Bonjour à tous .
Retour en France après deux semaines passées au Panama et Costa Rica version sac à dos et bus collectif.le Costa Rica n'était pas prévu initialement mais la déception connue au Panama nous a poussé à revoir notre itinéraire.
Voyager pour deux femmes backpackers au Panama n'est pas un soucis .la déception vient de ce que le pays propose des prestations touristiques très chères et trop souvent de mauvaises qualité.pour se deplacer dans le pays il existe un réseau de bus au prix abordables attention toutefois au long trajet de nuit la clim est poussée à fond il fait froid vraiment froid 17 degrés alors prévoyez une couverture.notre sentiment sur le Panama: ce n'est pas un coup de cœur le pays est très sale les endroits dit de rêves ne sont pas épargnés .
bonjour
suis intéressée par votre voyage au Panama
je prépare mon prochain voyage ; j'avais prévu 2 mois Panama, Costa rica et Nicaragua en mode routarde améliorée surtout pour les hôtels ... mais votre ressenti du Panama semble mauvais
pouvez vous me dire si certains sites sont néanmoins à visiter
merci
Martine
Bonjour Martine ,
Mon expérience au Panama n'est pas très bonne , j'imagine que ce pays offre de beaux paysages. J'ai trouvé superbe la route qui mène de Boquete à Almirante. Mon amie et moi avons 45 ans , nous voyageons en sac à dos et trouvons les hôtels sur place avec pour aide les guides, ici le petit futé dernière édition soit 2014. Le fait est que les prix ont bien augmenté en deux ans . Santa catalina compter 80 dollars/personne pour une sortie sur Coïba , même tarif pour une chambre avec un minimum de confort ( bonne literie douche qui fonctionne ).Pour les repas à moins de les prendre dans les échoppes locales , vous arriverez facilement à quinze dollars le plat. Nous avons l'habitude de manger local mais pour ce voyage le courage nous a manqué. Tous les lieux que nous avons visité étaient sale , ordures à même la rue sans sac et les odeurs qui vont avec sous les climats tropicaux .Boquete est certainement l'endroit qui nous a le plus plu , hôtel Rebequet ,77 dollars avec petit déjeuner, propre , confortable , bon petit déjeuner et un accueil sympathique, c'est dans le centre. Reste le souci des tarifs d'excursion ,80 dollars la moindre activité et difficile voire impossible de les faire seules.A Bocas Del toro nous avons décidé de rallier le Costa Rica , déçues une fois de trop par l'environnement très sale de ce lieu soi disant paradisiaque. Nous ne sommes restées qu'une nuit , aussi impossible de vous dire si les autres îles sont belles .Costa Rica côté caraïbe: rien à voir , nous avons commencé par limon, la ville n'a rien d'extraordinaire mais les ticos sont accueillants, souriants . Pour la première fois depuis notre départ nous nous sentons autrement que deux tirelires sur pattes à dévaliser. De Moin ( 9km de limon) nous avons pris une Lancha pour rejoindre Tortuguero ( environ 3 heures , prix 42000 colónes pour deux) . En quelques minutes, nous avons vus plus d'animaux et de nature somptueuse qu'en une semaine au Panama.( au Panama nous avions surtout vu des cadavres de zébu et un de cheval sur les bords de route)
Les prix des logements sont similaires, le confort et l'accueil en plus . Tortuguero casa Marbella 50 dollars la nuit avec desayuno , la chambre qui donne sur le fleuve au rez de chaussée est très bien , la terrasse offre un coucher de soleil unique sur le fleuve et la jungle. Le matin à 6 heures ne manquez pas la ballade en bateau dans la réserve . Repas possible dans de nombreux petits restaurants qui eux inspirent confiance. Pour la fin du voyage nous redescendons sur Cahuita , autre réserve celle ci étant la seule du Costa Rica a être gérée par la population locale .Une très bonne surprise l'hôtel casa de Las Flores à l'entrée du village est juste impeccable. 80 dollars la nuit avec petit déjeuner. Le village est très agréable et la ballade dans le parc peut se faire 10 fois de suite avec le même émerveillement. Les plages sont belles on peut se baigner . Puis retour en bus sur tocumen.voila Martine si vous avez des questions précises j'y répondrai si je le peux. Bonne soirée.
Bonjour Martine,
Avons passé six semaines au Nicaragua et enchainé (assez vite) Costa Rica et Panama dans la foulée durant 3 semaines supplémentaires... ( de fin Novembre 2015 à Fin janvier 2016)
Nos impressions sur ces trois pays, bien différents, sur notre blog:
Le ranquet en vadrouille, saison 2 ( Nicaragua, Costa Rica et Panama)
J'ai visité le Panama et j'ai un ressenti totalement different.
Je trouve le costa rica justement bien plus cher. J'ai trouvé des guest house à 10 $ pour 2 personnes au panama. Ça tourné plus à 20$ au costa rica Si on mange dans les cantina on s'en sort à 3/4 $ et en général c'est meilleur que les restaurants imitant les standards américains ou européens.
En Amerique latine les standards de propreté dans la rue ne sont pas les mêmes qu'en europe ou usa canada. J'ai trouvé San José au costa rica plus sale que panama ciudad. Au Panama, en louant une voiture j'ai trouvé des endroits super cleans ou tu peux dormir sur la plage ou sinon dans la montagne il y plein d'endroits propres. Comme le panama est moins touristique, les transports publiques sont peut être moins développés donc il preferable de louer une voiture.
A bocas del toro, il aurait fallu que vous discutiez du prix en español ou creole anglais😉 avec les locaux pour aller sur les autres îles du parc naturel, isla bastimientios...c'est vraiment le paradis moins cher et moins sale qu'à puerto limon au costa rica par exemple.
Sinon il y a l archipel san blas tout aussi paradisiaque et pas très cher si l'on traite directement avec les locaux et non avec les compagnies dexcursions étrangères.
Avec google maps, c'est super simple de se déplacer en voiture et à pied au panama et on decouvre bien plus de choses qu'en bus et pour la rencontre avec les locaux rien de mieux qu'un cuba libre au bar du coin à l'arrivée car dans les bus modernes plus personne ne parle vraiment.
A panama ciudad il y a le canal qui est à voir et pour le shopping avant de rentrer c'est encore une fois moins cher qu'au costa rica.
Après pour les excursions de groupe organisés dans la jungle peut être le costa rica est peut être plus développé, c'est en tout cas la réputation du pays.
Bonjour yokora,
Concernant le Costa Rica je ne parle dans mon post que de la côte caraïbe de Tortuguero à Cahuita.
les standards de propreté sont différents en Amérique latine , mais dans un pays qui brasse autant d'argent il est dommage qu'aucun budget ne soit alloué à l'entretien , la préservation des sites que le pays nous vend comme touristiques.je rapporte ce que j'ai vu , mon ressenti est différent du tien.
Prendre une voiture de location ... Non merci pas au Panama .
Traiter avec les locaux encore faut il pouvoir le faire, ils sont nombreux à être devenus des "professionnels du tourisme" moins dans le souci de faire découvrir leur pays que par amour du billet vert facile.
Mon espagnol est loin d'être parfait, je suis une femme, je ne bois pas d'alcool et j'apprécie de dormir dans un lit .le pays recèle certainement des trésors difficilement accessibles pour le commun des voyageurs dont je suis.
Bonne journée .
Mistak
Bonjour.
Oui c'est sur si on veut pas trop se prendre la tête et selon ce qu'on cherche, le costa rica est peut être plus adapté car le gouvernement a tout misé sur le tourisme écolo. Le panama vit plutôt bien de son canal, c'est différent, mais ne brasse toujours pas autant d'argent que les pays occidentaux. Si un jour le gouvernement mise tout sur tourisme les rues seront certainement plus propre.
Pour ma part je n'utilise quasiement plus de guide lp ou routard, j'achète une carte sim et un prépayé 4G pour tout verifier à n'importe quel instant. Cela fait souvent fuire les rabatteurs qui racontent que dans les guides rien n'est vrai.
J'utilise google maps pour me déplacer à pied et cela évite des se faire plumer par des taxi frouareux. En Thaïlande par exemple les chauffeurs de tuk tuk étaient vert de rage de voir qu'ils ne peuvent pas arnaqué un touriste car son smartphone l'amène partout et est beaucoup plus discret qu'une carte ou guide.
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!