Je pars pour Puerto Plata le 10 décembre. Je cherche à me loger de façon économique. J'ai vu l'hôtel Castilla (Sam Bar & Gril) - Calle Jose del Carmen Ariza, no. 34. Quelqu'un connaît la place ? J'ai vu qu'on offrait un appartement meublé à 2700 pesos par mois. Est-ce réaliste ?
Ca coûte combien un appartement meublé proche du Parc Central et sécuritaire ?
J'aimerais avoir des informations sur la place car je compte rester jusqu'au mois de mai.
Comment faire pour trouver des logements meublés à louer par des dominicains ? Y a-t-il un site où ils mettent des annonces ?
J'ai habité pendant 8 hivers à : Calle 12 de Julio, esq. Dr. Zafra (frente a frente a la Ferreteria San Antonio) mais on m'a dit que les propriétaires ont pris les appartements pour faire des bureaux.
va voir la ville de Munoz a puerto plata combiner avec Suncamp tu pourrais peut-etre loger la le temps de trouvé quelque chose qui te conviendrait le mieux et c'est pas trop cher les prix commencent a 15.oo$par jours tout dependant si tu veux une chambre ou petit studio
c'est en allant dans d'autres pays que je me rends compte que je suis préviligié de vivre au canada, et j'apprécie toute les petites choses de la vie!!
Merci pour ta réponse, mais j'ai vu également cette place à Munoz, c'était en dernier recours car je ne veux pas prendre l'autobus pour aller à Puerto Plata. J'aime bien circuler à pied dans Puerto Plata et faire mes courses de cette façon.
De plus, je viens de recevoir une offre formidable d'une voisine (de quelques portes) du temps où j'habitais Puerto Plata. C'est une famille dominicaine et ils sont plus que charmants, c'est drôle des fois la vie, je n'avais pas pensé leur demander.
Bonne fin de soirée ! et merci encore... c'était gentil.
Tu as une belle maison mais malheureusement, c'est à Montellano et je cherchais plus au centre de Puerto Plata mais j'ai trouvé pour le moment à loger chez des amis dominicains. Je te remercie pour ton offre.
j'ai lu cette discussion et j'aimerais bien savoir si vous avez passé un bon séjour, chez vos amis dominicains?
Moi j'y vais en juillet 2010 et j'aimerais bien trouver un apart aussi et pas trop cher. Pouvez-vous me recommander quelque chose à PUerto Plata ou Costambar?
J'ai passé quelque temps chez mes amis à Puerto Plata et j'ai été vraiment bien mais peu après le fils de mes amis est revenu vivre à la maison avec sa conjointe et leur petite fille. Il n'y avait plus de place, j'ai donc loué une chambre face à mes amis, mais le couple se chicanait tout le temps la nuit.
J'ai du chercher autre chose et j'ai loué un appartement qui était pas loin de mes amis et très bien situé, face à la mer, un grand magasin "La Sirena" en face et le Malécon et la mer, sauf que je me suis apercue que les proprios n'étaient pas du tout des anges au contraire: Gros traffic de drogue, plusieurs activités criminelles, et j'en passe, donc j'ai du revenir plus tôt que prévu car ils avaient décidé de m'extorquer mon NIP de ma carte bancaire et de m'éliminer par la suite. Lorsque j'ai loué l'appartement, je trouvais que la propriétaire était pas mal curieuse, mais bon., .. j'ai répondu à ses questions, je ne me suis vraiment pas méfiée quand elle me demandait de quoi je vivais, comment je recevais mon argent (je suis retraitée) et quand je recevais mon argent.
J'ai fait l'erreur de lui dire que ce n'était pas compliqué que je retirais une partie de ma pension avec ma carte de guichet. ERREUR à ne jamais faire. Car par la suite, elle s'enquérait gentiment des mes allées et venues de la journée et je lui racontais ce que j'avais vu ou fait. Le soir, je l'entendais raconter à des hommes que j'entendais parler avec elle, dont son ex-mari de tout ce que j'avais fait de la journée. Par la suite, j'évitais de lui dire où j'allais, et j'ai changé mes parcours. Le soir, je l'ai entendu dire que j'avais changé mon trajet et que j'étais passé par tel chemin au lieu de mon chemin habituel et là, ils ont dit qu'il fallait absolument qu'ils aient mon code. Il faut dire qu'elle avait plusieurs amis "motoconcho" (taxi en moto) et ils ont plusieurs postes dans la ville (un peu comme nos taxis).
J'allais souvent jaser avec un Guide touristique avec lequel j'avais travaillé dans le temps et sa conjointe et leur belle petite fille de 4 mois et on s'asseyait souvent à la fenêtre. Donc, la journée suivante, le soir, je m'apprêtais à allervsouper à la Sirena (en face de l'appartement où je vivais, je traversais la rue et j'étais déjà dans le stationnement) j'ai entendu l'ex-mari de la proprio parler avec deux gars inconnus à date, un des deux a clairement dit à l'ex-mari de la proprio "On va l'amener à ..... et quand tout sera fini, je vais te téléphoner sur ton cellulaire". L'ex-mari de la proprio leur a dit: "Vous allez la reconnaître, c'est une canadienne (leur donnant ma description physique) et elle est toujours à la fenêtre de la Sirena et elle est avec un couple de dominicains et leur bébé". C'est donc là que j'ai su qu'ils parlaient de moi. Les deux gars sont partis en véhicule (que je n'ai pas pu prendre leur numéro de plaques car je me serais fait voir) et ils ont parcourus les allées du stationnement et ils arrêtaient pour regarder vers la cafeteria). Lorsqu'ils sont partis, j'ai téléphoné à la conjointe de mon ami guide et elle est venue me rejoindre chez-moi. J'ai donc décider de quitter le pays et je n'ai pas couché à mon appartement ce soir là.
Le lendemain, je suis allée accompagné de mes amis, sortir de l'argent de la banque au parc central, qui je vois assis là, les deux comparses chargés de faire la sale job qui avaient parlé avec l'ex-mari de la proprio. Cette journée là, ca "grouillait" de policiers national dans le parc, ils étaient en tournée dans le coin, et comme je m'étais liée avec une policière qui travaillait pour Politours (pour les touristes) elle s'est apercue que je n'avais pas bonne mine et je lui ai raconté brièvement ce qui m'arrivait et c'est là que les deux comparses se sont rapprochés pour écouter la conversation. J'ai eu une idée en lui demandant si elle voulait que je la prenne en photo, elle a accepté et j'a ouvert ma caméra dans mon sac afin de pouvoir prendre en photo ces deux là, lorsque j'ai levé ma caméra, et posé ils se sont détourné la face et ils se sont levé et partis. Je suis partie le soir même de la RD.
Par contre, le contact avec mes amis du temps a été super, comme je marchais presque toujours à pied dans la ville, j'ai rencontré des gens formidables. Il y a une caféteria où j'allais à l'occasion pour prendre mon petit déjeuner (La cafeteria Economica) la propriétaire est une femme formidable et les employées très sympa. Je passais vers l'heure du midi au beau parc central et je m'achetais toujours 3 oranges bien juteuses et sucrées (une que le vendeur me pelait toujours car je la mangeais au parc et les deux autres que je rapportais à l'appartement). Je mangeais aussi à la Sirena, parfois le matin ou le soir, ils ont une caféteria en haut du magasin (alimention, vêtements, meubles, etc....) c'est très moderne et nouveau de l'an dernier. Il y a plusieurs place où aller dans la ville, je dirais que la plupart des gens sont vraiment bons et sympatiques. Des gens que j'ai connu de très longues date (1987-1995) me reconnaissaient et m'invitaient chez-eux, j'ai enseigné un peu le français à des jeunes. Dommage que j'ai du revenir pour ma sécurité car j'aime ce pays et je me sentais bien.
Je vivais avec 400$ canadien par mois, j'ai même réussi à m'acheter un lit Queen, une laveuse essoreuse et je m'apprêtais à m'acheter soit un poele au gaz et un frigo lorsque je suis revenue. Il faut dire que je mangeais à la dominicaine, pour ma part, je trouve ça délicieux.
Tout ce que je peux te dire, c'est d'être prudente dans ce que tu dis. Si tu désires encore des infos concernant les apppartements, tu me fais signe.
Zut Pitamoise ! comme c'est triste cette histoire ! j'ai habité 4 ans en République, Puerto Plata et je n'avais jamais entendu une histoire telle que la tienne. Faut dire que le taux de pauvreté augmente et avec cela la misère. 😐 Quelle mauvaise expérience. Tu as très bien fait de revenir. Miss RD.
Bonjour, êtes vous déjà restée au SunCamp a Munoz ? je regarde cet endroit qui me semble bien et très aéré assez loin de la ville pour bien dormir mais mon conjoint le boude ! Merci !
En effet, des histoires tristes il y en a beaucoup maintenant à Puerto Plata. La Politour est là pour nous aider mais cela n'empêche pas la folie des dominicains. Des amis canadiens sont en Cour présentement même s'ils ont le soutien de la Politour, du Consulat et de bons avocats. Pour un appartement tout inclus, le propriétaire a vu la bonne affaire et tente de charger l'électricité de TOUT le bloc appartement pour 2 mois au canadiens. Le pire est que les avocats suggèrent de payer le propriétaire même si cela est une FRAUDE... car le coût de la défense sera plus élevé que le coût de l'électricité... l'enfer pour eux ! Soyez prudent ici et NE FAITES CONFIANCE À PERSONNE !!!
Pour ma part, je viens de passer une large partie de ce mois pour 32,50 euros par jour/personne, en 4 étoiles, formule tout inclus, à 10 km de Puerto Plata, et avec les transports en commun pour aller à Puerto Plata (25 pesos soit 0,50 euro), juste devant la sortie de l'hôtel.
Alors, pourquoi se compliquer la vie ?
Cordialement
coucou je ne sais pas si tu es toujours sur ce forum je suis incapable de tecrire en priver! car je nai pas assez de message public!
jai lu il ya un bon moment ton histoire jai vecu en rd 2 fois en 5 ans avec mes enfants on es revenue en 2014 car comme toi je netais plus en communauter mais en maison en milieux locaux et il a eu beaucoup de criminalite qui on fais jai eu peur... (viol , meutre, ) sur ma rue alors que jetais seule mon conjoint travaillais dans une autre ville.
ils a afin sa cedula et un post qui lattend en novembre a puerto plata on pense y retourner vivre en famille jaimerais mieux retourner a costambar je my sentirais plus en securiter je connais la place.
Hi everyone, I'm traveling solo in Spain for 8 days without a car, on a tight budget. What train/bus route do you recommend between cities, and where can I find the best prices? Looking forward to your tips! Thanks
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
