Bonjour,
Nous avons nos cartes banques tradi : Mastercard Gold et Visa.
Récemment nous avons pris une carte Transferwise, une banque numérique, qui a l'avantage de frais de changes réduits et de gérer sur un même compte différentes monnaies avec la possibilité de convertir de l'une vers l'autre.
Bonne recherche
Bonjour
Pour minimiser les frais bancaires une carte comme Révolut te permet de payer au taux de change du moment sans frais annexes ( sans commission). Cette carte s’achete Environ 6 € , mais ne coûte rien « mensuellement». Pas d’abonnement. Elle est proposée gratuitement à certaines périodes de promotion comme en ce moment jusqu’au 2 decembre. Elle se gère comme un porte monnaie électronique que l’on recharge avec une carte bancaire, à privilégier en Euro pour éviter les conversions euro livre anglaise . Elle est émise depuis l’Angleterre, mais fonctionne aussi bien en Euro, voir sur internet leur site. Il suffit d’un numéro de téléphone mobile, et on gère tout depuis l’application sur le téléphone. Le chargement initial du porte monnaie est de 10 € qui ne seront débités que pour payer les achats futurs .
Nota : je n’ai aucune action chez Revolut, et le fonctionnement en paiement « direct » m’a séduit . Attention aux retraits en liquide, il y a un plafond hebdomadaire au delà duquel des commissions existent , et il faut être vigilant lors des retraits et ne pas prendre l’option crédit mais l’option checkîng ou saving qui n’entraine pas de frais lors de ces retraits en dessous d’un plafond.
Une possibilité de minimiser les frais chez la Societe Generale
Allez dans leur site pour voir les prix de ces options-
Ex. Option intense = 17,50€ pour un mois.
Niveau Initial
Exonération des commissions Société Générale
jusqu’à 6 paiements par carte bancaire et 2 retraits(2)
dans des distributeurs automatiques de billets,
sans limite de montant dans les pays hors zone euro.
Niveau Intense
Exonération des commissions Société Générale
sur tous vos paiements par carte bancaire et retraits(2)
dans des distributeurs automatiques de billets
effectués dans les pays hors zone euro.
Niveau Illimité
Exonération des commissions Société Générale
sur tous vos paiements par carte et retraits(2)
dans des distributeurs automatiques de billets
effectués dans les pays hors zone euro
et sur tous vos virements internationaux, émis ou reçus(3).
Niveau Étudiants (réservé aux 18 - 29 ans)(4)
Exonération des commissions Société Générale
sur tous vos paiements par carte et retraits(2)
dans des distributeurs automatiques de billets
effectués dans les pays hors zone euro
à un tarif unique et avantageux de 5 EUR par mois.
Bonsoir,
J’ai la carte revolut, elle est parfaite. Aucun frais hors zone Euros , on ne paye que les frais d’envoi de la carte que l’on reçoit dans les 4 jours
En plus de ma Visa Premier de la caisse d'épargne, j'ai une carte Revolut pour m'éviter les frais que la CE prélève sur chaque transaction, elle m'a été utile en Chine début octobre.
GreG de l'ouest de Lyon
J'aime voyager, en particulier visiter les Disneyland tout autour de la planète.
Nous avons prévus deux voyages dans les 6 prochains mois hors UE.
Nous sommes partis au Québec cet été, en prenant, faute de temps, l'option internationale à la Caisse d'Epargne sur notre visa premier (16€/mois, paiements illimités et 10 retraits en GAB). 😐
Je pensais opter pour l'ouverture d'un compte dans banque en ligne, ou certains frais de tenu de compte et de cotisation CB sont quasi inexistants... (pour un dépôt initial assez minime, du type monabanq, boursorama etc...)
Avant de pousser les recherches un peu plus loin, j'aimerais savoir comment fonctionnez-vous pour limiter vos frais bancaires en voyage ? Dans quelle banque êtes vous? Avez-vous quelques astuces à partager ? (Hormis se trimbaler avec une liasse de billets en poche 😄 )
Merci pour vos retours.
Bonne journée à tous !! 😉
Bonjour
Carte MAX 0 euros sur les retraits 0 sur les payements a l'étranger.(filiale crédit mutuel)
Plus agrégation de vos autres cartes bancaires ce qui donne des possibilités de retrait bien plus important plus un service de conciergerie plus l'assurance notamment voyage quand on paye avec.
Utilisé depuis 6 mois au Mexique, Guatemala, Belize, Cuba, aucun problème.
Les seules retenue sont celles des DAB des banques étrangères (1euro) mais c'est pareil avec toutes les banques.
A j'oublie la carte elle même coûte 0 euros.
Bonne vacances
bonsoir
moi aussi j'ai pris la carte max depuis quelques mois et elle est TOP! gratuite, pas de frais à l'étranger et équivalent d'une gold pour les assurances voyages. c'est une filiale du crédit mutuel et le siège est en bretagne, près de brest. très réactif quand vous avez un problème. je conseille vivement.
Bonjour,
je voyage souvent et pour plusieurs mois, vers différents pays tropicaux. J'ai une carte Visa gold pour les payments principaux, et dont j'apprécie les garanties jointes (annulations, assurance voiture, assurance rapatriement, ...) Mais pour avoir du liquide au quotidien dans les différents pays j'utilise le principe de l'auto-envoi par Western Union. Montant illimité, guichets partout dans le monde avec service instantané. Plus de problème de retraits multiples aux DAB pour avoir la somme souhaitée, avec à chaque fois la ponction de la banque locale en plus de la vôtre.
Bonjour,
Je découvre cette sympathique mais très discrète carte Max, je suis pourtant en relation avec la banque de tutelle...
Aujourd’hui, je voyage principalement avec une carte C-zam de Carrefour qui me donne toute satisfaction.
Tenue de compte: 1€ par mois. Retrait DAB en devises hors euro: 1 € par retrait. Paiement en devises: gratuit.
Bonjour,
Contente de voir que d'autres connaissent la carte MAX. Je l'utilise depuis quelques temps pour pouvoir payer avec Samsung Pay et j'ai fait tout mon voyage en Islande avec.. Effectivement c'est vraiment génial !
J'utilise Revolut à l'étranger depuis 3 ans mais Max va encore au delà en enlevant les limites de retraits. Très prometteur !
Je ne connaissais ni REVOLUT, ni la carte MAX. J'ai commencé à m'informer un peu sur la première. À suivre... 😉
J'ai opté pour Boursorama il y a 6mois, pour notre voyage à l'île Maurice.
Création de compte assez simple, CB visa premier réceptionnée en moins de 15jours, appli plutôt bien réalisée et fonctionnelle. Tout ce dont on a besoin se trouve dessus !
C'est simplissime.
J'ai dû soliciter le service client à une seule reprise au sujet d'un identifiant qu'il m'était impossible à récupérer via l'application. Après un échange mail, j'ai eu un coup de fil d'une opératrice qui m'a solutionné le problème en 2min...
Côté finances, c'est certain que ça reste nettement moins coûteux que toutes ces banques classiques, voraces et sans aucune humanité que nous avions l'habitude de côtoyer. (Certaines agences se démarquent encore heureusement 😄).
Pour résumé, 0,99€/mois d'assurance CB, et 1,94% de frais par paiement CB et retrait en devise hors UE, et C'EST TOUT.
(NB: je précise, que j'utilise cette carte uniquement pour nos voyages à l'étranger, hormis un paiement obligatoire / mois de 5€ pour éviter de payer des frais mensuels supplémentaires).
En parallèle, j'utilise PayPal pour mes achats web, et une banque physique (Crédit Mutuel) pour mes opérations courantes (immo+charges) (avec CB VISA PREMIER offerte pour le moment.. 😛)
Concernant REVOLUT, vous avez la standard ou la black ?
Avez vous déjà du soliciter le service
client ?
Il s'agit exclusivement d'une carte de débit ou crédit ?
Je suis étonné qu'il n'y ai absolument aucune communication sur la carte MAX...
Heureusement qu'il reste les forums 😎
L'assurance CB à 0,99 euros/mois vous apporte quoi ?
Michel
Bonjour
Merci à tous pour ces nombreux messages.
Je ne connaissais ni REVOLUT, ni la carte MAX. J'ai commencé à m'informer un peu sur la première. À suivre... 😉
J'ai opté pour Boursorama il y a 6mois, pour notre voyage à l'île Maurice.
Création de compte assez simple, CB visa premier réceptionnée en moins de 15jours, appli plutôt bien réalisée et fonctionnelle. Tout ce dont on a besoin se trouve dessus !
C'est simplissime.
J'ai dû soliciter le service client à une seule reprise au sujet d'un identifiant qu'il m'était impossible à récupérer via l'application. Après un échange mail, j'ai eu un coup de fil d'une opératrice qui m'a solutionné le problème en 2min...
Côté finances, c'est certain que ça reste nettement moins coûteux que toutes ces banques classiques, voraces et sans aucune humanité que nous avions l'habitude de côtoyer. (Certaines agences se démarquent encore heureusement 😄).
Pour résumé, 0,99€/mois d'assurance CB, et 1,94% de frais par paiement CB et retrait en devise hors UE, et C'EST TOUT.
(NB: je précise, que j'utilise cette carte uniquement pour nos voyages à l'étranger, hormis un paiement obligatoire / mois de 5€ pour éviter de payer des frais mensuels supplémentaires).
En parallèle, j'utilise PayPal pour mes achats web, et une banque physique (Crédit Mutuel) pour mes opérations courantes (immo+charges) (avec CB VISA PREMIER offerte pour le moment.. 😛)
Concernant REVOLUT, vous avez la standard ou la black ?
Avez vous déjà du soliciter le service
client ?
Il s'agit exclusivement d'une carte de débit ou crédit ?
Je suis étonné qu'il n'y ai absolument aucune communication sur la carte MAX...
Heureusement qu'il reste les forums 😎
Bonjour,
J'ai la carte Revolut classique. Il s'agit d'une carte pré-payé, au contraire de la carte MAX.
J'ai eu une seule fois à faire au service client en plus de 3 ans, car j'avais dû exceptionnellement recharger mon compte Revolut avec une carte de mon compte joint, donc à deux noms. 2 minutes et une capture d'écran montrant bien que le compte était aussi à mon nom a suffit pour régler le problème.
Bonjour, N26 pris l'été dernier pour aller au mexique, basique bien sûr, gratuité de la carte, et de tenu de compte. Les limites de retrait et de paiement sont modulables,
Par rapport au C Agricole, question frais il n'y a pas photo.j'ai tres peu utilisé les espéces que j'avais emporté..
J'utilise la carte révolut standard, que j'ai payée 6 € à la fabrication, et qui ne me coûte rien en utilisation standard; largement suffisante pour mon usage principalement voyage étranger lorsqu'on ne paye pas en € ; voire certains services ou on vous demande une autorisation permanente pour en beneficier ( paybyphone pour parcmetre par exemple) . Comme je n'ai pas en permanence des sommes importantes, le risque est trés limité.
J'ai cru comprendre que c'était plutôt une carte de débit, car le montant doit être présent sur le compte; l'utiliser en tant que carte de crédit entraine peut-être des frais.
Pour un voyage dans le Sud des US en 2012 j'envisage le parcours (en avion) suivant: Lyon-Miami Miami-New Orleans Los Angeles-Lyon (+ donc un parcours en…
Voyager à petits prix › France › Provence-Côte d'Azur · 5 replies
Nous serons, mon conjoint et moi, de Toulouse à Nice entre le 2 mai et le 15 juin. Pour avoir bcp visité différents sites, particulièrement les offices de…
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!
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
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)