Nous allons en Norvège cet été en voiture en partant de Bretagne. Deux options s'offrent à nous :faire tout le trajet en voiture en passant par le Danemark puis par la Suède. Remonter ensuite à Oslo puis direction Stavanger ! aller en voiture jusqu'à la pointe du Danemark puis prendre le bateau jusqu'à Kristiansand (pour 217€ ou 307€ aller retour suivant le jour du départ) puis regagner Stavanger. Si cette solution est évidemment moins fatiguante (on gagne 700 km de voiture environ), quelle est à votre avis la plus économique ?
De toute façons, le but n'est pas de profiter du paysage mais d'arriver le plus vite possible en Norvège, de manière la moins couteuse et la moins fatigante (les 2 réunis). Du coup, que le paysage danois soit moche, ce n'est pas très grave en fait.
Si cela peut t'aider dans ta réflexion, voici les tarifs du pont de l'Øresund, entre Copenhague (Danemark) et Malmö (Suède), porte d'entrée pour les voitures en Scandinavie.
Oui, il y a un pont entre 2 îles danoises, la Fionie et la Zélande, par lequel il faut passer.
Mais il est plus ancien, moins ambitieux et avec des tarifs plus modérés que l'Øresund.
Bonjour,
Nous venons de passer quelque temps en Scandinavie, essentiellement en Norvège.
Juste un témoignage sur le trajet (camping car) sans faire de comparaison faute d'expérience :
aller : Bretagne Nord, Caen, Amiens , Liège, puis l'Allemagne. Nous avons dormi a Tender au Danemark (côté Ouest juste après la frontière allemande) et traversé le Danemark par sa côte Ouest (plutôt agréable, propret et parfois même un peu sauvage au Nord Ouest). Puis le ferry de Frederikshavn à Oslo, très sympa, le ferry remonte longuement le fjord d'Oslo).
Au retour nous sommes passés par Goteborg, ferry pour Frederikshavn et direct vers le Sud par l'autoroute : beaucoup plus monotone, y compris en Suède....et pas plus économique.
Cordialement,
Kenavo
Cheechako
Bonjour a tous moi aussi je suis entrain de penser a mon voyage pour avril 2010, je sais vraiment pas si je prend la voiture ce qui est quand meme une sacré aventure en temps, en heure de route + les prix des passages .... ouille ...... , ou si je prend l'avion , ce qui me laisse a pied par la suite , la location de voiture la bas n'étant pas donner pour une semaine "477 euros" , sans compter le prix de l'hotel ........... AAAAH si j'arrivais a trouver un séjour tranquille sur le net
Alors finalement on l'a fait ce voyage en Norvège. Et on a choisi que je ne pourrais pas comparer mais qui nous a paru excellente.
On est monté jusqu'à Hirstals au nord du Danemark. De là, on a pris le bateau pour Kristiansand (ou Larvik) au choix. La traversée est courte (entre 3h et 3h30) et peu onéreuse avec une voiture (on en a eu pour 150€) aller-retour.
Notre coffre était plein de bouffe donc on a fait beaucoup d'économie. Et la nourriture norvégienne est tellement déguelasse.
Pour le trajet en voiture, c'est long (1800km) mais à 2 ça le fait. Il n'y a pas de prix de passage de ponts et c'est la seule traversée suffisament courte pour ne pas avoir à prendre de cabines. Par contre, passer par la Suède doit être horriblement fatidieux. Et finalement pas tellement moins cher vu le faible cout du trajet bateau. A mon avis, c'eest le mieux rapport coût/ temps de trajet / fatigue.
Je me pose encore des questions sur le voyage en voiture , mais le temps, le cout , trouver des locations d'hotels la- bas a moins de 90 euros la nuit , me parrait bien difficile .... donc je vais opter pour cette formule , je pense .........
Bonjour
je prévois d'aller en Norvège en juin 2010. Je viens de voir l'itinéraire que tu conseilles pour traverser la mer du Nord. Pour la traversée, as-tu réservé tes billets par le net ou les as-tu acheté le jour même avant d'embarquer?
Merci, Emmanuelle
En pleine preparation de mon voyage egalement, j'ai opté pour monter un voiture effectivement avec le plus de nourriture possible...
Nous montons jusuqu'a Hirshals au nord du danemark et prenons la compagnie fjordline pour stavanger. Les prix varient enormement d'un jour a l'autre mais nous faisons la traversée a 2 + voiture pour 25 euros!!! Le jour d'avant c'est le triple
Je n'ai pas encore decidé pour le retour...
La traversée jusqu'a Bergen etait tres interessante aussi d'ailleurs en s'y prenant suffisamment a l'avance
Bref, nous partons donc le 10 avril pour 3 semaines avec l'intention de faire du camping sauvage... enfin, on a un petit fourgon qui devrait etre isolé a minima d'ici notre depart...mais pas chauffé particulièrement
On comptait faire stavanger/bergen/le sogneford/ le nordfjord/ geiranger...
On s'est fait allerté sur le fait que c'etait un plan galere, que les routes seraient enneigées et qu'on se caillerait...
J'en appelle donc a vos experiences pour jugé de notre inconscience???!!
et me reorienter sur la Grece!!!
Je n'y suis pas allé en avril mais en juillet aout et il faisait déjà froid. Je pense donc que les routes, la praticabilité du terrain, ça le fera à mon avis. Mais pour le camping sauvage, couvrez-vous bien, je pense qu'il peut cailler sévère !!! Mais ça serait dommage de ne pas y aller, c'est tellemnt beau...
Sinon, les hyttas sont biens, assez peu chères et vous aurez plus chaud...
Voilà.
je monte au mois de mai à Bergen, en voiture. en lisant vos posts je suis de plus en plus chaud pour le ferry depuis Hirtshals, jusqu'à Stavanger ou Bergen même.
D'après ViaMichelin, 178km entre Stavanger et Bergen. Autant finir par la route, sinon 9h de ferry en plus jusqu'à Bergen.
Voilà ma question: Je vous que sur la route qui relie les deux villes, il y a de nombreuses liaisons en ferry. Les lignes sont régulières? Combien coûtent-elles?
Je vois que vous êtes beaucoup à partir jusqu'en Norvege en passant par le Danemark.
En faite, je pars fin mai début juin au Danemark sur l'ile de Samso et je cherche du covoiturage (j'ai 22 ans et le permis depuis plus de 2 ans mais pas devoiture!)
Je suis donc à la recherche d'âmes charitables qu partirai à la même periode et pourrait me laisser au Danemark.
"Bonjour, Je suis nouveau ici et ne connait pas trop les US et coutumes.
Cependant il me choque de voir sur un forum de "voyageur", des propos tel :"la nourriture en Norvège est dégueulasse" 🤪.
J'ai eu la chance d'aller en Norvège ou dans certains endroit nous (les français) commencont a avoir une très mauvaise réputation.
Imaginons un instant que vous voyez débarqué un étranger dans un lieu proche de chez vous, le coffre plein de nourriture bien de chez lui et prétendant que la nourriture francaise est dégueulasse... Après quelques épisode de ce type la nationalité en question perdrait beaucoup de crédibilité a vos yeux...
Bref je fais sans doute un peu le rabat joie moralisateur, mais ceci ajouté au fait de ne pratiquement pas consommé sur un lieu de vacances (ce que je trouve limite mais bon on est dans la partie petits prix donc pourquoi pas) fait que parfois je suis pas spécialement fier d'être français. Pour moi découvrir un pays c'est aussi faire connaissance avec et la nourriture passe par là! (D'autant que ce n'est pas si cher que ça sauf l'alcool mais ca...)
Aller faire un tour dans les refuges libres services norvégien (hytter) et consulté le listing (la ou on est écris ce qu'on a mangé et ce qu'on a payé) et vous verrez qu'il n'y a que les français qui ne payent pas (ou ils se font des réductions on ne sait pas trop pourquoi)... Y a t'il un lien? J'en sais rien mais ça me révolte un peu...
Donc messieurs le voyage pas cher certes mais respect et éthique sont de mises tout de même ^^
Bref désolé pour ce petit passage mais fallait que ça sorte, c'est écris sans animosité aucune, pour les gens n'ayant jamais été en Norvège vous comprendrez peut être à votre retour pkoi cela m'a choqué...
(le coup des barquette de fraises posées sur une chaise en pleine ville avec le prix et une boite de conserve pour mettre l'argent, tout ca sans surveillance... je pense pas que ce soit possible en France :D)"
Bonjour, je suis l'auteur de l'affreux "la nourriture en Norvège est dégueulasse". Reconnaissons quand même que c'est pas top... Si on veut randonner en achetant du paté local, c'est vraiment bof. Nous perso, on était content d'avoir ce qui faut dans le coffre. Et on a évidemment acheté plein de trucs à manger quand même là-bas. C'est pour ça qu'on sait que c'est pas très bon. Hé hé. Après, chacun ses goûts.😛 Et je confirme, c'est bien moralisateur.
Mis à part la bouffe, il ya moyen de beaucoup dépenser en Norvège en se faisant plaisir (ce qu'on a fait). On n'a pas joué les radins. Mais nous ne sommes pas crésus... (et non !).
Par contre, je suis d'accord avec la fin du message : le fonctionnement des refuges non gardés est exceptionnel. On a aussi vu les marchands de fruits là bas. Je pense aussi qu'en France ce serait impossible. Et pourtant, on a beau être français, on a payé !!! (Il doit nous rester un brin d'éthique et de respect). Et les petits déjs dans les refuges gardés sont énormes et super bons.
Bref. Ton message me semble un peu déplacé dans ce forum. La prochaine fois, il faut mieux avoir cette conversation en message privé. Mais comme c'est en message public, j'ai tenu à répondre en message public. Mais je préfère aider en toute modestie les gens à faire leur voyage ou me faire aider.
Bonjour,
J'ai lu avec attention le message de Randosalpes, et je partage son point de vue. Je l'ai d'ailleurs également exprimé sur ce forum récemment ("trois semaines en c.car vers le Cap Nord...).
Et je ne vois pas en quoi le message de Randosalpes était déplacé. Ce qui était "déplacé" en message public c'était votre jugement de valeur très méprisant : "la nourriture est dégueulasse".
Ce n'est pas parce que la "bouffe" ne correspond pas à nos goûts et standards culinaires qu'elle est "dégueulasse", et celà fait largement partie du voyage que de découvrir les pratiques alimentaires des gens du pays visité. Ceci dit... en toute modestie !
Cordialement,
Cheechako
OK, j'aurais du dire que je n'aime pas trop la nourriture là bas et dire que "c'est dégueulasse" n'est pas très élégant, je le reconnais. Après, je ne voulais pas de manquer de respect à un pays que j'adore. Mais dire simplement, que je trouve que ce n'est pas très bon à mon goût... On ne peut pas tout aimer dans un pays. "celà fait largement partie du voyage que de découvrir les pratiques alimentaires des gens du pays visité" : je suis tout à fait d'accord. Mais d'autres n'auront peut être pas cette vision du voyage. Et alors ? Arrétons juste de dire aux gens comment ils doivent voyager, ce qu'ils ont droit de dire ou de ne pas dire. C'est très moralisteur. Nous sommes sur ce forum pour donner des conseils aux gens ou pour en recevoir. Pas forcément pour les reprendre pour une expression (malheureuse je l'accorde) dite dans un message. Ou alors en remarque dans une discussion privée si cela vise quelqu'un en particulier. Et on peut en parler tranquille comme je l'ai fait ensuite avec Randosalpes. On n'est pas là pour imposer ses vues sur la "bonne" manière de voyager.
En conclusion, si j'ai "offensé" du monde avec ma remarque pas très fine, je le regrette. Mais je n'ai pas à me justifier publiquement. Je suis prêt à répondre en message privé si quelqu'un pense que j'ai dit une bêtise. Maintenant donc, je ne répondrai plus qu'aux messages ne concernant que les voyages et l'organisation.
Hi everyone, I'm traveling solo in Spain for 8 days without a car, on a tight budget. What train/bus route do you recommend between cities, and where can I find the best prices? Looking forward to your tips! 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!
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!
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
