Bonjour à tous, je suis une mère poule et ma fille (en Belgique actuellement et 18 ans demain) vient de se faire proposer un contrat à Shanghai comme mannequin. Même si l'agence qui la représente est au top, ça me fait peur de laisser aller ma pupuce toute seule. Mon anxiété me fait fouiller internet depuis ce matin à la recherche d'infos pour me rassurer. On n'a pas encore de détails. En principe, fifille devrait être bien encadrée, accueillie et logée, mais je regarde le prix des billets d'avion pour la rejoindre si elle m'appelle au secours.
Est-ce qu'il y a des expériences de ce type parmi vous? Y-a-t'il des Belges et des Québécois installés là-bas? Même si je vis au Québec, on vient du plat pays. Bon, pas si plat quand même, la wallonie c'est vallonné.
Mamoudamour (c'est ainsi que mes ados m'appellent)
Tout d'abords felicitations à la fifille ça doit etre genial pour elle, c'est un reve pour les jeunes filles
d' aujourd'hui .
J'espere vraiment pour vous que l'agence et serieuse ( genre Elite, Ford etc ). sinon attention .😉
S'agissant de changai il faut savoir qu'environ 4500 Français vivent à changai meme.
Pour les billets d'avion vers la chine, ils ne sont pas trop chers, sur le site de la singapour airlines par
ex tu trouvera surement ton bonheur.
En cas de gros pépin oublies pas que l'ambassade de ton pays (belgique, canada ou france) est présente dans toutes les grande villes du monde, ils sont la pour aider les expatriés surtout dis lui
de ne pas hesiter a s'y rendre.
Voici l'adresse du consulat de belgique a Shangai:
M. MISSIR DI LUSIGNANO Stefano CONSULAT GENERAL DE BELGIQUE
127 Wu Yi Road
200050 SHANGHAI
Tél. : 00-86-21/64.37.52.24
Fax : 00-86-21/64.37.65.41
E-mail : mail@brussels-china.com
Je lui souhaite pleins de succès ! 😉
Merci beaucoup de tenter de me rassurer. De fait, son agence est une des big ten, mais tout de même. Je resterai en stand by au cas où fifille appelle au secours. Elle sera en principe accompagnée dans ses déplacements. Le billet d'avion et l'appart sont payés par les Chinois. Plus je me renseigne sur Shanghai plus je trouve que c'est une ville qui vaut vraiment le détour. Je finirai presque par espérer que fifille stresse et qu'elle me demande de la rejoindre. Elle part début janvier elle sera là pour le nouvel an chinois. Chanceuse.
em tant que Francais resident a Shanghai, j irai meme jusqu a dire que Shanghai est une ville plus sure que les grandes metropoles europeenes. Pas des vols, pas de criminalite etc etc
Personellement, je me sens beaucoup plus en securite a shanghai qu a paris
Je te laisse mon mail si tu veux correspondre : jefferson_city@hotmail.com J'arrive à Shanghai en été 2006 pendant un an pour stage ( consulat de France). J'ai de nombreux amis là-bas, Chinois, Français et Américains donc n'hésite pas à me contacter.
N'est pas peur, la carrière de ta fille est donc excellente.
A bientot,
Merci à vous de vos encouragements, Rololo, Tim et Kevin. Je n'ai pas encore pris le temps de répondre aux messages qui me disaient de ne pas m'inquiéter pour la sécurité de ma fille d'à peine 18 ans à Shanghai, j'étais trop préoccupée par ses préparatifs. C'est sûr qu'il ne peut rien lui arriver pour l'instant vu le résumé de ses trois premiers jours là-bas. Sophinette, pupuce (c'est selon l'humeur) a attéri le 3 janvier à Shanghai après un vol sans escale depuis Paris. Un taxi l'attendait à l'aéroport et on l'a conduite à son appartement juste le temps de débarquer ses valises. Transfert immédiat dans un "van", style Renault espace, avec 4 Russes avec qui elle partage l'appart mis à leur disposition et en route pour sa première journée de travail au pays du soleil levant: 9 castings sur la journée sans avoir dormi ni même eu le temps de prendre une douche ressourçante. Retour à l'appartement et ... dodo. Deuxième jour à Shanghai: rendez-vous au pied de l'immeuble à 9h pour le transport vers les castings. Retour à l'appart et ... un mail à maman avec une grosse envie de pleurer et de rentrer à la maison. Là, ça va mieux, les Russes qui ne parlent que russe entre elles l'ont invitée à venir papoter en mauvais anglais dans leur chambre. Le premier jour, elles l'ont laissée dans son coin. Normal, elles sont là pour le business. Sauf qu'elles ont 15 et 16 ans. Double choc culturel. Le troisième jour Sophie n'a encore vu que le bout de rue qui la sépare du "Carrefour" à 200 m de son appartement et le trajet vers les castings à travers les vitres teintées du van. Au moins le Carrefour représente une présence rassurante dans ce monde de fous (je ne parle pas de la Chine bien sûr mais du job ahurissant d'être mannequin là-bas). Acheter un Camembert Président a été vécu par Sophie presque comme un retour au sein maternel. (J'exagère, mère poule oblige, les membres du forum me pardonneront cet épanchement intime si l'on peut dire). Lors d'un échange sur msn, son grand frère lui a demandé: t'habites où à Shanghai, elle a répondu "un taudis". D'accord Sophie est un peu bourgeoise mais si vous pensez qu'être un mannequin international est un sommet pour une jeune fille, dites à vos ados qu'il y a loin entre être un morceau de chair à pellicule photo et Claudia Schiffer. Et encore, Claudia schiffer est passée date comme on dit au québec. Aujourd'hui ce sont des Vodianova et autres panthères venues de l'Est qui font un tabac sur les podiums. En cette fin de 3 ème jour : fifille semble drillée et convaincue de sa bonne fortune. Elle va continuer de faire bonne figure et a vu que les "clients" étaient contents qu'elle sourie et dise bonjour en chinois. Elle n'a pas encore eu l'occasion d'aller à la banque pour changer ses euros et n'a plus de sous pour manger. Espérons que demain ses castings la feront passer près d'une banque où elle pourra essayer ses cartes européennes. La suite au prochain numéro. Je lui ai dit qu'elle pouvait faire appel aux internautes branchés sur voyageforum, mais elle n'a qu'un accès limité à internet. Elle m'a donné le feu vert pour rendre compte de son périple et demander de l'aide en son nom le cas échéant. Je veux être claire ici, la Chine doit être un pays génial, mais l'ouverture au capitalisme ne semble pas s'y faire sans mal. Shanghai y est réputée comme la future mecque de la mode mais pour y arriver c'est toute une industrie qui joue des coudes. On se dit que si Sophie trime aussi dur, qu'est-ce que ça doit être des ouvrières qui fabriquent les vêtements qu'elle est censée promotionner.
OK ok, bon début, ça va. Mais si elle ne peut pas visiter la ville, ce n'est pas cool. Si tu veux, je peux la mettre en contact avec des amis Chinois ( ou si tu préfères Chinoises). On peut en discuter. Un petit conseil si tu veux plus d'argent. Ta fille peut en faire un livre, cela se fait déjà et question vente, c'est cool :-))) Tiens cela me donne des idées 🙂 Au fait, y a un quartier où se retrouvent les Occidentaux à Shanghai, elle peut y aller.
Bonjour,
J'étais à novembre à Shanghai en solo. La sécurité y est excellente. Le problo qui risque de se poser, si ta fille veut/peut enfin se déplacer et visiter un peu, est qu'elle doit avoir un plan de la ville écrit en mandarin et pas seulement en pidgin, car les chinois parlent peu l'anglais. Donc lui conseiller d'avoir un plan et de souligner la destination où elle veut se rendre au taxi. Se deplacer à pieds est fatiguant, c'est très très grand. Concernant les taxis, ce sont les couleurs turquoises les meilleurs, avec airco GSM du chauffeur s'il ne connait pas la destination, etc, pour le meme prix. Tu pourrais me donner l'adresse approximative où elle loge pr que je lui indique des trucs sympas à proximité aussi, si elle n'a pas le temps d'aller loin. Voilà. Pour combien de temps est ce contrat? Mais Shanghai est une ville fascinante vraiment. Ecris-moi en privé si tu veux, pour l'adresse.
Et courage pour la maman, si Sophie n'est pas revenue déjà... bien ou mal, voyager c'est pas trimer, bosser, voyager, faut pas confondre les deux. Même si on peut. Plus vieux faut être, je crois. Toute mon empathie.
Je serai seul en Chine du 12/10 au 11/11.Sans parler la langue et en voyageant en train, y a t-il des choses à prévoir de France, ou à savoir? Quelqu'un…
Je suis en pleine preparation de depart a l'aventure made in China et je suis en quete d'infos et conseils sur le Yunnan. Le principe: Je vais voyager seule,…
En route pour l'Australie où je pars un an (WHV), j'ai décidé de m'arrêter 15 jours à Hong-Kong afin de visiter un peu les environs. C'est la première fois que…
Fin février je partirais pour un périple de 6 mois qui m'emmènera de Lausanne à Pekin par la route. Ce voyage se fera en 2 grande étapes: - Lausanne --…
Ma copine de voyage a du annuler a 15 jours du depart, trop envie de partir c 'est decide j 'y vais seule. j 'ai besoin de tous vos conseils et bons plans les…
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!
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,
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
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 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 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