Salut à tous ! Mauvaise nouvelle pour beaucoup d'entre nous qui partiront en Islande : il semblerait qu'une partie de la région de Myvatn (Kerid et Dettifoss), ainsi que l'accès au Geysir deviennent payants à partir de l'été 2014. En cause : du tourisme de masse qui pollue. Des infrastructures sont en cours de construction pour ces touristes qui ne respectent rien.
Prix : environ 2 € par personne (350 ISK) par personne pour chaque site. Gratuit pour les enfants de moins de 12 ans.
Certains peuvent penser que ça va "dénaturer" les sites mais si ça peut permettre de freiner le grand n'importe quoi...
Après je pense qu'il y aura toujours autant de monde! Je vois mal les gens ignorer Geysir. Ils paieront et ça rapportera de l'argent à l'état Islandais. Pareil pour Dettifoss pour ceux qui vont vers le Nord de l'île. Et ce n'est "que" 2€. Pas de quoi freiner les ardeurs des bus touristiques!
Ce dont j'ai peur surtout c'est que de plus en plus de touristes préfèrent délaisser ces coins pour aller dans les coins reculés. Perso je ne compte passer que 2 jours à Myvatn et un petit après midi au cercle d'or, si je trouve plein de touristes ailleurs ça sera vraiment dommage...
Ils commencent à tout aménager, on aura même peut-être le droit à des péages sur la route 1 🙁
Ce site m' a déçu et paru un des moins intéressants de l' Islande , malgré la célébrité du nom . Ça fait vraiment pâle figure comparé à Yellowstone .
En revanche dans ce secteur , Gulfoss est réellement prodigieux . D' une manière générale , les grandes chutes d' eau m' ont beaucoup impressionné . C' est vraiment un des points forts de l' Islande !
Bonne journée
Ben alors ! pour ceux qui ne connaissent pas Yellowstone ??????? c'est beau tout simplement !!!!!!!!!!!
Tout le pays est beau, si on aime la nature bien sûr, et c'est gratuit...... Nous y sommes
allés 2 fois, dont 1 mois complet. C'est un spectacle permanent 24h/24
JOYEUSES FETES, et de beaux périples.......
A bientôt
MTD
Alors là, c'est une sacrée mauvaise nouvelle. Ce qui m'attirait dans ce pays, c'était ça. La gratuité des sites. leur virginité. Maintenant... Si landmannalaugar est payant, et les autres, ben... j'irai me trouver un autre pays de rêve.
peut être que, comme au Japon, ils feront payer les piscines thermales en plein air et les hot pots?
En Sicile, certains sites sont payants, mais juste à la haute saison.
Peut être que l'hiver l'accès restera gratuit?...
Bonsoir,
Mauvaise nouvelle ? Oui bien sur, au premier abord. Mais sans doute inévitable. Et si ce paiement permet d'encadrer un peu, peut-être est ce bien. La gratuité des sites c'est très sympa. Mais peut-on vraiment parler de virginité pour des endroits comme Geysir ?
Notre premier voyage en Islande sera cette année, et ce péage somme toute modeste ne nous rebutera pas.
Vous dites que les "Onsen" au Japon sont payants ? Là où je suis allé (Hokkaido) j'en ai vus (et appréciés en plein hiver)
un certain nombre totalement gratuits. Mais sans doute n'est ce pas partout le cas. Mon expérience de ce pays est limitée à un seul voyage.
PS apparemment ces sites sont sur des terrains privés. Imaginez un instant ce qu'auraient fait depuis longtemps le propriétaires de tels sites chez nous ? Par exemple combien paie t-on à l'entrée de gorges de Kakouetta ?
Bonjour,
Jusqu'à nouvel ordre vous êtes vous-même un TOURISTE. Si tous ceux qui n'aiment pas les "gros touristes" n'allaient pas sur les grands sites, la situation serait résolue par elle-même. Moi, quand j'irai quelque part, j'espère que je serai seul, et les mouches après.
Un peu de tolérance ! L'Islande n'appartient à personne. Et il n'y a pas de touristes meilleurs que les autres ou qui valent plus que les autres.
Bonjour,
Jusqu'à nouvel ordre vous êtes vous-même un TOURISTE. Si tous ceux qui n'aiment pas les "gros touristes" n'allaient pas sur les grands sites, la situation serait résolue par elle-même. Moi, quand j'irai quelque part, j'espère que je serai seul, et les mouches après.
Un peu de tolérance ! L'Islande n'appartient à personne. Et il n'y a pas de touristes meilleurs que les autres ou qui valent plus que les autres.
Vous n'avez pas trop compris où je voulais en venir.
Ce qui me dérange chez les touristes, ce n'est pas le nombre (même si il faut reconnaître que c'est largement mieux sans trop de monde), mais leurs réactions. La majorité que j'ai croisés pendant mes voyages sont bruyants et passent leur temps à faire des photos. On ne peut même plus rester immobile quelque part sans qu'il faille se pousser pour que quelqu'un qui reste planté en plein milieu du passage puisse prendre sa photo souvenir. J'aime bien faire quelques photos, mais en présence d'un grand nombre de touristes, il faut rester civilisé et laisser les gens profiter de leurs vacances méritées et qui ont coûté cher. Nous avons très peu d'occasions de partir en voyage, elles ne doivent pas être gâchées pour autant.
Je comprends bien votre position et je la partage assez bien. Mais je crois qu'on doit se taire un peu et vivre avec. Je ne supporte pas ceux qui disent qu'ils "fuient" les touristes...qu'ils sont eux-mêmes. Tout le monde a droit à voir la nature : ce n'est pas une chasse gardée.
Bien à vous
On ne peut même plus rester immobile quelque part sans qu'il faille se pousser pour que quelqu'un qui reste planté en plein milieu du passage puisse prendre sa photo souvenir. J'aime bien faire quelques photos, mais en présence d'un grand nombre de touristes, il faut rester civilisé et laisser les gens profiter de leurs vacances méritées et qui ont coûté cher. Nous avons très peu d'occasions de partir en voyage, elles ne doivent pas être gâchées pour autant.
Et cette réflexion est valable dans les deux sens... Lequel des deux gêne le plus l'autre ? Celui qui prend des photos ou celui qui est immobile justement dans le champ visuel ?? Qui de la poule ou de l'oeuf... ? 😄
L'enfer, c'est les autres !
D'ailleurs c'est pas bien de voyager. Vous avez vu un peu votre empreinte carbone ?
Tous ces gens devraient rester chez eux. Ils pourraient ainsi y lire tranquillement mes carnets de voyage sur VF et y admirer mes belles photos,
celles que j'ai faites bien entendu uniquement pour leur faire "partager" et leur procurer du rêve....
Jusqu'ici c'est gratuit, mais je réfléchis à leur faire payer une petite obole (moins élevée que celle qu'ils devraient désormais acquitter sur les sites célèbres) destinée à financer mes futurs voyages...
J'aime beaucoup ta réponse Cheechako. Je rejoins aussi totalement l'avis de Kikefrt "Je ne supporte pas ceux qui disent qu'ils "fuient" les touristes...qu'ils sont eux-mêmes.", et j'y ajoute une petite citation que j'aime bien :
“Ce qui caractérise la différence entre le voyageur, espèce qui fut toujours rare et le demeure, et le touriste, c’est que le touriste ne cesse de pester contre le touriste. Les touristes, bien entendu, ce sont toujours les autres”,
Claude Roy
Julien, touriste...et qui l'assume pleinement.
Pour des topos de treks et des informations précises sur les pays que j'ai visités, rendez-vous sur mon blog : https://treketvoyages.com/.
Il fonctionne comme un modeste guide de voyage et non comme un récit de voyage.
bien sûr et heureusement que tout le monde a le droit de bouger (ou de voyager) sur notre petite planète, mais parler d'un touriste universel dans la mondialisation du voyage est un peu restrictif voire simpliste. N'y a t il pas une petite différence entre celui qui descend 5 ou 10 mn d'un bus bondé sur un site dont il ignore presque tout pour y être pris en photo; de celui qui aura préparé son voyage et essaiera de comprendre l'histoire et la culture du pays tout en essayant de profiter autant que ce peut des sites et de la nature ou encore de celui qui partira une dizaine de jours à pied ou à vélo au milieu de nulle part ?
Il y a plusieures façons de voyager et entre le 1er et le 3ème je ne vois pas ce qu'il y a de commun, ils ne font pas le même voyage " touristique" ce sont même des étrangers, ils ne vivent pas dans le même monde du voyage.
J'ai pratiqué les 3 et ça me parait évident que je suis un touriste bien différent de part la perception que j'ai du voyage ou du regard des "autochtones", sans parler des relations qu'il est possible d'avoir ou pas avec la population.
Quand je prends une photo, j'essaie de faire au plus vite pour partager le site car je ne suis pas seul... alors oui , moi ça me gonfle de voir toute une meute d'asiatiques se mettre délibérément et naturellement devant moi pour se prendre en photos les uns avec les autres pendant 3 plombes alors que j'allais prendre rapidement une photo sur le site d' Angkor. En tant que touriste je ne me reconnais pas du tout dans ce genre de comportement universel d'autres touristes.
et ça me gène pas du tout, au contraire, de dire que je fuis les touristes ( il n'y a pas beaucoup de mètres à faire généralement) parce que je n'aurai pas choisi cette fois ci cette manière de voyager, comme je comprends tout à fait celui qui était tranquille à profiter d'un endroit et qui va pester à me voir débarquer d'un bus avec 50 autres personnes, moi cela aurait tendance à me mettre mal à l'aise.
bons voyages à tous
Réponse d'islande en direct. 2 eme séjour en islande , toujours en hiver, 2 ans d'intervalle. Nous sommes "perturbés". Il y a 2 ans, nous pouvions prendre une piste a droite ou a gauche et trouver des jolis endroits peu fréquenté, faire une ballade d'1h sans croiser personne. C'est fini. Il y a foule de partout et les trepieds a appareil photo poussent comme des champignons. C'est hallucinant. L'islande s'est adapté a une montée du tourime de 70% en 4 ans et cela se voit. les principaux sites voient leurs parking a bus s'aggrandir, les bicoques future"caisses /droit de visite" sont montées. Le changement est saisissant. Les clotures sécurisent nombreux champs qui étaient libres il y a 2 ans. Les panneaux interdiction de camper aussi sont apparus de partout. il y a de nouvelles guest'house aussi tous les 100 m, et les prix ont fortement augmentés. Bref , ce n'est plus un espace "grande liberté" "sensation d'"etre seul au monde". venir en islande , meme dans les coins dis "reculés" , c'est plus du tout passer des vacances "seul au monde" (d'aprés nos discussion, c'est pareil (pire?)l'été dans le centre et dans les fjords) . Il va falloir se contenter des bus qui croisent sur la N1 toute les 10 minutes... ( en tout cas au mois de mars, je ne sais pas ce qu'il en est le reste de l'année). Tout le monde a le droit de faire "le touriste " mais pour ne pas etre etre décu, il vaut mieux bien savoir ou l'on va!!
Ces nouvelles m'attristent mais étaient prévisibles. Entre 1979 et 2011, j'ai vu évoluer l'Islande et ses sites touristiques : 13 séjours dont la moitié comme accompagnatrice de groupes. Quand quelque chose est magnifique, tout le monde veut le voir, et j'ai été la première à pousser mes amis à y aller. J'ai vu des gens imprudents, puis des panneaux de sécurité de plus en plus grands, des gens courir partout et piétiner la flore, puis des piquets et des cordes, puis des chemins matérialisés, canalisant le trafic des visiteurs. C'est une évolution à laquelle il n'y a pas d'autre réponse, d'autant plus que l'Islande possède un milieu naturel extrêmement fragile. Etpuis le tourisme évolue : là où j'allais en 79, les handicapés et les personnes âgées n'avaient pas accès. Ce n'est plus la philosophie actuelle.
Je peux vous suggérer un truc : il y a qq années, à Geysir, en juin, j'ai dormi dans ma tente près du site (il n'y avait que moi au camping) et me suis réveillée vers 5H du matin. Pendant une heure au moins, le geyser n'a craché que pour moi. La fois suivante, blasée, je suis restée au café à discuter avec mon guide ami islandais pendant que mon groupe allait photographier dans la foule.
Se lever très tôt peut être une solution et je l'ai fait souvent sur des sites très connus, quand ils sont accessibles. Mais bien sur, si tout est clos et bouclé, même ça ne sera plus possible. Quelle solution ?
L'Islande et chère, le tourisme est une ressource très importante pour elle, mais elle n'offre (presque) que des sites naturels. Apr��s tout, en Grèce et à Chypre, on paye pour les sites archéologiques, prix justifié par l'entretien qu'ils nécessitent. Où est la différence en Islande ?
Ta réponse m'étonne beaucoup, et me laisse sceptique. Je crois volontiers Chantal qui constate un changement depuis 1979. Cependant, depuis 2012, franchement, un changement aussi radicale me semble totalement exagéré. J'y suis allé en 2009 et en 2011, je suis donc évidement très mal placé pour te contredire, simplement j'aimerais avoir d'autres témoignages allant dans le même sens. La source des +70% en 4 ans m'intéresse également.
Je suis aussi d'accord avec Chantal sur la comparaison avec sites archéologique.
Pour des topos de treks et des informations précises sur les pays que j'ai visités, rendez-vous sur mon blog : https://treketvoyages.com/.
Il fonctionne comme un modeste guide de voyage et non comme un récit de voyage.
Réponse d'islande en direct. 2 eme séjour en islande , toujours en hiver, 2 ans d'intervalle. Nous sommes "perturbés". Il y a 2 ans, nous pouvions prendre une piste a droite ou a gauche et trouver des jolis endroits peu fréquenté, faire une ballade d'1h sans croiser personne. C'est fini. Il y a foule de partout et les trepieds a appareil photo poussent comme des champignons. C'est hallucinant. L'islande s'est adapté a une montée du tourime de 70% en 4 ans et cela se voit. les principaux sites voient leurs parking a bus s'aggrandir, les bicoques future"caisses /droit de visite" sont montées. Le changement est saisissant. Les clotures sécurisent nombreux champs qui étaient libres il y a 2 ans. Les panneaux interdiction de camper aussi sont apparus de partout. il y a de nouvelles guest'house aussi tous les 100 m, et les prix ont fortement augmentés. Bref , ce n'est plus un espace "grande liberté" "sensation d'"etre seul au monde". venir en islande , meme dans les coins dis "reculés" , c'est plus du tout passer des vacances "seul au monde" (d'aprés nos discussion, c'est pareil (pire?)l'été dans le centre et dans les fjords) . Il va falloir se contenter des bus qui croisent sur la N1 toute les 10 minutes... ( en tout cas au mois de mars, je ne sais pas ce qu'il en est le reste de l'année). Tout le monde a le droit de faire "le touriste " mais pour ne pas etre etre décu, il vaut mieux bien savoir ou l'on va!!
Bonjour,
J'avoue que ce message me "perturbe" également !
"ce n'est plus un espace "grande liberté" "sensation d'"etre seul au monde". venir en islande , meme dans les coins dis "reculés" , c'est plus du tout passer des vacances "seul au monde"
Je ne suis pas encore allé en Islande, mais d'après tout ce que j'ai lu, la région "entre la capitale et Jokulsarlon" ce n'est peut-être pas non plus le meilleur coin pour être "seul au monde" et dans "les coins dits reculés"?
D'ailleurs en Mars, est-il vraiment possible d'aller facilement dans des coins vraiment reculés ?
Roudi nous disait elle-même il y a quelques jours être bloquée par le mauvais temps (ce que je crois bien volontiers !)
Oui je m'attends à pas mal de monde sur les sites très prisés, en particulier dans cette région du "triangle d'or", et plus largement tout le sud.
Oui l'Islande a surement beaucoup changé au niveau du tourisme, mais n'est ce pas le cas dans bien des endroits, y compris chez nous ?
Et puis quant on voit ici l'activité du forum Islande , on se rend bien compte tout de suite qu'en allant en Islande on ne sera pas "seul au monde " !!!!
Mais... ... la faute à qui ? Aux Islandais ?
La montée du tourisme est évidemment inévitable. Tant mieux justement que les touristes privilégient ces endroits, ça prouve qu'ils ont du goût. Le seul problème c'est le civisme, qui j'espère sera amélioré.
Par contre ils commencent à construire des hôtels et des restaurants sur les plages ou même devant les cascades (Hôtel à Skogafoss en cours de projet). Je trouve ça déplorable, ils pourraient les mettre autre part.
Je plaisantais en répondant à ce post d'où mon clin d'oeil 😉
Crois tu vraiment qu'en Mars il puisse y avoir foule et des trépieds partout en Islande ?
Non bien sur 🙂
Je crois surtout que sur le forum il y a foule et . . . de toutes sortes de renseignements : du vrai , du faux , de l'exagéré , du sincère , du n'importe quoi . . . etc , etc ... et comme tout est relatif où est la vérité ?
Je ne suis pas inquiet pour l' Islande même en été et je ne serais pas déçu si il y a un peu plus de monde que prévu
Au moins il y aura de l 'aide si on se plante dans un gué 😛
Je compare juste mes 2 séjours et ne prétend pas avoir la science infuse (moi...)
- VIK ( plage noire)à : mars 2012: 3h de ballade: 3 voitures/ Mars 2014: 8 bus et je n ai pas compté les dizaines de voitures.
- Entre hverargerdi et l embranchement de la route 39: 25 bus a 10h
et surtout le plus etonnant a été de croiser autant de monde hors piste.
effectivement se lever de bonne heure est une trés bonne solution, qui nous a permi de découvrir certain site trés touristique que nous avions loupé , sans trop de monde, donc c'est encore possible , à 7h du mat...
+ 70% est le chiffre donné par Reykjavik excursion ( sur discussion ) ( il disent que ca a surtout augmenté depuis 1 an)
et enfin discussion avec la gérante de notre GH hier : elle a doublé son chiffre d'affaire en 1 an ( GH qui a 8 ans). Elle nous a exprimé un début de "ras le bol " des islandais devant cet afflut meme si cela leur rapporte de l'argent.
Attention, ce n'est pas non plus bondé, c'est pas l'égypte. je n'ai pas dit que c'etait insupportable , loin de là, mais juste trés surprenant ( avis partagé par quelques tourites "habitués "croisé lors de notre séjour. )
Que cela vous plaise ou non, ce sont des faits, libre a chacun de pensez ce qu'il veut. L islande n en demeure pas moins un trés beau pays. ( et je ne connais pas le nord...)
Et cette réflexion est valable dans les deux sens... Lequel des deux gêne le plus l'autre ? Celui qui prend des photos ou celui qui est immobile justement dans le champ visuel ?? Qui de la poule ou de l'oeuf... ? 😄
Il me revient par ailleurs qu'une grève générale est annoncée en Islande à partir du 28 mai. Un hotelier me l'a confirmé ainsi que le loueur d'auto. que faire?…
La compagnie islandaise propose des promotions pour cet été à destination de Reykjavik à partir de 330 € A/R. A réserver avant le 2 mai 2014. A voir sur leur…
Avec 20% de visiteurs supplémentaires chaque année, l'Islande commence à saturer avec en outre des répercutions sur son environnement, l'inflation ou encore la…
Le gouvernement islandais compte tripler la TVA sur les hôtels, restaurants et attractions touristiques, à partir du 1er mai 2013 - elle passerait de 7 à 25,5…
Avec 1,8 million d'entrées, l'année 2016 aura vu un tiers de touristes supplémentaires débarquer en Islande. Un boom touristique qui devrait continuer mais qui…
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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.
The rise of paid Travel Planners
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.
The model is transparent: you pay for real expertise, tailor-made itineraries, and guaranteed availability. Some offer packages for 150-300 € to plan a two-week trip entirely. Others charge by the hour.
This professionalization marks a turning point. Travel advice is leaving the realm of volunteerism and entering the world of paid services. Paradoxically, this acknowledged monetization can restore a form of trust: you know what you’re paying for.
The irruption of artificial intelligence
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.
AI promises neutral, synthetic, endlessly customizable information. It compiles thousands of sources in real time, suggests alternatives, and adapts recommendations to your budget and time constraints. It doesn’t sell anything, earns no commissions, and has no hotels to promote.
But this apparent neutrality hides its own limitations. AI feeds on existing data, often from the same polluted forums or marketing content. It can invent restaurants that don’t exist, mix up tourist seasons, or ignore recent local realities. It has never walked a city’s streets, negotiated with a tuk-tuk driver, or felt the atmosphere of a neighborhood at nightfall.
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.
Not the agencies at the top of Google’s first page—often the most expensive and generic. But small local businesses, independent guides established for years, still-free municipal tourism offices, and cultural associations organizing themed tours.
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.
But for this ecosystem to work, we’ll need to develop new discernment. Learn to spot fake profiles on forums. Systematically verify AI suggestions. Assess the real value of a Travel Planner before paying. And, above all, rediscover the habit of contacting those who live there directly.
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.
Because ultimately, the real question isn’t which information source to prioritize, but how to cultivate our own ability to evaluate, cross-check, and ultimately make informed choices. The best travel guide may still be our critical thinking.
Travel is, above all, a story of encounters.
Those that inspire us, guide us, and make us dream.
That’s why we’re happy to announce a partnership between Petit Futé and VoyageForum, two worlds that share the same passion: travel experienced and recounted by those who truly set off.
In practical terms, you can now find VoyageForum directly on PetitFuté.com, through:
Over 190 destinations linked to the forum: on each “Discover the destination” page, a “Travelers’ Forum” tab lets you access discussions, tips, and testimonials from travelers just like you.
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.
