tout dépend de la "box" que tu as, car de + en + les communications de tel fixe à tel fixe sont gratuites...voir même de tel fixe en France vers portable US.
Ok, mais je ne vais quand même pas changer mon abonnement de téléphone
pour réserver qq hôtels dans une langue que je ne maitrise pas suffisamment.
Alors que par internet, tout se passe bien.
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
La politesse et le respect des ancien vous ne connaissez pas la jeune génération!!
Nous on avait la morale a l'école et on nous apprenait a respect les personnes plus âgées que nous!!!!
Voila ma réaction!!! autre époque autres mœurs
Sans rancune aucune!!! je laisse courir
Pour notre ami je ne sais si au moment de payer sur place on peut avoir la réduction Senior je réserve moi aussi directement sur les sites des chaines et j'arrive avec toujours ma réservation ou figure le prix Vous pouvez toujours faire la demande mais on vous demandera pas votre passeport pour cela
Oui, je comprends au sujet de la langue. Ayant passé toute ma vie aux USA, aucun problem.
Mais je ne sais pas si vous avez remarquez au cours de vos voyages, lorsque vous etes aux USA, les gens feront tous les efforts possibles pour vous comprendre. Car la plupart d'entre-nous ont des ancetres plus ou moins lointain dont les parents sont venus d'un autre continent. Les miens etaient francais.
Pour les appels telephoniques depuis la France, comment savez-vous si le numerous que vous appellez est un Home phone ou un cell phone? Il n'y a aucun moyen de distinguer par son numero un cell phone d'un home phone.
Bonne soiree a tous
Alex
http://durandale2.blogspot.com/
How heavy do I journey on the way,
When what I seek (my weary travel’s end)
Shakespeare sonnet 50, vers 1- 2.
Bonsoir Alex
C'est quoi un home phone et un cell phone ?
Les pires moments de ma carrière, je les ai passé au téléphone avec des américains ou des canadiens (de l'ouest)
mais pas lors que j'ai du intervenir à des congrès aux USA.
Tous le monde avait bien compris qu'il y avait chez toi une pratique du français qui n'était pas que scolaire .
Bern
USA 2018 - Arizona, chez les indiens... https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9061068;#9061068
USA 2014 – Là où vous n'aviez pas pensé aller https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6769327;#6769327
USA 2012 "Au long du Rio Grande" https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5290732;#5290732
Bonsoir à tous,
Un home phone, on devine que c'est le fixe et un cell phone c'est le portable (cell cellulaire).
Pour notre ami de San Francisco, on reconnaît les nºs français de portables au 6 ou au 7 qui suit l'indicatif 33.
Pour ce qui concerne les avantages seniors en France, les hôtels Mercure offre le petit déj buffet aux produits de qualité, abondant et varié, à 15€ à chacun des occupants de la chambre si l'un d'eux a au-moins 60 ans.
Mais je ne sais pas si vous avez remarquez au cours de vos voyages, lorsque vous etes aux USA, les gens feront tous les efforts possibles pour vous comprendre.
Pour nous comprendre, soit, j'accepte la remarque...Par contre, ces mêmes gens feront rarement des efforts pour parler se faire comprendre et parler
L E N T E M E N T....Car c'est la, pour moi, le plus difficile
Car la plupart d'entre-nous ont des ancetres plus ou moins lointain dont les parents sont venus d'un autre continent. Les miens etaient francais.
Pour les appels telephoniques depuis la France, comment savez-vous si le numerous que vous appellez est un Home phone ou un cell phone? Il n'y a aucun moyen de distinguer par son numero un cell phone d'un home phone.
Bonne soiree a tous
Alex
Pour les appels téléphoniques, il est vrai que je ne pensais qu'à mon cas particulier, quand je désire être joint par ma compagne qui est restée en France. je m'achète un cell phone US et elle peut me joindre à tout moment.
Pour les résa d'hotels ou autres résa, je fais tout par Internet, mon niveau de compréhension de l'américain étant comme Bern, assez faible...
Bonne journée
"le forum est un lieu d'échange (pas de nom d'oiseaux et vous y êtes presque avec "Bastinj") mais d'expériences, de convivialité, etc etc...."
Quel est le degré de fiabilité des personnes qui ne veulent jamais confronter leurs dires en public ?
Un forum convivial, c’est bien ; mais un forum de qualité qui véhicule des infos pertinentes , c’est encore mieux (et plus bénéfique pour ses lecteurs qui souhaitent préparer au mieux leurs voyages).
Celles et ceux qui s’évertuent à écrire des choses inexactes, approximatives ou inintéressantes n’enrichissent pas le forum et le rendent aussi peu attrayant😕
Ouest USA 2009 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=2800143#2800143
5ème trip USA, 09/2013 https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=6186946#6186946
Tout comme Bern et Jean-Pierre, j'ai du mal avec le téléphone.
Je comprends quand on me parle (si on ne me récite pas des mots techniques à toute vitesse), mais dès qu'il faut m'exprimer, j'ai plus de mal. Donc ça passe dans les conversations en live car on trouve toujours un moyen de se faire comprendre, mais au téléphone... ouille !
Pour les réservations, je privilégie donc toujours Internet. Et tout comme Bern je passe par des intermédiaires uniquement quand le site web de l'hôtel n'est pas sécurisé ou ne permet pas la réservation en ligne, mais ça reste assez rare.
Si tous les cons volaient, il ferait nuit. (Frédéric Dard)
Discussion close pour ma part ne figurant plus dans mes discussions suivis
Bonne soirée a tous
Comme je suis à l'origine de cette discussion et que de ma question sur les réductions séniors aux US on dérive pour savoir si on comprend "bien" "un peu" pas beaucoup" les conversations téléphoniques (sans oublier les post perso qui n'ont rien à voir avec le sujet), je fais comme toi...je me retire de cette discussion.
nous avons "bloqué" des hotels sur des sites de reservations (booking, expedia etc..) avec paiment à l'hotel sur place, comment cela se passe t il ? -savez vous si il y a possibilité d'avoir une reduction malgre tout sur place en fournissant bien sur notre passeport prouvant notre âge ? merci si vous pouvez me repondre.
Je ne pense pas, car contractuellement ils sont liés à Booking ou Expédia avec les prix mentionnés sur ta réservation.
Tu peux par contre essayer de faire une réservation en direct quand tu seras sure de tes dates et du choix de ton hôtel.
Le grand avantage de Booking - que j'utilise - régulièrement c'est de pouvoir réserver bien à l'avance, et modifier facilement sa réservation, sans avoir besoin de verser un acompte. Mais il faut toujours comparer avec les prix en direct, parfois ils sont semblables, parfois pas.
Je reserve toujours depuis tres longtemps sur les sites des chaines d'hotel pas d'acompte on peux aussi modifier sa reservation ou anuler avant 16 le jout meme il n'y a pas que chez les bookes que cela peut etre fait
Passer par un intermédiaire n'apporte aucune sécurité, ni d'avantages, ni de flexibilté supplémentaire par rapport au site de l'hôtel lui même. La réservation est annulable en général 24h à l'avance - voir les conditions propres à chaque établissement. La carte bancaire en caution, ne sert qu'en cas de no show pour la 1ère nuit.
Quelquefois, des promos peuvent également apparaître si abonné à la newsletter (Las Vegas par exemple).
De plus, en farfouillant un peu (nécessite un peu de temps), on trouve des hôtels qui refusent la taxation ahurissante de Booking, Expedia ou consorts et qui réservent d'intéressantes surprises. (Voir les offices de tourisme section Lodging par exemple)
Ca ne m'étonne pas, je l'ai déjà vu (je ne sais plus exactement où) mais cela ne me semble pas illogique dans la mesure où ça correspond à l'heure de début de check-in.
Et la recherche dans la section "lodging" de la localité est un bon cheminement pour savoir ce qui existe sur place sans passer par des intermédiaires commerciaux (qui ne manqueront jamais de prendre leur obole au passage).
L'année du grand ouragan j'avais réservé a Pensacola au nord de la Floride depuis longtemps; 15 jours; on est resté seulement 2 jours . On a fait annuler le reste du séjour réservé sans problèmes; a la réception ils ont dit ok
Sans cette carte les autres nationalités obtiennent la réduction sans présentation du passeport
Pour notre part a l'arrivée dans les hôtels; nous l'avons eu sans problème et pareil dans certains restaurans qui font une réduction aux personnes retraitées
Non.
Je l'ai écrit plus haut, nous sommes membre depuis plusieurs années déjà, depuis les 55 ans de mon mari.
L'adhésion pour 12 mois est de 17$ pour les Etats Unis - Mexique - Canada et 28$ (tarif août 2014) pour tous les autres pays. Les 28$ sont généralement rentabilisés en 2 réservations d'hôtel (tu as 10% à 15% de réduction).
Pour le mois d'avril 2015, nous avons réservé au BW Hacienda à San Diego, 109$ la nuit au lieu de 141$...
Sans cette carte les autres nationalités obtiennent la réduction sans présentation du passeport
Très peu d'hôtels font des réductions pour les séniors à partir de 55 ans. C'est généralement 60 ou 61 ans.
Et sans présentation du passeport.... à un certain âge peut-être (ou un âge certain) mais à 55 ans ?
Je possede cette carte AARP, mais je crois qu'il faut etre ou citoyen ou permanent resident pour l'obtenir.
C'est faux. Tout le monde peut la demander.
Mais les Américains, Mexicains et Canadiens paient moins cher que les "all other countries".
Et tous les mois nous recevons, à notre adresse en France, le magazine AARP.
Je possede cette carte AARP, mais je crois qu'il faut etre ou citoyen ou permanent resident pour l'obtenir.
C'est faux. Tout le monde peut la demander.
Mais les Américains, Mexicains et Canadiens paient moins cher que les "all other countries".
Et tous les mois nous recevons, à notre adresse en France, le magazine AARP.
Bonjour Michele
I am always happy when someone proves me ''Wrong'' and I am even happier to find out that AARP is open to everyone.
As one of my friends used to say ''Only in America'' I will do my best not to make anymore mistakes.
best regards
Alex
http://durandale2.blogspot.com/
How heavy do I journey on the way,
When what I seek (my weary travel’s end)
Shakespeare sonnet 50, vers 1- 2.
Sans cette carte les autres nationalités obtiennent la réduction sans présentation du passeport
Bonjour,
Beaucoup d'hôtels accordent une réduction aux séniors.
C'était le "sans présentation du passeport" qui m'avait surpris. Lors de chaque check in on nous demande le passeport, il est donc facile de vérifier la date de naissance (on ne nous a jamais demandé de présenter la carte). Je pensais même que la présentation d'une ID était obligatoire.
Moi lors des réservations je coche toujours la case réduction senior c'est inscrit sur la confirmation de réservation que nous prenons toujours soin d'imprimer
On présente la confirmation pas besoin des passeport il me semble et a la fin du séjour la réduction et appliquée
Certains restaurants font une réduction dés qu'ils voient des cheveux gris sans prendre le menu senior bien entendu nous avons aussi eu un tarif réduit dans certaines visites
Il n'en est pas de même il me semble au Mexique je vérifierais lors de notre prochain séjour
Pour obtenir la carte, renseignez-vous sur leur site Internet.
Et on peut demander la carte à partir de 50 ans ! Je l'ai fait cette année (il me l'on envoyée par courrier en Belgique), et j'ai bénéficié de réductions jusqu'à 20 % dans certaines chaînes d'hôtels. C'est intéressant car à 50 ans, je n'ai pas droit à la réduction senior.
La discussion en au sujet de la "RÉDUCTION SENIOR " aux USA et non d'une personne de seulement 50 ans qui possède une carte de réduction
La carte AARP n'est pas une "carte de réduction", mais une carte qui à partir de 50 ans (je ne me souvenais plus de l'âge exact) te donne droit aux réductions sénior, même si l'hôtel ou le restaurant n'accorde cette réduction qu'à partir de 55/60 ou 62 ans.....
Tu vas sur le site des hôtels, pour les réductions sénior, il est précisé l'âge pour en bénéficier ou AARP.
Alors pour 28$ par an.....
Et sans présentation du passeport.... à un certain âge peut-être (...)
Ça dépend peut-être de l'âge qu'on paraît: si on fait plus jeune, il faut prouver qu'on a l'âge requis, 😎 si on fait plus vieux, ça passe tout seul. 😐
Pour acheter 2 bouteilles de bière, on m'a demandé mon ID pour prouver ma majorité , c'est dire... 😄 😏
Pour acheter 2 bouteilles de bière, on m'a demandé mon ID pour prouver ma majorité , c'est dire...
Idem pour moi (bon, d'accord, un peu plus 😎); lorsque je m'en suis étonné, la caissière m'avait expliqué que c'était pour éviter de se faire accuser de racisme anti-jeunes.
Comme la discussion ci-dessous a été victime de son succès: https://voyageforum... Et comme proposé par le modérateur Voyageforum, je lance une nouvelle…
Voyager à petits prix › États-Unis · 2,632 replies
Je pense que l'on pourrait mettre en commun nos codes de réductions récents qui marchent (j'en ai noté plein mais j'ai bien l'impression qu'ils ne marchent…
J'emmène mes grands-parents en voyage aux États-Unis à la fin du mois de décembre 2020. J'ai imaginé que ça pouvait être une très bonne idée de souscrire à une…
Veux acheter des billets pour universal studios a los angeles sur 365tickets.fr. Es ce que c'est un billet avec lequel on peux rentrer directement dans le parc…
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!
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)
I'd love some destination suggestions for a road trip from Nice to Livorno by car, including the routes, tolls to cross, distance, and estimated travel time. We're planning a 5-day trip, with 2 nights near Nice, 1 night along the way, and finally 2 nights in Livorno. There are 4 of us in a rental car, and we'd like to stay in either an apartment, a mobile home near the sea, or a campsite. Our budget isn't too extravagant!!!! We want to visit the Promenade des Anglais, and I've heard Menton is really interesting. Once we reach Livorno, we'll take the ferry to Corsica for 12 days with the same rental car. We're planning to leave the last week of May and the first two weeks of June 2026, so around 17-18 days total.
Thanks
Hello everyone,
We’re planning our next trip for this winter and need some advice to put it together. We’d love to avoid renting a car for the whole time. We visited southern Morocco back in 2011—our first trip as retirees! We loved the country so much, and now we’re heading back. Still focusing on the south, mainly for the weather. The plan is to travel down the coast from Essaouira to the Tighmert oasis at a relaxed pace. First question: is this doable without too much hassle using local transport? The idea of driving for the entire 6-week trip doesn’t really appeal to us. After that, we’d head to Ouarzazate, Skoura, the Todgha Gorge, Tinejdad, Erfoud, and then Marrakesh. I’d also like to visit the Fès region, which we can reach by train from Marrakesh. It’s a bit all over the place, and I’m realizing that as I write!
Thanks in advance for your valuable input! We haven’t booked flights yet or even decided on a starting point. The trip is planned from mid-January to the end of February. We know the end of the trip will fall during Ramadan.
