Je pars au Brésil cet été. Je rêve de ce voyage depuis bien longtemps. Je suis une fille qui voyage seule et mon budget est du style étudiant-backpackers. Mon but n'est pas de faire un voyage touristique typique, mais plus de complètement m'intégrer dans le Brésil
Arrivée fin juin a Rio : 4 jours sur place, j'aimerai loger chez l'habitant mais je ne sais pas comment m'y prendre pour faire ça (existe-t-il des sites exprès? ou autre moyen de prévoir..). Je pense y faire les truc typiques Pan de azucar, cristo, centre ville, copacabana etc. Mais je suis également fan de football, a ces dates là on est en pleine coupe du monde (ambiance assuré a ce qu'on me dit) mais j'aimerai aussi assister a un match au Maracana.
Juillet: je serai a Campo Grande (j'y fais un stage pour mes études! jointe l'utile a l'agréable!!) je serai logé chez l'habitant ça c'est déjà prévu. Dans la région je voulais savoir s'il fallait que je m'y prenne a l'avance pour les réservations pour faire des tours les weekend au pantanal et a Bonito. Et si vous me conseillez autre chose dans le coin..
Début aout: Manaus, cherchant a m'immerger dans la foret 4 jours, là aussi je me pose des questions, les seules tours que j'ai trouvé sur le net c'est que pour des groupes de voyageurs, j'y vais seule, il y a des tours-groupes qui partent tous les jours aux quels je pourrai me joindre?
Puis je comptai prendre le bateau Manaus-Belem, tout le monde conseille un seul bateau qui ne part que les mercredi (meilleure option, pas d'autres?).
Belem 4 jours
Puis direction Salvador, où je reste une semaine dans le coin et j'aurais voulu une fois la ville visité me retirer dans une petite plage paumé du coin, avec un petit village, pas trop touristique pas trop de monde pour enfin me reposer (car je sais que voyager seule pour une fille, c'est génial mais pas de tout repos!). Mais la encore le routard et autres sources de renseignement ne parlent que de coins dont j'ai l'impression c'est blindé de gens...
Fin aout retour sur Rio, encore 4 jours, peut-être que là je pourrai assister a un match au Maracana (je pensant que pendant la coupe du monde il y aura moins de match) comment se renseigner a ce sujet?
puis retour au pays, des larmes pleins les yeux..😉
C'est un grand voyage que je me prévois, je cherche a tout prix a etre un maximum informé pour m'éviter des enquiquinements.. Et je vous remercie d'avance pour toutes les infos que vous pourrez me donner
Je n'ai pas fait d'excursion dans la forêt quand j'ai été à Manaus, mais j'ai vu qu'il y avait plein d'agences de voyages qui en vendaient, tu peux t'intégrer à un groupe formé par d'autres voyageurs individuels.
Pour le voyage en bateau de Manaus à Belém, je ne me rappelle plus quelle est le jour de départ des bateaux. Le Amazon Star est très, évite le Onze de Maio. Il y a un autre de la même compagnie du Amazon Star qui est très bien aussi, mais son nom m'échappe...
T'inquiète pas, début août il n'y aura pas beaucoup de monde sur les plages (c'est l'hiver! il ne fait pas froid à Bahia, mais il risque de pleuvoir). Praia Forte, 80km au Nord de Salvador, est très bien. C'est un balnéaire fréquenté par les classes aisées de Salvador, mais pendant la semaine hors saison il n'y a personne et les prix chutent. Un peu plus au Nord, j'ai beaucoup aimé Sítio do Conde. Mangue Seco est un endroit reputé par sa beauté, je n'y suis pas allée. Mais si tu dois aller à São Paulo après, il vaut peut-être mieux te diriger vers le sud de Bahia. Barra Grande, près de Ilhéus, ou encore Trancoso et Caraíva, près de Porto Seguro (surtout pas cette dernière!).
Paraty, près de Rio, vaut le détour, c'est une petite ville très charmante.
Je suis souvent allé au Brésil, en famille. Je t'envoie un extrait du programme de notre dernier voyage, en mai 2009. Je n'y ai laissé que les détails de notre séjour carioca (2fois 4 jours). Si tu peux en extraire qqchose, tant mieux! Le séjour chez l'habitant en l'absence d'un contact local me paraît hypothétique. Si tu veux qq précisions fais le moi savoir rapidement (je pars pour le Vietnam dans 10 jours)
Reservations TAM : 01 53 53 80 00 , payement par carte bancaire : 01 53 75 65 68
date
itinéraire
hébergement/programme (1 € ~2.8R$)
M 29/04
Paris CDG 2A porte 8, TAM 21h50 Q Rio 9140 km
AR 891€
J 30/04
Rio de Janeiro, 05h
Ipanema, Copa, Arpoador, churrascaria ***
Barzinho CBPF, Urca, Pain de Sucre
V 01/05
“
Niteroï, bain de mer et déjeuner à Itaipu
Parque da Cidade, Fortaleza de Sta Cruz
S 02
“
Av Niemayer, Barra, Legep, São Conrado, feijoada ***
Floresta da Tijuca, Corcovado, Cosme Velho
D 03
“
Favela Tour (10h-->13h, R$ 65/pp), ( 33 22 27 27 ou 99 89 00 74
Déjeuner à la Feira Nordestina, Foire artisanale Ipanema (le dimanche)
L 04
Rio Galeão 09h00 Q Salvador
coupon 1 d’un Pass TAM 4 coupons (421 €
…
J 07
Salvador 07h50 Q RioQ Foz do Iguaçu 12h50, 2400 km coupon 2
…
D 10
Foz 15h50 Q Curitiba 16h50 coupon 3 636 km
M 12
Curitiba v Florianopolis 4 h, 302 km
…
V 15
Florianopolis 10h25 Q São Paulo 11h35 487 km coupon 4
…
L 18
Tatui à Paraty par SP 99 voiture, 460 km
M 19
Paraty à Angra dos Reis voiture, 100 km
Angra à Ilha Grande ferry, 15h30
…
V 22
Ilha Grande à Angra dos Reis ferry, 10h00
Angra dos Reis à Rio voiture, 152 km
…
D 24
Rio
L 25
“
Rio Centro, cf. ci-dessous
M 26
Niteroï
Barcas, Costão de Itacoatiara, Itaipu
Centro (à parcourir en semaine, désert le dimanche)
heure
rue
curiosité
Gloriá
Igrejá da… (sacre des empereurs)
Parque do Flamengo até Cinelandia
Obelisco, cinelandia
Av. Rio Branco
R. Evaristo da …(200m à g. après Cinélandia)
Bondinho Santa Teresá (musée ***, gratuit et petit!)
Revenir av. Rio Branco , Praça Floriano
Teatro Municipal
Av. Treize de Maio (en face du théatre)
Arrêt suco!
Largo da Carioca
Convento Sao Antonio (église la plus ancienne de Rio, 1608-1745), Candelaria
Rua da Carioca
Boutiques (queijo de Minas!)
Rua Gonçalves Dias
Confeitaria Colombo ***
(halte de prédilection des dames épuisées par le shopping)
Rua da Assembleia
Riotur
Travessa do Comércio
Haut en couleurs
Praça 15
Palacio Imperial, lanchas, mosteiro São Bento
Lanchas para Niteroï
Vista sobre a bahia***, ilha das Cobras, ilha Fiscal
Retour en bus
A Bonito faire la descente de la rivière en rafting, puis à la nage!
(A vérifier, ma pratique date!)
concernant ta petite plage paumée vers Salvador, je te conseille de tout coeur l ile de Boipeba.
J y suis allée 1 semaine en juillet dernier avec mon ami et on a A-DO-RÉ!
on est resté dans une charmante pousada tenue par une franco-brésilienne super sympa (A Casa da Irène, son site www.irenebahia.com )
Coté climat à cette époque il fait assez chaud pour aller à la plage, mais sans les touristes, donc ça vaut vraiment la peine si tu veux qqch de plus authentique que les plages bondées au nord de salvador!
l ile de Boipeba est située à 200km au sud de salvador. super facile d y accéder: ferry depuis salvador jusqu a Itaparica, pile à la sortie du ferry tu prend un bus pour la ville de Valença (je ne me souviens plus trop, mais je crois qu il a mis 2h... pas super long en tt cas). de Valença tu prend un petit bateau depuis le port. on est partis assez tot le matin de salvador et sommes arrivés vers midi-13h sur l ile.
la nature sur l ile est superbe, les plage magnifique et les gens super sympas!
comment c'est passé ton voyage Anna pour finir?
Je suis entrain de voir si le Brezil serait un bonne destination pour moi qui comme toi suis étudiante..
Mon budget total avec vol (+-750euro depuis bxl) serait de 1800 euro pour 4-5semaines..
Pensez vous que c'est possible de faire un chouette voyage et de bouger dans divers coin du brasil avec un tel budget?
Merci d'avnce pour toutes les infos, conseils... !
comment c'est passé ton voyage Anna pour finir?
Je suis entrain de voir si le Brezil serait un bonne destination pour moi qui comme toi suis étudiante..
Mon budget total avec vol (+-750euro depuis bxl) serait de 1800 euro pour 4-5semaines..
Pensez vous que c'est possible de faire un chouette voyage et de bouger dans divers coin du brasil avec un tel budget?
Merci d'avnce pour toutes les infos, conseils... !
ci-joint le planning du voyage que nous avons fait, à 4 et en louant une auto, il y a un an. Vous y trouverez les tarifs et coordonnées de l'hôtellerie de gamme moyenne que nous avons fréquenté, hormis Rio où nos avons bénéficié de conditions particulières. Plusieurs remarques
- l'€ était à 2.3 R$, il est maintenant à environ 2.7 R$ (Ne changer qu'un minimum à l'aéroport où le taux de change est usuraire. Il est tout à fait possible de changer à un taux proche du taux officiel, à Ipanema par exemple).
- Il serait bon de s'assurer que la dévaluation de près de 20% du R$ / à l'€ en 1 an ne s'est pas accompagnée d'une hausse concomitante des tarifs hôteliers.
- Les prix indiqués s'entendent par nuit et par personne pour une chambre de couple. Une personne seule aura sans doute des difficultés à obtenir ce tarif.Il serait certainement préférable d'être 2!
- Les autobus sont souvent confortables, et vont partout au Brésil
- Il est certainement possible d'économiser sur la restauration (bien que ce soit dommage, on mange et on boit fort bien au Brésil)
Si vous voulez des détails, je suis à votre disposition.
Bon voyage
Brésil 2012 date itinéraire hébergement/programme (1 € ~2.3R$)
S 24/12
Paris CDG 2F, AF444 10h30 Q Rio 19h25 9140 km
AR 1161 € assurance incluse
Bagage en soute : Max 23 kg; en cabine : Max 12 kg
D 25/12
Rio de Janeiro
Ipanema, Arpoador, plage/bain
Déjeuner de Noël avec la famille
Foire artisanale d'Ipanema et/ou pain de sucre
L 26/12
“
Rio Centro, cf. ci-dessous
Ma 27/12
“
Niteroï, Itacoatiara, bain de mer et déjeuner à Itaipu
Parque da Cidade, Fortaleza de Sta Cruz
Me 28/12
“
Av Niemayer, Barra, Legep, São Conrado
Floresta da Tijuca, Corcovado, Cosme Velho
J 29/12
“
Favela Tour (10h-->13h, R$ 65/pp), ( 33 22 27 27 ou 99 89 00 74
Urca, praia vermelha, pain de sucre
V 30/12
“
Visites à répartir sur les jours de la semaine :
Ana Augusta, Virginie, Celia/Armando
S 31/12
“
Plage
Après midi libre (coiffeur, lèche vitrine, Copa…)
Feu d’artifice à Copa
D 01/01
“
1er de l’an en famille
L 02/01
Rio à Congonhas (360 km) à Ouro Preto (55 km) voiture 415 km, 6 h
Pousada Nello Nuno
Rua Camilo de Brito, 59 - Ouro Preto - MG, 35-400-000
Ma 03/01
Ouro Preto
( (55) 31 35 51 33 75
www.pousadanellonuno.com.br
(73 R$/nuit/personne) x 2 = 145
Me 04/01
Ouro Preto à Diamantina 383 km, 5h
Pousada Relíquias do Tempo
Rua Macau de Baixo, 104 - Diamantina - MG, 39-100-000
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
Hi there,
We’d like to stay in Switzerland for five days.
There are two of us (women).
We don’t know this country at all.
What cities or affordable spots would you recommend for visiting?
Cheap accommodation.
Looking for community-based options.
And being close to public transport.
Thanks for your tips and experiences!
Best regards.
Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone has taken a Rede Expressos bus from Lisbon Airport to Lagos, and if so, where exactly at the airport you need to board it? I’m worried I’ll get lost and miss my bus...
Hi again,
I’m adding more details to my info request. Here are two proposed itineraries. We’re hesitating:
Colombo - Unawatuna 2 days - Sinharaja 1 day - Bandarawela 2 days - Kandy 3 days - Dambulla 2 days - Wilpattu Park 1 day - Kalpitiya 3 days - Negombo 1 day
What should we change or add a day for to include Jaffna?
Or:
Negombo 1 day - Anuradhapura 2 days - Jaffna 2 days - Sigiriya 2 days - Dambulla 1 day - Kandy 2 days - Ella 1 day - Galle 3 days
For your advice.
Is it better to finish in Galle or Kalpitiya?
Thanks in advance!
Nicole
This is a warning message! I’d like to address it especially to young women traveling alone for the first time in India. Other travelers may react to my post based on their own experiences, but I think what I’m about to say shouldn’t be taken lightly—unless that’s what you’re looking for!
Last July, I traveled to Northern India. I stopped in Khajuraho to see the famous tantric temples. I stayed one night, and that was more than enough. Khajuraho is very touristy, but you should know that 80% of young Indian men there are "gigolos." Locals call these young men (aged 18 to 30) "playboys" or "Lapka" (which means "capture the woman" in Hindi)!!!
They approach tourists with kindness and politeness, offering tea or a motorcycle ride (which they’ve often gotten from generous Western female tourists) to waterfalls a few kilometers from Khajuraho or other tourist sites. After befriending you, they charm you—be careful, these are professionals who are very skilled at this; it’s all they do, and they do it well. They’ll offer you food, drinks, and even temple entry to confuse you. They’ll suggest spending the evening or even the night with them. **Refuse (unless you’re into local flings and that’s why you came)!!!!**
At first, you’ll be seduced by their generosity, let your guard down, and then they’ll make you believe in *true love*. They won’t leave you alone and will keep in touch via email or phone if you give them your details. The lines they use to soften you up and scam you include: *"I’m the only one taking care of my family, my brother is sick, I don’t know what to do..."* All of this is to manipulate you into offering them money. They’ll never ask for it outright (to avoid being exposed) but will wait for you to suggest it.
If you receive emails from them, they’ll never be signed, and their name won’t appear in the email address (to avoid leaving traces). They use fake names to avoid being reported. If you believe their sob stories and offer help, they’ll give you a bank account number to send money via Western Union. These young men make a living from this—selling their bodies and scamming people! They’re very skilled, charming, manipulative, and *big-time cheaters*!
(Especially one young man who goes by the alias *Tony*—apparently the most skilled. He lives in a hotel near the lake, *Krishna Cottage*, and is in regular contact via Skype with Western women he’s tricked into believing he loves them while shamelessly scamming them. He even opened an internet café on the roof of the hotel with money he stole from women who fell for his charm.)
So, young romantic women craving love, sensitive singles, or anyone emotionally vulnerable—**don’t let yourself be scammed!!!** This behavior is becoming more common in India and is still relatively unknown. Male prostitution is on the rise, and cases of romantic scams and financial fraud by gigolos are increasing.
hi everyone! I’d like to visit Montreal and the surrounding areas in August, and I’ve got 3 weeks of vacation. I’m traveling alone and will be visiting my daughter, who recently moved there. She’ll be working and only available in the evenings! So I’m torn between spending a week in Montreal, then taking a flight to Cuba, and returning to France from Havana—or staying in Montreal and exploring the nearby areas alone.
For my first idea—going to Cuba—is it feasible in terms of administrative formalities and legality? And for my second idea, is it possible to take buses? If so, is it too expensive? And are there many places served by them?
From FES, I’d like to spend a few days in:
MEKNES
CHEFCHAOUEN
TETOUAN
and then return to FES.
I’m planning this trip in November.
Thanks for your tips!
I just got back from an unforgettable road trip in Madagascar where I drove down the legendary RN7. It connects Tana (the capital) to Tulear.
Since we were traveling as a group of girls, we decided to go with a guide. I’d never done an “organized” trip before, but I have to say we loved this first tailor-made travel experience.
From the highlands of the Red Island
down to the west coast, by the Mozambique Channel.
Vast landscapes as far as the eye can see
Human encounters
Discovering ancestral artisanal know-how
Sunsets over the ochre mountains
Intense, precious moments with my friends
We loved the mountains, visits to artisans, and the parties too ;-)
We used local guides to show us specific spots (like Isalo National Park, where we were able to bivouac)
Hi there,
My friend and I are traveling together between October and November 2025—no exact dates yet.
We’d love to step away from the typical travel agency packages and are hoping to rent a car locally and stay with locals, living with them rather than in a vacation rental.
Does anyone know if this is possible?
Thanks in advance for your advice and tips!
Warm regards to all
