Except there’s no obligation to watch... We’ve all been through those endless slide shows (I’ve experienced them as both a viewer and a "presenter"). At some point, all you’re waiting for is for it to end 😛.
I get your point, Cleastre, but I’m not forcing anything, I’m not expecting anything—I’m just having fun organizing my photos and putting them online. I do this primarily for myself.
As for the signature in my posts, yes, it means "come take a look (if you feel like it)"—I own it 🙂.
It’s not egocentrism or exhibitionism that drives people to travel and keep travel journals—it’s passion and enthusiasm!
See you 😉
A great point (in my opinion) with those two words—"enthusiasm" and "passion"... that’s exactly what motivates bloggers, travel journal writers, and travel authors.
After that, as mentioned in some previous posts, everyone has the choice to read a little or a lot... all these texts online, with the option to skip anything at any time!
Nothing more to add—it’s perfect! And no one’s forced to "endure" a boring travel story if they don’t feel like it.
Thanks to everyone for your thoughts on this topic...
While I completely agree with the blog’s take—or any online travel journal—that it’s a non-binding read for those around us (which is obviously a huge advantage), I do think "enthusiasm and passion" feels a bit limiting...
I only started writing about the regions I traveled through after leaving France. French, the French language, became secondary, peripheral, and of limited use, which led to a clear atrophy of my ability to express myself in it: a shrinking vocabulary and a loss of syntactic flexibility. To counter this intimate erosion of a language, reading isn’t enough—writing is essential. That’s why I turned to travel narratives or, let’s say, accounts or reviews of my readings. Since these texts also serve as a light way to keep loved ones updated on my journey—those who’ve become distant due to emigration—it’s perfect.
I’ll add that as a reader, I’ve often picked up useful tidbits from blogs, even if they weren’t well-made or well-written. They were the only virtual spaces where I found leads in an accessible language about little-visited places (related sites are often in the local language and incomprehensible).
French, the French language, has become secondary, peripheral, and of limited use, which leads to a clear atrophy of my ability to express myself in this language: lexical impoverishment and loss of syntactic flexibility. To counter this intimate erosion of a language, reading isn’t enough—writing practice is essential.
The least we can say is that it’s a method that yields excellent results.
It all depends on the travel journals—some are interesting, others boring. That said, and it’s a shame, now you can read trip reports/travel journals in other sections. For example, in North America, you can find several—and too many—travel journals about trips to the American Southwest. The mods should move them to 'Travel Journals'.
Regarding my take on travel blogs/stories, I don’t think egocentrism is the main feeling driving the author.
The author just wants to share their travels with us, along with their enthusiasm—they want us to feel what they experienced. So if they don’t add a little spice to their writing, we might find it too flat or dull. That’s why they exaggerate a bit to grab our attention, kind of like in conversation. For example, someone might embellish a story to make it more engaging, especially if the speaker or writer isn’t a natural wordsmith (like me, for instance 🙂).
Some people love writing but aren’t great at it—just like some are passionate about soccer but can’t juggle the ball twice. So the "egocentrism" you’re talking about might just be their awkwardness or lack of writing skills.
Is it because of the global advertising Jemaflor and Gnome did for this book that I can’t find anywhere to buy it online right now—it’s sold out everywhere, even second-hand! So if you’ve finished reading it, dear VFers, please put it up for sale second-hand online so others can enjoy it too! 😎
And you know what, this might just sum up what the vast majority of people think (no offense to some) on this forum!!!
You can also be completely indifferent since you’re not obligated to read these stories, which are often pretty boring... in my opinion. And thank goodness not everyone has the same tastes! Otherwise, I’d be totally fed up and far from envious!!
I’d say there’s a risk of coming across as "a bit much," which is why I hardly ever bring it up on my own anymore. If someone asks, after a few sentences summarizing my experiences, I suggest they check out our website...
So, I make up for it here on VF, telling myself that this is where people are interested in travel—and maybe in my experiences and tips too!!!
Personally, after a trip, I was so "open" to discovering the world and all that... but once I'm back, it's depression...
Family and friends only half-listen to my stories, even though they ask thousands of questions...
Or maybe it just "looks good" to know a "traveler"... I don’t really know, but it’s true that (aside from people who travel too) the boredom sets in fast!
What to do? Stay silent forever!!!! Or stay in touch with the people I shared moments with—new (international) friendships form... and for me, that’s the only way to keep exchanging!
If they’ve never traveled themselves, it’s certain our stories will always feel distant to them. The only way is not to get into the nitty-gritty details, but to talk about the same feelings everyone shares—just in different contexts: fear, loneliness, surprise, etc...
Livre "Le Monde en 888 jours, Shanghai - Shanghai" : http://fbm888.com
What to do... share or not... inspire or make someone dream, so that the person who has never traveled, who is stuck in bed, can for a moment forget their worries just by the strength of our fingers running across a keyboard... it’s ultimately a small price to pay (we bore people cheaply in some countries...) if we can bring a bit of dreams to a few people.
And then there’s the evolution... when you first start traveling and come back, you have this thirst to share, to tell "your adventures" to involve others, and I find nothing more normal than that. Later, as you go on, you start thinking it’s childish, so you write less and make room for fresher voices, new perspectives on different destinations, or even new insights on places you’ve already experienced.
Strangely, the "bores" are often the ones who’ve been around this forum for a long time. After reading them so much, it gets tiring—the style stays the same, and the impressions repeat in their travel journals. I see some of my traveler friends still writing but not getting the same "success" as before. Sometimes it’s better to stop, or—what incredible luck—to leave behind a "mark" on a country that becomes almost mythical once you won’t return. Patrick would (once again) be "dying" of laughter if he saw how much we elevate his writings and views on VF...
In the end, it all leaves us still talking about travel on this forum... and that’s probably the most important thing for many new travelers, and even the veterans...
On one hand, it’s totally normal to want to share and tell others about what we’ve experienced. On the other, for some people, it *can* be boring—especially when told out loud!
So, for those who don’t travel much, I’ve stopped sharing as much. If they’re interested, they can come read here instead.
I started writing a travel journal for myself, to remember and not forget all those amazing moments. Since I travel solo most of the time, writing is also a way to share, and I love doing it. I keep those travel notebooks safe and sound...
When VF came along, the "travel journals" forum was still pretty empty back then... I thought, why not transcribe a piece here and there? They were a hit, so I kept going.
Now I post them on VF after every trip. Revisiting the memories while writing them helps with the post-travel blues, while waiting for the next adventure.
Of course, the little comments from readers stroke my ego—I’m only human, and yeah, it feels good. No need to get a big head about it, though 😏.
If my stories can make some people laugh, that’s awesome! 😏 If others find them boring, they can just stop reading...
Alan, I think I’m one of your traveler friends who still writes. Maybe I don’t have the same success as before? That’s because you’ve read them all 😏. Should I stop? Oh no, Didi Sandrine would be so sad. 😉
Fainéanter dans un monde neuf est la plus absorbante des occupations... (N.Bouvier)
Yes, you’re one of my fellow traveler friends ....... 🙂 and no, you’re not boring—especially since your latest travel journal already has 2,475 reads, which makes you one of the exceptions to the so-called "rule" .... As for me, my last journal only has 1,361 reads and dates back to late 2009, which, on the other hand, makes me think I was right to stop writing ...... 😉
In the end, it all comes down to always talking about travel on this forum..... and that's probably what matters most for many new travelers, and even seasoned ones.....
....well yeah.... even if we don't (or no longer) write travel stories, we can still take part in this forum.....
...gotta admit, though, for "older" travelers, what else are we gonna talk about on our umpteenth trip to Thailand (pretty common example..)?
Is there a new McDonald's at Siam Square?... meh...
...gotta admit, for "older" travelers, what are we gonna say about our umpteenth trip to Thailand (a pretty common example..)?
There’s a new McDonald’s at Siam Square?... *sigh*...
I titled my last travel journal "Shanti India... Xth time". Gotta say, India is like more than 10 countries in one—so different from north to south and east to west—that it’s something new every time...
P.S: Thanks, Alan! 🙂
Fainéanter dans un monde neuf est la plus absorbante des occupations... (N.Bouvier)
Like many, I don’t share much when I get back—it doesn’t really resonate with them, or it bores them, or it just reminds them of last week’s Arte documentary and "what’s for dinner tonight?"
A few gifts for loved ones, some funny souvenirs, and that’s about it.
I write a little here, but I think it’s mostly for myself in the end.
And writing is an interesting process—sorting things out, putting them in order, storytelling. I try to do it well so that if I read it later, I’ll still enjoy it.
Photos? Sometimes I post them online and send the link to interested friends, and then we chat if they’ve noticed something odd or striking.
But deep down, the enthusiasm of a traveler/tourist/wanderer—yeah, it gets old fast for others. Better to wait for them to ask.
This discussion is really interesting, and I’d love to get my hands on that book—just to keep laughing^^ because I totally agree with those passages... I don’t claim to be a "traveler," and I think those who can tell great travel stories are natural storytellers who could spin even a mundane, sedentary life into something vivid. Unfortunately, a lot of travel tales are kind of dull because it’s not the events themselves that matter, but how you perceive them—and many people don’t know how to observe, only compare...
What’s great about travel websites and the internet is that no one’s forced to "endure" the story... one click, you check it out, read it, or skim through while looking at the photos. If it interests you, you keep going; if it’s boring, one click and you’re out!
Will you check out my live notes from Southern Africa (VF’s "travel journals" section) and tell me if it’s a snooze-fest? (There are no photos—it’s gonna be tough for you! ;)).
Because not only do travelers bore us with their stories, but they also plug their stuff in serious discussions! 🏴☠️
Will you click on my live notes from Southern Africa (VF's "travel journals" section) and tell me if it's boring (there are no photos, it's gonna be tough for you!😉).
Because not only do travelers bore us with their stories, but they also advertise in the main discussions!🏴☠️
Good point with your humorous wink 😉 — you’re also promoting your own story by suggesting people read it! We write for ourselves, but we really appreciate it when our stories are read... that’s the whole point of putting them online, isn’t it?
Don’t worry, your interesting Southern Africa story (I just read it) is never boring: when the text is well-written with plenty of lived moments and anecdotes, it’s impossible not to enjoy it. You avoid falling into the trap of overly descriptive, exhaustive travelogue-style writing with all the addresses and prices!
Without photos, you get back to the essence of writing and a true travel narrative.
And in the end, that might be the risk of being boring... because personally, I sometimes struggle to enjoy reading on a computer screen. For me, reading is still tied to a good old book with paper pages.
Here’s a great debate topic or theme to suggest—or even two:
Is a story more powerful with just text or with text and photos?
When it comes to showcasing a text-based story: paper or screen?
I’m gonna plug my own too 😉
http://voyageforum.com/forum/retour_au_coeur_cambodge_D5866415/
Because to me, a travel story is only as good as the comments and reactions it gets from others. Sure, I do it mostly for my own enjoyment—it’s a sweet therapy after coming back too soon...
Photos are a bonus. My writing isn’t sharp enough to go without them; they help, they’re a support.
Paper or screen? Both, captain. I print out the stories that interest me 😉
Will you click on my live notes from Southern Africa
I’m not Jean, but I clicked...😉
Started reading and will keep going, even though I prefer paper too—your writing makes it worth it...
I prefer a story without photos. A travel tale with no images, to leave room for the imagination.
I’m also chiming in here, thinking back to the many slide-show evenings of my childhood and teenage years...
Personally, I often find people who talk about their travels "boring," except for those who have a real storytelling talent—and that’s something innate that few people have, starting with me! I’m talking about those who go on and on and spare you no details...
Blogs have plenty of advantages:
- Telling the story of your trip, first for yourself, because memory isn’t always reliable and is often selective. Plus, it lets you relive the flow of your journey with photos to back it up.
- Much easier to browse than slides or a photo album where the captions are forgotten... which means you have no idea what it’s about anymore.
- Simple to create—sometimes a bit hard to keep up with in the long run, but anyone can make one.
- Keeping loved ones updated when you’re far away: they can check it out whenever they want, and if they’re interested. That way, at least you’re sure you’re not "bothering" them.
Of course, it’s always nice when someone tells you they like it, but I don’t see any egocentrism in that. When you "do" something and do your best at it, you’re always happy to get a compliment!
Personally, I check out the blogs of people who’ve taken a similar route to mine—it helps me prepare, especially for practical info and campsites. After that, everyone travels their own way and has different tastes. We don’t necessarily go to the same places, etc...
Like books, some blogs can be, for me, dull or uninteresting, and in that case, I do the same thing as with a book I find tedious: I drop it!
I started reading. I’ll keep going, even though I also prefer reading on paper, because your writing makes me want to...
Good news! 🙂
And at least you don’t risk boring anyone (I can’t picture you plucking your eyebrows while reading ).
Sorry Jem’ for rambling—it’s the fever talking.
To your new questions, I’ll answer with a few of my own:
- You prefer reading on paper but look at photos on screens: what about those so-called "coffee-table books" with gorgeous images—do you look at those, or do you prefer the brightness of a screen?
- Are paper books kind of like our security blankets?
When we’re long-term camping, reading on a tablet is a real comfort. My partner, who’s usually tech-resistant, even got into it this year and loves it.
Me? I’m still clinging to my security blankets.
That’s exactly it, Voyou.
On one hand, there’s the practicality, speed, and comfort; on the other, the tactile sensation, the smell of the page, and the joy of lending your security blanket to those you love (or giving it away ).
Is a story more powerful with just text or with text and photos?
Regarding how to highlight a text story: paper or screen?
Opinions can vary widely, depending on one’s own sensitivity to images and words, and how they’re expressed.
Personally, I need images (just like kids 😉) to lighten and bring the story to life, to add something extra—a splash of color, a certain perspective.
Images don’t stifle imagination; everyone interprets them in their own way... They help you connect with the author, learn a little more, and project yourself into the story more easily.
A travel story on a computer, no matter how well-written, tends to discourage me pretty quickly if it’s too long and lacks images...
Some still manage to grab my interest or spark my imagination, but for different reasons.
(Alan’s texts don’t need images, but I’d struggle without photos in Parvat’s stories.)
What usually draws me to read them is that I already "know" the person writing a bit, because I’ve interacted with them before.
It’s not about wanting or needing to read yet another travel story... For that, nothing beats a book—one I’ve chosen and can read or flip through at my own pace, comfortably settled on my couch, without the "coldness" of a screen...
Of course, just like words, photos need to be "chosen"—they shouldn’t detract from the story but complement it.
To your new questions, I’ll answer with more:
- You prefer reading on paper but look at photos on screens: what about those things called "coffee-table books" with stunning images—do you look at them or prefer the brightness of a screen?
Regarding the "coffee-table books" you mentioned in your post, the illustrations or photos are generally high quality, with much better definition than the (compressed) photos you see on a screen and posted on a forum or website....
However, the issue with these "coffee-table books" is their bulk—they’re often thick, large, and heavy. In the end, it can be hard to read them anywhere but flat on a table....
You're both right and wrong, jeans 😉
I have a book by Michael Freeman, and the photos look amazing on paper—just as good on screen, too.
It all depends on the printer's skill or the screen's quality.
For me, the pleasure of flipping through a book comes from something entirely different. With an e-book, for example, it's mostly about convenience in certain situations.
Storytelling is an art, a gift. Not everyone knows how to tell a story or grab attention. For example, a teacher doesn’t always interest their student because they don’t have that storytelling ability. Also, we shouldn’t tell stories to brag, but to share—that’s the point. An anecdote, and why not a moral at the end, or not. There you go, peace to all travelers ;)
Personally, instead of telling my vacations face-to-face, I write them down. That way, whoever wants to read them does, and whoever doesn’t can just move on... And to attract readers, I write my posts with a slightly offbeat style and a touch of humor... According to "my" readers, it seems to work pretty well.
By the way, if you want to read my posts, they’re on my blog...
Just to clarify: for me, a trip only really begins after a month, when you start to truly disconnect from the realities of your home country.
The best is to no longer be tied to France at all by an apartment or a job.
Yeah, well, you still have to be able to do it... I’d love to travel for more than a month, but how do you manage when you have a job and a family? You can maybe swing it for a year, but it’s not possible on a regular basis... You’ve got to work to earn money and go on trips... it’s a vicious circle.
Personally, I love listening to the stories of people around me who travel, asking them questions, reading the accounts I find here... I don’t get to travel often, so when I do go somewhere, I’d love to talk about it with people, share, etc... but I get so frustrated when I feel like people aren’t interested!!
Generally speaking, and beyond storytelling talent itself—which plays a big role—or literary skill in this case, a lot of travel narratives and blogs feel incredibly similar: the places, the general cultural knowledge about the country, the anecdotes, and the encounters all seem to overlap...
Personally, I expect something more from a travel story if I don’t want to get bored. Specifically, I want it to have a SUBJECT that goes beyond just a linear travel account. Take Iran, for example—I’d rather someone approach the country not as a generalist traveler (unless they’re a real writer, in which case they could make even the local betting shop down the street fascinating), but as someone passionate about ONE thing, whether it’s carpet-making, architecture, or energy policy. Through that lens, they might uncover things you wouldn’t notice at first glance. Sure, energy policy might sound , but imagine someone obsessed with ancestral carpets: they could discover incredible artisans, scammers and forgers of all kinds, engineers who’ve industrialized the process, or even study the origins and meaning of certain patterns, or the trade of animals for wool... That’s what I love! 🙂
Interesting point...
When the story focuses on a theme, it becomes a feature article.
There’s definitely room for both styles of travel narratives—the classic linear, chronological accounts and others with a focus on a specific theme or topic.
In the end, wouldn’t the ideal be to blend both styles in the same piece to make it more engaging and appeal to a wider audience?
Wouldn’t the ideal be to blend both styles in the same text to make it more engaging and appeal to a wider audience?
Yes, that’s exactly what I was thinking—the pure reportage isn’t really a travel story, though some journalists manage to mix the two well. Sometimes even without ever setting foot in the place they’re writing about
Good evening,
I just came across this topic, and the book excerpts are funny and spot-on, in my opinion!
I’d say often, Yes.
I’d even say sometimes there’s a bit of reader kidnapping. 😉 If you ask a question, many travelers answer by sending you straight to their travel journals with something like "I’ve already covered this topic," so to find out if a port is near the city, you’re forced to read everything... and sometimes you still won’t find the answer to your question! 😛
Before, there were way worse offenders: one person who kept redirecting to their blog (thousands of posts), just for their "bizzness" of earning ad revenue on said blog—she’ll know who she is 😎! She doesn’t post on the Forum anymore; she’s moved elsewhere...
*"The Art of Boring People by Telling Your Travels"*: I love that little book—it makes me laugh every time I reread it!
Unfortunately, it’s out of print. I paid 6 € for it when it first came out. I wanted to give it as a gift, and at one point, it was selling for 35 € on secondhand sites... Now, I think it’s impossible to find.
First page, a quote from Guitry:
"Travel is mostly useful for annoying others once you’re back."😎
And at random, among the author’s hilarious "gems":
"A travel blog is a slide show that lasts six months."
I love this quote: "A travel blog is like a slideshow evening that lasts six months."
It really resonates with me. 🤪
On average, it takes me 4-5 weeks to develop my travel journals for every week of travel.
But the big difference from a slideshow evening is that no one is forced to follow, participate, or watch... It’s easier to escape. 😉
That’s why I feel free to take the time I need and develop things the way I want.
No one is obligated... so I can’t bore anyone. If someone comes along and doesn’t enjoy it, they’re just boring themselves.
I’m also one of those people who regularly links back to their travel journals or websites. I do it because I’ve put in the work to format and write things out, and I don’t necessarily feel like doing it all over again for a reply that might not even get a thank-you. So, I might as well share the work I’ve already done—even if it only appeals to me and a few others!
Plus, for me, it doesn’t earn me anything (financially speaking). I tried ads for a few months and stopped—keeping them only on the least-viewed pages (none in my latest journals, like the Martinique pages... just for SEO benefits, though I haven’t made a single cent). Anyway, you can’t expect small sites like mine to support someone financially!!!
If someone doesn’t want to click my link, they’re free not to. So, I don’t feel like I’m holding anyone hostage. 😛
The person I’m talking about is a unique case on the forums: she bragged on a specialized site about getting 700 to 1,000 visits a day on her blog! As for her forum posts, they’re either trivial, a "Captain Obvious" statement, outdated info, or just repeating what the previous poster said—one or two sentences followed by: "Click HERE." 😎
No worries, I read blogs about places that interest me, and if I find them boring or irrelevant, I just stop.
I’m also a multi-forum addict
Forumer/siter/facebooker... travel is my top hobby after the beach
That said, 700 to 1,000 visits a day on my site? I’d dream of that. Even when it goes over 350, I’m so happy I’m practically dancing on the keyboard—so double that...
--
I just had a good laugh reading the tips on how to become the perfect verbal-travel-diarrhea enthusiast after a trip
(I’ll have to work on a few of these):
Dramatize and recount everything that *almost* happened to you, making sure to highlight the risks you faced during your long journey. Take other travelers’ misadventures and exaggerate them as your own.
To show how open-minded you are, ask your audience about their dull little lives while you were away.
Put down tourists. Mock the "sunburn crowd." Insist that you prefer traveling "intelligently" and make it clear you’re nothing like the average visitor, who’s stuck in their comfort zone and terrified of being challenged. Say that in travel, nothing—and no one—is set in stone. Have a catchy phrase ready to sum up the difference between travel and tourism: it’s like making love versus hiring a prostitute.
Post your travel journal online. It’ll keep you busy during your trip and let the fun start long before you get back.
Make your foreign currency jingle. Pay your baker absentmindedly with coins from another continent right after returning from a trip. At restaurants, leave tips in the same currency to save money.
Remind everyone how much you miss your "true friends" from the other side of the world. Those Mongols (or "sons of the wind"), those griots from Mali, or those Fulani people whose emotions and values you’ve perfectly absorbed.
Weave in buzzwords like "cosmopolitanism," "mosaic," or "ethnic blending." Terms that apply to food, music, culture, or people.
Declare your passion for the fascinating mix of tradition and modernity. It’s a handy argument since few capitals escape this rule.
Sin by omission to avoid disappointment. Forget to mention ATMs on Easter Island. Or that most residents of Robinson Crusoe Island, in the Juan Fernández Archipelago, have TV.
What I hate about travel stories is when "everything is beautiful"—when they hide the bad sides, or when written accounts lack logistical details.
I love when the journey is well-explained (airline, price, schedule) because it gives readers planning their trip useful info. Same goes for negative anecdotes—they help warn readers about situations they might encounter.
But travel stories aren’t just for that; they also introduce places future travelers might not know about (like when I discovered "Cat Island" in Japan from a blog post recently).
Stories that just say:
- "At noon, we ate some really good couscous."
- "The taxi picked us up, we visited xxxxx, then we went back to the hotel. Great day!"
Are useless to me. No value for the reader. Why should they care that you took a taxi to xxxx? Anyone can do that without your story. Same with your couscous—no price or address? No use at all.
Me, I only share anecdotes with family if they ask, and my blog is for giving practical info—no sugarcoating—to help future travelers.
"Un bivouac c'est un peu comme le dépucelage et la première cuite, une espèce de rite qui fais de toi un homme" (MonsieurHenri du site randonner-léger.org).
The difference in travel journal content can also come from why the author writes them (on top of their ability to share in writing).
Our journals are primarily meant to preserve memories of what we might forget (and we’re already starting to), meaning things that might not be useful to others: "We left at this time, did this or that..." These are the day-reconstructing details we enjoy keeping in writing. So I’m fully aware that this can bore a lot of people.
I find it harder to detail my feelings in the moment because it’s tough to put them into words. That’s why they often boil down to a scale from "wow" to "mind-blowing" .
That said, helping, contributing, and informing is what allows me to share... and thus give these journals a life beyond ourselves, turning it into a hobby...
When I plan a trip, I go through and read dozens of them, and like you, I find the foundation for our itineraries. I also love reading different—and sometimes contradictory—opinions to think things through and make preliminary choices. I adore digging through these info goldmines.
I’m bringing this topic back up. I used to be really into travel festivals, especially those organized by the different ABM branches. But lately, I’ve been disappointed—not just because the countries featured are always the same, but also because of that vibe of "I saw this and that," even in travel films with an adventurous edge. And then there’s the moralizing tone at every turn, like, "If Westerners lived in this community, there’d be solidarity everywhere, na na na." Yeah, way too easy... oversimplifications at every corner. Not to mention some films where Buddhism is presented as the miracle cure for all our Western woes. Oops, I’m going off-topic.
I’ve come to realize I prefer debates about travel, current events, or even philosophical topics. A discussion with 7 or 8 people, keeping it simple where everyone gets a turn to speak. As for travel stories, I write them for myself without presenting them like some kind of art. I archive them. I flip through them now and then, nostalgic moments, though it’s more about jogging my memory. Living in the nostalgia of your travels can become depressing and even harmful to yourself.
Ils ne savaient pas que c’était impossible, alors ils l’ont fait.
« He who, like Ulysses, has had a wonderful journey. For every golden mouth with marvelous tales, how many bores and nuisances... The traveler, washed up on grandiose images and magical encounters, has only one idea in mind: to pelt us with anecdotes, life lessons, and ideals. He’ll paint the most beautiful and distant Edens... the traveler has an inexhaustible pharmacy of stories. But nothing prepares us for immunity against travel tales. We should impose a quarantine on the returning traveler. At least a dozen hours in a detox cell. What’s the point? Months, years later, he’ll never miss an opportunity to reminisce. The evocation of his odyssey is a perpetual fireplace fire.»
I won’t revisit the online publication of a travel journal—it’s obvious that reading them isn’t mandatory.
I’m talking about the storyteller.
Sure, it can be really annoying, but it’s always instructive.
These post-trip stories, shared in private, are rarely censored by the narrator and can teach you a lot about them. You just have to listen without interrupting—or even prompt them—to realize how wrong you might’ve been about them (for better or worse).
Taking this humorous book at face value means you’ll end up listening half-heartedly, looking for the first chance to bail, and missing a great opportunity to read like an open book into the mind of this poor innocent who thinks you’re interested in his knowledge of Maasai culture.
Not at all—I don’t care about the Maasai (well, actually, I do care), it’s *him* I’m interested in. It’s *him*, right there, that I want to understand. And nothing lays bare someone’s mind like a travel story.
Poor innocent traveler, shamelessly dumping his cerebral guts at my feet, which I’ll savor before deciding whether the guy is someone to avoid or to love.
Erwan
La vie est belle ! La vie est belle ! Je me tue à vous le dire disait la fleur. Et elle meurt ( J.Prévert)
Je lis les carnets de voyages, certains sont franchement intéressants, d'autres lassants, mais je me pose aujourd'hui la question: pourquoi fait on un carnet…
Étant adepte du stop et n'ayant jamais utilisé de carton avec ma destination marquée dessus, je me demandais si cela était utile? Outre le fait que j'ai…
Rentrée de voyage depuis hier, à chaque fois, j'ai la même sensation de revenir dans cet horrible train train quotidien! je ne suis pourtant pas partie très…
Hello everyone on this forum!
I know in advance that what I'm about to say here won't please everyone, but honesty is a virtue, isn't it?
Here's the thing: for many years now, I've noticed a habit in French-speaking posts of using abbreviations left and right, as if to show that we're "in the know." Let me explain with a few examples:
- - In discussions about Peru, I see "Aguas" for "Aguas Calientes." And if it's Mexico, well, it'll be "Aguas" for "Aguascalientes"!
- - For Guatemala, "travelers" will say "Guaté." Come on, saying "Guatemalas" would maybe be the undeniable sign that you know nothing about the country???
- - Back from Indonesia, many will talk about how familiar they've become with the country's language: "bahasa." Of course, everyone will know what you're talking about, but it still gets on my nerves because the language (one of the many languages) of Indonesia is "bahasa Indonesia." "Bahasa" actually means "language," and you'll find this word of Indian origin ‘Bhāṣā’ (it's Sanskrit originally) outside Indonesia too: in Thailand, for example, any language will be "phasa" as in "phasa thai" (official Thai), "phasa isan" (what's spoken in northeastern Thailand), "phasa angkrit" = English, etc.
Am I an incorrigible nitpicker? Maybe. But I'd also find it ridiculous if a foreigner came and told me they visited "Monte" during their trip to France, when it was actually Monte Carlo.
I read a lot in English and don't think I've encountered such a habit among English speakers.
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
This is my 15,000th post, and it's a message I would have preferred never to write.
Patrick—Yangguizi—won’t be returning from his trek in Uganda. His health betrayed him in the mountains.
Like many of you, I laughed until I couldn’t anymore at his travel stories. I met him in Shanghai, then in Istanbul... We scoured restaurants—he was an incredible expert on world cuisines. We relived Korea, China. Always brilliant, so sharp, so funny, so down-to-earth. Being even a little bit his friend was something to be proud of. I think I envied him.
Patrick is still out there, of course...
He found his happiness running across the world. He’s on his path. He never doubted that "the traveler doesn’t even know if he’ll return one day."
Not sure this would’ve suited him, but his departure devastates me.
Alright,
Farewell, you foreign devil. Safe travels.
hello to all travelers with their eyes wide open to the desert...
I’ve always wondered what I was "doing" on this earth. And why my father, who died a few months after I was born—a former youngest French resistance fighter—joined the First Saharan Motorized Company in Atar and spent the rest of his life repairing army engines in Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal, Mali (which didn’t exist under that name back then), Morocco, and finally Algeria, where my mother was born and raised. (Believe me, it’s not "cool" being the child of a soldier in a country occupied by France, and even less so the child of a "pied-noir.")
Of course, I never got an answer: the dead don’t talk, and the army doesn’t either.
But here’s the thing—I had photos...
So naturally, one day I hit the road. I wanted to see, to understand.
It’s thanks to VF that I was able to do a little research on crossing the Morocco-Mauritania border, and I’m grateful to its members, just as I’m grateful to all those who welcomed me on the road for 14 years.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been wondering if I should talk about this or not...
It turns out the Mauritanians changed my life by asking for my help... And that started as early as February 2012... (Did I owe them something? No answer to that question.)
Ah, the irony—they saw me coming. But when you’re handed sick children and begged to do something, what would you have done? I’d worked in a hospital, so I knew a bit about the rules to follow. I didn’t hesitate.
And well, over all these years, I met doctors, surgeons, and together we organized care, evacuations of children, training for surgeons—even trying to stop children from having to travel outside their country. It was never easy. I’d like to thank those who supported us, as well as *La Chaîne de l’Espoir*, *La Fondation Face au Monde*, and everyone who built bridges between our two countries.
Unfortunately, despite the constant efforts of Mauritanian doctors and surgeons, some children couldn’t be helped in time. Today, I want to talk about four siblings—orphans of their mother—suffering from congenital glaucoma causing irreversible blindness. Their case was entrusted to me in 2020, just weeks before the big lockdown. We couldn’t do anything for them then, but when their father asked me for a gift, I rushed to my computer and wrote a story.
Through a tale, the children take a great journey, explore their country, and fulfill a dream. I never thought this book would be published—it was, in 2023.
This book pays tribute to Mauritania. It’s a message for those who know nothing about the hardships of life there, carrying both the harshness and beauty of an immense desert where you can travel by 4x4, bike, on foot, or by camel in complete safety. It bears witness to the kindness of Mauritanians toward travelers.
As a woman traveling alone in my vehicle—a now-rusted old Mercedes that no longer runs—I had the most beautiful encounters of my life there (I’ve seen other parts of the world...). The blind children of Choum, Atar, Nouadhibou, and Nouakchott will forever be in my heart.
Volunteer readers transcribed the book into a free audio version for the visually impaired. It’s available in sound libraries in France, the *Fondation Valentin Haüy*, and the Swiss Romande library.
I made my last trip to Mauritania in my old 4x4 to distribute the book everywhere, especially to its heroes and the school for the visually impaired in Nouakchott.
After that, I thought it was time to close the chapter because I no longer have the means or the strength to travel.
My publishers chose this title for it: *The Blue Eyes of the Desert*.
This publication helped a mission of Swiss volunteer ophthalmologists come to operate on glaucomas in Mauritania. I’m thrilled because they come back every year!
This adventure is ending, yes—everything must come to an end—but ultimately, it was born here, on the VF site!! So yes, I had to say it: THANK YOU!!!!!
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
Hi! It was totally by chance that I stumbled upon VoyageForum (an ad online and a story lol), and I’ve been reading some really old posts from 2011 about Thai massage schools—discussions on how to get by, accommodation, prices, etc. It reminded me of my own experience: I kept things simple by staying with a local family during my entire trip. I only shared all the expenses with them, which, I’ll admit, was super cheap… and I often traveled with them, which naturally opened a lot of doors for me. To start, at the school in Salaya, my Thai friend immediately connected me with Teacher Phong (the school’s mentor and teacher of teachers, a former monk). I was supposed to join a group session with other foreigners, but for some reason I don’t know, I got two days of private lessons for free with this expert… incredible! And on top of that, he loved France! It was an amazing experience. I "discovered" massage by chance—the Thai family just told me: "Try it, you’ll see!" (I’d had a pretty intense massage in the capital before 😅… but the next day, I felt unbelievably great!))
Every morning, I’d take a taxi (chosen by the Thai family at prices that beat all the competition) to this school—I’ve forgotten the name of the little village now… right in the heart of the countryside. Then, in the evenings, I’d keep practicing massage on all the family members… and they’d teach me Thai at the same time!))
Since then, I’ve practiced a bit, with lots of positive feedback. Following Teacher Phong’s advice—he thought my pressure was deep, firm, and precise—he strongly encouraged me to take this seriously.
I love Thailand so much. It’s a whole different way of living… and it’s a real blessing, even if I couldn’t live there full-time. Anyway, that was an unforgettable memory, and sometimes the Thai family and I still say hi—from 2011, 2013… right up to today!
"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.
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