Je pars plusieurs mois en Asie du sud-est. Je suis une fille et je pars seule. Je ne suis pas peureuse, mais je me demandais s'il y a des endroits à éviter en Thailande, Chine, Vietnam, question d'être tout de même sécuritaire.
Merci a l'avance
Supermarie🙂
Relever des défis est la la chose que je sais faire le mieux!
Je suis un mec, de retour de Chine (septembre), pour une fille cela ne me semble pas trop dur de se ballader en Chine, mais la Chine reste tout de même un pays complétement étrange et déroutant, seul en chine peut être un handicap, ne pas pouvoir partager sur l'instant le vécu des choses, parfois, souvent, bizarre pour nous peut être un handicap, mais si tu aime être seul (très) seul......
Dans quel sens commence tu ton voyage, cela a aussi une grande importance pour "comprendre" l'Asie
L'Asie a priori ne semble pas dangeureuse, mais comme partout, il faut être vigilant
Voilà, je te souhaite un extraordinanire voyage dans ces pays merveilleux 😏
Pour la chine et la securite, comme j'ai deja dit dans d'autre partis de ce forum, cela n'est pas plus dangereux qu'un autre pays. Il faut faire attention autant qu'en france.
Ce n'est pas la securite la bonne question.
Mais c'est celle des contacts.
Comme l'a dit la personne precedente, voyager seul en chine peut etre un handicap. La ou tu rigolerais en etant deux, tu risques de t'enerve en etant seul.
Comme la curiosite (tres) insistante de certaine personne par ici.
Ceci dit ce n'est pas impossible, si tu sais reste calme sera n'est pas un problem dutout, mais il y aurra des endroits que tu aurrais prefere partage que y etre seul !
je serais en chine pendant mon tour du monde
en mars 2006, j'arrive a Hong Kong et je remonte jusque Pekin
si tu es dans le coin n'hesite pas ... d'ici la bonne journee
Salut
moi je suis actuellement en Chine jusqu'a Janvier 2006, Pekin pour etre plus exacte pour y apprendre la langue.
Comme il l'a ete dit plus haut c'est sur que ce serait plus amusant de partir avec quelqu'un surtout si c'est pour visiter.
au niveau de la securite (je parle de Pekin car je ne connais pas d'autres regions du pays) je n'ai jamais eu aucun problemes. En centre ville avec mes amis nous sortons tard le soir (23h- minuit) et il y a encore plein de monde dans la rue). Mais c'est vraiment que je n'aime pas sortir seule la nuit. La journee, aucun probleme a se ballader seule, le seul truc que tu risques de rencontrer c'est que les gens te regardent. Moi et mes amis en faisons l'experience tous les jours. Moi j'ai les yeux bleus et les gens fixent toujours mes yeux. Mais en general c'est de la curiosite.
Mais je ne pense pas que tu puisses avoir de reels problemes de securite si comme il l'a ete dit tu fais un minimum attention. C'est come de partout.
Petits conseils pratiques: prendre un plan quand tu prend un taxi ce sera plus facile de leur montrer l'endroit exact ou tu vas car en general ils ne parlent pas anglais. Donc si tu ne parlent pas Chinois ce n'est pas evident. Une chose dont j'ai fait l'experience c'est d'avoir rencontre des jeunes chinois qui parlaient tres bien anglais alors que j'etais en train de faire du shopping avec une amie americaine. Ils nous ont accostes, on a commencer a discuter un bon moment et puis finalement ils ont voulu nous emmener voir leur galerie de peintures en disant qu'ils etaient etudiants en art a Beiwai (la fac ou mon amie et nous sommes). On n'etait pas trop pour y aller mais on y est tout de meme allees. Resultat des courses on est partie avec quelques une de leur peintures. La chinoise voulait mon adresse email disant que nous pourrions nous voir a Beiwai et qu'elle nous montre un peu ce qu'il y avait a faire dans les environs. Nous avons ensuite discuter un long et nous avons achete les peintures. Eh bien je n'ai plus jamais entendu parler d'elle. Ce n'est pas enorme car on s'en est pas mal tire et on a achete surtout pour leur faire plaisir mais on a pas depense des 1000 et des 100. Mais j'ai vu sur un autre sujet du forum qu'on parlait de jeunes qui etaient des rabatteurs, ils raconteront n'importe quoi pour que tu leur achetes quelque chose. Alors mefiance pour ne pas reprtir avec des objets dont tu ne sauras ensuite pas quoi faire et qui t'encombreront pendant ton voyage.
Mais somme toute c'est une tres bonne experience d'etre venue en Chine.
Voila je me suis laisse emporter, quand je commence a ecrire je n'en finis plus 😛
Alors bon courage
"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die tomorrow"
Pour ma part on m'a deconseille de manger de la volaille. Il m'est arrive de manger du poulet mais je fais attention. Je pense que dans les restaurants dignes de ce nom il ne devrait pas y avoir de problemes, mais encore la il faut faire attention ou l'on va. Mais en general j'evite tout ce qui est volaille et oeuf (ce qui me manque beaucoup personnellement car arrivant des USA, j'adorais le petit dejeuner oeufs, patates) LOL
Mais si tu fais attention il n'y a pas de problemes, tu juges facilement un restaurant de part sa proprete et sa qualite
"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die tomorrow"
Tres bonne questions qu'est celle de la grippe aviaire.
Pour m'a part, je mange encore des oeufs et de la volaille. Mais je compte m'en dispense totallement d'ici a 2semaine.
Le fenomene de la grippe est tres importante et il est important de ne pas jouer avec cotre sante. Surtout que cette grippe peut etre fatal.
Il faut bien comprendre que POUR LE MOMENT (aujourd'hui), on mange encore. Mais que suivant la region ou vous etes il faut changer les habitudes rapidement. Je suis dans le sud. Pour le moment c'est tranquile. Meme si les autorites chinoise ne font pas anormement de bruit a la television autour de cela. Il s'avere qu'il y a des morts qui s'accumule. Une nouvelle personne est morte 10jours seulement apres avoir ete contamine. Et les zones a risque voyent leur nombre s'agrandir doucement.
Donc Aujourd'hui c'est ok. Mais dans quelque semaine pour m'a part j'arreterais tout risque.
Il faut bien faire attention a cela dans vos choix. Si vous souhaitez faire attention a ce problem alors pense qu'il va alle en grandissant d'ici a avril (le temps que ca retombe). Donc c'est pas parce que maintenant cela est vivable que cela le sera dans 2 ou 3 mois.
La seul recommandation que je puisse faire (n'etant certainement pas le plus qualifie dans le domaine des grippes :) ) c'est que si tu prevois un voyage, demande simplement ce qu'une personne dans le domaine de la sante pense....
juste pour te dire, Marie, que t'as intérêt à choisir un peu ton itinéraire...je parle pas du point de vue sécurité, mais côté humain, c'est loin d'être évident...essaie de voyager avec d'autres, tu pourras évacuer par le rire!
Genre, moi, plantée au milieu de nul part, en train de gerber partout, et ben...ils me regardaient tous en rigolant...je me disais pas à ce moment là: "quel humour"! Pas vraiment, non!
Ca, ce n'est qu'un exxemple...
Ceci dit, je crois qu'il faut un certain temps pour appréhender qq peu leur logique...genre tu vas faire réparer un T-shirt, et la couturière trouve pas mieux que de mettre les doigts dans les trous pour le déchirer...tu vois?
Disons qu'avec l'accumulation et la fatigue, ça peut faire mal!
"Personne n'est jamais au bout de son histoire..."
Vous n'attraperez pas plus la grippe aviaire en mangeant de la volaille que le sida en vous asseyant sur la cuvette des wc.... Je pense qu'il faut cesser de laisser entretenir des rumeurs, on ne sait que trop ce qu'elles deviennent.
Et à quoi vous faites "attention" ?...... Parce que vous pensez que vous serez moins facilement contaminée par quelque chose en mangeant dans un grand restaurant ou un restaurant d'hôtel ?.... Et bien, je ne crois pas !....
Alors pour ce qui est de la Grippe Aviaire je ne sais que ce que j'ai entendu dire car je n'ai pa etudie le phenomene en profondeur. Il est vrai qu'a l'epoque de la vache folle cela ne m'a pas empeche de manger du boeuf et des hamburgers en France.
Mai sur ce forum j'exprime mon opinion et mes experiences, comme la plupart des gens ici. Chacun fait ses choix. Si je choisis de ne pas manger de volailles en Chine, ca me regarde et comme "par mon experience" j'ai vu des restaurants nettement plus propres que d'autres la ou je suis allee, voila je fais attention. Car l'hygiene est importante dans une cuisine de restaurants. Et ceci pas que en Chine, je l'ai vu ailleurs et en France meme, la question de l'hygiene dans un restaurant. Donc voila je dis ce que je sais et ce que j'ai vecu histoire d'aider les gens et apres ils font leurs propres choix.
"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die tomorrow"
Et bien autant vous pouviez attrapper une maladie en mangeant des hamburgers, autant vous n'aurez jamais la grippe aviaire en mangeant du poulet cuit.
On n'aide pas tellement en se contentant de colporter des ragots, à mon avis, et mieux vaut s'en tenir à ce dont on est certain que d'enfiler les perles entendues d'une oreille dans le tintamarre médiatique.
Vous n'attraperez pas plus la grippe aviaire en mangeant de la volaille que le sida en vous asseyant sur la cuvette des wc....
Erreur! Tu peux chopper le sida sur un siège de toilette.
😮??? 😮???...
Mais si, mais si... Si tu t’assieds alors que l’autre n’a pas terminé!
Ah les voyages!
DeCléricy
J’en appelle à vous ô Muses
Où tant ma vie passe et s’use
Qu’encore et toujours j’aime
Mes soeurs Galère et Bohème
Salut supermarie
Pour repondre a ta question il n'y a proiri pas de danger a voyager pour une fille seule en thailande ou en chine .Au niveau insecurite sexuelle ces pays comptant un tres important nombre de maisons closes les hommes ne vous importunent pas il est evident qu'une tenue vestimentaire decente est de rigueur short trop court absence de sous vetements sont tres mal vus et tout aspect hippy en general En chine se mefier de plus en plus des pickpockets nombreux dans les grandes villes et tres habiles bien mettre son billlet d'avion son passport et sa carte de credit en lieu tres sur (sac bannane ou ceinture a meme le ventre parraissent les meilleurs Ceci dit en chine les gens sont en general tres sympa tres accueillant .et plutot jovial qui change de la france . Je vous conseille particulierement Yangshuo a cote de guilin lieu tres touristique mais tres bon marche et ou il est tres facile de quitter l'agitation de la ville pour decouvrir les paysages surement les plus beauxdu monde il y a plusieurs francais installes la je vous conseille d'aller au balcony petit resto a l'ambiance familiale il ne fait pasforcement toujours tres beau mais on ne s'ennuie jamais ici plein de rencontres a faire internet gratos de partout bienvenue en chine CHRISTIAN.
Je te remercie pour ses renseignements, ça me rassure...si tu as d'autres suggestion sur la Chine tu me feras savoir🙂. Il est toujours intéressant d'avoir un avis autre que les guides touristiques!
Supermarie
Relever des défis est la la chose que je sais faire le mieux!
Salut, je te laisse mon mail, n'hésite pas, jefferson_city@hotmail.com J'ai des amis en Asie, bien entendu Asiatiques et aussi Américains, Français, Portugais et Russes donc pas de problème pour t'aider, c'est possible. Contact moi.
Bonjour Kévn !
Nous organisons en ce moment un voyage au Xinjiang pour faire le trajet de la route sud du Taklamakan, de Dunhuang à Kashgar, en montant à partir de Hotan à l'oasis de Marzartag. Pendant 4 semaine en avril 2006.
As-tu des amis dans cette région ? ou connais-tu des amis qui pourraient nous conseiller et nous dire où il faut absolument aller...
Nous avons réservé un véhicule et un chauffeur Ouïgour. Pour l'instant, nous sommes 2 femmes et serons peut-être 3 ou 4. Il reste encore une place !
merci
marie d 😏
Je suis actuellement en Corée du Sud et j'ai prévu de partir en Chine du 19 au 28 décembre 2008. Mais voila, je vais y aller seule et depuis quelques jours je…
Bon pour ceux qui peuvent bien m'aider et me conseiller par leurs expériences: je voudrais savoir s'il serait sécuritaire pour moi de voyager seule en Chine et…
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!