We’re a retired French couple.
We’ve just spent 4 weeks in China:
- 1. Exploring Yunnan in a group (12 people); a journey that took us from the Vietnamese border in the south to the edges of Tibet in the north.
- 2. A private trip to Guizhou with just a driver.
We’re absolutely delighted with what we discovered: a modern country with excellent infrastructure (especially the low level of urban pollution thanks to the high number of electric vehicles, the absence of diesel, and no noisy motorbikes in these two less industrialized provinces), friendly Chinese people who were always ready to help us when we had difficulties or questions, and a rich natural and cultural heritage.
The language barrier remains the biggest challenge, despite instant translation tools.
For both trips, we booked through the agency CIELCHINE, which we highly recommend.
The value for money is unbeatable.
The services were luxurious, especially for us since we usually travel alone on a tight budget for accommodation and food.
The agency’s staff were perfectly competent and, what’s more, warm and welcoming.
For Yunnan, our guide SEBASTIEN, who was experienced and knowledgeable, won everyone over.
In Guizhou, our driver HUANG was professionally flawless and guided us through villages he knows well. Friendly and full of humor, he’d spontaneously talk to people he met, which made us be treated with much more kindness and allowed us to exchange a few basic words.
As you can see, I haven’t ticked anything negative—not because I’m hiding anything or have any ulterior motive, but because I’m completely satisfied and the experience even exceeded all my expectations.
Thanks for this recent account.
Yes, the country must have changed a lot. My last visit was nearly 20 years ago. Back then, we traveled completely without an agency, a bit like an adventure. We managed to organize all our excursions through hotels. Sometimes we’d find people who spoke English there...
We’re heading back to China next autumn. After much thought, we’re going to apply for a visa since we plan to stay for 40 days.
The plan: Gansu, Yunnan with a small part of Sichuan, and Zhangjiajie. Round-trip flight from Shanghai and domestic flights.
It turns out we’ll be using the same agency as you for the Yunnan part—highly recommended. No group for us, just a vehicle with a driver to optimize the route.
Would it be possible to get your thoughts on the places you visited? Sites to prioritize or avoid?
We’ll arrive in Shangri-La from Daocheng in Sichuan, then TLG, Lijiang and surroundings, Shaxi, Weishan, Dali, train to Kunming, Yuanyang, and Jianshui (roughly the plan).
We loved everything: the "Wonders of Yunnan" itinerary is very well balanced.
The landscapes are stunning and diverse, the towns and sites are fascinating.
Actually, we explored Yunnan from south to north, unlike your planned route.
That said, I don’t know your interests, and you’ll be traveling in a different season (our guide Sébastien insists Yunnan is most beautiful in autumn).
Having no experience in China or any knowledge of the language, traveling solo—like I usually do—seemed impossible. You’ll avoid some of the group’s constraints.
The agency’s itinerary is quite concentrated, intense, and active, given the altitude in the north and all the stairs to climb up and down (our group was mostly made up of people aged 75 to 80).
The agency staff will answer all your questions directly, and during your trip, the phone they’ll provide will help you avoid any mishaps.
As for modern China compared to 20 years ago, the difference is huge. You’re about to discover a country that, in many ways, I found ahead of the West.
If I can answer any other questions about Yunnan, feel free to reach out.
Safe travels with your preparations.
Jean
Thanks for your feedback! 🙂
My travel preferences are in my profile... Basically, I love nature-focused trips and architecture too. We’ve been lucky enough to travel quite a bit, and we go to Nepal very regularly.
I just checked out your itinerary. We’ll be incorporating these stops into a slightly longer trip, about twenty days or so.
Out of everything you visited, what did you think of Lijiang? We’ve read everywhere that it’s really overrated. And what about Napa Lake near Shangri-La, Baishuitai near the gorges, and the Stone Forest near Kunming?
Shaxi is really calling to me...
The Yuanyang rice terraces too, but we won’t be there at the best time, unlike you. Oh well, we’ll give it a shot anyway...
As for modern China compared to 20 years ago, the difference is huge. You’re going to discover a country that, in many ways, I found to be ahead of the West.
We really loved Shaxi, and even more so Lijiang with its extraordinarily flower-filled alleys.
You just need to avoid sticking to the streets completely taken over by tourism.
Baishuitai is spectacular—a Chinese version of Pamukkale.
As for Napa Lake, in the dry season, it doesn’t exist.
We saw and walked through some beautiful rice terraces, but not the most remarkable ones in the south due to rainy and misty weather. We made up for it in Guizhou. Currently, activity there is low. Many terraces are planted with rapeseed, which bloomed in March and is now going to seed; the visual appeal is lost.
Best regards,
Jean
Thanks so much for all these details!
Too bad about Yuanyang...
The weather’s been really changeable and super unpredictable lately. Last month, we had awful weather in Nepal, which wasn’t always the case in previous years.
Hi there,
We’ve been in this region for a month now. It’s changed so much since my last visit 25 years ago—transportation, roads, rail, buses—it’s become modern, I’d even say better than in France. Electric vehicles are everywhere, even the scooters—unbelievable! Tomorrow we’re heading to Vietnam by bus from Nanning, a super green city with beautiful parks—what a great discovery. I also recommend Guilin and Liuzhou in Guangxi for their extraordinary park. In Guizhou, we visited Guiyang for its old town and Zenyuan, which you definitely shouldn’t miss. That city really left its mark on me.
If I understand correctly, a visa was necessary if your trip exceeded 30 days.
No difficulty getting it?
Our journey should last 40 days.
We’ve already visited the Guilin area, part of Sichuan, and Tibet, as well as Xinjiang during a previous trip.
This year, we’ll start with Gansu, from Dunhuang to Xiahe. I’ve, in principle, found a car with a driver.
Then Yunnan. Big hesitation about the route in northern Yunnan beyond Shangri-La: Balagezong, Failasi? Or even Yading in Sichuan, which would change the route. There’s now a flight from Chengdu to Yading Daocheng. The airport is located at over 4,000m, making it the highest in the world!
This country is modernizing at lightning speed...
Hi there,
No visa needed since we stayed 28 days before moving on to Vietnam. We’ll be heading back to China in November, but this time entering through Chengdu, which I haven’t visited yet. Then we’ll probably head toward Wuhan, and after that, we’ll see. But I’m planning to stay another 30 days again. 😉
Hello,
No visa needed since we stayed 28 days before moving on to Vietnam. We’ll return to China in November, entering through Chengdu—which I don’t know yet—then heading toward Wuhan. After that, we’ll see, but I plan to stay another 30 days. 😉
Hi,
A quick question: Did you travel without an agency?
For us, it’ll be a mix of both options since over 40 days, a car with a driver would break the bank! (1200 RMB/day, after all.)
We thought about reaching YuangYuan on our own, but once there, we’d need to find a car.
Not so simple... Through the accommodation, maybe?
No, I took a package trip organized by CielChine for Yunnan, and I arranged my private journey in Guizhou with the same agency—just a driver (cost: 150 €/day including transport, which covered 1 domestic flight and 2 TGV trips, a 3- or 4-star hotel, and breakfast).
I found this rate completely reasonable, especially since I quickly realized that the daily distances and transfers are significant.
No, no agency. It’s pretty easy to get around in China. I put the Chinese rail network app on my phone and book and pay for my trains as I go, using my passport as a ticket to enter the stations. Every city has one or more long-distance bus stations, where you can book buses on the spot. For taxis, the DIDI app is essential throughout the country—it’s really cheap. For local buses, there’s a flat fare of 2 yuan (0.25 €) everywhere, or 3 yuan on some routes. I was amazed by how dense the transport network is—it’s incredibly well-connected.
OK, thanks for the feedback! 🙂
Getting between cities isn’t an issue. However, when it comes to reaching tourist sites that are far apart, having a car is still a huge advantage.
Did you make it to the Yuanyang rice terraces? (That’s my biggest question about transportation.)
No, we went straight to Vietnam from Nanning, but from Kunming you’ve got transport options to get there. The train to Jianshui (8 USD) takes 3h30, and there are 2 trains a day—you can book directly in the app. Then it’s a 90 km taxi ride (30 USD). If you’re traveling with a group, it’s still really cheap overall.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
It’s definitely a lot of work.
There are so few travel journals about China that I jump on them whenever I see one...
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
a modern country with excellent infrastructure (especially due to the low level of urban pollution thanks to the huge number of vehicles
That’s amazing! They must’ve made huge progress in this area!
I went to China back in 1986 when there were nothing but bikes on the roads. Every city we passed through was super polluted by factories whose chimneys spewed black smoke day and night. The worst was Guilin… The walls of the buildings were black, and so was the skin of the locals!
Definitely a lot of work.
There are so few travel journals about China that I jump on them whenever I see one...
For my part, I can't wait to go back...🙂
I think it's rare for me to look forward to a trip this much!
Why? Who knows...
Maybe the lack of information? A country that's misunderstood and underestimated? (Hmm, there's a new topic to explore in "Reflections"... 😉)
I might end up really disappointed, though. But my gut tells me otherwise!
Hi Jean,
I just read your impressions of your trip to China with interest. We're thinking of going to Yunnan this autumn for 3 weeks. Maybe with this agency!
I also wanted to know if, for your extension, when you mention 150 €/day, it's for 1 person or for 2... The price is very reasonable, but I was wondering...
Looking forward to reading your reply.
I just got back from two weeks in Guizhou province, and I loved it. I’d already made a quick trip to the north near Chishui back in 2018.
I especially loved the Maling Scenic River Canyon waterfalls near Xingyi and Zhenyuan—total heart-stealer. The view of the twin towers in Guiyang was pretty cool too, along with the waterfalls and caves around Anshun and Libo. Honestly, I loved everything. The one downside for me was the super touristy village south of Guiyang (I can’t remember the name) that felt way too commercialized.
A few stressful moments—WeChat, which I’d unlocked at Marseille airport thanks to some Chinese tourists, got blocked again two days later. AMAP always gave me routes, but it kept saying the internet connection was too weak to show restaurant suggestions, etc. Still, overall, China’s really well organized.
Some apps are must-haves: Alipay, WeChat, Didi, AMAP, Trip.com, and for the more adventurous, the official Chinese trains website. A good translation app is key too! I used Google Translate since I was using my Free mobile data. Withdrawing cash seems safer to me. I had to get a few local bus rides (2-3 yuan) and a KFC paid for by someone else because I ran out of cash and Alipay wasn’t working (it kept asking me to enter another bank card), or places only accepted WeChat payments.
For hotels, I paid between 14 € and 30 €. The value for money is excellent.
I also tried Colorful Guizhou Airlines between Guiyang and Xingyi, then from Xingyi to Libo. The airline is pretty frequent and great (Embraer planes since the flights are short, 20 kg allowance with no limit on the number of bags, and a little snack provided).
AMAP—even though it always gave me the routes—said the internet connection was too weak to display restaurant suggestions, etc.
The same thing happened to me this summer after about two weeks of using it without any issues.
Some apps are essential: Alipay, WeChat, Didi, AMAP, Trip, and for the more adventurous, the official Chinese train website, plus a good translation app!
I never managed to install Alipay, and WeChat generally worked well (which means it sometimes didn’t).
This heavy reliance on apps is one of the few things that really got on my nerves in China—it’s not faster, and it doesn’t work 100% of the time. Even more reason to always carry some cash. Plus, it can lead to unexpected discounts: at a shop where I’d bought a few small items, WeChat payment turned out to be impossible after everything was already packed. The seller offered to let me pay in cash, but I didn’t have enough. She accepted what I had, even though it was maybe 20% short of the total price.
De retour après un mois sur les routes du Yunnan... Dans un petit van inconfortable, accompagnés de notre jeune (et inexperimenté mais tellement gentil)…
Nous rentrons de 10 jours au Yunnan et, en échange de tous les conseIls glanés sur le forum, voici mon propre ´rapport´. Je n'y fait pas d'efforts littéraires,…
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Hi there,
My girlfriend (23) and I (24) are heading to Japan for the first time from October 20th to November 6th. Here’s our itinerary:
6 nights in Tokyo
1 night in Hakone (ryokan already booked)
4 nights in Kyoto (hotel already booked)
2 nights in Osaka
4 nights back in Tokyo
I’d like to book hotels for Tokyo (both stays) and Osaka, but I’ve gotten so many different recommendations.
I’ve read that Shinjuku is the place to be for its huge hub, accessibility, and things to do, but I’ve also heard about Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ueno.
I’ve looked at hotels, and first off, I’m surprised by the prices compared to what I’ve seen on forums (I guess inflation’s hit here too… and maybe I’m late to the booking game?). I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the options.
For our first stay in Tokyo, I’d prefer a hotel (not a residence or Airbnb) since we’ll be arriving at night, and it’s our first time in Japan. It’d be great to have a place with a reception, staff who speak at least a little English, and can give us some guidance. For the second stay, we could consider other options if it’s better.
Budget-wise, we can go up to 150–180 € per night, but if we can save some money to spend elsewhere, that’d be amazing!
I’m open to all recommendations, hotel suggestions, or any other tips for Tokyo (first stay), Osaka, and Tokyo (second stay).
Bonjour
Je souhaite faire ce circuit vélo sur 2 ou 3 jours. J'ai du mal à comprendre et trouver le loueur de (bon) vélo qui me permet de démarrer à Onomichi et le laisser à Imabari. Quelqu'un peut m'aider pour les bons plans location et hébergements sur le circuit? Retour en transport à Onomichi...?
We’re flying to China in a few days for a four-week trip—our first time in this fascinating country! 🇨🇳
We’ll be sharing our adventure live on our travel journal, with photos and daily updates. Our itinerary, though classic, will let us discover the wonders of this vast country:
I’m starting to look at neighborhoods in Seoul, and I’m leaning toward staying in a hotel in Insa-Dong—I’ve spotted one really close to Unhyeongung.
Is this a good area—nice and convenient for exploring the city?
Otherwise, I’ve also found another hotel in Yongsan-Gu, right near the station of the same name. Is that station useful for getting around Seoul?
Since I’ll be in South Korea for nearly two months, I plan to spend at least a week in Seoul to recover from jet lag (it takes me a while to adjust...). So, I’d love a neighborhood that’s pleasant and a hotel not too far from a subway station.
Hi there,
I’m getting ready for a classic tourist trip to China in May 2026.
The "Terres Lointaines" itinerary looks good to me, and the price is interesting.
Has anyone traveled with them before? Any feedback?
Is there a better option?
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences on this!
Michel
I just booked my hotel in Seoul—it’ll be near Unhyeongung, on Samil-Daero 30-Gil—and I’m wondering if there’s public transport from the airport to this address (bus or subway)? If not, what’s the taxi fare? I read it’s around 50 or 60 €.
I’m traveling to Japan with a young adult with autism (ASD) from July 28 to August 8, following a pretty classic route: Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo. I’m looking for a schedule of the most spectacular fireworks displays during that time. So far, the dates for the major *hanabi* events aren’t available online yet. If anyone has them, I’d really appreciate it if you could share!
We’ll be doing a self-drive trip using public transport in May 2026.
On Day 6, we’ll arrive in Hakone by train from Tokyo in late morning. We’ll spend the night in Hakone before heading to Kyoto.
The main goal of this stop is clearly the view (no hiking) of Mount Fuji, not so much exploring Hakone, where the sights seem limited.
I’ve read on the forum that the view is great from Gotemba, but it also takes a good hour by bus to get there. And, apart from that view, there’s nothing else to see in Gotemba!
So, I’m not sure what to choose. Any thoughts? Or alternatives to suggest?
Maybe some spots in Hakone or Gotemba for a great view?
Hi everyone, I’m Julien!
This summer, from late June to late July, I’m planning a one-month solo trip to Japan—my first time!
I’d love to hear your thoughts and advice on the itinerary I’ve put together to explore this amazing country.
Here are the routes I’m considering:
**Option 1: More mountain and nature-focused**
Tokyo: 8 nights, with day trips to Nikko and maybe the Izu Peninsula
Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi/Mt. Fuji): 1 night. The place looks stunning, but I’m worried Mt. Fuji might not be visible due to the weather
Kyoto: 6–7 nights (including a trip to Nara)
Osaka: 1–2 nights, where I’d like to drop off my things to make the Kumano Kodo easier
Kumano Kodo: 3 nights—an experience I haven’t seen much elsewhere, but I thought it sounded really interesting
Hiroshima: 2 nights
Miyajima: 1 night
Takayama: 3 days
Kanazawa: 3 days (From what I understand, the Osaka–Takayama–Kanazawa–Tokyo route is convenient for transport)
Tokyo: 1 night (return)
**Option 2: More varied but a bit vague in parts**
Tokyo: 8 nights
Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara)
Osaka: 2 nights
Kobe + Himeji: just passing through—I’m not sure if it’s worth a night
Naoshima: 1 night—still pretty unclear for me
Takamatsu: 2 nights. An interesting city, but I’m not sure how long to stay
Shimanami Kaido: biking from Imabari to Onomichi, then heading to Hiroshima
Hiroshima: 2 nights
Miyajima: 1 night
Kyushu road trip (Aso + onsens + Fukuoka): 5 nights (also pretty vague—I could fly from Fukuoka back to Tokyo)
Tokyo: 1 night
**Option 3: More balanced/simplified**
Tokyo: 8 nights
Kawaguchiko: 1 night
Kyoto: 7 nights (+ Nara)
Osaka: 2 nights
Koya-san: 1 night
Kumano Kodo: 3 nights
Takayama: 3 nights
Kanazawa: 3 nights
Tokyo: 1 night
A few key points:
I haven’t made any reservations yet, except for the flight tickets.
I know my plans are too packed and will need to be adjusted.
I’m specifically looking for advice on which stops to cut or shorten.
Hello everyone,
Like Cedric13600, I’ve booked a flight ticket for 30 days / 29 nights in September 2026, from Beijing to Shanghai. We’re a couple in our sixties who love independent road trips.
I’d like to draw inspiration from the following private itinerary suggested by a travel agency:
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Day 2 to 4: Beijing
Day 5: Datong
Day 6 & 7: Pingyao
Day 8 to 10: Xi'an
Day 11: Luoyang
Day 12: Dengfeng
flight
Day 13 & 14: Chongqing
flight
Day 15 & 16: Lijiang
Day 17: Dali
Day 18: Kunming
Day 19: Jianshui
Day 20 & 21: Yuanyang
Day 22: Travel via Guilin
Day 23 & 24: Yangshuo
Day 25: Guilin
Day 26 & 27: Zhangjiajie
flight
Day 28 & 29: Shanghai
Day 30: Departure from Shanghai
But to do this itinerary independently:
1. This schedule seems very ambitious to me—what do you think?
2. If it’s too packed, what would you remove as a priority?
Thanks so much in advance for your help.
I’m planning a 5-week trip between Yunnan and Sichuan from mid-October to the end of November 2026:
Arriving in Kunming, I’ll do a loop in the far south of Yunnan via Thonghai, Jhiansu, Zhemi, Yuanyang, Nafa, Jinping, Mengzi, and Shilin (visiting markets, villages, and hiking), then head to northern Yunnan/southern Sichuan on the same theme (passing through Kunming again) via Dongchuan, Huize, Qiaojia, Puge, Xichang, Lanba, Butuo, Huolie, Dimo, Riha, Niuniuba, Meigu, Mabian, and Leshan, before arriving in Chengdu (where I’ll take my return flight to Paris).
This would be a trip with a strong ethnic/rural focus. Since I’ve never traveled in China, I’d love to hear your thoughts on doing this solo. Are there public transport options in the region? What tips do you have for traveling through this area as smoothly and enjoyably as possible? I’ve done quite a bit of backpacking in the mountains of northern Vietnam and really enjoyed using local motorbike drivers. Is something like that available in this region (through local tourist agencies or hotels)?
What should I be cautious about? Are local tourist agencies (or hotels) offering tours and guides reliable? If you know of any specialized sites sharing tips or experiences, or names of local agencies, hotels, etc., please don’t hesitate to share them! :)
In short, all your advice (on any topic that comes to mind!) is very welcome.
Thanks so much!
While researching South Korea, I came across the term "templestay," which refers to a Korean program that lets you stay in a traditional temple to discover Buddhism and Korean culture by living like the temple residents and doing activities like making lanterns.
A templestay isn’t just for foreign tourists—on the booking site, I saw that some temples are more geared toward foreigners, with English-speaking monks.
I was wondering if it’s still worth it, especially in temples where the monks don’t speak English?
I'm 69 years old and heading to China, where most tourist sites are free or discounted for me. However, trip.com either refuses to let me book because the sites are free or doesn’t apply the discount. Does WeChat apply this discount if I book through them? How can I just reserve without paying and pay on-site? Is that possible?
I’d love to get some feedback on our 30-day / 29-night itinerary in China. We’ll be there in September as a family with two kids (6 and 10 years old).
Do you think I should cut a few nights between Wulingyuan (Avatar Mountain) and Yangshuo? I’ve planned 15 nights total there.
We’ll be on a round-the-world trip starting May 2026 and will need to do schoolwork with the kids. Hoping to fit it in during train rides!!
Ever since I started planning this China itinerary, I’ve been discovering completely mind-blowing places I’d never heard of before—30 days feels way too short for China!!!
Here’s our itinerary:
Beijing - 4 nights
Forbidden City
Great Wall of China
Temple of Heaven
Xi’an - 3 nights
Terracotta Army
Muslim Quarter & Great Mosque
Chengdu - 3 nights
Zoo - Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Wenshu Yuan Temple
Hi there,
We just got back from a 2-week trip to China as a couple, and before we left, the budget was the hardest thing to picture concretely. We found plenty of info on visas, apps, transport, and itineraries, but way fewer detailed breakdowns of what you *actually* spend on the ground.
So, we took the time to share our real budget for 14 days. In our case, we spent around 1,800 € per person, with a big chunk of that going toward round-trip flights at about 600 € per person. We were also pretty surprised by how affordable China can be once you’re there—transport is often cheap, and a lot of everyday expenses stay reasonable.
The trickiest part, in the end, was figuring out how to pay while you’re there, since it’s not always obvious if you’re not prepared. But once everything’s set up and you get the hang of it, it’s really smooth.
If this can help other travelers get a better idea before they go, we’ve broken it all down here:
https://aventures-sans-mesaventure.com/budget-2-semaines-de-voyage-en-chine/
Hi everyone,
I’ve been planning several itineraries for a trip to Japan with my wife but would love your insights before we start booking!
In short, we want to go during Golden Week, see late-blooming cherry trees, and have the freedom to get around with a rental car.
Here’s the plan:
18-day itinerary in Japan (April 25 → May 12)
Goal: freedom, late cherry blossoms, culture & nature
---
Days 1–3: Tokyo (April 25–27)
Arrival and adjustment (no car needed yet).
Neighborhoods to visit: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Odaiba.
Suggested activities: Ghibli Museum, Sumida River cruise, izakaya meals.
Late cherry blossoms (yaezakura) possible at Shinjuku Gyoen.
Pick up the rental car on the morning of April 27.
---
Days 4–5: Mount Fuji & Hakone (April 27–28)
Route: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko/Hakone (~2 h).
Activities:
Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda (Fuji views + late cherry blossoms)
Onsen baths, Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Stay: ryokan with onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
Activities:
Preserved old town, sake breweries, UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go.
Stay: traditional minshuku (thatched-roof house).
Cherry blossoms are finishing at this altitude — beautiful mountain/nature contrasts.
---
Days 8–10: Kyoto & Nara (May 1–3)
Route: Takayama → Kyoto (~4 h 30).
Activities in Kyoto:
Fushimi Inari (red torii gates), Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama, Gion (geisha district).
Day trip to Nara:
Free-roaming deer in Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Stay: Kyoto (3 nights).
---
Day 11: Osaka or Himeji (May 4)
Route: Kyoto → Osaka (~1 h) or Himeji (~1 h 30).
Option 1: Osaka → modern vibe, street food, castle.
Option 2: Himeji → stunning UNESCO-listed castle.
Stay: Osaka.
---
Days 12–13: Kanazawa (May 5–6)
Route: Osaka → Kanazawa (~4 h 30).
hi! Is it easy to use for paying for all the small purchases at the markets? INSTALLATION AND USE WITHOUT ISSUES—do you also need a VPN for China?
Secondly, for using phone and internet, I have Orange—is it reliable, or should I go with Airalo instead?
The info I found on the forum is a bit outdated, so I’m asking again!
1) What budget should I plan for 15 days, given that hotels with breakfast, transfers, and transport are already paid for? I know it depends on the person, but I’d love a rough idea. For meals, we’re thinking simple street food or small local restaurants.
2) I’ve heard that credit cards (we each have a Revolut + 1 Visa Premier) aren’t widely used and that it’s better to have cash. Can you confirm?
3) Are foreign credit cards still not accepted at bank ATMs? Still 7-Eleven or the Post Office? And what about American Express?
I'm planning a 19-day itinerary in Japan this summer.
For a first trip, Kyoto seems like a must. For the rest, I'm torn between:
- Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa for 5 to 6 days
- Kyoto 4 days
- Nara 2 days
- Koyasan 1 day
- Hakone/Mount Fuji 2 to 3 days
- Tokyo 3 days
Or dedicating the first 6 days to Kyushu.
Maybe there’s less traditional Japan in Kyushu compared to the Japanese Alps?
Maybe Kyushu is less crowded?
Thanks for your thoughts!
We’re planning a 17-day trip to South Korea in October 2026 with my husband and our daughters, who’ll be 9 years old.
I’d love to get your thoughts on our draft itinerary.
First, some key details:
1/ Jeju Island is a must for us. I’ve personally dreamed of going there for years after reading a novel about it.
2/ Our girls are used to road-trip style travel since they were born, so this kind of trip won’t be an issue for them.
3/ We plan to travel by train, except on Jeju where we’ll rent a car (we already have an international driver’s permit).
Itinerary:
Seoul: 1 arrival day at 10 AM + 4 full days
Gyeongju: 2 days
Busan: 3 days
Jeju: 4 days
Seoul: 2 days
I’ll be in Hong Kong from December 31 to January 3, 2027.
Any recommendations for things to see or do?
I’ll be staying in the Kowloon district.
I’d love to visit Lantau Island—what’s the best way to get there? And would you recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket for the cable car? Also, is there an entry fee for the Big Buddha?
I’m heading to Taiwan soon and would love some up-to-date info on Wi-Fi.
From what I’ve gathered, Taiwan offers it for free, but I’ve heard it’s not secure since it’s not protected by a "password." Since I’ve been traveling outside the EU for years without a local SIM card, I only use Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and cafés. For me, that’s more than enough. So, my question is: Do these places secure their Wi-Fi with a "password"? If not, does buying a SIM card or eSIM seem like the only alternative?
Also, if any of you have recommendations for budget-friendly hotels in the main "cities," I’d love to hear them!
We’re planning a trip to China for two at the beginning of April and want to spend 2 nights in the Longji Rice Terraces—either in Dazhai, Tiantouzhaï, or Ping'an. I’ve seen that most of the hotels are made of bamboo, and you can hear every little noise. Since my husband is a very light sleeper, he’d really like to be sure he’ll get a good night’s rest. Can you recommend any quiet, well-soundproofed hotels in the area?
I’m reaching out to you because I’m planning our next big trip (Japan is really tempting us for the autumn!) and I have to admit, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.
My husband and I have always loved traveling, and at 75, we have no intention of stopping... But I find that everything’s getting so complicated. I try to be "modern" by booking online, but as soon as there’s a problem, we hit a wall.
A friend nearly missed her departure last year because of a visa issue that wasn’t explained properly on a website... and no one to call for help, just automated messages.
It makes me a little nervous to be alone in front of a screen so far away, especially since at our age, we like knowing there’s real support if our health takes a turn while we’re there.
Anyway, I’m tired of seeing my file passed from one person to another without ever having the same contact... Do you know of any small, trustworthy agencies or people who still work the "old-fashioned" way and really look after their clients? I love my independence, but I need a real face behind my project.
Thanks in advance for your advice, and I look forward to reading your replies,
Catherine
I’m planning our trip to Japan from March 21 to April 11, 2026. We’re planning to travel by plane for long distances (Okinawa) and by train for the rest. I’d like to know if renting a car is easy and, most importantly, if driving with road signs written in Japanese isn’t too complicated. For trains, are there any tips to save money?
hi everyone, and first of all, I wish you all a happy new year and good health!
This coming October or November, we’re planning our first trip to Japan. The only downside is we’ll only have two weeks off.
For this first visit, I’m thinking of sticking to the Kyoto and Osaka area… saving Tokyo for another trip. Do you think that’s a good choice for a first-time visit?
I’ve put together a little itinerary below to get some feedback from those in the know. I’m only counting the days we’re actually there, not travel days.
Day 1: Kyoto
Ginkaku-ji – Philosopher’s Path with stops at a few shrines
temples Eikan-dō and Nanzen-ji
visit to the Samurai Ninja Museum in the late afternoon
Day 2: Kyoto
Fushimi Inari (allow 4 hours for the hike through the park)
visit to Sanjūsangen-dō temple
Shōseien garden
participate in a tea ceremony
Day 3: Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera temple
stroll through the historic district up to Kennin-ji temple
visit Kennin-ji temple
Yasaka-jinja shrine and Gion district in the late afternoon
return to the hotel via Pontochō Street
Day 4: Kyoto
visit Kinkaku-ji and Nijō Castle
visit the Imperial Palace gardens
end the day in the shopping streets (Shibkyogoku and Teramachi, among others)
Day 5: Kyoto
Arashiyama area
Togetsukyo Bridge, walk along the river, visit the Bamboo Forest
explore the area up to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple
Day 6: Kyoto
hike from Kibune to Kurama
Day 7: Kyoto
day trip to Nara (full day)
Day 8:
stroll around Kyoto before heading to Osaka
Day 9: Osaka
Katsuo-ji temple, then head to Minoh Falls and hike back via the Minoh Trail
end the day in the Osaka Castle area
Day 10: Osaka
Himeji Castle and an afternoon in Osaka
Day 11: Osaka
Osaka and return to the airport in the late afternoon for the flight home
Do you think this itinerary is doable? Are some days too relaxed or too packed?
I was thinking of adding a trip to Lake Biwa and Uji, but in that case, I’d have to cut some things. Are those places worth dropping some of the planned spots? And if so, which ones would you recommend cutting or shortening?
Thanks in advance—I’m all ears for both positive and negative feedback!
stephane
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Japan in April/May.
I’ll start my journey in Tokyo for 3 to 4 days.
I’d love your advice on accommodation, transportation, an itinerary, and whether a guide would be useful.
I’m traveling solo and could use a little reassurance.
Before I forget... how do payments work?
Hi there,
I’m looking for someone who could help me organize a trip to Japan for my niece and her son. I’ve seen that French-speaking guides are expensive, and the same goes for going through a tour operator.
Airline, local transportation, hotels, etc.
Thanks for your replies!
Betsyl
