Le parc automobile cubain, avec ses belles américaines et ses antiques Lada, devrait rajeunir suite à la décision du gouvernement d'autoriser désormais l'importation de véhicules dans l'île.
Lire la suite...
Du coup pour les voyageurs, on peut espérer que les tarifs très élevés de location de voiture reviennent à des niveaux peut-être pas standards mais au moins plus raisonnables...
À qui croyez vous que ces nouveaux véhicules s'adresseront?
Ou qui pourra se les permettre?
Ça prends des mois à 15 CUC par mois pour se permettre, ne serait-ce qu'un pneu de rechange.
Beaucoup de gens qui travaillent dans le tourisme pourront se le permettre...
Et ce n'est pas parce que la majorité ne pourra pas acheter de voiture que ce n'est pas une bonne chose. Au Québec, plusieurs personnes n'ont pas les moyens d'acheter un véhicule! Au moins, maintenant, ils se sentiront un peu plus libres, comme ce fut le cas quand ils ont retrouvé le droit d'aller dans les hotels, louer des voitures, vendre et acheter maison et autos entre particuliers, etc.
Je comprend ton point de vue. Oui beaucoup de Québecois n'ont pas les moyens de s'en payer une, c'est pourquoi nous somme parmi les plus endettés au monde.
D'ailleurs, je suis presque tombé sur le derrière en voyant comment les prix de la nourriture a augmenté à Cuba, mais pas le salaire. Certains items de base ont augmenté de 50% depuis 5 ans.
Même le sel et le sucre. Seule l'huile a baissé de 0.25cuc le litre. Ayant fait les courses à plusieurs occasions, je n'en revenait pas de voir comment le pouvoir d'achat Cubain avait baissé si rapidement.
Mais si une vieille Lada 1980 vaut dans ces prix, (je me suis informé la semaine dernière) combien crois tu que vaudra une simple Volkswagen Golf 2010?
Probablement 5 fois le prix d'une Lada, sans compter qu'elle n'arrivera sûrement pas des É.U.
Donc ajoute le transport.
Ils aiment bien faire rêver les Cubains, mais pour le Cubain lambda, ça demeure de l'utopie.
Une simple petite moto 125cc. usagée, commande dans les 5000 CUC.
les voitures coréennes ou japonaises, ayant fini leur parcours de location (avec souvent 100.000 km au compteur) étaient mises en vente (souvent à des taxis particuliers) pour des prix de l' ordre de 10.000 CUC : elles partaient comme des petits pains
il y a des milliers de gens à Cuba qui disposent de ce genre d'argent, les collaborateurs des entreprises en contact avec le tourisme, les propriétaires de restaurant paladares ou de casas particulares, sans oublier les jineteros !
il y aura aussi n'en doutons pas une seconde des cubains avec des familles à l'étranger (ou des amis-amies à l'étranger) pour les aider à financer
parions que les premiers lots de voitures vont être rapidement vendus
Je suis effaré de lire de tel propos "les voitures à 10000 cuc vont partir comme des petits pains"
Une méconnaissance totale de Cuba,
il faut savoir que le salaire moyen des cubains tournent autour de 20 cuc mensuel, que la majorité des casa a un taux d'occupation de 25% annuel et que la location d'une casa rapporte 20 cuc moins la taxe par jour , quand au Paladar, la taxe est moins élevé mais le taux de fréquentation est encore plus bas, le nombre de paladar ayant explosé et le prix de vente d'un repas dépasse rarement 10cuc
Quand au salaire dans le domaines du tourisme, il est au niveau du salaire moyen des cubains avec quelques pourboires, cela ne doit pas dépasser les 100 cuc par mois et encore.
Pour les jineteros alors la 😏😏 savoir ce qu'il gagne balèze. avec la boite de cigare à 30 cuc, 😏
quand à l'argent envoyé de l’étranger , il sert surtout à couvrir les besoins journaliers
Ps : pour éviter une contestation sur les chiffres, j'ai utilisé comme source d'information l'ONEI Oficina national de estadistica e information de la republica de Cuba
les rares voitures de loueur bien amorties mises sur le marché à la Havane (ex plaques orangées TUR) se sont vendues en quelques jours à des prix qui font frémir compte tenu de leur état :
elles étaient ''réservées'' au retours de mission (médecins et assimilés partis en Afrique ou au Vénézuela) en théorie mais.... elles se retrouvent à faire le taxi particular !
il se trouve que je connais un propriétaire - jeune médecin de retour - d'une de ces voitures et il a eu ''la faveur'' d'en acheter une à prix d'or
oui, il y a des milliers de cubains qui disposent d'argent pour acheter une voiture ! pour mémoire les permutas en matière d'appartements s'expriment en dizaines de milliers de CUC, cash, pas de crédit !
et la, comme par hasard, les CUC arrivent à la pelle !
cette ouverture à l'importation, par les services de l'état, va permettre de faire rentrer dans les caisses de l'état des CUC, le montant des droits de douane qui sont déja particulièrement élevés sur les voitures neuves (que peuvent acheter les société mixtes cubano étrangères) et rajeunir le parc de Lada (entre autres) à bout de souffle
Je ne sais pas ce qui va arriver avec les prix, mais je pense qu'il y a une chance que les prix des véhicule diminue. Pour le moment, les véhicules sont chers car ils sont rares, presque aucun nouveau véhicule n'arrivait sur le marché et ceux qui arrivaient ne pouvaient être vendus.
Maintenant, tranquillement, des nouveaux véhicules arriveront sur le marché, et ils pourront être revendus comme les autres... S'il y a plus d'offre, je pense qu'il y a une chance que le prix des véhicules baissent... Mais ce sera à voir.
De la bouche d, un chauffeur de bus : le monospace Huyndai se vendrait environ 100,000$ et la Peugeot 207 environ 47000$....
Dorénavant la femme de chambre se rendra au tout inclus dans son char-tout nouveau , tout beau....😎
Je n, ai vu ni distributeur de voitures(agences- ni garage, ni taller de mecanico à CUBA....
Faudra acheter directement du gouvernement-Raul ne supporte pas la concurrence....
Prochaine étape (?):
-La liberation du crédit ; désormais tout cubain gagnant 25CuC/mois pourra emprunter ce qui lui manque pour s, acheter la super VW ou Peugeot de son choix .Raul fixera et la durée du prêt et surtout le taux....
Ça doit faire du bien d, avoir un leader qui pense a nous , pour nous....🙂
effectivement. cela dit a cuba la voiture est aussi un revenu. les jeunes louent une vieille lada a une connaissance et s'en servent pour faire le taxi. avec les touristes c'est un 10 dollars de gagné a chaque fois.
quand au Paladar, la taxe est moins élevé mais le taux de fréquentation est encore plus bas, le nombre de paladar ayant explosé et le prix de vente d'un repas dépasse rarement 10cuc
Pire. En plein centre ville de Camaguey, je suis allé dans un paladar Libanais en CUC.
20 CUC pour les 2 incluant 1 bière chacun.
C'était plus qu'ordinaire.
Mardi soir j'ai décidé de changer.
Nous étions 5.
Repas complet pour 5.
2 Pina Colada. 3 bières, 5 repas, 5 desserts, plus 2 Flans.
Repas copieux, ambiance agréable. Facture totale: 21 CUC incluant le pourboire.
Mon repas, le plus dispendieux, 3.50 CUC.
La compétition est tellement féroce qu'ils donnent la nourriture au coûtant pour survivre.
Et ce n'était pas un paladar miteux, mais le restaurant Carmen sur la plaza Maçeo.
Je te comprend pas , je viens de lire sur ce forum qu'ils étaient couvert de cuc et qu'ils allaient se precipiter pour acheter des voitures à 10000 cuc
Tu a du confondre.
J'ai écrit totallement le contraire.
J'approuvais tes écrits lorsque tu disait que les paladars vendaient des repas à 10 cuc.
Je me suis fait avoir à 10cuc et trouvé à 3.50 cuc le lendemain.
Comme quoi personne ne deviendra riche à Cuba avant 25 ans.
Mon beau frère a une entreprise de lavage de camion. Il facture 1 ou 2 cuc pour une voiture et un immense camion 3cuc.
Les touristes trouvent ça exhorbitant 3 CUC pour laver leur location.
Lorsque je lui ai dit qu'au Canada un camion se lavait pour 100$ et ma camionette 20$, il n'en revenait pas.
Sacré petit cachottier ces Cubains, 😏 ils avaient des matelas de Cuc sous leurs lits. 😏 Comme quoi avec 20 cuc par mois on peut devenir riche.😏🙁
il y a à la capitale des permuta à 50.000 (oui je dis bien 50.000) CUC ! la permuta à 10.000 est tout à fait courante !
à titre indicatif d'innombrables familles cubaines dépensent 3 a 5.000 CUC ( ce qui parait dans la lune compte tenu des salaires, nous sommes d'accord ) pour fêter les quinceaneras avec voiture américaine cabriolet de location, vidéaste, repas dans un hotel et fiesta générale ! ils doivent probablement s'endetter mais leur image de marque est à ce prix
idem pour les mariages, on en voit dans tous les hotels de la capitale et c'est obligatoirement en CUC
chaque week end les hotels de la Havane qui font ''journée piscine'' reçoivent des familles cubaines de 5 personnes avec un minimum de dépense de 15 CUC par tête soit 75 CUC !
d'ou vient tout cet argent, je ne sais ! ce qui est certain c'est que trouver 10.000 cuc pour acheter une voiture qui deviendra possiblement un outil de travail n'a rien de surprenant !
toutes les voitures récentes utilisées par les ''nouveaux taxis'' viennent bien de quelque part, non ? et on peut faire confiance à l'état cubain pour ne pas les avoir ''offertes''
Je suis effaré de lire de tel propos "les voitures à 10000 cuc vont partir comme des petits pains"
Une méconnaissance totale de Cuba,
il faut savoir que le salaire moyen des cubains tournent autour de 20 cuc mensuel, que la majorité des casa a un taux d'occupation de 25% annuel et que la location d'une casa rapporte 20 cuc moins la taxe par jour , quand au Paladar, la taxe est moins élevé mais le taux de fréquentation est encore plus bas, le nombre de paladar ayant explosé et le prix de vente d'un repas dépasse rarement 10cuc
Quand au salaire dans le domaines du tourisme, il est au niveau du salaire moyen des cubains avec quelques pourboires, cela ne doit pas dépasser les 100 cuc par mois et encore.
Pour les jineteros alors la 😏😏 savoir ce qu'il gagne balèze. avec la boite de cigare à 30 cuc, 😏
quand à l'argent envoyé de l’étranger , il sert surtout à couvrir les besoins journaliers
Ps : pour éviter une contestation sur les chiffres, j'ai utilisé comme source d'information l'ONEI Oficina national de estadistica e information de la republica de Cuba
La taxe des casa est maintenant de 35CUC par mois, beaucoup moins qu'ici ou en France...
Et je suis d'accord avec les autres membres, plusieurs personnes ont beaucoup d'argent à Cuba, ce n'est pas pour rien que les véhicules usagés se vendaient aussi chers, c'est parce qu'il y a des gens à payer. Les employés du tourisme qui ont le plus de pourboire (barmaid, serveur, femme de chambre) font, en saison haute, 250-450CUC/mois! En basse saison, ils font plus que 100CUC/mois. Je connais plusieurs cooks au grill de certains hôtels qui font 20CUC/jour en haute saison, ils travaillent 6 jours par semaine... Faites le calcul!
Avant de dire que quelqu'un a une méconnaissance totale de Cuba, il faudrait regarder dans votre propre jardin...
Je te comprend pas , je viens de lire sur ce forum qu'ils étaient couvert de cuc et qu'ils allaient se precipiter pour acheter des voitures à 10000 cuc
Si vous lisez bien, ce qui est dit, c'est que certains Cubains auront l'argent pour acheter ces véhicules. Il y a d'ailleurs déjà des listes d'attente! À Cuba, il y a des riches, des pauvres, de la classe moyenne.
Oui il y a une toute petite minorité qui ont de l'argent, mais il faut sortir de son ghetto doré de touriste allez voir ne province , dans la banlieue de La Havane, de Santiago, Bayamo , Moa dans la campagne etc... comment vivent les cubains. La voiture cela reste un rêve et même si une minorité existe les cuc ne coulent pas comme eau de source.
Oui il y a des apparatchiks , des profiteurs, et quelques privilégies en contact avec le tourisme qui pourront se payer une voiture mais cela représente une très petite minorité.
Oui, ça représente une minorité. Mais tout comme dans une majorité de pays dans le monde. Au moins, maintenant, ils ont la liberté de le faire.
Et si vous pensez que je passe la majorité de mon temps dans les touts inclus, vous êtes tellement dans les patates comme on dit ici! 😏 Mais je ne sens aucunement le besoin de vous faire mon cv cubain, d'autant plus qu'on ne connais rien du vôtre!
ce n’était pas agressif ma remarque, ce n'eatit pas à vous que je m'adressais mais ce qui m'a choqué dans ce forum c’était la phrase " Comme par hasard, les CUC arrivent à la pelle" suivant d'autres commentaires du méme tonneau (comme on dit en France) écrite par un internaute.
Je ne doute pas que vous connaissiez Cuba, vos réponses sur le forum le prouve, mais laissez un internaute faire planer un doute sur la pauvreté réelle de la population, cela me choque. 😏😏
, mais laissez un internaute faire planer un doute sur la pauvreté réelle de la population, cela me choque. 😏😏
Moi, ce qui me choque également, c'est de faire croire que tout le monde est pauvres à Cuba. Oui, il y en a, que la majorité des touristes labda ne verront jamais. Mais la pauvreté à Cuba n'est absolument rien comparé à celle de la majorité des pays du tiers monde. Je n'en ai pas visité beaucoup de pays du tiers monde, mais ce que j'ai vu au Bénin m'a convaincue que le plus pauvres des Cubains est quand même mieux nantis que bien des pauvres ailleurs dans le monde.
J'en ai d'ailleurs discuté il y a quelques mois avec mon ex beau-père cubain qui lui, a visité 3 pays africain en mission, et il se considérait chanceux d'être Cubain, ce qu'il a vu en Afrique comme misère et pauvreté l'a beaucoup affecté. Et pourtant, sa famille et belle-famille est loin d'être riche, personne ne vit du tourisme, une bonne majorité vit à la campagne profonde où la seule blanche qu'ils voyaient pendant l'année, c'était moi...
Par mon travail j'allais régulièrement en Afrique (Cote d'ivoire, Gabon , Mali ), dans certains de ces pays ce n'est pas la pauvreté mais la misère, et pourtant il y avait des autochtones avec des splendides 4*4 neufs Toyota (une minorité), et des villas immenses . Je n'aurais jamais osé écrire que les " francs CFA arrivaient à la pelle", pour laissez entendre que leurs misères était de la comédie
Oui par rapport à ces pays Cuba est un pays ayant un niveau de vie plus élevé mais on est loin de l'aisance, il y a quelques privilégiées c'est tout.
Qu'on le veuille ou non le salaire moyen est autour de 20 cuc par mois, et une toute petite minorité n'est pas l'image d'un pays. Pour faire une moyenne aussi basse il faut que pour quelques revenus élevés, un très grand nombre soit en dessous.😇
il y a des campagnes très pauvres, nul doute.... mais il y a des villes très touristiques, très visitées... et très riches et de nombreuses familles qui vivent correctement avec les remesas
si on fait une moyenne sur les habitants de Vinales qui vivent (bien) du tourisme - idem pour Trinidad ou Varadero sans oublier la capitale... on aura pas les mêmes chiffres que celui des villages de campagne
oui, des revenus de 500 CUC par mois quand on touche au tourisme ne sont pas rares... il suffit d'être au bon poste, appartenir au bon groupe social et garder son nez propre... et son job en or !
il y aura quelques milliers de voitures à vendre chaque année et elles seront prises d'assaut ! comme le sont les voitures en fin de location aujourd'hui , les seules occases récentes sur le marché
il suffit de voir les prix, cash en CUC, pour tout l'électroménager des TRD ! une télé à 10 ans de salaire- 1200 cuc , à en croire votre analyse, personne n'en aurait ! ni une machine à laver ... et pourtant tout cela se vend, non ?
Malheureusement, les prix ne pourront pas baisser rapidement....
L' état cubain étant le seul à louer des voitures...
Pour aider les cubains: louer des voitures avec chauffeur, c' est un peu cher mais des itineraires en américaine des années 50 , c' est unique au monde.
Pour le pouvoir d' achat des cubains, la question n' est pas acheter ou non une voiture; un médecin ne peut meme pas s' acheter un vélo d' occasion ( environ 250 cuc)...
Aidons les cubains meme s' ils ne pleurnichent pas pour cela, ils ne se plaignent jamais, voyageons avec des acteurs locaux et non avec des grands groupes qui ne redistribuent que des miettes.
On rêve tous d'y amener nos voitures qui en France valent 2000 à 3000 euros pour les revendre à 20 000, et les cubains nous les acheter vu ce qu'ils ont sur place.
Hélas, on ne peut pas les y amener, et il n'est pas question de dire que c'est la faute de l'embargo.
De même, les premières Peugeot étaient vendues près de 150 000 euros (je ne me suis pas trompé) dans un pays au salaire moyen de 15 euros.
Avez vous entendu parler de la nouvelle reglementation douaniere qui va prendre effet à partir de septembre à Cuba la voici: www.aduana.co.cu/... ou par là:…
Compagnies aériennes › Cuba / États-Unis · 47 replies
Six Cies US - American Airlines, - Frontier Airlines, - Jetblue Airways, - Silver Airways, - Southwest Airlines, - Sun Country Airlines ont été autorisées par…
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If you're planning your trips for 2026, Bruno Maltor's latest video should catch your interest. The travel tips YouTuber lists about ten destinations that could seriously complicate your stay this year.
What to expect in 2026
Without giving everything away, here are a few hints about what might ruin your trip:
- Major construction projects turning some cities into work zones (Olympics, infrastructure, etc.)
- Iconic sites under scaffolding – yes, even world-famous landmarks
- Major sporting events causing prices to skyrocket and accommodations to fill up
- Formerly affordable destinations now priced out of reach
- New tourist restrictions in cities that can’t handle any more visitors
- Concerning health or logistical situations in certain countries
10 destinations scrutinized
Bruno Maltor breaks down the cases of Los Angeles, Athens, Barcelona, Hallstatt, Vancouver, Cuba, Argentina, Kyoto, the Canary Islands, and Cairo in his video. For each, he explains exactly what the issues are and whether they’re temporary or structural.
Watch the full video.
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The end of a golden age
For years, travel forums embodied the spirit of mutual aid on the web. Travelers generously shared their experiences, tips, and secret spots. This collective generosity seemed endless. But behind this altruistic facade lay a more complex reality.
The silent infiltration of forums
Free travel forums have gradually become marketing hunting grounds. Under the guise of "experienced travelers," professionals in tourism, affiliates seeking commissions, or aspiring influencers testing monetization strategies now lurk.
These fake profiles master the community’s codes. They build credibility by answering dozens of basic questions before subtly slipping in their paid recommendations. A "favorite" hotel mentioned insistently, an "essential" guidebook systematically cited, an "extraordinary" local agency that keeps coming up in conversations.
New travelers can no longer tell the difference between selfless advice and disguised promotion. This informational pollution has gradually eroded the trust that gave these platforms their value.
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Faced with this decline, a new profession has emerged: the independent Travel Planner. These professionals fully embrace their commercial status and charge for personalized advice.
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But now, a third option is emerging: generative AI. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others can now generate travel itineraries in seconds, for free, with no commercial agenda.
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The forgotten alternative: authentic local experts
In this landscape saturated with dubious information, imperfect AI, and monetized services, one often-overlooked option remains: consulting real local professionals.
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These players offer what neither AI nor forums can: embodied, up-to-date, contextualized knowledge of the area. They know the newly opened restaurant, the museum temporarily closed for renovations, the impromptu weekend festival, or the alternative route to avoid construction.
Finding them takes extra effort. You have to search in the local language, look beyond the first page of results, check regional institutional websites, and join community Facebook groups. But this approach is often rewarded with free or low-cost advice of unmatched precision.
Toward an ecology of travel advice
The future of travel advice likely won’t be binary but hybrid. AI can rough out itineraries, propose logistical options, and compare alternatives. Travel Planners can refine, personalize, and reassure anxious travelers. Local experts can enrich, correct, and ground advice in on-the-ground reality.
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Travel has always been a school of discernment. It teaches us to distinguish the authentic from the fake, sincere advice from commercial manipulation. In the digital age, this skill becomes more crucial than ever.
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A link to the forum in the “Community” menu under “Discover the forum”, where you can chat, ask questions, or simply dream about your next getaway.
This partnership marks a new step in giving travelers even more of a voice.
A way to connect practical information and lived experience, to share insights so everyone can plan their trips by relying on what’s most valuable: exchanges between enthusiasts.
Thanks to all of you who keep this wonderful community alive, day after day.
Because travel is even more beautiful when it’s shared
You’ve explored the world, captured landscapes, and lived unique moments…
What if now was the perfect time to bring them to life on paper?
With the discount offered by MyAtlas for 1 month, turn your best memories into a real printed travel journal—something to flip through, share, and cherish.
Holding a real photo book in your hands is so different from scrolling through files on a hard drive. It’s something to treasure and share with loved ones over a nice slice of cake. A tangible way to keep your travel memories alive.
PROMO CODE: PROMOVF15
Discount: 15%
Valid until: November 13, 2025!
One use per person
Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer—if you’ve got travel photos waiting to be printed, now’s the time to go for it!
I’ve kept quiet about them... to preserve them.
Those are the words of a passionate traveler who recently wrote to us.
For years, he’s been discovering rare, authentic places... and chooses to say nothing.
Out of respect. Out of fear of destruction. Out of love for secrecy.
What would you do?
You stumble upon a magical spot, still untouched by mass tourism.
Do you keep it to yourself... or do you open the door, gently, to other travelers?
At DIRECTRAVEL, we’re asking ourselves these questions.
Can sharing be an act of passing something on?
Or is it always the beginning of the end for these preserved places?
Read the article here.
We’ve got a little game for you (okay, it’s not a walk in the park—you’ll have to do some digging!) with DirecTravel: the prize is 5 nights for one person at the Nilaya Experience guesthouse, right in the heart of Kerala, India.
The stay is worth 700 €. It’s set in a magical spot among the rice fields, offering a relaxing and 100% authentic getaway, far from the noise, hosted by Raghu and Véronique.
How to enter is simple:
1- Head over to directravel.org.
2- Browse the site to find the answers to the 10 contest questions. Click here for the questions.
Each question includes a clue to guide you to the right page.
3- Answer all 10 questions correctly to validate your entry.
Contest Rules
The game is free and with no purchase necessary.
A random draw will be held on September 19, 2025, among all correct entries.
The winner will be contacted directly by DIRECTRAVEL.
The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and valid based on the accommodation’s availability.
What if your travel memories had a place in a real journal? 🌍
Back-to-school season is when we get back into our routines, but it’s also when we look back on the great memories from summer. We often promise ourselves we’ll organize our photos, jot down our stories… and then life gets busy. Those memories slowly fade, stuck in our phones...
Travel journals from MyAtlas are here to change that. They let you gather your stories, your images, and your emotions in a beautiful keepsake you can hold onto and share. It’s like a personal diary, but illustrated by your travels.
Creating your journal also extends the travel experience: reliving your photos, rediscovering details you’d forgotten, and bringing those moments back to life.
Use the code BIENVENUE10 for 10% off your first album ;)
A new step for visitors starting September 2025
Laos is modernizing its border entry procedures. From September 1, 2025, the Laos Immigration Police Department will pilot a new online arrival registration system for foreign passport holders.
This new procedure is similar to Thailand’s recent switch to a digital arrival card system (introduced in May 2025). Just like in Thailand, travelers heading to Laos will still need a valid visa—either an e-visa obtained online in advance or a visa on arrival (VOA) at eligible checkpoints—but they can now skip the paper immigration forms at the border.
TikTok is currently experimenting with a hotel booking feature directly integrated into its app, in partnership with a well-known specialized platform. American users can now search for and book accommodations without leaving TikTok. Meanwhile, content creators with over 1,000 followers can promote hotels and restaurants in the U.S. and earn commissions or vouchers for bookings. This test, limited to the U.S. market for now, aligns with the trend of social commerce. There’s no doubt this initiative will be closely watched by major players in the online travel industry.
Originally planned for an official opening on July 3, 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which has already been partially open since autumn 2024, has had its official inauguration pushed back to the end of the year. This decision, made due to growing tensions in the Middle East, was motivated by the desire to give the event the international dimension it deserves.
Spanning 500,000 m²—larger than the Louvre (which has 360,000 m² of total space, including 73,000 m² of exhibition areas)—the museum will house up to 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of Tutankhamun and a monumental statue of Ramses II.
It can already welcome 4,000 visitors per day with limited access, with a future capacity estimated at 13,000 per day once fully open.
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of François Boucher, the founder of VoyageForum.
We will remember his passion for travel, but most of all, the pride he took in this forum, which has become indispensable among travelers. While there may have been heated debates, we ask that you show respect for him.
François was still very active on the forum, especially in the technical development section. VoyageForum was his life’s work. He worked passionately to update the site and make up for the 4 years of closure due to the pandemic.
Today, VoyageForum has also lost its developer.
That’s why we’re reaching out to this community to continue François’s legacy. If there are any former or current developers among you who know PERL and would be willing to help, your support would be greatly appreciated.
According to a recent study, Bangkok ranks first among the top 100 global destinations for remote workers in 2025. The Thai capital stands out for its excellent value for money, solid infrastructure, and high satisfaction levels among digital nomads.
Dubai, London, Tokyo, and Nakhon Ratchasima (in Thailand) complete the top 5, each catering to different priorities (safety, connectivity, cultural vibrancy). The study also highlights the cost-of-living gaps between cities: from Weligama (Sri Lanka), very affordable, to New York, the most expensive.
Social media engagement and visitor return rates are also becoming key indicators for assessing a destination’s appeal to nomads.
We’re thrilled to share an exclusive offer from our partner Subocea for August:
80 € per person per day to board a private luxury boat in Egypt with friends, family, or colleagues!
The offer includes everything on-site (accommodation, meals, activities, etc.), except for the flight.
Onboard, snorkel with turtles!
A unique opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in an exceptional setting while meeting other community members.
Hurry: only 26 spots available! 😉
Departure is imminent—a great chance to escape and reconnect.
If you’ve been looking for a reason to pack your bags, here it is!
Interested? Contact us quickly to book or get more info!
You’ve probably noticed it: the real travel gems no longer show up in search results. In today’s all-digital age, those local operators, small authentic accommodations, passionate guides, and committed local initiatives remain invisible. No flashy website, no ads, often not even an online presence.
Yet they exist—people who take care of their land, their culture, their community. Hidden in valleys, villages, forests. These are the ones who truly give meaning to travel, the kind you only discover through word of mouth... or among savvy travelers.
A collaborative project is starting to patiently catalog them, one by one. It’s called DirecTravel. Not very well-known yet—it’s just getting started—but already shared among independent travel enthusiasts. Here, no standardization or flashy interface: every address has been discovered on the ground, the old-fashioned way. Some have even been recognized by the Sustainable Travel Awards.
Their approach? Taking the time to listen, build connections, and support local initiatives that will never appear on Google’s first page.
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual recommendations, and if the idea of sharing genuine tips speaks to you, then this project might interest you. And maybe you, too, have a gem to share with them.
Travel bookings to the United States are seeing a significant drop in France for summer 2025, with over a 30% decrease in the spring and around -11% for summer departures.
Several reasons explain this disengagement:
an unfavorable exchange rate at the start of the year,
very high prices on the ground (accommodation, dining),
negative experiences with immigration,
as well as a political and social context perceived as off-putting (civil rights, safety, tense social climate).
Tourism professionals also note difficulties for Florida and some Southern states, while destinations like New York and Orlando are faring better.
The recent drop in the dollar and airfares could, however, encourage last-minute departures, and tourism stakeholders are betting on a gradual recovery starting this autumn, with major events planned for 2026 like the World Cup or the 250th anniversary of the United States.
This summer, your memories deserve more than just a corner of film!
For the summer season, our partner MyAtlas is offering you an exclusive deal: 10% off all travel journals to print with the code ETEVF25 😛
Perfect for preserving your photos, anecdotes, itineraries, and highlights, the MyAtlas journal turns every trip into a real keepsake book—personalized and ready to flip through anytime.
Whether you're off on an adventure or exploring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to capture the essence of your getaways and relive them again and again.
Don’t let your best stories gather dust in your phone: print them, share them, and above all, treasure them 😉
This forum was closed for a long time after COVID, then due to its sale by the previous owner. Since 2022, there have been notable changes for Russia. It became possible to travel to Russia as a tourist again after COVID restrictions ended in summer 2022. But before that, in March 2022, the EU and member countries cut air links with Russia, as well as train lines. They also cut Russian banks off from the Euro-American banking network—meaning cards and wire transfers.
EU-based insurers stopped offering policies for Russia.
The Green Card for cars in Russia was also discontinued.
Then the EU abolished the simplified visa regime agreement with Russia.
All in all, a summary of the current practical aspects would be helpful.
I’ve been traveling to Russia regularly for about twenty years, and after the long COVID break, I resumed in autumn 2022.
Visa
The usual paper visa is much more expensive. On one hand, because the previous regime was scrapped, and on the other, because invitations for multi-entry visas are pricier. A single-entry 30-day visa costs 80 €. The multi-entry one is 240 €. To be sure you’ll get a 12-month multi-entry, it’s best to buy a telex invitation from the MID (Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs), though there are few resellers. Prices vary depending on the seller.
E-visas are now available for Schengen passport holders. A big simplification for trips up to 16 days within a 60-day validity period. You can apply from 40 days up to 5 days before your desired date. Issued in up to four days. The site is https://evisa.kdmid.ru/ Cost: 50 €. Processed through an Emirati bank (United Arab Emirates).
Medical Insurance
Medical insurance with repatriation is required to get a visa. So you’ll need to buy a policy. This brings up payment methods. If you’re already familiar with Russia and have a Russian bank account, you can pay with your Russian card. Otherwise, you’ll have to buy from a site that accepts payments via a Belarusian bank—which means your bank must work with Belarus—or go through https://goingrus.com/fr/insurance
Transport from the EU
Minibus (marshrutka) from Kirkenes (Norway) to Murmansk. Schedules are coordinated with flights from Oslo, which arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. They wait on the right as you exit the airport. Some are chartered by groups and leave directly, but may have space—ask the driver. Otherwise, two companies run the route, with a stop in town at the corner of the Scandic, where they depart around 14:00 or 15:00. Payment in cash (NOK or RUB) to the driver. Main operator: https://borodinbus.com
Bus from Tallinn (Estonia) to St. Petersburg. The border crossing is on the Narva River. The Russian road checkpoint has been closed since January 2024 for construction expected to last 2.5 years, so reopening is possible in summer 2026. In the meantime, it’s a two-bus journey: Tallinn-Narva, then walk across the bridge between the Estonian and Russian checkpoints at Ivangorod, followed by another bus. Several companies: Luxexpress, Ecolines, Baltic Shuttle, Anniston, СКСавто.
Bus from Riga to Pskov or St. Petersburg (final destination). Departs from Riga’s bus station (behind the train station) daily between 18:00 and 19:00. Arrives in Pskov between 01:00 and 02:00 (Russian time). Company: СКСавто. There’s another bus around 21:00 with Ecolines, but it’s longer, with a long stop at the border.
Bus from Gdańsk to Kaliningrad. Several buses per day. From the PKS bus station, behind Gdańsk’s central station, on the other side of the boulevard. From Kaliningrad, a 1-hour flight to St. Petersburg costs around 5000 RUB.
Basically, unless you’re planning to go to Murmansk and the Kola Peninsula—and possibly from Murmansk, flights to Arkhangelsk, then Nenetsia (Naryan-Mar), etc.—the three main crossing points with airports are Tallinn, Riga, and Gdańsk.
The Gdańsk-Kaliningrad bus is the fastest, and the ticket to St. Petersburg is very reasonable.
The Narva-Ivangorod route is the riskiest in terms of potential queues and crossing time. Holiday periods are especially risky. Last mid-June, I took a 14:00 bus from Tallinn. I’d bought a single-berth compartment on the Grand Express St. Petersburg-Moscow train, leaving at 23:00, with the idea of a good night’s rest before a Moscow-Magadan flight. A 7-hour queue at the border meant I arrived at St. Petersburg’s bus station at 23:00—missed the train, had to book a room, and spent time finding a reasonably priced flight to Moscow the next day for the same airport as my Magadan flight.
The Riga-Pskov route is a bit long but relaxed. If you get off in Pskov, you can still get decent sleep between 02:00 and 12:00. The Oktyabrskaya Hotel is cheap. I’ve also stopped in Izborsk. You ask the driver when boarding in Riga. The stop is on the federal highway—cross the road, and the main inn is 200m away. You can explore the medieval site the next morning before taking a bus to Pskov (30 km).
From Pskov, there are fast regional Lastochka trains—three or four per day—to St. Petersburg, taking 3.5 hours. Very comfortable and affordable.
Also, two daily flights with Azimuth to Moscow-Vnukovo from 5000 RUB. A one-hour flight. It’s a section of Pskov’s military airfield, just a few kilometers from the city center.
Money
Cash. The EU issued a nonsensical decree: a ban on importing EU currency (euros, zloty, kroner, forints, etc.) except for personal travel use. This doesn’t make sense because as a citizen of a eurozone country, you *have* to have euros—cash or electronic (card). You can’t travel without them. The stipulation about a limit for personal use is absurd because personal use can mean anything from a hostel bed to a luxury hotel room, plus transport (flight tickets, train tickets in Russia), restaurants, etc. Estonian customs officers ask about this at the border when leaving. They ask in Estonian, then Russian, then English, depending. Since I cross with a French passport, I just say, "Sorry, I don’t understand," no matter what. Then they ask with a questioning look, "Euro?" and I shake my head. I haven’t been searched, but they do ask to glance in your bag. Russians with large suitcases often get checked.
Cards and phone apps: if you have a Russian bank account.
Telephony and Internet
Roaming works but is pricey. Okay for calls and SMS, but very expensive for data. In that case, use an e-SIM with your home carrier if your phone supports it. Otherwise, look into prepaid rechargeable SIMs in Russia for data only—like SIM cards for mobile modems.
Russian SIM: Since this year (2025), as of March, it’s mandatory to be registered in the EBS (Unified Biometric System) to buy a SIM card. For a non-resident foreigner, this means first registering for a SNILS at an MFC (Multifunctional Center)—also called "My Documents." The SNILS is the pension center, which doesn’t require residency. After getting your SNILS number and certificate, you register on the public services portal, Gosuslugi. Finally, you register in the EBS system (voice sample—you read numbers—and a biometric facial photo).
Personal Car
The Green Card no longer covers Russia, and neither do EU-based insurers. But third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is mandatory. Since the closure of the Russian checkpoint at Ivangorod for construction and the Finnish border closure, the routes are from Kirkenes in Norway, the Estonia-Pskov route, and—since the Belarus-Russia joint visa this year—the Belarus route, e.g., Poland-Terespol-Brest or Lithuania-Belarus.
No OSAGO sales if you cross via Kirkenes. I didn’t see any at Shumilkino, the Russian checkpoint after Estonia toward Pskov. If you have a Russian card, you can buy online, of course. Otherwise, pay in cash on-site at certain company offices (specific forms aren’t available at all agencies) or online by paying to a third-party account outside Russia—with added fees.
Spotlight on the "What A Trip Festival" in Montpellier
From September 22 to 28, 2025, head to Montpellier for the What A Trip Festival, the must-attend event for travel and adventure in images 😉
This event draws around 40,000 passionate visitors who come to (re)discover the world through documentary film screenings, followed by meet-ups, conferences, and workshops.
The "travel village" hosts a dedicated fair: exhibitor booths, a travel bookstore, photo exhibitions, food trucks, and free concerts set the pace.
The "Les rencontres voyageurs" booth will be there to offer you: a friendly atmosphere, conferences, masterclasses, fun games, and even interviews!
From December 9th to 12th, experience a winter getaway in the heart of the Czech capital, under the magical lights of the Christmas markets.
Enjoy an all-inclusive stay, blending cultural discoveries and festive holiday vibes with Hasamélis & MyAtlas.
Explore Prague’s treasures: Old Town Square, the castle, and the Town Hall Tower for breathtaking views…
This guided tour also takes you to exclusive, privately booked venues: Strahov Monastery, Estates Theatre, Municipal House… A rich cultural program in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Calling all adventure and off-road enthusiasts: the must-attend event of the year is just around the corner!
From August 26 to 30 in Valloire, don’t miss THE OFF-ROAD SHOW, the premier event dedicated to expeditions, overlanding, and motorized exploration.
4x4s, trucks, motorcycles, SSVs, gear, travel, test drives, meet-ups... Over 180 exhibitors and the 4th edition of the Rencontres Voyageurs, a 1,000 m² space hosted by Campers Lab and MyAtlas.
On the program: Activities, talks, interviews, masterclasses...
One motto: get inspired, connect, explore... in the heart of the Alps.
At the Seto forum (Association of Travel Agents), it was highlighted that, despite an uncertain geopolitical context, summer bookings are showing a slight increase (+1.4% overall as of the end of April), with +1.6% on medium-haul and +0.6% on long-haul flights. This growth is supported by an expected revenue increase of +2.9% and an average basket rise of +3.2%.
In terms of destinations, the Greek islands remain at the top despite a slight decline of -1%, the Balearic Islands are gaining ground (+2%), and Tunisia stands out with strong growth (+13%) thanks to its excellent value for money. For long-haul, Mauritius continues to dominate (+9%), while the United States is experiencing a downturn (-14%), behind Indonesia (-6%) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (+4%). Finally, French Polynesia (+16%) and Vietnam (+41%) are emerging as booming destinations.
"Les rencontres voyageurs" is a must-attend event for all travel enthusiasts, at the heart of France’s most beautiful gatherings.
Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a beginner looking for your first adventures, these meet-ups aim to bring people together, inspire, and share knowledge.
They offer a unique opportunity to chat with inspiring travelers, discover their authentic stories, their favorite spots around the world, and their practical tips for traveling peacefully and enrichingly 😉
"Les rencontres voyageurs" also feature conferences and masterclasses led by industry experts, covering a variety of topics such as responsible travel, content creation, and optimizing itineraries.
These sessions, both practical and inspiring, are designed to expand your knowledge and fuel your projects. On top of that, there are fun and educational activities, including the famous traveler quiz, encouraging exchanges and conviviality. Finally, visitors can explore an exhibition of travel vehicles, vans, 4x4s, nomadic equipment, and chat with professionals about van conversions, mobility, and innovations dedicated to vanlife.
A complete, immersive experience that’s all about discovery.
VoyageForum needs you more than ever! To continue making it the biggest space for exchange, inspiration, and sharing, we want to better understand your desires and expectations.
Take a few moments to answer our survey and let’s build the future of VoyageForum together!
Big traveler survey! We want to know everything! 🌍
Dreaming of your next trip already? So are we, but to better understand the desires and habits of French travelers, we need your help to later offer the best tips, good deals, trips, and more.
It’s a short form (promise, it only takes a few minutes).
And... there might just be a 50 € gift voucher up for grabs for one of the participants. Just like that, to thank you for taking part✨
Just click on this link: https://tally.so/r/mRrj6J and check the box based on your travel preferences 🧳✈️
Thanks in advance for lending a hand!
The cruise sector has seen a remarkable rebound since the pandemic, with 2024 attendance 20% higher than in 2019—outpacing air traffic growth, which was limited to 10%.
This performance is driven by an early recovery in the U.S. starting in 2021, competitive pricing, and enhanced onboard offerings. Cruise companies have invested in innovation, with a notable increase in patents related to passenger health (14%) and onboard services (50%).
These efforts have attracted a younger clientele, with millennials now making up 34% of passengers. This recovery model could inspire the airline industry to accelerate its own rebound.
😎😎😎
