Cuba: casas particulares, bilan de quinze jours pour une femme seule
by Luciedlr
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
J’ai eu la chance d’être chaperonnée par l’organisateur d’un site que je citerai pluS tard et je ne le regrette pas, prise en charge à mon arrivée à l’aéroport par Ramon et sa pancarte.
Mon parcours a été le suivant, La habana, Vinales, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santiago, Baracoa, Moron et cayo guillermo, et retour a La habana .
J’ai trouvé La havane polluée et en ruines, avec des prix excessifs et plusieurs tentatives d’arnaques en tout genres, j’ai parfois eu honte de prendre en photo ces pauvres gens dans centro habana qui vivent dans des maisons en ruines, parfois eu peur de recevoir une corniche ou un balcon en marchant sur ce qui reste du trottoir, parfois aussi eu la nausée en respirant toutes sortes d’odeurs.
Dépaysement total assuré, drague a la cubaine très directe j’avais perdu l’habitude d’être sifflée en pleine rue, les cubains sont plutôt mignons je reconnais.
Il est difficile de savoir dans cette ville si une personne vous adresse la parole par intérêt ou curiosité, j’ai pourtant le contact facile, dans 80% des cas on a essayé de me vendre quelque chose, a la longue cela devient très désagréable d’être pris pour un billet de 100 .
J’ étais heureuse que ma chambre soit loin de cette ambiance et seulement a quelques minutes de voiture, Celimar a une petite plage sympa ou j’ ai rencontré plus de locaux qu’ a la capitale.
Jamais je ne me suis sentie en insécurité, habillée zen et sans bijoux bien sur.
La casa de Ramon est propre et tranquille, confortable, et la table de bonne qualité, je la conseille, Ramon trouve un moyen de locomotion sans problèmes et a prix normal.
Vinales est une petite ville cool lovée entre les montagnes, ou plutôt pitons rocheux qui donnent au paysage une allure très étrange.
La campagne est belle, les gens ouverts et causants, rien a voir avec la capitale, j’ai passé des heures à échanger avec toutes sortes de personnages intéressants et agréables.
Malgré la beauté du lieu et la gentillesse de Marie De Villa lioska je me suis vite ennuyée et suis partie vers d’autres horizons.
Cienfuegos, la ville que j’ ai préférée, beaucoup de charme, architecture magnifique et très entretenue, rues propres , service de nettoyage des espaces verts, contact facile et très sympathique, pour tous les ages sans problèmes, belles plages pas très loin, piscines accessibles dans les hôtels pour pas très cher, discothèques, shows musicaux et spectacles en divers endroits et dans tous les genres, location de scooters, promenades en bateau dans la baie, etc., si je retourne a Cuba ce sera ici mais pour une semaine minimum.
Seul point noir la baie est polluée et les cubains ne sont pas très disciplinés et jettent à l’eau tout ce qui leur passe sous la main!
Excellente ambiance festive sur le malecon les fins de semaine a ne pas manqué.
A ne pas manquer également Casa Prado , Mayrim et sa famille, adorable couple de la trentaine, leur maison coloniale est superbe et centrale, leur accueil et leur gentillesse sont exceptionnels et rares, échanges géniaux et soirées en leur compagnie inoubliables, merci!
Trinidad, enfin, j’en avais tellement entendu parler, très beau village coloré, mais, car il y a un mais j’en ai vite fait le tour et me suis vite fatiguée également de côtoyer des touristes du monde entier dans ces petites rues ou on peut difficilement faire une photo sans prendre un touriste!!!
Bref c’est beau et en soirée bonne ambiance musicale, mais sans plus, une journée et une nuit et basta ;
Baracoa, calme et jolie petite ville paisible ou il fait bon flâner, peu d’intérêt si ce n’est pour les passionnés de la nature, une journée m’a également suffi a en faire le tour.
Un plaisir de faire la connaissance de Rafael et de sa famille, couple de profs très agréables, excellent accueil et chambre avec terrasse très confortable et bien tenue.
Repas copieux et de très bonne qualité comme dans toutes les maisons qui m’ont accueillie!
Moron, bourgade calme comme un bout du monde, tout le monde vous connaît en deux heures, peu de tourisme, peu d’intérêt également si ce n’est la proximité des cayos .
Cayo Guillermo, cayo coco, endroits paradisiaques eaux turquoises, nature préservée, très beau, un plaisir pour les yeux et le corps en prenant un bain dans cette eau a 28° .
A voir !
Casa maité, accueil a bras ouverts, chambres et service irréprochables, excellents repas!
Retour a la Havane juste pour prendre l’avion!!!
Difficile de condenser un voyage aussi enrichissant, j’ ai pu rencontrer a Cuba des personnes formidables comme on en rencontre peu dans une vie, de tous les niveaux sociaux et de tous les ages, j’ ai eu la chance d’ arriver sous la recommandation de Emmanuel que tous connaissent, j’ ai trouvé toutes ces réservations, les itinéraires, les cartes, les liaisons par guagua, sur son site http://planetacuba.com qui est un exemple d’ organisation dans un pays très désorganisé, j’ ai été traitée comme un membre de la famille dans toutes les casas, aidée et conseillée sur tout, accompagnée tout au long de mon voyage avec un contact sms bien pratique parfois, merci Emmanuel encore une fois .
Je recommande cet organisateur a tous, sans réserve aucune et en toute confiance.
Vous y trouverez les adresses de toutes les casas que j’ai visité dans tout le pays.
Si mon expérience de ce voyage peut servir a quelqu’un je répondrai avec plaisir, mon récit est bien sur mon avis personnel sur chaque ville, d’autres peuvent aimer La havane ou détester Cienfuegos, a chacun son truc et a chacun sa manière de ressentir les choses, je respecte chacun et les goûts de chacun .
Amicalement a tous
Lucie
Bonjour Lucie,
Je te remercie beaucoup pour avoir publié ici ton expérience. C'est exactement ce que je souhaite faire l'été prochain, en voyageuse seule que je suis, moi aussi. C'est une expérience très enrichissante, et tu m'as donné le gout de contacter ta personne référence pour organiser mon périple.......je me sens en confiance.
Merci encore Lucie, et je te souhaite bonne continuation...........
Au plaisir!
Je te remercie beaucoup pour avoir publié ici ton expérience. C'est exactement ce que je souhaite faire l'été prochain, en voyageuse seule que je suis, moi aussi. C'est une expérience très enrichissante, et tu m'as donné le gout de contacter ta personne référence pour organiser mon périple.......je me sens en confiance.
Merci encore Lucie, et je te souhaite bonne continuation...........
Au plaisir!
Escuchar, observar, enterarse a aceptar el difference y todavía a empezar de nuevo.... Navaro
Excellent!
Un récit sans condescendance. Tres objectif. Je me suis retrouvé à Vinales, Cienfuegos et Trinidad. C, est tout à fait cela!
Merci.Cela nous change des.......Enfin!!!!
Cordialement,
Memphré
Un récit sans condescendance. Tres objectif. Je me suis retrouvé à Vinales, Cienfuegos et Trinidad. C, est tout à fait cela!
Merci.Cela nous change des.......Enfin!!!!
Cordialement,
Memphré
On met longtemps à devenir jeune...
Bonjour Lucie,
Merci beaucoup pour ton récit. Je l'ai trouvé des plus intéressant et très informatif. J'ai également moi-même adoré Cienfuegos et tout comme toi, j'ai trouvé vette ville très propre. Je suis d'accord avec toi en ce qui concerne la Havane, mais cela se passe dans les capitales d'à peu près tout les pays du monde, les gens sont un dirait un peu plus froid que dans les autres provinces. Dans ton récit, tu n'as pas mentionné comment tu avais aimé Santiago de Cuba. C'est une province que j'aimerais aller visiter dans un futur proche. Si tu peux me donner ton opinion sur cette province, ce serait très apprécié.
Merci encore...
Merci beaucoup pour ton récit. Je l'ai trouvé des plus intéressant et très informatif. J'ai également moi-même adoré Cienfuegos et tout comme toi, j'ai trouvé vette ville très propre. Je suis d'accord avec toi en ce qui concerne la Havane, mais cela se passe dans les capitales d'à peu près tout les pays du monde, les gens sont un dirait un peu plus froid que dans les autres provinces. Dans ton récit, tu n'as pas mentionné comment tu avais aimé Santiago de Cuba. C'est une province que j'aimerais aller visiter dans un futur proche. Si tu peux me donner ton opinion sur cette province, ce serait très apprécié.
Merci encore...
Silvita LA CAMAGÜEYANA!!!
Que de retenue dans ce propos !!! serais tu souffrant???
Je pourrais m'inquiéter!😉
!
C'est gentil de t'inquiéter de ma santé mais rassures-toi :tout va bien! Ici c, est l, été qui est malade....🤪
!
C'est gentil de t'inquiéter de ma santé mais rassures-toi :tout va bien! Ici c, est l, été qui est malade....🤪
On met longtemps à devenir jeune...
Salut Lucie,
je te remercie d'avoir bien voulu partager ton expérience, nous avoir fait part de tes ressentis et de tous ces conseils. en effet j'ai pris mon billet pour novembre (12 jours) et les aléas de la vie font que je vais faire ce voyage tout seul.
Pour compléter ton récit, je voudrai savoir si les déplacement entre les différentes villes ont été difficiles?? j'ai pu lire que Ramon s'était occupé de tes déplacements sur la havane et pour le reste?? as tu utilisé les autocars?? Taxi??
Certainement lorsque j'aurai commencé à préparer mon voyage, je risque de revenir te poser d'autres questions si cela ne te dérange pa.
Au plaisir de te lire. Cordialement
Au plaisir de te lire. Cordialement
Merci beaucoup pour ce post interessant, parfaitement bien ecrit et qui donne envie d'y aller.
Ca fait vraiment plaisir !
Bonne journee
Nat
Bonjour navaro, je suis ravie d' avoir réveillé cette etincelle, n" hesite pas a contacter emmanuel, il est trés sympa et des meilleurs organisateurs, il assure un suivi sur place extraordinaire en te contactant par sms si tu as besoin de quelque chose, de plus ses casas sont vraiement triées parmi les meilleures et toutes trés sympas et confortables a des bons prix.
Si je peux encore t" aider n" hésite pas . Bises et a bientot
Amicalement Lucie
Si je peux encore t" aider n" hésite pas . Bises et a bientot
Amicalement Lucie
Salut red13, tout d' abord désolée pour toi que la vie te fasse voyager tout seul, mais parfois cela a du bon et a Cuba je ne te plains pas car les Cubaines sont magnifiques et trés sensuelles .
J' ai utilisé la gua gua, le bus local cubain, le bus climatisé pour touristes viazul, les taxis légaux et illégaux, et également une voiture de location et un scooter .
Précise ta question sur ce que tu veux savoir et je te répondrai dés que je reviens de déplacement (les dimanches et lundi)
Amicalement Lucie
Amicalement Lucie
Salut
Ton récit est très informatif pour ceux qui n'ont pas encore été à Cuba sur le site on a longtemps parlé de ces arnaques, des maisons délabrées et une odeur nauséabonde surtout à Habana Vieja. Pour les siflets les cubains ont toujours été ainsi mais de nos jours cela devient si pire de nos jours que le gouvernement a dû mettre sur pied une campagne de publicité en ce sens. Il ne s'agit pas uniquement de cela que dire des regards même en compagnie de leur copine ou femme. Pour Trinidad, quand tu dis qu'on peut pas prendre une photo sans la présence d'un touriste mais c'est son charme qui le rend si populaire toi aussi tu as été à cause de cela non. Il faut pas se plaindre c'est la même chose si tu te rends à Taxco au mexique
A+
ricky
Excellent compte-rendu d'un voyage et séjour à Cuba, qui je l'imagine en lisant fut des plus agréable.
Janvier 2009 et Mai 2009, je les ai passé à Santiago de Cuba.
Avec une différence de taille; dans une famille cubaine du côté de carretera del Moro.
J'ajoute tout de suite qu'il n'y a aucun danger à déambuler dans Cuba; sécurité 100%
devises : il vaut mieux changer des euros (dans mon cas) que des dollars US; qui ne sont pas les bienvenus.
Prendre aussi des pesos cubains en petites coupures de 1, 3, 5; en effet les bicytaxis, guagua, et transportes publicos se payent en pesos cubains. Les petites coupures sont utiles; souvent les cubains disent ne pas avoir de monnaie; ce qui est vrai et pas vrai.
0, 80 centimes d'euros valent 24 pesos cubains valent 1.20 CUC - Il faut apprendre à jongler avec ces deux monnaies.
Tout est beaucoup plus cher dans les shoppings que dans les marchés locaux; et les cubains persuadés (exactement comme nous le fûmes) que tout est meilleur là qu'au marché.
La tentation est très forte pour n'importe quel cubain de laisser le doute planer sur le prix à payer en CUC ou en pesos cubains MAIS 1 pesos cubain vaut 24 fois moins qu'1 CUC.......(à une certaine époque 1 dollar US valait 120 pesos cubains........) Mais je le répète le dollar US n'est pas le bienvenu.
Le salaire moyen est incroyablement bas, très bas; entre 7 et 15 euros - le coût de la vie est en conséquence mais il n'y a pas grand chose à acheter ni à la shopping ni dans les magasins d'Etat - Beaucoup de marchandises circulent dans la rue; plus à Santiago qu'à la Havane; fruits, légumes, viandes, boissons, pains, animaux vivants, bonbons, etc etc....
Il y a moyen de trouver des casa particular à 15 CUC mais je n'en ai pas l'expérience et j'entends d'ici des commentaires: "elles sont illégales"........le seul risque sera au niveau du confort offert, rien de plus je crois.
Les horaires des transports publics sont très très alléatoires :-))
Les cubains respectent peu la nature en effet ils jettent tout par terre ! c'est dommage
Mais ont-ils vraiment la possibilité de s'en préoccuper alors que chaque jour est une lutte pour survivre et trouver les necesidades .....le nécessaire........
J'ai pris 4 fois Viazul; 4 voyages surprenants et totalement différents; la climatisation souvent défectueuse.
Viazul de jour est beaucoup moins plein que viazul de nuit -
Les toilettes très souvent défectueuses (même pdt les arrêts !) et odorantes; un vrai problème.
D'ailleurs lors d'un voyage c'est un cubain qui se fâcha tout rouge tant l'odeur était pestillencielle.
Le poids autorisé 20 kilos; j'ai vu un italien s'en prendre au préposé aux bagages alors que le prix semble indiqué; au départ de la Havane..........A Santiago il en va tout autrement ! il dit met ce que tu veux.
Voyager à Cuba demande finalement beaucoup de philosophie, de patience et oublier les réflexes occidentaux gâtés: sinon mieux vaut rester chez soi................
bon voyage
bonjour, je viens de lire ton "article" sur cuba et j'ai bcp apprécié.
je pars avec une amie du 18/12 au 1/1 et ce que tu dis sur les différentes villes m'interpellent
Nous partons à 2 filles avec sac à dos pour découvrir le pays, sa culture, nous souhaitons dormir chez l'habitant pour voir le pays de l'intérieur
Je n'ai jamais appris l'espagnol pense tu que ce sois très compliqué pour moi?
merci
cordialement
Julie
Bonjour,
Je viens de lire le résumé de ton voyage que je troue intéressant, je pars ce mois-ci et tu parles d'un logeur à la Havane je crois, Ramon très correct apparemment. Je n'ai pas d'hébergement prévu jusqu'à présent pourrais-tu me donner son adresse mail ou tel. pour que j'essaie de le contacter et éventuellement réserver ? merci, ton voyage date de deux ans mais je suppose que beaucoup de situations sont identiques aujourd'hui.
cordialement
Bonjour Lucie,
nous irons à cuba fin février, et en lisant votre compte rendu de voyage, j'aimerais vous poser qq questions :
- y a-t-il des bus entre l'aéroport de la havane et la ville de la havane
- pouvez-vous nous conseiller une adresse pour louer une voiture
- et à la havane dans quel quartier est le mieux pour visiter de là à pied la ville
merci à vous et peut être accepteriez vous que nous correspondions par mail personnel ?
Dominique
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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.
DM me if you’d like his contact details.
Happy travels!
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.
DM me if you’d like his contact details.
Happy travels!
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...
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
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
Hello everyone,
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.
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?
Thanks for your advice! Jocelyne
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?
Thanks for your advice! Jocelyne
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
Does anyone know if this is possible? Thanks in advance for your advice and tips! Warm regards to all





