Ongoing discussions

Hi everyone, I’m Patrick, 67 years old, a seasoned traveler (already 22 trips outside Europe). In autumn 2025, I took my first 3-week trip to Japan, with stops in Tokyo, Kamakura, Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Koyasan, Tokyo again, and Nikko. I wanted to go back in May 2026 and explore some lesser-known places to complement my first trip. Last year, there were four of us traveling together to discover Japan (a fairly classic itinerary). This time, I’ll be traveling solo for part of the trip and with a couple of French friends for the rest. The weather was gorgeous in May, averaging around 25°C, with two very hot days in Kyoto and only two rainy days. As usual, I organized everything myself, gathering plenty of information from various sites, including this one.

Transportation: An ICOCA card is essential. I got a 5-day Kansai-Hiroshima pass because I took the shinkansen between Hiroshima and Osaka three times, and it paid for itself quickly.

Accommodations: Mostly through Booking. No issues at all. Average cost was 46 € per night.

Meals: For breakfast, I alternated between buying food at a konbini to eat in my room or on the train and grabbing something at local cafés. For lunch and dinner, I tried to vary my meals as much as possible—lots of sashimi, sushi, and ramen. Okonomiyaki in Osaka and Hiroshima. Oysters in every form (raw, grilled, fried) in Onomichi and Hiroshima. A variety of seafood (shrimp, shellfish) in Hiroshima and Matsumoto. Fish whose names often escaped me, but notably mackerel and eel (unagi). Tempura and gyoza. Chicken skewers (yakitori) and one teppanyaki meal. One omakase meal (9 different dishes). In the end, not much meat aside from a few yakitori skewers. No splurges on super expensive wagyu or Kobe beef. Average dinner cost: 4,800 yen, drinks included.

The Itinerary: Day 1: Departure from Brussels Day 2: Arrival in Osaka Day 3: To Himeji, then Kurashiki Day 4: To Fukuyama, then Tomo no Ura, then Onomichi Day 5: Cycling the Shimanami Kaido Day 6: To Takahara, then Hiroshima Day 7: To Kyoto to attend the Aoi Matsuri parade Day 8: To Miyajima Day 9: Hiroshima, then Kyoto Day 10: Southern Kyoto Day 11: Northern Kyoto Day 12: Final day in Kyoto, then to Nagatsugawa Day 13: Start of the Nakasendo Trail (Magome to Tsumago) Day 14: Second day of the trail (Kiso Fukushima) Day 15: Third day of the trail (Narai), then Matsumoto Day 16: To Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko) Day 17: To Tokyo Day 18: Excursion to Enoshima and Kamakura Day 19: Flight home, with a 10-hour layover in Hong Kong Day 20: Arrival in Brussels

Hello,

My name is Valerie and I live in France. I’m a street artist—I perform street shows that blend circus and clowning. I also work as a clown in hospitals and retirement homes in France.

I’m planning to spend two months in Morocco from January 19, 2027, to March 13, 2027. I’ll be traveling in a truck, so I’ll be mobile.

I’d love to offer my time as a volunteer to perform a show that’s suitable for all audiences (kids and adults) in village squares. I’d also like to visit hospitals and orphanages as a clown.

My route will start in Nador, then head down to Merzouga, before making my way to the coast either above or below Agadir. Toward the end of my trip, I’ll return to Zagora and Merzouga before leaving from either Nador or Tangier.

I already have contacts in Merzouga and Zagora. Next, I’d like to head toward the coast above or below Agadir, and I’m looking for contacts (associations, orphanages, hospitals) in that area or along my route.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. valgelac@hotmail.com valerie

Alright, this year, we're heading back to South America!

The initial plan was to retrace the route we imagined in the summer of 2020: a trip to northern Argentina starting from Córdoba.

Unfortunately, the flight to Córdoba no longer exists, and airfares to Javier Milei’s country are both outrageously priced and involve multiple layovers.

So, I tweaked Google Flights every which way and finally found a flight within my budget—departing from Clermont-Ferrand!

Not to Argentina, though...

Our transatlantic flight will cross the snow-capped Andes, landing in Santiago, Chile, with a return from Lima!

In between, two domestic flights and a big road trip loop starting from the coastal city of Arica to explore the treasures of northern Chile.

Our mode of transport: a pseudo 4x4 that won’t take us through sand dunes or devilish tracks but will let us tackle the entire secondary network, including unpaved main roads, while still being insured.

Is the suitcase packed with all-season clothes?

Are the driver’s license and passport ready?

Bank cards and a few euros too?

Off we go for just over 3 weeks of southern wanderings!



--/--

To keep all my esteemed readers on track, here are a few maps outlining the Arica-Arica loop!

1- From Arica to San Pedro de Atacama via Pica and the Salar de Huasco

2- Around San Pedro



3- From San Pedro to Cariquima



4- From Cariquima to Putre



5 - From Putre to Arica



Gas stations in this part of Chile are located in Arica, Iquique, Pozo Almonte, Pica, Calama, and San Pedro de Atacama.

Hi there,

I’m planning a trip to Turkey for the upcoming F1 Grand Prix in 2027. I don’t know the destination at all and have no idea what we could do there, not too far from the circuit (Tuzla, east of Istanbul). Do you have any recommendations or cool spots for a 5-day duo trip? Must-sees (preferably accessible and offbeat) For accommodation, should we stay in Istanbul and do round trips, or move around a few times? Thanks in advance! :)

April 11 – Day 1

It was winter, a winter with beautiful weather, A season that only exists in the southwest of America, I remember very well what I told you that morning A month ago... A century ago, an eternity ago... We’ll go... wherever you want, whenever you want...

Well, yeah, back from our adventure in our enchanting American West just a month ago, we’re already taking a bite out of one of its lesser-known competitors. "Flo, if you had to pick just one reason to justify your love for the U.S., what would it be?" The greasy, dripping burgers? No, I don’t think I’m going out on a limb by saying it’d be the wide-open spaces... And that’s exactly what our new quest is taking us to—a land on the other side of the globe where the horizon also seems endless, where silence tastes like salty wind and sand, where freedom is measured in kilometers of desert tracks, where the GPS is mostly there to confirm you’re lost in the middle of nowhere... Add to that magic formula the fact that you’ll see more zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and elephants than people per square kilometer, and you can imagine us setting foot in Southern Africa for the first time, more precisely at the small airport in Windhoek, capital of... of...? Brush up on your geography, damn it! We’re landing in Namibia!!!



To be honest, Namibian landscapes have been flirting with me for ages. So how did I resist this island of temptation for so long? First, the budget. Let’s just say that for the same amount of effort (and kidneys), the bank lets you choose two other adventures almost anywhere else on the planet. Then there were my girls. Yeah, back then, they were too little to dose up on Malarone, the only malaria remedy at the time... Long story short, ten years later, all the planets have aligned. First, I won the Euromillions! Well, almost... Let’s just say my girls are now old enough... not to take Malarone, but to stop following me on all my adventures! Jackpot! "Flo, how about a little two-person caprice, just the two of us, tackling the Namibian tracks?"



As we landed on the runway, first wow effect: The horizon is immense. It’s flat as can be, incredibly flat... So much flat space! Did I mention it was flat?... Looking into the distance, it feels like your gaze could circle the Earth without hitting a single obstacle—until you end up staring at your own backside. "Oh, what a nice view!" Well, it’s the first time I’ve seen my butt from this angle! Touching moment... Sorry, I’m rambling—must be the exhaustion from the three-flight marathon we just powered through via Ethiopia and South Africa... And yet, no time to philosophize about my anatomy. As usual, we want to rack up our first kilometers to be front and center at dawn tomorrow. After wrapping up the tedious Namibian immigration formalities and meeting the 4x4 that’ll be our companion day and night for the next fifteen days, we’re off! We’re not exactly fresh, but we’re ready to tackle the next five hundred kilometers in night mode, cruise control set due south! Just outside Windhoek, the local wildlife—a jackal—welcomes us with a smile: "Welcome to Namibia!" That’s what it said! Honest... Okay, first endless straight road, first flaming sunset, first corrugated dirt track, first Milky Way with zero light pollution... You get it—it’s definitely the day of firsts... First night camping, too, in the big trunk of our Toyota Fortuner parked by the side of the track... The real adventure, the kind that smells under the arms, can finally begin...

Hi, My trip to the Algarve, which was postponed, is now taking shape. On October 13th, I’m leaving for 2 weeks. When I arrive, I’ll be staying in Lisbon for 3 nights. So, I’d love to find somewhere affordable and well-located to stay—any suggestions would be great! After that, I’ll head to Faro, where I plan to rent a car. Would it be best to rent directly from the airport? I can’t seem to find any agencies in Faro city where I could pick up the car and drop it off at the airport at the end of my stay. Is it possible to return a car at 6 AM at the airport? Can I get the Portuguese motorway pass in France? Thanks so much for your help! Jofra

Off to Southern Africa again! This time, the trip wasn’t just about wildlife—it was also about the local cultures and the breathtaking landscapes Mother Nature has to offer. It was an emotional rollercoaster in every way, as you’ll see.

We visited two countries: Zambia, known for its reserves, and Malawi, which is less well-known but absolutely worth a visit. Our flight landed in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital, where our vehicle was waiting—though with a 3-hour delay. It was a 4x4 without the rooftop tent this time, since we stayed in lodges (prices are very reasonable in Malawi). Just a heads-up: don’t exchange money at the airport or banks—the official rate was 1,750 Malawian kwacha to $1. On the black market, the rate was between 3,000 and 3,500 kwacha, making the cost of living much cheaper.

With that out of the way, our first stop was South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. The first hiccup came at the Malawi-Zambia border: we were missing a document the rental company had forgotten. After some back-and-forth, they sent it via WhatsApp ($20 to get it validated by the police). But things got worse—the car’s chassis number was off by one digit from the registered one. I thought our trip was over before it even started! After what felt like forever, we got through with a "tip" of $200. Total border crossing time: 3 hours, costing nearly $400. We arrived in South Luangwa after dark.

Thankfully, the next day made up for it with an incredible day in the park (check out the photos).

We spent two full days in South Luangwa before heading to Katete for the Kulamba ceremony. Kulamba is an annual event held at the end of August, celebrating the Chewa people, who live across Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. The Chewa king attends, and representatives from neighboring nations bring offerings. Thousands gather for dances, speeches, and a massive market. There are few tourists, making it a truly authentic experience.

After a few days in Zambia, we returned to Malawi (the border crossing this time was smooth—just 45 minutes). Next stop: Lake Malawi. Lake Malawi covers over 20% of the country and stretches 580 km. It’s home to a family of fish called cichlids, some of which are endemic to the lake. I recommend taking a day trip from Cape Maclear for snorkeling and to watch the fishing eagles swoop down to catch fish.

We hit the road again to visit Liwonde Reserve, where we had a few surprises. The lodge was on the other side of the river that borders the park, and the elephants didn’t seem to care. On the way from reception to our rooms, elephants blocked our path, and one even charged just before the stairs leading to our treehouse-style rooms.

To top it off, monkeys ransacked our rooms, tearing through plastic bags for food. A mixed experience, but no real harm done. Next up: the mountains, specifically the Mulanje Massif. This is where Malawi’s tea is grown, and it’s also a great spot for day hikes or multi-day treks. The scenery is stunning, though sometimes the mist rolls in and hides it. After the mountains, we visited another reserve: Majete. The park is growing and now has more wildlife. We saw lions and even caught a fleeting glimpse of a leopard. And of course, the elephants got involved again—this time giving us a real scare. During the morning game drive with a guide, we stopped to watch a herd of elephants feeding. Everything was fine until, for some reason, a female got spooked—probably for her calf—and positioned herself in front of us on the track. After a few minutes, we thought the elephants would move on, but then a young one started provoking us. The problem? We had females and calves in front of us, but also two large adult males—one behind us and one to the side. We were trapped, and even our guide looked nervous. After what felt like an eternity (though it was only a few minutes), the herd finally moved on, freeing the track. That afternoon, we did a self-drive safari and—you guessed it—we had zero interest in running into elephants again. The next day, we headed back to Lilongwe for our flight home. It was a fantastic, varied trip with some intense moments (sometimes *too* intense). Malawi offers amazing opportunities for those who want more than just wildlife reserves.

Hi there, I’m planning a winter trip across India. Departing in early December and returning to France in mid-April. My main concern is finding an airline that offers this round-trip with the fewest hassles regarding cancellations or flight schedule changes. The unstable geopolitical situation in the Middle East isn’t making this search any easier—recent reviews online about airlines from Gulf states describe quite a few struggles over the past few months. The direct Paris-Delhi round-trip flights offered by Air France or Air India are probably the safest options, but not the cheapest! Given this uncertainty, I’m still holding off on finalizing my ticket purchase... Maybe some of you India lovers on VoyageForum have tips or experiences to share? Thanks, and happy travels to all.

Hi there, Our trip to India, starting at the end of October, is taking shape. I’d like to book a hotel in Delhi for our first three nights and another in Amritsar, where we’ll be staying during Diwali. I’ve realized it’s really hard to trust the reviews on Booking. Have any of you stayed at and can recommend mid-range hotels in these two cities? Your feedback could help us decide! Thanks in advance.

hi there,

I’m heading to the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) at the end of October for 10 days at an all-inclusive hotel with my wife and kids (ages 8 and 10). Since I’m not a fan of spending entire days at the hotel, I was wondering what the best way(s) to explore the area might be.

Last year, I went to Mexico and rented a car, so I initially thought about doing the same here—but this time, I’d get full-coverage insurance, which I didn’t do in Mexico. After checking a few forums and reviews, though, I’m really second-guessing it because some posts make it sound completely crazy to drive there.

So, I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been there recently and rented a car, as well as the different ways to get around while you’re there.

Thanks everyone! !

Hi there, we’ve decided to head to Brazil at the end of March for 2.5 weeks with our 13-year-old son. From what I’ve gathered from some research, Rio seems like a great destination at this time of year, and I’m thinking around 4-5 days to explore it—does that sound right to you? Copacabana, Ipanema, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, maybe a favela tour, or any other ideas?

How’s the best way to get around locally? I’ve heard about Bonito or Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande—what do you think of those? Fernando de Noronha for snorkeling or even diving? Is Recife a good option at this time of year?

If you’ve got any suggestions, we’re all ears—it’s for our 50th birthdays! :-) Thanks so much for your help and tips. See you soon.

Hi everyone! I’m still planning my Cape Town to Johannesburg trip in January 2027. I saw a documentary about the San people in Namibia, and the same day, I stumbled upon the Lonely Planet page about !Kwah Ttu. I checked out their website to learn more, including Michel’s travel journal about it. I’m really keen to go. So, I’m thinking of dedicating: - either 1 day out of the 4.5 I have in Cape Town... - or making a detour to !Kwah Ttu on the day I leave Cape Town for Montagu, instead of visiting Franschhoek and its Saturday market... To the VFers who’ve already been: is it really worth spending a day there? Thanks in advance for your feedback! Malijp

Hey everyone,

Next year, we’re celebrating 20 years of marriage (and travel 🙂), and we’re looking for something new, pretty legendary, and something the teens will enjoy too.

The family council has settled on Japan for now. And it’d have to be a summer trip—no choice there.

The catch: I keep reading that August isn’t the right season for southern Japan. It’s hot, humid, and there’s a risk of typhoons… Okay, but what does that *actually* mean in practice? Are there any travelers who’ve been there during this time? Is it *that* unbearable? We’re pretty familiar with Southeast Asia—last year, we dealt with scorching heat in Vietnam and insane humidity, plus a typhoon we experienced from a distance, and visiting Angkor in the blazing sun. Is it worse than that?

Thanks for your feedback 😉

We're heading to South Africa for a month with 5 adults. We'd like to rent a vehicle that can accommodate 5 people and all our luggage. We're starting in Cape Town and ending in Johannesburg. What vehicle would you recommend? EDITH

Hi there, I’m explaining our situation—my daughter and her young family have just moved to Polynesia, specifically to the island of Raiatea. That’s great, of course, and my wife and I are planning to visit them. However, flights that go through the United States are causing us a problem because we’ve been to Cuba. I think we’ll need a visa because of that. Has anyone else dealt with this situation before? Any advice on flights and visas would be really helpful. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Hi everyone, we’re traveling by bike, but the same question comes up for hiking: what simple products can we find in towns or villages to eat/cook and get enough nutrition for physical effort, all while keeping costs affordable? Otherwise, where can we find inexpensive dietary supplements? Since I’m on cortisone, I have to be careful about what I eat. Thanks in advance, Aichatou

Hi everyone, I’m heading to Madagascar in early October to cycle from Tana to Diego along the east coast. I really want to visit the Masoala Peninsula and its primary forest. If anyone’s interested, I’m open to company. Maybe see you soon!

I have two questions about applying for a Non-Immigrant O Visa at the Thai embassy in France for someone over 50: - - Do I need to provide the address(es) of stay in Thailand (hotels, staying with a Thai friend)? - - Financial proof: Is a retirement statement showing over 2,000 € per month sufficient, or are bank statements also required?

I know there’s already a lot of information about the visa requirements on the embassy’s website, but from my experience—having dealt with embassies in other countries in previous years—I know that the information is sometimes (!) incomplete or inconsistent. So, I’d rather hear from people who’ve recently gone through this process to avoid any surprises after submitting my application, which could cause unpleasant delays.

Preamble: Africa was calling to me, so a year ago, with our usual travel companions, we decided to return to the continent we love so much. Where to go? Uganda quickly caught our attention—wildlife we’re used to seeing, plus gorillas and the shoebill we missed in Zambia. We got in touch with Paul, who’s been mentioned several times on the forum back in September, booked our flight tickets, secured the gorilla permits, and by early October, the most important things were done. We still had plenty of time to hold our "prep meetings" for the final itinerary.

Three days before departure, I sprained my ankle (my weak spot, as you’ll recall from our Colombia trip). I wasn’t in great spirits, but after a year of waiting, nothing was going to stop me. We’d see how it goes! Off we went for our new adventures

Hi there, I’m planning a gorilla trek in Bwindi, Uganda. I’m torn between the classic option (1 hour with the gorillas) and the habituation trek (4 hours with the gorillas but a more expensive permit). Has anyone done the habituation trek? Both? If so, I’d love to hear your feedback (including on the difficulty). Thanks

We just spent three weeks in Yunnan. I’ve started writing up a travel journal about the trip.

Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m. Thanks for your help! Laëtitia

Hello, Does anyone know a good local French-speaking agency for a discovery/trekking trip in Maharashtra? For about 3 weeks, a custom trip, but not too expensive! Thanks in advance, Laura

Hi there, we're planning to go to Haridwar and Rishikesh in February, either from Delhi or from Amritsar where we'll be beforehand. What's the best way to get there? Driver, private car, train? Your tips would be much appreciated... thanks

Hey fellow travelers!

So, a new year has begun. It’s time to reconnect with the VF buddies and wish you all my best for 2026—a year I hope is obviously full of travel, since, as I just made up: "If travel’s good, everything’s good" 😄.

To celebrate, I’m inviting you into my new "travel journal," the one from our latest trip in November 2025, a little two-week adventure.

This time, we headed to The Gambia, a tiny country tucked right in the middle of Senegal, before making our way to Casamance.

The Gambia is English-speaking, Senegal is French-speaking, but the locals? They couldn’t care less—because in this part of the world, they mostly speak Wolof, Fula, Jola, or Mandinka. Hence the title: Senegambia 😉.

As usual, I’m sharing the live updates I sent to friends and family—super casual, of course.

I know this isn’t the kind of destination that draws crowds, but if you love adventure, laughter, and emotion, it might just be your thing 😊.

Hugs 😘

Hi there, We're thinking of driving Route 66 from Chicago to LA in fall 2027 or spring 2028 for about a month. From what I've found, it doesn't exist everywhere anymore, but that's okay! We're happy to take detours along the way. We're open to visiting less touristy or even completely off-the-beaten-path spots. Are there any websites dedicated to this road trip? I'd love any tips and advice for this journey—accommodations, vehicle rental, the pros and cons. Thanks in advance!

Hello,

In 1985, the film "Out of Africa" was released, which inspired me to visit Kenya for the first time a year later. My passion for animals in their wild and natural habitat, and thus for safaris, was born while watching this film and appreciating Robert REDFORD’s acting.

Of course, the film’s director and Meryl STREEP also contributed greatly to this wonderful movie.....

In a way, I owe him this passion, and I thank him for it. Sometimes, during safaris, when we had our breakfasts in the middle of nature, in one reserve or another in Kenya or Tanzania, I often thought of him.

May he rest in peace, far from our world of madness. Thank you for EVERYTHING, Mr. REDFORD.

( In three weeks in Kenya, I think I’ll often be thinking of him....... )

...

Hi Community,

We're heading to South America with our converted truck, which is a light vehicle (3,500 kg limit) that we’re shipping by boat in October this year (2026). But after weighing it, we’re at 4,500 kg. Based on your experience, do you think we’ll get stopped in South America (Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and southern Brazil) because of this? Are there police checks for overweight vehicles? Has this happened to any of you?

Thanks in advance for your experiences and advice!

Les Megy Rozé Un Petit Voyage en Plus

Hello everyone on this forum! I know in advance that what I'm about to say here won't please everyone, but honesty is a virtue, isn't it? Here's the thing: for many years now, I've noticed a habit in French-speaking posts of using abbreviations left and right, as if to show that we're "in the know." Let me explain with a few examples: - - In discussions about Peru, I see "Aguas" for "Aguas Calientes." And if it's Mexico, well, it'll be "Aguas" for "Aguascalientes"! - - For Guatemala, "travelers" will say "Guaté." Come on, saying "Guatemalas" would maybe be the undeniable sign that you know nothing about the country??? - - Back from Indonesia, many will talk about how familiar they've become with the country's language: "bahasa." Of course, everyone will know what you're talking about, but it still gets on my nerves because the language (one of the many languages) of Indonesia is "bahasa Indonesia." "Bahasa" actually means "language," and you'll find this word of Indian origin ‘Bhāṣā’ (it's Sanskrit originally) outside Indonesia too: in Thailand, for example, any language will be "phasa" as in "phasa thai" (official Thai), "phasa isan" (what's spoken in northeastern Thailand), "phasa angkrit" = English, etc. Am I an incorrigible nitpicker? Maybe. But I'd also find it ridiculous if a foreigner came and told me they visited "Monte" during their trip to France, when it was actually Monte Carlo. I read a lot in English and don't think I've encountered such a habit among English speakers.

hi there I’m leaving on October 1st for Rio, which I’ll be exploring over 10 days while staying in Copacabana and Ipanema. After that, I’m heading to Ilha Grande, Paraty, and finally a flight to Iguaçu. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Rio. Is it possible to walk around and explore without constantly worrying about getting my phone snatched? I’m traveling alone and don’t speak Portuguese. I need GPS to get around. I love walking and don’t really like taking taxis, which is why I’ve booked two places to stay in Rio to experience different neighborhoods. But is this doable given the security concerns there?! In short, can you travel peacefully? Thanks for your feedback if you’ve been to Rio! Best,