Retour de Madère
by Seniore
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
😮 Bonjour, je reviens de Madére, séjour de 15 jours, je suis trés désagréablement surprise de l'accueil des Madériens, disons plutot du manque d'accueil, que ce soit à l'hotel, dans les boutiques, les Quintas devenues musées etc...., totale indifférence, je suis une voyageuse et je dois dire que cela ne s'est jamais produit, là c'est l'apothéose, meme comportement au jardin tropical, on sent que l'on dérange et plus encore si l'on est Français, cela semble aller mieux pour les Anglais et Allemands, inutile de vous dire que ce sera le seul voyage dans le Pays !!!
bon vent !!! va ou tu veux , meures ou tu dois !!!
😊
Bonjour
Je suis sincèrement desolé de votre accueil, je suis un habitué de Madère et je ne l'ai jamais vecu comme vous, mais je comprends que cela puisse arriver. C'est malheureusement vrai un peu partout, surtout en haute saison.
Il est vrai aussi que les valeures économiques, sont malheureusement plus importantes que le reste et il est vrai que les Allemands et autres Anglais, avec leur fort pouvoir d'achat sont traités différemment y compris en France, en effet ils génerent un plus grand chiffre d'affaires....
Je peux vous assurer que les Madériens, sont des gens sympatiques et le tourisme étant leur principale ressource ils font tout pour rendre leur île accueillante et de toute beauté.
Si je peux me permettre un conseil, je proposerai à ceux qui souhaitent découvrir Madère, d'y aller hors juillet et août et au lieu d'aller à l'hotel, louez plutôt une belle maison à un particulier, cela vous coutera moins cher et vous profitez de leurs conseils pour tirer tout le parti de Madère, au niveau des visites, randonnées, gastronomie et vous profitez d'un séjour toujours très agréable au niveau climat et plus calme de la part des commerçants.
C'est comme cela que je fais depuis longtemps et maintenant nous connaissons bien l'île, les meilleurs plans pour se loger ou encore pour la location de voiture et nous passons toujours un agréable séjour, entre baignades et randonnées.
A la disposition de tous pour partager ma passion pour Madère et mon expérience.
😮bonjour, juste une précision, je suis rentrée samedi 29 sept donc pas la période la plus chargée, de plus l'hotel Monumental Lido n'est pas un petit hotel et pourtant le personnel ne s'exprime pas en Français, curieux non ? j'ajoute car cela definit l'etat d'esprit que la bibliotheque de cet hotel ne posséde aucun livre Français, là, ça fait beaucoup !!! Meme chose dans les kiosques, la presse Française brille par son absence .trés dommage, je le dis car je l'ai vécu, tout ceci terni un séjour, il vaut mieux le savoir .je répéte que le Portugal c'est terminé pour moi .
bon vent !!! va ou tu veux , meures ou tu dois !!!
Vous êtes en colère !!
Il est vrai que tous les hôtels ne disposent pas de personnel parlant Français. L'explication est que les Français ne constituaient pas, jusqu'à présent une part significative des touristes, en effet les agences de voyage Françaises, ont longtemps boudé Madère, au profit d'autres voyages à la mode et plus lucratives (Thaïlande / Mexique / Egypte / Cuba / USA / ...), quel intérêt de visiter une petite île Portuguaise à 3 heures d'avion ?
Les choses ont changé, depuis peu (2 à 3 ans) on assiste à une recrudescence de touristes Français, qui en reviennent la plupart du temps enchantés de découvrir une si belle île, proche de la France et en plus économique au quotidien, comme vous avez pu remarquer (hôtels / restaurants / bars / … ). Cela va donc changer et les hôtels qui ne parlent pas la langue, vont devoir recruter du personnel francophone. Je sais que des formations sont déjà en cours à Funchal.
Je connais bien L'hôtel Monumental Lido, nous y avons séjourné 1 semaine il y a 4 ans, et franchement ce n'est pas une référence dans ce domaine ... Je me souviens pas de la diversité de la bibliothèque de l'hôtel, en effet, c'est un détail que je n'ai jamais vérifié, trop occupé à découvrir l'île. Cependant si vous allez à la FNAC, à Madeira-Shopping, sur les hauteurs de Funchal, vous trouverez des centaines d'ouvrages en Français. Je vous assure, c’est en train de changer et ce que Madere nous offre par ailleurs, vaut quelques frustations passagères.
Je connais bien L'hôtel Monumental Lido, nous y avons séjourné 1 semaine il y a 4 ans, et franchement ce n'est pas une référence dans ce domaine ... Je me souviens pas de la diversité de la bibliothèque de l'hôtel, en effet, c'est un détail que je n'ai jamais vérifié, trop occupé à découvrir l'île. Cependant si vous allez à la FNAC, à Madeira-Shopping, sur les hauteurs de Funchal, vous trouverez des centaines d'ouvrages en Français. Je vous assure, c’est en train de changer et ce que Madere nous offre par ailleurs, vaut quelques frustations passagères.
😉ouf, enfin quelqu'un d'accord avec moi, je partage l'exact sentiment que tu as eu, les autres s'étant avec bonheur semble t'il, engoufré dans le faux débat des retraités, à qui, au passage, je ne souhaite que du bien, j'ai resssenti la même chose que toi et je ne remettrais plus les pieds à madère !!
Même sentiment que Evelyno sur notre séjour à Madère. Je ne peux qualifier les Madérans de sympas ou de désagréables tant je les ais trouvés absents, non concernés par les touristes (francophones !!) voir assez souvent hautains.
De plus, nous sommes allés fin novembre et si du point de vue de la température, il n'y a rien à dire, ce n'est pas de même du côté ensoleillement. On pouvait se croire en Belgique !!
Question hotel, nous étions à Machico et nous avons tenu le coup 3 jours. Non seulement, nous étions parqué au -1 à cet hotel, mais à 5 mètres devant nous il y avait un mur. Le personnel n'avait que d'égal que la "ville", c-a-d l' absence d'intérêt.
Je suis plus près de la pension qu'autres choses mais ce n'est certainement pas là que je me retirerai.
krysto
De plus, nous sommes allés fin novembre et si du point de vue de la température, il n'y a rien à dire, ce n'est pas de même du côté ensoleillement. On pouvait se croire en Belgique !!
Question hotel, nous étions à Machico et nous avons tenu le coup 3 jours. Non seulement, nous étions parqué au -1 à cet hotel, mais à 5 mètres devant nous il y avait un mur. Le personnel n'avait que d'égal que la "ville", c-a-d l' absence d'intérêt.
Je suis plus près de la pension qu'autres choses mais ce n'est certainement pas là que je me retirerai.
krysto
😮bonjour, je ne veux pas que l'on croit ou que l'on pense que je n'ai pas aimé l'ile, c'est tout le contraire, ce sont les Maderiens qui m'ont étonnés, j'ai cotoyé les Portugais du Brésil et ils sont totalement différents, ils étaient souriants, sympas, ils m'ont meme aidé lorsque j'avais un probléme pour trouver mon chemin, là je dois dire que je suis tombée de l'armoire en les voyant ignorer ce qui se passait autour d'eux, totalement scotchée !!!il m'est arrivé d'entrer dans des magasins de Funchal sans que personne ne me salue ni ne vienne voir ce qu'éventuellement je cherchais, je vous assure, c'est beaucoup plus grave que vous ne le croyez, d'ailleurs une anecdote, si un lecteur habite cette ville ou y passe je lui conseille de visiter la quinta de cruzes, tres bel endroit, en entrant il y a un panneau qui dit :en portugais, qui dit en anglais, qui dit en allemand ce que l'on va y voir et en Fançais qui dit :< ne marcher pas sur les tapis ! ne vous asseyer pas sur les siéges !véridique, j'ai eu l'impression qu'ils s'adressaient aux "porcs" de Français !!!suis-je éveillée ou d'orge !!!!!!!voila, ce sera tout pour Madére.j'ai beaucoup apprécié le survol en hélico, sublime !
bon vent !!! va ou tu veux , meures ou tu dois !!!
Finalement Madère c'est un peu comme à Paris : les gens s'ignorent et on ne fait pas attention à toi quand tu rentres dans une boutique. Toujours à Paris, les réceptions d'hôtels parlent rarement portugais et les panneaux explicatifs sont rarement écrits dans cette langue ...
Enfin le coup de "ne marcher pas sur les tapis ! ne vous asseyer pas sur les siéges !" ça me rappelle une boutique en Angleterre (j'ai oublié où exactement ...) qui indiquait sur un panneau : interdit aux chiens et aux Français ! Comme quoi la réputation du Français à l'étranger est loin d'être glorieuse ...
Bonjour à tous,
moi aussi, j'ai été à madère en novembre l'année passée, à l'hotel vila gale précisemment et je n'ai pas eu à me plaindre, il y avait une réceptionnaiste qui parlait pas trop mal le français ainsi qu'un serveur. Pour le reste, on se débrouille en anglais comme dans la plupart des pays (turquie, égypte, grèce, espagne, ..). Je suis belge et je constate une sacrée différence dans les hotels fréquentés principalement par les français, ils se contentent souvent d'un 3 étoiles, chose que je ne ferai plus jamais, j'ai été très déçue. Alors si vous voulez du service et du confort, ne descendez pas en dessous de 4 étoiles. Alors quand vous parlez de la froideur des portugais et des madériens, prenez les espagnols et là vous trouverez des gens froids et indifférents envers les touristes. Et maitenant, en france, vous prenez les bretons, les normands, les parisiens, la côte d'azur, ... pour ne citer qu'eux et là vous trouvez qu'ils sont sympas ? Une dernière chose, je pense qu'avoir tous les temps des touristes dans les pieds, ça doit pas toujours être évident. Alors, adoptons nous au pays visité.
moi aussi, j'ai été à madère en novembre l'année passée, à l'hotel vila gale précisemment et je n'ai pas eu à me plaindre, il y avait une réceptionnaiste qui parlait pas trop mal le français ainsi qu'un serveur. Pour le reste, on se débrouille en anglais comme dans la plupart des pays (turquie, égypte, grèce, espagne, ..). Je suis belge et je constate une sacrée différence dans les hotels fréquentés principalement par les français, ils se contentent souvent d'un 3 étoiles, chose que je ne ferai plus jamais, j'ai été très déçue. Alors si vous voulez du service et du confort, ne descendez pas en dessous de 4 étoiles. Alors quand vous parlez de la froideur des portugais et des madériens, prenez les espagnols et là vous trouverez des gens froids et indifférents envers les touristes. Et maitenant, en france, vous prenez les bretons, les normands, les parisiens, la côte d'azur, ... pour ne citer qu'eux et là vous trouvez qu'ils sont sympas ? Une dernière chose, je pense qu'avoir tous les temps des touristes dans les pieds, ça doit pas toujours être évident. Alors, adoptons nous au pays visité.
gégé voyageuse dans l'âme
Bonjour Seniore,
Je suis vraiment desolée pour vous.
Mais c'est quand même bizard ce que vous racontez.
Je suis de l'île de Madère, je vis ici et depuis 1 an j'accueille des personnes qui veulent passer leurs vacances sur l'île, et jusqu'á present ils en reppartent enchanté et heureux de leur sejour, que ce soit de l'acceuil que je leur reserve, des habitants et de l'île en elle même.
J'ai deja reçu des Suisses, des Allemands (je ne parle pas l'allemand), des Norvegiens (le norvegiens je ne le parle pas non plus), des Espagnols et bien sur des Français.
Je ne sais pas si c'est la mentalité des personnes qui recherchent un logement chez l'habitant, mais dans tous les cas ils reppartent ravis. C'est vrai que ces personnes font un effort de vouloir parler le Portugais, de s'integrer, de se melanger á la population et pas etre specialement redevable de quoi que ce soit. Les Allemands et les Norvegiens parlaient l'Espagnol et nous le Portugais, c'était pas mal ce melange.
En esperant que ce temoignage encouragera les personnes du monde entier á vouloir decouvrir cette destination et ces habitants simples et disponibles...
Bonjour,
nous envisageons de partir 1 semaine fin avril avec nos 3 enfants(18, 15 et 10 ans) ; notre choix ne s'est pas encore arreté sur la destination ; en fait j'hésite pour le moment entre Madère et la Sardaigne ; nous avons envie d'un peu de chaleur et de plage, mais aussi de balades "nature" et de beaux paysages.....
Vos conseils sur votre île seraient les bienvenus.....
Merci d'avance
MARIE
Bonjour Marie
Madère est très différente de la Sardaigne. Si vous voulez faire un tour d'horizon des paysages de Madère, je vous propose de parcourir le site : http://www.locationmadere.com/
Vous avez une séection d'une vingtaine de photos qui sont répresentatives de notre île.
Cordialement
Madère est très différente de la Sardaigne. Si vous voulez faire un tour d'horizon des paysages de Madère, je vous propose de parcourir le site : http://www.locationmadere.com/
Vous avez une séection d'une vingtaine de photos qui sont répresentatives de notre île.
Cordialement
Bonjour, et merci beaucoup pour les photos..... Elles sont magnifiques!!!! et les paysages ont l'air sublime aussi ; je réfléchis toujours.....Par contre, avec la fête des fleurs, les locations sont peut être plus dures à trouver......et il va peut etre falloir que je me depeche....
MARIE
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Auriez-vous un conseil sur les lieux à privilégier pour un premier voyage sur cette destination ? Merci
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I can’t make up my mind. The transport costs are roughly the same when you factor in parking for Sardinia since the early departure means no public transport from home.
We’ve never been to Menorca, Sardinia, or Italy at all. I’ve been to Majorca, though. Menorca would be 4 nights and 4 days, while Alghero would be 3 nights and 2.5 days. Also, what itinerary would you recommend for Alghero and Menorca? Where to stay?
Thank you so much for your insightful traveler tips.
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I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options. Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Our main goal is hiking.
Thanks for your tips!😉
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
Hi everyone,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it? Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.) Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia Day 7: Ortigia Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?) Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional) Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?) Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip) Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits Day 20: The city Day 21: The city (Monreale?) Day 22: Options: - Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello) - Cefalù (45 min by train) Day 23: Return flight
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it? Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.) Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia Day 7: Ortigia Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?) Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional) Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?) Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip) Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits Day 20: The city Day 21: The city (Monreale?) Day 22: Options: - Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello) - Cefalù (45 min by train) Day 23: Return flight
Hello,
We’re heading to Bavaria from May 13 to 23, with a side trip to Austria.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Brussels-Munich
Day 2: Munich
Day 3: Munich and departure for Salzburg
We’ll be staying three nights in Salzburg.
Then we’ll head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we’ll stay for five nights.
Visiting Munich and Salzburg isn’t too tricky.
Once in Garmisch, we’re planning a day in Innsbruck, a day for Neuschwanstein Castle, and the rest is still up in the air.
What’s really got me stumped is that we’d love to see Königssee Lake—everyone says it’s a must-see.
We’d also like to visit the Eagle’s Nest (Kehlsteinhaus), where the landscapes are supposedly stunning.
This would either be a round trip while we’re in Salzburg or on the way between Salzburg and Garmisch, but I’m guessing it’s impossible to do the drive from Salzburg to Garmisch, the Eagle’s Nest, *and* Königssee Lake all in one day.
Plus, the Alpine route between Salzburg and Garmisch seems prettier than the highway.
But honestly, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with the planning.
We should’ve added a stop between Salzburg and Garmisch, but the hotels are already booked.
Thanks for any advice on the itinerary and visits!
Another question: How far in advance should we book Neuschwanstein, Königssee, and the Eagle’s Nest in May?
Thanks so much in advance for your tips and ideas!
hi
I’ll be in Copenhagen this coming May for a few days.
Do you have any recommendations for things to visit?
If I had to pick one castle to visit, which one would it be?
I’m torn between: Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, or Frederiksborg and Charlottenborg Palaces
Any suggestions?
Thanks
I’ll be in Copenhagen this coming May for a few days.
Do you have any recommendations for things to visit?
If I had to pick one castle to visit, which one would it be?
I’m torn between: Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, or Frederiksborg and Charlottenborg Palaces
Any suggestions?
Thanks
hi
I’m wondering if anyone can give me some info on how to get from Mallorca to Menorca.
Since flights are cheaper to Mallorca, I’d like to go that way.
Thanks so much for your help!
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip to Finland and Norway this summer, starting in Oulu to explore Lapland, heading up to the North Cape, and then making our way down to Bergen.
This route means renting a car in Finland and dropping it off in Norway. My initial searches are showing rental rates that are... astronomical—about three times the price compared to returning it at the starting point.
I’m guessing I’m not the only one wanting to visit both countries. Are there any great tips to drastically reduce the cost of renting a car?
Thanks to the community for your suggestions!
We’re planning a trip to Finland and Norway this summer, starting in Oulu to explore Lapland, heading up to the North Cape, and then making our way down to Bergen.
This route means renting a car in Finland and dropping it off in Norway. My initial searches are showing rental rates that are... astronomical—about three times the price compared to returning it at the starting point.
I’m guessing I’m not the only one wanting to visit both countries. Are there any great tips to drastically reduce the cost of renting a car?
Thanks to the community for your suggestions!
Hi there, we’re a couple of bikers planning a trip to Majorca in June 2026, and I’d love to organize a half-day or full-day boat or catamaran outing. Which coast do you think is the nicest for this, and do you have any suggestions or personal experiences to share? Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
We’ll be staying in London for 3 nights in September.
Could you recommend a hotel near a tube station, at a good price, with fairly spacious rooms?
Thanks! 🌸
We’ll be staying in London for 3 nights in September.
Could you recommend a hotel near a tube station, at a good price, with fairly spacious rooms?
Thanks! 🌸
Hi there,
Does anyone know if there are any works in progress at Torcello, and if so, what type of works and how long they’re expected to last?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I’m sharing my draft itinerary with you because I just booked our flight tickets, and I feel like it’s quite late in the season. So, I’d like to be sure about my stops before reserving the hotels. I’ll be traveling alone with my two adult children. We want to prioritize outdoor walks, avoid too many indoor visits (both for budget and preference), and not spend too much time on the road.
D1: Arrival at 9 AM in Malaga, day in Malaga and overnight stay D2: Head straight to Nerja (1-hour drive) and spend the night there D3: Head straight to Granada (1.5-hour drive), spend the day and night there D4: Granada. Visit the Alhambra (Nasrid Palaces tour at 5 PM) and spend the night D5: Head to Ronda (2.5-hour drive) and spend the night D6: White Villages and overnight in Ronda D7: Head straight to the Costa del Sol (e.g., Estepona), spend the day and night there D8: Return to Malaga to catch our flight
There you go! This itinerary takes into account that we’d like to do a circuit starting from Seville in a few years. That said, it’d be a shame to miss something doable from Malaga.
Questions: Since the Alhambra visit is only at 5 PM, and we’d already have the day to explore Granada, would arriving the day before be a mistake? Or should we skip this day and dedicate it elsewhere (Costa del Sol? Head toward Tabernas?)? The old town appeals to me, but maybe the Sacromonte neighborhood isn’t essential... Same question for Ronda: should we dedicate a full day to it, or combine Ronda and the White Villages in one day? Note that we love wandering around villages outside, so that might answer my question! :)
Final question: Is it better to rent the car at Malaga Airport or in the city? If we rent at the airport, we’d need a hotel with parking, which doesn’t seem easy. Or stay outside the city and park for free near the center if possible? I’ve read comments about taking a taxi to Malaga and then picking up the rental car at the airport the next morning. The taxi would really need to be affordable...
Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions for visits during this little circuit. Have a great day, everyone! Christine
D1: Arrival at 9 AM in Malaga, day in Malaga and overnight stay D2: Head straight to Nerja (1-hour drive) and spend the night there D3: Head straight to Granada (1.5-hour drive), spend the day and night there D4: Granada. Visit the Alhambra (Nasrid Palaces tour at 5 PM) and spend the night D5: Head to Ronda (2.5-hour drive) and spend the night D6: White Villages and overnight in Ronda D7: Head straight to the Costa del Sol (e.g., Estepona), spend the day and night there D8: Return to Malaga to catch our flight
There you go! This itinerary takes into account that we’d like to do a circuit starting from Seville in a few years. That said, it’d be a shame to miss something doable from Malaga.
Questions: Since the Alhambra visit is only at 5 PM, and we’d already have the day to explore Granada, would arriving the day before be a mistake? Or should we skip this day and dedicate it elsewhere (Costa del Sol? Head toward Tabernas?)? The old town appeals to me, but maybe the Sacromonte neighborhood isn’t essential... Same question for Ronda: should we dedicate a full day to it, or combine Ronda and the White Villages in one day? Note that we love wandering around villages outside, so that might answer my question! :)
Final question: Is it better to rent the car at Malaga Airport or in the city? If we rent at the airport, we’d need a hotel with parking, which doesn’t seem easy. Or stay outside the city and park for free near the center if possible? I’ve read comments about taking a taxi to Malaga and then picking up the rental car at the airport the next morning. The taxi would really need to be affordable...
Thanks so much for your feedback and suggestions for visits during this little circuit. Have a great day, everyone! Christine
Hello,
we’re a couple planning a 2-week road trip this August, with a must-stop (about 3 days on Skye). Any route suggestions? Hotel recommendations? Photo spots?
Hello,
My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland in September 2026. We’ll be flying from Montreal to London, where we’ll spend three nights. After that, we’ll head to Dublin for a few days and take trains to visit the main attractions. Our ideal plan would be to choose hotels near train stations and take tours to the interesting spots. Would 8 days in Ireland be enough for this kind of trip?
My husband and I are planning a trip to Ireland in September 2026. We’ll be flying from Montreal to London, where we’ll spend three nights. After that, we’ll head to Dublin for a few days and take trains to visit the main attractions. Our ideal plan would be to choose hotels near train stations and take tours to the interesting spots. Would 8 days in Ireland be enough for this kind of trip?
Hi there,
We’re a group of 4 heading out at the end of June for 11 days. I’m just starting my research. We’ll be renting a regular car, not a 4x4. I’m not finding a ton of info on the North. Would love your take on all those kilometers—is there a route that lets us cut out a section? Thanks
We’re a group of 4 heading out at the end of June for 11 days. I’m just starting my research. We’ll be renting a regular car, not a 4x4. I’m not finding a ton of info on the North. Would love your take on all those kilometers—is there a route that lets us cut out a section? Thanks
Hi there,
Can you share your experiences about Bilbao with us? We're planning to go during the last week of April, with our main goal being to visit the Guggenheim Museum. Despite our research, we're not sure if a week is too long or what there really is to see and do in Bilbao. Should we rent a car to explore the surrounding areas? For San Sebastián, it seems there are pretty convenient buses. Would a day trip there and back be doable?
Any advice would be welcome regarding the itinerary, local transportation, hotels, and how long to stay.
Thanks in advance!
Maevita
Hello,
I’m looking for a trek itinerary for two people in Sweden—something authentic, varied, and spectacular (transport from Stockholm). My partner and I have experience in Norway (Dovrefjell and Jotunheimen) and would love to explore Sweden’s landscapes. Naturally, I’ve been considering the Sarek / Padjelanta / Stora Sjöfallet area. I haven’t decided on a specific destination yet, so I have a few questions and would love input from experienced travelers.
- Which region of Sweden should be a priority if we love mountains?
- Starting in mid-July, which summits in the Sarek / Padjelanta / Stora area are interesting and accessible without gear (crampons, rope, ice axe)? We have solid mountaineering experience and want to gain elevation without overloading our packs. Ideally, summits without crevassed glacier crossings and minimal technical climbing (easy scrambling).
- How many days does it take to complete the north-to-south traverse of Sarek?
Thanks for your tips and ideas! :)
I’m looking for a trek itinerary for two people in Sweden—something authentic, varied, and spectacular (transport from Stockholm). My partner and I have experience in Norway (Dovrefjell and Jotunheimen) and would love to explore Sweden’s landscapes. Naturally, I’ve been considering the Sarek / Padjelanta / Stora Sjöfallet area. I haven’t decided on a specific destination yet, so I have a few questions and would love input from experienced travelers.
- Which region of Sweden should be a priority if we love mountains?
- Starting in mid-July, which summits in the Sarek / Padjelanta / Stora area are interesting and accessible without gear (crampons, rope, ice axe)? We have solid mountaineering experience and want to gain elevation without overloading our packs. Ideally, summits without crevassed glacier crossings and minimal technical climbing (easy scrambling).
- How many days does it take to complete the north-to-south traverse of Sarek?
Thanks for your tips and ideas! :)









