Bonjour
Je reviens d une semaine en Andalousie et pour ceux que ça intéresse je vous fais un petit compte rendu avec des bons plans hôtels restau
Départ de Marseille avec ryanair le lundi 14 novembre a 19h50
70e aller retour par personne
Même avec l hôtel ça revient moins cher que les autres vols
Location de voiture chez Malagar car par interner 50e la semaine pour une corsa.
Petite précision on vous met une demi plein pour 20e
Et vous pouvez rendre vide
On vient vous chercher a l aeroport
La voiture n était pas neuve du tout beaucoup abimée nous avons note tout et y a pas eu de soucis au retour
Par contre personnel peu aimable et expéditif
Après ça reste vraiment pas cher sachant que l essence en Espagne est beaucoup moins chère
Nous avons fait environ 800km 60e
Hôtel a Malaga près de l aeroport car nous arrivions tard et que nous connaissons déjà Malaga
Hôtel Holiday inn express a 2mn de la location de voiture
Très belle chambre avec thé et café a disposition dans le chambre
Petit déjeuner varie mais industriel
Prix 50e a 2 petit déjeuner inclus
Mardi 15 départ pour grenade environ 2h
Attention parkings payants nous avons pris celui de l hôtel pour 15e par nuit
Arrivée midi
Hôtel Carlos V
45e la nuit avec le petit déjeuner
Très bien situe mais difficile a trouver
Personnel très aimable et serviable
Après midi visite du quartier albaicin vue magnifique sur l Alhambra
Mercredi 16
Bus pour 1,4 qui s arrete près de l Alhambra
Visite de l Alhambra réservée 3 jours avant sur ticketmaster
Rdv 9h pour les palais très bon horaire moins de monde
Nous avons pris l audio guide pour 6e qui est très bien fait et moderne avec écran tactile
Je le conseille
Nous sommes restes 4h!
Magnifique
Retour en bus près de la plazza nueva
Pour un restaurant qu on nous a conseille bodega castaneda
Specialite les fèves au jambon friand aux épinards
Les serveurs super sympas vous conseillent et c est pas cher
Après midi
Visite des banuelo et maison avec patio pour 5e
Je ne trouve que ça vaut pas la peine après avoir vu l Alhambra
Jeudi 17
Départ pour Cordoue
2h environ arrivée midi
Hôtel carpe idem 45 la chambre et 15e le parking
Très bien situe super personnel
Chambre très propre
Petit déjeuner plusieurs formules au choix juste le café ou café pain ou buffet
Buffet 5,80
Visite de la mezquita 9e
L audio guide est mal fait il n Y a pas les numéros correspondants dans le site
Inutile donc
Restaurant pas cher un peu a l ecart taberna el olmo
Pour 9e entrée plat dessert pain boisson copieux et bon
Visite des ruelles de Cordoue notre coup de cœur plein de patios
Cordoue la nuit au pont romain et le quartier juif
Nous regrettons d être restes qu une demie journée
C est notre coup de cœur
Vendredi départ pour Séville
Hôtel le petit paris 83e
Moyen mais bien situe
Mal insonorise
Et pas de petit déjeuner
Parking complet
Nous en avons pris un par internet en extérieur le moins cher 17e paseo de Cristobal colon
Visite de l alcazar un peu la queue
A priori on pouvait réserver sur interner
9,5e ça vaut la peine
Visite de la cathédrale 9e
Guère plus belle que Tolède mais la vue de la giralda est superbe
Restaurant la mechela a ne pas rayer
Il faut réserver bien a l avance ou arriver 15mn avant l ouverture
Super tapas très fins copieux et originaux
Samedi
Visite du quartier santa Cruz
Et le quartier de l autre cote du Guadalquivir
Dimanche
Départ pour les villages blancs
Zahara de la sierra
Peu connu mais très joli avec vue sur un lac
Seteline village troglodytique impressionnant
Ronda plus touristique mais a voir
Attention parking payant difficile de trouver une place
Juzcar le village bleu des stroumpfs c est la ou ça a ete tourne en 3d
Hôtel bandolero super accueil hôtel simple mais repas divin tout est maison même le pain
On a ete reçu comme des amis
Lundi
Départ pour mijas
Hélas sous le brouillard
Restaurant oscars tapas très peu cher tapas a partir de 2,75e et la patronne parle français et explique tous les tapas
Retour Marseille le soir
Voila j espere que ça donnera des idées
Pour ma part je serai restée moins longtemps a grenade et plus a Cordoue si c était a refaire
Les hôtels tous réserves par booking
Je mettrai des photos plus tard si ça intéresse
Bonne lecture
Merci pour ce retour bien documenté . Tout y est . J'ai pris du plaisir à vous lire .
Pour le village de Juzcar j'ai tout de même un regret , les habitants pour échapper à la crise ont acceptés de voir leurs maisons transformés en parc d'attraction . Je comprend tout à fait leur attitude , mais j'ai peur d'une Europe en crise ou pour survivre il faille peindre sa maison en bleue , se déguiser en stroumpfs , pourquoi pas en Trump dans les années à venir .
Ces villageois n'ont pas été obligés de peindre leur village en bleu.
Il y a eu un référendum qui a reçu 99 % de "oui" pour accepter le tournage de ce film sur leur terre, et donc de peindre temporairement leurs façades.
Ensuite, par contrat, le village devait être totalement repeint en blanc, à la fin du tournage.
Ce sont les habitants, eux-même, qui ont voté pour que le village reste bleu, et ne redevienne pas blanc.
Maintenant, quant aux raisons de leur choix, c'est leur liberté.
Doit-on les juger ?
Quand on discute un temps soit peu avec eux, ils sont très heureux de voir revivre leur village, qui mourrait à petit feu.
Ils sont très accueillants avec les enfants et parents, émerveillés, qui viennent pour se promener dans leur superbe vallée.
Ski-Addict
Le véritable voyage ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux
(M. Proust)
Vous devriez relire mon post , je ne porte aucun jugement sur les habitants de ce village , bien au contraire et je connais bien l'histoire de ce tournage .
Mais sincèrement sans la crise et le chômage vous croyez qu'ils auraient voté pour continuer à jouer les stroumpfs ? Je suppose que vous ne vivez pas dans une maison de stroumpfs Genal .
Qu'un de ces joyaux de villages blancs se transforme en parc à Stroumpfs moi je trouve que nous sommes dans une société qui n'as plus de mémoire, de culture et qui va se "Trumperisé" à grande vitesse . je n'amenerais pas mes petits enfants voir ça .
C'est mon avis sur le sujet , ça fait parti du voyage , et ca n'engage que moi .
Mais êtes-vous allé sur place, car le village ne ressemble pas du tout à un parc d'attractions.
Avez-vous parlé avec les habitants ?
Si c'est le cas, ils ont du vous dire qu'ils aiment tous jouer le jeu, ça leur fait plaisir.
Des villages blancs identiques, il y en a des centaines, partout en Andalousie, si un seul devient bleu, cela ne semble pas déranger les habitants, bien au contraire, ils n'ont pas l'air d'avoir vendu leur âme au diable.
Maintenant, personnellement, je veux pas défendre ou accuser quoi que ce soit, et je comprends aussi votre point vue.
Bonne soirée.
Ski-Addict
Le véritable voyage ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux
(M. Proust)
Oui je connais Genal . Et je m'attendait à cette reponse , "....ça ne ressemble pas à un parc d'attraction ".... et l'esprit d'un parc d'attraction? C'est l'esprit de tout ce bizeness qui me gêne , ces produits touristiques frelatés et j'en passe .
J'ai habité dans un village du Périgord noir , bien léché , bien retapé etcccc.... Ce n'était pas loin du parc d'attraction , avec des touristes qui envahissent l'été et font monter les prix , les petits bistrots ou l'on " philosophait" qui ont disparus pour du clinquant ....
Continuez à vanter une Andalousie du bizeness Marbellisé ......
En Andalousie, dans le Périgord, en Australie, des touristes , il y en a partout dans le monde.
En Andalousie, c'est comme partout, y compris en France.
Il y a des coins isolés, sans personne, ou peu de monde, et d'autres plus animés.
L'un n'empêche pas l'autre.
On peut très bien apprécier les 2, ce qui est mon cas.
Si les villages se vident (en Andalousie ou en France ou ailleurs), c'est que la jeunesse part chercher du travail ailleurs, et que les jeunes familles recherchent des infrastructures pour leurs enfants (écoles, hopitaux etc...).
On peut le regretter, mais ce n'est quand même pas de ma faute.
Je ne suis pas responsable de la désertification des campagnes et le remplacement de la population locale par les bobos.
De toute façon, avec le télé-travail, la tendance va certainement s'inverser dans les décennies à venir.
Donc on peut très bien apprécier un village vivant et animé, fréquenté par les touristes qui aiment prendre un verre en terrasse ou acheter une carte postale, et aussi un village plus calme, sans café, sans commerce, sans restaurant, mais avec quelques personnes âgés qui discutent sur le pas de leur porte. Ce n'est pas antinomique.
Ski-Addict
Le véritable voyage ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux
(M. Proust)
Je vous fait grâce de votre analyse socio économique , j'ai d'autres sources bien plus fiables pour me faire une opinion ....le télé-travail en milieu rural , oui pourquoi pas , on pourras traire les vaches, passer le tracteur, ensemencer un champ, faire du fromage à l'aide de cet outil miracle. Aujourd'hui ou les gens reviennent vers des désirs de produits sains et locaux il y a peut être une chance pour les agriculteurs et l'économie qui en decoule .
Vous avez une vision archaïque du milieu rural , vous ne le connaissez pas en Espagne , je peux vous assurer que certains villages vivent encore des produits de la terre , notamment des olives en Andalousie , que les "ploucs" réfléchissent , font des études pour améliorer leur chances de faire évoluer leur travail en abandonnant les rendements à outrance et en mettant toutes les chances de leur côté , la crise à laminée l'Espagne , mais je ne doute pas qu'un jour les enfants du milieu rural pourront vivre de leur travail Et ne seront pas obligé de se déguiser en stroumpfs pour vivre dignement .
Pour ma part j'apprécie les villages vivants et je n'eprouve pas de plaisir à voir des villages qui se meurent. je n'ai rien contre les touristes , j'en suis une , mais j'ai une dent contre ceux qui exploitent le tourisme de masse , qui abrutissent le public pour se faire du fric
Ce que vous écrivez est une évidence, nous regrettons tous la transformation des campagnes, quelque soit l'endroit du monde, vous n'êtes pas la seule à le déplorer.
Ski-Addict
Le véritable voyage ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux
(M. Proust)
Bonjour je suis ravie que mon descriptif vous ait intéresse et qu il servira aux prochains visiteurs
En revanche même si c est intéressant d avoir les avis de tous sur les sites visites je suis moins fan d une discussion qui devient sujet de polémique sur la file car le but de celle ci est de donner des informations sur le voyage en Andalousie
Donc que la discussion ne devienne pas une échange entre 2 personnes qui ont des avis divergents car cette file deviendra moins agréable a lire
Le mieux dans ce cas est de continuer la conversation en message prive
Pour qu on reste sur le thème du forum le voyage
Ca sera très sympa a vous 2
Pour ma part j habite une région hyper touristique le golfe de st tropez
Alors la médiatisation et les people on connaît..' mais je ne rentrerai pas dans le sujet
Des que j ai un moment je mettrai des photos pour que les gens aient envie ou non d aller dans les villes et villages que j ai visitées
Bien qu aux villages blancs et bleu je n avais pas le soleil
Toutes mes excuses Murielle , il est vrai que ces échanges auraient pu se faire en MP , ou dans un autre cadre plus propice sur ce forum à savoir " réflexion de voyageurs" .
Fin octobre, début novembre Nous avons pédalé 500km environ avec des étapes très irrégulières. Utrera, Coripe, piste verte, Olvera, Grazalema, Ubrique, Arcos…
Nous allons passer une semaine en Andalousie fin Avril, et nous arrivons à et repartons de Seville en Avion. Nous allons louer une voiture sur place. Nous…
J'envisage de partir une semaine en mai pour découvrir l'Andalousie. Circuit classique: Séville, Cordoue et Grenade. Quelques questions: combien de jours par…
Nous avons réservé notre vol pour Séville du 28 octobre au 4 novembre. La question est nous restons à Séville toute la semaine et visitons à partir de Séville.…
Besoin de vos lumières! Pour une semaine en Andalousie: - est-ce raisonnable de vouloir visiter Séville / Cordou / Granada / Ronda / Malaga en 7 jours? -…
Three years after exploring northern Argentina and Chile, my two travel buddies and I want to discover the southern part of these two countries.
We’re traveling on a budget, backpacker-style, favoring public transport and modest accommodations, but we don’t hesitate to splurge a little when it’s worth it.
The classic spots that have been fueling our dreams: Bariloche, the lakes, Chiloé, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, El Calafate, Fitz Roy, Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, and wrapping up in Valparaíso.
We’ll take a round-trip flight to Santiago, then I’m thinking of a one-way flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. From there, we’ll explore and do several day hikes in the south, including Ushuaia and, if possible, Tierra del Fuego.
Then we’ll head back north by bus to Bariloche and the lakes, followed by Chiloé, then a bus to Santiago and Valparaíso.
Based on your experience, could you help me figure out the best way to structure this trip and maybe suggest some ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Didier
Hello! 👋
I’m new to this site and feeling a little desperate. 😢 My boyfriend’s birthday is in 4 days, and I wanted to surprise him with a New Year’s trip to London... except I just found out he’s already been there as a kid. Well, there goes my surprise! 😅
Since we both love Christmas and winter, I’m looking for a destination where we can really feel the holiday magic—with a budget of around 500 € for transport + accommodation for two (yes, I know, I might be asking for a Christmas miracle here 😇).
We’ve already been to Bucharest, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, so I’d love to find something a little more offbeat, not too expensive, and with a beautiful Christmas atmosphere.
Please help me! 🙏 On social media, it’s always the same ultra-touristy cities... I’m sure there are hidden gems I haven’t discovered yet!
Hi there,
I'm heading to Morocco for 10 days as a backpacker, with my car and a tent canvas if needed. Does anyone have great experiences in this country around the Tétouan and Tangier areas?
I'd love to spend time with locals, rent a small room, and take part in daily life.
If you've got any addresses to share, that'd be awesome!
Thanks a million for your replies!!!😉
Christine
I’m heading to Quebec and New Brunswick this summer and got a Revolut Classic card for the trip. I’ve already exchanged some Canadian dollars in the app so I’ll have a reserve ready for my departure day. My question is whether I’ll incur any additional fees when using my Canadian dollar account. I think I’m limited to 200 € in ATM withdrawals for my part. Thanks!
My boyfriend and I are going there for just 9 days, including the two travel days… It’s not much, but oh well!
Looking at prices online, I get the impression everything’s more expensive than I thought 😅 So, I wanted to get your feedback on a few things:
* Is hitchhiking common, easy, and generally safe in Albania?
* Is it possible to find day-to-day accommodations without booking ahead? If so, are they usually cheaper than the ones you find online?
* Is wild camping allowed or at least tolerated?
If any of you have traveled there recently, I’d love all the tips and great deals you’ve got!
Hi,
We’re a young couple planning to travel to South Africa after spending about three weeks in Namibia. We’ll arrive in Cape Town around mid-December, with no fixed travel duration (though our budget will eventually set a limit).
After browsing through the forum, we’ve realized the country is packed with incredible spots, which makes choosing an itinerary tough. We’re looking for stunning landscapes, hikes, and so on. So, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
When we arrive in Cape Town, we’d like to settle in and take it easy until New Year’s, exploring at a relaxed pace. We know this period coincides with South African holidays—does that make finding accommodations (availability/prices) more difficult? Do you think it’s possible to stay in a nice place for about 15 days without aiming for the most upscale neighborhoods? Maybe somewhere a bit outside Cape Town, like Fish Hoek, and just visit the city occasionally.
After that, we’ll have plenty of time (about 2 to 2.5 months) to explore the country. We’d like to take our time. In your opinion, is it better to focus on the Cape Town region, or is it reasonable to consider more distant areas like the Drakensberg or Blyde River Canyon? Can everything be done by car if we take our time, or are domestic flights sometimes more practical?
Budget-wise, how much do car rentals cost? For accommodations, we usually look at Airbnb—are they affordable in South Africa? What’s the average nightly rate outside the biggest cities? Are there other platforms you’d recommend for saving on lodging?
Finally, regarding safety, are there any regions to avoid besides Johannesburg?
We know this is a lot of questions, but we’re still in the early planning stages!
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi there,
After exploring southern Peru in 2024 with your help, we’d love to head north next. There’ll be 5 or 6 of us:
1. Arrive in Lima in the evening.
2. Visit Lima and take a flight at 6:35 PM to Tarapoto.
3, 4, 5. Spend a few days there to trek in a reserve (Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve) or somewhere else.
6. From Tarapoto to Chachapoyas—either by overnight bus, daytime bus, or private car.
7. In Chachapoyas: Gocta Waterfall, Sonche Canyon, and walk back to town.
8. Head to Kuelap citadel, Revash, and arrive in Leymebamba.
9. Leymebamba museum, then route to Cajamarca.
10. Cajamarca hot springs, overnight bus to Trujillo or Chiclayo—or do both.
11, 12, 13. Visit and explore the area.
14. Overnight bus back to Lima.
15. Lima.
16. Depart at 8 PM for France.
What do you think of this itinerary? Looking forward to your advice.
Thanks
I’m planning a 7-day trip to Marrakech for a sports camp, and I’ll be traveling with just a standard carry-on backpack.
I’d love to hear your best tips and tricks:
• What clothes are absolutely essential?
• Any advice for managing the heat while traveling light?
• Which accessories have been the most useful for you?
• Mistakes to avoid on a first trip to Marrakech?
I’m also open to your recommendations for neighborhoods, restaurants, or activities not to miss during my free time.
Thanks in advance for your advice and experience! !
Hi there, we’re heading to the Cyclades from June 23 to July 9. We’ll arrive in Santorini and leave from Mykonos. We’re thinking of visiting these islands: Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Tinos, and Mykonos. Do you think it’s better to book the ferries now (which site do you recommend for booking?) or can we buy the tickets on the spot? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodation under 100 €/night on each of these islands? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone!
I’m planning my dream trip for next September, lasting about a month. Here’s my itinerary:
Amsterdam: 3 days (departing from Montreal)
Tanzania: 3-day safari
Zanzibar: 6 days
Istanbul: 7 days
Return to Montreal.
Since my budget is pretty tight, I’m looking for tips and advice to cut costs without sacrificing the experience. Here are my questions:
Multi-destination flights: What’s the best way to book these connections? Is it better to buy a one-way ticket from Montreal to Amsterdam, then a separate internal flight, or use comparison tools for a multi-destination ticket?
Budget safari: Do you have recommendations for local agencies or tips to do a 3-day safari (Serengeti/Ngorongoro) at an affordable price (e.g., camping/glamping instead of luxury lodges)?
Accommodation in Zanzibar: Which villages or types of lodging are the most budget-friendly and accessible via local transport for these 6 days?
Istanbul: Any tips for well-located but cheap accommodation and great food deals?
Hi,
Are there still basic, traditional, and affordable authentic accommodations in Poland? I’ll be traveling in July with my husband and our 2 kids along the Warsaw-Łódź-Toruń-Gdańsk route, and all I can find online are standardized Ikea-style apartments in the cities. When I look for agrotourism, it’s all luxury farms.
Can you find farms in the countryside or city lodgings for under 60 euros per night? And if so, how?
Is it possible to find accommodations on the spot without internet—like from people who put up signs—even in July?
Hi,
I need to stay in Paris or Créteil for 2 nights a week for a month. I know some cheap backpacker options, but I’d like something even cheaper. Do you know of any rooms for rent from private individuals?
Thanks
We’re a young couple planning our first trip to Albania from June 23, 2026, to July 2, 2026. We have a pretty tight budget and want to make the most of this amazing country without breaking the bank.
We’re looking for all the advice you can give to help us plan our stay:
* What are the must-see places to visit?
* Which cities or villages are really worth the detour?
* What natural sites, hikes, canyons, springs, or viewpoints do you recommend?
* Do you know of any free, uncrowded, or particularly beautiful beaches?
* Where can we responsibly observe or swim with sea turtles?
* What are the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera that are accessible on a small budget?
* What budget-friendly accommodations (hotels, hostels, homestays, campgrounds) do you recommend?
* What are the best ways to get around between different regions at a low cost?
* Do you know of any reliable and affordable agencies for renting a vehicle (car, scooter, or motorcycle)? What are the average rates at the end of June, and which rental companies do you recommend or advise against?
* Is it better to rent a vehicle right when we arrive or stick to local buses and minibuses to keep costs down?
* Which restaurants or local specialties offer the best value for money?
* Are there any free or low-cost activities we shouldn’t miss?
* Which places do you think are overrated or can be skipped when you’re short on time and money?
* What practical tips would you have wished you knew before your first trip to Albania?
We’d also love any 10-day itineraries that you particularly enjoyed, along with your budget estimates for accommodation, meals, and transportation.
We’re open to off-the-beaten-path spots and local tips. If you have any secret addresses, hidden beaches, favorite accommodations, or mistakes to avoid, we’d love to hear about them! 😊
Hi there, we’re planning a road trip in northern Algeria at the end of January – early February.
Anyone have any tips for a car rental agency that’s both reliable and not too expensive? Thanks in advance!
I traveled through southern Peru in November 2024 and now I’d like to explore the north.
We’re a group of 5 people for a 15-day trip.
Iquitos or Nauta for the Amazon rainforest—I saw that you have to fly there.
Chiclayo
Chachapoyas
Kuelap
Leimebamba
Cajamarca
Trujillo
And if we have time, Huaraz for the Andes cordillera.
No problem taking overnight buses—they save a lot of time.
Or renting a car and figuring it out as we go.
We’d also love to take the train from Lima to Huancayo, but it seems complicated—I don’t understand when it runs.
I’d like to drive to Morocco from Paris via Spain. I was really surprised to see the ferry crossing prices—around 500 €—but especially the crossing time (about 1 hour). Normally, I pay 3000 € to go to Tunisia from Genoa, but that’s for a 24-hour crossing.
My question: is it cheaper to buy the ticket on the spot, as some Moroccans have advised me? Though I’ve also heard the opposite.
What do you think, considering I need to get to Tétouan around July 17th and return from Tangier around August 4th?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning a 10-day trip to Slovenia in May (9–19 May) and starting to look at accommodations. Unfortunately, I’m only seeing relatively expensive options—nothing under 50 €, and usually around 100–150 €. Traveling solo, that could quickly blow my budget. And 30 € for a bed in a 10-person dorm at a youth hostel feels like a rip-off...
Are there other booking sources besides the usual Booking.com, Airbnb, and Google? Or can anyone confirm if I’ll find more reasonable rates on the ground around Bled, Bohinj, Triglav, or in mountain huts? I’ll be renting a car to optimize my travel, so I won’t be limited geographically.
Hi there,
Could you recommend some nice and affordable neighborhoods to book a hotel in for visiting Nice and exploring its surroundings and nearby villages?
I’d like to know if it’s better to book the entire stay in Nice and take day trips to the villages, or if there are villages worth spending at least one night in to really explore them properly?
Since all the villages are stunning and we have to make a choice, which ones are absolutely must-visit?
My 16-year-old daughter and I will be spending a week there at the end of April. We’ll arrive by TGV from Paris and plan to use public transport during our stay. Do you know if there’s a weekly transport pass available and how much it costs?
I’m planning to spend about twenty days in Réunion in November.
I’d like to get around using the *car jaune* (2 € per ticket), but from what I’ve heard, it doesn’t cover the whole island.
I’m not looking to head toward the ocean and the beautiful beaches—more toward the mountainous landscapes, even if I’ll just be admiring them from below. 😉
Maybe other buses go where I want to go.
By the way, are there any relatively easy mountain hikes, and where?
But here’s the most important part:
I don’t want to book anything in advance because I don’t know what my itinerary will look like—it’ll change depending on my mood. 3 days here, 5 days there, etc.
On top of that, I’d like to arrange half-board stays with locals—not professionals—by approaching them and asking if they’d be willing to host me (overnight stay, breakfast, and dinner) for 30 € to 40 € per day.
What do you think?
Does the price seem reasonable?
And is it okay to take the initiative and ask Réunionnais directly?
The tourist office in Réunion told me that since November is peak tourist season, I should book without delay. 🤪
For four years in a row, I traveled across Canada for a month and a half each time, relying only on hitchhiking and half-board stays with Canadians who welcomed me (and refused to let me pay them).
If I’d listened to my family and friends, I never would’ve taken the leap—and that adventure remains one of the best experiences of my life.
It’s been ages since I last dropped by here... maybe simply because, apart from Nepal, I haven’t really had the chance to hit the road lately. 😉
This year, I’d love to spend a few days in Lisbon, probably in late May or early June. But with my budget being what it is, I’m looking for great tips to avoid wasting time once I’m there and risk missing out on hidden gems or unusual culinary specialties and/or quirky activities! I’m hoping to find a room in a local’s home where I can stay in a quiet neighborhood near the center, so I can get around without relying too much on public transport—my walking shoes are my best travel buddies.
I’d love all your recommendations, especially for parks, small neighborhood markets, casual eateries for a quick bite, your favorite viewpoints to soak in the scenery (I’m bringing my travel journal to sketch my getaway in watercolors), events around traditional art and crafts, and so on.
All your advice will definitely help me travel peacefully and come back with my head full of vibrant memories!
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Isabelle
I’m diving into planning a trip I’ve dreamed of for a long time: crossing Africa from North to South solo, with a departure planned for October 2025 for about 8-9 months. I’m leaving from Paris with a starting budget of around 7,000 €, aiming to supplement it with work along the way.
My planned route: Senegal → Gambia → Sierra Leone/Liberia (if logistics work out) → Côte d'Ivoire → Ghana → Togo → Benin → Cameroon → Gabon → Kenya (Masai Mara) → Uganda (Bwindi gorillas) → Rwanda → Tanzania (Kili + Serengeti + Zanzibar) → Mozambique → Malawi → Zambia (Victoria Falls) → Botswana → Namibia → South Africa (Cape Town). Madagascar as a bonus if timing/budget allows from Mozambique.
I’m not a backpacking newbie—I’ve done several trips in Europe and I’m familiar with the lifestyle, hostels, local transport, etc. But Africa is my first big adventure on this continent, and I’ve got some very concrete questions I’d love feedback on from people who’ve been there.
🎭 My big dilemma: flexibility vs. pre-organized work
What matters most to me is NOT rushing through. If I feel good somewhere, I’ll stay longer. If a region doesn’t click, I’ll cut it short. That seems totally incompatible with having pre-booked work or volunteer gigs, yet I need that income to stretch my budget.
I’m torn between two approaches:
Option A: The mixed rhythm: 3-4 weeks of volunteering in a country (free accommodation, full immersion), then 1-2 countries in classic backpacker "vacation" mode, then another mission somewhere, etc. This gives a breathing rhythm and avoids burnout from non-stop volunteering.
Option B: The continuous flow: finding gigs as I go, from the previous country, contacting hosts 2-3 weeks in advance with a flexible date range. Keeping maximum spontaneity but never arriving anywhere without a safety net.
Have you tried either? What actually works on the ground in Africa?
🌍 What I’m really looking for in this trip
Not just the classic tourist spots. I want to see the country as it is—eating at local joints, taking local transport (bush taxis, minibuses, sept-places), staying with locals when possible. The big reserves and safaris are part of the plan (Masai Mara, Serengeti, Okavango), but just as much as hanging out in a residential neighborhood in Dakar, understanding how people really live.
Volunteering or work interests me for that reason too (not just for free lodging, but because it’s the deepest way to dive into a country). Working at a school in Ghana, a lodge in Kenya, a permaculture farm in Mozambique—I see it as an immersion that classic tourism can’t offer.
🎒 My concrete questions
About Workaway and Worldpackers: I’ve read a lot but would love on-the-ground feedback, especially for West and East Africa. Are hosts really flexible with dates for long-term travelers? Do the advertised gigs match reality? Are there alternative platforms you’d recommend for Africa specifically (I’ve heard of Help Exchange, WWOOF Africa, local networks…)?
About "off-platform" jobs: Is it really doable to find informal work on the spot (bars, restaurants, lodges) without prior contacts? In which countries/cities is this most accessible for a French speaker without a local work permit?
About logistics between countries: For those who’ve done the West Coast (Senegal → Ghana → Benin), how did you cross borders? Direct buses or local shared taxis at each border? And for the jump from Central Africa → Kenya, is a flight mandatory, or are there feasible overland routes?
About Madagascar: I’m considering adding it from Mozambique (flight Maputo or Beira → Tana). Those who’ve done it backpacker-style on a tight budget—is 3-4 weeks doable, or is it too short to be worth it?
I’m open to all tips, experiences, warnings, and pleasant surprises. And if you’ve got trusted local contacts (Workaway hosts, associations, community lodges), I’m all ears!
I’ve got tons of questions and I’m eager for any advice or experiences you can share!!
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for 2 adults and 2 kids to Tanzania and Zanzibar. I’ve had a quick look, and the prices are starting to get pretty wild.
We’ve got a budget of 8,000 €, and I was thinking of doing three or four days of safari and three or four days in Zanzibar, but even that seems like it might be over budget. Have you got any thoughts? I was also considering heading straight to Zanzibar and doing a one- or two-day excursion by plane instead—maybe that’d be cheaper than staying in a lodge.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences and any price tips, departing from Nice!
Good evening,
As two senior French couples who are used to traveling independently all over the world, we’d like to visit Kenya next November.
Now, after seeing and reading a bit everywhere, and with the first quotes for a 6/7-day safari, I’m shocked by the prices (like $2,250) for places like Maasai Mara, where entry alone costs $200 per person per day, plus fees for the driver and vehicle.
So if you have any recent great tips or contacts to share to help me out, I’d really appreciate it—because despite the costs, we’d still love to go, while keeping things reasonable.
The most plausible solution is probably renting a vehicle with a driver-guide.
Thanks in advance for all your replies.
Jacques
We’ll be in Srinagar for 4 days in mid-May 2026 during our backpacking trip as a couple. Do you have any nice places to recommend, and what about the houseboats on Dal Lake? Should we spend all our nights there, or just one night for practicality when getting around?
Thanks,
Rozenn
Hi there,
This is my first time traveling to Italy, and I’m planning to go by car.
From what I’ve read, parking is tough in cities like Florence.
I’m looking for a small town not too far from Florence where I can stay and park my car, then take the train to visit Florence.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Hi there, it’s been a long time since I last went to London. I’d love to spend a week there in July with my daughter and my niece (both young adults).
Of course, I’m looking for great tips on accommodation, and I’m wondering about renting an apartment. It seems like a better deal to save on restaurants (with the option of having a few meals at home... but is that really the case? I’m not sure about the cost of a meal in a modest restaurant, the pound exchange rate, or grocery prices...).
Otherwise, I’d like to stay in accommodation (hotel or apartment) near a tube station and in Zone 1.
If you have any great tips, I’d love to hear them!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading to Morocco for a trip in the south, starting with 3 days in Marrakech (from January 8th to 11th, 2026).
If you’ve got any tips, cool spots to recommend, I’m all ears! 🎊
And, fellow traveler, if you’d like to share this Marrakech adventure together, I’d love that!
Have a great evening
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Peru and have estimated how many days I’ll spend in each place.
Any advice on must-see sights and tourist traps to avoid?
September–October
5 days in Lima
Bus: 07:00→13:30 or 06:00 to 09:30 (express) (3 hr 30 min journey)
3 days in Paracas (beach)
