Hi everyone,
I’m 66 and just discovered solo travel in Uzbekistan—I loved it! So I’ve decided to explore Africa, starting with Senegal. I’m just beginning my research, but if anyone can give me advice on which month to go, what to see, and whether this destination is safe—or maybe suggest another African country—I’d really appreciate your tips!
Hi Corinne, Senegal is a fantastic destination to start discovering Africa! The recommended periods are from December to April, when the temperature and climate are very favorable—if I had to pick specific months, I’d say January and February. For the rest of the year, it’s the rainy season, with a wet, hot, and humid climate.
We meet a lot of women traveling solo here—it’s a safe country, also known as the "Land of Téranga," which means "hospitality." :)
For exploring the country, it all depends on what you’re looking for. There are plenty of excursions to do, like bush markets, historical monuments such as "Gorée," natural sites like the Saloum Islands, the lush southern region called Casamance, and safaris.
Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any other questions. Have a great day! !
Hi there.
For a first solo trip to West Africa (without an agency or guide), I’d recommend Benin or Togo instead—they’re less touristy than Senegal but just as interesting. The commercial vibe is more "chill," and the locals are less focused on tourists, so there’s less pressure, less hassle from vendors, street sellers, and all kinds of "guides." Fewer scams too...
Thanks for your advice—I’m really torn now😛 I need to look into these countries a bit more, but if you say they’re safe, it’s true they do feel more authentic.
hi. like many "touristy" countries, in senegal tourism is confined to just a few square kilometers. all you have to do is step to the side to leave it behind. i regularly travel off the beaten path, away from the "must-see typical senegalese sights," and all the hassles of "the giant baobab you absolutely have to see" disappear.
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Like many "tourist" countries, in Senegal tourism is confined to just a few square kilometers. All it takes is one step to the side to leave it behind.
Hi there,
That’s true pretty much everywhere... Once you’re off the tourist trail, you’re really on your own. Still, when you arrive in a country by plane, it’s hard to skip the capital and its surroundings (like certain neighborhoods I’ve forgotten the names of, markets, and Gorée Island, for example, in Senegal).
As far as I’m concerned, nowhere else in the world have I been as hassled in my first few days by trinket sellers, fake guides, and thieves as I was in Dakar. Never before had anyone dared to slip their hands into my pockets while I was surrounded on all sides! (After that, I started putting razor blades in them!)
Used to traveling in all kinds of conditions, it didn’t bother me *that* much, but I’ll admit that compared to other big African cities (Accra, Lomé, Cotonou, etc.), except maybe Abidjan, I found Dakar particularly overwhelming for the first two days. So for a woman traveling alone, I have my concerns.🙁
Hi there,
Cambrousse, a female Vf member, has traveled solo quite a bit in West Africa (Benin, Togo, and probably Senegal too).
If she doesn’t chime in on this thread, maybe you could message her privately?
Hi Corinne,
It’s a seventy-something woman answering you here.
I traveled solo in Africa, including Benin, 5 years ago. It’s a Francophone country that isn’t overrun by tourist hordes, so making connections with locals was really easy, and I felt safe everywhere. With them, I had long political conversations since, at the time, Beninese people were heading to the polls.
I stayed for over a month, traveling long distances by local buses, using shared taxis to get around, and making the most of moto-taxis. They even started calling me "the white lady" when I stayed in the same place for a few days. I often hired a private guide—usually a moto-taxi driver—to visit more remote spots (very affordable prices).
Accommodation was satisfying and not too expensive. Food was no problem, with plenty of local fruit.
I planned my itinerary using *Le Futé* guide (not always recommended for some destinations, but it was a good starting point) and filled in the details once I arrived.
You won’t find monuments like those on the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, but depending on the area, there are sites linked to the slave trade. In the north of the country, you’ll see mini individual fortified castles called *tatas sombas*, home to extended families.
And I haven’t even mentioned the daily markets everywhere!
The best time to go is during our winter, from January to April. Avoid the rainy season.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring a yellow fever vaccination certificate and check with your doctor about malaria prophylaxis.
There—I’ve finished singing Benin’s praises. Cambrousse from Vf can add more since they’ve been there several times.
Carassou,
Françoise
I’ve done quite a bit of solo travel in the region. The country I liked the least was Senegal.
It’s the only country in the area where people are so eager for your wallet...
I’m used to traveling with local public transport—that is, the transport used by locals.
There are places where you have to fight to get the right info. They’ll offer you tourist-oriented info right away, or sometimes it’s 10 times more expensive... especially for pirogues to villages. You eventually find what you need, but it doesn’t flow as smoothly as in other countries.
As soon as you arrive at accommodation, before you even order a drink, you’ve already got 5 excursion offers.
Feels like harassment.
Anyway, the country is beautiful, but I didn’t enjoy the vibe.
I much preferred Benin, for example. No one’s waiting for your wallet there. Everything’s easier, interactions with locals are simpler and less transactional.
I’ve been to Benin 3 times—3 weeks, then 6 months, then 3 months. I really loved it.
Hello,
Senegal isn’t that bad for a first destination. Personally, I didn’t experience or live through any of what’s described. I wandered around alone and everywhere, on foot for hours in both very touristy spots and much less frequented areas, and honestly, I didn’t encounter all the annoyances that are mentioned. Some comments are even disturbing, and I don’t understand why they didn’t spark any reaction—like those about colonization or the idea that Senegalese people’s life plan would be to trick a French person every day. Still, I went there with a whole suitcase of prejudices and was dreading it ten times over. But by refusing politely yet firmly, there were no issues at all. That said, it might be harder if you’re a woman—I don’t know, I’d need one less Y and one more X to say for sure.
Otherwise, Benin is also a great choice. Madagascar could be an option (not right now), as well as the Comoros or even Rwanda, which is extremely safe and very easy for a first solo trip in Africa.
Hello there. Cambrousse, you’re describing a real truth here. That said, this phenomenon really only pops up in super touristy spots. I remember your posts about the Saloum Islands. Yes, "Senegalese-style" transport is a bit hidden—I didn’t run into this issue at bus stations, with unlicensed taxis, or even in town when I asked random folks on the street. Hotels/camps in tourist hubs like Ndangane are basically prospecting grounds for guides and their crew. But I don’t quite agree with generalizing these behaviors.
I spend a lot of time on the Petite Côte, in villages or along the coast. I grab my beers (I love Gazelle) in bars where I never see those "annoying, clingy" types. Whether it’s Mbour, Warang, or Nianing, I’ll admit you’ve gotta know the right spots.
In rural villages, when you’re traveling independently, this stuff just doesn’t exist. Quite the opposite, actually.
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Hi there,
Senegal isn’t that bad for a first destination. Personally, I didn’t experience or live through any of what’s described. I wandered around alone, on foot for hours, in both very touristy spots and much less frequented areas, and honestly, I didn’t encounter all the unpleasantness that’s talked about. Some of the comments are even disturbing, and I don’t understand why they didn’t spark any reaction—like the ones about colonization or the idea that Senegalese people’s life plan is to trick a French person every day. Still, I went there with a whole suitcase full of prejudices and was dreading it ten times over. But by refusing politely but firmly, I had no problems at all. That said, it might be harder if you’re a woman—I’d need one less Y and one more X to say for sure.
Otherwise, Benin is also a great choice. You could consider Madagascar (not right now), the Comoros, or even Rwanda, which is extremely safe and very easy for a first solo trip in Africa.
Hey,
Prejudices are sometimes valid, and I invite you to read the article in the link, written by a Senegalese tourism professional (also a director of social platforms) in his country—meaning he knows his stuff—and it describes well what happens between the critic and the criticized.
Our only mistake (as tourists returning from Senegal) when we say a beach is dirty or street vendors are aggressive, etc., is forgetting to say that criticism can be constructive and that we can point out what’s wrong in a way that helps improve things, rather than just saying "don’t go."
https://www.senegalinsights.com/themes/tourisme-au-senegal/le-sentiment-anti-francais-un-nouveau-defi-pour-le-tourisme-senegalais
Hello,
Of course, sometimes prejudices turn out to be true, and I’m not at all questioning what other forum members have shared. For my part, I’m just saying that I expected it wouldn’t be easy for all the reasons mentioned, and I didn’t have any problems—even in touristy areas. Lucky break, I don’t know, but the trip went really well.
As for anti-French sentiment, I didn’t feel any of that either. Again, I’m not ignoring that it exists, but insulting someone on social media and doing it in person on the street aren’t the same thing. It’s pretty true everywhere, actually—you can easily get insulted on social media for criticizing Belgium, for example, and I’ve never had any issues walking around a country that isn’t mine.
In short, I didn’t feel or experience any of that during my time in Senegal, and like a lot of things, what happens on social media stays on social media.
Yes, you do encounter the phenomenon described here: www.senegalinsights.com/...-tourism-in-senegal
Rarely in an open way, but it’s present in the minds of many young people. Prime Minister Sonko isn’t unrelated to this. For several years now, there’s been anti-French propaganda, notably from Guy Marius Sagna with his movement "FFRAP France Dégage." But as they say above, it’s the same "clientele" and the same behaviors you find in Europe and most countries these days.
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Yes, I didn’t have any issues with the 7-seater minibuses or the bus stations.
Otherwise, I probably compared it to my trips to Benin, Mali, and Burkina Faso, where we’re not solicited at all.
Senegal is a really beautiful country, though, and I experienced some amazing moments, like a wrestling tournament final in Mar Lodj, far from any touristy spots.
I loved Casamance a lot.
When you've got a long drive ahead and the local cops stop the vehicle for over an hour each time, nitpicking at the driver to extort money while looking at us tourists with a certain disdain—that’s daily life in Senegal.
When you politely explain to a street vendor following you relentlessly that you’re grown women and if you need to buy something, you’ll go to him or someone else because you know what you want. And then he replies: "If you were in my house, I’d never accept you talking to me like that"—even though you’ve said "no" a thousand times.
When another guy on a supposedly secure beach waits for your group to split up so he can target a girl who’s alone for just five minutes, snatches her necklace, leaves scratches on her neck, and runs off while the so-called beach guards don’t lift a finger.
When you willingly follow a guy who says he’ll take you to a typical restaurant where you’ll eat well, only for him to lie and say "it’s nearby" while you walk for an hour. Then you end up in some sketchy place where you’re harassed throughout the meal by guys forcing you to buy their junk, piling it around your plates (and the owner lets them do it), and then the owner adds insult to injury on the bill, trying to overcharge you for a basic meal. And so on...
Yes, they need to improve if they don’t want people criticizing their country afterward (while telling you), "You colonized us, you stole our wealth."
How many more years is this going to last? Ugh...
Yeah, but that was partly my fault because I was stressing about missing my unlikely shuttle from an equally unlikely hotel. Double fault on my part for assuming the clerk at a completely official currency exchange office was like a totally by-the-book administration.
And yet, in France, I go to my bank reluctantly, telling my advisor straight up not to try selling me their crap because it won’t work on me.
When traveling abroad, I always feel invulnerable because I’m caught up in all the pleasures of stepping out of my comfort zone (and there, too, I’m wrong).
Once in Colombia, in the middle of guerrilla activity in my favorite department, a cop took my bank card right out of my hand while I was trying to explain that I was looking for a bank in an area where they only speak Costeño.
I snatched it back violently and left. It was only long after returning to France that I realized how naive I’d been—once again—with authorities who are supposed to be honest.
Same thing in the same region where a corrupt cop extorted 250,000 pesos from me just because he saw a bottle of rum at my feet in my car.
Yeah, when traveling, we often act stupid!!!
.... I’ll go ahead and share (don’t hit me, okay!). I don’t have that kind of problem when I travel. I’ve hung out in West Africa, Algeria, Mali, Morocco of course, Mauritania a bit, and Senegal quite a bit. When I say "hung out," I mean stays of several months in "hardcore backpacker" conditions.
One of the keys is relaxation, letting go.
A question: which hotel are you talking about? That’ll give us an idea of where you stayed.
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.... I’ll take the liberty (don’t hit me, okay!). I don’t have that kind of problem when I travel. I’ve hung out in West Africa, Algeria, Mali, Morocco of course, Mauritania a bit, and Senegal quite a lot. When I say "hung out," I mean stays of several months in "hardcore backpacker" conditions.
One of the keys is relaxation, letting go.
One question: which hotel are you talking about? That’ll give us an idea of where you’re staying.
We traveled all over the country, so we stayed in several hotels. But I personally didn’t experience harassment or anything like that because I never let it happen and always use the right tone. The drama my friends had was mostly in Saly (which explains a lot). I should mention they had faces that seemed to attract trouble and couldn’t say no firmly (basically the current generation) 😄
Thanks for this reply. It confirms what I was saying. The so-called "must-see" tourist spots in Senegal are definitely places to avoid. That’s where you’ll find the biggest pains in the neck in West Africa. The rest of the country—basically the whole thing ;)—is honestly really cool.
Saly is *the* spot you shouldn’t go to... in my opinion, of course. Oh! And Touba. Ugh... no comment.
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Thanks for this reply. It confirms what I was saying. The so-called "must-see" tourist spots in Senegal are definitely to avoid. That’s where you’ll find the biggest pains in the neck in West Africa. The rest of the country—basically everything else 😉—is honestly really cool.
Saly is *the* spot you shouldn’t go to... in my opinion, of course. Oh! And Touba. Ugh... no comment.
I didn’t have a choice about Saly for the last two days of my trip—I was with CDV, the "for girls only" agency (the one that kicked me out since)
Benin! So many great memories... except with the authorities because I traveled through the country during the revolution. In every city I passed through, I got another stamp in my passport. By the time I left the country, there wasn’t much space left!
In Parakou, I had to wait a good hour for my passport in the police station courtyard... had to wait for the ink to dry! 😉
😉🙂😉
We’ve all got stories like that.
Me, I’ve had a few—like the time at the Burkina border where they didn’t have an exit stamp... some remote border post in the middle of nowhere, and I was on a moto-taxi. I had to go 15 klicks back to get the stamp. So, officially, I never left Burkina, even though I entered one day. But I still made it into Togo. The young Togolese customs officer stamped my entry, wrote down my name, and 10 minutes later, sent me a Facebook friend request. 😉
I’ve got tons of stories like that. It’s the sweet stuff of travel in Africa.
Yeah, Senegal can be intense when it comes to harassment, etc. I described it. But my trips to 7 different places went smoothly. Having a good knowledge of West Africa definitely helped me keep some distance from all the insistence. ... Staying calm and using humor are key.
But as I’ve already said, I preferred Benin, Mali, and Burkina 1000 times over.
Yes, Senegal can be tough in terms of harassment, etc. I described it. But my trips in *sept-places* (shared taxis) went smoothly. Having some experience with West Africa definitely helped me keep my distance from all the insistence. ... Staying calm and using humor were key.
But like I said before, I preferred Benin, Mali, and Burkina *a thousand times over*.
I had to explain to the restaurant manager at the hotel why I was putting some of my breakfast stuff in my bag—it was just because I wasn’t hungry at the moment (breakfast was included). Ugh, after a while, it’s just exhausting.
..well, for my part, I crossed Mali by road, through the desert, from Gao to Timbuktu, from Diboli to Algeria... with Bambaras, with Tamasheks. The people aren't much fun. I remember noting that:
"When you ask the Bambaras for the time, it’s like you’ve insulted their mother." That’s exactly how I wrote it.
Senegal, I didn’t explore as much, but I laugh a lot more there. Senegalese people, from the random kid to the old lady selling odds and ends at the market, are way more approachable and really open to chatting—and more if there’s a connection.
Maybe it’s just a different way of looking at things? I don’t know.
That’s just how I felt.
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...well, for my part, I crossed Mali by road, through the desert, from Gao to Timbuktu, from Diboli to Algeria... with Bambaras, with Tuaregs. The people aren't much fun. I remember noting that:
"When you ask the Bambaras for the time, it's like you've violated their mother." That's exactly how I wrote it.
In Senegal, I didn't travel around as much, but I laugh a lot more there. Senegalese people, from the unknown kid to the old lady selling next to nothing at the market, are way more approachable and really more open to conversation—and more if there's a connection.
Maybe it's just a way of looking at things? I don't know.
That's just how I felt.
For me in Senegal, it went much better with women than with men.
I contacted several agencies in Madagascar to arrange this 4x4 trip along the coast.
Always the same answer: a tailor-made trip with at least 2 participants.
Since I don’t want to travel alone and a friend isn’t available, I’m looking for a woman to share this trip with the agency Mahay Mada, which offers a 12-day, 11-night tour of southern Madagascar. I’m available from August 23 to September 14.
Thanks for your direct response at 0784659791. See you soon, Mireille
I’d love to settle around Da Nang for about a month and explore the surrounding areas in Vietnam.
I’ve already been to this country and don’t feel like rushing around every day like I used to a few years ago.
I’d really like to find some company to stay for at least a month, and then maybe spend a month in Cambodia...
Given that I’m now 76, I don’t want to run around like I used to, trying to see everything...
I enjoy calm people... Those who love life and with whom I can share a beer... And meet people to create a great atmosphere—la dolce vita....
Hi everyone,
I’m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I’ve decided to explore Indonesia.
I’ll be there from September 1st to October 5th, and I’m really struggling to plan my itinerary.
I’d love any advice you can share—I’ll read it all carefully.
So far, I’ve booked my first two nights with a local host in Jakarta, and then I’m heading to Borobudur. That’s all I’ve got planned for now.
Do you think I should book accommodations and transport tickets in advance? It seems really complicated, or could I just decide day by day based on how I feel?
Thanks in advance for your replies!
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.
From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.
I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.
Here’s the itinerary I’m planning:
* UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses)
A few days at Lake Khövsgöl
* Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses)
A few days at the White Lakes
* White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver)
A few days in the Orkhon Valley
+ the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide)
* Return to UB
From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley.
Here are my questions:
-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route:
Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.
-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?
Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia:
-> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?
I’m considering a road trip (rental car) to explore the Canadian Rockies in September 2026, starting in Calgary and ending with about 10 days in Vancouver and the surrounding area. (Two weeks in the Rockies and a little under two weeks in Vancouver and nearby.)
I’d like to say that being a woman traveling alone doesn’t really bother me. That’s not the issue. Being a woman is just how it is, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but traveling solo is something I could fix by finding travel companions. However, I had a not-so-great experience in India with two girls who were total strangers at first and turned out to be quite annoying, so I’m a bit put off by the idea now.
My question is simple, assuming I do this trip alone: is it worth sticking *only* to driving? I have **zero** sense of direction—with a map, I’m hopeless. So, is it realistic to think, "With my GPS, I’ll just drive from Calgary to Vancouver and see what I see," since I don’t see myself hiking alone? I’m not easily scared, but I wouldn’t feel confident doing that solo. Unless all the sightseeing is done with a guide (but then, hello, the cost—my budget isn’t exactly overflowing).
What do you all think?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Take care and happy travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
After a week of sports south of Bergen, I’m not sure what to visit during the following week between Bergen and Oslo.
I haven’t planned to rent a car.
I’d love your suggestions. Thanks
Hi everyone, I’m really keen to visit Iran for three weeks in mid-March 2015.
What worries me a bit isn’t so much traveling alone—I’m used to it and know the Middle East well—but rather the current events (Islamic State) that could potentially become dangerous.
Flights are pretty cheap at the moment, and I’d like to book before prices go up.
Any advice from people who know the ground situation and Iranian current affairs better than I do would be much appreciated! :)
Hi there! I’m in the middle of planning my first solo trip (as a woman). Do you have any ideal destinations with activities like hiking, diving, sightseeing, and easy ways to meet locals—all on a small budget?
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had this experience before! :)
Hi there,
Who could recommend a reliable agency for visiting several islands, including the parks around Komodo? I’m traveling solo as a woman.
Thanks for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
I’m often in transit in Tokyo and I stay at the hotel because Japanese people speak little English and the signs are almost always in Japanese!
Any ideas for getting from Narita to a nice park or an onsen? I wanted to try Hokkaido, but apart from renting a car, it’s all trains! Any suggestions for a car with a driver? Or is it too expensive? Small group tours in Hokkaido? I read about the Explorator group’s offer—way too expensive!!!
I’ve got a maximum of 8 days. I’d just like a nice Japanese break.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
my friend, with whom I traveled to Iran, Myanmar, and India, really wanted to take a one-month trip to Armenia and Georgia. So we booked our flights (June 21 to July 19), but disaster struck—she can’t travel anymore due to serious family reasons.
Now I’m heading off on this adventure alone. It’s not that I’ve never traveled solo before—I spent three months exploring Southeast Asia by myself last year—but I still have a few questions, and I’d really appreciate your input.
* I don’t think traveling alone in these countries is very risky—what do you think?
* Maybe I could hire a driver? What would that cost, since some places seem tricky to reach by public transport. Do you have any driver recommendations?
* I don’t want to rent a car—the driving seems too unpredictable, especially in Georgia.
* I’d love to do some nice hikes—are there any guides available?
Here’s my rough itinerary:
YEREVAN and surroundings
YEGHEGNADZOR for Noravank
GORIS and TATEV
LAKE SEVAN
DILIJAN
HAGHPAT
TBILISI and surroundings
The CAUCASUS toward Mestia
UPLISTSIKHE
VARDZIA
Return to Yerevan for my flight
Thanks to anyone who can share their experiences or answer my questions!
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a few tips that really helped me better prepare my carry-on luggage. After a few trips (and some mistakes too!), I’ve finally found a way to organize myself that makes life a lot easier. Maybe this can help other travelers here.
1. Choose a practical and sturdy bag
A good bag is the foundation. I’ve noticed that a model with a solid structure, sturdy wheels, and a well-thought-out interior really changes the experience. Hard-shell suitcases hold up better, especially when you’re hopping between flights. Personally, I use a Lambert suitcase because the interior is super well-divided, but the important thing is to find a model that works for you.
2. Rolling your clothes really works
It’s simple, but it saves so much space. Plus, it wrinkles less. I do this now for almost everything, especially lightweight clothes.
3. Keep everything in a small kit
100 ml liquids, toothbrush, cream, mini first-aid kit… Having all of that in one clear toiletry bag makes going through security much easier. It saves you from having to take everything out and put it back in a rush.
4. A pouch for essentials
Passport, headphones, charger, phone… I keep all of that in the same pouch. It saves so much stress when you need to find something quickly, especially on the plane.
5. Traveling lighter makes all the difference
Since I started choosing versatile clothes that mix and match well, I travel with a lot less. Less weight, fewer decisions to make, fewer things to lug around. It honestly makes traveling so much more enjoyable.
From the conversations I’ve had with other travelers (and several customers too), I’ve realized you can really simplify your trip just by organizing a little better and choosing good accessories.
If you have other tips or methods that work for you, I’d love to read them. We always learn from others on this forum.
Looking forward to exchanging with you all!
Hi,
Has anyone recently taken the boat to Casamance from Dakar and could share their experience?
From France, is it possible to book online, or do you need to go through an agency? How far in advance?
Boarding/disembarking: how does it work? Do we have to check in our luggage and then pick it up on arrival?
What’s the vibe like on the boat in the seating area?
Has anyone ever stopped over in Carabane? Accommodation options there?
Thanks so much if you have any recent info!
Exploring India by road is all about having a good driver. I highly recommend the one I’ve traveled with for 5 "safe" trips—Rajasthan 3 times over 16 years, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. He’s been driving tourists for 25 years now and is more than just a driver. He knows how to talk about his country, the cities you visit, and suggests alternative routes.
He’s well-connected with real local guides who don’t just ramble (as he puts it himself) or drag you into shops claiming to be run by their "so-called family." Depending on your preferences, he can suggest well-tested itineraries and recommend typical hotels like Havelis.
For dining, he oversees meal prep based on your spice-level preferences. He’s Sikh and deeply respectful of his passengers.
He speaks English better than French, but one of his daughters is studying French at university.
Hi,
We’d like to spend about twenty days in Albania next July. We’re two women traveling together and we’re thinking of renting a small car. Does that sound reasonable, or should we avoid it?
Thanks for your advice.
Hi there,
I’m spending a week in Morocco (Rabat - Meknes - Fes).
I’ll be traveling solo—is it safe for a woman over 60?
For transportation, I’m planning to take the train. I was thinking of buying my ticket last minute, but it’s around the end-of-year period…?
I’ll be in Meknes on December 31st—any suggestions on how they celebrate New Year’s Eve there?
Is anyone visiting these destinations? Maybe we could meet up…?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
After hearing so much about Djerba, especially the GO clubs, is it risky for a young, pretty newly-retired woman to visit the island alone?
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Does anyone know how late the buses run from Cusco Airport to the city center? I land at 9:30 PM, plus time to clear customs, pick up my luggage, and exchange some money—figure an extra 30 to 45 minutes. Though, come to think of it, I still have 5 sols from last time—maybe that’ll be enough for the bus?
Thanks.
Brigitte
Planned arrival on Sunday evening, November 16, 2025, in San José. Staying 3 nights, then taking a bus to Tortuguero for 2 nights. Looking for a shared shuttle to La Fortuna for 2 nights, then a van-boat-van combo to Santa Elena for 2 or 3 nights. Heading to Quepos for 4 nights for day trips using local buses—Jaco, San Antonio, Uvita. After that, a full-day bus ride to Cahuita. I’m booking hotels as I go, which gives me the flexibility to stay longer in places I like. I’m looking for accommodations in city centers near restaurants and not too far from the bus station. Budget: 50 € for a room with a private bathroom (if you’ve got any great tips!). For my finale, I’ll cross the land border to Panama City for 4 days. Thanks for your suggestions! 😉
As I mentioned before, I’m heading to Istanbul next summer, and I’ve heard there have been quite a few attacks by Kurds in Turkey recently, which is making me hesitate about my trip.
What do you all think? :( I’m wondering if it’s really a good idea to go...
Hi there!
We’re leaving in early November for a month.
Here’s our itinerary:
Arrival in Takhmau, then heading to:
Kampong Cham
Kratie – 2 days
Mondolkiri – 3 days
Ratanakiri – 3 days
Stung Treng – 1 day
Siem Reap – 4 days
Battambang – 1 day
Kampong Chhnang – 3 days
Kampot – 2 days
Islands (WE’RE HESITATING WHICH ONE?) – 4 DAYS
Phnom Penh – 2 days
That’s it! 😊
We’re backpacking… and we love spots that aren’t too touristy. If you’ve got any tips, we’re all ears!
Thanks
Hi there,
We’d like to stay in Switzerland for five days.
There are two of us (women).
We don’t know this country at all.
What cities or affordable spots would you recommend for visiting?
Cheap accommodation.
Looking for community-based options.
And being close to public transport.
Thanks for your tips and experiences!
Best regards.
Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone has taken a Rede Expressos bus from Lisbon Airport to Lagos, and if so, where exactly at the airport you need to board it? I’m worried I’ll get lost and miss my bus...
Hi again,
I’m adding more details to my info request. Here are two proposed itineraries. We’re hesitating:
Colombo - Unawatuna 2 days - Sinharaja 1 day - Bandarawela 2 days - Kandy 3 days - Dambulla 2 days - Wilpattu Park 1 day - Kalpitiya 3 days - Negombo 1 day
What should we change or add a day for to include Jaffna?
Or:
Negombo 1 day - Anuradhapura 2 days - Jaffna 2 days - Sigiriya 2 days - Dambulla 1 day - Kandy 2 days - Ella 1 day - Galle 3 days
For your advice.
Is it better to finish in Galle or Kalpitiya?
Thanks in advance!
Nicole
This is a warning message! I’d like to address it especially to young women traveling alone for the first time in India. Other travelers may react to my post based on their own experiences, but I think what I’m about to say shouldn’t be taken lightly—unless that’s what you’re looking for!
Last July, I traveled to Northern India. I stopped in Khajuraho to see the famous tantric temples. I stayed one night, and that was more than enough. Khajuraho is very touristy, but you should know that 80% of young Indian men there are "gigolos." Locals call these young men (aged 18 to 30) "playboys" or "Lapka" (which means "capture the woman" in Hindi)!!!
They approach tourists with kindness and politeness, offering tea or a motorcycle ride (which they’ve often gotten from generous Western female tourists) to waterfalls a few kilometers from Khajuraho or other tourist sites. After befriending you, they charm you—be careful, these are professionals who are very skilled at this; it’s all they do, and they do it well. They’ll offer you food, drinks, and even temple entry to confuse you. They’ll suggest spending the evening or even the night with them. **Refuse (unless you’re into local flings and that’s why you came)!!!!**
At first, you’ll be seduced by their generosity, let your guard down, and then they’ll make you believe in *true love*. They won’t leave you alone and will keep in touch via email or phone if you give them your details. The lines they use to soften you up and scam you include: *"I’m the only one taking care of my family, my brother is sick, I don’t know what to do..."* All of this is to manipulate you into offering them money. They’ll never ask for it outright (to avoid being exposed) but will wait for you to suggest it.
If you receive emails from them, they’ll never be signed, and their name won’t appear in the email address (to avoid leaving traces). They use fake names to avoid being reported. If you believe their sob stories and offer help, they’ll give you a bank account number to send money via Western Union. These young men make a living from this—selling their bodies and scamming people! They’re very skilled, charming, manipulative, and *big-time cheaters*!
(Especially one young man who goes by the alias *Tony*—apparently the most skilled. He lives in a hotel near the lake, *Krishna Cottage*, and is in regular contact via Skype with Western women he’s tricked into believing he loves them while shamelessly scamming them. He even opened an internet café on the roof of the hotel with money he stole from women who fell for his charm.)
So, young romantic women craving love, sensitive singles, or anyone emotionally vulnerable—**don’t let yourself be scammed!!!** This behavior is becoming more common in India and is still relatively unknown. Male prostitution is on the rise, and cases of romantic scams and financial fraud by gigolos are increasing.
hi everyone! I’d like to visit Montreal and the surrounding areas in August, and I’ve got 3 weeks of vacation. I’m traveling alone and will be visiting my daughter, who recently moved there. She’ll be working and only available in the evenings! So I’m torn between spending a week in Montreal, then taking a flight to Cuba, and returning to France from Havana—or staying in Montreal and exploring the nearby areas alone.
For my first idea—going to Cuba—is it feasible in terms of administrative formalities and legality? And for my second idea, is it possible to take buses? If so, is it too expensive? And are there many places served by them?
From FES, I’d like to spend a few days in:
MEKNES
CHEFCHAOUEN
TETOUAN
and then return to FES.
I’m planning this trip in November.
Thanks for your tips!
Rarely in an open way, but it’s present in the minds of many young people. Prime Minister Sonko isn’t unrelated to this. For several years now, there’s been anti-French propaganda, notably from Guy Marius Sagna with his movement "FFRAP France Dégage." But as they say above, it’s the same "clientele" and the same behaviors you find in Europe and most countries these days.
