Bonjour,
je viens une semaine début mai à sainte marie (seule). Quelles sont les visites à ne pas louper? Les hôtels sympas (meilleur rapport qualité/prix)? Je pensais également faire une nuit à l’île aux nattes et visiter l’extrême nord. Il y a un hôtel sympa vers les piscines naturelles? Ils proposent des excursions dans certains hôtels mais il faut être en nombre suffisant comme pour visiter la cocoteraie, je pensais donc faire des nuits un peu partout dans l'île.
merci d'avance pour vos réponses 🙂
Je suis allé 2 fois à St Marie et je te conseille l'hôtel Atafana au nord, pour les ballades tu as le choix entre la location d'un vélo ou d'une moto, tu peux aussi négocier avec un taxi, pour l'île aux nattes prévois 2 nuits sur place.
Bon séjour. 😎
"Une mauvaise photo qui rappelle vos traits vaut mieux qu'un beau paysage qui ne vous ressemble pas"
Pierre Dac
http://alt974.wix.com/my-pics
merci pour ta réponse!!!! je l'ai déjà contacté mais ils ne font pas de sortie à la cocoteraie en bateau mais uniquement en location de voiture (ce que je ne veux pas faire). Es tu aller aux piscines naturelles? il y a des hotels sinon vers là bas?
Pour l'île aux nattes je pensais la faire à la fin de mon séjour et passer une nuit là bas.
merci d'avance pour ta réponse
Bonjour,
Nous sommes allés aux piscines naturelles, il y a deux ans.
Il y a bien quelques bungalows juste en face, mais je n'en connais pas le nom. Très vétuste. Prêté par le bar, pour enfiler nos maillots de bain. Sommes allés à la Cocoteraie, mais en voiture. Déserté.
A ma connaissance, l'hôtel correct le plus proche est la crique, mais c'est à 20 Km, estimation.
merci pour votre réponse.
on peut accéder uniquement en bateau ou 4*4 à la cocoteraie. connaîtriez-vous des pécheurs par exemple qui fasse l'excursion ou faut-il passer uniquement par les hôtels?
Bonjour,
Je ne vois pas très bien ce que vous entendez par la "Cocoteraie". Il y avait 2 hôtels sur la partie Nord Ouest dont l'un n'a jamais démarré et l'autre , la Cocoteraie Robert a été dévasté par un cyclone et n'a pas été reconstruit. Ces hôtels, beaucoup trop loin du centre d'activité de l’île et à l'opposé de l'aéroport, n'ont pas pu survivre. Nous sommes allés à la Cocoteraie Robert en 2009, nous y avons vu le projet de terrain d’aviation, envisagé par le précédent gouvernement, qui devait créer dans cette zone, un équivalent de Nosy-Bé.
Nous y sommes allés par la piste en louant un 4x4 à Ambodifotatra. Bien que ce chemin soit praticable en Quad, les loueurs étaient plutôt réticents.
Je n'arrive pas à comprendre votre désir d'y parvenir par bateau. Les pêcheurs ne feront pas ce trajet et n'embarquent pas de touristes. Il vous faudra passer par un hôtel ou les bateaux des centres de plongée... €€€
La plage est magnifique et l'endroit particulièrement désert.
En images, ce qui reste de la cocoteraie Robert. Un bâtiment y existe toujours, mais les bungalows ont été détruits.
La seconde, une vue globale des piscines naturelles.
Bonjour,
comme dit plus haut la Cocoteraie est au bout du monde, par bateau moteur ça coûte un bras et il vaut mieux se joindre à un groupe le cas échéant. Par la piste c'est coton aussi mais faisable. A faire, l'excursion 4x4 avec Jean-Charles, zanatany guide photographe qui fait découvrir l'île de façon différente. www.bridgetdadou.com.
A l'île aux Nattes je conseille chez Sica, www.chezsica.com, au calme et bon marché.
Cordialement,
Merci pour vos réponses.
Je voudrais aller à la cocoteraie pour voir les piscines naturelles. Que ce soit en sortie bateau ou en 4*4 il faudra donc que je trouve un groupe sur place pour me greffer à une excursion...
Pour l'île aux nattes j'ai entendue beaucoup de bien de chez régine et pour grande terre de l'atafana ou de la crique mais l'atafana ne possède pas de bateau pour aller voir les piscines.
Merci pour le lien mais c'est cher....
IL faut quand même préciser que les cocoteraies sont sur la côte nord Ouest et les piscines naturelles sur la côte nord Est. Les piscines naturelles sont des morceaux de plages enclavées dans les rochers, donc inaccessibles en bateau ! Pour info, nous avions loué le 4 x 4 chez Toto, à gauche au dessus de la station pour 250 000 Ar. La Crique : belle plage, hôtel pas mal, isolé et triste à mourir. Nous y sommes passés en octobre dernier...
merci pour les infos. je pense que je vais opter pour l'antafana (j'ai eu beaucoup d'avis favorable à ce sujet) et je verrais bien durant mon séjour si j'ai une opportunité d'aller jusqu'aux piscines.
Je ne connais personne à ste Marie qui va aux piscines naturelles en bateau, c'est accessible uniquement par la piste, soit se joindre à un groupe, ou attraper un taxi-brousse vers le nord, ou encore louer une moto.
Merci pour le lien mais c'est cher....
Qu'est ce qui est cher ?
Régine est fermée depuis plus d'un an, Sica est sa soeur 400 mètres plus loin sur la même plage.
Cordialement,
je parlais de la location de 4*4 sur le site de bridgetbadou, je trouve que cela fait cher.
pour les piscines naturelles, la crique propose une sortie en bateau jusqu'à la cocoteraie puis rando de 2 heures pour aller jusqu'aux piscines, c'est pour cela que je parle de bateau.
c'est dommage pour régine, j'avais eu que de très bon échos. le problème de chez sica c'est qu'il n'y a pas de restauration... il y a de quoi manger aux alentours?
La balade en 4x4 se fait à plusieurs, mais c'est vraiment autre chose que les autres guides qui ne font que piloter.
Chez Sica il y a une cuisine commune pour faire sa popote au cas où, sinon il y des restaurants pas loin, la Robinsonnade, Analatsara ou des gargotes correctes, Chez Ariane, chez Arsène.
salut,
moi je te conseille d'aller au "bon endroit" plus au nord que l'hotel dont tu parles, tu peux y aller en taxi brousse (attention ça balance dur) ou ils peuvent venir te chercher en moto ( tu paies l'essence).Moi j'étais a l'hotel du rocher et ils sont venus me chercher en moto (15000 Ar je crois)
c'est des chambres d'hotes, en fait des bungalows, donnant sur une plage (difficile de se baigner par contre car pas de fond et beaucoup de coraux) l'endroit est tenu par un jeune couple franco malgache vraiment sympas et disponibles, s i tu veux aller jusqu'aux piscines je pense qu'ils peuvent essayer de t'organiser ça ils sont tres arrangeant et c'est pas cher 20000 la nuit, la bouf c'est 7000 le plat (mais tu manges facile a deux dessus) bref c'est un endroit qui vaut le coup et qui n'estpas signaler dans les guides, c'est un rabatteur qui nous a donner le papier en descendant du bateau.
merci pour les infos. tu as un mail ou un numéro de tel pour "le bon endroit"?
sinon pour la visite en 4*4 si je trouve du monde sur place intéressé, sinon tant pis, je ne me vois pas le faire en vélo...
bonsoir Timonstre
Pas besoin de guide, ni de site ni de ... que des bla_bla ( sans l’être); comme vous m'aviez l'air sympa , je vais vous aider en economisant plus de la moitié en l’état.
à bientôt
l'important n'est pas de convaincre, mais de donner à réfléchir
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 there
I’m leaving on October 1st for Rio, which I’ll be exploring over 10 days while staying in Copacabana and Ipanema.
After that, I’m heading to Ilha Grande, Paraty, and finally a flight to Iguaçu.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Rio. Is it possible to walk around and explore without constantly worrying about getting my phone snatched?
I’m traveling alone and don’t speak Portuguese.
I need GPS to get around.
I love walking and don’t really like taking taxis, which is why I’ve booked two places to stay in Rio to experience different neighborhoods.
But is this doable given the security concerns there?!
In short, can you travel peacefully?
Thanks for your feedback if you’ve been to Rio!
Best,
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to travel solo to Oman in December 2025, renting a vehicle that allows me to camp in certain areas. For those who’ve already explored the country this way, could you share your experiences or tips?
I’d also like to visit the Wahiba Desert, but in that area, I’d prefer a guide for driving and, most importantly, not to sleep in those luxury desert-edge camps but rather have a "wild" escape under the stars. Any guide recommendations? Thanks in advance – Clem
Hi there, I’m Brigitte, 66 years old, fairly active and in great shape. I split my time between the Tarn region and Nantes, have a youthful spirit, and am very easy-going. I’m looking for a woman with a similar profile for a road trip in Southeast Asia—half humanitarian work and half free travel. The trip starts in October 2026 in the Philippines on the island of Panay, then moves on to Indonesia and Malaysia. The journey could last up to 4 or 5 months, as I have no fixed schedule. If you’re cool and friendly, feel free to message me. See you soon!
I’m traveling solo to Armenia in mid-September for three weeks, and I’ll be using public transport. I have a few questions:
- Does Yandex work everywhere, even in villages?
I’m looking for:
- Nice guesthouse addresses in the north (national park) and the south, including the village of Ararat,
and a simple but clean hotel in Yerevan that’s convenient for getting to the bus stations later.
- Any great tips or advice you can share.
Actually, I’m a bit worried I’ll be stuck only visiting tourist sites without a car. What do you think?
Thanks for your help
I’m arriving in Tana on 9/10/26 as a solo female traveler.
Which hotel in Tana is good for the first night since I’ll get in at 10 PM?
What’s worth seeing around Tana?
I’m planning 2 nights in Tana,
then 2 nights in Andasibe? After that, Lake Itasy.
Any suggestions? Thanks
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
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).
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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
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As I mentioned before, I’m heading to Istanbul next summer, and I’ve heard there have been quite a few attacks by Kurds in Turkey recently, which is making me hesitate about my trip.
What do you all think? :( I’m wondering if it’s really a good idea to go...
Hi everyone,
I’m 66 and just discovered solo travel in Uzbekistan—I loved it! So I’ve decided to explore Africa, starting with Senegal. I’m just beginning my research, but if anyone can give me advice on which month to go, what to see, and whether this destination is safe—or maybe suggest another African country—I’d really appreciate your tips!
Hi there!
We’re leaving in early November for a month.
Here’s our itinerary:
Arrival in Takhmau, then heading to:
Kampong Cham
Kratie – 2 days
Mondolkiri – 3 days
Ratanakiri – 3 days
Stung Treng – 1 day
Siem Reap – 4 days
Battambang – 1 day
Kampong Chhnang – 3 days
Kampot – 2 days
Islands (WE’RE HESITATING WHICH ONE?) – 4 DAYS
Phnom Penh – 2 days
That’s it! 😊
We’re backpacking… and we love spots that aren’t too touristy. If you’ve got any tips, we’re all ears!
Thanks