Bonjour,
Je suis avec une copine japonaise et le JR pass n'est malheureusement pas disponible dans notre cas.
On a regardé les tarifs des vols de juillet pour Hokkaido, mais ils sont (j'estime) exorbitant! (850 USD)
Avez-vous des conseils meilleur marché, comment avez-vous réservé votre voyage sur cet île?
Est-il envisageable de faire le trajet depuis Tokyo. On m'a dit que les autoroutes japonaises étaient payantes, savez-vous où je peux trouver ce coût ou savez vous combien je dois payer pour traverser tout le nord du japon?
De plus, connaissez-vous les prix pour une location d'une petite voiture sur lîle?
Bon 800km c'est fait en une journée et c'est quand même 4 fois moins cher que l'avion si on est 2!
Pour le vol depuis Genève-Tokyo, c'est très simple, il me coûte ~830€ (1050 $ car l'Euro est très bas en ce moment) en ce moment avec Ethiad (4*en classe éco selon http://www.airlinequality.com/). Donc j'estime que c'est un très bon prix!
Par contre payer 1000$ du Europe-Japon (15h de vol) et 850$ du tokyo-Hokkaido (1h30), c'est du vol!!!!!!!!!!!!
Même le train n'est pas moins cher! (37'500 Yen par trajet)
Pour le permis de conduire, l'ambassade fait la traduction ou encore le JAF
Bref, c'est vraiment le moyen d'aller à Hokkaido qui me pose problème. Toi combien avais-tu payer à l'époque?
prends quand meme 2 jours il faut passer en ferry sur l'ile
et tu ne rouleras pas à 140 km/h sur l'autoroute !!
et puis la premiere fois qu'on a loué à narita on a mis 1h à entrer sur la bonne autoroute dans la bonne direction : conduite à gauche , immobrables bretelles , panneaux en japonais , fatigue , decalage horaire ensuite on s'est bien ameliorer 😉
je ne suis pas aller encore sur hokkaido (prevu en juillet de cette année)
on a fait plutot le sud jusqu'à present le max en voiture d'une seule traite aso / hiroshima
480km 1 journée (sachant que le soleil se couche tot qu'on campe et qu'on se pose vers 17h car la recherche d'un camping de nuit c'est sport !! )
regarde quand meme sur skymark airlines
on ne peut simuler que 2 mois à l'avance mais c'est 5800 yens AS en skybargain entre tokyo (hameda) et sapporo
Même en roulant au dessus des limitations de vitesses (ce que font la majorité des japonais), tu ne parcours pas 800 km dans la journée au Japon.
Si tu pars de Tokyo un samedi par exemple, il est probable que la moyenne, même sur autoroute, soit inférieure à 50 km/h tant il y a de monde !
Tu peux aussi perdre un temps fou aux péages puisque, bien sûr, les voitures de location ne sont pas équipées de pass ETC.
En outre, le coût de l'autoroute auquel on ajoute celui du carburant et des 2 à 4 jours de locations de voiture sera largement celui d'un billet d'avion.
L'autre solution c'est le train... mais Tokyo - Sapporo se fait en 8 heures minimum et, une fois sur place, il est de toute façon mieux de louer une voiture pour bien découvrir l'île.
Bref, la seule bonne solution, c'est l'avion. Car c'est finalement à peu près au même prix qu'en voiture ou en train, et ça se fait en 1 heure depuis Haneda. Et ensuite, il y a tous les loueurs possibles et imaginables dans l'aéroport.
La voiture au japon, c'est super pour découvrir les petites routes, surtout pas pour effectuer de longs parcours de liaison.
merci pour vos réponses. Savez-vous si les prix de ces compagnies (airdo et skymark) auront tendance à augmenter jusqu'à 850$ (cie Ana) ?
Actuellement les prix sont bas (tarif obtenu jusqu'à fin mars) car c'est la basse saison. Mais qu'en est-il en haute saison? sont-ils aussi cher que Ana par exemple?
@Marie31: comment penses-tu te débrouiller pour cet été?
je pense qu'air do et skymark fonctionnent comme esay jet en france
c'est valable uniquement pour les vols interieurs
je pense qu'il faut acheter des que la resa est possible
cet ete c'est particulier car je rejoins une de mes fille qui est actuellement en echange au japon
j'ai donc deja un vol pour tokyo
on passe une dizaine de jours sur yokohama (rencontrer les differentes familles d'accueil etc ..)
ensuite il ne nous reste un peu plus de 2 semaines ce sera donc avion + location de vanette à hokkaido et camping
le train à 5 nous reviens trop cher et nous avons enormement de matos
j'ai pensé à la location de voiture à tokyo mais je trouve qu'on va perdre du temps (4 jours AR) idem pour le ferry
j'aurais eu plus de temps je serais monter en voiture par le chemin des ecoliers car je pense que le nord de honshu est sympa (en particulier la cote ouest) et tres peu visité
c'est pas grave j'y retournerai😉
Bonjour, Nous sommes arrivés à Tokyo le 13 janvier donc il y a 4 jours, 1ère chose on a été à l'office du tourisme terminal 1 très sympatiques hôtesses, carte du Japon divers infos. ( Au 4ème étage 2 librairies avec 2 guides en Anglais des routes )Puis elles nous ont conseillé d'aller à Chiba Minato, 650yens par pers le train pour Chiba 50 minutes puis 190 Yens le monorail pour Chiba Minato 2 stations et terminus. Là en face de la gare il y a un hôtel ( Toyoko Inn ) si vous y allez prenez le bouquin de tous leurs hôtels au Japon, vous verrez il y a des prix pas mal du tout pour 2 pers on a payé 7980 Yens, le grand confort. La JAF est à 3 min à pied de la gare de Chiba Minato. Tout ça car il faut absolument une traduction de votre permis de conduire Suisse, et photo copies de ce dernier format A4 et aller à la JAF, Japan Automobile Fédération, nous sommes arrivés à 13h à Narita donc on a pu prendre le train de 15h, on est arrivés à la JAF à 16h30 Il n'ont même pas demandé le permis de conduire, ni le passeport, la photocopie A4 ok. A 17h30 ils téléphonaient à l'hôtel que nous pouvions venir chercher le document. ( Heures d'ouverture 9h à 17h30. Si votre avion arrive le matin hyper facile vous n'avez même pas à prendre l'hôtel ici juste le prospectus dans le hall et éventuellement y laisser vos bagages, quoi que c'est utile et pratique et le parc pour la voiture 500yens la nuit. ( Pourquoi à Chiba Minato ? Parce que c'est le bureau de la JAF le plus facile à atteindre )
Ensuite nous sommes le lendemain retournés à l'aéroport terminal 1 pour louer une voiture, nous voulions une Nissan Vanetta pour dormir des fois dedans, mais le gars au comptoir n'était pas là et on a vu que c'était bien trop cher. Donc on a été au comptoir Toyota Hertz, et là et bien n'y allez pas c'est la galère avec tout nos papiers en ordre, on a fait 5h pour enfin avoir le véhicule pour 3 mois on a payé presque 1/2 million de yens, si on voulait 2 pneus neige ça faisait 33'000 yens en plus par mois puis enfin le gars arrive avec le véhicule, pas mal de beignes, le pire les 2 pneus avant lisses, il voulait nous les faire payer en plus. On s'est fait remboursé là on en avait marre, mais en passant devant le comptoire de Nissan le gars était là, on a en une demi heure tout fait et la voiture en main pour moins cher modèle similaire et en plus 4 pneus neige neufs.
ATTENTION si vous louez 2 semaines c'est le même prix que pour 1 mois. Mais le gars de Nissan a même fait un rabais. Ca nous fait 60 frs par jour, mais si vous ne voulez pas un grande voiture pour dormir dedans il y en a des plus petites, mais pour la différence de prix on a trouvé plus confortable. A vous de voir. Nous avons une Nissan 1'600cc 5 portes les sièges arrière se rabattent complètement parfait pour dormir, GPS en Anglais, le nom: Wing road
Pour les autoroutes, c'est bien de les prendre pour vous arrêter sur les aires de détente pour y dormir car autrement le peu qu'on vient de voir, parc boite de sardine, on se voit mal dormir avec notre voiture qui est liftée au 10 étage et casée comme des pièces détachées. Autoroutes très cher, mais les autres routes sont bonnes, mais vers les grandes villes il y a des bouchons.
Ici nous sommes dans un guesthouse, on dort parterre sur des tatamis, chambre pour femmes et pour hommes, 3'000 y par pers + 1000y pour la voiture juste parquée devant sur la route.
Cet après-midi on a été dans un grand magasin, même pas 1h coût du parc 600yens.
Mais nous avons fait le calcul que à 2 pers avec le prix des trains, des bus, etc et de la liberté qu'on a avec la voiture c'était vite vu. A l'aéroport on a pu sortir 100'000 y chacun le 1er jour avec Maestro card, et le second jour 250.000yens chacun. La limite maximum on ne la connaît pas, mais le gros est payé.
Pour les guesthouse, on trouve que pour la différence de prix souvent il vaut mieux aller à l'hôtel et avoir sa chambre. Mais ici à Kamakura l'hôtel le meilleurs marcher est 14'500yens vraiment trop cher.
Dans les grands magasins on trouve des futons entre 4'000 et 8'000 yens pour mettre derrière dans la voiture avec de bons sacs de couchage et si il faut un duvet supplémentaire à environ 3 à 5'000 yens c'est vite amorti.
Pour le coût des autoroutes, il y en a tellement au Japon, la seule chose que je sache c'est qu'on va les éviter, bien trop cher. Mais pas trop cher si c'est pour y dormir, près des sanitaires. Bon voyage et tout est exorbitant par ici évitez de compter autrement on ne fait rien.
pour 't' equiper cherche les magasins 100 yens shop comme http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/france/index.html
tu trouverars tout ce que tu as besoin : vaisselle , droguerie , fond epicerie , boite , serviette etc ...
Un grand merci nous venons d'y aller à Kamakura un peu plus d'une demi heure parking 700 yens. Nous cherchons un futon on a trouvé une voiture moins cher que la Vanetta bien trop cher pour 3 mois, on a trouvé à 50 Euros par jour une nissan Wang road, on peut coucher les 2 sièges arrière super. Mais il faut maintenant trouver des places pour laisser la voiture la nuit, et là pour l'instant c'est pas gagné trop touristique, par contre les hôtels Toyoko Inn, le top pas tellement plus cher qu'un guesthouse parc 500y la nuit. Merci pour les infos, et pour tout à 100yens là il fait vraiment trop froid pour cuisiner dehors. Et dormir dans la voiture on verra. Mais je crois que si on visite le Japon il faut oublier de compter autrement on se fait peur.
Merci pour l'info on en prend note. Nous ne voulions pas louer de voiture pour visiter Tokyo, mais comme 2 mois et demi ou 3 mois c'est le même prix donc si les derniers jours à Tokyo elle nous ennuie on ira la redonner avant
Il est moins cher de faire traduire son permis auprès de l'ambassade (la JAF prend 50 % de commission en plus...).
Le Wingroad (en un mot) c'est un 1500 cc, pas un 1600 (bon, c'est un détail 😉...). Pour ceux qui ne connaissent pas, c'est à peu près la taille d'une Renault Mégane break.
Merci pour la 1'500cc mon mari me l'avait dit mais à 100 près j'avais oublié. En tout cas le principal c'est que nous faisons environ 9 lts au 100. Et là nous pensons pouvoir faire 500kms avec un plein.
Si vous voulez comprarer les prix, nous avons payé 3'000 Yens pour traduire le permis à la JAF fait en 1h, juste avant la fermeture.
Et puis cette voiture est idéale pour dormir dedans, nous avons acheté un matelas mousse, un futon pas cher, un duvet et oreilles + un thermos. Nous avons dormi déjà 2 nuits dedans super à deux c'est extra et facile en dehors des villes de trouver un petit endroit sympa à côté de WC. En 4 nuits d'économies on rembourses nos achats. Et même avec la fricasse ça va très bien. On vous redira. On pense 2 nuits dans la voiture 1 à 2 nuits d'hôtel, et ça durant 3 mois ça va nous revenir nettement moins cher que prévu. A+
Hello! 👋
I’m new to this site and feeling a little desperate. 😢 My boyfriend’s birthday is in 4 days, and I wanted to surprise him with a New Year’s trip to London... except I just found out he’s already been there as a kid. Well, there goes my surprise! 😅
Since we both love Christmas and winter, I’m looking for a destination where we can really feel the holiday magic—with a budget of around 500 € for transport + accommodation for two (yes, I know, I might be asking for a Christmas miracle here 😇).
We’ve already been to Bucharest, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, so I’d love to find something a little more offbeat, not too expensive, and with a beautiful Christmas atmosphere.
Please help me! 🙏 On social media, it’s always the same ultra-touristy cities... I’m sure there are hidden gems I haven’t discovered yet!
Three years after exploring northern Argentina and Chile, my two travel buddies and I want to discover the southern part of these two countries.
We’re traveling on a budget, backpacker-style, favoring public transport and modest accommodations, but we don’t hesitate to splurge a little when it’s worth it.
The classic spots that have been fueling our dreams: Bariloche, the lakes, Chiloé, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, El Calafate, Fitz Roy, Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, and wrapping up in Valparaíso.
We’ll take a round-trip flight to Santiago, then I’m thinking of a one-way flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. From there, we’ll explore and do several day hikes in the south, including Ushuaia and, if possible, Tierra del Fuego.
Then we’ll head back north by bus to Bariloche and the lakes, followed by Chiloé, then a bus to Santiago and Valparaíso.
Based on your experience, could you help me figure out the best way to structure this trip and maybe suggest some ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Didier
I’m heading to Quebec and New Brunswick this summer and got a Revolut Classic card for the trip. I’ve already exchanged some Canadian dollars in the app so I’ll have a reserve ready for my departure day. My question is whether I’ll incur any additional fees when using my Canadian dollar account. I think I’m limited to 200 € in ATM withdrawals for my part. Thanks!
Hi there,
I'm heading to Morocco for 10 days as a backpacker, with my car and a tent canvas if needed. Does anyone have great experiences in this country around the Tétouan and Tangier areas?
I'd love to spend time with locals, rent a small room, and take part in daily life.
If you've got any addresses to share, that'd be awesome!
Thanks a million for your replies!!!😉
Christine
My boyfriend and I are going there for just 9 days, including the two travel days… It’s not much, but oh well!
Looking at prices online, I get the impression everything’s more expensive than I thought 😅 So, I wanted to get your feedback on a few things:
* Is hitchhiking common, easy, and generally safe in Albania?
* Is it possible to find day-to-day accommodations without booking ahead? If so, are they usually cheaper than the ones you find online?
* Is wild camping allowed or at least tolerated?
If any of you have traveled there recently, I’d love all the tips and great deals you’ve got!
Hi,
We’re a young couple planning to travel to South Africa after spending about three weeks in Namibia. We’ll arrive in Cape Town around mid-December, with no fixed travel duration (though our budget will eventually set a limit).
After browsing through the forum, we’ve realized the country is packed with incredible spots, which makes choosing an itinerary tough. We’re looking for stunning landscapes, hikes, and so on. So, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
When we arrive in Cape Town, we’d like to settle in and take it easy until New Year’s, exploring at a relaxed pace. We know this period coincides with South African holidays—does that make finding accommodations (availability/prices) more difficult? Do you think it’s possible to stay in a nice place for about 15 days without aiming for the most upscale neighborhoods? Maybe somewhere a bit outside Cape Town, like Fish Hoek, and just visit the city occasionally.
After that, we’ll have plenty of time (about 2 to 2.5 months) to explore the country. We’d like to take our time. In your opinion, is it better to focus on the Cape Town region, or is it reasonable to consider more distant areas like the Drakensberg or Blyde River Canyon? Can everything be done by car if we take our time, or are domestic flights sometimes more practical?
Budget-wise, how much do car rentals cost? For accommodations, we usually look at Airbnb—are they affordable in South Africa? What’s the average nightly rate outside the biggest cities? Are there other platforms you’d recommend for saving on lodging?
Finally, regarding safety, are there any regions to avoid besides Johannesburg?
We know this is a lot of questions, but we’re still in the early planning stages!
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi there,
After exploring southern Peru in 2024 with your help, we’d love to head north next. There’ll be 5 or 6 of us:
1. Arrive in Lima in the evening.
2. Visit Lima and take a flight at 6:35 PM to Tarapoto.
3, 4, 5. Spend a few days there to trek in a reserve (Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve) or somewhere else.
6. From Tarapoto to Chachapoyas—either by overnight bus, daytime bus, or private car.
7. In Chachapoyas: Gocta Waterfall, Sonche Canyon, and walk back to town.
8. Head to Kuelap citadel, Revash, and arrive in Leymebamba.
9. Leymebamba museum, then route to Cajamarca.
10. Cajamarca hot springs, overnight bus to Trujillo or Chiclayo—or do both.
11, 12, 13. Visit and explore the area.
14. Overnight bus back to Lima.
15. Lima.
16. Depart at 8 PM for France.
What do you think of this itinerary? Looking forward to your advice.
Thanks
I’m planning a 7-day trip to Marrakech for a sports camp, and I’ll be traveling with just a standard carry-on backpack.
I’d love to hear your best tips and tricks:
• What clothes are absolutely essential?
• Any advice for managing the heat while traveling light?
• Which accessories have been the most useful for you?
• Mistakes to avoid on a first trip to Marrakech?
I’m also open to your recommendations for neighborhoods, restaurants, or activities not to miss during my free time.
Thanks in advance for your advice and experience! !
Hi there, we’re heading to the Cyclades from June 23 to July 9. We’ll arrive in Santorini and leave from Mykonos. We’re thinking of visiting these islands: Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Tinos, and Mykonos. Do you think it’s better to book the ferries now (which site do you recommend for booking?) or can we buy the tickets on the spot? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodation under 100 €/night on each of these islands? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone!
I’m planning my dream trip for next September, lasting about a month. Here’s my itinerary:
Amsterdam: 3 days (departing from Montreal)
Tanzania: 3-day safari
Zanzibar: 6 days
Istanbul: 7 days
Return to Montreal.
Since my budget is pretty tight, I’m looking for tips and advice to cut costs without sacrificing the experience. Here are my questions:
Multi-destination flights: What’s the best way to book these connections? Is it better to buy a one-way ticket from Montreal to Amsterdam, then a separate internal flight, or use comparison tools for a multi-destination ticket?
Budget safari: Do you have recommendations for local agencies or tips to do a 3-day safari (Serengeti/Ngorongoro) at an affordable price (e.g., camping/glamping instead of luxury lodges)?
Accommodation in Zanzibar: Which villages or types of lodging are the most budget-friendly and accessible via local transport for these 6 days?
Istanbul: Any tips for well-located but cheap accommodation and great food deals?
Hi,
Are there still basic, traditional, and affordable authentic accommodations in Poland? I’ll be traveling in July with my husband and our 2 kids along the Warsaw-Łódź-Toruń-Gdańsk route, and all I can find online are standardized Ikea-style apartments in the cities. When I look for agrotourism, it’s all luxury farms.
Can you find farms in the countryside or city lodgings for under 60 euros per night? And if so, how?
Is it possible to find accommodations on the spot without internet—like from people who put up signs—even in July?
Hi,
I need to stay in Paris or Créteil for 2 nights a week for a month. I know some cheap backpacker options, but I’d like something even cheaper. Do you know of any rooms for rent from private individuals?
Thanks
We’re a young couple planning our first trip to Albania from June 23, 2026, to July 2, 2026. We have a pretty tight budget and want to make the most of this amazing country without breaking the bank.
We’re looking for all the advice you can give to help us plan our stay:
* What are the must-see places to visit?
* Which cities or villages are really worth the detour?
* What natural sites, hikes, canyons, springs, or viewpoints do you recommend?
* Do you know of any free, uncrowded, or particularly beautiful beaches?
* Where can we responsibly observe or swim with sea turtles?
* What are the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera that are accessible on a small budget?
* What budget-friendly accommodations (hotels, hostels, homestays, campgrounds) do you recommend?
* What are the best ways to get around between different regions at a low cost?
* Do you know of any reliable and affordable agencies for renting a vehicle (car, scooter, or motorcycle)? What are the average rates at the end of June, and which rental companies do you recommend or advise against?
* Is it better to rent a vehicle right when we arrive or stick to local buses and minibuses to keep costs down?
* Which restaurants or local specialties offer the best value for money?
* Are there any free or low-cost activities we shouldn’t miss?
* Which places do you think are overrated or can be skipped when you’re short on time and money?
* What practical tips would you have wished you knew before your first trip to Albania?
We’d also love any 10-day itineraries that you particularly enjoyed, along with your budget estimates for accommodation, meals, and transportation.
We’re open to off-the-beaten-path spots and local tips. If you have any secret addresses, hidden beaches, favorite accommodations, or mistakes to avoid, we’d love to hear about them! 😊
Hi there, we’re planning a road trip in northern Algeria at the end of January – early February.
Anyone have any tips for a car rental agency that’s both reliable and not too expensive? Thanks in advance!
I traveled through southern Peru in November 2024 and now I’d like to explore the north.
We’re a group of 5 people for a 15-day trip.
Iquitos or Nauta for the Amazon rainforest—I saw that you have to fly there.
Chiclayo
Chachapoyas
Kuelap
Leimebamba
Cajamarca
Trujillo
And if we have time, Huaraz for the Andes cordillera.
No problem taking overnight buses—they save a lot of time.
Or renting a car and figuring it out as we go.
We’d also love to take the train from Lima to Huancayo, but it seems complicated—I don’t understand when it runs.
I’d like to drive to Morocco from Paris via Spain. I was really surprised to see the ferry crossing prices—around 500 €—but especially the crossing time (about 1 hour). Normally, I pay 3000 € to go to Tunisia from Genoa, but that’s for a 24-hour crossing.
My question: is it cheaper to buy the ticket on the spot, as some Moroccans have advised me? Though I’ve also heard the opposite.
What do you think, considering I need to get to Tétouan around July 17th and return from Tangier around August 4th?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning a 10-day trip to Slovenia in May (9–19 May) and starting to look at accommodations. Unfortunately, I’m only seeing relatively expensive options—nothing under 50 €, and usually around 100–150 €. Traveling solo, that could quickly blow my budget. And 30 € for a bed in a 10-person dorm at a youth hostel feels like a rip-off...
Are there other booking sources besides the usual Booking.com, Airbnb, and Google? Or can anyone confirm if I’ll find more reasonable rates on the ground around Bled, Bohinj, Triglav, or in mountain huts? I’ll be renting a car to optimize my travel, so I won’t be limited geographically.
Hi there,
Could you recommend some nice and affordable neighborhoods to book a hotel in for visiting Nice and exploring its surroundings and nearby villages?
I’d like to know if it’s better to book the entire stay in Nice and take day trips to the villages, or if there are villages worth spending at least one night in to really explore them properly?
Since all the villages are stunning and we have to make a choice, which ones are absolutely must-visit?
My 16-year-old daughter and I will be spending a week there at the end of April. We’ll arrive by TGV from Paris and plan to use public transport during our stay. Do you know if there’s a weekly transport pass available and how much it costs?
I’m planning to spend about twenty days in Réunion in November.
I’d like to get around using the *car jaune* (2 € per ticket), but from what I’ve heard, it doesn’t cover the whole island.
I’m not looking to head toward the ocean and the beautiful beaches—more toward the mountainous landscapes, even if I’ll just be admiring them from below. 😉
Maybe other buses go where I want to go.
By the way, are there any relatively easy mountain hikes, and where?
But here’s the most important part:
I don’t want to book anything in advance because I don’t know what my itinerary will look like—it’ll change depending on my mood. 3 days here, 5 days there, etc.
On top of that, I’d like to arrange half-board stays with locals—not professionals—by approaching them and asking if they’d be willing to host me (overnight stay, breakfast, and dinner) for 30 € to 40 € per day.
What do you think?
Does the price seem reasonable?
And is it okay to take the initiative and ask Réunionnais directly?
The tourist office in Réunion told me that since November is peak tourist season, I should book without delay. 🤪
For four years in a row, I traveled across Canada for a month and a half each time, relying only on hitchhiking and half-board stays with Canadians who welcomed me (and refused to let me pay them).
If I’d listened to my family and friends, I never would’ve taken the leap—and that adventure remains one of the best experiences of my life.
It’s been ages since I last dropped by here... maybe simply because, apart from Nepal, I haven’t really had the chance to hit the road lately. 😉
This year, I’d love to spend a few days in Lisbon, probably in late May or early June. But with my budget being what it is, I’m looking for great tips to avoid wasting time once I’m there and risk missing out on hidden gems or unusual culinary specialties and/or quirky activities! I’m hoping to find a room in a local’s home where I can stay in a quiet neighborhood near the center, so I can get around without relying too much on public transport—my walking shoes are my best travel buddies.
I’d love all your recommendations, especially for parks, small neighborhood markets, casual eateries for a quick bite, your favorite viewpoints to soak in the scenery (I’m bringing my travel journal to sketch my getaway in watercolors), events around traditional art and crafts, and so on.
All your advice will definitely help me travel peacefully and come back with my head full of vibrant memories!
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Isabelle
I’m diving into planning a trip I’ve dreamed of for a long time: crossing Africa from North to South solo, with a departure planned for October 2025 for about 8-9 months. I’m leaving from Paris with a starting budget of around 7,000 €, aiming to supplement it with work along the way.
My planned route: Senegal → Gambia → Sierra Leone/Liberia (if logistics work out) → Côte d'Ivoire → Ghana → Togo → Benin → Cameroon → Gabon → Kenya (Masai Mara) → Uganda (Bwindi gorillas) → Rwanda → Tanzania (Kili + Serengeti + Zanzibar) → Mozambique → Malawi → Zambia (Victoria Falls) → Botswana → Namibia → South Africa (Cape Town). Madagascar as a bonus if timing/budget allows from Mozambique.
I’m not a backpacking newbie—I’ve done several trips in Europe and I’m familiar with the lifestyle, hostels, local transport, etc. But Africa is my first big adventure on this continent, and I’ve got some very concrete questions I’d love feedback on from people who’ve been there.
🎭 My big dilemma: flexibility vs. pre-organized work
What matters most to me is NOT rushing through. If I feel good somewhere, I’ll stay longer. If a region doesn’t click, I’ll cut it short. That seems totally incompatible with having pre-booked work or volunteer gigs, yet I need that income to stretch my budget.
I’m torn between two approaches:
Option A: The mixed rhythm: 3-4 weeks of volunteering in a country (free accommodation, full immersion), then 1-2 countries in classic backpacker "vacation" mode, then another mission somewhere, etc. This gives a breathing rhythm and avoids burnout from non-stop volunteering.
Option B: The continuous flow: finding gigs as I go, from the previous country, contacting hosts 2-3 weeks in advance with a flexible date range. Keeping maximum spontaneity but never arriving anywhere without a safety net.
Have you tried either? What actually works on the ground in Africa?
🌍 What I’m really looking for in this trip
Not just the classic tourist spots. I want to see the country as it is—eating at local joints, taking local transport (bush taxis, minibuses, sept-places), staying with locals when possible. The big reserves and safaris are part of the plan (Masai Mara, Serengeti, Okavango), but just as much as hanging out in a residential neighborhood in Dakar, understanding how people really live.
Volunteering or work interests me for that reason too (not just for free lodging, but because it’s the deepest way to dive into a country). Working at a school in Ghana, a lodge in Kenya, a permaculture farm in Mozambique—I see it as an immersion that classic tourism can’t offer.
🎒 My concrete questions
About Workaway and Worldpackers: I’ve read a lot but would love on-the-ground feedback, especially for West and East Africa. Are hosts really flexible with dates for long-term travelers? Do the advertised gigs match reality? Are there alternative platforms you’d recommend for Africa specifically (I’ve heard of Help Exchange, WWOOF Africa, local networks…)?
About "off-platform" jobs: Is it really doable to find informal work on the spot (bars, restaurants, lodges) without prior contacts? In which countries/cities is this most accessible for a French speaker without a local work permit?
About logistics between countries: For those who’ve done the West Coast (Senegal → Ghana → Benin), how did you cross borders? Direct buses or local shared taxis at each border? And for the jump from Central Africa → Kenya, is a flight mandatory, or are there feasible overland routes?
About Madagascar: I’m considering adding it from Mozambique (flight Maputo or Beira → Tana). Those who’ve done it backpacker-style on a tight budget—is 3-4 weeks doable, or is it too short to be worth it?
I’m open to all tips, experiences, warnings, and pleasant surprises. And if you’ve got trusted local contacts (Workaway hosts, associations, community lodges), I’m all ears!
I’ve got tons of questions and I’m eager for any advice or experiences you can share!!
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for 2 adults and 2 kids to Tanzania and Zanzibar. I’ve had a quick look, and the prices are starting to get pretty wild.
We’ve got a budget of 8,000 €, and I was thinking of doing three or four days of safari and three or four days in Zanzibar, but even that seems like it might be over budget. Have you got any thoughts? I was also considering heading straight to Zanzibar and doing a one- or two-day excursion by plane instead—maybe that’d be cheaper than staying in a lodge.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences and any price tips, departing from Nice!
Good evening,
As two senior French couples who are used to traveling independently all over the world, we’d like to visit Kenya next November.
Now, after seeing and reading a bit everywhere, and with the first quotes for a 6/7-day safari, I’m shocked by the prices (like $2,250) for places like Maasai Mara, where entry alone costs $200 per person per day, plus fees for the driver and vehicle.
So if you have any recent great tips or contacts to share to help me out, I’d really appreciate it—because despite the costs, we’d still love to go, while keeping things reasonable.
The most plausible solution is probably renting a vehicle with a driver-guide.
Thanks in advance for all your replies.
Jacques
We’ll be in Srinagar for 4 days in mid-May 2026 during our backpacking trip as a couple. Do you have any nice places to recommend, and what about the houseboats on Dal Lake? Should we spend all our nights there, or just one night for practicality when getting around?
Thanks,
Rozenn
Hi there,
This is my first time traveling to Italy, and I’m planning to go by car.
From what I’ve read, parking is tough in cities like Florence.
I’m looking for a small town not too far from Florence where I can stay and park my car, then take the train to visit Florence.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Hi there, it’s been a long time since I last went to London. I’d love to spend a week there in July with my daughter and my niece (both young adults).
Of course, I’m looking for great tips on accommodation, and I’m wondering about renting an apartment. It seems like a better deal to save on restaurants (with the option of having a few meals at home... but is that really the case? I’m not sure about the cost of a meal in a modest restaurant, the pound exchange rate, or grocery prices...).
Otherwise, I’d like to stay in accommodation (hotel or apartment) near a tube station and in Zone 1.
If you have any great tips, I’d love to hear them!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading to Morocco for a trip in the south, starting with 3 days in Marrakech (from January 8th to 11th, 2026).
If you’ve got any tips, cool spots to recommend, I’m all ears! 🎊
And, fellow traveler, if you’d like to share this Marrakech adventure together, I’d love that!
Have a great evening
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Peru and have estimated how many days I’ll spend in each place.
Any advice on must-see sights and tourist traps to avoid?
September–October
5 days in Lima
Bus: 07:00→13:30 or 06:00 to 09:30 (express) (3 hr 30 min journey)
3 days in Paracas (beach)
