Hi everyone.
We’ve been feeling like there’s a big drop in activity on our forum...
Probably due to the current situation... Have any of you canceled or postponed your upcoming trips?
The forum is also facing competition from social media like Facebook and others, which play a big role in the political situation but are pretty limited when it comes to planning an individual trip.
The mandatory ads for new members on the forum are also a major turn-off that should be removed.
As for the current situation, I’m in Nosy Be, and there’s no problem here. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the future. I feel like this crisis is different this time and could lead to real change. Hope I’m not wrong!
Thanks for your replies!
Good evening,
I don’t think it’s just this forum that’s been affected, but rather VoyageForum as a whole hasn’t quite bounced back since Covid. First, because the shutdown lasted so long—some people picked up other habits or lost interest. And more broadly, I’m not sure forums like this hold the same appeal as they used to. Social media has taken over, and it’s probably way more popular for "travel info." We look for photos, posts, reviews, and stories to get ready. And if we want advice, we’ve also got AI to help plan our trips. You can see the same drop in engagement over at Routard.
It’s too bad for those of us who loved exchanging tips and feeding off—and into—the forum. It seems like fewer and fewer people are into that, and participation has really dropped off.
Hi Jasrymm.
I was reflecting on this recently while coming to the forum.
Indeed, there are far fewer posts these days.
Regarding the situation in Madagascar, I’m leaving next March and I’m sticking to my trip because I really want to see for myself what the living conditions for Malagasy people are like.
The information we get here is dribbled out and doesn’t tell the whole story.
I’ve had this trip planned for a long time and I don’t want to cancel—quite the opposite. I have faith in the younger generation.
Since you’re in Nosy Be, have you passed through Tana recently, and if so, what’s the vibe like in the streets and neighborhoods?
hi
I’ve been in Majunga for a few days. I passed through Tana for a few days in mid-October—everything was calm, just the joy of having ousted RAJOELINA. The new prime minister was appointed, and life goes on.
I was in Madagascar in 2002 and 2009—it was much tougher then, yet I traveled around the country without too many issues.
Outside the capital, it’s often much more relaxed. Even this time, apart from a couple of days at the end of September, no problems at all.
If you listen to the French embassy and consulate, you’d stay home in France! And above all, don’t bother them—they’re overpaid for doing nothing. There are huge savings to be made!!!
Good evening,
I don’t think it’s specifically this forum that’s affected, but rather VoyageForum as a whole hasn’t quite regained its former glory since Covid. First, because the closure lasted so long—some people developed other habits or lost interest. Second, because I don’t really think this type of forum format holds the same appeal as before. Social media has taken over and is probably consulted far more for travel "info." We look for photos, posts, reviews, and stories to prepare. And if we want advice, we also have AI to help plan our trips. We’re seeing the same decline in interest on Le Routard.
Too bad for those who enjoyed exchanging ideas and feeding—and being fed by—the forum. Apparently, it’s of less and less interest, and participation has dropped significantly.
Hey,
In the "New discussions" section of this forum, there have been 34 new posts in the last 14 days that haven’t received any replies, and 89 new posts that have gotten responses.
I wouldn’t call this a deserted forum—it’s actually active, even very active (and way more varied in terms of member exchanges compared to Le Routard, where it’s basically the same 5 or 6 regulars answering everything, with very few new faces).
Hey Jacques, great to see you’re still roaming around Madagascar. I’m leaving for Foulpointe on November 20th for 3 months. I’ll be doing a 20-day bike trek: starting from Foulpointe to Mananara, then heading to Mandritsara through the mountains (it’s doable by bike and motorbike), then Antsohihy, Ambilobe, Vohémar, Sambava, Cap Masoala, Mannara, and back to Foulpointe. Around December 3rd, I’ll be in Ambanja—if you’re nearby, we could meet up. Otherwise, I’ll be in Foulpointe throughout December. If you’re around, we could grab a meal together.
Two years ago, I passed through Lake Alaotra, Mandritsara, and then made my way to Andapa via the mountains. By bike, it’s no problem. By motorbike, it’s doable but tough and very technical. There’s a group of 5 bikers from Tamatave who do raids all over Madagascar—they’ve been through there. Personally, I wouldn’t attempt it by motorbike.
Looking forward to hearing from you. Veloma, see you soon.
Hey Mitch!
Glad to hear from you!
Mananara, Mandritsara by bike! I’m waiting for the report. Okay for Ambanja in early December—give me a call a few days before.
Wow! I didn’t even know it was possible to bike from Mananara Nord to Antsohihy. But to get to Andapa by that route—even more so! I’m impressed. Can you tell us more? What route do you take to reach Andapa?
That must be one heck of an adventure!
Attached Mandritsara–Andapa itinerary:
By bike, it’s doable.
Mandritsara – Antsakabary: 155 km (there are bungalows to sleep in)
Paved road for 78 km, then a passable secondary road for 77 km.
You’ll find food and drinks all along the way.
Antsakabary – Belalona: 80 km (there are bungalows to sleep in)
At the start, an 8 km pass in the form of a steep trail with lots of big rocks, then a hilly trail.
You’ll find food and drinks all along the way.
Belalona – Andapa: 70 km
The first 20 km are really tough in the mountains—rutted road with huge potholes—then the last 50 km are fine.
You’ll find food and drinks all along the way, except for those 20 km in the mountains.
Hi there,
The political situation has stabilized recently.
A new prime minister, a government in place, ...
In short, we can now travel just about anywhere on the Big Island.
Hi all,
Departed from Toulouse at 6 AM on October 9th instead of 8 AM, arrived in Tana at 3 AM on the 10th with Air France, rerouted via Nairobi. Nairobi to Tana with Kenya Airways, so since my ticket bought with Tsaradia for Antalaha on the 10th was scrapped, I stayed in a hotel in Tana for 4 nights to get a ticket (204 € one-way) for Monday the 13th with Tsaradia. No seats available on Saturday the 11th or Sunday the 12th, even though my two fisherman buddies traveled on a plane that was 1/4 empty on Saturday. This is my 21st trip to Madagascar, so I’m not surprised.
Now I’m in Antalaha until December 15th. Found Tana completely calm, and it’s the same here in Antalaha now.
I’d love to share some ideas for exploring beautiful Sri Lanka—a destination that offers an incredible variety of landscapes and experiences.
From tropical beaches and elephant safaris to tea plantations, lush mountains, ancient temples, and nature hikes, there’s so much to discover on this island.
For those planning a trip to Sri Lanka, which regions did you love the most? Any tips on safaris, hikes, private transport, or multi-day tours?
Looking forward to swapping tips and discovering Sri Lanka with you!
Hello everyone!
As part of my MBA in Wine & Spirits at the Académie des Vins in Alsace, I’m conducting a study on the evolution of enotourism in France.
The goal is to better understand what attracts visitors, their habits, and their expectations when exploring our wine regions.
Whether you're a wine lover, a travel enthusiast, or just curious, your input matters. (Even if you’ve never visited a wine estate, you can take part!)
Anonymous survey / 4 to 5 minutes
To complete the survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-loQM0O6NWvXRd6J1XrFXLBNbXHTcR5UT1JTFUnX4aeFK0w/viewform?usp=header
A huge thank you for your participation and for any shares! This will really help me with my study.
Note: No advertising, promotions, product sales, or service offers are included
2.16.1.2
Hi, we're planning a month-long trip to Vietnam and we've received a quote from a local agency (AGENDA TOUR VIETNAM CO.LTD). Does anyone know this agency and can tell us about it?
Many of us have noticed that bugs have been making it difficult to navigate the forum lately.
I’ll let Kate and Ticapi explain the issue:
I went to your profile to check out the Thailand travel journal, and when I clicked on it, it brought me back here again. All week, I’ve been dealing with bugs like this—it’s really discouraging from continuing on VF.🙁
I had the same thing happen, and multiple times. For me, it was Montagnard’s latest journal that kept coming up no matter which discussion I clicked on.
I left my heart’s country eight days ago and returned to my adopted one—or was it the other way around? Scotland-Morvan, Morvan-Scotland, I’m not quite sure anymore.
After a quarter without dragging my slippers around here, even though I’d loudly declared I had no interest left in this site, here I am again!
My imagination never stays fallow for long. Just enough time for my inner land to rest. It gets overgrown with fresh nettles, the kind you can pick without getting stung. Then, it’s time to till the fragrant earth and let the story grow.
I hesitated over where to set this story.
Maybe the Highlands, maybe the Hebrides, maybe the Orkney Islands, maybe the Shetland Islands. All of Scotland is myth—easy to embroider.
But in the end, no. I’d almost be too afraid to bare my soul.
The story will take place at home. Simple, practical.
1)
This morning, I was up well before dawn, feeling a bit grumpy, but nothing a bowl of coffee won’t fix. I love my bowl, and no one dares take it. It’s porcelain, edged with intertwined blue flowers. On the bottom, it says "Revol." The factory has existed long before the Revolution. It was my great-grandmother’s bowl. She drank roasted barley from it during the war, then her Leroux chicory.
Last year, a little guy dropped it. My bowl broke into three pieces. A black anger vibrated deep inside me. The little boy was so upset, on the verge of tears. How could I scold him!
I picked up the three pieces and took Little Boy in my arms. His hair smelled of the light, sweet sweat of toddlers. A gentle hug that healed—his budding sorrow and my anger—everything vanished, and time carried on.
Today, my bowl is even prettier. Man fixed it using the traditional kintsugi technique, except he didn’t use gold powder or lacquer but superglue, and he delicately painted the cracks with woad blue. And my bowl is even more beautiful now.
I’m lingering, I can tell—it’s just that a story wraps itself in life, and life can’t be told in the snap of a finger. Life is long. Like in architecture, you start with a rough sketch, called a "sous-cul" (the initial pencil drawing), then you make a tracing, which is the work itself, the one you later carefully roll up in a wooden tube.
Life is like that: you erase, you start over, you use the nub of the pencil until it’s tiny, but you keep going—dreaming, loving.
"Living is a full-time occupation, a unique adventure. Always a surprise and a wonder, which sometimes turns into astonishment. And, from time to time, happiness."*
Alright, enough digressing—this introduction is definitely too long.
Tomorrow, I’ll get to the heart of the matter.
(I hate that expression; it feels like I’m cutting into someone’s skin.)
I panicked a bit about this during my last trip. My phone said it was connected to the network but had no data. Turns out the issue was with the APN—I had copied an APN code from a Vietnamese operator I found on a forum, thinking it would help, but it actually broke my connection on a travel eSIM. I removed it, reset to default, and it worked right away.
Also, FYI: it’s normal for a travel eSIM not to activate until you’ve landed and turned airplane mode back off. Don’t panic and delete the profile before landing—it’s not broken.
In November-December, we’re planning a 6-week road trip in Morocco, spending two-thirds of the time south of the High Atlas and away from cities. We’ll be staying in gîtes, kasbahs, riads, and the like—no big hotels. Usually, we stay 1–2 nights in the same place.
Six weeks means we’ll need to do laundry at some point, so here’s our question: Can we generally count on finding a washing machine/dryer in these accommodations? Or should we look for a laundromat or *lavandería* (are there any?)?
Worst case, we’ll hand-wash with a tube of detergent, but we’d rather avoid that if possible…
If you’ve got experience with how laundry works in the area, we’d love your tips!
Thanks everyone! !
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Japan in May with Voyage Privé. The package includes a 5 GB eSIM, but my phone isn’t new enough to support it. VP told me I could buy a SIM card when I arrive at the airport.
Sure enough, I’ve seen online that this is possible with different providers.
I only need it for checking routes, looking up addresses, train schedules, etc.—basically using Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and similar apps. No heavy downloads or major internet use. All hotels should provide free Wi-Fi for that, right?
Has anyone got any tips for me on this? What have you tried, and how much did it cost?
Thanks for your help!
Hi, I'm Pierre and I've just finished a Master's in Earth and Environmental Sciences. But I don't feel like jumping straight into working life (permanent contract, big company, and all that comes with it...) and I'd love to travel for several months. It was a gap year during my first year of my Master's with a 6-month Working Holiday Visa (solo) in New Zealand that gave me a taste for travel and adventure.
This time, I'd like to make this project happen not alone but with my girlfriend, who's finishing her studies next September.
I have a lot of questions about returning to work after this and the famous "gap" in my CV. If this project goes ahead, I'd be applying for jobs about 1.5–2 years after getting my degree. In the meantime, I'd like to apply for short-term contracts in my field to gain some experience, but the opportunities are very limited, if not non-existent, with a Master's degree...
Personally, I'm convinced that these travel experiences are a plus, but I'm less sure about how recruiters see it...
I feel a bit lost between my deep desires and the reality of the job market.
If anyone has any feedback or a similar experience, I'd love to hear it! :)
In 1985, the film "Out of Africa" was released, which inspired me to visit Kenya for the first time a year later.
My passion for animals in their wild and natural habitat, and thus for safaris, was born while watching this film and appreciating Robert REDFORD’s acting.
Of course, the film’s director and Meryl STREEP also contributed greatly to this wonderful movie.....
In a way, I owe him this passion, and I thank him for it.
Sometimes, during safaris, when we had our breakfasts in the middle of nature, in one reserve or another in Kenya or Tanzania, I often thought of him.
May he rest in peace, far from our world of madness.
Thank you for EVERYTHING, Mr. REDFORD.
( In three weeks in Kenya, I think I’ll often be thinking of him....... )
Hello
In some Polish cities, seniors benefit from free public transport. My question is: does this also apply to EU foreigners? On paper, yes, but I know some travelers have run into unsympathetic inspectors in the past who refused to grant this discount to non-Polish people. That said, these situations are a few years old now. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Traveling by plane between Southern Corsica and Paris? Whether it's a one-time trip or regularly, accompany one of our kittens during the journey to their forever home. The repatriation of our rescued street kittens is made possible thanks to travelers like you. No worries: you'll be guided every step of the way to complete this mission.
The in-cabin pet ticket is covered by our association, and reimbursement for expenses is possible (depending on the kitten's drop-off location, so let's discuss this beforehand).
Available and motivated to make this one-way trip with a cat and change their life?
Contact us before your next trip: https://assopacci.com/contact/
Hi everyone, fellow travelers!
I’m looking for anyone who’s in Kyoto or planning to visit Nishiki Market! Here’s the thing: during our trip there in April, we discovered a jewelry artisan (highly recommended!) on the left when exiting through the west exit of Nishiki Market (which is a long covered east-west street). I bought a piece of jewelry for my daughter there, but she lost it. I’d love to buy her another one! In the photo, it’s the shop with the yellow awning to the right of the restaurant with the blue awning, "Sushi Sakai." Would any kind soul be willing to get the shop’s name, email, or phone number for me? Despite my Google/AI searches, it’s nowhere to be found. A thousand thanks to whoever can help me out! Wishing you all great vacations!
Sabrina
Hello everyone! 🙂🙂,
A BIG thank you to all the travelers who sent us postcards this year—my students are becoming real geography whizzes!!!!!!!! I’m renewing my call for your kindness this year! We’re also working on food, so if your postcards can make our mouths water with local dishes, traditional meals, or typical recipes, that’d be amazing!!
Here’s a quick recap of the project:
I’m reaching out to all travelers and globetrotters on this forum. I’m a teacher in Creuse, working in a ULIS program (which welcomes children aged 6 to 12 with disabilities into a mainstream school). This year, I’m starting a school journal project that will involve the kids in many different topics. A big part of the journal will focus on opening up to the world, diversity, travel, countries, culture...
I’m launching a call to invite as many of you as possible to send us a little postcard (from France or anywhere in the world!) to take us on a journey and help us discover new places, countries, and horizons—much more fun and exciting than a regular geography textbook! One section of our journal could be called "We received mail from " and would be an opportunity to research that location and share what we learn with our readers (a super enriching activity in class).
The project starts in September 2025 but has no real end date, as this journal and world discovery initiative will span several school years (the kids stay in my ULIS program for multiple years). Postcards can be sent anytime—throughout the year, across seasons, even during holidays! (The kids will find them when they return.)
I hope this idea appeals to as many of you as possible and that you’ll spread the word to your fellow traveler friends. Make us dream, take us on a journey!!!
For those who’d like to write to us in a language other than French, no problem—quite the opposite!!
Thank you in advance for your participation(s)! Below is our address. Feel free to leave your own address on a corner of the postcard if you’d like us to write back! 😊
The ULIS program students
Bonnat Elementary School
12 rue Georges Sand
23220 BONNAT
Thank you, and see you soon, I hope! 😁
Julien
BOLIVIA: THE COUNTRY ON THE BRINK (What's Really Happening)
A dramatic saga is unfolding before our eyes in the Andes. Between suffocating blockades, clashes, an international airlift, and historic political decisions, Bolivia has just experienced 48 hours of rare intensity.
Here’s the full breakdown (economic, social, and political) of the last 48 hours:
For travelers and tourists: the article also includes an important note about the upcoming publication (starting tomorrow) of the precise status of roadblocks, route by route.
I’ll post the full update here on Voyage Forum!
Don’t miss this in-depth analysis. History is being written before our eyes! https://www.petitherge.com/bolivie-paralysie-et-ultimatum
I just discovered a great show on Arte.
It's called "7 en route": seven young European journalists travel around Europe in a fully converted bus, making reports on every city they visit. It's amazing! 🙂
Yesterday, for example, they were in Rome, Italy, and the reports included things like the world's smallest restaurant—a super romantic spot for two. There was also a report on the king of paparazzi in Italy.
They have to pick topics that let us discover the little quirks of each country. And at the end of each episode, we get to see the finished report.
It's such a great show, mixing journalism, travel, and discovery—basically, a must-watch!
It airs in the evening starting at 6:50 PM (I think), and it started this past Monday, July 14th.
If you watch it, let me know—we can chat about it!
I’m Yann, a 28-year-old TikToker who loves traveling!
Since I’ve been to several destinations, I’d love to get a flag from each one as a sort of trophy. But from what I’ve seen online, a lot of sites sell them with what looks like really poor quality...
So I’m reaching out to you all to share a site you usually use—help me start my collection! :)
hi there
I’d love to get some opinions—I’ve never used Airbnb before.
They’re offering a key handover via lockbox.
Any tips or advice?
Is it reliable?
Best,
Hi there, I’m Laura, and I’m looking for a few people to answer some questions so I can understand your travel wishes and challenges. It won’t take long—I can chat here, by email, or by phone. Don’t worry, I’m not selling anything! 😊
On this forum, we talk a lot about trekking in the Himalayas, but I’d love to share another side of Nepal: its spiritual, cultural, and religious atmosphere, especially in Kathmandu.
Nepal, much like Tibet and Bhutan, is deeply connected to the Himalayas—the ultimate sacred mountain range. This small country exudes a calming vibe, shaped by a strong spiritual dimension. What I loved most was the unique sensory experience you get there. Walking around temples and tantric monasteries, a distinct scent fills the air—aromatic plants used for ritual fumigation. Locals mainly burn Himalayan juniper, cedar, sandalwood, and other local essences. This fragrant smoke is a way to purify the space and reach the deities, and you’re constantly enveloped in these aromas.
Another striking aspect is the sound. As soon as you step outside, you hear bells ringing in front of temples. People ring them three times before praying to announce their presence to the deities. Nepal is also the birthplace of singing bowls and sound meditation practices. In Kathmandu, you can easily find meditation sessions or "sound baths."
The spiritual dimension is everywhere: a Hindu sadhu practicing asceticism, a lama in deep red robes with his mala, turning a prayer wheel while murmuring "Om mani padme hum." Newar Buddhism, Tantrism, and Hinduism coexist harmoniously in daily life.
For those who love exploring a destination through its culture and spirituality, Nepal is an unforgettable place. What was your spiritual experience in Nepal like?
Hi,
I’m landing in Quebec and then heading to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. I’d like to rent a pick-up. My question is: does this vehicle come with a cover and is it secure enough to store luggage in? I’ve heard two conflicting opinions. Thanks
I just installed the Maps.Me app on my phone. I only recently found out about this app. I’m traveling in 2 weeks and a few days, and I’m a bit stuck on how to use it.
I’m from the Montreal (Quebec) area, and I’d love to know if there’s a kind soul out there who could help me get started and use the app at least minimally.
If there are private lessons available, I’d be interested in those too.
Like many others, I’m overjoyed to hear that VoyageForum is reopening! I’ve been waiting hopefully for this, and it’s wonderful that it’s finally happening!
I just couldn’t bring myself to actively participate in other French-language travel forums—their format and way of doing things never appealed to me as much. I really hope that VF’s structure, categories, and interface won’t change too much despite the handover, because I’m very attached to them. Through thick and thin, the site has held strong—it’s amazing!
In a previous message, François mentioned that there were positions to fill ahead of the reopening, including moderators...
I’ve been eagerly waiting for this and hoping to send in my CV.
Now, after reading the latest message, it seems like the team is already fully formed. But are there still a few spots left to fill?
I’ve been a VF member for 20 years (since 2004). I’d love to contribute to this wonderful adventure as a moderator if VF would trust me with the role. If the team is open to reviewing it, I’m ready to send my CV. Could you let me know the next steps?
Hi everyone, fellow travelers!
I’m looking for anyone who’s in Kyoto or planning to visit Nishiki Market! Here’s the thing: during our trip there in April, we discovered a jewelry artisan (highly recommended!) on the left when exiting through the west exit of Nishiki Market (which is a long covered east-west street). I bought a piece of jewelry for my daughter there, but she lost it. I’d love to buy her another one! In the photo, it’s the shop with the yellow awning to the right of the restaurant with the blue awning, "Sushi Sakai." Would any kind soul be willing to get the shop’s name, email, or phone number for me? Despite my Google/AI searches, it’s nowhere to be found. A thousand thanks to whoever can help me out! Wishing you all great vacations!
Sabrina
