salut a tous.
Actuellement a penang, nous faisons un trip d'un an autour du monde.
Nous voulons aller sur borneo pour un mois (amateur de nature) mais les prix pratiquer ici nous font un peu peur.
Est ce les meme prix a borneo, y a t il possibilite de trouver des guesthouses economiques (si vous avez des adresses n'hesitez pas!) et peut on circuler facilement en bus (+eco dans les 2 sens du termes :-)
Merci beaucoup pour votre aide.
Salut, nous avons passé 15 jours à Bornéo en famille cet été. C'était vraiment super surtout le Sarawak. Si vous aimez vraiment la nature, la deforestation qui regne au Sabah vous fera mal au coeur.
Je pense qu'il y a moyen de séjourner à Borneo pour pas trop cher, c'est sur qu'en regle générale la Malaisie est un peu plus cher que la Thailande.
A Kuching il y a plein de guesthouse, je suis sure que vous trouverez un dortoir pour quelques Ringitts.
Je pense que le cout de la vie est moins cher à Bornéo ( surtout le Sarawak) qu'à Penang.
Si tu veux des renseignements précis, n'hésite pas.
Je ne vous recommanderais pas Sabah ou toutes les attractions les plus interessantes comme le Mont Kinabalu et Sipadan, sont hors de prix.
Mais les prix a Sarawak sont raisonnables, notamment Bako NP, aussi vous pouvez aller sejourner quelques jours a Bario.
Je confirme le message précédent, en ce qui concerne le Sarawak j'ai été surpris par le rapport qualité/prix excellent : parcs nationaux bien organisés et disposant d'hébergements propres et bon marché (enfin, ça dépend lesquels : Batang Ai ou Gunung Mulu par exemple reviennent + cher), quant au réseau routier il est plutôt bien développé tant que tu restes sur la côte, avec des bus fréquents. Remonter dans les terres en bâteau est pas cher non plus mais faut avoir du temps et bien savoir où t'aventure (beaucoup de déforestation)...
Kuching est une bonne base pour commencer, une ville très agréable avec de bons petits restaus et un waterfront idéal pour flâner au crépuscule. Perso je recommande chaudement le Singgahsana Lodge, une auberge sympa, clean et joliement décorée (avec en prime un bar sur le toit), bien située à la lisière de la vieille ville et presque sur les rives de la Sungai Sarawak. bon, mon voyage remonte à presque 2 ans maintenant mais pour un lit en dortoir j'avais payé 30 RM ce qui vu le confort des lieux est pas volé !
Le parc de Bako est un must, tu devrais pouvoir trouver un lit à 15 RM et le lieu est extraordinaire avec une faune abondante et variée (aaaah, et le spectacle des lucioles sur la mangrove 😊....nostalgie....)
En remontant vers le nord je m'étais arrêté dans les parcs de Similajau, Niah et Lambir Hills (là encore, hébergement nickel, pas grand monde en semaine et prix modiques. ça vaut le coup d'y rester qq jours car la plupart des visiteurs ne s'y arrêtent qu'une journée depuis Bintulu ou Miri). A Miri j'étais resté au Highlands, basique mais propre (25 RM), la ville en elle même n'a aucun intéret architectural mais se révèle plaisante et bien animée le soir. Pas fait Gunung Mulu par contre, fallait choisir en fin de séjour et j'ai préféré voler vers Bario dans les Kelabit Highlands. ça reste de loin mon meilleur souvenir de Borneo, tant pour la gentillesse des habitants que pour le calme absolu et la bouffe délicieuse (fais moi signe si tu veux + d'infos) 😛
ps : je passerai 15j au Sabah en mai, j'espère quand même trouver quelques chouettes coins sans me ruiner ! tant pis pour Sipadan...
Salut les copains et un grand merci pour toutes vos reponses.
A vrai dire on a quand meme envie de passer par Sabah car la description du Trip avec Uncle Tan a l'air plutot allechante🙂
L'avez vous fait??? (on a lu quelques avis sur le net et sur le forum ca a l'air pas mal)
Willemspie: pour toi les Sipidan ne vallent pas le coup? juste pour le prix ou pour la qualite de la plongee?
J'ai cru comprendre que c'etait plus economique en habitant sur la cote plutot que sur Mabul Island?
Pour Sepilok, j'ai lu du bon et du moins bon... et j'ai entendu dire qu'il y avait le meme genre de parc dans le Sawarak, quelqu'un connait???
Autre chose d'important: peut on rejoindre Sabah et Sarawak en bus? (si oui est ce plus eco??? ecologique c'est sur mais economique???!!!)
Combien de temps pensez vous qu'il est bon de passer a Bako?
JulGlouton, je veux bien quelques infos sur Kelabit Highlands, ca a l'air assez authentique...
Merci encore a vous tous pour vos coups de pattes😉
On part de Pangkor demain pour KL (visa pour l'indo...et visite quand meme!) depart pour Borneo prevu pour mercredi ou jeudi.
Kinabatangan: je ne suis pas alle chez Uncle Tan, mais dans une guest House a Sukau.
Sipadan/Mabul: je n'y suis pas alle
Pour voir les orang outans tu as le parc Semengoah pres de Kuching, nettement moins cher et facile d'acces.
Pour relier Sarawak a Sabah, tu peux passer par Brunei. Bus de Miri a BSB, une ville assez agreable, puis bateau vers Labuan et KK.
Bako: minimum 2 nuits, possiblement 3 nuits. Les unites 'semi-detached' offrent le meiller rapport qualite prix. En haute saison, reserver tres longtemps a l'avance mais en mars, je n'ai reserve que 3 jours avant.
Bario/Kelebit Highlands: tres tranquille et authentique. Il faut y aller en avion, mais pas extremement cher, depuis Miri. Reserver l'aller longtemps a l'avance. le retour ne peut se reserver que quand vous arrivez a Bario. 3 - 5 jours.
Enfin, en ce moment, je crains que ce soit encore la pleine saison des pluies a Sarawak. Dans ce cas, commencer par Sabah.
effectivement il y a le même genre de parc que Sepilok à Kuching, ça s'appelle Semengoh et ça se situe à peu près à 30 km au sud de la ville. plusieurs lignes de bus s'y rendent, il te dépose au bord de la nationale et ensuite il faut marcher 1 ou 2 km jusqu'au centre (ou bien tu t'adresse directement à l'office de tourisme de Kuching, qui organise des navettes tous les matins). Les infrastructures sont réduites au minimum et c'est loin d'être envahi de touristes, d'où une atmosphère assez intimiste très agréable (j'ai pas été à Sepilok mais apparemment c'est plus fréquenté et moins "naturel"......?)
Bako, ça dépend ! une partie des visiteurs vient juste pour la journée, perso j'y suis resté 4 nuits et j'avais pas envie d'en repartir !
en ce qui concerne les Kelabit Highland, c'est une région de hauts-plateaux accessible uniquement par avion (liaisons tous les jours depuis Miri avec un petit coucou) ou à pied, au terme d'un trek d'une semaine. Pas d'électricité ni de voitures (les 3 ou 4 pick-up de la vallée ont été amené en pièces détachées et remontés sur place !), juste un paysage buccolique de rizières et de petits kampung, de montagnes verdoyantes et de forêt primaire. Le mieux est d'aterrir à Bario, où quelques lodges en bois simples et confortables acceuillent les rares voyageurs pour 15 RM/jour, et d'organiser sur place un trek dans la région (guide obligatoire). Les pistes traversent de la keranga et de la forêt de moyenne montagne, beaucoup de boue, de ponts suspendus et de sangsues alors l'idéal est de loger dans les longhouses rencontrées sur la route plutôt que de camper en forêt (les gens sont d'une gentillesse rare, et leur cuisine est une des plus saine et savoureuse que j'ai jamais bouffé ! pousses de fougère, 'water lizard' (?), escargots, sanglier....). Par contre n'espère pas trop voir quantité d'animaux comme à Bako, la forêt est très dense et on distingue rarement ce qui se passe à 3 mètres du sentier !
Ceci dit, il est conseillé de se renseigner avant d'y aller, car la région est progressivement dévastée par les bûcherons et des routes forestières sont ouvertes par dizaines comme autant de plaies béantes dans la forêt (le voyage en avion est édifiant, on a l'impression d'un cancer avec ses métastases rongeant petit à petit les montagnes). Le projet d'une route reliant Bario au reste du monde est en cours, et une fois que ce sera fait, nul doute que l'ambiance paisible qui y règne mourra à petit feu ! Le tout récent parc national de Pulong Tau est d'ailleurs méthodiquement rasé à l'abris des regards sans que ça dérange grand monde à Kuala Lumpur, apparemment. Il suffit de parler avec les habitants des villages pour sentir le désespoir et la fatalité quant à leur avenir (d'autant plus qu'il n'ont aucun recours légal) ......bref, mieux vaut ne pas trop tarder pour se rendre dans la région, et se préparer à ressentir un méchant pincement au coeur....
Bonjour,
Nous aimerions passer quelques jours dans les Kelabit Highlands cet été...
Je voudrais savoir à peu près combien de jours rester pour pouvoir réserver les vols.
Est-ce que les guides sont indispensables pour les treks de plus d'une journée? Combien est-ce que cela pourrait nous coûter (si nous sommes 2 ou 4)?
As-tu des treks à nous conseiller en particulier?
Merci!
Bonjour,
Nous aimerions passer quelques jours dans les Kelabit Highlands cet été...
Je voudrais savoir à peu près combien de jours rester pour pouvoir réserver les vols.
Est-ce que les guides sont indispensables pour les treks de plus d'une journée? Combien est-ce que cela pourrait nous coûter (si nous sommes 2 ou 4)?
As-tu des treks à nous conseiller en particulier?
Merci!
Salut,
ca reste une appreciation personnelle mais a mon avis un sejour d'une semaine me parait un bon compromis (d'ailleurs les rares touristes que j'ai croise la-bas et qui ne restaient que quelques jours ont tous regrette de ne pas avoir prevu plus de temps). De toute maniere on ne va pas dans cette region pour y trouver des sites spectaculaires comme a Mulu ou a Niah, mais plutot pour gouter a cette atmosphere detendue si particuliere. perso j'aurais facilement pu y rester un mois, mais une semaine permet au moins de faire tranquillement le tour de Bario et ses environs, et de monter un trek de 3 ou 4 jours dans la foret. Pour ce qui est du guide, il devient indispensable des qu'on s'ecarte des quelques chemins bien balises qui relient les principaux villages des Highlands (pas les plus interessants, evidemment) car les sentiers sont tres mal traces, la foret dense et il est facile de se perdre. J'etais alle a Pa Dalih en passant par Pa Mada, un chouette parcours mais le mieux est de discuter sur place avec les guides pour choisir les meilleurs itineraires car les choses changent vite (les routes forestieres, encore..... d'ailleurs plusieurs traces indiques dans le lonely planet ne sont a priori plus praticables). Je n'ai plus les tarifs des guides en tete mais ca tournait autour de 20 euros/j, de toute maniere les lodges de Bario sauront vous renseigner et vous orienter le mieux possible (par contre prevoyez votre propre materiel si vous comptez camper, car les rares boutiques de la vallee ne proposent que des produits de premiere necessite).
n'hesite pas a me contacter si tu as d'autres questions, mais en tt cas fonce c'est un coin absolument genial, et tres acceuillant !
Je suis en Malaisie et j'ai bien envie de me rendre au Sabah pour plonger a Sipadan et voir la riviere Kinabatangan. Kota Kinabalu presente-t-il un interet si on ne fait pas l'ascension du mont?
Je commence seulement a preparer le voyage, et ca ne me parle pas trop ce que je lis dans mon LP...
J'aime me ballader dans la nature, voir des animaux... mais je ne suis pas une grande randonneuse... Ballades de quelques heures, une journee... pourquoi pas UN trek de 2 ou 3 jours (pas trop dur)...
Beaucoup de parcs nationaux a Sarawak... est ce accessible a tous? Avez-vous eu un sentiment de "redondance" de parc en parc?
Est ce interessant de faire un voyage sur la riviere Batang Rejang si on va aussi a Kinabatangan?
Ou peut-on faire un homestay en longhouse qui ne donne pas l'impression d'etre une usine a touristes? Est ce possible au Sabah?
En 2 semaines, j'imagine qu'il vaut mieux se limiter a sabah. 3 semaines, c'est Ok pour visister les 2 parties (pas trop speed) ou faut-il vraiment un mois?
Combien faut-il compter en mode petit budget (bus, dortoirs/guest houses pas cheres...) a Borneo?
Hormis Sipadan, faut-il reserver les activites (uncle Tan), le logements a cette periode?
Voyager à petits prix › Vietnam / Malaisie · 2 replies
Je serai en Malaise à partir de fin septembre et j'aimerai savoir si il existe des solution "budget" pour se rendre au Vietnam à partir de la Malaisie.…
Réservations ouvertes dès lundi 22 novembre 2010 à 00h01 jusqu'au 24 novembre 2010 à 17h00. C'est la pub d' Air Asia en ce moment, pour des vols aller simple à…
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
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!
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
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!
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
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Peru and have estimated how many days I’ll spend in each place.
Any advice on must-see sights and tourist traps to avoid?
September–October
5 days in Lima
Bus: 07:00→13:30 or 06:00 to 09:30 (express) (3 hr 30 min journey)
3 days in Paracas (beach)