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...
If I spend so much time in Turkey and in Istanbul, it’s because I feel safe there. The country is far more hospitable, comfortable, safe, and well-organized than France, and I personally find that people are more relaxed and at ease there. Oh, right... there are sporadic clashes in the mountains of the Southeast, and the other day a bus and a tram burned in Zeytinburnu.....
It's really hard to put yourself in someone else's shoes. Personally, I went there last month without any apprehension. Once there, I didn’t feel the slightest worry either. But I know from experience that when you don’t feel safe, you ruin your vacation. No amount of reassurance from those around you changes that. I enjoy traveling too much to willingly put myself in that kind of situation—and the world is so vast. One lifetime won’t be enough for each of us to see what we love.
Happy planning!
Véro
That doesn’t surprise me. I found the place very peaceful myself.
That said, I sometimes come across Japanese tourists in Brussels neighborhoods where I wouldn’t venture alone—and like them, in shorts with a 3,000 € camera around their neck. They probably feel safe.
Since it’s hard to gauge how comfortable or uneasy someone else might feel, I just wanted to remind readers about the unfortunate reality of not enjoying your trip because you don’t feel safe.
Off-topic: I’ll take this chance to thank you for your contributions here—they were really helpful for my recent trip.
Véro
To each their own... Personally, I find the stressful situation caused by the soldiers with FAMAS rifles at Gare Montparnasse and the constant "security announcements" unbearable...
No, you're right—it's better to listen to the media and go to much less risky places.
Let me think for a bit: London, maybe? Or Madrid, or even better, Bali? New York? 😏
As a last resort, there's Paris. It's true, it's been a long time since we've had bombs in our neck of the woods!
I first found myself in Turkey when *Midnight Express* came out (yes, that dates me!), another time during the kidnapping of Kurdish leader Öcalan (sorry for the spelling), another time during the 2000 earthquake in İzmit, near the Iraqi border during the Gulf War in 2003—and I’ve never felt safer with my kids than in that country.
What I fear most now is the result of the recent elections, with a "moderate Islamist" government coming to power! But that’s another debate I’m opening here...
Your turn... 😉
Voyager dans le vent et dans le temps,
tenter de parcourir ces distances qui rapprochent les gens...
What I fear the most is the outcome of the recent elections with a "moderate Islamist" government coming to power! But that’s another debate I’m opening here...
That’s a surprising take. They’ve been in power for over 4 years already. 😏 They were simply re-elected 😛
"What I fear the most is the outcome of the recent elections with a 'moderate Islamist' government coming to power! But that’s another debate I’m opening here..."
Moderate Islamists have indeed been in power for four years now, and Erdogan has been prime minister since then. His AKP party managed to win over enough support to secure a landslide victory in this summer’s legislative elections, particularly among the working class and in the eastern part of the country.
The latest development is different—it’s the election of Mr. Gül, the AKP’s candidate, as president. It doesn’t change anything fundamental and is more symbolic in nature.
While I agree with you that it was just a re-election that took place quite democratically, it wasn’t exactly smooth last spring, and there were tough protests in Istanbul and elsewhere.
"Last May, a deep parliamentary crisis—some argued it was about the very nature of the regime—shook Turkish political life, leading to the dissolution of Parliament and early elections. These were held last weekend..."
I feel a little uneasy when I see that this man’s wife wears a headscarf. After all, she’s married to the guarantor of secularism! I keep telling myself I know plenty of people in Turkey who wear one and are open-minded, people I’m friends with, but there’s still a little alarm bell ringing in my head. It reminds me of a certain ayatollah who, on an Air France flight returning him to his country after years of exile in the West, caused a scene because the flight attendants weren’t veiled and champagne was being served on board. His name was Khomeini. 🏴☠️
I know, that was a long time ago, it wasn’t the same country or the same circumstances, and I shouldn’t mix things up. I really hope I’m wrong so I can keep visiting this amazing country with peace of mind...🙂
Voyager dans le vent et dans le temps,
tenter de parcourir ces distances qui rapprochent les gens...
But I don’t doubt it for a second...
What bothers me is that you might not have *"peace of mind"* because the power is held by Muslims who openly identify as such. I find that comment a bit odd.
Simply because Turkey is a secular state like France, and I can’t imagine the wife of a public figure displaying a religious symbol in an official capacity, whatever it may be.
Jacques
Voyager dans le vent et dans le temps,
tenter de parcourir ces distances qui rapprochent les gens...
I’m less afraid of a secular republic that asks questions, debates, discusses, and even opposes the headscarf of a president’s wife than the self-righteous silence of another equally secular republic that doesn’t question the sign of the cross made by a sitting president in the exercise of his duties...
Thanks for picking up the thread and rightly reframing my comment in another context that’s ours—one where we can indeed ask certain questions.
I started this topic about Turkey by ending with the phrase: "Over to you... 😉"
Which means I’d like it to be open to everyone’s remarks, concerns, knowledge, gaps, explanations, and desires—where we can share our opinions without being judged.
In short: a discussion.
PS: Great photo, Dominique! (Wouldn’t that be the Markha Valley in Ladakh?)
Voyager dans le vent et dans le temps,
tenter de parcourir ces distances qui rapprochent les gens...
You're right. So since I started this misplaced debate, I’ll declare it closed. 😉
To try and make up for my lack of knowledge (and there’s plenty to catch up on!) about Islam, I watched a program on Arte this week, titled:
"The Prophet Muhammad and Women"
"Documentary (Religions)"
"Director: Lila Salmi, Malek Chebel
Year: 2007
Country: France"
As I said nearly 20 years ago now, "I truly hope I’m wrong so I can keep visiting this amazing country with peace of mind..."
Unfortunately, Erdoğan, that great democrat, has once again shown his open-mindedness by arresting his main opponent, İmamoğlu, ahead of the presidential election.
I certainly don’t know anything about Islam, as Nemo1001 so kindly pointed out, but I can sense the rise of tyrants like Erdoğan, Putin, Xi Jinping, Trump, and many others.
Jacques
Voyager dans le vent et dans le temps,
tenter de parcourir ces distances qui rapprochent les gens...
If for three of them you had a "good feeling," let’s hope your intuition is wrong about the fourth and that the deep democratic roots of his country—which the others lacked—will trip him up.
As I said nearly 20 years ago now, "I truly hope I’m wrong so I can keep going back to this amazing country with peace of mind..."
Unfortunately, Erdoğan, that great democrat, has once again shown his open-mindedness by arresting his main opponent, İmamoğlu, ahead of the presidential election.
I certainly don’t know much about Islam, as Nemo1001 so kindly pointed out, but I can sense the rise of tyrants like Erdoğan, Putin, Xi Jinping, Trump, and many others.
Jacques
Hello,
I just got back from Istanbul (a city I particularly love) last night after my third visit. I was really surprised last Sunday to see the entire area from Galata Tower to Taksim Square cordoned off by police. They had pulled out all the stops—hundreds of heavily armed officers with shields and some seriously intimidating vehicles. I asked several of them why the streets were closed and what was going on, but strangely, none of them spoke English 😉. As I kept weaving through the open streets, a few people confirmed that the Trans Pride march hadn’t been authorized and that the authorities were making a show of force to deter the most determined participants. Given the situation and the risk of clashes, I was advised to leave the area.
Turkey: No illegal restrictions should be imposed on Pride marches - Amnesty International Belgium
The police were also present at tourist sites, but I didn’t feel any tension or concern at all.
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit"
"Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
Just back from Istanbul after a short stay (first time), and I found the city pretty safe and clean—even more so than some European cities (Barcelona, Paris, or Milan), where you always have to keep an eye on your belongings (pickpockets, etc.).
That said, wow, is it expensive! Tourists are getting fleeced—drinks, restaurants, visits, etc., are just as pricey as in France, if not more (!)
I honestly don’t know how middle-class Turks manage with prices like these. Even in the more remote neighborhoods, prices stay surprisingly high when you consider the average income level in Turkey or Istanbul.
However, and I don’t know if any members have mentioned this here or elsewhere, but it’s so expensive!!! Tourists are getting ripped off—drinks, restaurants, visits, etc., even more expensive than in France(!)
I noticed this while planning my second trip to Istanbul (September).
Topkapi entry at 64 €, Hagia Sophia at 32 € 🏴☠️
Same seems to go for restaurants…
I think I paid 15 € for Topkapi back in 2019.
Luckily, my flight and the apartment I found near Galata are super reasonable. But I was hoping for a low-cost week…
Inflation doesn’t justify everything, because normally it’s accompanied by currency devaluation. Here, it’s a vicious process: prices based on the euro or dollar have skyrocketed. Istanbul Airport has probably become the most expensive in the world—or close to it. You can’t buy anything there at a normal price anymore. Taxi scams are also back in full force.
Exactly, the prices have skyrocketed in recent years. The entrance fees for iconic sites don’t deter tourists because there’s always a very long wait depending on the season. But luckily, Istanbul has other wonders, and if you're on a tight budget, you can skip them.
What shocked me the most were the prices at the airport.
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit"
"Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
I was in Istanbul yesterday—the only insecurity is for your wallet! Prices for visiting monuments and some restaurants in the old city have gone completely crazy, but hey, a ferry to the Princes' Islands (an hour and a half by boat) is only 2.5 €. Same for the ferry between Eminönü and Arnavutköy, around 1.70 €. The city has a lot to offer beyond the historical monuments, and thankfully so. It’s still an incredible city.
I went through the new airport last year: two Turkish coffees and two baklavas = 20 €. Never again.
hi there,
to build this new airport, Turkey must have had to borrow and take on debt.
It’s obvious that repaying the debt and covering the construction cost of this airport makes kebabs expensive! 😛
Gotta sell a lot of pain au chocolat and Turkish delight to make up for it
No, it was funded by a private consortium.
If the state has to bear any costs, it will be when it takes over, in about fifteen years.
If it’s so expensive, it’s because the target audience is no longer the budget-conscious European travelers who used to arrive at Atatürk; it’s the crowd for whom places like Galataport were built—those who love luxury and come to spend.
No, it was funded by a private consortium.
If the state has to bear any costs, it will be when it takes over in about fifteen years.
Whether the funding is private or public, I’d be tempted to say it doesn’t really matter.
At the slightest financial hiccup, the debt burden will become an issue.
We also shouldn’t let emerging countries like Turkey take on too much debt either.
I feel like I’m seeing pharaonic projects popping up left and right in emerging countries.
Like the Neom project in Saudi Arabia—basically the new Dubai, which, in my opinion, is a total aberration.
However, and I don’t know if any members have talked about it here or elsewhere, but it’s so expensive!!! Tourists are getting ripped off—drinks, restaurants, visits, etc., even more expensive than in France(!)
I discovered this while preparing my second trip to Istanbul (September).
Topkapi entry at 64 €, Hagia Sophia at 32 € 🏴☠️
Same seems to go for restaurants...
I think I paid 15 € for Topkapi back in 2019.
The price of my flight and the apartment I found near Galata are super reasonable, luckily. But I was hoping for a budget-friendly week...
Hello,
We just got back from a 5-week trip across Turkey with our own vehicle. We enjoyed exploring the real Turkey, where prices are completely reasonable, whereas in Istanbul, prices are extremely inflated for tourists 🤑 and there are so many people visiting these places!
I came across this discussion and I’m shocked by the new prices! In my great naivety, I thought Hagia Sophia, now a mosque again, was free...
I was thinking of going back to Istanbul—it’s been ten years already! (I kept a travel journal, time flies... 😮). Oh well, I won’t see Topkapi or Hagia Sophia again, too bad. That’s when I realize how lucky I was to visit so many places before. Plus, when I was there, tourism was down after the attacks.
Luckily, the city has plenty more to offer, but those are still the iconic sites you want to see if it’s your first trip...
I came across this discussion and I'm shocked by the new prices!
Hi there,
And 2 coffees for 11 € near the Galata Tower—does that ring a bell?
I just got back from Istanbul, and what struck me was how the number of tourists is growing in proportion to the prices!
Still, we managed to enjoy our week in Istanbul by working around these issues as best we could. I’ll post a travel journal by the end of the week…
In order, Russians, Iranians, Germans, then Americans and Brits.
The French aren’t absent, but their presence is about the same as Saudis or Uzbeks...
Qualitatively, they’re bigger spenders; the Eastern mentality is that you only travel if you’re ready to pay the price without haggling, and if not, you stay home.
When I was there in June, I heard a lot of Spanish being spoken. Since I don’t speak the language well, I couldn’t tell which country the speakers were from.
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit"
"Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
In order, Russians, Iranians, Germans, then Americans and Brits.
The French aren’t absent, but their presence is about the same as Saudis or Uzbeks...
Qualitatively, they’re bigger spenders; the Eastern mentality is that you only travel if you’re ready to pay the price without haggling, otherwise you stay home.
Michel
Yeah, but that’s just willingly getting ripped off. There’s a difference between paying a lot in a high-cost country (I spent the summer in Switzerland, so...) and paying more just because you’re a tourist—aka a sitting duck.
Places where you get ripped off really bother me.
But Istanbul’s a huge city. Since I already know the "tourist spots," I can check out other areas.
Yeah, but that’s just asking to get ripped off. There’s a difference between paying more in a high-cost country (I spent the summer in Switzerland, so yeah...) and paying more just because you’re a tourist—aka a sitting duck.
What you call "getting ripped off," they see as "upholding a status"—it’s a matter of honor for them.
You might be in for some surprises if you think you’ll pay less by avoiding places you identify as touristy. Usually, it’s just as expensive, if not more, especially if it’s by the Bosphorus.
Yeah, but that’s willingly getting ripped off. There’s a difference between paying a lot in a high-cost country (I spent the summer in Switzerland, so...) and paying more just because you’re a tourist—so, a sitting duck.
Places where you get ripped off really bother me.
Istanbul’s a huge city, and since I already know the "tourist traps," I can check out other spots.
+1
I also visited the iconic sites a few years back while avoiding those inflated prices. Now I skip them entirely, especially seeing those long lines. I love Istanbul, and you can enjoy its wonders in other ways.
"Si partir vivre ses rêves remplit l'âme, les partager après les avoir réalisés la grandit"
"Qui veut apprendre à se connaître commence par explorer le monde"
You might get surprised, thinking you’ll pay less by staying away from places you see as touristy—it’s often just as expensive, if not more, if it’s along the Bosphorus.
Exactly.
I had some great surprises at two restaurants near Hagia Sophia: charming, very reasonable prices, and hardly anyone there. Outside, crowds everywhere. A bit further, dozens of restaurants side by side, packed. I think people just love to cluster together and spend their Turkish lira in the heart of the action!
On the Asian side, I didn’t notice huge price differences. It’s kind of hit or miss… And anyway, I didn’t always pay close attention—otherwise, it ruins the trip.
However, I don’t know if any members have mentioned this here or elsewhere, but it’s so expensive!!! Tourists are getting ripped off—drinks, restaurants, visits, etc., are even more expensive than in France(!)
I discovered this while planning my second trip to Istanbul (September).
Topkapi entry at 64 €, Hagia Sophia at 32 € 🏴☠️
Same seems to go for restaurants...
I think I paid 15 € for Topkapi back in 2019.
Luckily, my flight and the apartment I found near Galata are super reasonable. But I was expecting a budget-friendly week...
Same here: in a country where the currency has lost 30% in a year against the euro, seeing these entry prices is crazy…
I wanted to go back to the Basilica Cistern—33 €, not sure… even Hagia Sophia, I’m hesitating…
We’ll see when we get there, but I wasn’t expecting this
Je pars avec ma belle soeur a istabul ds quelques semaines...nous serons que 2 filles. nous avons deja ts les bon plans pour les visites et les musees a faire.…
Quelqu un peut il me donner une idee sur le cout de la vie a Istanbul? surtout pour l alimentation, le transport (combien coute un taxi par exemple?) et le…
Je suis allée plusieurs fois à Side pres Antalya, je voudrais savoir si l'on est toujours en sécurité dans ce pays, je partais souvent seule, je n'ai jamais eu…
J'aimerais savoir si vous pensez que c'est sécuritaire pour 2 jeunes femmes d'aller en Turquie. Nous prévoyons aller entre autres à Istanbul et à Bodrum. J'en…
Je vais partir 17 jours en Turquie en septembre, l année derneire j ai fait l iran tout s est très bien passe sauf le premier jour ou je suis tombe sur un…
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! 😉
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!
I just got back from an unforgettable road trip in Madagascar where I drove down the legendary RN7. It connects Tana (the capital) to Tulear.
Since we were traveling as a group of girls, we decided to go with a guide. I’d never done an “organized” trip before, but I have to say we loved this first tailor-made travel experience.
From the highlands of the Red Island
down to the west coast, by the Mozambique Channel.
Vast landscapes as far as the eye can see
Human encounters
Discovering ancestral artisanal know-how
Sunsets over the ochre mountains
Intense, precious moments with my friends
We loved the mountains, visits to artisans, and the parties too ;-)
We used local guides to show us specific spots (like Isalo National Park, where we were able to bivouac)
Hi there,
My friend and I are traveling together between October and November 2025—no exact dates yet.
We’d love to step away from the typical travel agency packages and are hoping to rent a car locally and stay with locals, living with them rather than in a vacation rental.
Does anyone know if this is possible?
Thanks in advance for your advice and tips!
Warm regards to all
