This catchy and somewhat mysterious title comes from several questions I’ve been asking myself.
VF has been back open for a reasonable number of weeks and months now.
The number of visitors overall matches past averages, but the number of members online in the last 24 hours seems relatively lower than what we used to see.
Yet, to my surprise, I’m seeing fewer travel journals, way fewer messages, and way fewer questions.
I don’t see many new registered users online, and I notice a number of members who are logged in but either aren’t participating or have stopped participating.
Something’s not adding up for me because, in my opinion, VF is still appealing, and I don’t see which other sites could really compete.
Was there a real break between pre- and post-Covid?
Does it just take more time for some people to discover the site or learn that it’s active again?
Do people now prefer quick consumption on sites like FB or others I’m not familiar with?
Where have the site’s old-timers gone, and what are they doing with their time now?
What’s really going on here?
« 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
After several years of being inactive, the site was forgotten by many. Some don’t even know it’s back up and running—it hasn’t been that long, really. There have probably been a few sad losses too, since some members were between 60 and 80 years old in 2020. And let’s not forget that COVID took a lot of lives. It’ll take time for things to get back to how they were—I’d say 1 to 2 years, with new folks joining to get the momentum going again. Travel still inspires dreams, so there’s no reason it won’t bounce back even stronger.
But yeah, it’s pretty quiet right now—I can tell from some of the forums I follow, like airlines, where there are only a few posts a day. Before, it was non-stop all day long. Let’s just give it time. 😉
I do see, much to my surprise, slightly fewer travel journals
Oh, I can easily explain that to you !
I gave a little nod to your message in an old post from 14 or 15 years ago that I updated in Miscellaneous.
Not really an answer to your questions, but just an observation that many haven’t come back—maybe tired of always answering the same questions, maybe not aware the forum reopened, or simply not interested anymore.
Really, how would we know where the "old-timers" are or what they’re doing, and what difference would it make to find out 🙂?
un chemin et la caresse du vent, alors je pars en voyage...
Hello, I completely agree with your observation, and I can explain it for several reasons:
People today want almost immediate answers to their questions... And for that, many have signed up for Facebook groups, where the travel community has grown considerably. There, you get notifications when there’s a reply, and the groups are much more responsive than on VF (with links, phone numbers, websites, photos—all in real time...)
On the other hand, it’s clear that the Routard forum site is much more active now than it used to be... I’m also subscribed to that site, and there are way more new messages there than on VF.
I think the closure of VF due to the COVID crisis marked the end of its "reign" in the world of travel forums in France and French-speaking regions...
Also worth noting that travel vlogs and other YouTube channels have exploded over the last 3-4 years. It’s always easier to watch a video than read a text...
As for the old members... Well, maybe some have passed away, others might have completely lost their taste for travel due to the consequences of the COVID crisis and no longer participate on the site... who knows...
On the other hand, maybe we don’t see that same lightheartedness today that existed back then—and it didn’t hurt the forum’s smooth operation at all.
Still, you can’t say I’m not working toward that. 😛
The lightness of the soul is fading, while the unbearable lightness of being persists... and gets worse.
« 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
I’ve been wondering about this forum too.
The long interruption, for reasons that remain pretty unclear, was definitely damaging.
I can’t find many topics that interest me anymore, nor do I feel like joining discussions that are still rare. Has the spirit of the forum changed, or is it just me?
It seems like in the past, I used to find more local topics—now, it’s mostly about Asia, the Americas, or even Africa rather than Europe.
The discussions could get really passionate—I remember heated exchanges about Catalonia and Puigdemont, for example. I don’t really feel that energy anymore...
Hopefully, things will gradually get back on track.
Among the old-timers, quite a few (including some legendary usernames) have moved on to other horizons. And I’m not talking about *Le Routard*, which, admittedly, is more active—though it’s flooded with promotional posts, whether for a guidebook or an agency. I’m thinking of that VF knockoff that launched a year after this place shut down, which is also pretty active, and I’m not sure its members would want to come back here... Who knows! 😉
Besides, even more than before, travel has become a consumer product like any other. I feel that on VF, the spirit was still about pure, hardcore travel, for the most part... We didn’t "do" a country, we visited it, we wandered around.
As I often say to those who tell me they want to "do the Amazon" in 4 days—the Amazon isn’t visited, it’s lived. That, too, I think doesn’t interest the majority of travelers anymore; they consume a country’s tourist sites... and that’s about as far as it goes.
Besides, as someone who’s mostly a solo traveler, it’s now pretty rare to find other solo folks willing to go on an adventure. These days, you meet the travel vlogger, the "digital nomad," the influencer, etc.—basically people who aren’t up for an adventure without internet, let alone without doing lives or videos of themselves... But that could be another topic.
Still, I think VF has had its time... It fit perfectly with the way people traveled in the 2010s/2020s, but the site would need to "update" itself....
The testimonials, including yours, are really interesting. You took the time to elaborate.
I think all the points made by most participants in this discussion touch on the truth. I believe this will interest the site administrators. Indeed, we’re more than ever in a constantly evolving world that requires adaptation, and some ideas may emerge.
On my end, it’s true that VF just lets me provide information, share a few images for enjoyment, and expand my knowledge. It took me quite a few years, but I eventually understood what a colleague meant with his phrase: Google is your friend. Nowadays, you can plan your trips alone thanks to the huge amount of info available online. That wasn’t the case a dozen years ago when I joined VF.
« 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
I completely agree with your analysis, Jacques, but I’m suddenly feeling like a "travel dinosaur" 😂. More and more, I’m taking my time and no longer chasing after tourist hotspots, and I think many of us here are in the same boat.
It’s true that other forums are much more active, but I really don’t relate to them at all—between questions about all-inclusive hotels and cruise ships!
As for FB, it’s flooded with disguised ads like "I recommend my amazing guide...." I find plenty of info there, but there’s a ton of sorting to do!
That’s the whole point of VF, I think—having a community of travel enthusiasts who uncover hidden gems and share them in a small group (sometimes even privately).
I’ve lost count of the amazing places I’ve discovered thanks to VF members!
On the other hand, another reality is that quite a few longtime VF members were really put off by the anti-vax rhetoric during 2020 and especially the fundraiser.
Personally, I know two members who refuse to participate now but still keep an eye on everything being said (shoutout to the spies 😂😘).
I really think it’s a shame not to move on from the past, but grudges can run deep sometimes!
Have a great Sunday, everyone
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Christelle, there’s nothing to take away from your message, and what you said saves me from writing a long post myself.
I’ve noticed that there are a few who participate in several forums, including VF, and they’re probably the wisest ones. For a while, I thought the founder of another forum—a very kind person, by the way—wouldn’t continue once VF reopened, and that practically everyone would come back home. Looks like I was wrong. When I see who’s a moderator on one of those sites, I tell myself we’re not missing out by some people not returning.
Some participants clearly felt that moderation on VF wasn’t vigorous enough, but that’s the price to pay for tolerance and giving as many people as possible a voice. At some point, you have to decide if you want smooth exchanges with only politically correct content, no waves, no one stepping out of line—or if you want something livelier, sometimes a bit heated.
It’s really healthy of you to suggest drawing a line under the past, and I agree, even if some things were hard to swallow.
It’s worth noting that the interruption was particularly long, and new habits have formed. Still, VF is so well designed and more pleasant to browse than any other alternative, and that’ll make the difference in the long run. I also think VF is better suited for an international francophone audience. There’s a huge history of travel journals and contributions here.
As for the antivax rhetoric, like you said, I maintain that once people start reasoning out of fear, there’s nothing you can say to reach them. I respect the courage of those who speak out against the majority.
Now that the site’s been taken over, the grudge argument isn’t relevant anymore, is it?
« 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
Yes, you can now plan your trips on your own thanks to the huge amount of info available online.
Yes.
And no...
Most of the information is about well-trodden destinations.
And above all, the dark side is missing...
Everything is often clean, smooth, perfect.
Like an Instagram post...
Plus, you need to know how to use a search engine and have time to dedicate to said research.
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On that note, many people have had to sign up for Facebook groups, where the travel world has grown considerably, and there you get notifications when there’s a reply. The groups are way more responsive than on VF (with links, phone numbers, websites, photos—all in real time...)
Personally, I find Facebook’s tool pretty useless.
It’s super messy, overrun by people who make a living off travel.
It’s the Shein of tourism.
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Afterwards, the other reality is that quite a few former VF members had a really hard time...
... the anti-vax rants from 2020
VF wasn’t spared by the wave of madness that swept the world at that time, blindly sharing (and hammering) links, articles, videos... some of the worst stuff going around. And maybe this wasn’t the right place for it.
But was the official narrative—now starting to be documented—itself free from excess, misinformation? Was there ever room for a calm, objective, nuanced, and cautious debate?
When two extremes clash, some pick a side. That’s what happened here. Let history be the judge.
... and especially the fundraiser.
Ah, *La Cagnotte*!
Some folks still haven’t gotten over shelling out 25 €, shouting Scam!, raging Dishonesty, howling Personal enrichment :/—quick to forget that this money was, as always crystal clear, meant to keep the site running, PMs included, for as long as the pandemic forced it into hibernation.
Wasn’t that the case?
Didn’t they benefit from it? Aren’t they still logging in almost every day?
But where are they now and what are they doing?
A strange question... Did we really expect that once the forum woke from its long slumber, the people who’d flown elsewhere would come back, the topics frozen for so long would gently stir back to life, that everything would be like before, with no need for a reconquest (and patience, *reconquest* takes patience, right)?
We can compare numbers, lament, twist the stats, bemoan that *the-world-has-changed-and-people-too-who-travel-differently-now*... or we can lift our heads from nostalgia and step into the shoes of the bravest among us, who are already sharing stunning travel journals, sharp reflections, beautiful images, inspired contests, and spot-on tips... who are moving forward, period!
♪What’s become of all my friends
That I held so close and loved so well?
They’ve scattered far and wide, I fear
I think the wind has blown them all away
Love is dead♫
(@Jojoone,
Just to set the record straight and cut short your misleading claims: I have no stake in VF and hold no position here.)
In this thread, I didn’t quote you or even think of you, so right now I think there’s been a misunderstanding.
I mentioned a real moderator from another site, but only in passing.
I completely agree with you about the vaccine issue and the fundraiser. While I understand some people may have had doubts and grown impatient—the forum stayed closed for quite a while after the donation call—you’d have to be really bad-faith to still hold onto that idea. Who could honestly say the forum didn’t stay accessible non-stop and that it didn’t reopen in the end?
Between us, I’m really proud not to be vaccinated, and surprisingly, I’m still alive! At the risk of my life, I made this effort not to further strain state finances. Just a drop in the ocean 🙂 Still, it’s shocking to hear so many people say that if they had to do it over, they wouldn’t get vaccinated again. Even more surprising is hearing so many vaccinated folks say they got really sick from Covid despite the vaccine.
The saddest part—and no one talks about it—is that the vaccine arrived when the virus had already mutated enough to lose its initial level of danger. But wait, aren’t med students still taught not to vaccinate during an epidemic?
I’m truly in awe of those who came up with the idea of spreading the notion of "conspiracy theory" everywhere. There’s nothing more effective for discrediting anything inconvenient.
Let’s close this parenthesis. For everyone’s sake, I won’t bring up this topic again.
As for my questions that don’t suit you, could you please send me a detailed list via PM of the topics you’ll allow me to discuss? I can’t figure it out on my own.
« 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
Posts criticizing Covid policies actually had their place here, given the impact it had on our lives as travelers.....
After some people took it badly.... I don’t see how the site owner’s opinion should affect whether participants stay (or not) on a site about travel, not politics.
Now, as I mentioned earlier, VF was well-suited to the 2010–2020 period.... and social media today better meets travelers' expectations, especially when it comes to responsiveness. Answers to questions are usually super quick, and you get notifications to alert you....
Personally, I still check VF for info on destinations, but most of the posts (many from before COVID) describing certain places are now outdated (prices, regulations, how places are set up, etc.).
It's easy to open a parenthesis for yourself and then close it...
The issue wasn’t so much about discussing vaccination or being for or against it.
The problem came from the flood of completely absurd links and the fact that the team was both judge and jury...
No right of reply, censorship—VF had become a dictatorship of its founder’s single-minded thinking.🤪
Fighting what’s called single-minded thinking by being single-minded yourself is pretty paradoxical...😏
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I think on social media, you get a factual answer (or not... or ads...), but you don’t really discuss.
It’s just zapping, instant stuff.
On a forum, especially a well-structured one, you communicate, you discuss, you get to know each other over time.
There’s a history, cross-referencing in posts.
It’s way more developed.
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I didn’t remember there being any controversy about the COVID vaccine here on this forum—it didn’t stand out to me, at least.
Personally, I got all the necessary vaccinations and tests *illo tempore* and made sure I had all the certificates and other essential documents for traveling, not forgetting masks. I went four months without flying in 2020—back then, flights were getting canceled one after another... and another two months in 2021.
Still personally, I’m a big believer in vaccinations, and even now, I get vaccinated against COVID every year (it’s actually recommended given my age).
So, what’s the issue?
I don’t think the forum’s slow restart is due to the COVID question.
I don’t think the old site owner’s posts about COVID are the reason for this tough comeback either.
More likely the reasons I mentioned a bit earlier...
But anyway, I hope the original post doesn’t "go off track" into COVID or vaccines because that could quickly spark a heated debate... though I do miss some of those fiery discussions on this forum.
I think this aspect of things wasn’t off-topic, and sometimes discussions do drift into secondary points about the theme.
I got pretty much the answers I was looking for, since there isn’t just one reason for the current situation.
Thanks to those who shared these insights—I was a bit in the dark.
Up to us to keep VF alive while we wait for reinforcements! 🙂
« 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
Didn’t they take advantage of it? Aren’t they still connected almost every day?
I love the use of the feminine 😉
Connected every day... asked for a refund of the 25 €... have (important ) roles on another forum... must be itching to give in to temptation...
Anyway, to answer Jojo, I’d say you’ve got to be patient, that it wasn’t better before, that it’s just different today. A lot left because of the bad vibes, some stayed on the other forum. After all, we’re only talking about a handful of members!
New people will join this forum, and soon, soon:
Haha, I’m laughing at your photo, Kate—but pleeeease, no more comebacks of the brawls!
At the end of VF, I didn’t dare chime in anymore because there was always that grumpy, bitter person who criticized everything!!
Seriously, I don’t miss those people at all 😅
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
I think several people didn’t share the information they had. They didn’t do it out of discretion and politeness, which is actually quite honorable.
After taking a look at another forum, particularly the discussion about VF, some things became clearer.
To fill the gap left by frequent travelers after VF’s long hiatus, someone eventually set up a makeshift replacement site—putting in a lot of effort. These people managed to attract around 800 of the most active members, at least those who met their criteria. Among other things, I assume you couldn’t be too argumentative, stir up controversy, or be against *you-know-what*.
Just to be clear, I’m not criticizing—those who run a site are also legally responsible for the content posted there. I don’t manage a site, but I’m fully aware of the painstaking work it involves.
That’s why VF has already regained its daily visitor count but only about half (rough estimate) of its members who’ve been online in the last 24 hours.
The situation is getting a bit awkward now. Theoretically, the other site wasn’t meant to last once the main site—with 1,300 times more members—returned.
Honestly, I regret how this turned out. Personally, I never considered switching to a site with far worse ergonomics than VF. Plus, I’ve posted all my travel journals and my more or less successful humorous takes here. Starting over somewhere else? What’s the point? Even though there were some tense moments, VF’s attitude and its moderators deserve my unwavering loyalty. I think I’ve realized that VF’s moderation could be too harsh with some and overly tolerant with others—especially since one moderator was a bit stricter than the other (as François mentioned in one of his posts). But one day, early on, I understood that despite everything, VF’s moderation as a whole was still better than elsewhere. You either have that talent or you don’t.
With time, the original site will regain its dominance.
Kola, I chose you to send this message because I saw your responses to the administrator and a moderator in that thread. You gave your honest opinion with well-reasoned arguments, and to me, almost all your points had a ring of truth. Frankly, I was impressed—especially since you found yourself somewhat alone as the defense’s advocate. While I can see the logic in some of your opponents’ arguments, some of them seem wrong, exaggerated, or have since been proven incorrect.
Thanks to those who took the time to reply. All we can do now is (calmly?) watch how things unfold.
« 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
Where did the old-timers of the site go and what are they doing with their time now?
What’s really going on?
Don’t lose sight of the fact that becoming an idle, contemplative being is exhausting—that’s why so many end up passing away.
And our good president, of the Republic, wants to put everyone back to work so people can fulfill themselves through their jobs.
Plus, waking up around 10 AM on a cruise ship, unlimited breakfast, lying around watching the waves, an afternoon nap—it’s all so tiring.
Between us, I’m really proud not to be vaccinated, and it’s surprising, but I’m still alive
How many people have died from vaccine side effects? The answer is barely in the hundreds.
How many people have died because they contracted SARS, H1N1, or COVID? Millions.
Vaccines have been around for centuries now, so I don’t see why we’re questioning this medical advancement.
Long live systematic vaccination... from the first months of life!
I have a friend who’s a GP, and he was telling me the other day that he’s lost count of the number of parents who refuse—or at the very least question—mandatory vaccines for their kids...
"Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux."
Marcel Proust
These people managed to attract around 800 participants
Some of these people post on both sites (same username or different one).
For those who only stay on the other forum, you can ask them over there, either publicly or privately, why they’re so loyal to just one.
I think some will answer François even though he’s no longer around, others will mention their attachment to Déborah, their loyalty, or that they love the cozy community they’ve built.
You might convince a few that participating in both isn’t betrayal.
For the rest, a forum thrives if it has the answers to current questions.
If the answers are well indexed in search engines.
For the first point, it’s up to us to take action by answering questions and suggesting varied topics.
For the second point, it’s up to the team in charge.
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I think several people didn’t share the information they had with me. [...] To fill the gap left by the long hiatus of VF, someone eventually set up a makeshift site with whatever they had, sparing no effort.
Did you really not know FV existed?
The situation is getting a bit tedious now—another site theoretically wasn’t meant to last once the main one, with 1,300 times more members, came back.
Your whole message is quite insightful, but the statement above strikes me as a bit... naive (no judgment, no criticism). If the other site was created to fill the huge void left by VF’s sudden shutdown, to bring together lost regulars, recreate the vibe, and reignite that sense of community and joy... it was never meant to be just a temporary fix.
Despite similar features and structure... differences quickly became clear. Maybe a soul struggles to be reborn when the Spirit (and moderation) tightly control the flow, leaving little room for detours.
Two forums. Two clashing visions. While some members navigate both, post in both... others seem to have found a sense of calm and safety on FV (Moderation is watching) that suits them better. They probably won’t come back. Will others take their place?
(Thanks for the indirect recognition 😊...)
@Attila
I think some will answer you, François
Maybe you should loosen up and not forget that this forum—with its exceptional design, the one you missed, the one you tried (and failed) to recreate elsewhere, the one you were among the first to return to (I wasn’t far behind 🙂)—is François’s creation.
If gratitude is too much to ask, how about indifference?
It’s astonishing to hear so many vaccinated people say they still got really sick from Covid despite the vaccine.
Yeah, but who can say for sure that if they hadn’t been vaccinated, they’d still be alive?
And those who weren’t vaccinated—maybe they’re among all the people who’ve disappeared from the forum? 😉
I took a quick look two or three years ago, maybe twice. But a lot’s happened in my life since then, and it kinda slipped my mind—I didn’t think I’d ever bring this up again on a reopened VF.
« 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
For me, the most important thing is that there’s a satisfying freedom of speech here, and overall, discussions are going pretty well at the moment.
I just hope that with new arrivals or some returnees, this continues.
What some people couldn’t accept was that their outraged, easily startled reactions were the ones that ended up causing trouble. A tendency to see more harm than there actually was. Sometimes it was an unhealthy and almost obsessive way of operating.
Yet all it takes is to argue politely and accept that there are eccentrics, funny people, and those who have ideas opposite to yours.
Closed-moderation forums, sorry, are for the intolerant and the killjoys.
« 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
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Bonjour c'est vraiment par hasard que je suis tombé sur voyage forum ( pub sur le net et story )) et je lis des messages très anciens sur les écoles de massages thaï .datant de 2011 et les échanges sur comment se débrouiller etc .logement prix je me souviens de mon expérience : j'ai fait plus simple : j'ai dormi chez l'habitant pendant tt la duré de mon séjour dans une famille thaï qui m'a accueillit je partageais seulement avec eux tout les frais ce qui je l' avoue revenait a très peu cher ..et je voyageais souvent avec eux ce qui fait que de nombreuses portes s'ouvraient naturellement .pour commencer dans l'école a.Salaya school ou mon amie Thaï m'a tout de.suite mis en relation avec le teacher Phong ( le référent et professeur des professeurs de l'école , ancien moine )j'étais prévu dans une cession avec d'autre étranger mais pour une raison que j'ignore je reçu 2 jours de cours particulier.gratuitement avec cet expert ...incroyable et de plus il adorait la France ! ...ce fut une expérience incroyable .j'ai découvert le massage " par hasard " la famille thaï ma simplement dit : essaie tu verras bien !( J'avais reçu un assez violent massage ...dans la capitale 😅..mais le lendemain me suis senti dans une forme incroyable ..)))
Chaque matin je partait en taxi ( taxi choisi par la famille thaï a prix défiant tt conccurance .un vrai bonheur de me rendre dans cette école dont j'ai oublié le nom du petit village ..Au coeur de la campagne ... Puis de retour en fin de soirée je continuais de pratiquer le massage sur tout les membres de la famille ...ils maprenaient le thaï en même temps))
Depuis j'ai un peu exercé avec de nombreux retours positifs , et suivant les conseils du professeur Phong qui jugeais mes pressions, digitales profondes et fermes .il mencourageait vivement à continuer sérieusement cette activité
J' aime bcp la Tailande .c'est une autre manière de vivre ..et c'est un grand bien même si je ne pourrai pas y vivre .voilà c'était un souvenir inoubliable et parfois on se dit bonjour avec la famille thaï depuis 2011.2013....jusqu'a aujourd'hui
Hi everyone,
I’m Loulou, a French expat who’s been living in Southeast Asia for about fifteen years, currently in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A passionate walker at heart, I’ve trekked in Nepal (Thorung La, Mardi Himal), India, Vietnam, and I’m still planning new hikes (Char Dham, Langtang, Annapurna).
I’ve just published my first travel journal, recounting three months of walking and encounters across India. A portion of the sales goes to an educational center I support in Kep, for children whose parents work in the salt marshes.
I’m also working on a second book about Nepal with a musician friend, focusing on the Mardi Himal trek—two independent perspectives on the same journey.
Happy to swap stories with you about the Himalayas, India, Southeast Asia, or just the urge to hit the road and walk far from home.
Safe travels,
Loulou
Who’d like to share their best and worst travel memories in a few lines?
For me, it’s watching the TAJ MAHAL at sunrise and getting chased by dogs at the top of a mountain pass in GREECE on the way back from ISTANBUL.
THANKS GUYS
"It seems to me that poverty would be less painful in the sun" wrote Aznavour...
Not sure...😕 Who can prove that people in hot countries are happier than others?
What do you think?
Is it better to live in Montpellier than in Lille?
Are the Pygmies happier than the Inuit?
Are Canadians less happy than the people of Louisiana?
Are there more French expats in hot countries?
And your travels? Do you choose your destinations based on the climate?
Do you rejoice when a bit of sunshine appears?
Hi everyone, just this once I’m not posting for a travel story, but to share a thought for Venezuela.
If you didn’t know—since it’s not making headlines—the country was hit by two 7.5-magnitude earthquakes last week. Over 2,200 people have died, more than 50,000 are missing, and some coastal towns have been completely destroyed.
Maybe when the scale of the humanitarian crisis becomes clear, our media will cover it a bit more... especially since earthquakes with this many casualties usually make the front page, but there’s been nothing in France.
So here’s a thought for this country, which, whatever you think of its politics, is a true jewel of South America, both for its landscapes and its people.
hi there
I’d like to invite you to discover my coastal province in central Vietnam: Quang Ngai.
This year, my province has really improved its infrastructure—mountains, countryside, and sea are all authentic here.
No harassers or thieves, and no Russians either.
A local lunch costs around 1 €.
A *** hotel room is about 25 €, and you can find hotels right on My Khe Beach.
We have a specialty: *banh xeo*—10 crepes for just 1.5 €.
You can rent motorbikes to explore the province and maybe visit the many ethnic minorities.
I live here—I’m not selling anything, but I can help if needed (my father-in-law is a traditional Vietnamese doctor and he’s very skilled).
Hi everyone! 😉
I’m Typhaine, 35 years old. Five years ago, I left France for a solo round-the-world trip—no planes, just a van, hitchhiking, cycling, and even a canoe in the Amazon! Today, I work as a naturalist guide in Argentine Patagonia.
Wherever I go, my compass stays the same: observing and photographing wildlife, which I deeply admire and respect.
My project: I’d love to share this experience through a sustainable, authentic, and immersive nature tourism initiative. But to build something meaningful, I need to understand how other nature enthusiasts experience their own adventures.
If you:
Are over 20 years old
Have a true passion for Nature
Have already taken at least one trip lasting more than 3 nights (in your country or abroad) in your life
Promise: I’m not selling anything, this isn’t marketing. Your answers are 100% anonymous and will only help me shape this wild project.
A huge thank you to everyone for your help and kindness! Looking forward to chatting in this thread 😛
(Dear admins, this is purely a collaborative effort for my project study, with no commercial purpose. Thank you so much for your support!)
Photo: Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), female on the left and her cub on the right. Photo taken by me in Alaska, Denali National Park.
It’s something we often notice in this forum—and many others—this behavioral shift.
A long-time member, or even a new one, asks a question.
They get one or more answers, some brief, some detailed, and then... nothing???
Not even a simple thank you!!!
From what I’ve gathered, if the answers don’t align with what they wanted to hear, it seems natural for the asker to just disappear!! 😕
Unless—(and I fear this is the case)—basic politeness is no longer part of our society????
I spent 3 weeks in Bali last summer (+ 3 nights on Gili Meno and a day trip to Kawah Ijen in Java). So I wanted to see what ChatGPT could suggest for comparison...
Here’s the prompt I gave:
"You’re a local expert guide for Bali.
- Plan a 20-day itinerary for Bali with a side trip to Gili Meno and a day trip to Kawah Ijen in Java without staying overnight.
- I’m traveling with my wife, and I love visiting historical sites, hiking, relaxing at the beach, snorkeling, and exploring rice terraces...
- For the duration of the stay, I don’t want more than 8 places to sleep, and I’d like to stay at least 2 days at each stop to avoid unpacking too often. Except for the last night, where I’m okay with just one night near the airport.
- I prefer neighborhoods that are walkable and try to avoid typical tourist traps, though I don’t want to miss the must-see spots. So suggest a mix of iconic sites and hidden gems.
- Recommend hotels or guesthouses with a budget of 50 to 100 € per night, including breakfast. Make suggestions in areas popular with travelers, specifying the vibe (I prefer quiet), and consider safety and proximity to attractions.
- For lunch and dinner, suggest two to three restaurants that are well-rated by customers.
- Give me a day-by-day program with details on travel times, visiting times for each point of interest, and recommendations for transportation (taxi, train, bike, etc.).
Estimate the total cost of the trip, including accommodations, food, transportation, and activities, and suggest two tips for saving money in each category.
- Don’t make anything up—be realistic about travel times, take into account the opening dates and hours of sites, and give me the entry fees for places to visit.
- Ask me all the questions until you’re 95% sure you understand what’s being asked. Don’t generate your response until you’ve understood."
The AI asked for a few clarifications:
"Great request—I can build you a really optimized and enjoyable itinerary, but to be 95% sure I hit the mark, I need a few key clarifications (this will really influence the pace, areas, and accommodations)."
In the end, it proposed a program very close to what we actually did.
I’ll skip its accommodation and restaurant suggestions...
Its proposal:
"Ubud (4 nights) => we did 5 nights
Sidemen (2 nights)
Amed (3 nights) => we’d planned 2 nights
Gili Meno (3 nights) => we did Gili between Sidemen and Amed
Munduk (3 nights) => we did 2 nights before Pemuteran
Pemuteran (3 nights) with Ijen => we did 4 nights
Sanur (2 nights + 1 last night) => we chose Jatiluwih instead of Sanur
It suggested "activities" (and accommodations too):
IN UBUD:
- Walk around central Ubud (1–2h)
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace
- Tirta Empul
- Gunung Kawi
- Massage / market / slow café
IN SIDEMEN:
- Rice terrace hike (2–3h)
- Cooking class
IN AMED:
- Snorkeling
- Japanese Shipwreck
- Beach + relaxation
- Volcano sunset
ON GILI:
- Snorkeling at Gili Meno Turtle Point, Nest Underwater Statues
IN MUNDUK:
- Jungle & waterfall hike - Munduk Waterfall + Melanting Waterfall
- Loop: 3–4h (perfect for your level)
- Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
- Twin Lakes
IN PEMUTERAN
- Snorkeling: Menjangan Island
For Kawah Ijen, it detailed the day well:
👍 from Pemuteran = best possible option
12 PM: leave hotel (we left at 10 PM)
1 PM: ferry
3 PM: arrival in Java + transfer
11 PM: start ascent
2 AM–6 AM: volcano
Return to Bali around 11 AM–12 PM (we got back at 4 PM)
👍 still very intense, but doable with an agency
💰 ~80–120 €/person all-inclusive
IN SANUR:
- Relaxation
- Quiet beach
- Proximity to airport (30 min)"
I’ve kept the habit of blowing my nose in the sink and then washing my hands—a custom I picked up in India. Sometimes, non-travelers are shocked when they catch me in the act... 🤪
Also, when I run out of toilet paper, it doesn’t bother me—unless I’ve got company over... 🤪
Just got back from walking a friend’s dog (while they’re on vacation), wearing a djellaba and Tibetan boots... 😏😏😏 Oh, for sure, if I’d run into locals, I probably would’ve shocked them? 😏
Anyway, as long as I’m not spitting on the floor at a restaurant or squatting on the side of a highway with a water bottle in hand...
After taking a little trip around the world, I came back a few months ago with an idea in mind.
I mostly do diving, and I love observing animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
During the trip, I realized it was quite complicated to know where and when to see certain species.
For example:
where to dive with sharks or manta rays
where you might get a chance to swim with whales
I even discovered thresher sharks during my trip… I didn’t even know this species existed before, even though they’re incredible to see.
We spent a ton of time searching for info all over the place, especially on social media, without ever getting a clear picture.
So I started putting all this together on my own, in the form of a map, to make it easier to visualize where to go depending on the seasons.
I recently put a first version online (it’s called Fauneya).
There are probably mistakes, inconsistencies, or things to improve, and that’s partly why I’m posting here.
I’d really love to know how you all go about planning this kind of trip.
As part of my Master’s thesis, I’m currently conducting a public survey on a topic that concerns all of us when planning a trip: artificial intelligence and the role of human contact in travel planning.
These days, we’re using more and more digital tools to find ideas, compare options, and book trips... but is the role of human advisors still essential? At what moments? And for what types of trips?
The survey is anonymous and takes about 7 minutes.
It’s aimed at anyone who travels (or has traveled) for leisure, whether you plan everything yourself or go through an agency.
While browsing the forum to gather info for my upcoming trip to Thailand, I often see the terms "traveler," "great traveler," and also "tourist"—so what’s the nuance for you?
I've traveled quite a bit in Vietnam over the past few years—from the southern delta to bustling cities and even some small islands—but what really sticks with me is the north, the high mountains.
Up there, there's something different—maybe slower, more raw. The morning markets with ethnic groups, women in traditional clothes, the colors...
The stilt houses, kids following you and laughing for no reason, the terraced rice fields—it almost feels unreal at times, so vast and quiet, yet so human and simple.
You often hear that Sapa has become too touristy, and that's partly true, especially in the center. But as soon as you move a little farther away, everything changes quickly. The landscapes open up, encounters feel more natural, and you rediscover something truly authentic.
I think it's that contrast that struck me—the difference between what you imagine before going and what you actually discover when you take the time.
And you—what memory do you hold onto from Vietnam? A particular place that touched you more than others?
Hello,
We’re finalizing the plans for our upcoming trip to China in May 2025. The second-to-last stop will be in Zhangjiajie, where we’ve planned to stay for 2 full days before heading to Shanghai.
We’re traveling solo using local transport and have arranged to stay in the city of Zhangjiajie.
We’ve seen that there’s a lot to see:
Tianmen Mountain, the Grand Canyon and the glass bridge, Zhangjiajie National Park, and that the sites are quite far apart with fairly expensive entry fees.
We’re thinking of dedicating one day to the national park and the Grand Canyon (glass bridge) and one day to Tianmen Mountain.
But we’re not sure if this plan is realistic—any thoughts would be much appreciated!
I should be serving a warming drink to the participants in the discussion about gardens and parks that provide us with beautiful photos, I could mention the delicious buttery scent wafting from bakeries in the thread about returning to France, but my heart, its powerful pulse that nourishes my entire being, is elsewhere.
Dasht-e Lut, Yazd, Esfahan, Bam, Kerman, Qeshm, Hormuz—a melody, a prayer at the heart of desire.
A dream, an unattainable fantasy? No. Not anymore.
A very serious Italian travel agency is organizing this trip for 6 people this winter. I’m signed up, I’m going, I’m living. Maybe.
"But you’re completely crazy!!!!"
I know... I know that every civilization, every society has a vital need to create scapegoats to define and justify itself, pathetically. And Iran is one of them, top of the list. I laugh or sigh, and it doesn’t bother me.
But that unchanging red, deep red and garnet, so beautiful in itself, in all the Western chancelleries repeats, whispers, shouts: don’t go, don’t go, don’t go, you’re putting yourself in danger and we can’t do anything for you. You’ll be turned into mere bargaining chips, into arguments for endless negotiations. Fear must be instilled, its power absolutely preserved, no concessions made to the enemy. The information (how many French hostages, real or fake, compared to the number of travelers?) is always lacking.
Traveling becomes a merciless confrontation between desire, the vital pulse, and anxiety, its ghosts.
Hi everyone, here’s our itinerary. Arriving on the evening of December 13th. Departing on January 7th.
Thanks in advance for your tips and valuable feedback.
Manila – 1 night
Coron – 4 nights
Coron to El Nido cruise – 2 nights
El Nido – 4 nights
Port Barton – 5 nights
Flight from Puerto Princesa to Vigan
Vigan – 2 nights
Sagada – 2 nights
Banaue – 2 nights
Bagabag – 1 night
Manila – 1 night
I’ve only booked the flight to Manila and the Manila/Coron flight so far. Is it possible to book boat trips, accommodations, and the Puerto Princesa flight last-minute?
Really disappointed with Costa Rica! Pura vida? The scam of the century!
(Costa Rica pure emptiness).
The country where animals are free and people are in cages.
3 weeks in December in this country and never again. Imagine the trailer of a movie that seems interesting, and when you go see it, you realize it’s a flop and the best moments were in the trailer.
Well, that’s exactly how we felt with Costa Rica pure emptiness.
My wife and I have traveled quite a bit and didn’t expect to be so wrong about a place.
On the main routes, we visited:
San José
Alajuela
Limón, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo (Caribbean side)
Jaco, Quepos, Manuel Antonio (Pacific side)
And a few short stops in intermediate towns.
Our dissatisfaction grew gradually like this:
When we arrived at the hotel, the taxi dropped us off on a small street in front of a white metal gate with ground-floor windows barred. We looked at it skeptically, but the sign matched.
He approached the gate, rang the bell, the buzzer sounded, and the door opened slightly. The hotel wasn’t bad for the price, a 10-minute walk from downtown, but with a "Fleury-Mérogis" vibe guaranteed.
So far, so good.
After showering and regaining our bearings, we headed downtown.
What started to unsettle us on the way was seeing houses with bars on the ground-floor windows and even on the second floor.
At first, we thought the hotel’s neighborhood wasn’t great.
Downtown San José:
It’s a generic city, not very exotic, with a pedestrian street and a small mercado where you can eat local food without frills. Very few tourists—if any—which let you blend in with the locals. We had lunch and struggled to make ourselves understood because, aside from one or two shops, English wasn’t spoken.
On the way back to the hotel, we took a different route, and while chatting and strolling, my wife pointed out a beautiful two-story white house completely barricaded like Fort Knox.
From that moment, we started noticing the facades of houses and buildings, and wow, it was creepy—most looked like prisons, some even with barbed wire.
Though put off, we told ourselves it was probably a big-city thing and the rest of the country couldn’t be like this.
So far, so good.
We relaxed at the hotel and had a drink at the bar. Night falls early, around 5:30 PM. By 7:30 PM, we headed back downtown for dinner. A bit unsettling for a capital—downtown was almost deserted, and aside from fast-food chains, very few restaurants were open, with hardly anyone on the streets.
Bars with security guards out front.
I won’t say we felt unsafe that night, but once it got dark, we realized the bars on the windows weren’t for nothing. First day in, and our impression was already mixed.
The next day, we explored the city and surroundings, and our feelings didn’t change.
So far, so good.
Off to Cahuita by bus—4 hours of travel.
The landscapes are very green but quickly become monotonous. The road runs alongside the forest and passes through a few towns and villages, and even in the countryside, there were just as many prison-like houses.
The bus dropped us off at Cahuita’s terminal station—only four of us got off. It’s a village, or rather, a small town. Cahuita is basically one straight road and a perpendicular one, and honestly, doubt started to creep in.
A few restaurants that add 13% tax and 10% service charge—so 23% extra. We dropped our stuff at the hotel and went to explore. In 20 minutes, we’d seen it all. We had lunch and planned to check out the famous park.
Entry is by donation—well, the "entry" is a joke. There’s a path along the forest by the sea, and that’s it.
Nothing’s going right anymore.
We thought it was a total scam, but since we hadn’t gone far, we decided to come back the next day to explore further.
We returned to the hotel, relaxed, and around 8:00 PM, we went out for dinner. Only two restaurants were open, and the streets were deserted.
Creepy!
The next day, we explored the so-called park more thoroughly and really got it.
A path along the forest by the sea—2 hours there and 2 hours back, where you see animals that feel like showing their faces.
A total joke—"all that for this?"
The beach was full of wood debris and coconut husks. We wondered if the photos online were edited because the sea, very rough, wasn’t the azure blue we’d seen in pictures.
But calling this a park is a joke—it’s like a new concept.
When we thought about the reviews online, we started to suspect that professionals with interests in the country were monitoring and countering any negative feedback that could harm their business.
Too bad we didn’t check the negative reviews beforehand—we did while we were there, and it helped. We wondered if we’d become too demanding after all our travels, but no—when something’s bad, it’s bad.
Manuel Antonio’s park is even more ridiculous—there’s a short path along the sea for about 500 meters, and then nothing. You have to climb through mud and hack your way through the forest. We ended up barefoot because the mud was up to our calves. All that to see a raccoon and a few parrots flying overhead.
We didn’t expect Noah’s Ark, but we’ve seen more animals in Bali, Mexico, and Thailand while visiting temples or just walking around than in these so-called parks!
Puerto Viejo, not far from Cahuita and supposedly livelier—well, it couldn’t be worse!
According to Lonely Planet, it had a Caribbean vibe and wild nights, but maybe that was a long time ago. The good reggae music playing everywhere isn’t enough.
In the evening, Puerto Viejo was a bit livelier than Cahuita, but that’s not saying much. Very few tourists—if any—no night market, just two or three shops open selling $20 T-shirts. Same vibe as San José.
No big deal—we enjoyed the beach and the sun, which was reliable.
Our itinerary was supposed to include Tortuguero Park, but after talking to other travelers who’d just been, we changed our minds, knowing we’d be visiting Manuel Antonio Park on the Pacific side.
To get back to the Pacific side, you have to take the bus and go through San José again—5 hours this time—then switch bus terminals and another 4.5 hours to Quepos.
A stopover town to get to Manuel Antonio’s beach and park!
A town just like the others we’d seen—deserted as soon as the sun sets, and not exactly bustling during the day either. (Where are all the tourists?)
Still as many bars on the windows and that feeling of being in the wrong place.
7 km later: Manuel Antonio beach and park.
The beach is very beautiful and quite large, but don’t expect turquoise blue water—the waves stir up the sand, giving the water a brownish color.
Along the beach, shops and restaurants for about 300 meters, and then nothing. At night, after sunset, the town shuts down too.
Manuel Antonio Park is highly praised for its wildlife, so we were eager to see it. When you express dissatisfaction with Cahuita or Manzanillo parks, the response is always, "But you should’ve gone to Monteverde or Manuel Antonio!" No matter what you do or say, they’ll tell you, "You should’ve gone there or here."
Back to our famous park—entry was about $16, and contrary to what we’d heard, it wasn’t crowded!
Guides at the entrance with spotting scopes offered their services for about $30.
The park: a mix of boardwalk and dirt paths through the forest, sometimes running alongside beautiful coves and beaches.
As soon as we entered, a crowd was taking photos of a deer eating leaves.
A little further on, a guide with a group of five stopped. The guide raised his arm and set up his spotting scope! He showed them, about 100 meters away, a hummingbird perched on a branch. Some, looking through the scope, exclaimed, "Oh my God! Amazing! Incredible!"
For a moment, we thought they’d discovered a unicorn or were in Jurassic Park and had just crossed paths with a T-Rex!
The concept is comical—looking at a bird or another animal through a spotting scope because it’s too far away. Isn’t that what TV is for?
For our part, we saw monkeys, ants, an armadillo, an iguana, and the backside of a sloth climbing a tree. Amazing, incredible!
We stayed a few days in Manuel Antonio to enjoy the beach, changing hotels often because prices varied wildly from one day to the next for shameful services. On top of that, they’d quote a price in dollars and convert it at their discretion—thieves!
Alajuela, a city near the airport, has a two-story mall and a local market downtown! No interest except its proximity to the airport.
What we liked:
The climate and, in hindsight, San José—the most authentic city we visited.
What we didn’t like, in addition to what we’ve already mentioned:
Costa Ricans aren’t very friendly or communicative. English is barely spoken, not even by doctors at Quepos Hospital, where my wife ended up with food poisoning (thanks, Google Translate). The widespread obesity among Costa Ricans, who eat like Americans. The insecurity. The eco-hipsters who leave their $150 lodges in minivans with guides to visit parks and other sites, then return to barricade themselves in their fortresses at nightfall (oh my God, amazing, incredible). The blue signs at the entrance of towns that accept this payment method: "We accept American Express." Parking lots that become paid just because a guy is watching your car. Prices displayed in dollars. The cost of living (hotels, restaurants, taxes). Landscapes that are too green and not flowery enough. Beaches—nothing exceptional. Pollution in cities where big American trucks rule. Sewage dumped directly into the sea. Aside from the jungle, there’s nothing to visit—no ruins, monuments, or anything worth seeing.
In short, my wife and I think the hype about this supposedly eco-friendly country is overrated. It’s just the trendy destination of the moment. There are much better, cheaper, and more authentic places.
In hindsight, we keep the good memories and our beautiful photos, but if we had to do it over...
Before signing off, a little message to those who don’t like hearing opinions different from theirs:
Well, some things aren’t up for debate. And to those who’d have us believe that in 3 weeks, we don’t have the right to criticize a country or express our feelings—how can you praise it in so little time? What a scam. Costa Rica is a money pit. Pura vida? Pure cosmic emptiness.
If you like spending your evenings barricaded in your cozy hotel after dark, this country is for you.
For everyone else: run!
Hello,
Since the war between Russia and Ukraine, nothing is simple anymore for traveling to Belarus due to sanctions.
No more direct flights from the EU to Minsk.
Driving is a huge hassle, especially crossing through Poland at the only open border in Brest—you can wait 2, 3, or even 4 days just to get through by car.
The least painful driving option is to come via Lithuania and cross at the only open border, with a minimum wait time of 8 hours, sometimes up to 20 hours or more!!
Controls are very strict and annoying on both the Lithuanian and Belarusian sides. Avoid bringing alcohol, food, or cigarettes—everything will end up in the trash, especially when leaving Belarus for Vilnius, where the Lithuanians are tough, even with EU citizens.
The joy I once knew when visiting my wife in Minsk is sadly over—it’s now a real ordeal.
The fastest solution is to fly. My wife travels to France by taking a bus to Kaunas in Lithuania, where you can catch a flight (though not daily) to Paris Beauvais or Charleroi in Belgium with Ryanair, for example.
For the return trip, it’s the same: a flight to Kaunas and then a direct bus from the airport to Minsk.
The bus crossing is quicker than driving—the 250 km journey, including border checks, takes about 6 to 8 hours for buses leaving Lithuania around midnight, but controls are still strict at the border.
The biggest challenge is finding flight schedules that align with the bus routes between the two countries, given the unpredictable border crossing times.
Now, my wife travels via Charleroi in Belgium (near Brussels), and you can take a train to Paris. Alternatively, you can fly into Beauvais and take a bus to Paris (Porte Maillot).
For those driving, note that EU insurance and assistance policies no longer work in Belarus or Russia. You’ll need to get local insurance, usually limited to third-party liability (I don’t think full coverage exists?), as well as mandatory medical insurance. This is available at the border.
You now have to pay highway tolls—no more BELTOLL boxes. Instead, you pay a flat fee for the duration of your stay. Stop at the first gas station after crossing from Lithuania to fill up on fuel and cigarettes.
From what I know, Lithuania bans carrying more than 60 € in cash, but there’s no limit for USD (though it’s capped at $10,000??).
With a Visa card, you can now withdraw 1,000 rubles per week (about 270 €)—two months ago, it was only 500 rubles!!
For now, you can still pay by card in shops and gas stations.
However, major retailers like KORONA (which may be Russian-owned??) no longer accept foreign Visa cards.
Unfortunately, the additional sanctions announced by the U.S. on August 5, 2025, against Russia—and possibly Belarus—aren’t promising for the future.
After 20 years of visiting Belarus, I’m truly saddened to see the joy of living in this country with my wonderful wife turn into such a bleak situation, all because of human folly.
Hi everyone!
I’m putting together our travel itinerary for Veneto at the end of April. And the more I look and research potential sites to visit, the more I find!
We’ll only be there for a week—my family and I—including 3 days in Venice. So we have to make some choices...
I plan to rent a car when we arrive in Venice and head straight to Bergamo, which would be our first stop. We’d leave the car at the airport when we return to Venice so we can explore the city at our leisure.
What do you think:
1 night in Bergamo (a 2h15 drive from Venice airport),
1 night in Garda,
1 night in Verona,
1 in Padua, and
3 in Venice—would that be doable?
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences! :)
Now that the curtain has fallen on the past year, it’s time to see what’s happening around here.
It seems pretty quiet, but I’ll read more in detail later.
First, I need to tell you all an anecdote.
My eldest little girl, in her third year of law school, was really scared she wouldn’t pass the year.
I told her:
“Trust yourself, you’ve worked so hard, and worst case, if you fail, you’ll just redo the year.”
“But I don’t think I’ll make it—they changed the rules, and if I mess up even one unit, I have to start all over.”
I knew her grades weren’t exactly stellar, and with what I was about to say, I wasn’t taking much of a risk.
“Here’s the deal, sweetheart: if you pass, I promise I’ll take you to India, just the two of us.”
I have to admit, India is a country I’ve talked about so much to all my grandchildren that in their minds, it’s become a magical, mythical place (hmm).
July had barely begun when my phone rang, her name flashing on the screen.
“Mamido, I did it!”
My promise came rushing back—oh no, oh no, oh no!
“Congratulations, sweetheart!”
A little shyly, she said:
“Is the India trip still on?”
And me, replying:
“Of course it is!”
And that’s that—a promise is a promise, or you risk losing that precious trust that keeps hearts warm and at peace.
We’re leaving in February. Only 8 days—yikes, the carbon footprint!
But we can’t miss her tutorials, or she’ll be kicked out.
Personally, that works just fine for me.
Going to India has become a challenge for me. It’s far, it’s exhausting, I sweat, I hate mosquitoes, the spices bother my mouth when I used to love them. There’s noise all the time—at night, the dogs bark nonstop, and we almost get run over. I’ll get lost in the streets because my sense of direction has vanished. I don’t like rice anymore. All that chaos and those cultural differences that once enchanted me now just overwhelm me.
But I promised.
The upside—and it’s a big one—Raman, the same driver I’ve had forever, will be at the airport with a sign with our names. We’ll stop at the same little shop for chai (or tea, plain and simple) with that aroma that intoxicates me, halfway through the trip.
It’ll be a tiny trip—staying with friends, I’ll show her a few places I love: Chidambaram, Mamallapuram, and the clinic where I worked. Then we’ll head back.
My little girl will go home to her parents.
As for me, I’ll leave right away for our Scottish island with Homme for our chilly winter.
How can you love a country so much you want to live there, then suddenly reject it, no longer able to appreciate what once made it special?
That’s the mystery of love, I guess.
I’ve visited the U.S. four times myself, including two long road trips. The last one was just this past August...
I won’t be going back. I already felt guilty last August, but recent policies have finally convinced me: the humiliation of Zelensky, authoritarian excesses, Gestapo-like methods for detaining people of foreign origin, the murder of innocent people (a mother shot dead), corruption, insane "tariffs," skyrocketing healthcare costs for Americans, the abduction of foreign figures to secure oil, the requirement to disclose social media accounts, and now... threats and blackmail to forcibly take Greenland—a region that belongs to Denmark and thus the European Union!
The reality is that simply posting this could get me denied entry to the U.S.!
In this context, I just can’t keep spending money there. I loved my trips, but there are so many other countries with stunning landscapes to explore.
So I get why you’d want to travel there. I did, and I loved it. But once a country no longer respects any of the values that made us love it, why go?
How can we even consider traveling to a country that threatens to take one of our territories by force?
Hello everyone,
Controversial topic? Not necessarily—maybe just a reflection on a world to come.
I spent the last 15 days of August on a cruise in Greenland, from Kangerlussuaq to Tasiilaq.
I was utterly amazed by this unique world of rock and ice, the little houses in every color, a simple life that’s also complicated by isolation and climate, among other things...
I carry in my heart the kindness of the people I met, the raw and gentle majesty of the icebergs, the colors of the sky...
So, I can’t even imagine a massive presence of raw material prospectors, heavy machinery requiring roads to be built—if that’s even possible—changing their way of life... putting sled dogs out to pasture!
Do fast food and Greenland’s northern lights really mix?
I wouldn’t trade my memories for an ESTA!
All opinions are respectable, which is why this isn’t a controversy—but I’m sorry, I have a soft spot for *my* Greenland.
We’re a couple aged 58 and 63. We’ve just returned from a wonderful trip to South India in Tamil Nadu and a few days in Kerala. We traveled with a local French-speaking guide and his friend, the driver. They both live in Pondicherry. We spent 3 weeks with them in the most authentic way!
We covered just over 2,500 km and visited not only temples but also archaeological sites, museums, and small artisanal businesses making tiles, tea, sculptures, bronze, and silk spinning. We were lucky enough to visit a public school, attend a wedding, and even a death announcement in a small countryside village. We were fully immersed in the culture, food, noise, and colors—it was incredible!
The hotels and guesthouses we chose were very clean and mostly quiet. We’re returning from India with amazing discoveries!
We’re happy to share more info if you’d like!
M-Claire and Jean
This isn’t exactly a traveler’s question... I’d like to know who handles the technical side of this forum?
I run a similar forum on a different topic (unrecognized children), and we’re dealing with a few technical issues that are slowly killing our forum... so I’d have one or two questions to ask 😊.
Also, I was wondering who created this forum... who the administrators or moderators are, etc.
I think this forum is great. Much better than Facebook, which I’ve been using since it shut down (so I’m happy to see it’s working again...)
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