Comme d'autres "aventurières" sur ce forhum, j'ai décidé partir un mois en Inde seule avec mon sac à dos!
C'est une destination à laquelle je pense depuis plus d'1an (mais que je prépare depuis très peu de temps). Si je poste ce message, c'est que je suis bien évidemment en quête de bons conseils! Hotels pas chers, lieux à voir, petites astuces de la voyageuse aguérie (c'est ma première fois seule en sac à dos)...
Pour dessiner quelque peu mes intérêts, il est peut être intéressant de préciser que je suis costumière-styliste. Les tissus et l'artisanat feront donc partie des découvertes et inspirations que je souhaite mettre sur mon chemin...
Mais je pars avant tout pour découvrir un pays radicalement éloigné des "coutumes" occidentales, et je ne m'attends pas à moins que le choc que la plupart des occidentaux évoque quant à la pauvreté, la beauté, la foule, les odeurs et tout ce qui fait de l'Inde un pays si marquant...
Je pars donc du 31 octobre au 30 novembre: arrivée Delhi, retour au départ de Mumbay.
Entre les deux, Rajasthan, Goa... je n'ai pas encore vraiment fait d'itinéraire précis. Pas vraiment de programme, donc là aussi, tous les conseils et /ou suggestions sont les bienvenus!
le premier conseil: achéte lonely planet car il est difficile de faire un itinéraire pour quelqu'un, tu lis le livre et tu vas flipper sur des choses qui t'interresse toi;en inde il y en a pour tous les gouts , toutes les bourses;et cela va du voyage en backpacker a celui de la voiture privée avec chauffeur, pour ma part un backpacker je dépense 15 euros jour tout compris en me déplacent pas mal , en train en bus; pour de donné une idée coté budget; pour les hotels a delhi c'est dans le quartier de paharjang, (il y en a des dizaines)et c'est sur place que tu trouve le plus facilement car c'est un véritable dédale de rue a mumbai c'est dans le quartier de colaba les 2 endroits sont décrit dans lonely planet avec plans
le voyage entre mumbai goa et delhi représente déja un paquet de km plus de 2000
donc cela peut donner l'itinéraire suivant:: mumbai goa en train puis vers hospet hydérabad varanasi agra puis le rajasthan et retour dehli bien entendu il te faudra voyager des nuit en train de hydérabad a varanasi et de mumbai a goa mais il y a des variantes bien entendu;; le tout et en 500 photos sur mon site si tu veut autre chose demande
www.jpaventure.com
routard ou backpacker ok mais pas de voyage a n'importe quel prix
Merci pour ces conseils! Je suis également allée voir ton site, et j'ai trouvé ta rubrique infos pratiques très intéressante. Spécialement la partie "Mon sac à dos"! Je n'avais pas pensé à toutes les petites choses qui d'expériences se trouvent forts utiles une fois le mode backpacker engagé! ;)
Pour le Lonely planet, oui, je l'achète ce weekend! (j'avais du me contenter du guide "Hachette Voir" faute de stock à la librairie où je me suis rendue jusqu'à présent... pas mal, mais manquant très clairement de bonnes adresses, de tarifs réels, c'est un guide plus visuel qu'autre chose.) Lonely planet est vraiment le meilleur guide, je suis d'accord!
J'ai quelques petites questions qui me viennent:
- Quelle chaussure à cette époque? (on me dit sandale ouverte pour la chaleur...)
- Comment te débrouilles-tu pour tout ce qui concerne le change d'argent, et le refill sur place en cas?
- J'ai entendu dire que les trains se resservent très longtemps à l'avance... j'opterai surement donc plus vers le bus. Les vols internes sont-ils couteux?
- Est-il risqué de ne pas réservé mes "hotels" à l'avance? As-tu déjà été dans une situation où tu ne trouvais pas où dormir (même avec le lonely, sait-on jamais..)? et comment gérer en cas? J'ai cru lire que les temple accueillent gratuitement, sans poser de question, pour une nuit. Mais peut-être est-ce réserver aux hommes...?
As-tu déjà fait la foire aux chameaux de Pushkar? Si oui, qu'en penses-tu?
pour les chaussures:tu met des baskets ou autre pour prendre l'avion et pour ma part je suis en thong!!!! je me prend pas la téte avec les godasses de toutes façon il en vendre et a des prix défiant toute concurence
l' argent: tu emméne des 10 20 50 euros maxi a l'arrivée tu change a l'intérieur de l'aéroport15/ 20 euros jour multiplier par n/ jours si tu fait pas le tour tu rechange au change monnaie dans les grande ville ou a la banque
pour les train: en jour sava mais c'est tellement long qu'il faut mieux voyager de nuit a savoir en couchette 2 tier air con pour goa tu demande a milna en france qu'elle t'achéte le billet pour 1 euro de plus que le prix pour les autre tu va au cota touriste 3 a 4 jour avant méme dans une aute ville c'est expliqué dans le lonely planet
les hotels: pas de reservations c'est chére sur place c'est beaucoup moin chére et il y a le choix a goa tu as méme l'hotel du gouvernement trés bien tenu il est en photo sur les images de goa a inde
et de toute façon il sont tellement nombreux que tu trouve toujour sur mon site tu as en photo certain hotel si ils y sont c'est que c'est bien ou super bien placé
pour le chameaux ou l'héléphant je ne monte jamais dessus alor je sais pas
le site le la railway pour les train et si tu veut autre chose demande
Merci! Cela confirme mon impression qu'au final, la majorité des choses (change, transports, hôtels) est à faire sur place.
Je ne sais pas si je manquais de clarté, mais j'arrive à Delhi et non à Goa.
Goa est sur ma route. Mais ce n'est qu'en deuxième partie du voyage. Car je repars en France de Mumbai.
Dans tout les cas, j'ai bien noté tes conseils sur les hôtels là bas! ;)
Voilà le lien de mon itinéraire, qui pourra être sujet à modifications,
mais c'est un début:
🙂ok pour l'arrivée a delhi donc c'est dans l'autre sens vers varanas en premier car croit moi c'est un des endroit les plus incroyable de l'inde a varanasi: hotel PUJA un des seule hotel backpackers avec vue imprenable sur les ghats
routard ou backpacker ok mais pas de voyage a n'importe quel prix
La nouvelle c'est que des amis se joignent à moi pour Delhi.
Coïncidence de planning. Qui est une nouvelle plutôt rassurante pour l'arrivée!
Et ils viennent de me réserver l'hôtel avec eux.
Je te remercie cependant pour ton conseil, j'irai peut-être voir cet hôtel de backpacker par la suite.
Finalement le début du voyage ne sera pas seule, et pour cette grande ville qu'est Delhi,
je pense que c'est une très bonne chose :)
bon voyage en Inde.
En inde tu peux faire le circuit que tu veux - vraiment. L'inde étant un continent il ne faut pas compter tout voir et donc chercher à avoir des regrets.
Les indiens seront courtois mais ils n'aiment pas les backpackers (sauf les villageois qui pensent être bénis dès qu'un touriste leur dit bonjour). Soit propre et réservée. Cela t'ouvriras beaucoup plus de portes interessantes.
En Inde il est facile de "trainer" mais pas du tout facile de rencontrer des familles cultivées et de partager leur intimité. Pareil ici.
Pour ce qui est des couleurs et des tissus, l'Inde ça doit être la mecque, le graal des couturiers. Sache que la très bonne qualité est chère. Pas étonnant. Et pas forcément facile à trouver même pour un indien.
Si tu rapportes de beaux tissus en soie et or du sud, tu pourras les revendre 10 fois plus cher en france et rembourser ton voyage (comper 2000 euros pour un coupon sur place). L'avantage c'est que les tissus ne sont pas lourds dans un sac...
Je souhaite voyager en Inde du nord, seule. Une agence m'a fait un circuit adapté mais le montant est exorbitant, du coup j'essaie de monter mon voyage seule:…
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Chères demoiselles, Ce message s'adresse aux filles qui ont eu une expérience de voyage en Inde. Je voudais recueillir vos impressions générales sur comment…
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J ai 24 ans et je me lance dans un voyage d un mois en Inde du nord au mois de septembre, donc tres bientot! plusieurs questions: - auriez vous une idée…
I’d love to settle around Da Nang for about a month and explore the surrounding areas in Vietnam.
I’ve already been to this country and don’t feel like rushing around every day like I used to a few years ago.
I’d really like to find some company to stay for at least a month, and then maybe spend a month in Cambodia...
Given that I’m now 76, I don’t want to run around like I used to, trying to see everything...
I enjoy calm people... Those who love life and with whom I can share a beer... And meet people to create a great atmosphere—la dolce vita....
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,
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to travel solo to Oman in December 2025, renting a vehicle that allows me to camp in certain areas. For those who’ve already explored the country this way, could you share your experiences or tips?
I’d also like to visit the Wahiba Desert, but in that area, I’d prefer a guide for driving and, most importantly, not to sleep in those luxury desert-edge camps but rather have a "wild" escape under the stars. Any guide recommendations? Thanks in advance – Clem
Hi there, I’m Brigitte, 66 years old, fairly active and in great shape. I split my time between the Tarn region and Nantes, have a youthful spirit, and am very easy-going. I’m looking for a woman with a similar profile for a road trip in Southeast Asia—half humanitarian work and half free travel. The trip starts in October 2026 in the Philippines on the island of Panay, then moves on to Indonesia and Malaysia. The journey could last up to 4 or 5 months, as I have no fixed schedule. If you’re cool and friendly, feel free to message me. See you soon!
I’m traveling solo to Armenia in mid-September for three weeks, and I’ll be using public transport. I have a few questions:
- Does Yandex work everywhere, even in villages?
I’m looking for:
- Nice guesthouse addresses in the north (national park) and the south, including the village of Ararat,
and a simple but clean hotel in Yerevan that’s convenient for getting to the bus stations later.
- Any great tips or advice you can share.
Actually, I’m a bit worried I’ll be stuck only visiting tourist sites without a car. What do you think?
Thanks for your help
I’m arriving in Tana on 9/10/26 as a solo female traveler.
Which hotel in Tana is good for the first night since I’ll get in at 10 PM?
What’s worth seeing around Tana?
I’m planning 2 nights in Tana,
then 2 nights in Andasibe? After that, Lake Itasy.
Any suggestions? Thanks
I contacted several agencies in Madagascar to arrange this 4x4 trip along the coast.
Always the same answer: a tailor-made trip with at least 2 participants.
Since I don’t want to travel alone and a friend isn’t available, I’m looking for a woman to share this trip with the agency Mahay Mada, which offers a 12-day, 11-night tour of southern Madagascar. I’m available from August 23 to September 14.
Thanks for your direct response at 0784659791. See you soon, Mireille
Hi everyone,
I’m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I’ve decided to explore Indonesia.
I’ll be there from September 1st to October 5th, and I’m really struggling to plan my itinerary.
I’d love any advice you can share—I’ll read it all carefully.
So far, I’ve booked my first two nights with a local host in Jakarta, and then I’m heading to Borobudur. That’s all I’ve got planned for now.
Do you think I should book accommodations and transport tickets in advance? It seems really complicated, or could I just decide day by day based on how I feel?
Thanks in advance for your replies!
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.
From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.
I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.
Here’s the itinerary I’m planning:
* UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses)
A few days at Lake Khövsgöl
* Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses)
A few days at the White Lakes
* White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver)
A few days in the Orkhon Valley
+ the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide)
* Return to UB
From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley.
Here are my questions:
-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route:
Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.
-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?
Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia:
-> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?
I’m considering a road trip (rental car) to explore the Canadian Rockies in September 2026, starting in Calgary and ending with about 10 days in Vancouver and the surrounding area. (Two weeks in the Rockies and a little under two weeks in Vancouver and nearby.)
I’d like to say that being a woman traveling alone doesn’t really bother me. That’s not the issue. Being a woman is just how it is, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but traveling solo is something I could fix by finding travel companions. However, I had a not-so-great experience in India with two girls who were total strangers at first and turned out to be quite annoying, so I’m a bit put off by the idea now.
My question is simple, assuming I do this trip alone: is it worth sticking *only* to driving? I have **zero** sense of direction—with a map, I’m hopeless. So, is it realistic to think, "With my GPS, I’ll just drive from Calgary to Vancouver and see what I see," since I don’t see myself hiking alone? I’m not easily scared, but I wouldn’t feel confident doing that solo. Unless all the sightseeing is done with a guide (but then, hello, the cost—my budget isn’t exactly overflowing).
What do you all think?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Take care and happy travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
After a week of sports south of Bergen, I’m not sure what to visit during the following week between Bergen and Oslo.
I haven’t planned to rent a car.
I’d love your suggestions. Thanks
Hi everyone, I’m really keen to visit Iran for three weeks in mid-March 2015.
What worries me a bit isn’t so much traveling alone—I’m used to it and know the Middle East well—but rather the current events (Islamic State) that could potentially become dangerous.
Flights are pretty cheap at the moment, and I’d like to book before prices go up.
Any advice from people who know the ground situation and Iranian current affairs better than I do would be much appreciated! :)
Hi there! I’m in the middle of planning my first solo trip (as a woman). Do you have any ideal destinations with activities like hiking, diving, sightseeing, and easy ways to meet locals—all on a small budget?
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had this experience before! :)
Hi there,
Who could recommend a reliable agency for visiting several islands, including the parks around Komodo? I’m traveling solo as a woman.
Thanks for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
I’m often in transit in Tokyo and I stay at the hotel because Japanese people speak little English and the signs are almost always in Japanese!
Any ideas for getting from Narita to a nice park or an onsen? I wanted to try Hokkaido, but apart from renting a car, it’s all trains! Any suggestions for a car with a driver? Or is it too expensive? Small group tours in Hokkaido? I read about the Explorator group’s offer—way too expensive!!!
I’ve got a maximum of 8 days. I’d just like a nice Japanese break.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
my friend, with whom I traveled to Iran, Myanmar, and India, really wanted to take a one-month trip to Armenia and Georgia. So we booked our flights (June 21 to July 19), but disaster struck—she can’t travel anymore due to serious family reasons.
Now I’m heading off on this adventure alone. It’s not that I’ve never traveled solo before—I spent three months exploring Southeast Asia by myself last year—but I still have a few questions, and I’d really appreciate your input.
* I don’t think traveling alone in these countries is very risky—what do you think?
* Maybe I could hire a driver? What would that cost, since some places seem tricky to reach by public transport. Do you have any driver recommendations?
* I don’t want to rent a car—the driving seems too unpredictable, especially in Georgia.
* I’d love to do some nice hikes—are there any guides available?
Here’s my rough itinerary:
YEREVAN and surroundings
YEGHEGNADZOR for Noravank
GORIS and TATEV
LAKE SEVAN
DILIJAN
HAGHPAT
TBILISI and surroundings
The CAUCASUS toward Mestia
UPLISTSIKHE
VARDZIA
Return to Yerevan for my flight
Thanks to anyone who can share their experiences or answer my questions!
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a few tips that really helped me better prepare my carry-on luggage. After a few trips (and some mistakes too!), I’ve finally found a way to organize myself that makes life a lot easier. Maybe this can help other travelers here.
1. Choose a practical and sturdy bag
A good bag is the foundation. I’ve noticed that a model with a solid structure, sturdy wheels, and a well-thought-out interior really changes the experience. Hard-shell suitcases hold up better, especially when you’re hopping between flights. Personally, I use a Lambert suitcase because the interior is super well-divided, but the important thing is to find a model that works for you.
2. Rolling your clothes really works
It’s simple, but it saves so much space. Plus, it wrinkles less. I do this now for almost everything, especially lightweight clothes.
3. Keep everything in a small kit
100 ml liquids, toothbrush, cream, mini first-aid kit… Having all of that in one clear toiletry bag makes going through security much easier. It saves you from having to take everything out and put it back in a rush.
4. A pouch for essentials
Passport, headphones, charger, phone… I keep all of that in the same pouch. It saves so much stress when you need to find something quickly, especially on the plane.
5. Traveling lighter makes all the difference
Since I started choosing versatile clothes that mix and match well, I travel with a lot less. Less weight, fewer decisions to make, fewer things to lug around. It honestly makes traveling so much more enjoyable.
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.
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...
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