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! :)
Iraq has been a dangerous country for years, while Iran has remained very safe. For a long time, Shia Iran has been the best enemy of the wealthy Sunni kingdoms that supported and exported Al Qaeda... The only "risky" areas in Iran were a few border zones with Pakistan and Afghanistan; you might want to avoid the areas near the Iraqi border from now on. But I don’t think this will affect safety in the rest of the country.
That said, if the conflict escalates to the point where the armed groups currently taking over Iraq trigger an open war with Iran, it won’t be a great idea to go there. If you don’t want to risk losing the cost of your flight ticket, get travel insurance—but only after checking that the policy doesn’t exclude war as a reason for cancellation.
In my humble opinion, Iran is one of the last stable countries in the region...
What would be worrying is an ISIS attack on the country, but I think they already have enough fronts to deal with at the moment between Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Western bombings... Plus, they know that unlike the countries where they’re currently fighting, the Iranian state is strong.
Maybe avoid the Iraqi, Pakistani, and Afghan borders, sure, but hey....
If the airfare isn’t too expensive, you’re not taking a huge risk...
and I’m leaving for Jordan soon...
I’ve been traveling to Jordan for a long time, and I don’t feel like I’m putting myself in danger by going there right now.
That said, I *do* have doubts about Iran, mainly because of ISIS.
Still thinking it over before deciding
The Islamic "State" is establishing itself in Sunni areas, in Iraq, Syria, ... and Lebanon. It seems they’re also in northern Jordan, but you’re in a better position than I am to know that.
Iran is overwhelmingly Shia. ISIS might find some internal support in Iran’s Sunni regions that oppose the central government, but I can’t imagine for a second that Iran’s Shia population would join the takfiris.
For now, at least, ISIS is fighting to establish itself in Sunni regions where there’s opposition to the central government, not to attack other countries (aside from terrorist attacks).
Again, Iran is their worst enemy, but I don’t see what they’d go there to do...
Still, it’s true that I have doubts about Iran, just because of ISIS, really.
Why Iran in particular?
In the West, we often don’t understand the difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims—we lump everything into the same "Islamist" basket (and the "-ist" suffix isn’t always very meaningful, by the way). Iran is a predominantly Shia country where Al Qaeda and affiliated groups have no foothold and enjoy no sympathy or support, neither from the central government (which is actually quite strong in Iran...) nor from the population (even among the opposition). As Cocottte said, it’s not very realistic to think ISIS would attack Iran under these conditions.
The only uncertainty is what Iran would do if ISIS fanatics ransacked the Shia pilgrimage cities near the Iranian border (Kerbala and Najaf). But even in that scenario, the conflict would most likely stay localized.
I think going to Iran, even in a few months, is a smart and fairly safe choice.
I’m not sure I’d say the same about Egypt... even though there are way more tourists in that area...
If you know Jordan well, it shouldn’t be any more of an issue than that.
Hi,
Honestly, the only question you need to ask yourself is: "Am I prepared to lose the money I’ve invested in the flight ticket?" If the answer’s NO, don’t buy it; if it’s YES, then go ahead... and you’ll see, when the time comes, whether it’s safe to travel.
Because honestly, those who answer you with certainty today about what’s going to happen in that region in a few months aren’t really worth listening to. We’re subjected (by public authorities and the media in general) to a lot of misinformation about this part of the world, and I truly believe no one can reasonably claim that a Western woman won’t face any risks traveling to Iran next April. (Who would’ve thought, just a week ago, that a French person could be at risk hiking near Tizi Ouzou in Kabylie?)
No one can say for sure how alliances will shift, given the massive geopolitical stakes, and—let’s be humble—neither VF’s friends nor I can answer the question you’re asking.
I actually think you're absolutely right, Rose086.
No one can really predict, so it's up to me to see if I risk losing my flight ticket, or if I postpone this trip and choose a destination that seems politically safer for now :)
It’ll just be postponed for another time...
No one can formally predict how the alliances will evolve, given the colossal geopolitical stakes.
Still, there are a few axes and/or antagonisms that have held for centuries.
For example, the antagonism between Shias and Sunnis.
Certainly, the Iranian regime is an "Islamic Republic," which Western media hastily translated as "Islamist." But it’s a very pale form of Islam compared to what’s practiced on the other side of the Persian Gulf, particularly in Saudi Arabia—yet no one ever calls that Islamist.
I largely agree with the previous comments and don’t believe there’s any "Daesh"-style danger in Iran. Not even in the Sunni regions, which the central government keeps under tight control.
Moreover, the pride of the average Iranian, their disdain for the Arab world, doesn’t favor any alignment with this "Islamic State." Even for a Sunni in the peripheral regions.
For context, in 2001, Iranians proved to be the best U.S. partners in Afghanistan. Not widely known, but this temporary alliance was very effective, especially in the Herat region. Meanwhile, Bush was launching his diatribes against the "axis of evil," which included Iran.
Iran and the West have far more interests in common than with the rest of the Middle East. In the long run, these interests will outweigh the Iranian-American dispute, which largely stems from the humiliation of the 1979 U.S. embassy affair.
In my view, the main risks when visiting Iran are:
- road accidents (with a reckless *savari* driver),
- earthquakes,
- falling in love with an Iranian woman (if you're a man, obviously).
My girlfriend and I left on September 6th for a flight from Paris to Shiraz:
- Shiraz
- Persepolis, Necropolis
- Shahad, the Kaluts, Mahan, Rayen, Kerman
- Yazd, Kharanaq, Chak Chak, Meybod
- Isfahan
- Kashan, Abyaneh
- Tehran
Returning Tuesday the 23rd, Tehran to Paris.
I loved this country! The only issue for you ladies: wearing a headscarf over your hair.
We (my partner and I) are in India right now. We’re leaving Delhi for Shiraz on October 10th, then planning to head up to Tehran and make our way to Turkey. From there, we’ll cross Turkey to get back to Europe.
Do you think the area around Tabriz and the Turkish border is risky?
And what about the risk of terrorist acts on the eastern Turkish side?
If so, is it possible to cross from Iran into Armenia at the border?
We’d prefer not to change our return route, but the situation is starting to feel worrying.
Having lived in Iran for a year and a half, working in education and tourism, I’d like to share my take: come to Iran—it’s an amazing destination, far from the stereotypes. The people are incredibly welcoming, the scenery is unique, and there’s so much to see.
The terrorist threat or Daesh isn’t a concern here. It’s actually much safer than Paris, and don’t bother trying to tell me otherwise—IT’S A FACT!!!
So don’t hesitate—take the leap and ignore the media’s portrayal, which, let’s face it, only spouts nonsense to serve their masters!!!! Travel, listen to locals’ opinions and perspectives, and let’s not pretend we’re in any position to lecture them or change their lives!!! Interference isn’t the answer; people should be able to self-determine, and that’s their business.
I just got back from Tehran, and honestly, Iran is calm and there’s no particular danger. I’m Iranian, so I’m used to the situation there, but this time I brought my 5-month-old son and my French husband. It was his third trip to Iran since 2009. He’s someone cautious, so he made sure his health insurance (repatriation, etc.) works well in Iran, and that’s it. After that, we only stayed in Tehran, but I follow the news about Iran and I don’t feel there are risks to traveling in Iran—except near the borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and recently Iraq.
Venez à Téhéran
Restez chez Mizban*!
--
*Mizban(en Farsi)=Hôte (d'une chambre d'hôte)
Hi,
I’m leaving in two weeks from Azerbaijan (where my husband works) to Iran with our 3-and-a-half-year-old son. I can’t hide my worries, even though my husband is completely calm, because our son is still really little. I’d love to hear from someone who’s recently been to Iran about how safe the country is. I know it obviously depends on the type of trip you take, and we’ll be driving and visiting the main tourist sites while avoiding getting close to the borders with all the other countries since they’re all very "sensitive." The closest city to Iraq, for example, will be Tabriz, then we’ll stay relatively in the center, heading south before returning to Azerbaijan. Do you think the current situation means we shouldn’t make this trip?????
Thanks to you and anyone who can reply based on their recent experience (more than just info from the media!!!!)
Thanks
The closest city to Iraq, for example, will be Tabriz, then we stay relatively in the center while continuing south before returning to Azerbaijan.
Hi Alessandra!
Since you’re coming from Azerbaijan, here are some must-see recommendations:
- Ardabil, not to be missed for the stunning Safi-od Din sanctuary.
- The Arax Valley, which you can follow up to Jolfa. Take a slight detour from the main road to visit the lovely village of Ushtebin—a terraced village like Masuleh but with no tourists at all.
- Armenian monasteries, especially St. Stephanos near Jolfa and Kara Kelisa. If you’re driving, you can go directly from one to the other without passing through Tabriz—there’s a road. The Dzorzor chapel is less known, even by locals in Maku. If it interests you, plan your route carefully.
Of course, the Soltaniyeh mausoleum is also a must-see.
Takht-e Suleiman is quite off the Tabriz-Tehran highway but worth the visit if you love archaeology.
As for your young son, it seems a member named Bahrein traveled last year with young children, and another member was in your situation. No difficulties were reported, so they traveled without any particular issues.
I’d like to hear from someone who’s recently been to Iran about safety in the country.
In my opinion, the main risks for your family will be:
1) The driving habits of some reckless Iranian drivers.
2) Earthquakes.
3) The beauty and charm of many Iranian women.
Fabrice
P.S.: I don’t think the proximity to Iraq is currently an issue in border areas. The Iranian army is quite present in that sector. Anyway, a strip of about 5 km along the border is off-limits to foreigners, except at official border crossings. In the past, occasional unrest in the area was caused by Kurdish separatists. Facing Daesh, Iraqi Kurds now have other priorities than supporting their Iranian "cousins."
S'exposer à l'Etranger lointain amène à mieux connaître et comprendre sa propre Culture.
Thanks so much, Michel!
I don’t think things have really gotten worse between September 2014 and now!
As for the headscarf, it’s just a small detail since I don’t mind wearing it at all—I adapt and respect all "customs" without any problem...
I’ve been commuting to Azerbaijan for three years now, and there are some amazing places to see (too bad I have tons of photos on FB I could’ve shown you!). One place I *loved* is Xinaliq, right on the Russian border, perched in the mountains—people still live there like they did a hundred years ago... Laza, also on the Russian border, is worth seeing too. Baku is a tale of two cities, as you can imagine (oil country... extreme wealth and extreme poverty!!!). The Candy Cane Mountain area is a must-see, and the mud volcanoes aren’t far from Baku—they’re pretty unique.
Let me know which areas you’re planning to visit...
As for Georgia, unfortunately, I’ve only seen Tbilisi!
For Armenia, I don’t know how you plan to get around, but do some research and be careful if your passport has Azerbaijani visas—the wars between these two countries are "silent" but still ongoing.
Thanks again for your info on Iran, and I’m happy to help if you need any tips on Azerbaijan.
Have a great evening!
Thanks so much, Fabrice!
Your reply has tons of valuable info, so I’ll be tweaking our itinerary based on what you said.
You also think there’s no safety issue—I’m feeling a bit more reassured now. :-)
Thanks again!
Have a great evening!
Thank you all for your precious help and useful information. This trip to Iran was pure magic, breathtakingly beautiful, and I can confirm what I’ve read so often (from people who’ve actually been there!!): Iranians are truly warm and incredibly kind. It’s a shame that in the West, Iran’s reputation is nothing like what it deserves!!!!!
Thanks again to everyone!!!!!
:-)
Thanks so much, Michel!!! That’s really kind of you!! Yes, we really need to spread the word because everyone I met there truly deserves to be seen as they really are—warm and incredibly kind—and we in the West deserve to stop having our eyes blindfolded and our minds manipulated by fear and baseless alarmist rhetoric. It’s so sad!!!
I hope your trip to Baku went well!!!
Thanks again, and likewise, if you need any info, just let me know!
See you soon!
I know Jordan well, and I’d be more wary of it than Iran.
French people who get involved on all fronts aren’t very welcome there and risk retaliation from Islamists.
Iranians are truly warm and touchingly kind. It's a shame that in the West, Iran's reputation is nothing like what it deserves!!!!!
It's important to distinguish between interpersonal relationships, which are excellent for travelers in Iran, and intergovernmental relations, which are at the very least troubled. The Iranian regime's past actions (instrumentalizing terrorist groups) play a big role in this, even though Western countries also share some of the blame (e.g., France refusing to deliver contractually owed enriched uranium or buy back Iran's stake in the enrichment plant).
Thank you all for your precious help and useful information. This trip to Iran was magically special, breathtakingly beautiful, and I confirm what I’ve often read (from people who’ve actually been there!!)
For future travelers, what were your favorite places? In particular, did you get the chance to visit any of the sites I recommended, like Ardabil, the Aras Valley, the lovely village of Ushtebin, the Armenian monasteries of St. Stephanos, Kara Kelisa, and the Dzorzor chapel, the Soltaniyeh mausoleum, or the Takht-e Suleiman site?
Fabrice
S'exposer à l'Etranger lointain amène à mieux connaître et comprendre sa propre Culture.
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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 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
Hi there,
We’d like to stay in Switzerland for five days.
There are two of us (women).
We don’t know this country at all.
What cities or affordable spots would you recommend for visiting?
Cheap accommodation.
Looking for community-based options.
And being close to public transport.
Thanks for your tips and experiences!
Best regards.
Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone has taken a Rede Expressos bus from Lisbon Airport to Lagos, and if so, where exactly at the airport you need to board it? I’m worried I’ll get lost and miss my bus...
Hi again,
I’m adding more details to my info request. Here are two proposed itineraries. We’re hesitating:
Colombo - Unawatuna 2 days - Sinharaja 1 day - Bandarawela 2 days - Kandy 3 days - Dambulla 2 days - Wilpattu Park 1 day - Kalpitiya 3 days - Negombo 1 day
What should we change or add a day for to include Jaffna?
Or:
Negombo 1 day - Anuradhapura 2 days - Jaffna 2 days - Sigiriya 2 days - Dambulla 1 day - Kandy 2 days - Ella 1 day - Galle 3 days
For your advice.
Is it better to finish in Galle or Kalpitiya?
Thanks in advance!
Nicole
This is a warning message! I’d like to address it especially to young women traveling alone for the first time in India. Other travelers may react to my post based on their own experiences, but I think what I’m about to say shouldn’t be taken lightly—unless that’s what you’re looking for!
Last July, I traveled to Northern India. I stopped in Khajuraho to see the famous tantric temples. I stayed one night, and that was more than enough. Khajuraho is very touristy, but you should know that 80% of young Indian men there are "gigolos." Locals call these young men (aged 18 to 30) "playboys" or "Lapka" (which means "capture the woman" in Hindi)!!!
They approach tourists with kindness and politeness, offering tea or a motorcycle ride (which they’ve often gotten from generous Western female tourists) to waterfalls a few kilometers from Khajuraho or other tourist sites. After befriending you, they charm you—be careful, these are professionals who are very skilled at this; it’s all they do, and they do it well. They’ll offer you food, drinks, and even temple entry to confuse you. They’ll suggest spending the evening or even the night with them. **Refuse (unless you’re into local flings and that’s why you came)!!!!**
At first, you’ll be seduced by their generosity, let your guard down, and then they’ll make you believe in *true love*. They won’t leave you alone and will keep in touch via email or phone if you give them your details. The lines they use to soften you up and scam you include: *"I’m the only one taking care of my family, my brother is sick, I don’t know what to do..."* All of this is to manipulate you into offering them money. They’ll never ask for it outright (to avoid being exposed) but will wait for you to suggest it.
If you receive emails from them, they’ll never be signed, and their name won’t appear in the email address (to avoid leaving traces). They use fake names to avoid being reported. If you believe their sob stories and offer help, they’ll give you a bank account number to send money via Western Union. These young men make a living from this—selling their bodies and scamming people! They’re very skilled, charming, manipulative, and *big-time cheaters*!
(Especially one young man who goes by the alias *Tony*—apparently the most skilled. He lives in a hotel near the lake, *Krishna Cottage*, and is in regular contact via Skype with Western women he’s tricked into believing he loves them while shamelessly scamming them. He even opened an internet café on the roof of the hotel with money he stole from women who fell for his charm.)
So, young romantic women craving love, sensitive singles, or anyone emotionally vulnerable—**don’t let yourself be scammed!!!** This behavior is becoming more common in India and is still relatively unknown. Male prostitution is on the rise, and cases of romantic scams and financial fraud by gigolos are increasing.
hi everyone! I’d like to visit Montreal and the surrounding areas in August, and I’ve got 3 weeks of vacation. I’m traveling alone and will be visiting my daughter, who recently moved there. She’ll be working and only available in the evenings! So I’m torn between spending a week in Montreal, then taking a flight to Cuba, and returning to France from Havana—or staying in Montreal and exploring the nearby areas alone.
For my first idea—going to Cuba—is it feasible in terms of administrative formalities and legality? And for my second idea, is it possible to take buses? If so, is it too expensive? And are there many places served by them?
From FES, I’d like to spend a few days in:
MEKNES
CHEFCHAOUEN
TETOUAN
and then return to FES.
I’m planning this trip in November.
Thanks for your tips!
I just got back from an unforgettable road trip in Madagascar where I drove down the legendary RN7. It connects Tana (the capital) to Tulear.
Since we were traveling as a group of girls, we decided to go with a guide. I’d never done an “organized” trip before, but I have to say we loved this first tailor-made travel experience.
From the highlands of the Red Island
down to the west coast, by the Mozambique Channel.
Vast landscapes as far as the eye can see
Human encounters
Discovering ancestral artisanal know-how
Sunsets over the ochre mountains
Intense, precious moments with my friends
We loved the mountains, visits to artisans, and the parties too ;-)
We used local guides to show us specific spots (like Isalo National Park, where we were able to bivouac)
Hi there,
My friend and I are traveling together between October and November 2025—no exact dates yet.
We’d love to step away from the typical travel agency packages and are hoping to rent a car locally and stay with locals, living with them rather than in a vacation rental.
Does anyone know if this is possible?
Thanks in advance for your advice and tips!
Warm regards to all
