une société (surtout en occident) ou tout est rapport de force, d'argent, de matérialisme et d'égoïsme. Pour ma part, j'ai fait le tri sur beaucoup de choses et sur les êtres humains... Ce qui en ressort, c'est que nous nous retrouvons, malheureusement, seuls (si nous sommes nous mêmes, simples et non hypocrites) en face les réalités de cette vie sur terre très superficielle? SURTOUT EN OCCIDENT. Non, vous ne faites pas partie des personnes "hors normes", vous êtes tout simplement "VOUS!" et non pas "TAREE!" Ce sont les autres personnes qui sont souvent "TAREES!". Ceci dit, "L'ETRE HUMAIN né BON, MAIS C'EST LA SOCIETE QUI LE CORROMPT!". Dite vous, que vous êtes une personne sensée et logique et en accord avec vous même, cela est déjà exceptionnel dans ce monde de fous! En ce qui me concerne, j'ai déjà pas mal voyagé dans le monde depuis l'âge de 18 ans et j'ai trouvé des gens extraordinaires. Dites vous qu'il y a aussi des personnes "SIMPLES" et qui sont restées eux-mêmes, sans artifices et qui savent bien gérer leurs vie sans aller chercher tout le temps des choses qu'ils n'ont pas vraiment besoin. J'avoue, que c'est aussi très dur, pour un être humain, de ne pas pouvoir obtenir certaine choses face à "LA TENTATION PERMANENTE QUE NOUS OFFRES LES MEDIAS (Publicité permanente pour consommer de plus en plus!): INTERNET, TELEPHONES MOBILES, ORDINATEURS, TABLETTES, VOITURES (Savez vous qu'il y a 80% de personnes en FRANCE qui roulent seuls tous les jours dans leur voiture... HALLUCINANT, N'EST CE PAS!). Pour ma part, j'ai tout eu... TRES HAUT DANS L'ECHELLE (Directeur et manager dans de grands groupes internationaux!) et ... TRES BAS (SDF!) ou j'ai tout perdu (travail, femme décédée, enfants et famille qui m'ont abandonnés, etc... Mais je m'en suis toujours sorti en ayant la force et la volonté de "VIVRE", tout simplement. J'ai vécu dans un camping-car pendant plusieurs années, seul (avec peu d'argent) où j'ai rencontré des gens très intéressants et je ne me suis jamais ennuyé. Cela m'a permis aussi de prendre le temps d'observer les choses, la nature, de discuter plus facilement avec les gens (ALORS QUE NOUS SOMMES DANS UN MONDE DE MOINS EN MOINS COMMUNIQUANT, SI, LE NOUVEAU PROLONGMENT DE LA MAIN, LA NOUVELLE TETE (PARCE QUE VOUS NE VOYEZ PLUS LES PERSONNES QUI SONT EN FACE DE VOUS!)ET LA DEUXIEME BOUCHE, "LE TELEPHONE MOBILE!" AH, QUELLE BELLE INVENTION!!! Aujourd'hui, j'ai fait le tri... Je suis seul, mais en recherche d'AMOUR et de BONHEUR! JE NE SAIS PAS SI CELA EXISTE ENCORE! Alors, je me suis inscrit sur ce site "QUI ME FAIT REVER" car "JE VOYAGE" et apprend des tas de choses de gens qui sont en quête, comme vous, "DU BONHEUR" et d'être "HEUREUX". Dites vous qu'il y a des personnes encore plus malheureuses que vous sur terre (problèmes de santé par exemple) et que les petits bonheurs de tous les jours sont déjà bien. Cependant, je voudrai dire ceci à toutes les personnes qui liront ce message : Que notre monde se remette en question et que l'être humain se dise, que s'il avait un peu plus d'AMOUR pour son prochain et moins d'EGOCENTRISME et D'INTOLERANCE et qu'il essayait de "MIEUX COMPRENDRE L'AUTRE", il serait rempli de "JOIE ET DE BONHEUR". Je vous embrasse et continuez à vous battre et à avancer. Chris
bonjour
Ton témoignage respire du vécu en toute transparence et effectivement nous sommes dans un système trés superficiel ou l'on considère l'etre humain en fonction de son statut social et de ses biens matériels....ou l'on connait une technologie basée sur les moyens de communications extraordinaires qui sans secousses ne connectent plus les etres entre eux, un grand paradoxe......de mon coté aussi je me suis recentrée, trier tout ce qui était inutile tant matériel que relations...ce qui n'empèche pas qu'il y a de tres belles personnes sur cette terre comme vous....qui cherchent à s'épanouir au travers les choses simples de la vie, au présent, sans espèrer plus....le voyage inspire cela vivre l'instant présent, le lacher prise, etre disponible, s'émerveiller......courage beaucoup ont conscience de ces valeurs
Amicalement
régine
regine
Je pense nécessaire de souligner un fait important : français vivant à l'étranger depuis plus de 40 ans (choix personnel pour voir le vaste monde tout en retournant pendant 35 ans chaque année dans notre superbe pays), j'ai vite remarqué que certaines tribus telles que les italiens, anglais, belges, suisses, irlanadis, canadiens français, australiens et nouveaux zélandais, avaient une joie de vivre qui semble perdúe en France ; je n'ai cessé de rencontrer partout dans le monde des français raleurs, heureux nulle part, ne se parlant pas entre eux, méfiants de tout et de tous, et qui, ignorant que leur pays est un des plus fantastiques au monde, ne rêvent que d'une chose, habiter ailleurs, comme si l'herbe y était plus vertes ; évidement, ils ne sont pas tous comme cela, mais il faut bien dire que ce fait n'arrange pas les relations humaines !
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Bonjour Jacques ,
Je suis contente !! Je viens d'apprendre que je fais partie d'une tribu qui a la joie de vivre 😏😏
Même si je pense comprendre ce que tu veux dire , il vaut quand même mieux ne pas généraliser ....sous peine d'être déçu en passant par chez nous .😛
Je suis contente !! Je viens d'apprendre que je fais partie d'une tribu qui a la joie de vivre 😏😏
Même si je pense comprendre ce que tu veux dire , il vaut quand même mieux ne pas généraliser ....sous peine d'être déçu en passant par chez nous .😛
"La vie est un voyage qui se vit au présent ou jamais ...."
coucou Jacques, j'espère que la saison n'est pas trop fraîche à Hanoï! 🙂 quels beaux souvenir pour moi l'été 2012, de quoi réchauffer l'hiver... je vous envoie quelques bises montpellieraines!
oui, il y a des gens qui ne savent pas profiter des choses simples, qui cataloguent les autres avec mépris, des nocifs de tous bords... mais je sais aussi qu'il y a de chouettes rencontres, et des surprises!
la solitude est une vraie gangrène qui gâche tout, le départ des enfants est une pilule un peu difficile à avaler, mais sortir et rencontrer les autres aide à vivre, et puis faire des choix, les assumer en se moquant des méprisants, ça rend la vie bien plus simple.
pour notre amie dont le blues m'a touchée, ne pas hésiter à se faire aider si l'on n'a plus le courage de faire ces choses simples, qui changent la vie. personne n'est taré parce que la vie lui parait fade et pleine de difficultés
ce sont les grosses galères qui nous montrent le chemin: la vie c'est maintenant! & tant pis pour les imbéciles qui jugent sans savoir, suivez vos envies et ne vous retournez pas!
bon courage
m@rtine
m@rtine
J'ai 36 ans, maman solo de deux enfants dont plus que un a la maison mais qui va bientôt prendre son envol ...
Bonjour, j'ai comme l'impression que c'est le départ de vôtre enfant qui vous travaille !?
Moi aussi bientôt je vais passer par là , ça commence à me chagriner, mais en même temps je suis contente pour lui .... Et, plus tôt on est seul, mieux on prépare ses vieux jours il me semble...
Bonjour, j'ai comme l'impression que c'est le départ de vôtre enfant qui vous travaille !?
Moi aussi bientôt je vais passer par là , ça commence à me chagriner, mais en même temps je suis contente pour lui .... Et, plus tôt on est seul, mieux on prépare ses vieux jours il me semble...
on les reconnait uniquement quand on est dans le pétrin, notamment financier, et on a besoin d'eux
Des fois, c'est quand on s'en sort du pétrin que ceux qui vous ont aidé vous tournent le dos .....................
Des fois, c'est quand on s'en sort du pétrin que ceux qui vous ont aidé vous tournent le dos .....................
Bonjour Régine!
Merci pour ta réponse; tout est dit... Bonne continuation.
Merci pour ta réponse; tout est dit... Bonne continuation.
Bonjour et merci d'avoir répondu à mon message.
C'est bien vrai, hélas que de nombreux Français, dans ce si beau pays soient tentés de plus en plus d'en partir...
Mais ils ne se rendent pas compte que c'est eux qui ont délaissé cette France dans cet état en comptant toujours sur des gouvernements dont ils n'ont toujours pas compris quel était le sens exact de leur politique.
Ceci dit, je profite de vous lire pour vous demander ce que vous pensez de la vie au Vietnam?
J'aimerai bien venir quelques semaines au Vietnam et je vous serai reconnaissant de m'aiguiller la dessus, voir si éventuellement vous pourriez m'aider pour me dire ou aller et comment faire pour éviter les arnaques et problèmes dans ce pays, comme dans tous les pays monde.
Je préfère aller dans des endroits insolites, proche des habitants afin de découvrir vraiment leur mode de vie plutôt que de passer par des agences touristiques ou autres...
Quel budget dois-je disposer par jour pour manger et dormir soit chez l'habitant, soit dans des endroits simples.
Je me débrouille en Anglais, est-ce suffisant?
A bientôt j'espère.
La vie au Vietnam, c'est comme partout ailleurs il y a des bons cotés, notemment la vie pas chère et des paysages magnifiques, et des moins agréables. C'est un des plus beaux pays du monde, donc à voir. Il est très facie d'éviter les arnaques, il suffit de vérifier avant d'acheter le prix normal, par exemple avec le réceptionniste de votre hotel, en vérifiant les prix des transports sur l'Internet, etc. et d'aller dans une agence SERIEUSE pour les résas jonque Along etc. Les hotels sont cadeaux (15-20$ dans les grandes villes, 10-12 hors des villes sauf grands centres touristiques comme Sapa ou Tam Coc, les transports publics pareil, certains vols intérieurs sont pratiquement le meme prix que le train, et on mange dans les restaux de rue pour 2-3$; On trouve des gens qui parlent + ou - l'anglais dans les coins touristiques.
Méfiez-vous de la vie, car les ratés ne vous rateront pas!
Bonjour et merci beaucoup pour ces renseignements.
Bonne continuation...
Bonne continuation...
Log in first, then come back to this page.
You might also like
Storm in the Canary Islands
New adventures from Perpignan to Ranchi (Jharkhand)
Breathtaking Kyrgyzstan!
Argentine and Chilean Patagonia from El Calafate to Ushuaia
Turkey 2026: Riviera, Antalya, and Cappadocia
Page by Page on the Assisi Way – 1,200 km on Foot
How to nail your trek in wet climates: which pants keep you truly dry?
Densha Otaku - Lesser-Known Regions
More discussions
Traveling by plane between Southern Corsica and Paris? Whether it's a one-time trip or regularly, accompany one of our kittens during the journey to their forever home. The repatriation of our rescued street kittens is made possible thanks to travelers like you. No worries: you'll be guided every step of the way to complete this mission.
The in-cabin pet ticket is covered by our association, and reimbursement for expenses is possible (depending on the kitten's drop-off location, so let's discuss this beforehand).
Available and motivated to make this one-way trip with a cat and change their life? Contact us before your next trip: https://assopacci.com/contact/
The PACCI association
The in-cabin pet ticket is covered by our association, and reimbursement for expenses is possible (depending on the kitten's drop-off location, so let's discuss this beforehand).
Available and motivated to make this one-way trip with a cat and change their life? Contact us before your next trip: https://assopacci.com/contact/
The PACCI association
Hi,
Many of us have noticed that bugs have been making it difficult to navigate the forum lately.
I’ll let Kate and Ticapi explain the issue:
I went to your profile to check out the Thailand travel journal, and when I clicked on it, it brought me back here again. All week, I’ve been dealing with bugs like this—it’s really discouraging from continuing on VF.🙁
I had the same thing happen, and multiple times. For me, it was Montagnard’s latest journal that kept coming up no matter which discussion I clicked on.
Hopefully, a solution will be found soon.🙂
Many of us have noticed that bugs have been making it difficult to navigate the forum lately.
I’ll let Kate and Ticapi explain the issue:
I went to your profile to check out the Thailand travel journal, and when I clicked on it, it brought me back here again. All week, I’ve been dealing with bugs like this—it’s really discouraging from continuing on VF.🙁
I had the same thing happen, and multiple times. For me, it was Montagnard’s latest journal that kept coming up no matter which discussion I clicked on.
Hopefully, a solution will be found soon.🙂
Hi everyone, fellow travelers!
I’m looking for anyone who’s in Kyoto or planning to visit Nishiki Market! Here’s the thing: during our trip there in April, we discovered a jewelry artisan (highly recommended!) on the left when exiting through the west exit of Nishiki Market (which is a long covered east-west street). I bought a piece of jewelry for my daughter there, but she lost it. I’d love to buy her another one! In the photo, it’s the shop with the yellow awning to the right of the restaurant with the blue awning, "Sushi Sakai." Would any kind soul be willing to get the shop’s name, email, or phone number for me? Despite my Google/AI searches, it’s nowhere to be found. A thousand thanks to whoever can help me out! Wishing you all great vacations!
SabrinaHello everyone! 🙂🙂,
A BIG thank you to all the travelers who sent us postcards this year—my students are becoming real geography whizzes!!!!!!!! I’m renewing my call for your kindness this year! We’re also working on food, so if your postcards can make our mouths water with local dishes, traditional meals, or typical recipes, that’d be amazing!!
Here’s a quick recap of the project:
I’m reaching out to all travelers and globetrotters on this forum. I’m a teacher in Creuse, working in a ULIS program (which welcomes children aged 6 to 12 with disabilities into a mainstream school). This year, I’m starting a school journal project that will involve the kids in many different topics. A big part of the journal will focus on opening up to the world, diversity, travel, countries, culture... I’m launching a call to invite as many of you as possible to send us a little postcard (from France or anywhere in the world!) to take us on a journey and help us discover new places, countries, and horizons—much more fun and exciting than a regular geography textbook! One section of our journal could be called "We received mail from " and would be an opportunity to research that location and share what we learn with our readers (a super enriching activity in class). The project starts in September 2025 but has no real end date, as this journal and world discovery initiative will span several school years (the kids stay in my ULIS program for multiple years). Postcards can be sent anytime—throughout the year, across seasons, even during holidays! (The kids will find them when they return.) I hope this idea appeals to as many of you as possible and that you’ll spread the word to your fellow traveler friends. Make us dream, take us on a journey!!! For those who’d like to write to us in a language other than French, no problem—quite the opposite!! Thank you in advance for your participation(s)! Below is our address. Feel free to leave your own address on a corner of the postcard if you’d like us to write back! 😊
The ULIS program students Bonnat Elementary School 12 rue Georges Sand 23220 BONNAT Thank you, and see you soon, I hope! 😁 Julien
Here’s a quick recap of the project:
I’m reaching out to all travelers and globetrotters on this forum. I’m a teacher in Creuse, working in a ULIS program (which welcomes children aged 6 to 12 with disabilities into a mainstream school). This year, I’m starting a school journal project that will involve the kids in many different topics. A big part of the journal will focus on opening up to the world, diversity, travel, countries, culture... I’m launching a call to invite as many of you as possible to send us a little postcard (from France or anywhere in the world!) to take us on a journey and help us discover new places, countries, and horizons—much more fun and exciting than a regular geography textbook! One section of our journal could be called "We received mail from " and would be an opportunity to research that location and share what we learn with our readers (a super enriching activity in class). The project starts in September 2025 but has no real end date, as this journal and world discovery initiative will span several school years (the kids stay in my ULIS program for multiple years). Postcards can be sent anytime—throughout the year, across seasons, even during holidays! (The kids will find them when they return.) I hope this idea appeals to as many of you as possible and that you’ll spread the word to your fellow traveler friends. Make us dream, take us on a journey!!! For those who’d like to write to us in a language other than French, no problem—quite the opposite!! Thank you in advance for your participation(s)! Below is our address. Feel free to leave your own address on a corner of the postcard if you’d like us to write back! 😊
The ULIS program students Bonnat Elementary School 12 rue Georges Sand 23220 BONNAT Thank you, and see you soon, I hope! 😁 Julien
Hi there,
Regarding the amount of tobacco you can buy during a trip in the European Union and bring back to France, we can't really talk about a "duty-free allowance," because the rules around how much tobacco you can bring back to France aren't straightforward at all under French law.
But it's very well explained and legally detailed here: https://douanestabacfranchise.wordpress.com/
Best regards,
Regarding the amount of tobacco you can buy during a trip in the European Union and bring back to France, we can't really talk about a "duty-free allowance," because the rules around how much tobacco you can bring back to France aren't straightforward at all under French law.
But it's very well explained and legally detailed here: https://douanestabacfranchise.wordpress.com/
Best regards,
Hi, has anyone booked hotels through the Vio platform?
Is it reliable?
Thanks
BOLIVIA: THE COUNTRY ON THE BRINK (What's Really Happening)

A dramatic saga is unfolding before our eyes in the Andes. Between suffocating blockades, clashes, an international airlift, and historic political decisions, Bolivia has just experienced 48 hours of rare intensity. Here’s the full breakdown (economic, social, and political) of the last 48 hours: For travelers and tourists: the article also includes an important note about the upcoming publication (starting tomorrow) of the precise status of roadblocks, route by route. I’ll post the full update here on Voyage Forum! Don’t miss this in-depth analysis. History is being written before our eyes! https://www.petitherge.com/bolivie-paralysie-et-ultimatum

A dramatic saga is unfolding before our eyes in the Andes. Between suffocating blockades, clashes, an international airlift, and historic political decisions, Bolivia has just experienced 48 hours of rare intensity. Here’s the full breakdown (economic, social, and political) of the last 48 hours: For travelers and tourists: the article also includes an important note about the upcoming publication (starting tomorrow) of the precise status of roadblocks, route by route. I’ll post the full update here on Voyage Forum! Don’t miss this in-depth analysis. History is being written before our eyes! https://www.petitherge.com/bolivie-paralysie-et-ultimatum
Hi there! 🙂
I just discovered a great show on Arte. It's called "7 en route": seven young European journalists travel around Europe in a fully converted bus, making reports on every city they visit. It's amazing! 🙂 Yesterday, for example, they were in Rome, Italy, and the reports included things like the world's smallest restaurant—a super romantic spot for two. There was also a report on the king of paparazzi in Italy. They have to pick topics that let us discover the little quirks of each country. And at the end of each episode, we get to see the finished report. It's such a great show, mixing journalism, travel, and discovery—basically, a must-watch! It airs in the evening starting at 6:50 PM (I think), and it started this past Monday, July 14th.
If you watch it, let me know—we can chat about it!
See you soon,
Mumu
I just discovered a great show on Arte. It's called "7 en route": seven young European journalists travel around Europe in a fully converted bus, making reports on every city they visit. It's amazing! 🙂 Yesterday, for example, they were in Rome, Italy, and the reports included things like the world's smallest restaurant—a super romantic spot for two. There was also a report on the king of paparazzi in Italy. They have to pick topics that let us discover the little quirks of each country. And at the end of each episode, we get to see the finished report. It's such a great show, mixing journalism, travel, and discovery—basically, a must-watch! It airs in the evening starting at 6:50 PM (I think), and it started this past Monday, July 14th.
If you watch it, let me know—we can chat about it!
See you soon,
Mumu
I left my heart’s country eight days ago and returned to my adopted one—or was it the other way around? Scotland-Morvan, Morvan-Scotland, I’m not quite sure anymore.
After a quarter without dragging my slippers around here, even though I’d loudly declared I had no interest left in this site, here I am again!
My imagination never stays fallow for long. Just enough time for my inner land to rest. It gets overgrown with fresh nettles, the kind you can pick without getting stung. Then, it’s time to till the fragrant earth and let the story grow.
I hesitated over where to set this story. Maybe the Highlands, maybe the Hebrides, maybe the Orkney Islands, maybe the Shetland Islands. All of Scotland is myth—easy to embroider. But in the end, no. I’d almost be too afraid to bare my soul.
The story will take place at home. Simple, practical.
1)
This morning, I was up well before dawn, feeling a bit grumpy, but nothing a bowl of coffee won’t fix. I love my bowl, and no one dares take it. It’s porcelain, edged with intertwined blue flowers. On the bottom, it says "Revol." The factory has existed long before the Revolution. It was my great-grandmother’s bowl. She drank roasted barley from it during the war, then her Leroux chicory.
Last year, a little guy dropped it. My bowl broke into three pieces. A black anger vibrated deep inside me. The little boy was so upset, on the verge of tears. How could I scold him!
I picked up the three pieces and took Little Boy in my arms. His hair smelled of the light, sweet sweat of toddlers. A gentle hug that healed—his budding sorrow and my anger—everything vanished, and time carried on.
Today, my bowl is even prettier. Man fixed it using the traditional kintsugi technique, except he didn’t use gold powder or lacquer but superglue, and he delicately painted the cracks with woad blue. And my bowl is even more beautiful now.
I’m lingering, I can tell—it’s just that a story wraps itself in life, and life can’t be told in the snap of a finger. Life is long. Like in architecture, you start with a rough sketch, called a "sous-cul" (the initial pencil drawing), then you make a tracing, which is the work itself, the one you later carefully roll up in a wooden tube. Life is like that: you erase, you start over, you use the nub of the pencil until it’s tiny, but you keep going—dreaming, loving.
"Living is a full-time occupation, a unique adventure. Always a surprise and a wonder, which sometimes turns into astonishment. And, from time to time, happiness."*
Alright, enough digressing—this introduction is definitely too long. Tomorrow, I’ll get to the heart of the matter. (I hate that expression; it feels like I’m cutting into someone’s skin.)
*Jean d’Ormesson
2)

After a quarter without dragging my slippers around here, even though I’d loudly declared I had no interest left in this site, here I am again!
My imagination never stays fallow for long. Just enough time for my inner land to rest. It gets overgrown with fresh nettles, the kind you can pick without getting stung. Then, it’s time to till the fragrant earth and let the story grow.
I hesitated over where to set this story. Maybe the Highlands, maybe the Hebrides, maybe the Orkney Islands, maybe the Shetland Islands. All of Scotland is myth—easy to embroider. But in the end, no. I’d almost be too afraid to bare my soul.
The story will take place at home. Simple, practical.
1)
This morning, I was up well before dawn, feeling a bit grumpy, but nothing a bowl of coffee won’t fix. I love my bowl, and no one dares take it. It’s porcelain, edged with intertwined blue flowers. On the bottom, it says "Revol." The factory has existed long before the Revolution. It was my great-grandmother’s bowl. She drank roasted barley from it during the war, then her Leroux chicory.
Last year, a little guy dropped it. My bowl broke into three pieces. A black anger vibrated deep inside me. The little boy was so upset, on the verge of tears. How could I scold him!
I picked up the three pieces and took Little Boy in my arms. His hair smelled of the light, sweet sweat of toddlers. A gentle hug that healed—his budding sorrow and my anger—everything vanished, and time carried on.
Today, my bowl is even prettier. Man fixed it using the traditional kintsugi technique, except he didn’t use gold powder or lacquer but superglue, and he delicately painted the cracks with woad blue. And my bowl is even more beautiful now.
I’m lingering, I can tell—it’s just that a story wraps itself in life, and life can’t be told in the snap of a finger. Life is long. Like in architecture, you start with a rough sketch, called a "sous-cul" (the initial pencil drawing), then you make a tracing, which is the work itself, the one you later carefully roll up in a wooden tube. Life is like that: you erase, you start over, you use the nub of the pencil until it’s tiny, but you keep going—dreaming, loving.
"Living is a full-time occupation, a unique adventure. Always a surprise and a wonder, which sometimes turns into astonishment. And, from time to time, happiness."*
Alright, enough digressing—this introduction is definitely too long. Tomorrow, I’ll get to the heart of the matter. (I hate that expression; it feels like I’m cutting into someone’s skin.)
*Jean d’Ormesson
2)

Without limiting ourselves to the countries mentioned above—Turkey and others could be added to the list.
I need to get dental reconstruction done, likely involving 6 implants. Which country offers the best quality of care, materials, and techniques?
Thanks
I need to get dental reconstruction done, likely involving 6 implants. Which country offers the best quality of care, materials, and techniques?
Thanks
Hi everyone,
I’m Yann, a 28-year-old TikToker who loves traveling!
Since I’ve been to several destinations, I’d love to get a flag from each one as a sort of trophy. But from what I’ve seen online, a lot of sites sell them with what looks like really poor quality...
So I’m reaching out to you all to share a site you usually use—help me start my collection! :)
Have a great day!
Yann
I’m Yann, a 28-year-old TikToker who loves traveling!
Since I’ve been to several destinations, I’d love to get a flag from each one as a sort of trophy. But from what I’ve seen online, a lot of sites sell them with what looks like really poor quality...
So I’m reaching out to you all to share a site you usually use—help me start my collection! :)
Have a great day!
Yann
hi there
I’d love to get some opinions—I’ve never used Airbnb before.
They’re offering a key handover via lockbox.
Any tips or advice?
Is it reliable?
Best,
Hi there, I’m Laura, and I’m looking for a few people to answer some questions so I can understand your travel wishes and challenges. It won’t take long—I can chat here, by email, or by phone. Don’t worry, I’m not selling anything! 😊
On this forum, we talk a lot about trekking in the Himalayas, but I’d love to share another side of Nepal: its spiritual, cultural, and religious atmosphere, especially in Kathmandu.
Nepal, much like Tibet and Bhutan, is deeply connected to the Himalayas—the ultimate sacred mountain range. This small country exudes a calming vibe, shaped by a strong spiritual dimension. What I loved most was the unique sensory experience you get there. Walking around temples and tantric monasteries, a distinct scent fills the air—aromatic plants used for ritual fumigation. Locals mainly burn Himalayan juniper, cedar, sandalwood, and other local essences. This fragrant smoke is a way to purify the space and reach the deities, and you’re constantly enveloped in these aromas.
Another striking aspect is the sound. As soon as you step outside, you hear bells ringing in front of temples. People ring them three times before praying to announce their presence to the deities. Nepal is also the birthplace of singing bowls and sound meditation practices. In Kathmandu, you can easily find meditation sessions or "sound baths."
The spiritual dimension is everywhere: a Hindu sadhu practicing asceticism, a lama in deep red robes with his mala, turning a prayer wheel while murmuring "Om mani padme hum." Newar Buddhism, Tantrism, and Hinduism coexist harmoniously in daily life.
For those who love exploring a destination through its culture and spirituality, Nepal is an unforgettable place. What was your spiritual experience in Nepal like?
Nepal, much like Tibet and Bhutan, is deeply connected to the Himalayas—the ultimate sacred mountain range. This small country exudes a calming vibe, shaped by a strong spiritual dimension. What I loved most was the unique sensory experience you get there. Walking around temples and tantric monasteries, a distinct scent fills the air—aromatic plants used for ritual fumigation. Locals mainly burn Himalayan juniper, cedar, sandalwood, and other local essences. This fragrant smoke is a way to purify the space and reach the deities, and you’re constantly enveloped in these aromas.
Another striking aspect is the sound. As soon as you step outside, you hear bells ringing in front of temples. People ring them three times before praying to announce their presence to the deities. Nepal is also the birthplace of singing bowls and sound meditation practices. In Kathmandu, you can easily find meditation sessions or "sound baths."
The spiritual dimension is everywhere: a Hindu sadhu practicing asceticism, a lama in deep red robes with his mala, turning a prayer wheel while murmuring "Om mani padme hum." Newar Buddhism, Tantrism, and Hinduism coexist harmoniously in daily life.
For those who love exploring a destination through its culture and spirituality, Nepal is an unforgettable place. What was your spiritual experience in Nepal like?
Hi,
I’m landing in Quebec and then heading to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. I’d like to rent a pick-up. My question is: does this vehicle come with a cover and is it secure enough to store luggage in? I’ve heard two conflicting opinions. Thanks
I just installed the Maps.Me app on my phone. I only recently found out about this app. I’m traveling in 2 weeks and a few days, and I’m a bit stuck on how to use it.
I’m from the Montreal (Quebec) area, and I’d love to know if there’s a kind soul out there who could help me get started and use the app at least minimally.
If there are private lessons available, I’d be interested in those too.
Thanks in advance for your help. Simon
Thanks in advance for your help. Simon
Hi everyone,
I just found out there’s an update on the international driving permit. What was bound to happen has happened: it now costs (for now!!) 7 50 €. https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/actualites/A18833
There’s also a link at the bottom of the article for the list of countries where it’s mandatory.
Have a great day! 😊
Christelle
I just found out there’s an update on the international driving permit. What was bound to happen has happened: it now costs (for now!!) 7 50 €. https://www.service-public.gouv.fr/particuliers/actualites/A18833
There’s also a link at the bottom of the article for the list of countries where it’s mandatory.
Have a great day! 😊
Christelle
Hello François, and the new team!
Like many others, I’m overjoyed to hear that VoyageForum is reopening! I’ve been waiting hopefully for this, and it’s wonderful that it’s finally happening!
I just couldn’t bring myself to actively participate in other French-language travel forums—their format and way of doing things never appealed to me as much. I really hope that VF’s structure, categories, and interface won’t change too much despite the handover, because I’m very attached to them. Through thick and thin, the site has held strong—it’s amazing!
In a previous message, François mentioned that there were positions to fill ahead of the reopening, including moderators...
I’ve been eagerly waiting for this and hoping to send in my CV.
Now, after reading the latest message, it seems like the team is already fully formed. But are there still a few spots left to fill?
I’ve been a VF member for 20 years (since 2004). I’d love to contribute to this wonderful adventure as a moderator if VF would trust me with the role. If the team is open to reviewing it, I’m ready to send my CV. Could you let me know the next steps?
Best regards, Marine/eversmile
Like many others, I’m overjoyed to hear that VoyageForum is reopening! I’ve been waiting hopefully for this, and it’s wonderful that it’s finally happening!
I just couldn’t bring myself to actively participate in other French-language travel forums—their format and way of doing things never appealed to me as much. I really hope that VF’s structure, categories, and interface won’t change too much despite the handover, because I’m very attached to them. Through thick and thin, the site has held strong—it’s amazing!
In a previous message, François mentioned that there were positions to fill ahead of the reopening, including moderators...
I’ve been eagerly waiting for this and hoping to send in my CV.
Now, after reading the latest message, it seems like the team is already fully formed. But are there still a few spots left to fill?
I’ve been a VF member for 20 years (since 2004). I’d love to contribute to this wonderful adventure as a moderator if VF would trust me with the role. If the team is open to reviewing it, I’m ready to send my CV. Could you let me know the next steps?
Best regards, Marine/eversmile
Hi there,
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Japan in May with Voyage Privé. The package includes a 5 GB eSIM, but my phone isn’t new enough to support it. VP told me I could buy a SIM card when I arrive at the airport. Sure enough, I’ve seen online that this is possible with different providers. I only need it for checking routes, looking up addresses, train schedules, etc.—basically using Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and similar apps. No heavy downloads or major internet use. All hotels should provide free Wi-Fi for that, right? Has anyone got any tips for me on this? What have you tried, and how much did it cost? Thanks for your help!
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Japan in May with Voyage Privé. The package includes a 5 GB eSIM, but my phone isn’t new enough to support it. VP told me I could buy a SIM card when I arrive at the airport. Sure enough, I’ve seen online that this is possible with different providers. I only need it for checking routes, looking up addresses, train schedules, etc.—basically using Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and similar apps. No heavy downloads or major internet use. All hotels should provide free Wi-Fi for that, right? Has anyone got any tips for me on this? What have you tried, and how much did it cost? Thanks for your help!
Hi,
I’d like to know if you can buy reef-safe sunscreen sprays at 7-Eleven. If so, how much do they cost? We’re traveling with backpacks, so we’ll either buy 100ml here or in Thailand.
I’d like to know if you can buy reef-safe sunscreen sprays at 7-Eleven. If so, how much do they cost? We’re traveling with backpacks, so we’ll either buy 100ml here or in Thailand.
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a really unpleasant experience from our last trip booked with Promoséjours and organized by FTI.
We booked an 8-day/7-night stay in Egypt, from June 8 to 15. The flight initially scheduled was changed a week before departure to take off at 10 PM from Paris CDG. In the end, it took off with a 1-hour delay and included an unmentioned stopover in Marsa Alam. We landed in Hurghada at 4 AM and arrived at the hotel at 6 AM. So, we spent our first night on the plane.
For the return trip, surprise—the flight was moved up. We left the hotel at 10:30 PM on Friday the 14th to take off at 2 AM and land at 7 AM at Paris CDG. So, we spent our last night on the plane too.
After sending a complaint letter to Promoséjours / FTI, they replied that the first and last days can be dedicated to transport (which I already knew) and that no matter how many nights you book, you’re not guaranteed to spend them in the hotel—it could just as well be on the plane.
I’m really questioning this.
Isn’t there a law that protects customers in cases like this? Because when I do the math, the first and part of the second day were spent on transport, same for the second-to-last and last day. And I paid for 7 nights for a stay that only lasted 5.
Anyway, I just want to say thanks to them—thanks to their two sleepless nights in transit, I’m coming back even more exhausted from a trip that was supposed to be restful!
I also want to warn anyone booking through this agency about visas for Egypt. At booking, they told me the visa was included in the price, then they sent me an email saying I’d have to pay for it on-site at 25 €. Once there, we were directed to a special line for FTI customers, and guess what? They charged us 30 €!
Basically, they’re great at making sure you *enjoy* your vacation—mostly by enjoying your wallet!
If anyone has dealt with this kind of situation and won their case, I’m all ears.
Thanks in advance!
I wanted to share a really unpleasant experience from our last trip booked with Promoséjours and organized by FTI.
We booked an 8-day/7-night stay in Egypt, from June 8 to 15. The flight initially scheduled was changed a week before departure to take off at 10 PM from Paris CDG. In the end, it took off with a 1-hour delay and included an unmentioned stopover in Marsa Alam. We landed in Hurghada at 4 AM and arrived at the hotel at 6 AM. So, we spent our first night on the plane.
For the return trip, surprise—the flight was moved up. We left the hotel at 10:30 PM on Friday the 14th to take off at 2 AM and land at 7 AM at Paris CDG. So, we spent our last night on the plane too.
After sending a complaint letter to Promoséjours / FTI, they replied that the first and last days can be dedicated to transport (which I already knew) and that no matter how many nights you book, you’re not guaranteed to spend them in the hotel—it could just as well be on the plane.
I’m really questioning this.
Isn’t there a law that protects customers in cases like this? Because when I do the math, the first and part of the second day were spent on transport, same for the second-to-last and last day. And I paid for 7 nights for a stay that only lasted 5.
Anyway, I just want to say thanks to them—thanks to their two sleepless nights in transit, I’m coming back even more exhausted from a trip that was supposed to be restful!
I also want to warn anyone booking through this agency about visas for Egypt. At booking, they told me the visa was included in the price, then they sent me an email saying I’d have to pay for it on-site at 25 €. Once there, we were directed to a special line for FTI customers, and guess what? They charged us 30 €!
Basically, they’re great at making sure you *enjoy* your vacation—mostly by enjoying your wallet!
If anyone has dealt with this kind of situation and won their case, I’m all ears.
Thanks in advance!
Hi there!
I’m heading to Thailand for two months.
So I thought I’d get a Thai SIM card to use Google Maps for getting around cities, mostly.
Here’s my question: will this SIM affect my apps? Or will they work the same as with my Orange SIM?
Is there any setup I need to do, or can I just pop in the Thai SIM?
I’d also like to switch back to my Orange SIM now and then while I’m in Thailand—on the same phone. Will I need to reset the phone, or will it reconnect without any issues?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Best,
Huiclos
Just got back from Egypt a few days ago and couldn't exchange my 1900 Egyptian pounds at the airport. If anyone's interested, let me know!
Hi, I’d like to know where we can buy beer or wine in Chefchaouen and around Merzouga. We’ll be doing a circuit and staying at the Parador Hotel in Chefchaouen and in a bivouac in Merzouga.
Thanks for any info you can share!
Hello everyone,
I’m reaching out to all travelers and globe-trotters on this forum. I’m a teacher in Creuse working in a ULIS program (which welcomes children aged 6 to 12 with disabilities into a mainstream school). This year, I’m launching a school journal project that will involve the kids in many different topics. A big part of this journal will focus on opening up to the world, embracing differences, travel, global cultures, and more.
I’m putting out a call to invite as many of you as possible to send us a postcard (from France or anywhere in the world)! The goal is to help us "travel" and discover new places, countries, and horizons in a way that’s much more fun and exciting than a geography textbook. One section of our journal could be called "We received a letter from ," where we’d research the location and share what we learn with our readers—a really enriching activity for the classroom.
The project starts in September 2025 but doesn’t have a strict end date, since this journal and world-discovery initiative will span several school years (the kids stay in the ULIS program for multiple years). Postcards can be sent anytime—throughout the year, across seasons, even during holidays! The kids will find them when they return.
I hope this idea appeals to as many of you as possible, and that you’ll spread the word to your fellow travelers. Help us dream and explore!
For those who’d like to write to us in a language other than French, no problem—quite the opposite!
Thank you in advance for your participation! Below is our address. If you’d like us to write back, feel free to leave your address on a corner of the postcard! 😊
ULIS program students Bonnat Elementary School 12 rue Georges Sand 23220 BONNAT Thank you, and I hope to hear from you soon! 😊 Julien 🙂
I’m putting out a call to invite as many of you as possible to send us a postcard (from France or anywhere in the world)! The goal is to help us "travel" and discover new places, countries, and horizons in a way that’s much more fun and exciting than a geography textbook. One section of our journal could be called "We received a letter from ," where we’d research the location and share what we learn with our readers—a really enriching activity for the classroom.
The project starts in September 2025 but doesn’t have a strict end date, since this journal and world-discovery initiative will span several school years (the kids stay in the ULIS program for multiple years). Postcards can be sent anytime—throughout the year, across seasons, even during holidays! The kids will find them when they return.
I hope this idea appeals to as many of you as possible, and that you’ll spread the word to your fellow travelers. Help us dream and explore!
For those who’d like to write to us in a language other than French, no problem—quite the opposite!
Thank you in advance for your participation! Below is our address. If you’d like us to write back, feel free to leave your address on a corner of the postcard! 😊
ULIS program students Bonnat Elementary School 12 rue Georges Sand 23220 BONNAT Thank you, and I hope to hear from you soon! 😊 Julien 🙂
Hi there! I have to leave Ivato/Antananarivo on December 16th. I have a lot of ariary that I’d like to exchange for euros since I might not be coming back to Madagascar (after this 21st trip). I think the exchange office at Ivato also buys ariary back. If any of you have seen the rate for this buyback in advance, thanks a million!
Hi there, I use video and photo editing software for my "work".
A conflict has been showing up lately when I open the software. Photo attached.
Is there a specialist around who could help me out?
Thanks in advance.
A conflict has been showing up lately when I open the software. Photo attached.
Is there a specialist around who could help me out?
Thanks in advance.
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for a website that would let me plot my travel route in advance so I can print it out. The idea is to create a map with a little “me” on a bike that my parents can move along as I progress, since I’m planning to cycle all the way to Nepal.
If any of you have done something similar or know of a good tool, I’d love to hear your tips!
Thanks in advance! 😊
Hi,
I'm looking to buy an ultra-lightweight 50/55L travel backpack with a suitcase or front opening. Does anyone have any brand and/or model recommendations? Thanks, Emma
I'm looking to buy an ultra-lightweight 50/55L travel backpack with a suitcase or front opening. Does anyone have any brand and/or model recommendations? Thanks, Emma
Hello. We’re a retired couple heading to Sri Lanka from January to March. After the November floods, I’d like to know if we can offer hands-on help to the locals, maybe pack some clothes or other items people might need in our luggage, and who we could give them to. Thanks for any info from those on the ground.