New discussions

Bonjour, Est ce utile de louer une voiture à partir de Puerto Princesa pour aller jusqu'à El nido? y a t 'il des arrets sympas à faire en chemin? Je lis qu'une fois arrivés à El nido, l'essentiel des plages et des choses à voir se font par bateau du coup je me demande si cette location est pertinente... Merci pr votre aide

Bonjour au forum,

Retraité, voyageant en solo, je recherche une agence locale pour mon séjour Kirghizistan, fin mai, début juin 2027. Le programme serait un road-trip de 15 jours sur place, avec guide/chauffeur francophone dont 7 jours dans une famille d'une région relativement isolée pour partager la vie quotidienne d'une communauté.

Bonne journée,

Philippe

Bonjour, Depuis le 15 septembre 2026, les Français ne peuvent plus rester que 30 jours en Thaïlande sans visa, contre 60 jours auparavant (d'après le site France Diplomatie, pour un séjour touristique avec un passeport ordinaire). Pour ceux qui partent seuls plus d'un mois, ça change pas mal de choses : un dépassement sans extension auprès de l'immigration peut coûter une amende, voire une expulsion. J'ai lu qu'une prolongation de 30 jours restait possible sur place, mais à la discrétion des agents. Pour ceux qui l'ont demandée depuis le changement, elle a été accordée sans difficulté ? Merci pour vos retours Élodie

Bonjour à tous les voyageurs et merci à tous d'alimenter ce blog en permanence. A mon tour de poser une question. Pour notre voyage au Laos l'année prochaine, j'hésite entre m'adresser à une agence locale, ou d'organiser tout grâce au Lonely Planet et aux infos glanés sur voyage forum. Si je l'organise moi-même, pourrai-je quand même trouver des guides francophones sur place ou réserver à l'avance des excursion? Merci de me faire part de votre expérience et si vous éventuellement des adresses d'agence sur place uniquement pour les excursions et pourquoi pas les déplacements? Sylvie Cinefil67

Hello, Following our trip on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route this summer, we’re sharing our experience in this travel journal. We’re Richard and Bernadette, both 64 years old, and we’re gravel bike-packing cyclists. We’ve completed several gravel bike trips in France and neighboring countries, and Richard has also done some in South America. We left on July 22, 2026, from Geneva to Calgary via Frankfurt with our bikes carefully packed in boxes, and we returned on October 8 from El Paso to Geneva via Chicago and Frankfurt.

The GDMBR is a mountain route that closely follows the Pacific/Atlantic continental divide, starting in Banff, Canada, and ending at the Mexican border in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. This crossing of the American West is one of the longest mountain biking routes in the world, winding through wild valleys, mountain ranges, and desert plateaus. It stretches about 4,400 km with a total elevation gain of around 60,000 m. The average altitude is 2,000 m, and the highest point reaches 3,600 m. The route is 80% off-pavement (gravel roads, dirt, and a few trail segments). It’s also known for the annual Tour Divide race, which brings together the best riders in the discipline every June and follows roughly the same route.

We prepared for this trip over several months, using a few websites and an older guidebook (the 2013 English edition).



With this, we were able to organize our journey with as much information as possible, a GPS track, and gear suited to the weather conditions, terrain, and sparse resupply points in remote areas.

Once we arrived in Banff, we picked up bear spray to handle a particular challenge: the wildlife we weren’t familiar with.



After landing in Calgary, we assembled and equipped our bikes at the airport. That first evening, we were welcomed by Mike, who invited us to his place when we were looking for a spot to pitch our tent. Then we made our way to Banff over two days, taking a fairly quiet road to Canmore and then a bike path.



A visit to Banff, a charming tourist town in the national park. Its famous Fairmont Hotel.



The starting point of the GDMBR at the arch of this hotel complex.



Here we are, immersed in the wilderness—just a few pedal strokes away from the town, the contrast is striking. Powerful rivers, vast landscapes, and our first encounter with a mule deer.



Spray Lake, our first basic campsite: no showers, dry toilets, no water fountain—we filter lake water. Most GDMBR campsites are like this.





We took the west side of the lake—a longer and wilder route. A few fallen trees blocked the path, forcing us to carry our bikes. But the stunning landscapes made it all worth it!



Our first single track through a forest marked by past wildfires.





Most campgrounds have tables and metal fire rings for safe campfires, which makes setting up camp much easier—especially nice after a long, tiring day! During this trip, we mostly slept in our tent, either in established campgrounds or wild bivouacs.

To be continued...

Hi everyone! I’m planning the Cape Town part of our trip and would love to hike up Table Mountain via Platterklip Gorge and take the cable car back down. Is it safe to hike this trail in early January without a guide (there are 4 of us: 3 adults and a teen)? If a guide is highly recommended, do you know a good one? If we end up taking the cable car both ways, is it safe to hike the summit without a guide (Mc Lear's Beacon trail)? Same question for Lion’s Head: with or without a guide? We’re used to hiking technical trails (Réunion Island), so my question is more about the risk of mugging on these trails. Thanks for your feedback! Malijp

Hello,

I’m currently planning a trip to Japan with my two kids.

Before going any further, my main question is about the budget. While flights are pretty straightforward—just compare prices—when it comes to daily expenses, I have no idea what to expect.

We’re thinking of traveling between mid-July (around the 19th, give or take 2-3 days) and mid-August (returning by August 20th at the latest). Duration: 15 days (though we could stretch it by 2-3 days if it makes sense price-wise). Family of 4, including two kids aged 9 and 12.

Before we had kids, we used to travel pretty "rough" and book things on the spot (we often took basic flights), but this time, it might be trickier. That said, we’re not looking for luxury—just somewhere decent to sleep and shower so we can save money for as many activities and sightseeing as possible.

For those who’ve recently had a family trip like this or are familiar with Japan, I’d love any advice—especially what a reasonable daily budget might look like (or at least the absolute minimum to make the trip feasible).

Thanks in advance!

P.S.: I’ll admit I struggled a bit with the categories, so if this post needs to be moved, no problem! ;-)

Hey everyone,

I’m planning a motorcycle trip to Nepal (renting a Royal-Enfield in Kathmandu) next April for 4 to 6 weeks. I’m in my sixties, used to self-organized trips, well-prepared with some knowledge of the terrain. Usually, I do this with my buddy Marco, but this year he’s aiming for Réunion while I’m heading to Nepal.

I’ve got a bit of experience (always with a partner), having ridden in Nepal twice before (but this time it’s the West I’m targeting). Once in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (China, so), the Thar Desert in India, and twice in Ladakh—from Pakistan to China via Khardung-La, the world’s highest road (5,600m), with snow-covered passes in August—and last year, Sikkim. That’s my track record—no bragging, just to reassure my future travel partner.

I’m looking for someone because this kind of trip isn’t done solo. I’m sociable, very curious about others, and I travel for the encounters, the immersion in cultures I don’t know, and that feeling of freedom when riding through stunning landscapes, feeling tiny against the vastness around you. I’d like someone who’s traveled before, knows motorcycles, is resilient, curious about others, and respectful of differences. I don’t want to be the guide of this adventure (which I know will be exceptional).

If this person lives in the Paris area, that’ll make planning easier. We’ll need to meet at least a few times. I can also show photos from previous trips.

Total budget: max 4,000 € (Flights, bike, hotels, food, and living expenses!). Bike choice: 500 Bullet or 500 Classic—I’m not a fan of the 450 Himalayan. The first two are tanks with much better ground clearance. Timing: April, with a possible 15-day extension to Bangladesh, which I might do solo or with a partner.

PS. This is really a trip for two, and two bikes. With three or four, it’s a different setup. Alone or as a pair, you can be invited by families or sleep in monasteries and discreetly attend morning prayers—not so much with four. It’s a physically demanding trip, but it’s the journey of a lifetime.

Looking forward to hearing from you

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots. I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary. For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists. So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice: 1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City. 2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay 3- The Heritage Town of Taal 4- Banaue and Batad 5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town) 6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan 7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon) 8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island

I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees. Thanks in advance

Hi, The Wild Card gives access to many parks in South Africa. Since the card is cheaper if you choose the "couple" option, I was wondering what they mean by "couple." Is it simply 2 people, with no family ties, or is it the "official" couple as many people understand it? In my case, I’ll be traveling with 2 buddies. Since there’ll be 3 of us, we could take 1 couple card and 1 individual one. Thanks in advance

Hi, We're heading to Chile in a month and have rented a 4x4 pickup with a camper cell to travel part of the Carretera. The Ioverlanders site is really ideal for planning the route, with info on lots of things and especially on spots where you can park for the night. I found a site about ongoing roadworks on the Carretera, Planifica tu viaje. When I look, it seems there are tons of roadworks, sometimes with roads closed for several hours or at least alternating traffic, which really extends travel times. Has anyone recently traveled on Ruta 7 and can give us some "real" info? Thanks in advance! Céline

Hi, We're planning to visit this region as a couple for a few days during our trip to Vietnam. What should we do with 3 to 4 days there, and how can we get around to the different spots? Should we return to Sapa every day or stay in different places each night? Any tips on accommodations, dining, and must-see sites? Also, advice on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa.

Thanks so much for helping us prepare for this autumn 2027 trip!

Hello, I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with my partner, and we’re considering Ha Giang in October-November for 4 days on-site to do the loop by bus, since we’re not old enough to ride motorbikes. I see there are sleeper buses—how does that work for sleeping at night, meals, etc.? And what are the rates per person for these 4 days and nights? Then there’s Sapa—what’s the most practical way to travel between the two, or should we return to Hanoi? I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have. Thanks so much! !

Hello everyone! Just a little backstory—my username comes from the year I took my first cruise. Sixteen years and nine cruises later, I’m currently on my 10th, this time in the Yacht Club interior. I’m taking you along with me!

Left Marseille on Wednesday, October 21st. After train troubles (issues on the Paris-Marseille line), then getting lost at La Joliette—years ago, I’d taken the metro and the port bus, thinking I had to go left once near the port, but no, the little gate is on the right after the shopping center.

Wait, she took the metro and bus to the Yacht Club? Yep! After waiting 15 minutes for the shuttle, once the bus dropped us off, it was a 15-20 minute walk to the ship. Finally, we made it to the boarding dock. Headed toward the little Yacht Club flag, where a nice young woman checked our IDs and gave us luggage tags. She walked us through security (we got to skip the line). After that, we went to the Yacht Club lounge, where two butlers were waiting. They offered us drinks, and a third person arrived to check passports and handle registration. Then, they gave us a form to pick a complimentary bottle—I didn’t do it right away. I felt a little rushed by everyone. I’ll explain more later in my story. Today, we’re in Barcelona. A few photos to come in the meantime.

Hi there, my wife and I are likely going to spend a week volunteering at the in Bela Bela, near Hatfield, during the third week of May 2027. After that, we’d like to rent a car and spend a week in Kruger Park. What do you think about the timing and the type of vehicle? Also, which spots are best for accommodation so we can experience the park’s different sides? Thanks.

Hi, We're heading out at the end of the year to join family in Cebu. We're planning to spend a week in the area but are struggling to choose between these 3 islands... Ideally, we'd like to have 2 bases to explore two of them. Have any of you visited all three, and which would you recommend? We're into snorkeling, beautiful excursions, and would also love to connect with locals. And ideally, do all that without too much logistical hassle 😅 Thanks for your experiences/tips!

Forget the usual tours! 🇲🇦 Get away from the crowds and discover the real Morocco through its most beautiful hidden small towns. 🌿✨ Secret gems off the beaten path that you absolutely must see on your next trip. 🗺️ Save this post for your future trip to Morocco! 📌

Link to the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/FkgOQCR7GYY

I’d like to visit Namibia by car and camping around February 8 to March 2, 2027. Right now, I’m planning a route that covers all the main spots (desert, national parks, dunes, etc.). My dates are flexible by a few days. About me: I’m 63, in great shape, and I’ve always traveled solo or in groups.

Hi everyone! 😊

I’d love to share some ideas for exploring beautiful Sri Lanka—a destination that offers an incredible variety of landscapes and experiences.

From tropical beaches and elephant safaris to tea plantations, lush mountains, ancient temples, and nature hikes, there’s so much to discover on this island.

For those planning a trip to Sri Lanka, which regions did you love the most? Any tips on safaris, hikes, private transport, or multi-day tours?

Looking forward to swapping tips and discovering Sri Lanka with you!

After Seoul, I’m back on the forum again 😏, to talk about Inwol in Jirisan. I’ve planned to stay there for 3 nights to hike the Jirisan Dulle-gil trail—two sections, partly... I’m really struggling to find accommodations in Inwol that are close to the trail. I know it’s early and not all options are listed yet, but even when I set dates closer together, it’s still not obvious... If you know the area, I’d love any tips! My whole itinerary depends on finding a place to stay...

Thanks, Philippe

Hi everyone, We're heading to Madrid in November and looking for a centrally located hotel. I saw one on Calle de Alcalá. Does anyone know this street, or do you have other suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Traveling to Sal Island (Cape Verde) I’m planning to travel to Sal Island for a week solo. Any tips or info would be greatly appreciated! Best regards

Hello everyone! 🙂

No wonder Tangier has inspired so many artists, writers, painters, and musicians… The "Pearl of the North" will be the first stop on a 12-day journey that will take us through Rabat, Fez, and Meknes.

This is my 15th trip to Morocco, and I’d never been to Tangier before! A round-trip flight from Carcassonne for just 55 € sealed the deal, and here we are, landing two hours later.

Four medinas, four perspectives—an enchantment that remains untouched. Once again, Richard and I will combine our viewpoints in a travel journal, sharing them with you—his through words, mine through images.

Hi everyone who knows New Zealand well, I’ve got two weeks to plan in New Zealand this coming December. Arriving and departing from Auckland. I’m struggling a bit because I can’t decide between the North Island and the South Island. I’ll be renting a car and I’d love to find a nice road trip with beautiful landscapes, hikes, and places that aren’t too touristy. If I choose the South Island, I was thinking of taking a flight from Auckland to Christchurch and renting a car from CHC. I know I’m asking a lot, but to those of you who know New Zealand well, I’d really appreciate your help in making this long-time dream come true. Thanks in advance. JP

Hi there, I’m planning my trip for May. Here’s my itinerary for 4.5 days in Seoul: May 5: afternoon at Mangwon Market, Mangridan-gil, Han River May 6: Gyeongbokgung, Tongin Market & Seochon, Bukchon, Insadong, Jogyesa Temple, and Ikseon-dong May 7: Namdaemun Market, Deoksugung Palace, stroll along Cheonggyecheon, Seoullo 7017, Hongdae May 8:Changdeokgung + Changgyeonggung, Gwangjang Market, Jongmyo Shrine, Jongno Boulevard for the big parade May 9:Morning in Gangnam, Bongeunsa, Namsangol Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower Plaza

What do you think of this itinerary? Is there anything I should add, remove, or swap out? I tried to keep travel time to a minimum, but I might be missing something. I’d love to hear all your thoughts—thanks! Philippe

Hi everyone, I’d love to get your advice on Nosy Be, Madagascar. For those who’ve already visited, which excursions left the biggest impression on you, and which would you recommend as a priority? I’m especially curious about your thoughts on Nosy Iranja, Nosy Komba, Lokobe Reserve, and Nosy Tanikely. Which ones are really worth the detour, and which would you suggest for travelers looking to discover the landscapes, wildlife, and local culture? I’d also appreciate any practical tips on the best time to visit these spots and how much time to allocate for each excursion. Thanks in advance for your feedback and recommendations!

Hi,

According to my calculations, I’ll be in Zhangjiajie on Monday, November 16th. I adjusted my itinerary to avoid the weekend.

I’m wondering:

1- Do I need to book the park entrance in advance (like, is there a visitor limit?)

2- I plan to take the elevator and maybe a cable car (I’ll walk the rest—I’m in good shape). Should I book those too, or can I sort it out when I arrive?

3- On Wednesday, November 18th, I’m aiming for Tianmen Mountain. Same question—do I need to reserve? I read it’s under construction right now. And apparently, it’s line C.

3 bis - Also, is it possible to go all the way to the top by bus only, without the cable car, and finish on foot?

Thanks for your help.

Hi everyone, I’m going on a cruise at the end of January with MSC and I’m looking into the excursions I could do. I’d like to know if I can do the excursions on my own or if I absolutely have to go through MSC based on safety levels. We’ll be stopping in Montego Bay in Jamaica, Cartagena in Colombia, Puerto Limón in Costa Rica, Belize City, and Colón in Panama. Thanks! Emeline

I took advantage of my season in Saint-Malo to do two day trips to Guernsey. The crossing takes just under 2 hours, and the change of scenery is total: English is spoken, you pay in pounds, but the street names sound very French. After testing it out, here’s my ideal itinerary:

An English breakfast when you arrive, then a tour of the island by bus (two lines, one in each direction, with stops wherever you want). Cobo Bay and L’Ancresse Bay are my two favorite beaches. In the afternoon, a stroll through Saint Peter Port—a real favorite—with Victor Hugo’s house, Candie Gardens, and a few English shops.

Is it doable in a day? Yes, but I was left wanting more: next time, I’ll plan for 3 or 4 days.

The full itinerary is detailed here: https://lemondeavecandrea.com/visiter-guernesey-en-une-journee/

Hi everyone, I’m new to the community and I need your help. I know Morocco well but not the Ouarzazate region, and I’d like to visit the Skoura Palm Grove from November 9th to 14th—it looks amazing. My question is about the weather at this time of year. Is it not too cold? Or too rainy? Thanks so much to all of you.