Nous aimerions partir à Cuba en août prochain (15 jours), et visiter plus particulièrement La Havane (quartiers anciens, modernes, maison de Hemingway), la vallée de Vinales, Camaguey, Trinidad (en prenant notre temps tant cette ville a l'air jolie), et un endroit reposant (plus îlots tranquilles et préservés que Varadero, si possible).
J'ai vu un circuit semi libre qui pourrait nous convenir, chez Vacances Transat.
On est transportés dans tous ces endroits, logés avec petit déjeuner prévus, mais pour les visites et le reste, on se débrouille. Ce qui nous plait plutôt bien... Nous resterions dans chaque étape 3 ou 4 jours. Le tout pour 2000 €.
Mais avons-nous plutôt intérêt à nous débrouiller par nous mêmes, histoire d'abaisser le coût ?
Serait-ce plus intéressant si nous réservions nous mêmes l'avion, les hébergements, et prenions les transport en commun sur place pour nous déplacer ???
A vous qui connaissez Cuba, merci pour vos conseils !!!
pas une mauvaise idée.... c'est quoi, en détail, le circuit Vacances Transat ?
2000 euro par personne dont la moitié en transport aérien pour 15 jours sur place, cela me semble honnête au point de vue prix, 60+ euro par jour, transferts inclus, pour logement et petit dej par personne, pas idiot
a vouloir tout organiser soi meme en hotels et transport cela risque d' etre plus cher
Je ne connais pas les prix des billets d'avion entre la France et Cuba. Mais pour vous donner une idée de grandeur, le moins cher que vous pourrez faire à Cuba est probablement 30CUC pour les deux pour le couché et le petit déjeuner. Pour les déplacements, le moins cher est l'autobus Viazul, qui est fiable et confortable. Les trajets Havana-Vinales, Vinales-Havana, Havana-Trinidad, Trinidad-Camaguey, Camaguey-Havana vous coûtera environs 180CUC pour les deux, donc total pour 15 jours, au minimum 630CUC, soit plus ou moins 525 Euros au taux du jour, pour les deux. Si vous ajoutez à ça le prix de vos billets d'avion, vous verrez s'il y a une économie substantielle à faire et si vous préférez voyager avec plus de liberté.
À moins bien sûr d'avoir énormément de temps pour vous déplacer à la cubaine (en faisant du stop sous un soleil de plomb, avec la concurrence des 2472489 autres Cubains au même endroit que vous!), de ne boire et manger qu'en CUP (oufff... courage!) et de ne pas sortir le soir. Bref, plus une galère totale qu'un voyage, à mon humble avis!
Le forfait dont vous parlez me semble bien, et il vous évite les tracas du transport. Pas sûre du tout que vous pourriez voyager à moins cher en organisant tout par vous-mêmes.
a titre indicatif le billet d'avion A/R France-Cuba (tout dépend des dates mais c'est un ordre d'idée) vaut un peu moins de 1000 euro toutes taxes incluses par personne , un peu moins si le transporteur est Cubana plutot qu' AF ou CorsairFly
ce qui laisse environ la même somme pour la portion terrestre, à 100 euro près...
le voyagiste a une bonne réputation en France, le prix me semble correct, reste à voir le contenu des 15 jours
sur leur site il y a ce choix : le mélange me semble sympa sur les circuits de 11 jours + Varadero
Je trouve ce post bien tard et par hasard,
Essaie de voir avec habana tour ou vacances transat le transport et deux nuits en arrivant puis avec particuba .net les casas chez l'habitant je reviens de cuba c'est ce que j'ai fait le vol et les 2 nuits 968€ et ensuite 20 à 25 cuc la nuit avec petit déj et 7 à 10 cuc le repas selon menu choisi et sandwich midi ou casse croùte 3 à 5 cuc. (1 cuc = 0.80 à 085 €.).
Pas de temps ce soir mais si besoins je peux reprendre discussion lundi matin.
J'ai eu la chance de voyager a deux reprises dans ce merveilleux pays. Je l'ai fait a chaque occasion en autonome et avec 1 ado de 15 ans. Il est tres facile de voyager a Cuba en autonome. Il faut absoluement prendre le train. Je l'ai pris entre Pinard del Rio et La Havane. Une expérience unique et innoubliable!!!! en effet Vinales est magnifique. Une visite au grotte est a faire. Tu peu y louer facilement une mobylette. La compagnie de bus Viasul dessert tres bien les villes et villages. Le pouce ( stop) fonctionne aussi tres bien. Tu peut aussi magasiner tes transports sur le marché noir (auto privé). N'ésite pas a demander en ce cas au conducteur de te montrer, chemin fesant , c'est coin préféré. Pour ce qui est du logement dans tout les moindres villages il y a les Casa particular que tu reconnaitra au triangle apposé sur l'immeuble. Lors de mes sejours cela coutait 25 pessos convertible la nuit sur l'ile principale et 20 sur l'ile de la jeunesse. Ce qui fait de cette destination un lieu si hors de l'hordinaire est la gentillesse de ces habitant. En passant la Havanne est une des plus belle ville du monde. Tu aimeras aussi Camaguay (ou j'ai assisté a un spectacle de musique......wow!!!!) Santiago est a voir aussi. Hasta la proxima!!
Oui peut-être, si tu réussis à passer avant les 81223 Cubains qui attendent avec toi au coin de la rue, s'il ne fait pas une chaleur cuisante et surtout, si tu as plusieurs heures par jour de temps disponible pour patienter sur le bord du chemin!
Perso, j'ai pas essayé, mais au vu des dizaines de peronnes que tu croises à chaque coin de rue, sous chaque pont d'autoroute, attendant là depuis des heures, j'ai pas vraiment l'impression que le stop fonctionne si bien que ça à Cuba...
On va surtout dire que eux n'ont pas d'autre choix. Mais ce n'est certainement pas un moyen de transport à conseiller à un voyageur.
bonjour viajecuba, je t'ecris de la part de marco de belgique qui m'a dit que tu pourrais bien me renseigner. je me permets de t'ecrire car j'ai vu sur le forum que tu connais bien cuba . j'ai quelques questions a te poser si tu as du temps a me consacrer. premiere question, ou peut on faire la carte touristique economique en dehors de l'ambassade de cuba en france , y a t'il des sites pour cela. d'autres part est il obligatoire de reserver un hotel ou una casa particular a la havane pour 2 nuits . car j'ai entendu parler de cela sinon probleme a la douane. y a t'il des casas particular avec une chambre avec 2 lits simples afin d'economiser une chambre car nous partons a 2 hommes celibataires. apres je voulais savoir quels villes me conseilles tu de visiter , moi et mon copain nous aimons sortir , faire la fete voir des beaux paysages , draguer si possible et voir des belles plages . peux tu me conseiller des endroits pour un voyage de 18 jours avec ce que je viens de te dire et nous avons un budget de 60 a 70 euros par jour. merci pour tous ces renseignements
merci d'avance. patrick
- Nul besoin de réserver d'avance hôtel ou casa à La Havane, à moins d'avoir un endroit très précis en tête. Il y aura toujours un proprio de casa pour vous référer à une autre casa s'il est complet. Même en haute saison. Et pas de problème avec les douanes, on ne vous demande même plus d'inscrire sur la carte touristique le nom de l'établissement où vous logerez, comme c'était le cas auparavant.
- Oui il y a des casas avec deux lits simples. Mais j'aurais tendance à croire qu'elles sont moins nombreuses que celles avec un seul lit double. Le prix de la casa est toujours en fonction de deux personnes.
- Des villes qui valent le détour selon moi: La Havane bien sûr, Vinales et la région de Pinar del rio (magifiques paysages), Trinidad et toute la région de Topes de collante (superbes paysages aussi), Cienfuegos et Santiago (mais située à l'extrémité de l'oriente, un peu moins accessible si vous arrivez à La Havane).
- Pour les belles plages: Playa del este à 30 min. de La Havane, Cayo Levisa (plus accessible que Cayo Juitas) à Pinar, Playa Ancon à 20 min. de Trinidad, et bien sûr Varadero (où vous trouverez aussi un night life trépidant, mais attention au budget).
- Pratiquement partout vous pourrez sortir et draguer, sauf peut-être dans le fin fond de la campagne dans Pinar del rio. À La Havane beaucoup de possibilités mais $$$. Le meilleur choix pour sortir selon moi c'est Trinidad.
J'espère qu'avec ce budget vous ne comptez pas louer une voiture, parce que ça risque d'être serré et vous devrez couper dans les restos et les sorties!
merci pour ces infos , les plages que tu m'as donnés sont il accessible en bus ou guagua local car je ne loue pas de voitures , peut on trouver des casas particular aux environ de 15 a 20 CUC ou moins a santiago , trinidad . santiago est il une ville dangereuse ou non .y a til un cayo facilement accesible avec les transport locaux
* Les bus locaux ne sont pas super accessibles à Cuba (toujours bondés et surtout réservés aux travailleurs, ils vont rarement à la plage).
- Pour te rendre à Playa del este, tu peux prendre une navette à La Havane (tous les jours devant le Capitole, suffit de s'informer des heures une fois sur place, il me semble que c'est 5 CUC). En taxi c'est plus cher, autour de 20 CUC par segment.
- Pour te rendre à Playa Ancon, différents moyens de transports depuis Trinidad (8 CUC/segment en taxi, 4 CUC/segment en coco taxi et possiblement les navettes des hôtels qui font l'aller retour de la plage à Trinidad chaque jour?).
- Pour te rendre à Varadero, il y a Viazul. Mais une fois sur place, faut loger à l'hôtel, pas de casa particular, mais il y a des hôtels bon marché, genre 50 CUC par jour nourriture et boissons incluses.
- Pour Cayo Levisa, il y a des excursions pas très chères que tu peux acheter sur place à La Havane. Je sais que Havantur en offre de plusieurs types à des coûts vraiment intéressants (du genre 15 CUC/jour). C'est la facon la plus économique de se rendre là-bas. Sinon se rendre à Vinales avec Viazul et de là, trouver des gens avec qui partager un taxi vers Cayo Levisa.
- Oui c'est possible de trouver des casas à 15-20 CUC, surtout en basse saison. Mais faut négocier!! Ca risque d'être un peu plus ardu dans votre cas parce que vous voyagez à deux (sont pas fous les Cubains, vont voir deux porte-feuille!!!).
- Santiago a la réputation d'être une ville un peu plus «dangeureuse». J'ai des amis Cubains qui refusent toujours de m'y accompagner lors du festival en été. Mais il suffit à mon avis de prendre les précautions d'usage, comme partout ailleurs. Reste qu'à mon avis cette ville est encore moins «dangeureuse» que Montréal, New York ou Paris.
- Les cayos (Cayo Coco, Cayo largo, Cayo Santa Maria...) sont plus difficiles d'accès. Souvent il faut présenter son voucher pour y accéder. Et à ma connaissance, pas de bus locaux pour s'y rendre.
A vinales il y a de nombreuses casas les prix sont autour de 20CUC la nuit ;
A playa Giron nous avons logé chez Luis , 25 CUC la nuit et Luis donne de bons tuyaux de balades et plongées dans le coin . A Remedios nous avons logé à la casa "Buganvila", 25 CUC avec des petits-déj et repas très copieux . Bref de bonnes adresses à Cuba ;
Certaines casas offrent un accueil adorable, une belle maison, des hôtes dévoués et de trés bons conseils, un peu comme un séjour chez de la famille pour un prix modique...
A ce jour, pour 20 à 25 CUC, petit déjeuner entre 3 et 5 CUC, les meilleurs hôtes chez qui j'ai séjourné sont:
- Santa Clara : Hostal Florida
- Trinidad : Casa de miriam
- Vinales : Villa Cristal
Hola! grâce à un membre de voyage forum, je viens de prendre possesson d'un billet avec AC vraiment pas cher pour Cuba...sì! Merci traveller! voilà! J'aimerais…
Je pars vers la trosieme semaine de janvier2013 pour 5 semaines seul en sac a dos faire le tour de l'ile sans reservation nulle part... es-ce facile de trouver…
Je compte partir fin novembre à Cuba pour 2 semaines. Je veux faire le tour de Cuba mais je ne sais pas vraiment quelles sont les villes, les endroits à…
Voyager à petits prix › Cuba / République Dominicaine · 6 replies
Je suis étudiante et je désire partir avec l'une de mes amies durant la deuxième semaine de mai pour Cuba. Niveau destination je ne suis pas sûre. Pourtant je…
J'aimerais beaucoup visiter Cuba, de préférence avant que l'ouverture de l'île ne la sature trop de touriste. J'envisage un voyage de 3 semaines en juin.…
After more than ten solo trips to India, I’ve decided to explore a new country: South Korea.
In October, I’ll be flying Lyon-Delhi, then in November Delhi-Seoul. I’ll be staying in this new (for me) country for over a month.
My main motivation when traveling is discovering a country through the people (locals) I meet. In India, I made friends through Couchsurfing that way.
I’m currently getting in touch with host families (via Servas), but if you have any ideas for authentic and budget-friendly accommodations, I’d love to hear them.
I’ll plan my route based on my hosts, and I’m also thinking of spending a few days in Seoul and Jeju.
Hi there,
I’m heading to the Greek island of Ikaria for two months and I’m looking for any tips or advice—especially on budget-friendly accommodation options like a room to rent or staying with locals. Thanks!
Hi everyone, I'm traveling solo in Spain for 8 days without a car, on a tight budget. What train/bus route do you recommend between cities, and where can I find the best prices? Looking forward to your tips! Thanks
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