Comme mon pseudo l'indique "GirlInBarca" je vais me rendre à Barcelone fin Septembre, voyage touristique, probablement toute seule (eh oui mon congé tombe à la période de rentrée lol).
Je serais donc amenée à découvrir cette ville dont j'ai entendu beaucoup de bien, mais comme c'est la première fois que je voyage seule, j'aimerais savoir comment ça se passe pour celles qui ont vécu l'aventure?
S'il y'a parmi vous quelqu'un qui a déjà fait cette destination, je serais preneuse de vos conseils, bons plans etc.
Je précise que je ne connais rien à cette ville, ni personne, je me demande mille et une question ^^
Pour me contacter suffit de m'envoyer un petit message, je suis également active sur les réseaux sociaux, n'hésitez pas à me demander mes coordonnées.
Bonne journée .
L'horizon est tellement large pour n'avoir qu'un seul point de vue.
Bonsoir, tu as raison j'aurais du donner plus de précisions dans mon annonce mais je pensais avoir rempli tous les champs de mon profil et que les gens seraient curieux d'y faire un tour ahah ^^ Bref mon séjour est de courte durée, 1 semaine, je vais en avion et je m'intéresse un peu à tout quand je voyage, j'aime faire les monuments, les musées, découvrir les paysages, me balader en ville, faire les magasins ^^ Je n'ai pas de journées types, j'essaye juste de profiter le maximum.
Ensuite comme j'ai dit précédemment je n'ai jamais voyagé toute seule, j'aimerais savoir si le fait d'aller en auberge de jeunesse serait meilleur et plus sure pour une fille, que de prendre une chambre d'hôtel? Si, oui pouvez vous me conseiller des coins ou me loger dans cette ville? Après je me demande si c'est pratique de se déplacer en ville? Quels sont les coins incontournables à visiter à Barcelone? Les témoignages de gens qui ont eu l'occasion de faire des voyages en solo me seront de grande utilité voilà ^^
L'horizon est tellement large pour n'avoir qu'un seul point de vue.
Ok, en lisant ton profil en effet on te cerne mieux, j'aurais dû commencer par là 😛
Une semaine à Barcelone, c'est pas mal, ça te permettra de visiter tranquillement.
Bon, autant te le dire tout de suite, il y a des sujets sur lesquels je ne te serai d'aucune aide : shopping, sorties nocturnes et... musées ne font pas vraiment partie de mes activités favorites en voyage.
Pour commencer, je te conseille de te procurer le guide papier "Un Grand Week-end à Barcelone". C'est une collection que j'utilise souvent pour découvrir une grande ville ou une capitale. On te propose des visites quartiers par quartiers et c'est pas mal fait pour organiser ses visites. Il coûte une dizaine d'euros.
Les sites et monuments incontournables : Sagrada Familia, la Pedrera, la Casa Battlo et le Parc Güell (autrement dit, tout l'héritage de Gaudi). Tu peux ajouter le Musée Picasso si tu es adepte. Ramblas, Place de Catalogne, Montjuic et Quartier Gothique méritent également une visite. Enfin, aller voir un match au Nou Camp si le foot t'intéresse.
Les auberges de jeunesse, il y a bien longtemps que je n'ai pas testé. Pour ma part j'ai plus l'habitude de fréquenter les hôtels pour un court séjour ou de louer un appartement pour des voyages un peu plus longs. Mais bon cette dernière option ne te conviendras pas trop si tu voyage en solo. J'utilise Booking pour trouver mes hôtels, et la proximité d'une ligne de métro ou de tram reste l'un des critères les plus importants (avec le tarif bien sûr).
Voilà, j'espère t'avoir apporté quelques pistes.
Stef
Marseille, ma ville
Rio de Janeiro 2008 & 2011
Cyclades 2016
Merci d'avoir répondu rapidement :) Je vais essayer de me procurer ce guide et je prends bien note des coins que tu m'as cité bonne journée à toi Stef ^^
L'horizon est tellement large pour n'avoir qu'un seul point de vue.
cc girlinbarca....j'etais déja 2 fois sur barçelone et jvi faire 3eme tour loool cet été...doncc tu est intressé a la discution de ce voyage envoi moi invi sur fb ou laissé le tien je t'invite..mn fb :badi kikou
J'ai vu des photos du Parc Ciutadella, tellement jolie héhé j'ai un carnet ou je note les coins qu'on me conseille, j'espère pouvoir faire le tour pendant mon séjour^^ Merci encore.
L'horizon est tellement large pour n'avoir qu'un seul point de vue.
Je l'ai découvert lors de ma dernière escapade à Barcelone. Si ça t'intéresse il y a aussi un zoo à proximité. Certes l'entrée coûte un bras mais hélas c'est le cas de toutes les visites payantes de la capitale catalane.
Stef
Marseille, ma ville
Rio de Janeiro 2008 & 2011
Cyclades 2016
C'est une ville superbe où il fait bon vivre et qui est très vivante .
J'y étais ce mois-ci 5 jours , seule , aucun problème et beaucoup de choses à faire tous les jours, mais pour en savoir plus il y a l'ami Google et/ou un bon guide , jusqu'à septembre ça laisse du temps pour s'informer au maximum et savoir ce qui t'intéresse le plus 😇
Je vais jeter un coup d'oeil sur ton blog, ton avis me fait plaisir et me rassure, je ne sais pas si tu es partie toute seule ceci dit je le découvrirais dans tes articles surement :)
Pour donner de mes nouvelles, j'ai trouvé un bon vol pour Barcelone le 23 septembre, j'y passerais 5 jours finalement (ce n'est pas si mal ^^)
Sinon je pense loger à EquityPoint Centric, l'emplacement m'a tout de suite séduit, et les comm's des gens me donnent bonne impression, j'ai pas encore reservé, mais il faut que je m'y prenne vite héhé
Continuez à me donner vos impressions ça me fait toujours plaisir.
Bonne soirée à tous et à toutes.
L'horizon est tellement large pour n'avoir qu'un seul point de vue.
-J'ai fait une réservation via le site Booking.com hier et quand j'ai reçu la confirmation par email, j'ai contacté l'auberge pour m'assurer qu'ils prennent en charge les réservations via ce site et ils m'ont dit que c'est bon.
Maintenant j'ai deux petites questions à te demander:
-Toi qui est un habitué de ce site est ce qu'il y'a aucun problème au moment de l'arrivée? Accueil etc...
-Concernant le paiement, j'ai compris que Booking ne va rien débiter de la carte de crédit et qu'elle ne représente qu'une garantie en cas de non présentation. Mais ils disent qu'ils vont prélever 100% de la première nuit. Une fois sur place est ce qu'ils vont me demander de régler ou bien ils vont procéder à un prélèvement directement de la carte de crédit et me donner la facture?
J'espère que tu pourras m'éclairer :)
Bonne journée!
L'horizon est tellement large pour n'avoir qu'un seul point de vue.
Pour être honnête je ne me rappelle plus trop... mais si l'hôtel t'a confirmé ta réservation, tu n'as aucun souci à avoir. Tu devras juste présenter ta réservation à ton arrivée. Concernant le paiement, c'est prélevé directement sur ton compte.
Au fait, quel est le nom de cet hôtel ?
Stef
Marseille, ma ville
Rio de Janeiro 2008 & 2011
Cyclades 2016
Moi au Portugal on avais réservé sur internet on avais payé l'équivalent d'une nuit & le jour de l'arrivée on a payé en cash à l'accueil .. & on avais pas eu le choix, enfin on avais pas à décider en tout cas..
En fait, j'ai réservé avec la CB d'un ami. Et comme Amélie, sur certains forums, ils disent qu'il faut payer sur place et que cette carte n'est qu'une garantie pour l'hotel... Dans tous les cas j'ai son autorisation si jamais ils prélèvent directement de son compte.
Pour le nom de l'Auberge il s'agit d'Equity Point Centric.
L'horizon est tellement large pour n'avoir qu'un seul point de vue.
Hellooo, j'ai vérifié directement sur le site de l'auberge, ils précisent effectivement qu'ils prélèvent le montant d'une nuit pendant la réservation et qu'il faut payer cash à l'arrivée, mais comme je suis passé par Booking, il se peut qu'ils prélèvent directement de la carte de crédit... Les avis sont partagés sur cette question mais la plupart sont du même avis que toi.
L'horizon est tellement large pour n'avoir qu'un seul point de vue.
Barcelone est une ville "quadrillée". Sur Google tape "barcelone vue aerienne" et tu comprendras ce que je veux dire. Mais fais attention aux numéros des rues, surtout si tu visite à pieds, car certaines artères font plusieurs kilomètres (la Diagonal par exemple).
Pour organiser tes visites, recherche sur Google les sites officiels des monuments pour repérer les horaires, les tarifs et les moyens de transports pour y accéder. Après tu peux te faire un planning en tenant compte des jours d'ouverture ou de fermeture des sites et des monuments. Pour ma part c'est ainsi que je procède.
Mais par rapport à la situation de ton hôtel, il y a quand même pas mal de sites auxquels tu pourras accéder à pieds (Pedrera, Battlo, Plaza Catalunya, Ramblas, Ciutadella).
Stef
Marseille, ma ville
Rio de Janeiro 2008 & 2011
Cyclades 2016
Bonjour,
Ayant déjà visité cette superbe ville de Barcelone tout seul aussi, je me permet de donner les grandes zones de la ville a visité.
Barcelone est une ville idéalement faite pour être visiter à pied!
1/ Ciutat Vella (le noyau historique de la ville) :
Au cente il y a le Barri Gotic (quartier gothique), le tissu urbain barcelonais le plus ancien. A sa gauche de l'autre coté de la Rambla se trouve El Raval. A droite El Born. Et à ses pieds la Barceloneta le quartier marin.
2/ L'Eixample + Gràcia (le coeur de Barcelone):
Presque tout ce que le visiteur peut attendre de Barcelone se trouve dans cette zone centrale de la ville qui garde une dimension humaine idéale pour la promenade à pied le parcours calme ou la surprise constante.
3/ Sants + Montjuïc (le plus vaste district de Barcelone):
Il englobe des centres de très diverses personnalités tel que l'ancienne vila de Sants, Hostafrancs, Le Poble-sec ...
4/ Les Corts + Sarrià + Sant Gervasi (Les quartiers résidentiels):
Ces districts réunissent quelques-unes des zones résidentielles parmi les plus appréciées de Barcelone.
Chacune de ces zones a ses incontournables bien sur... Je les mettrais plus tard...
Bonne journée
Rien ne développe l’intelligence comme les voyages.
Les incontournables à Barcelone
Ciutat Vella:
* Cathédrale de Barcelone
* Musée Picasso
* Palais de la musique Catalane
- El Born
* Parc de la Ciutadella + Zoo de Barcelone
* Marché de Santa Caterina
- La Rambla
* Grand théâtre Liceu
* Marché de Sant Josep (La boqueria)
* Place Reial
* Fontaine de Canaletes
- El Raval
* MACBA (musée d'art contemporain de Barcelone)
* CCCB (centre de la culture contemporaine de Barcelone)
* Rambla del Raval
- Façade maritime
* Plage de Barceloneta
* Mirador de C. Colomb
* Rambla de mar
* L'Aquarium
Rien ne développe l’intelligence comme les voyages.
Sants + Montjuïc
* MNAC (musée national d'art de catalogne)
* Fondation Joan Miro
* Fontaine magique
* Plaça Espanya
* Parc de Joan Miro
* Poble Espagnol
* Centre commercial Arenas de Barcelona
* Foire de Barcelone
* Château de Montjuïc
Rien ne développe l’intelligence comme les voyages.
Je souhaiterai partir à Barcelone pour une semaine fin Juillet 2015 afin de visiter cette magnifique ville et profiter d'autres activités sportives nautiques…
J’habite depuis 5 mois à Malaga en Espagne, pour un stage jusqu’à fin juillet, et cette année l’entreprise ferme durant toute la semaine sainte (1ère semaine…
Je suis une jeune nordiste de 18ans et j'aimerai beaucoup partir en espagne (l'andalousie serait la destination idéale pour moi) cet été, pour me détendre,…
Si tout comme moi vous avez franchi ce pas et avez décidé malgré le stress et l'inquiétude de partir seule sur le Chemin de compostelle, je vous remercie de me…
Je desire partir en voiture de marrakech vers malaga en voiture, y'a til des dangers en route, je le fais pour la premiere fois, je voyage souvent par avion…
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
Hi there,
We’d like to stay in Switzerland for five days.
There are two of us (women).
We don’t know this country at all.
What cities or affordable spots would you recommend for visiting?
Cheap accommodation.
Looking for community-based options.
And being close to public transport.
Thanks for your tips and experiences!
Best regards.
Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone has taken a Rede Expressos bus from Lisbon Airport to Lagos, and if so, where exactly at the airport you need to board it? I’m worried I’ll get lost and miss my bus...
Hi again,
I’m adding more details to my info request. Here are two proposed itineraries. We’re hesitating:
Colombo - Unawatuna 2 days - Sinharaja 1 day - Bandarawela 2 days - Kandy 3 days - Dambulla 2 days - Wilpattu Park 1 day - Kalpitiya 3 days - Negombo 1 day
What should we change or add a day for to include Jaffna?
Or:
Negombo 1 day - Anuradhapura 2 days - Jaffna 2 days - Sigiriya 2 days - Dambulla 1 day - Kandy 2 days - Ella 1 day - Galle 3 days
For your advice.
Is it better to finish in Galle or Kalpitiya?
Thanks in advance!
Nicole
This is a warning message! I’d like to address it especially to young women traveling alone for the first time in India. Other travelers may react to my post based on their own experiences, but I think what I’m about to say shouldn’t be taken lightly—unless that’s what you’re looking for!
Last July, I traveled to Northern India. I stopped in Khajuraho to see the famous tantric temples. I stayed one night, and that was more than enough. Khajuraho is very touristy, but you should know that 80% of young Indian men there are "gigolos." Locals call these young men (aged 18 to 30) "playboys" or "Lapka" (which means "capture the woman" in Hindi)!!!
They approach tourists with kindness and politeness, offering tea or a motorcycle ride (which they’ve often gotten from generous Western female tourists) to waterfalls a few kilometers from Khajuraho or other tourist sites. After befriending you, they charm you—be careful, these are professionals who are very skilled at this; it’s all they do, and they do it well. They’ll offer you food, drinks, and even temple entry to confuse you. They’ll suggest spending the evening or even the night with them. **Refuse (unless you’re into local flings and that’s why you came)!!!!**
At first, you’ll be seduced by their generosity, let your guard down, and then they’ll make you believe in *true love*. They won’t leave you alone and will keep in touch via email or phone if you give them your details. The lines they use to soften you up and scam you include: *"I’m the only one taking care of my family, my brother is sick, I don’t know what to do..."* All of this is to manipulate you into offering them money. They’ll never ask for it outright (to avoid being exposed) but will wait for you to suggest it.
If you receive emails from them, they’ll never be signed, and their name won’t appear in the email address (to avoid leaving traces). They use fake names to avoid being reported. If you believe their sob stories and offer help, they’ll give you a bank account number to send money via Western Union. These young men make a living from this—selling their bodies and scamming people! They’re very skilled, charming, manipulative, and *big-time cheaters*!
(Especially one young man who goes by the alias *Tony*—apparently the most skilled. He lives in a hotel near the lake, *Krishna Cottage*, and is in regular contact via Skype with Western women he’s tricked into believing he loves them while shamelessly scamming them. He even opened an internet café on the roof of the hotel with money he stole from women who fell for his charm.)
So, young romantic women craving love, sensitive singles, or anyone emotionally vulnerable—**don’t let yourself be scammed!!!** This behavior is becoming more common in India and is still relatively unknown. Male prostitution is on the rise, and cases of romantic scams and financial fraud by gigolos are increasing.
hi everyone! I’d like to visit Montreal and the surrounding areas in August, and I’ve got 3 weeks of vacation. I’m traveling alone and will be visiting my daughter, who recently moved there. She’ll be working and only available in the evenings! So I’m torn between spending a week in Montreal, then taking a flight to Cuba, and returning to France from Havana—or staying in Montreal and exploring the nearby areas alone.
For my first idea—going to Cuba—is it feasible in terms of administrative formalities and legality? And for my second idea, is it possible to take buses? If so, is it too expensive? And are there many places served by them?
From FES, I’d like to spend a few days in:
MEKNES
CHEFCHAOUEN
TETOUAN
and then return to FES.
I’m planning this trip in November.
Thanks for your tips!