Hi there,
I’m planning to spend two months in Mongolia, and I’d love to be welcomed by a nomadic or semi-nomadic family in the Altai Mountains. I can work and, of course, contribute money for my stay! Has anyone already had this experience? Also, is it still possible today to take the Trans-Siberian to Novosibirsk and then cross the Russia-Mongolia border at Tashanta?
Looking forward to your replies!
Thanks
hi,
if the visa is still free this year for stays over 30 days, you’ll need to extend it at the Immigration Police. You can do this online too: https://immigration.gov.mn/en/visa-extension/.
Do this as soon as you arrive.
As for living with nomads, it’s actually quite easy. You’ll just need to agree on covering your stay, either by paying a fee or another arrangement.
One solution is to go knock on a yurt’s door once you’re there and explain what you’d like to do and how...
We have a contact there with over 20 years of experience—I’m not sure if they know any “good families” in that area, but you could ask them and see how you might organize things... (contact in English: mejet69@yahoo.com)
We’ve taken 7 trips there and always prioritized staying with nomads, going to sleep at their place each night to share their daily life, sometimes staying for several days. It’s definitely the best way to experience the legendary hospitality of the steppes. I’d budget around 10 € per day, though our contact can give you more details on that.
As for the Trans-Siberian, we took it in February 2019. What are the current options? You might want to check with the nearest Russian consulate. We bought our tickets directly through an agency based in Moscow or St. Petersburg—we found them at our hotel in Moscow. That said, I remember prices varied quite a bit between agencies, sometimes by a lot of euros!
At the time, we *had* to go through an agency—it wasn’t possible to book tickets directly on the Russian Railways website. Has that changed now?
https://www.russianrailways.com/
Russian railway
https://www.russiantrain.com/
Just a heads-up: you can’t (or couldn’t in 2019) check schedules/prices for trains in transit more than 2 months in advance.
Prices change between winter and summer, as does the number of trains per week (they don’t run daily).
Happy to help!
un mongol nait sous la yourte et meurt à cheval (proverbe mongol)
Hi there,
Just a heads-up: in Russia, you can't book train or bus tickets more than 3 months before the departure date. If you're planning a round trip, keep that in mind when calculating your schedule.
Best regards,
Un concerné n'est pas obligatoirement un imbécile encerclé
Hello,
I’d like to spend two months in Mongolia, and I’d love to be welcomed by a nomadic or semi-nomadic family in the Altai Mountains. I can work and, of course, contribute money for my stay! Has anyone already had this experience? And is it still possible today to take the Trans-Siberian to Novosibirsk, then cross the Russia-Mongolia border at Tashanta?
Looking forward to your replies.
Thanks
Hi, I’m currently in western Mongolia. To answer your question about Russia, I’d call the Russian visa service in Paris directly because I doubt they’re issuing visas right now—but hey, anything’s possible in this country. Safe travels! Marie
Hello,
I’d like to spend two months in Mongolia, and I’d love to be welcomed by a nomadic or semi-nomadic family in the Altai Mountains. I can work and, of course, pay for my stay! Has anyone already had this experience? And is it still possible today to take the Trans-Siberian to Novosibirsk and then cross the Russia-Mongolia border at Tashanta?
Looking forward to your replies.
Thanks
Hi, I’m currently in western Mongolia. To answer your question about Russia, I’d call the Russian visa service in Paris directly because I doubt they’re issuing visas, but hey, anything’s possible in this country. Have a great trip. Marie
Hi Marie, thanks for your reply!
Where are you in the west?
Hello,
If the visa is still free this year for stays over 30 days, you’ll need to extend it at the Immigration Police. https://immigration.gov.mn/en/visa-extension/ You can also do it online.
Do this as soon as you arrive.
As for living with nomads, it’s actually quite easy. You’ll need to agree on compensation for your stay—either by paying a fee or some other arrangement.
One solution is to go knock on a yurt’s door once you’re there and explain what you’d like to do and how...
We have a contact there with over 20 years of experience. I’m not sure if they know any "good families" in that area, but you could ask them and see how you might organize things... (contact in English: mejet69@yahoo.com)
We’ve taken 7 trips there and always prioritized staying with nomads each night to share their daily life, sometimes staying for several days. It’s definitely the best way to experience their legendary steppe hospitality. I’d budget around 10 € per day—our contact can give you more details on that.
As for the Trans-Siberian, we took it in February 2019. What are the current options? You might want to check with the nearest Russian consulate. We bought our tickets directly through an agency based in Moscow or St. Petersburg—we found them at our Moscow hotel. But I remember prices varied a lot between agencies, sometimes by quite a few euros!
At the time, we had to go through an agency—it wasn’t possible to book tickets directly on the Russian Railways website. Has that changed now?
https://www.russianrailways.com/
Russian railway
https://www.russiantrain.com/
Note: In 2019, you couldn’t (or weren’t able to) check schedules/prices for trains in transit more than 2 months in advance.
Prices change between winter and summer, and the number of trains per week varies (they don’t run daily).
Thanks, Meridiana, for this detailed response, all this info, and that valuable contact—I’ll send them an email! How did you choose to get around in the country? And how did you communicate with the nomads to arrange this exchange in return for their hospitality?
Hello,
I’d like to spend two months in Mongolia and would love to be hosted by a nomadic or semi-nomadic family in the Altai Mountains. I can work and, of course, contribute money for my stay! Has anyone already had this experience? And is it still possible today to take the Trans-Siberian to Novosibirsk, then cross the Russia-Mongolia border at Tashanta?
Looking forward to your replies.
Thanks
Well, given the unpredictable geopolitical situation, I think I’ll just take a flight to Ulaanbaatar—though the environment will take another hit. Oh well, a little guilt trip here :)
Hi Emmanuelle, as you asked, I’m currently in Altai. It’s cold, and the first problem is transportation because I’m traveling alone using public transport, and it’s really not easy. For a good "base camp" in Ulaanbaatar, you have the Golden Gobi, a budget guesthouse. The lady there is very kind and can help organize something or buy bus tickets—she’s great. As for the rest, given the major difficulties herders are facing due to climate change, personally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable just showing up like, "Knock knock, it’s me—I want to live with you." That’s just my opinion. When do you want to come to Mongolia? If I can help, I’d be happy to, but solo travel isn’t easy. Of course, if you go through tours, it gets even more complicated.
Best wishes. Looking forward to it. Marie
hi there, for all our trips we chose to rent a jeep with a driver.
You can also get around by bus, but it’s not always easy to travel between cities since you often have to go back through the capital.
The hospitality of the steppes is very real—no one is left outside, no matter the season. We experienced this often, so yes, you can knock on a yurt without any problem. If the nomads are dealing with something, like we once encountered a recent bereavement, they’ll tell you. Otherwise, whether the family is wealthier or poorer, they’ll welcome you. If you’d like, you can leave a small offering when you leave, or before if you choose to stay several days—no worries, it’ll be a little help for them too.
Anyway, you can check with the contact I gave you—hopefully, they’ll have places to send you. And as you meet people along the way, you’ll discover more spots to visit.
happy travels
un mongol nait sous la yourte et meurt à cheval (proverbe mongol)
Hi Emmanuelle, as you asked, I’m currently in Altai. It’s cold, and the first problem is transportation because I’m traveling alone using public transport, and it’s really not easy. For a good "base camp" in Ulaanbaatar, you have the Golden Gobi, a budget guest-house. The lady there is very kind and can help organize something or buy bus tickets—she’s great. As for the rest, given the major difficulties herders are facing due to climate change, personally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable just showing up like, "Knock knock, it’s me—I want to live with you." But that’s just my opinion. When do you plan to come to Mongolia? If I can help, I’d be happy to, but solo travel isn’t easy. Of course, if you go through tours, it gets even more complicated.
Take care, and hope to see you soon. Marie
Thanks for the guest-house tip—I’m in! I’ll be coming in August and September, and I’ll be traveling solo too. It’s true that just showing up without speaking the language doesn’t seem easy, even though I know how hospitable the country and its people are... If I could find a guide for the Altai Mountains who speaks French to help me connect with a nomadic family, that would be amazing. Just in case you come across someone like that on your travels...
Sending warm wishes from France, Marie!
Did you find Golden Gobi? It’s really central, has a kitchen, and feels very homely. I know there’s a French agency in Ulaanbaatar, but I can’t remember which one—you’ll have to look it up. You’ll definitely have fewer issues with buses in the summer since there are lots of tourists. Try starting a thread on the forum for a French-speaking guide. I can ask around at the guesthouse when I get back if you’d like. I know there are French travelers in Karakorum—I’ll look into it. I have the Lonely Planet in my bag, but a lot of it isn’t accurate or is outdated. Are our conversations private or not? Make sure to ask about extending your stay when you arrive at the guesthouse. Beautiful days here—the mountains are white. Marie
So I found out it’s a tour run by French people, but go ahead and ask your question. www.horsetrails.mn—you’ll see if the folks are nice or not. They have a café (which was, of course, closed when I passed by). They offer horseback rides, but why not—page 123 of the Lonely Planet.
Since I had a sleepless night, I’m resting today, which is why I’m replying quickly
having a language translation app on your phone helps with conversations too
but also getting the guest house manager or someone else to write down what you need to ask isn't a bad idea either (used back when phones weren't as powerful!)
getting around by bus isn't always straightforward, but you could also consider renting a bike in UB? or a motorbike? That can allow for independent travel... it all depends on the area you want to visit and the time you have available to explore the country/region... also think about teaming up to rent a vehicle for a period (not for the entire duration of your stay there... well, there are plenty of ways to make it work even if you're alone or on a tight budget to still enjoy the landscapes and the nomads).
it's clear that sharing with the nomads is a big part of discovering this culture and country: 50% ever-changing landscapes and 50% living their daily life with them
you'll definitely find your solution by August-September!
horstrails specializes in horseback riding in the Orkhon Valley, they've been active for about 20 years, and before they also did individual trips,
check also with https://www.fairfield.mn/ you might find more solutions that work for you with them.
see you around
un mongol nait sous la yourte et meurt à cheval (proverbe mongol)
Alright, the trip is coming together—thanks for all your feedback and tips!
So, I’ll be traveling for two months by plane, without going through Russia. First, two weeks with a nomadic family in central Mongolia, then a month with another nomadic family in the Altai Mountains.
Now, I’m looking for a French-Mongolian interpreter to accompany me with this nomadic family in the Altai Mountains starting August 21st, for at least two weeks.
Any recommendations?
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Thanks!
Emmanuelle
Hi Emmanuelle,
So glad to hear from you—it’s really coming together! For the guide, I don’t have a solution, sorry. For the flight, check if there’s a direct Frankfurt/Ulaanbaatar flight—I don’t know the price, but it’s faster. I went via Beijing, which was great on the way out, but 24 hours of waiting on the way back 😅. For the guide, did you ask at the Golden Gobi guesthouse? See you soon. Marie
Hi, I just saw the reply about the Alliance Française. To let you know where it is: when you're in Genghis Khan Square facing the sculpture, take the sidewalk on the right. There's a big red banner marked AF, and at the bottom, there's a Lux store. Go up to the 3rd floor. The Alliance is there to teach French—it’s often young people from well-off families. The Alliance is brand new and works with the Goethe Institute. AFs can be complicated, though.
A bit further away, there’s the famous French restaurant (on the left sidewalk). Maybe you can go there and ask—they should have the details online or in a guide. Also, when you leave, the AF might be on break or just starting their application process for the new term. But don’t worry, it’ll be fine with the families even if you don’t speak the language. There’ll be interesting things to experience. It’ll all work out—no stress! Marie
There’s also a French restaurant in Karakorum. Some Mongolians speak French and are looking for work—I know because I chatted in French with a guide. Of course, I was the only tourist, so we talked about this and that. You’ll find the contact details in the guides.
Marie
Bonjour à tous, je pars seul 8 jours en Espagne sans voiture, budget serré. Quel itinéraire train/bus me conseillez-vous entre les villes, et où trouver les meilleurs prix ? J'attends votre réponse ! Merci
Hello! 👋
I’m new to this site and feeling a little desperate. 😢 My boyfriend’s birthday is in 4 days, and I wanted to surprise him with a New Year’s trip to London... except I just found out he’s already been there as a kid. Well, there goes my surprise! 😅
Since we both love Christmas and winter, I’m looking for a destination where we can really feel the holiday magic—with a budget of around 500 € for transport + accommodation for two (yes, I know, I might be asking for a Christmas miracle here 😇).
We’ve already been to Bucharest, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest, so I’d love to find something a little more offbeat, not too expensive, and with a beautiful Christmas atmosphere.
Please help me! 🙏 On social media, it’s always the same ultra-touristy cities... I’m sure there are hidden gems I haven’t discovered yet!
Three years after exploring northern Argentina and Chile, my two travel buddies and I want to discover the southern part of these two countries.
We’re traveling on a budget, backpacker-style, favoring public transport and modest accommodations, but we don’t hesitate to splurge a little when it’s worth it.
The classic spots that have been fueling our dreams: Bariloche, the lakes, Chiloé, El Chaltén, Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno, El Calafate, Fitz Roy, Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego, and wrapping up in Valparaíso.
We’ll take a round-trip flight to Santiago, then I’m thinking of a one-way flight from Santiago to Punta Arenas. From there, we’ll explore and do several day hikes in the south, including Ushuaia and, if possible, Tierra del Fuego.
Then we’ll head back north by bus to Bariloche and the lakes, followed by Chiloé, then a bus to Santiago and Valparaíso.
Based on your experience, could you help me figure out the best way to structure this trip and maybe suggest some ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Didier
I’m heading to Quebec and New Brunswick this summer and got a Revolut Classic card for the trip. I’ve already exchanged some Canadian dollars in the app so I’ll have a reserve ready for my departure day. My question is whether I’ll incur any additional fees when using my Canadian dollar account. I think I’m limited to 200 € in ATM withdrawals for my part. Thanks!
Hi there,
I'm heading to Morocco for 10 days as a backpacker, with my car and a tent canvas if needed. Does anyone have great experiences in this country around the Tétouan and Tangier areas?
I'd love to spend time with locals, rent a small room, and take part in daily life.
If you've got any addresses to share, that'd be awesome!
Thanks a million for your replies!!!😉
Christine
My boyfriend and I are going there for just 9 days, including the two travel days… It’s not much, but oh well!
Looking at prices online, I get the impression everything’s more expensive than I thought 😅 So, I wanted to get your feedback on a few things:
* Is hitchhiking common, easy, and generally safe in Albania?
* Is it possible to find day-to-day accommodations without booking ahead? If so, are they usually cheaper than the ones you find online?
* Is wild camping allowed or at least tolerated?
If any of you have traveled there recently, I’d love all the tips and great deals you’ve got!
Hi,
We’re a young couple planning to travel to South Africa after spending about three weeks in Namibia. We’ll arrive in Cape Town around mid-December, with no fixed travel duration (though our budget will eventually set a limit).
After browsing through the forum, we’ve realized the country is packed with incredible spots, which makes choosing an itinerary tough. We’re looking for stunning landscapes, hikes, and so on. So, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
When we arrive in Cape Town, we’d like to settle in and take it easy until New Year’s, exploring at a relaxed pace. We know this period coincides with South African holidays—does that make finding accommodations (availability/prices) more difficult? Do you think it’s possible to stay in a nice place for about 15 days without aiming for the most upscale neighborhoods? Maybe somewhere a bit outside Cape Town, like Fish Hoek, and just visit the city occasionally.
After that, we’ll have plenty of time (about 2 to 2.5 months) to explore the country. We’d like to take our time. In your opinion, is it better to focus on the Cape Town region, or is it reasonable to consider more distant areas like the Drakensberg or Blyde River Canyon? Can everything be done by car if we take our time, or are domestic flights sometimes more practical?
Budget-wise, how much do car rentals cost? For accommodations, we usually look at Airbnb—are they affordable in South Africa? What’s the average nightly rate outside the biggest cities? Are there other platforms you’d recommend for saving on lodging?
Finally, regarding safety, are there any regions to avoid besides Johannesburg?
We know this is a lot of questions, but we’re still in the early planning stages!
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Hi there,
After exploring southern Peru in 2024 with your help, we’d love to head north next. There’ll be 5 or 6 of us:
1. Arrive in Lima in the evening.
2. Visit Lima and take a flight at 6:35 PM to Tarapoto.
3, 4, 5. Spend a few days there to trek in a reserve (Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve) or somewhere else.
6. From Tarapoto to Chachapoyas—either by overnight bus, daytime bus, or private car.
7. In Chachapoyas: Gocta Waterfall, Sonche Canyon, and walk back to town.
8. Head to Kuelap citadel, Revash, and arrive in Leymebamba.
9. Leymebamba museum, then route to Cajamarca.
10. Cajamarca hot springs, overnight bus to Trujillo or Chiclayo—or do both.
11, 12, 13. Visit and explore the area.
14. Overnight bus back to Lima.
15. Lima.
16. Depart at 8 PM for France.
What do you think of this itinerary? Looking forward to your advice.
Thanks
I’m planning a 7-day trip to Marrakech for a sports camp, and I’ll be traveling with just a standard carry-on backpack.
I’d love to hear your best tips and tricks:
• What clothes are absolutely essential?
• Any advice for managing the heat while traveling light?
• Which accessories have been the most useful for you?
• Mistakes to avoid on a first trip to Marrakech?
I’m also open to your recommendations for neighborhoods, restaurants, or activities not to miss during my free time.
Thanks in advance for your advice and experience! !
Hi there, we’re heading to the Cyclades from June 23 to July 9. We’ll arrive in Santorini and leave from Mykonos. We’re thinking of visiting these islands: Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Tinos, and Mykonos. Do you think it’s better to book the ferries now (which site do you recommend for booking?) or can we buy the tickets on the spot? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodation under 100 €/night on each of these islands? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone!
I’m planning my dream trip for next September, lasting about a month. Here’s my itinerary:
Amsterdam: 3 days (departing from Montreal)
Tanzania: 3-day safari
Zanzibar: 6 days
Istanbul: 7 days
Return to Montreal.
Since my budget is pretty tight, I’m looking for tips and advice to cut costs without sacrificing the experience. Here are my questions:
Multi-destination flights: What’s the best way to book these connections? Is it better to buy a one-way ticket from Montreal to Amsterdam, then a separate internal flight, or use comparison tools for a multi-destination ticket?
Budget safari: Do you have recommendations for local agencies or tips to do a 3-day safari (Serengeti/Ngorongoro) at an affordable price (e.g., camping/glamping instead of luxury lodges)?
Accommodation in Zanzibar: Which villages or types of lodging are the most budget-friendly and accessible via local transport for these 6 days?
Istanbul: Any tips for well-located but cheap accommodation and great food deals?
Hi,
Are there still basic, traditional, and affordable authentic accommodations in Poland? I’ll be traveling in July with my husband and our 2 kids along the Warsaw-Łódź-Toruń-Gdańsk route, and all I can find online are standardized Ikea-style apartments in the cities. When I look for agrotourism, it’s all luxury farms.
Can you find farms in the countryside or city lodgings for under 60 euros per night? And if so, how?
Is it possible to find accommodations on the spot without internet—like from people who put up signs—even in July?
Hi,
I need to stay in Paris or Créteil for 2 nights a week for a month. I know some cheap backpacker options, but I’d like something even cheaper. Do you know of any rooms for rent from private individuals?
Thanks
We’re a young couple planning our first trip to Albania from June 23, 2026, to July 2, 2026. We have a pretty tight budget and want to make the most of this amazing country without breaking the bank.
We’re looking for all the advice you can give to help us plan our stay:
* What are the must-see places to visit?
* Which cities or villages are really worth the detour?
* What natural sites, hikes, canyons, springs, or viewpoints do you recommend?
* Do you know of any free, uncrowded, or particularly beautiful beaches?
* Where can we responsibly observe or swim with sea turtles?
* What are the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera that are accessible on a small budget?
* What budget-friendly accommodations (hotels, hostels, homestays, campgrounds) do you recommend?
* What are the best ways to get around between different regions at a low cost?
* Do you know of any reliable and affordable agencies for renting a vehicle (car, scooter, or motorcycle)? What are the average rates at the end of June, and which rental companies do you recommend or advise against?
* Is it better to rent a vehicle right when we arrive or stick to local buses and minibuses to keep costs down?
* Which restaurants or local specialties offer the best value for money?
* Are there any free or low-cost activities we shouldn’t miss?
* Which places do you think are overrated or can be skipped when you’re short on time and money?
* What practical tips would you have wished you knew before your first trip to Albania?
We’d also love any 10-day itineraries that you particularly enjoyed, along with your budget estimates for accommodation, meals, and transportation.
We’re open to off-the-beaten-path spots and local tips. If you have any secret addresses, hidden beaches, favorite accommodations, or mistakes to avoid, we’d love to hear about them! 😊
Hi there, we’re planning a road trip in northern Algeria at the end of January – early February.
Anyone have any tips for a car rental agency that’s both reliable and not too expensive? Thanks in advance!
I traveled through southern Peru in November 2024 and now I’d like to explore the north.
We’re a group of 5 people for a 15-day trip.
Iquitos or Nauta for the Amazon rainforest—I saw that you have to fly there.
Chiclayo
Chachapoyas
Kuelap
Leimebamba
Cajamarca
Trujillo
And if we have time, Huaraz for the Andes cordillera.
No problem taking overnight buses—they save a lot of time.
Or renting a car and figuring it out as we go.
We’d also love to take the train from Lima to Huancayo, but it seems complicated—I don’t understand when it runs.
I’d like to drive to Morocco from Paris via Spain. I was really surprised to see the ferry crossing prices—around 500 €—but especially the crossing time (about 1 hour). Normally, I pay 3000 € to go to Tunisia from Genoa, but that’s for a 24-hour crossing.
My question: is it cheaper to buy the ticket on the spot, as some Moroccans have advised me? Though I’ve also heard the opposite.
What do you think, considering I need to get to Tétouan around July 17th and return from Tangier around August 4th?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning a 10-day trip to Slovenia in May (9–19 May) and starting to look at accommodations. Unfortunately, I’m only seeing relatively expensive options—nothing under 50 €, and usually around 100–150 €. Traveling solo, that could quickly blow my budget. And 30 € for a bed in a 10-person dorm at a youth hostel feels like a rip-off...
Are there other booking sources besides the usual Booking.com, Airbnb, and Google? Or can anyone confirm if I’ll find more reasonable rates on the ground around Bled, Bohinj, Triglav, or in mountain huts? I’ll be renting a car to optimize my travel, so I won’t be limited geographically.
Hi there,
Could you recommend some nice and affordable neighborhoods to book a hotel in for visiting Nice and exploring its surroundings and nearby villages?
I’d like to know if it’s better to book the entire stay in Nice and take day trips to the villages, or if there are villages worth spending at least one night in to really explore them properly?
Since all the villages are stunning and we have to make a choice, which ones are absolutely must-visit?
My 16-year-old daughter and I will be spending a week there at the end of April. We’ll arrive by TGV from Paris and plan to use public transport during our stay. Do you know if there’s a weekly transport pass available and how much it costs?
I’m planning to spend about twenty days in Réunion in November.
I’d like to get around using the *car jaune* (2 € per ticket), but from what I’ve heard, it doesn’t cover the whole island.
I’m not looking to head toward the ocean and the beautiful beaches—more toward the mountainous landscapes, even if I’ll just be admiring them from below. 😉
Maybe other buses go where I want to go.
By the way, are there any relatively easy mountain hikes, and where?
But here’s the most important part:
I don’t want to book anything in advance because I don’t know what my itinerary will look like—it’ll change depending on my mood. 3 days here, 5 days there, etc.
On top of that, I’d like to arrange half-board stays with locals—not professionals—by approaching them and asking if they’d be willing to host me (overnight stay, breakfast, and dinner) for 30 € to 40 € per day.
What do you think?
Does the price seem reasonable?
And is it okay to take the initiative and ask Réunionnais directly?
The tourist office in Réunion told me that since November is peak tourist season, I should book without delay. 🤪
For four years in a row, I traveled across Canada for a month and a half each time, relying only on hitchhiking and half-board stays with Canadians who welcomed me (and refused to let me pay them).
If I’d listened to my family and friends, I never would’ve taken the leap—and that adventure remains one of the best experiences of my life.
It’s been ages since I last dropped by here... maybe simply because, apart from Nepal, I haven’t really had the chance to hit the road lately. 😉
This year, I’d love to spend a few days in Lisbon, probably in late May or early June. But with my budget being what it is, I’m looking for great tips to avoid wasting time once I’m there and risk missing out on hidden gems or unusual culinary specialties and/or quirky activities! I’m hoping to find a room in a local’s home where I can stay in a quiet neighborhood near the center, so I can get around without relying too much on public transport—my walking shoes are my best travel buddies.
I’d love all your recommendations, especially for parks, small neighborhood markets, casual eateries for a quick bite, your favorite viewpoints to soak in the scenery (I’m bringing my travel journal to sketch my getaway in watercolors), events around traditional art and crafts, and so on.
All your advice will definitely help me travel peacefully and come back with my head full of vibrant memories!
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Isabelle
I’m diving into planning a trip I’ve dreamed of for a long time: crossing Africa from North to South solo, with a departure planned for October 2025 for about 8-9 months. I’m leaving from Paris with a starting budget of around 7,000 €, aiming to supplement it with work along the way.
My planned route: Senegal → Gambia → Sierra Leone/Liberia (if logistics work out) → Côte d'Ivoire → Ghana → Togo → Benin → Cameroon → Gabon → Kenya (Masai Mara) → Uganda (Bwindi gorillas) → Rwanda → Tanzania (Kili + Serengeti + Zanzibar) → Mozambique → Malawi → Zambia (Victoria Falls) → Botswana → Namibia → South Africa (Cape Town). Madagascar as a bonus if timing/budget allows from Mozambique.
I’m not a backpacking newbie—I’ve done several trips in Europe and I’m familiar with the lifestyle, hostels, local transport, etc. But Africa is my first big adventure on this continent, and I’ve got some very concrete questions I’d love feedback on from people who’ve been there.
🎭 My big dilemma: flexibility vs. pre-organized work
What matters most to me is NOT rushing through. If I feel good somewhere, I’ll stay longer. If a region doesn’t click, I’ll cut it short. That seems totally incompatible with having pre-booked work or volunteer gigs, yet I need that income to stretch my budget.
I’m torn between two approaches:
Option A: The mixed rhythm: 3-4 weeks of volunteering in a country (free accommodation, full immersion), then 1-2 countries in classic backpacker "vacation" mode, then another mission somewhere, etc. This gives a breathing rhythm and avoids burnout from non-stop volunteering.
Option B: The continuous flow: finding gigs as I go, from the previous country, contacting hosts 2-3 weeks in advance with a flexible date range. Keeping maximum spontaneity but never arriving anywhere without a safety net.
Have you tried either? What actually works on the ground in Africa?
🌍 What I’m really looking for in this trip
Not just the classic tourist spots. I want to see the country as it is—eating at local joints, taking local transport (bush taxis, minibuses, sept-places), staying with locals when possible. The big reserves and safaris are part of the plan (Masai Mara, Serengeti, Okavango), but just as much as hanging out in a residential neighborhood in Dakar, understanding how people really live.
Volunteering or work interests me for that reason too (not just for free lodging, but because it’s the deepest way to dive into a country). Working at a school in Ghana, a lodge in Kenya, a permaculture farm in Mozambique—I see it as an immersion that classic tourism can’t offer.
🎒 My concrete questions
About Workaway and Worldpackers: I’ve read a lot but would love on-the-ground feedback, especially for West and East Africa. Are hosts really flexible with dates for long-term travelers? Do the advertised gigs match reality? Are there alternative platforms you’d recommend for Africa specifically (I’ve heard of Help Exchange, WWOOF Africa, local networks…)?
About "off-platform" jobs: Is it really doable to find informal work on the spot (bars, restaurants, lodges) without prior contacts? In which countries/cities is this most accessible for a French speaker without a local work permit?
About logistics between countries: For those who’ve done the West Coast (Senegal → Ghana → Benin), how did you cross borders? Direct buses or local shared taxis at each border? And for the jump from Central Africa → Kenya, is a flight mandatory, or are there feasible overland routes?
About Madagascar: I’m considering adding it from Mozambique (flight Maputo or Beira → Tana). Those who’ve done it backpacker-style on a tight budget—is 3-4 weeks doable, or is it too short to be worth it?
I’m open to all tips, experiences, warnings, and pleasant surprises. And if you’ve got trusted local contacts (Workaway hosts, associations, community lodges), I’m all ears!
I’ve got tons of questions and I’m eager for any advice or experiences you can share!!
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for 2 adults and 2 kids to Tanzania and Zanzibar. I’ve had a quick look, and the prices are starting to get pretty wild.
We’ve got a budget of 8,000 €, and I was thinking of doing three or four days of safari and three or four days in Zanzibar, but even that seems like it might be over budget. Have you got any thoughts? I was also considering heading straight to Zanzibar and doing a one- or two-day excursion by plane instead—maybe that’d be cheaper than staying in a lodge.
Anyway, thanks for sharing your experiences and any price tips, departing from Nice!
Good evening,
As two senior French couples who are used to traveling independently all over the world, we’d like to visit Kenya next November.
Now, after seeing and reading a bit everywhere, and with the first quotes for a 6/7-day safari, I’m shocked by the prices (like $2,250) for places like Maasai Mara, where entry alone costs $200 per person per day, plus fees for the driver and vehicle.
So if you have any recent great tips or contacts to share to help me out, I’d really appreciate it—because despite the costs, we’d still love to go, while keeping things reasonable.
The most plausible solution is probably renting a vehicle with a driver-guide.
Thanks in advance for all your replies.
Jacques
We’ll be in Srinagar for 4 days in mid-May 2026 during our backpacking trip as a couple. Do you have any nice places to recommend, and what about the houseboats on Dal Lake? Should we spend all our nights there, or just one night for practicality when getting around?
Thanks,
Rozenn
Hi there,
This is my first time traveling to Italy, and I’m planning to go by car.
From what I’ve read, parking is tough in cities like Florence.
I’m looking for a small town not too far from Florence where I can stay and park my car, then take the train to visit Florence.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Hi there, it’s been a long time since I last went to London. I’d love to spend a week there in July with my daughter and my niece (both young adults).
Of course, I’m looking for great tips on accommodation, and I’m wondering about renting an apartment. It seems like a better deal to save on restaurants (with the option of having a few meals at home... but is that really the case? I’m not sure about the cost of a meal in a modest restaurant, the pound exchange rate, or grocery prices...).
Otherwise, I’d like to stay in accommodation (hotel or apartment) near a tube station and in Zone 1.
If you have any great tips, I’d love to hear them!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading to Morocco for a trip in the south, starting with 3 days in Marrakech (from January 8th to 11th, 2026).
If you’ve got any tips, cool spots to recommend, I’m all ears! 🎊
And, fellow traveler, if you’d like to share this Marrakech adventure together, I’d love that!
Have a great evening
