je pars en Ecosse début août, j'ai loué une voiture et je souhaite faire un tour du pays avec quelques balades, visites, rando.
Pouvez-vous me dire ce que vous pensez de mon planning?
Jour 1 : arrivée à glasgow, ballade à knapps loch, puis glencoe avec une rando d'1h, ensuite direction glennfinnan au viaduc à 19h30 pour voir le jacobite train (j'ai demandé les heures de passage à la compagnie de train pour être sûre)
Retour sur Mallaig en soirée
Jour 2 : prise du ferry à 8h10 pour armadale / isle de skye.
rando à fairy pool (apparemment 5 h)
puis direction neist point lighthouse pour une ballade d'1h30
ensuite direction fairy glen (UIG) avec une ballade d'1h30
retour à UIG ou camping sauvage à fairyglen
jour 3 : direction old man of storr, ballade pdt 2 h,
puis direction portree avec visite de la ville.
Ensuite direction eilean donan castle, visite du chateau et nuit par là.
jour 4 : route vers inverness avec ballade du loch ness (environ 3h)
ensuite direction perth avec arrêt à kingussie et visite de perth l'aprem
nuit à perth
jour 5 : direction stirling, visite de stirling et du chateau dans la matinée puis direction edimbourg en début d'aprem
nuit sur edimbourg
jour 6 : journée à edimbourg, visite de rosslyn chapel
retour sur glasgow ou nuit à edimbourg
Alors ta première journée est quand même une bonne journée, surtout le temps de sortir de l'aéroport, de récupérer la voiture, de faire la route (compter 20% de plus que ce que dit Google maps en gros), ça me semble chargé, mais je ne sais pas à quelle heure arrive ton avion.
De manière générale, tes journées sont très programmées niveau rando, il va surement falloir être beaucoup plus flexible pour jouer avec la météo. Si tu es bien équipée en tenue de rando imperméable ça va à peu près mais en camping c'est l'enfer pour faire sécher ses affaires et la rando par mauvais temps en Écosse est déconseillée si tu montes un minimum, ça peut devenir dangereux (enfin si ça reste de la ballade en fond de vallée, pas de problème)
Portree, c'est pas grand, tu auras vite fait le tour, rien de particulièrement palpitant, c'est un gros village plus qu'une ville.
Jour 4: c'est une très grosse journée, surtout en conduisant seule. Je couperais l'étape en deux. Ça ne semble être «que» 4-5h de route, mais conduire à gauche quand on n'a pas l'habitude ça fatigue vite, et si en plus tu fais de la marche, tu vas être un peu cassée pour prendre la route. En plus, si tu aimes la rando, je trouve dommage de ne pas profiter du Cairngorms National Park.
Jour 6: je travaille à la chapelle, si je suis là viens me dire bonjour! (je suis la seule guide francophone 😉) Tu peux camper dans le coin d'ailleurs, il y a des beaux endroits dans le glen proche de la chapelle, sinon les Pentlands Hills sont juste à côté c'est l'idéal, tu trouveras facilement des coins sympas pour poser ta tente.
J'ai écrit un petit guide d'observation des aurores boréales, basé sur mes propres expériences: https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9872650;#9872650
Merci beaucoup Laure pour tes conseils, ils me sont très utiles!
Je ne manquerai pas de passer faire un coucou à la chapelle (si tu as un badge! :) )
J'ai refais mon itinéraire mais c'est difficile, j'ai envie de tout faire :/
1er jour
8h15 arrivée à GLASGOW,
11 h → depart voiture
12h → Arrêt miam à LUSS
13 h -14h30→ Luss-> Etive mor (1h30 ) Arrêt buachaille etive mor
15h00-> Etive mor ->Glencoe
15h30 → Glencoe – Rando BRECKET TRAIL -1h à 1h30
17h00-> Direction Glenn finnan viaduc (1h)
18h00 → Arrivée à glennfinnan passage du train à 19h30
CAMPING VERS GLENNFINNAN ou se rapprocher de Mallaig
2 ème jour
GLENN FINNAN → Mallaig (40 min)
8.10 départ ferry à mallaig
8.50 arrivée ferry armadale
10 h00 ->fairy pools - Randonnée : 3 heures
14h00 → 15h30 → neist point lighthouse
15h30-17h30- randonnée neist point lighthouse (1h à 2h)
17h30->18h direction dunvegan
18h-19 h : dunvegan castle rando 1h + visite de la ville
Nuit à dunvegan
CAMPING
3 ème jour
8h-9h00-direction fairy glen – rando d'1h30
9h30->11h00 : rando fairy glen
12h00-17h00 Aprem rando QUIRAING (entre 3 et 5 h)
en soirée : quiraing-> old man of storr (20min)
Dodo à mi rando de l'old man of storr (durée totale entre 3 et 5 h)
CAMPING SAUVAGE
(à voir si j'ai le temps si je fais les 2 : quiraing ET old man of storr. A choisir, laquelle est plus sympa?)
4ème jour
8h00->10h30 fin de rando OLD MAN OF STORR
fin de matinée à PORTREE
13h-14h direction Eilean donan castle
14h-15 h visite du chateau
15h-16h -> direction FORT AUGUSTUS- petit arrêt
17h00->17h40 loch ness (route 40min)
18h-20 h rando loch ness : 2h
CAMPING
5ème jour
8h00-9h30 direction loch an eilein
11h00-13h00- perth – visite de la ville
16h00-17h00 direction stirling
visite de la ville
CAMPING
6ème jour
direction Edimbourg ->journée à edimbourg, visite de rosslyn chapel
retour sur glasgow
CAMPING VERS ROSSLYN CHAPEL
7ème jour
journée Glasgow
CAMPING VERS GLASGOW
8ème jour
retour Tôt le matin en France
Bien évidemment il faudra que je trouve quelques points pour me ravitailler.
Y'a t-il des visites qui peuvent être raccourcies? genre dunvegan, eilean donan castle...
Combien de temps dois-je tabler pour Perth et Stirling?
Dans l'ensemble tout est très organisé mais ton programme devra surement être revu au jour le jour pour jouer avec la météo et les imprévus. Ne te fixe pas toutes ces choses à faire impérativement car tu risques d'être simplement frustrée de ne pas pouvoir tout faire. Surtout que ton timing est ultra réglé, mais le moindre truc qui te retarde et tout ton programme de la journée est décalé. Et si quelque chose te plait beaucoup sur la route, tu ne peux pas te permettre d'y passer plus de temps car tu as ton planning à suivre. À mon avis, laisse plus de place à l'imprévu! Est- ce que tu auras un gps? Car sinon prévois une plus grosse marge pour la route au cas où.
À la fin du jour 1 même si c'est déjà une très grosse journée, je me rapprocherais de Mallaig car il faut en général être au ferry 30 minutes à 1h avant (ça dépend des ferries) donc ça plus le temps de route, ça va te faire lever sacrément tôt. Si tu n'as pas encore réservé ton ferry, fais le maintenant, car en été les ferries sont souvent pleins.
Sur Skye, allonge les temps de toute par rapport à google, ce sont de petites routes sinueuses où tu te range pour laisser passer ceux d'en face, faut pas être pressés. C'est magnifique, mais pense que ça prend plus de temps qu'on ne pense pour rallier deux points. Pour Dunvegan, tu auras très vite fait le tour, c'est un village plus qu'une ville.
Pour Stirling je trouve dommage de ne pas visiter le château. La vile en elle-même est jolie mais bon le vieux centre c'est 3 rues, et à 17h toutes les attractions vont être fermées. Si tu tiens absolument à visiter Perth, je passerais la nuit à Perth pour aller direct à Edimbourg le lendemain.
Pour le 6e jour, attention aux bouchons! Beaucoup de gens qui travaillent à Edimbourg habitent dans la campagne autour et de l'autre côté de l'estuaire, donc pas mal de bouchons aux heures de pointe. De toute façon ça ne vaut pas trop la peine d'arriver avant 10h car rien ne sera ouvert. Tu auras très peu de temps pour vraiment visiter Edimbourg car si tu veux aller à Rosslyn (qui est en dehors de la ville) il ne faudra pas partir trop tard. En seulement quelques heures, part du château et descend tranquillement le long du Royal Mile, tu verras la vieille ville. Si tu as le temps, tu peux aller sur Carlton Hill, la vue est belle et c'est rapide. Tu peux aussi faire un saut au National museum of Scotland, il est gratuit donc tu peux te permettre de n'y passer que peu de temps. Et oui je porte un badge ;)
Idem avec les bouchons entre Edimbourg et Glasgow, évite absolument les heures de pointe. Ça n'est pas facile de se garer dans ces deux villes (dans le centre en tout cas), prépare toi à payer du parking! Enfin encore une fois, reste TRÈS flexible avec ce planning, tu risque de devoir changer pas mal de choses en court de route.
J'ai écrit un petit guide d'observation des aurores boréales, basé sur mes propres expériences: https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9872650;#9872650
Je pars dans une semaine pour 10 jours dans ce beau pays qu'est l'Ecosse, et j'aurais aimé avoir vos avis sur mon itinéraire. Je compte faire ce voyage seule,…
J'ai lu sur le site différentes discussions concernant les voyages en Écosse en hiver. Je ne suis jamais allée en Écosse et j'y vais d'abord et avant tout pour…
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to travel solo to Oman in December 2025, renting a vehicle that allows me to camp in certain areas. For those who’ve already explored the country this way, could you share your experiences or tips?
I’d also like to visit the Wahiba Desert, but in that area, I’d prefer a guide for driving and, most importantly, not to sleep in those luxury desert-edge camps but rather have a "wild" escape under the stars. Any guide recommendations? Thanks in advance – Clem
Hi there, I’m Brigitte, 66 years old, fairly active and in great shape. I split my time between the Tarn region and Nantes, have a youthful spirit, and am very easy-going. I’m looking for a woman with a similar profile for a road trip in Southeast Asia—half humanitarian work and half free travel. The trip starts in October 2026 in the Philippines on the island of Panay, then moves on to Indonesia and Malaysia. The journey could last up to 4 or 5 months, as I have no fixed schedule. If you’re cool and friendly, feel free to message me. See you soon!
hi there
I’m leaving on October 1st for Rio, which I’ll be exploring over 10 days while staying in Copacabana and Ipanema.
After that, I’m heading to Ilha Grande, Paraty, and finally a flight to Iguaçu.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Rio. Is it possible to walk around and explore without constantly worrying about getting my phone snatched?
I’m traveling alone and don’t speak Portuguese.
I need GPS to get around.
I love walking and don’t really like taking taxis, which is why I’ve booked two places to stay in Rio to experience different neighborhoods.
But is this doable given the security concerns there?!
In short, can you travel peacefully?
Thanks for your feedback if you’ve been to Rio!
Best,
I’m traveling solo to Armenia in mid-September for three weeks, and I’ll be using public transport. I have a few questions:
- Does Yandex work everywhere, even in villages?
I’m looking for:
- Nice guesthouse addresses in the north (national park) and the south, including the village of Ararat,
and a simple but clean hotel in Yerevan that’s convenient for getting to the bus stations later.
- Any great tips or advice you can share.
Actually, I’m a bit worried I’ll be stuck only visiting tourist sites without a car. What do you think?
Thanks for your help
I’m arriving in Tana on 9/10/26 as a solo female traveler.
Which hotel in Tana is good for the first night since I’ll get in at 10 PM?
What’s worth seeing around Tana?
I’m planning 2 nights in Tana,
then 2 nights in Andasibe? After that, Lake Itasy.
Any suggestions? Thanks
I contacted several agencies in Madagascar to arrange this 4x4 trip along the coast.
Always the same answer: a tailor-made trip with at least 2 participants.
Since I don’t want to travel alone and a friend isn’t available, I’m looking for a woman to share this trip with the agency Mahay Mada, which offers a 12-day, 11-night tour of southern Madagascar. I’m available from August 23 to September 14.
Thanks for your direct response at 0784659791. See you soon, Mireille
I’d love to settle around Da Nang for about a month and explore the surrounding areas in Vietnam.
I’ve already been to this country and don’t feel like rushing around every day like I used to a few years ago.
I’d really like to find some company to stay for at least a month, and then maybe spend a month in Cambodia...
Given that I’m now 76, I don’t want to run around like I used to, trying to see everything...
I enjoy calm people... Those who love life and with whom I can share a beer... And meet people to create a great atmosphere—la dolce vita....
Hi everyone,
I’m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I’ve decided to explore Indonesia.
I’ll be there from September 1st to October 5th, and I’m really struggling to plan my itinerary.
I’d love any advice you can share—I’ll read it all carefully.
So far, I’ve booked my first two nights with a local host in Jakarta, and then I’m heading to Borobudur. That’s all I’ve got planned for now.
Do you think I should book accommodations and transport tickets in advance? It seems really complicated, or could I just decide day by day based on how I feel?
Thanks in advance for your replies!
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.
From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.
I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.
Here’s the itinerary I’m planning:
* UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses)
A few days at Lake Khövsgöl
* Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses)
A few days at the White Lakes
* White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver)
A few days in the Orkhon Valley
+ the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide)
* Return to UB
From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley.
Here are my questions:
-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route:
Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.
-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?
Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia:
-> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?
I’m considering a road trip (rental car) to explore the Canadian Rockies in September 2026, starting in Calgary and ending with about 10 days in Vancouver and the surrounding area. (Two weeks in the Rockies and a little under two weeks in Vancouver and nearby.)
I’d like to say that being a woman traveling alone doesn’t really bother me. That’s not the issue. Being a woman is just how it is, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but traveling solo is something I could fix by finding travel companions. However, I had a not-so-great experience in India with two girls who were total strangers at first and turned out to be quite annoying, so I’m a bit put off by the idea now.
My question is simple, assuming I do this trip alone: is it worth sticking *only* to driving? I have **zero** sense of direction—with a map, I’m hopeless. So, is it realistic to think, "With my GPS, I’ll just drive from Calgary to Vancouver and see what I see," since I don’t see myself hiking alone? I’m not easily scared, but I wouldn’t feel confident doing that solo. Unless all the sightseeing is done with a guide (but then, hello, the cost—my budget isn’t exactly overflowing).
What do you all think?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Take care and happy travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
After a week of sports south of Bergen, I’m not sure what to visit during the following week between Bergen and Oslo.
I haven’t planned to rent a car.
I’d love your suggestions. Thanks
Hi everyone, I’m really keen to visit Iran for three weeks in mid-March 2015.
What worries me a bit isn’t so much traveling alone—I’m used to it and know the Middle East well—but rather the current events (Islamic State) that could potentially become dangerous.
Flights are pretty cheap at the moment, and I’d like to book before prices go up.
Any advice from people who know the ground situation and Iranian current affairs better than I do would be much appreciated! :)
Hi there! I’m in the middle of planning my first solo trip (as a woman). Do you have any ideal destinations with activities like hiking, diving, sightseeing, and easy ways to meet locals—all on a small budget?
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had this experience before! :)
Hi there,
Who could recommend a reliable agency for visiting several islands, including the parks around Komodo? I’m traveling solo as a woman.
Thanks for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
I’m often in transit in Tokyo and I stay at the hotel because Japanese people speak little English and the signs are almost always in Japanese!
Any ideas for getting from Narita to a nice park or an onsen? I wanted to try Hokkaido, but apart from renting a car, it’s all trains! Any suggestions for a car with a driver? Or is it too expensive? Small group tours in Hokkaido? I read about the Explorator group’s offer—way too expensive!!!
I’ve got a maximum of 8 days. I’d just like a nice Japanese break.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
my friend, with whom I traveled to Iran, Myanmar, and India, really wanted to take a one-month trip to Armenia and Georgia. So we booked our flights (June 21 to July 19), but disaster struck—she can’t travel anymore due to serious family reasons.
Now I’m heading off on this adventure alone. It’s not that I’ve never traveled solo before—I spent three months exploring Southeast Asia by myself last year—but I still have a few questions, and I’d really appreciate your input.
* I don’t think traveling alone in these countries is very risky—what do you think?
* Maybe I could hire a driver? What would that cost, since some places seem tricky to reach by public transport. Do you have any driver recommendations?
* I don’t want to rent a car—the driving seems too unpredictable, especially in Georgia.
* I’d love to do some nice hikes—are there any guides available?
Here’s my rough itinerary:
YEREVAN and surroundings
YEGHEGNADZOR for Noravank
GORIS and TATEV
LAKE SEVAN
DILIJAN
HAGHPAT
TBILISI and surroundings
The CAUCASUS toward Mestia
UPLISTSIKHE
VARDZIA
Return to Yerevan for my flight
Thanks to anyone who can share their experiences or answer my questions!
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a few tips that really helped me better prepare my carry-on luggage. After a few trips (and some mistakes too!), I’ve finally found a way to organize myself that makes life a lot easier. Maybe this can help other travelers here.
1. Choose a practical and sturdy bag
A good bag is the foundation. I’ve noticed that a model with a solid structure, sturdy wheels, and a well-thought-out interior really changes the experience. Hard-shell suitcases hold up better, especially when you’re hopping between flights. Personally, I use a Lambert suitcase because the interior is super well-divided, but the important thing is to find a model that works for you.
2. Rolling your clothes really works
It’s simple, but it saves so much space. Plus, it wrinkles less. I do this now for almost everything, especially lightweight clothes.
3. Keep everything in a small kit
100 ml liquids, toothbrush, cream, mini first-aid kit… Having all of that in one clear toiletry bag makes going through security much easier. It saves you from having to take everything out and put it back in a rush.
4. A pouch for essentials
Passport, headphones, charger, phone… I keep all of that in the same pouch. It saves so much stress when you need to find something quickly, especially on the plane.
5. Traveling lighter makes all the difference
Since I started choosing versatile clothes that mix and match well, I travel with a lot less. Less weight, fewer decisions to make, fewer things to lug around. It honestly makes traveling so much more enjoyable.
From the conversations I’ve had with other travelers (and several customers too), I’ve realized you can really simplify your trip just by organizing a little better and choosing good accessories.
If you have other tips or methods that work for you, I’d love to read them. We always learn from others on this forum.
Looking forward to exchanging with you all!
Hi,
Has anyone recently taken the boat to Casamance from Dakar and could share their experience?
From France, is it possible to book online, or do you need to go through an agency? How far in advance?
Boarding/disembarking: how does it work? Do we have to check in our luggage and then pick it up on arrival?
What’s the vibe like on the boat in the seating area?
Has anyone ever stopped over in Carabane? Accommodation options there?
Thanks so much if you have any recent info!
Exploring India by road is all about having a good driver. I highly recommend the one I’ve traveled with for 5 "safe" trips—Rajasthan 3 times over 16 years, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. He’s been driving tourists for 25 years now and is more than just a driver. He knows how to talk about his country, the cities you visit, and suggests alternative routes.
He’s well-connected with real local guides who don’t just ramble (as he puts it himself) or drag you into shops claiming to be run by their "so-called family." Depending on your preferences, he can suggest well-tested itineraries and recommend typical hotels like Havelis.
For dining, he oversees meal prep based on your spice-level preferences. He’s Sikh and deeply respectful of his passengers.
He speaks English better than French, but one of his daughters is studying French at university.
Hi,
We’d like to spend about twenty days in Albania next July. We’re two women traveling together and we’re thinking of renting a small car. Does that sound reasonable, or should we avoid it?
Thanks for your advice.
Hi there,
I’m spending a week in Morocco (Rabat - Meknes - Fes).
I’ll be traveling solo—is it safe for a woman over 60?
For transportation, I’m planning to take the train. I was thinking of buying my ticket last minute, but it’s around the end-of-year period…?
I’ll be in Meknes on December 31st—any suggestions on how they celebrate New Year’s Eve there?
Is anyone visiting these destinations? Maybe we could meet up…?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
After hearing so much about Djerba, especially the GO clubs, is it risky for a young, pretty newly-retired woman to visit the island alone?
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Does anyone know how late the buses run from Cusco Airport to the city center? I land at 9:30 PM, plus time to clear customs, pick up my luggage, and exchange some money—figure an extra 30 to 45 minutes. Though, come to think of it, I still have 5 sols from last time—maybe that’ll be enough for the bus?
Thanks.
Brigitte
Planned arrival on Sunday evening, November 16, 2025, in San José. Staying 3 nights, then taking a bus to Tortuguero for 2 nights. Looking for a shared shuttle to La Fortuna for 2 nights, then a van-boat-van combo to Santa Elena for 2 or 3 nights. Heading to Quepos for 4 nights for day trips using local buses—Jaco, San Antonio, Uvita. After that, a full-day bus ride to Cahuita. I’m booking hotels as I go, which gives me the flexibility to stay longer in places I like. I’m looking for accommodations in city centers near restaurants and not too far from the bus station. Budget: 50 € for a room with a private bathroom (if you’ve got any great tips!). For my finale, I’ll cross the land border to Panama City for 4 days. Thanks for your suggestions! 😉
As I mentioned before, I’m heading to Istanbul next summer, and I’ve heard there have been quite a few attacks by Kurds in Turkey recently, which is making me hesitate about my trip.
What do you all think? :( I’m wondering if it’s really a good idea to go...
Hi everyone,
I’m 66 and just discovered solo travel in Uzbekistan—I loved it! So I’ve decided to explore Africa, starting with Senegal. I’m just beginning my research, but if anyone can give me advice on which month to go, what to see, and whether this destination is safe—or maybe suggest another African country—I’d really appreciate your tips!
Hi there!
We’re leaving in early November for a month.
Here’s our itinerary:
Arrival in Takhmau, then heading to:
Kampong Cham
Kratie – 2 days
Mondolkiri – 3 days
Ratanakiri – 3 days
Stung Treng – 1 day
Siem Reap – 4 days
Battambang – 1 day
Kampong Chhnang – 3 days
Kampot – 2 days
Islands (WE’RE HESITATING WHICH ONE?) – 4 DAYS
Phnom Penh – 2 days
That’s it! 😊
We’re backpacking… and we love spots that aren’t too touristy. If you’ve got any tips, we’re all ears!
Thanks