You're right. So since I started this misplaced debate, I’ll declare it closed. 😉
To try and make up for my lack of knowledge (and there’s plenty to catch up on!) about Islam, I watched a program on Arte this week, titled:
"The Prophet Muhammad and Women"
"Documentary (Religions)"
"Director: Lila Salmi, Malek Chebel
Year: 2007
Country: France"
As I said nearly 20 years ago now, "I truly hope I’m wrong so I can keep visiting this amazing country with peace of mind..."
Unfortunately, Erdoğan, that great democrat, has once again shown his open-mindedness by arresting his main opponent, İmamoğlu, ahead of the presidential election.
I certainly don’t know anything about Islam, as Nemo1001 so kindly pointed out, but I can sense the rise of tyrants like Erdoğan, Putin, Xi Jinping, Trump, and many others.
If for three of them you had a "good feeling," let’s hope your intuition is wrong about the fourth and that the deep democratic roots of his country—which the others lacked—will trip him up.
As I said nearly 20 years ago now, "I truly hope I’m wrong so I can keep going back to this amazing country with peace of mind..."
Unfortunately, Erdoğan, that great democrat, has once again shown his open-mindedness by arresting his main opponent, İmamoğlu, ahead of the presidential election.
I certainly don’t know much about Islam, as Nemo1001 so kindly pointed out, but I can sense the rise of tyrants like Erdoğan, Putin, Xi Jinping, Trump, and many others.
Jacques
Hello,
I just got back from Istanbul (a city I particularly love) last night after my third visit. I was really surprised last Sunday to see the entire area from Galata Tower to Taksim Square cordoned off by police. They had pulled out all the stops—hundreds of heavily armed officers with shields and some seriously intimidating vehicles. I asked several of them why the streets were closed and what was going on, but strangely, none of them spoke English 😉. As I kept weaving through the open streets, a few people confirmed that the Trans Pride march hadn’t been authorized and that the authorities were making a show of force to deter the most determined participants. Given the situation and the risk of clashes, I was advised to leave the area.
Turkey: No illegal restrictions should be imposed on Pride marches - Amnesty International Belgium
The police were also present at tourist sites, but I didn’t feel any tension or concern at all.
Just back from Istanbul after a short stay (first time), and I found the city pretty safe and clean—even more so than some European cities (Barcelona, Paris, or Milan), where you always have to keep an eye on your belongings (pickpockets, etc.).
That said, wow, is it expensive! Tourists are getting fleeced—drinks, restaurants, visits, etc., are just as pricey as in France, if not more (!)
I honestly don’t know how middle-class Turks manage with prices like these. Even in the more remote neighborhoods, prices stay surprisingly high when you consider the average income level in Turkey or Istanbul.
However, and I don’t know if any members have mentioned this here or elsewhere, but it’s so expensive!!! Tourists are getting ripped off—drinks, restaurants, visits, etc., even more expensive than in France(!)
I noticed this while planning my second trip to Istanbul (September).
Topkapi entry at 64 €, Hagia Sophia at 32 € 🏴☠️
Same seems to go for restaurants…
I think I paid 15 € for Topkapi back in 2019.
Luckily, my flight and the apartment I found near Galata are super reasonable. But I was hoping for a low-cost week…
Inflation doesn’t justify everything, because normally it’s accompanied by currency devaluation. Here, it’s a vicious process: prices based on the euro or dollar have skyrocketed. Istanbul Airport has probably become the most expensive in the world—or close to it. You can’t buy anything there at a normal price anymore. Taxi scams are also back in full force.
Exactly, the prices have skyrocketed in recent years. The entrance fees for iconic sites don’t deter tourists because there’s always a very long wait depending on the season. But luckily, Istanbul has other wonders, and if you're on a tight budget, you can skip them.
What shocked me the most were the prices at the airport.
I was in Istanbul yesterday—the only insecurity is for your wallet! Prices for visiting monuments and some restaurants in the old city have gone completely crazy, but hey, a ferry to the Princes' Islands (an hour and a half by boat) is only 2.5 €. Same for the ferry between Eminönü and Arnavutköy, around 1.70 €. The city has a lot to offer beyond the historical monuments, and thankfully so. It’s still an incredible city.
I went through the new airport last year: two Turkish coffees and two baklavas = 20 €. Never again.
hi there,
to build this new airport, Turkey must have had to borrow and take on debt.
It’s obvious that repaying the debt and covering the construction cost of this airport makes kebabs expensive! 😛
Gotta sell a lot of pain au chocolat and Turkish delight to make up for it
No, it was funded by a private consortium.
If the state has to bear any costs, it will be when it takes over, in about fifteen years.
If it’s so expensive, it’s because the target audience is no longer the budget-conscious European travelers who used to arrive at Atatürk; it’s the crowd for whom places like Galataport were built—those who love luxury and come to spend.
No, it was funded by a private consortium.
If the state has to bear any costs, it will be when it takes over in about fifteen years.
Whether the funding is private or public, I’d be tempted to say it doesn’t really matter.
At the slightest financial hiccup, the debt burden will become an issue.
We also shouldn’t let emerging countries like Turkey take on too much debt either.
I feel like I’m seeing pharaonic projects popping up left and right in emerging countries.
Like the Neom project in Saudi Arabia—basically the new Dubai, which, in my opinion, is a total aberration.
However, and I don’t know if any members have talked about it here or elsewhere, but it’s so expensive!!! Tourists are getting ripped off—drinks, restaurants, visits, etc., even more expensive than in France(!)
I discovered this while preparing my second trip to Istanbul (September).
Topkapi entry at 64 €, Hagia Sophia at 32 € 🏴☠️
Same seems to go for restaurants...
I think I paid 15 € for Topkapi back in 2019.
The price of my flight and the apartment I found near Galata are super reasonable, luckily. But I was hoping for a budget-friendly week...
Hello,
We just got back from a 5-week trip across Turkey with our own vehicle. We enjoyed exploring the real Turkey, where prices are completely reasonable, whereas in Istanbul, prices are extremely inflated for tourists 🤑 and there are so many people visiting these places!
I came across this discussion and I’m shocked by the new prices! In my great naivety, I thought Hagia Sophia, now a mosque again, was free...
I was thinking of going back to Istanbul—it’s been ten years already! (I kept a travel journal, time flies... 😮). Oh well, I won’t see Topkapi or Hagia Sophia again, too bad. That’s when I realize how lucky I was to visit so many places before. Plus, when I was there, tourism was down after the attacks.
Luckily, the city has plenty more to offer, but those are still the iconic sites you want to see if it’s your first trip...
I came across this discussion and I'm shocked by the new prices!
Hi there,
And 2 coffees for 11 € near the Galata Tower—does that ring a bell?
I just got back from Istanbul, and what struck me was how the number of tourists is growing in proportion to the prices!
Still, we managed to enjoy our week in Istanbul by working around these issues as best we could. I’ll post a travel journal by the end of the week…
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a solo trip for November.
I’ve chosen Thailand because it’s my first solo trip and I wanted a country that’s easy and safe for a woman (though maybe you have other suggestions?), but also because of this time of year when the monsoon is hitting many Asian countries. A lot of people have confirmed that Thailand is a destination where everything is relatively easy for a first solo trip: getting around the country (buses and trains), great food, beautiful beaches, stunning countryside, decent safety, etc...
This trip comes after a major burnout and professional exhaustion 😵💫. I quit my job this week and need to recharge and clear my head before diving back into the professional grind... I’m looking for peaceful landscapes away from mass tourism, combining mountains, countryside, and beaches. I need moments of free wandering, yoga, sightseeing, and maybe some woofing. I love authenticity, contemplation, and beautiful things in simplicity.
Thanks for your route and accommodation ideas 😊!
Armelle
hi there
I’m leaving on October 1st for Rio, which I’ll be exploring over 10 days while staying in Copacabana and Ipanema.
After that, I’m heading to Ilha Grande, Paraty, and finally a flight to Iguaçu.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Rio. Is it possible to walk around and explore without constantly worrying about getting my phone snatched?
I’m traveling alone and don’t speak Portuguese.
I need GPS to get around.
I love walking and don’t really like taking taxis, which is why I’ve booked two places to stay in Rio to experience different neighborhoods.
But is this doable given the security concerns there?!
In short, can you travel peacefully?
Thanks for your feedback if you’ve been to Rio!
Best,
I’d love to settle around Da Nang for about a month and explore the surrounding areas in Vietnam.
I’ve already been to this country and don’t feel like rushing around every day like I used to a few years ago.
I’d really like to find some company to stay for at least a month, and then maybe spend a month in Cambodia...
Given that I’m now 76, I don’t want to run around like I used to, trying to see everything...
I enjoy calm people... Those who love life and with whom I can share a beer... And meet people to create a great atmosphere—la dolce vita....
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to travel solo to Oman in December 2025, renting a vehicle that allows me to camp in certain areas. For those who’ve already explored the country this way, could you share your experiences or tips?
I’d also like to visit the Wahiba Desert, but in that area, I’d prefer a guide for driving and, most importantly, not to sleep in those luxury desert-edge camps but rather have a "wild" escape under the stars. Any guide recommendations? Thanks in advance – Clem
I’m arriving in Tana on 9/10/26 as a solo female traveler.
Which hotel in Tana is good for the first night since I’ll get in at 10 PM?
What’s worth seeing around Tana?
I’m planning 2 nights in Tana,
then 2 nights in Andasibe? After that, Lake Itasy.
Any suggestions? Thanks
I contacted several agencies in Madagascar to arrange this 4x4 trip along the coast.
Always the same answer: a tailor-made trip with at least 2 participants.
Since I don’t want to travel alone and a friend isn’t available, I’m looking for a woman to share this trip with the agency Mahay Mada, which offers a 12-day, 11-night tour of southern Madagascar. I’m available from August 23 to September 14.
Thanks for your direct response at 0784659791. See you soon, Mireille
Hi everyone,
I’m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I’ve decided to explore Indonesia.
I’ll be there from September 1st to October 5th, and I’m really struggling to plan my itinerary.
I’d love any advice you can share—I’ll read it all carefully.
So far, I’ve booked my first two nights with a local host in Jakarta, and then I’m heading to Borobudur. That’s all I’ve got planned for now.
Do you think I should book accommodations and transport tickets in advance? It seems really complicated, or could I just decide day by day based on how I feel?
Thanks in advance for your replies!
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.
From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.
I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.
Here’s the itinerary I’m planning:
* UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses)
A few days at Lake Khövsgöl
* Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses)
A few days at the White Lakes
* White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver)
A few days in the Orkhon Valley
+ the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide)
* Return to UB
From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley.
Here are my questions:
-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route:
Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.
-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?
Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia:
-> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?
I’m considering a road trip (rental car) to explore the Canadian Rockies in September 2026, starting in Calgary and ending with about 10 days in Vancouver and the surrounding area. (Two weeks in the Rockies and a little under two weeks in Vancouver and nearby.)
I’d like to say that being a woman traveling alone doesn’t really bother me. That’s not the issue. Being a woman is just how it is, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but traveling solo is something I could fix by finding travel companions. However, I had a not-so-great experience in India with two girls who were total strangers at first and turned out to be quite annoying, so I’m a bit put off by the idea now.
My question is simple, assuming I do this trip alone: is it worth sticking *only* to driving? I have **zero** sense of direction—with a map, I’m hopeless. So, is it realistic to think, "With my GPS, I’ll just drive from Calgary to Vancouver and see what I see," since I don’t see myself hiking alone? I’m not easily scared, but I wouldn’t feel confident doing that solo. Unless all the sightseeing is done with a guide (but then, hello, the cost—my budget isn’t exactly overflowing).
What do you all think?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Take care and happy travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
After a week of sports south of Bergen, I’m not sure what to visit during the following week between Bergen and Oslo.
I haven’t planned to rent a car.
I’d love your suggestions. Thanks
Hi everyone, I’m really keen to visit Iran for three weeks in mid-March 2015.
What worries me a bit isn’t so much traveling alone—I’m used to it and know the Middle East well—but rather the current events (Islamic State) that could potentially become dangerous.
Flights are pretty cheap at the moment, and I’d like to book before prices go up.
Any advice from people who know the ground situation and Iranian current affairs better than I do would be much appreciated! :)
Hi there! I’m in the middle of planning my first solo trip (as a woman). Do you have any ideal destinations with activities like hiking, diving, sightseeing, and easy ways to meet locals—all on a small budget?
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had this experience before! :)
Hi there,
Who could recommend a reliable agency for visiting several islands, including the parks around Komodo? I’m traveling solo as a woman.
Thanks for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
I’m often in transit in Tokyo and I stay at the hotel because Japanese people speak little English and the signs are almost always in Japanese!
Any ideas for getting from Narita to a nice park or an onsen? I wanted to try Hokkaido, but apart from renting a car, it’s all trains! Any suggestions for a car with a driver? Or is it too expensive? Small group tours in Hokkaido? I read about the Explorator group’s offer—way too expensive!!!
I’ve got a maximum of 8 days. I’d just like a nice Japanese break.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
my friend, with whom I traveled to Iran, Myanmar, and India, really wanted to take a one-month trip to Armenia and Georgia. So we booked our flights (June 21 to July 19), but disaster struck—she can’t travel anymore due to serious family reasons.
Now I’m heading off on this adventure alone. It’s not that I’ve never traveled solo before—I spent three months exploring Southeast Asia by myself last year—but I still have a few questions, and I’d really appreciate your input.
* I don’t think traveling alone in these countries is very risky—what do you think?
* Maybe I could hire a driver? What would that cost, since some places seem tricky to reach by public transport. Do you have any driver recommendations?
* I don’t want to rent a car—the driving seems too unpredictable, especially in Georgia.
* I’d love to do some nice hikes—are there any guides available?
Here’s my rough itinerary:
YEREVAN and surroundings
YEGHEGNADZOR for Noravank
GORIS and TATEV
LAKE SEVAN
DILIJAN
HAGHPAT
TBILISI and surroundings
The CAUCASUS toward Mestia
UPLISTSIKHE
VARDZIA
Return to Yerevan for my flight
Thanks to anyone who can share their experiences or answer my questions!
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a few tips that really helped me better prepare my carry-on luggage. After a few trips (and some mistakes too!), I’ve finally found a way to organize myself that makes life a lot easier. Maybe this can help other travelers here.
1. Choose a practical and sturdy bag
A good bag is the foundation. I’ve noticed that a model with a solid structure, sturdy wheels, and a well-thought-out interior really changes the experience. Hard-shell suitcases hold up better, especially when you’re hopping between flights. Personally, I use a Lambert suitcase because the interior is super well-divided, but the important thing is to find a model that works for you.
2. Rolling your clothes really works
It’s simple, but it saves so much space. Plus, it wrinkles less. I do this now for almost everything, especially lightweight clothes.
3. Keep everything in a small kit
100 ml liquids, toothbrush, cream, mini first-aid kit… Having all of that in one clear toiletry bag makes going through security much easier. It saves you from having to take everything out and put it back in a rush.
4. A pouch for essentials
Passport, headphones, charger, phone… I keep all of that in the same pouch. It saves so much stress when you need to find something quickly, especially on the plane.
5. Traveling lighter makes all the difference
Since I started choosing versatile clothes that mix and match well, I travel with a lot less. Less weight, fewer decisions to make, fewer things to lug around. It honestly makes traveling so much more enjoyable.
From the conversations I’ve had with other travelers (and several customers too), I’ve realized you can really simplify your trip just by organizing a little better and choosing good accessories.
If you have other tips or methods that work for you, I’d love to read them. We always learn from others on this forum.
Looking forward to exchanging with you all!
Hi,
Has anyone recently taken the boat to Casamance from Dakar and could share their experience?
From France, is it possible to book online, or do you need to go through an agency? How far in advance?
Boarding/disembarking: how does it work? Do we have to check in our luggage and then pick it up on arrival?
What’s the vibe like on the boat in the seating area?
Has anyone ever stopped over in Carabane? Accommodation options there?
Thanks so much if you have any recent info!
Exploring India by road is all about having a good driver. I highly recommend the one I’ve traveled with for 5 "safe" trips—Rajasthan 3 times over 16 years, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. He’s been driving tourists for 25 years now and is more than just a driver. He knows how to talk about his country, the cities you visit, and suggests alternative routes.
He’s well-connected with real local guides who don’t just ramble (as he puts it himself) or drag you into shops claiming to be run by their "so-called family." Depending on your preferences, he can suggest well-tested itineraries and recommend typical hotels like Havelis.
For dining, he oversees meal prep based on your spice-level preferences. He’s Sikh and deeply respectful of his passengers.
He speaks English better than French, but one of his daughters is studying French at university.
Hi,
We’d like to spend about twenty days in Albania next July. We’re two women traveling together and we’re thinking of renting a small car. Does that sound reasonable, or should we avoid it?
Thanks for your advice.
Hi there,
I’m spending a week in Morocco (Rabat - Meknes - Fes).
I’ll be traveling solo—is it safe for a woman over 60?
For transportation, I’m planning to take the train. I was thinking of buying my ticket last minute, but it’s around the end-of-year period…?
I’ll be in Meknes on December 31st—any suggestions on how they celebrate New Year’s Eve there?
Is anyone visiting these destinations? Maybe we could meet up…?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
After hearing so much about Djerba, especially the GO clubs, is it risky for a young, pretty newly-retired woman to visit the island alone?
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Does anyone know how late the buses run from Cusco Airport to the city center? I land at 9:30 PM, plus time to clear customs, pick up my luggage, and exchange some money—figure an extra 30 to 45 minutes. Though, come to think of it, I still have 5 sols from last time—maybe that’ll be enough for the bus?
Thanks.
Brigitte
Planned arrival on Sunday evening, November 16, 2025, in San José. Staying 3 nights, then taking a bus to Tortuguero for 2 nights. Looking for a shared shuttle to La Fortuna for 2 nights, then a van-boat-van combo to Santa Elena for 2 or 3 nights. Heading to Quepos for 4 nights for day trips using local buses—Jaco, San Antonio, Uvita. After that, a full-day bus ride to Cahuita. I’m booking hotels as I go, which gives me the flexibility to stay longer in places I like. I’m looking for accommodations in city centers near restaurants and not too far from the bus station. Budget: 50 € for a room with a private bathroom (if you’ve got any great tips!). For my finale, I’ll cross the land border to Panama City for 4 days. Thanks for your suggestions! 😉
Hi everyone,
I’m 66 and just discovered solo travel in Uzbekistan—I loved it! So I’ve decided to explore Africa, starting with Senegal. I’m just beginning my research, but if anyone can give me advice on which month to go, what to see, and whether this destination is safe—or maybe suggest another African country—I’d really appreciate your tips!
Hi there!
We’re leaving in early November for a month.
Here’s our itinerary:
Arrival in Takhmau, then heading to:
Kampong Cham
Kratie – 2 days
Mondolkiri – 3 days
Ratanakiri – 3 days
Stung Treng – 1 day
Siem Reap – 4 days
Battambang – 1 day
Kampong Chhnang – 3 days
Kampot – 2 days
Islands (WE’RE HESITATING WHICH ONE?) – 4 DAYS
Phnom Penh – 2 days
That’s it! 😊
We’re backpacking… and we love spots that aren’t too touristy. If you’ve got any tips, we’re all ears!
Thanks
Hi there,
We’d like to stay in Switzerland for five days.
There are two of us (women).
We don’t know this country at all.
What cities or affordable spots would you recommend for visiting?
Cheap accommodation.
Looking for community-based options.
And being close to public transport.
Thanks for your tips and experiences!
Best regards.
Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone has taken a Rede Expressos bus from Lisbon Airport to Lagos, and if so, where exactly at the airport you need to board it? I’m worried I’ll get lost and miss my bus...
