Nous partons à quatre en aout en écosse nous sommes tout excités et voilà que nous apprennons l'existence surtout à cette saison des MIDGIES. Nous avons absolument besoin de récits précis de personnes ayant voyagé en aout en écosse afin de savoir si ces bestioles sont vraiment terribles ou pas.
Y a t il des tranches horaires à éviter ou des lieux ? Nous ne serons pas en camping, femme enceinte oblige.
Merci pour les infos.
Personnellement, j'ai testé ces petites bêtes en Irlande.
Nous avions été prévoyants en achetant au début de notre séjour un insecticide spécial en se disant que ça pouvait servir au cas où (pour information, les répulsifs vendus en france ne sont pas adaptés et sont donc inefficaces).
Nous avons rencontré un nuage de midges une seul fois en sortant de notre voiture en campagne et heureusement que nous avions le répulsif avec nous. Avant qu'on s'enduise de répulsif, ils étaient extrèmement agressifs (et par centaines), après on a eu une paix royale.
Je te conseille donc, s'il s'avère que ces bestioles se rencontrent aussi en Ecosse d'acheter à ton arrivée (magasin sport et loisirs dans une grande ville par exemple) le produit en question. S'il ne te sert pas, tant mieux, mais en cas de besoin, c'est assez efficace.
J'ai eu la joie de tester les relations humains/midges en Ecosse en 2002 et je peux te garantir qu'on est pas près de gagner contre eux !
On avait pas trouvé LE repulsif adéquat. Je me souviens qu'on est entré dans un petit magasin pour en acheter et il y avait une petite mamie qui écoutait notre conversation avec le vendeur qui nous proposer différents produits et elle a dit (en anglais of course !) : contre les midges il n'y a rien qui marche. Au moins c'était clair ! On a quand même investit dans des filets à mettre sur la tête.
Le constat qu'on a fait c'est qu'il y en a beaucoup dans les highlands (au-delà du Lochness) et peu plus au sud. C'était à croire qu'il y a une barrière physique tellement la différence de quantité est importante (pas de différence dans l'agressivité par contre !).
A priori, la quantité de midges est variable selon les années. Mon frère qui y était 2 ou 3 ans avant nous avait parlé de midges uniquement à la tombé de la nuit. Nous, on en a eu toute la journée, tous les jours, même sous la pluie. la seule chose qui semblait les arrêter un peu c'était le vent.
A part ça, les paysages sont superbes et ça reste un très bon souvenir.
Merci beaucoup pour ta réponse.
Nous allons suivre le conseil de la toile sur la tête et nous croisons les doigts pour que les changements climatiques aient eu un impact sur la sortie des midgies et qu'ils attendront notre départ pour naitre.
Je viens de relire ton message initial et de voir que tu es enceinte alors dans ce cas, je te déconseille tous les produits chimiques qu'ils soient sensés faire fuire les moustiques ou les midges : y'a pas mieux qu'une chemise à manches longues et un pantalon rentré dans les chaussettes (bon, ok, pour le style c'est pas ça !).
Les midges, commen bcp de moustiques, sortent principallement a la tombee de la nuit... en general. Z'adorent les endroits marecageux ou pres de l'eau.
Le mieux contre ces bestioles la, c'est tjs le bon vieux truc: des que le soleil commence a baisser, ne laisse plus un bout de chair au vent, manches longues, chaussettes, pantalon long.
et oui, non les midges si c'était de simples moustiques ça serait nickel !!!! mais c'est bien pire que les moustiques c'est même incomparable. si tu fais du camping (heureusement apparement non) tu va vite à quoi il faut s'attendre avec les midges. et beaucoup de questions vont de suite trouver leur réponses, du style "pourquoi les gens manges à 17h30? ou bien "pourquoi le voisin a une moustiquaire integrale sur la tête?" ou alors "pourquoi tout le monde est barriquadé dans sa tente à 18h00?" et bien tout cela est la faute aux midges !!!!! c'est LE fleau en Ecosse. ça se presente comme un moustique mais bien bien plus petit c'est quasiment un petit point noir qui vole et ça se deplace par bancs entiers (comme les sardines dans la mer !!!! lol ) tu vois des nuages grisatres qui arrivent sur toi en un clin d'oeil. aucun produit anti-insecte que tu trouves en France ne le répulse il n'y a guere que le "jungle formula' qui est vendu la-bas qui a une petite action contre ces bestioles, tu te passes de la lotion sur le visage les mains, ... et bien ils trouvent le moyen de venir de piquer dans les narines de ton nez, dans le creux de l'oreille, au coin des yeux, sur les paupieres, ... et dans la tente c'est pas mal non plus tu es obligé de te fourrer tout entier dans ton duvet car ils passent entre les mailles (même les plus fines) de la moustiquaire de la tente!!! le matin tu te reveilles avec un tapis de midges collés sur la toile de la tente. au niveau des reactions cutanées cela ne fait pas de plaques de rougeurs mais juste des petits points rouges là où ils t'ont attaqué, et ca gratte oriblement quand ils te piquent evidement. c'est de la folie. les seuls remèdes qui les chassent en fait c'est la nature : eviter de passer sa soirée au bord des points d'eau (loch, étang, ...), comme ces insectes sont très légers un petit vent qui souffle et hop les midges s'envollent avec le vent, evidement manger de bonne heure au soleil (car ils arrivent avec la tombée de la nuit) et se barricader où tu peux !!! j'en ai fait la triste experience pendant 20 jours en Ecosse sous la tente, mais curieusement je ne les ai rencontré que dans les highlands, les cairn gorms et skye. sinon pas de trace de midges dans les borders (moins d'eau surement). Il y a un dicton en Ecosse qui dit : "quand tu tues un midge, tu en as dix mille qui viennent de suite à son enterrement" et c'est la réalité, l'Ecosse c'est génial, magnifique un seul truc qui cloche c'est les midges !!!
bon voyage
"Certaines personnes voient la réalité et disent «pourquoi ?», moi je rêve à l'impossible et je dis «pourquoi pas ?»" (G. B. Shaw, écrivain pacifiste irlandais)
Nous on en avait même au soleil, même sous la pluie... Je n'ai vu que le vent pour les arrêter. Sous la pluie, il y avait des dizaines (ou des centaines ?) de midges morts collés sur nos survestes !
Je pense que le filet sur la tête reste la meilleure solution pour éviter les piqures dans les trous de nez et d'oreille ! Le seul truc, quand on mange en plein air comme nous, vu qu'on campait, c'est quil faut penser à soulever le filet pour manger (on s'est tous fait avoir à un moment et on a enfourné avec le filet ! Résultat : quand tu mange du poisson, tu le renifle pendant quelques heures...).
Heureusement, pour dans la tente, ils sont pas très futés : tu éclaire un endroit, ils se ramènent tous dans la zone de lumière et tu te fais un génocide de midges en les écrasant contre la toile. Au moins, ça permet de dormir un peu plus paisiblement que la tête dans le duvet. On faisait aussi ça dans la voiture : les parois étaient couvertes de midges écrasés à la fin du séjour !
C'est quoi des Midgies ? lol..
Je me rend en Écosse l'été prochain et je me demandais si
c'était facile de se trouver un travail et une colocation.
La seule bête dont j'aurais peur..c'est red cap :P
Mais bon de savoir qu'il y a des bébites dégueux c'est toujours bon à savoir !
Normalement, la grosse période c'est juillet - août et, grossièrement, au dessus du Great Glenn. Malheureusement certaines de ces petites bêtes ont raté les cours de géographie et d'histoire 😉😉😉
Plus sérieusement, en mai aucun chance. Ensuite, plus tu te rapproches de juillet...
Lors de mon dernier voyage en Ecosse, j'ai appris que les locaux se protégeaient contre leurs minuscules "moustiques" (midges)très agressifs en juillet/août…
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Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Hi, I'm heading to Italy soon and I wanted to know if Italian banks charge fees when you withdraw cash at an ATM, or if, like in Spain or Greece, it's better to avoid taking out money and bring cash instead. Looking forward to your replies... Thanks
We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Amazing trip in May 2026: fantastic landscapes, such a different vibe from our other journeys, wonderful memories, but...
- Discovering the population: very few "native" Icelanders,
and exceptional discretion from the police, who were notably absent from the white vehicle stopped by the roadside that caught us speeding in mid-May...
To this day, only our inquiry with the car rental company has informed us of a "speeding ticket" message. More than a month later, we still don’t know the "severity" of the offense or the amount of the fine we’ll be "hit with."
Well, well, a taste of Icelandic administrative experience...
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
Hi everyone,
I rented a car through Klaus Wagen, picking it up in downtown Porto and returning it in downtown Lisbon.
After paying, I read some pretty negative reviews about them.
So, can anyone reassure me with positive experiences they’ve had with them?
Thanks in advance!
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
Hi there,
I’m heading to Setúbal at the end of June with my granddaughter, and I can’t seem to find clear info on the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal. It looks like there’s a train or bus, but I can’t find the exact names of the bus (or train) companies or the precise departure points. Thanks if anyone can help me out! 😉 Just to clarify, I’m on a tight budget and have already ruled out taxis or similar options.
Hello,
We’re heading to Puglia at the end of May. We’re a senior couple. We arrive in Bari, where we’ve booked accommodation for 2 nights. We’ve rented a car.
Day 1: Bari
Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli
Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi
Day 4: Lecce
Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area
Day 9 & 10: Matera
We’re considering renting a place near Lecce for 5 days and using it as a base to explore the region.
Hi there,
I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip:
- Before leaving, I consulted travel guides and blogs. I was surprised by how repetitive and unoriginal the featured sites were. This leads hurried travelers to follow the same overcrowded routes, which can annoy locals. I found that all Faroese villages were interesting—they reflect the country’s identity, even without the iconic grass-roofed houses. Those are indeed harmonious and beautiful, but they feel like an exotic cliché. For activities, I loved the lively ports that keep the country running.
- I was annoyed by the paid trails in tourist spots. Locals explained that these paths cross private land, and owners are responsible for maintenance and safety. There are plenty of free trails, too—signs at the start detail their features. While not alarmist, the extreme and unpredictable weather is a key factor to consider before setting out.
- The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days.
- Distances are relatively short. I was happy to be based near Tórshavn because it was easy to explore one or more places in a day. The roads are in great condition. In late March, diesel was 2 €. Tunnel tolls can add up (~26 € per crossing), making a fixed base less practical than I’d thought.
- Everyone agrees: the landscapes are breathtaking. Nature feels untamed here—except for the short grass, thanks to all the woolly sheep.
- The flight from Paris to the Faroe Islands (and back) was long in March—11 hours with three legs: Paris-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Vágar. In bad weather, Vágar Airport can close, causing delays. During tourist season, Atlantic Airways offers a direct Paris-Faroe Islands flight, which is more comfortable and cheaper.
- I found a book recommendation in a guide that fascinated me after my trip: *Les collectionneurs d'images* by Joanes Nielsen. Through its sometimes caricatured characters, it offers a glimpse into Faroese mentalities from the 1950s to 1970s—attitudes that likely persist today.
In conclusion, I’ve traveled a lot and I’m tired of destinations that all start to look the same. The Faroe Islands were a delight—a country stunning in its landscape, climate, and culture, where tourism has barely altered its authenticity.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for October to visit Naples (6 nights) and the Amalfi Coast (5 nights). We’ve already got the historic center and the Lapis Museum in Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Procida, Sorrento, and Ravello on our list. Any suggestions, addresses, or tips?
Thanks for your help.
Hello,
We’re heading to Rome from 21/09, arriving in the early afternoon, and returning on 28/09, leaving in the morning. We’ve already booked our flight tickets and our accommodation in the city center: Via Ezio.
I’d love to get your feedback on our itinerary and if there are any visits we should book right now:
Monday 21 afternoon:
Largo di Torre Argentina: a sacred spot for cats.
Tuesday 22:
The Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and if possible, the necropolis.
Wednesday 23:
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Afternoon: Trastevere neighborhood and the Monumento a Garibaldi.
Thursday 24:
Piazza Navona, Church of St. Louis of the French, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain.
Friday 25:
Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Quirinale, Piazza della Repubblica, and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Saturday 26:
Aventine and Testaccio neighborhoods, the Capuchin Crypt.
Sunday 27:
Ostia.
Monday 28:
Departure.
Are any days too packed, or should we add more visits?
Thanks for your input and help!
Cheers!
Anne
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it?
Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA
Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.)
Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town
Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia
Day 7: Ortigia
Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?)
Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional)
Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?)
Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice
Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip)
Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible
Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits
Day 20: The city
Day 21: The city (Monreale?)
Day 22: Options:
- Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello)
- Cefalù (45 min by train)
Day 23: Return flight
Hello,
We’re heading to Bavaria from May 13 to 23, with a side trip to Austria.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Brussels-Munich
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich and departure for Salzburg
We’ll be staying three nights in Salzburg.
Then we’ll head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’ll stay for five nights.
Visiting Munich and Salzburg isn’t too tricky.
Once in Garmisch, we’re planning a day in Innsbruck, a day for Neuschwanstein Castle, and the rest is still up in the air.
What’s really got me stumped is that we’d love to see Königssee Lake—everyone says it’s a must-see.
We’d also like to visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), where the landscapes are supposedly stunning.
This would either be a round trip while we’re in Salzburg or on the way between Salzburg and Garmisch, but I’m guessing it’s impossible to do the drive from Salzburg to Garmisch, the Eagle’s Nest, *and* Königssee Lake all in one day.
Plus, the Alpine route between Salzburg and Garmisch seems prettier than the highway.
But honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning.
We should’ve added a stop between Salzburg and Garmisch, but the hotels are already booked.
Thanks for any advice on the itinerary and visits!
Another question: How far in advance should we book Neuschwanstein, Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest in May?
Thanks so much in advance for your tips and ideas!
hi
I’m wondering if anyone can give me some info on how to get from Mallorca to Menorca.
Since flights are cheaper to Mallorca, I’d like to go that way.
Thanks so much for your help!
We’re planning a trip to Finland and Norway this summer, starting in Oulu to explore Lapland, heading up to the North Cape, and then making our way down to Bergen.
This route means renting a car in Finland and dropping it off in Norway. My initial searches are showing rental rates that are... astronomical—about three times the price compared to returning it at the starting point.
I’m guessing I’m not the only one wanting to visit both countries. Are there any great tips to drastically reduce the cost of renting a car?
Hi there, we’re a couple of bikers planning a trip to Majorca in June 2026, and I’d love to organize a half-day or full-day boat or catamaran outing. Which coast do you think is the nicest for this, and do you have any suggestions or personal experiences to share? Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
Does anyone know if there are any works in progress at Torcello, and if so, what type of works and how long they’re expected to last?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I’m sharing my draft itinerary with you because I just booked our flight tickets, and I feel like it’s quite late in the season. So, I’d like to be sure about my stops before reserving the hotels. I’ll be traveling alone with my two adult children. We want to prioritize outdoor walks, avoid too many indoor visits (both for budget and preference), and not spend too much time on the road.
D1: Arrival at 9 AM in Malaga, day in Malaga and overnight stay
D2: Head straight to Nerja (1-hour drive) and spend the night there
D3: Head straight to Granada (1.5-hour drive), spend the day and night there
D4: Granada. Visit the Alhambra (Nasrid Palaces tour at 5 PM) and spend the night
D5: Head to Ronda (2.5-hour drive) and spend the night
D6: White Villages and overnight in Ronda
D7: Head straight to the Costa del Sol (e.g., Estepona), spend the day and night there
D8: Return to Malaga to catch our flight
There you go! This itinerary takes into account that we’d like to do a circuit starting from Seville in a few years. That said, it’d be a shame to miss something doable from Malaga.
Questions:
Since the Alhambra visit is only at 5 PM, and we’d already have the day to explore Granada, would arriving the day before be a mistake? Or should we skip this day and dedicate it elsewhere (Costa del Sol? Head toward Tabernas?)? The old town appeals to me, but maybe the Sacromonte neighborhood isn’t essential...
Same question for Ronda: should we dedicate a full day to it, or combine Ronda and the White Villages in one day?
Note that we love wandering around villages outside, so that might answer my question! :)
Final question: Is it better to rent the car at Malaga Airport or in the city? If we rent at the airport, we’d need a hotel with parking, which doesn’t seem easy. Or stay outside the city and park for free near the center if possible? I’ve read comments about taking a taxi to Malaga and then picking up the rental car at the airport the next morning. The taxi would really need to be affordable...
Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions for visits during this little circuit.
Have a great day, everyone!
Christine
Hello,
we’re a couple planning a 2-week road trip this August, with a must-stop (about 3 days on Skye). Any route suggestions? Hotel recommendations? Photo spots?
My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland in September 2026.
We’ll be flying from Montreal to London, where we’ll spend three nights.
After that, we’ll head to Dublin for a few days and take trains to visit the main attractions.
Our ideal plan would be to choose hotels near train stations and take tours to the interesting spots.
Would 8 days in Ireland be enough for this kind of trip?
We’re a group of 4 heading out at the end of June for 11 days.
I’m just starting my research.
We’ll be renting a regular car, not a 4x4.
I’m not finding a ton of info on the North.
Would love your take on all those kilometers—is there a route that lets us cut out a section?
Thanks
