New discussions
FR
GE
Gerbous yesterday · Surmesure31
Trip in April and May in Italy - by train: what itinerary suggestions?
Hello, We’re heading to Italy for five weeks next spring. It’ll be our first trip there. We’d love to see some must-see spots and beautiful countryside regions. Our main transport will be trains, and sometimes buses to reach smaller villages. We’re less interested in the mountains and lakes in the north. We’ll try to stay 4–5 days in some places and explore the surrounding area by train or bus. Any suggestions for planning our trip? Itineraries and must-sees! Thanks
Open
YA
Yadin 6 days ago
Kazakhstan backpacking itinerary choices with a child
Hi there,

I’m planning a backpacking trip to Kazakhstan with my 8-year-old daughter this summer. She’s used to backpacking trips. I’m brainstorming the sights to see and could really use some advice.

Ideally, I’d like to visit:

8 days in the Almaty region (Charyn, Kolsai, Kaindy, Altyn Emel, etc.) 1 day in Turkestan (mausoleum, caravanserai) (overnight train from Almaty, 16 hours) 1 day in Aktau (overnight train from Turkestan, 35 hours!!) 1 day in Mangystau 1 day in Astana (flight from Aktau) 1 day in Burabay (by train)

The distances are huge, especially between Almaty and Aktau, and Aktau to Astana.

Is the Aktau stop essential, given that the Mangystau desert looks stunning (but the excursion is expensive—300 € for three people), while Aktau itself seems pretty dull (a run-down Soviet city)?

Are Astana and Burabay (which also looks amazing) must-sees?

Is Turkestan worth it if we’ve already seen Uzbekistan and its wonders?

I’m torn between four scenarios:

1. Almaty + train to Astana and return to France from Astana: simple and not too expensive 2. Almaty-Turkestan-Aktau-Astana (train + flight = very expensive!!) 3. Almaty-Aktau-Astana (flights—very, very expensive but fast) 4. Almaty-Turkestan-Aktau and return to France from Aktau, but that means combining two different airlines with two one-way tickets and all the risks that entails...

Right now, only Flyarystan has released tickets for this summer, and the Almaty-Aktau-Astana flights cost nearly 1000 € for three people with luggage (200 € per person round-trip).

For the Almaty region, I could even spend two weeks there—there’s so much to do and see. That’d be a fifth scenario, but I’d really like to take the overnight train and see the capital and the Mangystau desert too.

International flights are operated by Turkish Airlines to Astana and Almaty, but they don’t serve Aktau. Pegasus flies to Aktau but not to Almaty or Astana on the days I’d want.

So, I’m looking for feedback from people who’ve visited Mangystau and Burabay—is it worth investing the time and money in those excursions, or is the Almaty region alone enough for the trip?

Thanks to all the great travel journals I’ve read—they’ve already given me plenty of ideas!
Open
AG
Agnesleg last week
Looking for a campervan traveler to join me in Morocco on November 3rd
Hi there! I’m looking for a campervan traveler to join me in Morocco—I’m leaving on November 3rd. I’ve got everything organized, but the person who was supposed to come with me bailed. Each of us will take our own vehicle. Phone: 06 67 33 11 26 Agnès, 69 years old / bike touring...

Item 1 Item 2

Text

Item 1 Item 2

Item 1 Item 2

Item 1 Item 2

Open
TH
Thierry0606 4 days ago · Chantal11
West Malaysia: where to find beautiful beaches?
Hi there, We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach. The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days? Thanks in advance for your replies.
Open
AN
Andreatravel last week
Sleeping in a rental car [experience feedback]
Hey there, community!

I wanted to share my experience of sleeping in a rental car for a road trip in vanlife mode but on a tight budget.

Before doing it, I looked for feedback and wanted to know if it was possible, but I didn’t really find much, so I’m sharing mine in case anyone wants to do the same.

The context: I was living in Barcelona and wanted to explore the Costa Brava, but I didn’t have the budget to rent a van, so I chose a car where I put an inflatable mattress and hit the road.

What I prepared:

I picked a rental car that was big enough to lie down in the back seat. I brought an inflatable mattress and a good sleeping bag. I wanted to find safe and tolerated parking spots: I found everything on Park4night. I had a headlamp and a sheet to cover the windows (I made do with what I had).

The highlights:

Super flexible: I could adjust my route based on the weather or my mood. Budget-friendly: huge difference in nightly costs. Nature immersion: I slept in quiet spots with the sounds of nature. Easy to set up: no need for a converted van.

If the topic interests you and you’d like more tips (checklist, gear, scouting spots, etc.), I invite you to read my full article on my blog Le Monde Avec Andréa.

Don’t hesitate to ask me your questions—I’d love to chat!

Happy travels to all those setting off on an adventure! Andrea
Open
AN
Andreatravel last week
Bookme in New Zealand: My Experience
Hey everyone, Just sharing my experience after my road trip in a van around New Zealand: if you're looking to save on activities, I really recommend checking out Bookme. At first, I was a bit skeptical (discounts up to 50%—sounds almost too good to be true 🤪), but after 3 bookings, no issues at all. Everything went super smoothly. My experience:

Lots of activities available at reduced prices I got into the habit of checking the site before each booking Best deal: 40% off a cruise to Milford Sound booked 2 days in advance

My tips:

Always check Bookme before booking elsewhere The best prices are often 2 to 4 days before Not all popular activities are necessarily on there

In my opinion, it’s a real great tip for saving money without any hassle during a trip to NZ! I actually detailed my experience and all my tips in this article if you're interested: https://lemondeavecandrea.com/mon-avis-sur-bookme-nouvelle-zelande/ If any of you have tried it too, I’d love to hear your feedback 🙂 Happy travels!
Open
SI
SimonL last week
Namibia: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Time
Namibia forever—or our 4th trip to this stunning country. A few surprises this year: brown hyenas, lots of rhinos, and a desert that was almost lush with oases. From Okonjima to the Ongava Reserve, through Damaraland, the incredible lights of Spitzkoppe, the dunes of Sossusvlei with water, the nearly green NamibRand Reserve, and ending in the Kalahari. That’s the hearty journey we just completed between August 26 and September 14, my wife and I, with 3,500 km of tracks in this amazing Namibia. We’re regulars and totally crazy about stays in Southern and South Africa, and we’ve returned to Namibia for the 4th time. Not sure this will be the last! We’ll present two parts. The first part is a video showcasing our trip, hosted on our travel channel: https://www.youtube.com/@lolodetoul54 Namibia 2026 video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db9StdkERPs&t=4404s The second part will recount the journey day by day once my wife finishes sorting through our thousands of photos from our two cameras and our smartphones. So many photos! Gone are the days of film when we shot sparingly. Today, it’s a photographic feast. Our Namibia 2026 journey: We decided to switch things up by doing a counterclockwise loop around Namibia. Okay, it’s not a groundbreaking choice since you start with more wildlife-focused areas and end with landscape regions. Our itinerary: Frankfurt-Windhoek with Discover Airlines, direct flight, then 18 nights: - Okonjima: 2 nights - Mushara, east of Etosha: 2 nights - Okaukuejo in Etosha: 1 night - Ongava: 2 nights - Damaraland at Grootberg: 2 nights - Damaraland at Spitzkoppe: 2 nights - Namib: 1 night - Sossusvlei: 2 nights - NamibRand: 3 nights - Kalahari: 2 nights Then back from Windhoek to Frankfurt. Very soon, I’ll share this Namibian journey day by day. Patience!

For wildlife photography lovers, I’ll remind you about the 29th International Festival of Wildlife and Nature Photography in Montier-en-Der (52) from November 19 to 22: https://www.photo-montier.org/
Open
FR
Fran38 last week
Which direction for the Makassar-Lake Tempe-Bira loop?
Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar? Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total. Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel? Thanks, Françoise
Open
RO
Roykilibike last week
Why Tanzania is one of Africa’s best destinations for cycling and bikepacking
When you think of traveling in Tanzania, you often picture high-altitude treks and 4x4 safaris. However, for those who prefer exploring on two wheels, the country’s vast network of dirt tracks, volcanic terrain, and diverse ecosystems make it one of Africa’s most rewarding cycling destinations.

Whether you prefer challenging alpine climbs, fast gravel trails, or coastal rides, here’s a look at what makes cycling in northern Tanzania so exceptional, along with some of the region’s best routes:

1. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro by bike (Kilema route) Terrain: Singletracks through humid rainforest, gravel paths in the moorland zone, and alpine desert scree. * The experience: For experienced mountain bikers seeking a high-altitude challenge, the Kilema route is the official bike-accessible path on Kilimanjaro. The trail winds through lush rainforest before reaching the open heathlands near Horombo. Higher up, crossing the alpine desert toward Kibo demands endless bike carries and pushes, but descending through the forest canopy remains an unforgettable experience.

2. The full 360° loop around Kilimanjaro’s base Terrain: Red clay earth, two-track trails, rolling gravel, and volcanic paths (total loop of about 360 km). The experience: Circling Kilimanjaro lets you admire its landscapes from every angle. The route meanders through Chagga farmlands, coffee plantations, dense forests, and the open Maasai plains of the western side (like the West Kili area). It offers stunning views of Kibo and Mount Meru while passing through local villages.

3. From Kilimanjaro to Lake Natron (descent into the Great Rift Valley) Terrain: Technical gravel, dry riverbeds (wadis), unstable volcanic rock, and acacia scrub. The experience: This route takes cyclists from the fertile high slopes of Kilimanjaro to the dramatic, arid scenery of the Great Rift Valley. As you approach Lake Natron, the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai (“Mountain of God”) dominates the horizon. The final stretch across the Rift floor leads to the saline, serene shores of Lake Natron, a prime breeding ground for large colonies of lesser flamingos.

4. Wildlife zones and corridors Terrain: Packed dirt tracks, animal trails, and undulating bush paths. The experience: Pedaling through the northern circuit’s wild buffer zones and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) offers an authentic off-the-beaten-path cycling safari. Riding through acacia woodlands often provides sightings of savanna wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes in their natural habitat.

5. Coast to coast: From Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar Terrain: Varied surfaces—from highland dirt tracks to coastal asphalt and sandy island trails. The experience: Combining the cool mountain air of Kilimanjaro with the tropical Indian Ocean coastline, this long-distance route transitions from mountainous foothills to rural towns before ending at the coast for a boat crossing to Zanzibar. There, you can cycle along white-sand beaches lined with palm trees and through the historic heart of Stone Town.

Practical tips for cycling in Tanzania

Bike choice: A sturdy hardtail MTB, full-suspension MTB, or gravel bike with ample clearance (tires at least 2.0 inches) is ideal for tackling loose rocks, sandy patches, and corrugated tracks. Mid-drive e-MTBs are also popular for handling steep climbs. Navigation: Using offline mapping apps (like Maps.me) alongside pre-downloaded GPX route files is essential for navigating rural tracks where mobile signal may be nonexistent. Best time to go: The dry seasons—June to October and December to March—offer the best trail conditions, firmer ground, and clear mountain views.

Tanzania delivers the perfect mix of technical riding, impressive elevation, and cultural immersion right alongside local communities. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions about trail conditions or gear to bring!
Open
AR
Arbéron last week
Car rental in Catania and return in Milazzo
Hi, We’d like to rent a small car (something like a Peugeot 208) when we arrive at Catania Airport. ... and we’d like to return it in Milazzo on a Sunday.

Could you recommend any rental companies for this kind of one-way rental—affordable and open on Sundays in Milazzo? Thanks in advance! Seb
Open
GA
Gasilahy last week
Trip from Diego to Ankify
Hi there, we have a 4x4 vehicle traveling from Diego to Ankify on October 31st. If anyone needs a transfer on the same date, please contact us privately or via WhatsApp: +261333409778. Thanks
Open
BA
Bananette last week · Songsam
Battambang to Kampot route
Hi there,

I’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?

From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Have a great rest of the day
Open
LI
Ligthinghost 3 days ago
First Questions About Transportation and Accommodation in Japan
Hi everyone,

I’m starting to think about a trip to Japan, though I haven’t yet decided on the exact duration or itinerary, and I have a few questions for those who know the country well or have traveled there recently.

First, about getting around: what do you think are the most economical and reliable ways to travel across Japan and move between cities? I’m thinking of trains, overnight buses, domestic flights, regional passes, etc. I’m not necessarily looking for the fastest option, but rather a good balance between cost, simplicity, and reliability.

I also have a question about the return ticket. Since I don’t yet know how long I’ll stay in Japan—or even if I’ll return directly to France (I might continue to another Asian country)—is it mandatory to have a return or exit ticket before entering Japan? Would a ticket to another Asian country suffice?

Regarding accommodation, I usually prefer staying in youth hostels rather than hotels. Are hostels easy to find all over Japan, including outside Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka? And what’s the average budget per night for something clean and well-located?

Finally, I’d like to get an idea of the overall budget for the trip. Is Japan still relatively affordable when traveling simply, or do expenses add up quickly? I’m mainly thinking about:

transportation between cities; local transportation; youth hostels; food; potential domestic flights.

My plan is to travel fairly freely, without necessarily booking everything in advance, so I can adjust my itinerary or stay longer in places I like.

If anyone has traveled this way in Japan, I’d love to hear about your experiences, tips, and maybe an idea of the daily budget to expect.

Thanks in advance!
Open
AN
Annachris last week
Where to stay for a trip to Extremadura?
Hello,

My husband and I are spending 10 days in Extremadura next May. We’d like to hike, see beautiful landscapes and nature, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of towns and villages, especially in the evenings. I was thinking of using 3 bases to explore the area: around Plasencia (to visit Monfragüe National Park, the Jerte Valley, etc.), around Guadalupe or Cáceres or Trujillo (though isn’t that quite close to Plasencia? We’d like to hike in the Villuercas Mountains), and finally the Montes de Toledo to ease our way back to Madrid (where we’re arriving and departing from). Could you help me decide on the 2 best home bases for northern Extremadura and then around Guadalupe? I don’t think we’ll go near Mérida. I’m not keen on spending hours in the car or on transport 😏

Thanks for your help!
Open
PU
Puma2A 5 days ago · EACitizen
Mandatory Insurance Imposed by Kenya for ETA Applications
Hello,

To read:

📋 Yes, travel insurance is now mandatory in the ETA application. Since October 6, 2026, the official Kenyan ETA portal directly includes a step to subscribe to mandatory government travel insurance for travelers required to obtain an ETA, even if you already have your own medical and repatriation insurance. This insurance adds an official extra cost of $44 plus payment fees of $8, totaling $52 on top of the ETA. The ETA application cannot be completed without paying for this insurance on the portal.

In the end, Kenya followed the Tanzanian "model".....!!

One more piece of good news.... Regards.

Puma2A
Open
IS
Isantelle 2 weeks ago · Djalma
Half-day and overnight in Istanbul between two flights
Hi, my return flight was postponed to the next day, so I have to spend a night in Istanbul. I arrive at 11:30 AM and leave the next day at 8:55 AM for Marseille. What do you recommend: find a hotel at the airport and wait until the next morning, or find one halfway since apparently there are more than 50 km between the airport and the city center? Thanks for your advice!
Open
PH
Phil4000 5 days ago · Miramar83
Day trip to Saqqara from Cairo
Hi,

I’ll be in Cairo in early November and I’m looking to join a group for a day trip to Saqqara, Dahshur, and Memphis. I’m staying in Giza.

Any agencies you’d recommend?

Thanks in advance,

Philippe
Open
BR
Brochot last week · Bergotplou
Are the Ziz Gorges a must-see?
Hi there, I’m planning a 16-day itinerary: Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou, Skoura, Valley of the Roses, Dades Valley and Gorges, Todra Gorges, Tinghir, Erfoud, Rissani, Merzouga, Tamegroute, Draa Valley, Nkob, Djebel Saghro, Boulmane Dades, and back to Ouarzazate. I’m debating whether to add the Ziz Gorges and then Telouet. Are the Ziz Gorges really worth the trip? Is the Telouet site (which is in ruins) really worth the detour? Thanks for your tips!
Open
MI
Mitch341 3 days ago · Chatounnette
Pont de Gau
Hi everyone!

A quick travel journal entry to tell you about the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park, near Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue (13).

A real paradise for flamingos... but also for swarms of mosquitoes that attack in squadrons, without warning and dive-bombing! 🦟😄

And I thought these critters didn’t go for spoiled meat! Clearly, they’re not too picky about freshness! 😵

More seriously, it’s a really nice spot for photography and nature lovers. Kids love it too! If you’re in the area, it’s a great discovery to make.

Here are a few shots from my session yesterday at the end of the day.

675 photos on the counter, currently sorting through them... Still testing the camera body. If I keep about twenty, that’ll already be a win!

Anyway, there’s work to do... and some itching on top of that! 📸🦟😄



Open
CL
Claudius69 yesterday · Nataly03
7-day stay in New York: hotel or apartment rental?
Hi there, I’d love to return to New York in 2027 (June or September), where I’ve already been for a week back in 2009. The Alexander Hotel, where I stayed, is now closed, and I’m wondering if renting an apartment might be a good idea. There’ll be 6 of us (2 couples), and we’d like to stay around Manhattan, preferably the Upper West Side or Upper East Side. Does anyone have a great tip to share, or, failing that, the details of a decent hotel with a good value for money? Thanks in advance! ;)
Open
CR
Crocomalo35 2 days ago
Review of agencies for spending a few days in the White Desert
During our trip to Egypt at the end of January, beginning of February, we plan to visit the White Desert and nearby oases for 3 to 4 days, starting from Cairo. If my initial agency searches weren't conclusive, I now have a "too many options" situation. Here’s an alphabetical list of my first findings. If you’ve had any experience (good or bad) with any of these agencies in the White Desert:

badawiya.com

edengardentours.com

westerndeserttours.com

whitedeserttour.com

whitedeserttourseg.com

whitedesertegypttours.com

Please share your feedback.
Open
SE
Sergeii 2 weeks ago · Pagaljavab
How has the cost of living and budget in India changed after 15 years?
Hey everyone! I’m heading back to India after more than 15 years and I’d love to know what the cost of living is like these days. I’m planning a trip for just under a month—Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Kolkata—mostly by train and taking it slow. We’re traveling as a couple, so we’ll be splitting accommodation costs. Thanks in advance for your tips! Small travel note: trip planned for early 2027.
Open
HE
Herviche 2 weeks ago · Djalma
Is the road along the Tessaout Valley paved?
Hi It's hard to tell from Maps or anything else whether the road along the Tessaout is fully paved from Amezri all the way to the junction with the road connecting Demnate to Ouarzazate (RN23). Thanks for your replies! Herviche
Open
DS
Dsisuzu yesterday
Looking for travel companions November/December 2026 for Mauritania
Hello, I’d like to head to Mauritania between November 15th and the end of December. I’m looking for a crew or group we could join for this adventure. I’ll already be in Morocco, and my wife will meet me there. We’re traveling in an HDJ80 equipped for camping. Dates and organization are flexible—we’re easygoing.
Open
OL
Ola44 6 days ago · Kurtinet
Looking for an affordable accomodation in Paris
Hi everyone! My friend and I are planning a trip to Paris, and we're looking for a cheap place to stay. If you have any recommendations for a budget-friendly accomodation, we'd really appreciate them. Also if you know any reliable car rental companies that aren't too expensive, please share your suggestions in the comments. Thanks for your help ;))
Open
« First Previous Page 2 of 3 Next