J’habite un tout petit pays blotti dans les montagnes du nord-ouest d’Italie.
Je compte venir à Madagascar du 26 septembre au 10/11 octobre avec mon partenaire. J’ai déjà tout prévu et organisé (avions, parcours, transports, hôtels) et je ne me fais pas de soucis ni à propos du standard des hôtels, ni du temps, ni de moustiques, ni coté sécurité ou autre…
Mes questions sont :
- floraison en cette période (Antsirabe, Manakara, Akanin’ny nofy)
- les pourboires : nous n’avons pas cette habitude chez nous et lorsque je vais à l’étranger cela devient pour moi un cauchemar … c’est à dire donner le bon pourboire sans exagérer en trop ou peu (hotels, chauffeurs, guides)
Les pourboires se donnent si tu es satisfaite d'un service. Ils ont en effet une certaine importance à Madagascar, c'est le geste et pas vraiment le montant qui compte car il correspond à votre satisfaction pour le service rendu. Pas de pourboires dans un restaurant signifie que le repas et/ou le service n'était pas bon.
Il n'y a pas de barême, maximum 10% de la note dans un restaurant je dirais.
Chauffeur environ 20€/personne pour un tour de trois semaines si il était très bon.
Project a vivid image of what you seek into the landscape of your life. What greets you on your way will be the images of your own creation
c'est le geste et pas vraiment le montant qui compte .
Bonsoir Claude,
Dans la situation actuelle où sont les Malgaches, comment peux tu dire ça ?
Tu connais le salaire dans les restaurants, dans les hôtels, la gratification qui leur est donnée, en cas de satisfaction des prestations fournies, est le plus qui leur permet de survivre.
A condition bien sur qu'elle leur soit donnée à titre individuel.
Madagascar est un Pays où le travail doit être encouragé, pas la mendicité.
On est parfaitement d'accord sur l'importance de l'encouragement du travail.
Je voulais dire que le geste de laisser un pourboire pour un service rendu compte, il n'y a pas de barème pour la multitude de situations où ce geste sera applicable.
Project a vivid image of what you seek into the landscape of your life. What greets you on your way will be the images of your own creation
La question est effectivement toujours un peu difficile à appréhender.
Voici quelque repères.
Le plus gros billet de banque que j'ai vu (20 000 Ariary) ne vaut que 7 à 8 €. Les petites coupures sont rares dans certains milieux. Surtout si vous n’allez pas au marché.
Une course de Taxi en centre ville de Tana 5 000 ariary (moins de 2 €)
Au resto (chic à Tana), un pavé de zébu sauce poivre vert et l’accompagnement 12 000 Ariary (4 € environ)
A l’hôtel, si c’est le Hilton, c’est comme tout les Hilton du monde. Un petit hôtel « pays » propre et confortable 30 à 50 000 ( 12 à 20 €) la nuit.
Vous l’avez compris quelque soit le petit billet que vous donnerez, Ce ne sera pas une somme ridicule pour celui qui le recevra.
Notez qu’à l’aéroport les porteurs qui ne font que marcher à coté de vous, n’hésiteront pas à vous demander 1 € de pourboir « sans sourciller ». Ils ajouterons avec le même aplomb « on est trois » , même si vous n’avez qu’un bagage…..
Ailleurs, jamais on ne vous fera sentir que c’est pas assez. Vous aurez peut étre meme la surprise d’entendre « mais c’est beaucoup Vaza ! »
La question est effectivement toujours un peu difficile à appréhender.
Voici quelque repères.
Le plus gros billet de banque que j'ai vu (20 000 Ariary) ne vaut que 7 à 8 €. Les petites coupures sont rares dans certains milieux. Surtout si vous n’allez pas au marché.
Bon sejour
Bonsoir,
J'ai bien aimé ton intervention dans le débat houleux à côté. Par contre tu as du forcer un peu sur la THB et/ou le Rhum quand tu as vu le billet de 20000 ar 😎😎😎 (le plus gros billet est de 10000 ar).
Amicalement, Claude
Project a vivid image of what you seek into the landscape of your life. What greets you on your way will be the images of your own creation
La question est effectivement toujours un peu difficile à appréhender.
Voici quelque repères.
Le plus gros billet de banque que j'ai vu (20 000 Ariary) ne vaut que 7 à 8 €. Les petites coupures sont rares dans certains milieux. Surtout si vous n’allez pas au marché.
Bon sejour
Bonsoir,
J'ai bien aimé ton intervention dans le débat houleux à côté. Par contre tu as du forcer un peu sur la THB et/ou le Rhum quand tu as vu le billet de 20000 ar 😎😎😎 (le plus gros billet est de 10000 ar).
Amicalement, Claude
Ok, j'ai compris...
j'ai meme lu que il y a des ouvriers qui travaillent pour 2000 ar le jour! 😕
Donc si se sera une femme je lui donnerai 5000 ar de pourboire 😏 car je pense qu'elle ne forcera pas sur la THB 😎
En tout cas je chercherai de donner le pourboire avant de boire un rhum aménagé... après il me serait difficile de voir meme les billets! 😏😏😏
Acer a surement raison....Pour la THB, le Mangoustan et bien ....sur le billet
Comme il me reste des Ar j'ai été vérifier.... 3 ou 4 fois ... à mon grand étonnement rien de plus gros que 10 000 Ariary
Pour les prix que j'ai indiqué, je précise que ce n'est pas le pourboir mais c'est ce que coute la course de taxis , la chambre d'hotel etc...
Le montant du pourboir ce sera toujours a vous et vous seul de decider.
Il faut trouver le juste milieu entre ceux qui "jouent les américains" en donnant des pourboires disproportionnés - type certains touristes qui laissent des pourboires équivalents au prix du verre qu'ils ont pris dans un bar ou en boîte juste pour "impressioner" ou "taper dans l'oeil de la serveuse" - et ceux qui ont le sentiment de faire oeuvre de charité en donnant chichement un petit billet de 100,00 Ariary.
Un pourboire donc donc, à mon sens, rester "juste". Acer préconise plus haut 10 % du prix de l'addition dans un restaurant. Je dirais personnellement plutôt 5 %.
bonjour,
le pourboire dans un resto....500à 1000ar . les voyageurs faussent la regle economique du pays et s'étonne d'être emm...r chaque jour dans leur deplacement.
les bas salaires malagasy surprennent toujours le visiteur....le salaire minimum est fixé à 70000ar/mois, mais beaucoup de malgache paie beaucoup moins que cela leur personnel domestique. Mampalahelo izany! payer en gasy se dit mandoa vola c'est le même terme que vomir.
Bonjours à tous
je voie que pas mal d'infos circulent dans ce forum.
Il y en a beaucoup d'infos qui sont vrai mais il y en a des petites erreur aussi.
je suis un vazaha qui pars à Mada tout les ans depuis 2005 car c un pays magnifique. je vais apporter quelques infos pour aider ceux qui préparent à aller à Mada pour la première fois.
1. à l'aeroport les porteur vous demandent pourboir pour 3
2. de l'aéroport pour Tana le taxi vous demande parfois 50,000Ar ou 40,000Ar mais le tariff est 30,000Ar
3. le plus gros billet est 10000Ar puis 5000A, 2000a, 1000A, 500a, 200A,100A puis vienent les pièces.
4. Dans un resto, un pourboire 1000A c le chiffre moyen et satisfaisant, mais si vous
etes satisfait vous pouvez donner plus.
5. un Euro est à 2600Ar à ce jour....aller sur www.banque-centrale.mg c l'adresse de la banque qui fixe le taux d'échange à Mada.
6. Pour faire des échange ne va pas avec les gens dans la rue à coté de la banque UCB ou SBM (SBM a changer de nom je crois). avant j'allais faire les échange dans la rue en croiyant qu'on gagne plus qu'à la banque mais c faut et en plus vous risquerez de tomber sur des faux billets.
7. à l'hotel Hilton je ne crois pas que le prix comence à 30,000Ar ou 50,000Ar. cela devrait tourner au alentour de 50Euro ou plus. à Colbert c encor beaucoup plus cher.
8. Dans la rue ne laisse pas trainer vos bijoux ou poche visiblement libre. g déja était victime de pick pocket à Tana. Alors faites bien atention à Tana.
9. Dans un resto le salaire d'un serveur/serveuse tourne au alentour de 150,000 à 250,000Ar mais pas plus. Je me suis moi meme renseigner à Tana, Antsirabe et Foulpointe et le salaire c plus ou moins le meme partout.
10. au bord de la rue faut toujours negocier le prix avant d'acheter quelque chose car cela peut baisser jusqu'à 75% le prix demandé. Mais si vous trouvez que c beaucoup moins cher que dans votre pays, vous pouvez payer pour le prix demandé par le vendeur car ils achetent c marchandises aux magasins à Behorika à Tana pour vendre dans les rues pour vivre leur familles.
11.en ce moment c pas l'été qui comence mais c l'hiver qui pointe son nez. à Antsirabe c le plus froid qu'à Tana. sur les cotes c moins froid.
tous c infos que j'ai mentioné de 1 à 11 sont pas inventés mais je l'ai vécu moi meme et ma dernière fois c'était en novembre dernier que g quitter Mada. Je partage ces infos car moi aussi j'ai été aidé de la meme façon par des autres personnes qui sont allés à Mada avant moi.
si quelqu'un/e part pour la première fois à Mada, pour un voyage de 30 jours, je lui recomande de ne pas rater Antsirabe, Tamatave, Foulpointe, Ste Marie. les autres villes aussi vaut la peine d'y aller mais pour ne pas trop fatiguer, pour une durée d'un mois c bon.mais je n'ai jamais étais à ste marie. je vais y aller cette année mais je c que c formidable à Ste Marie.
si quelqu'un a des info sur Ste Marie à me comuniquer s'il vous plait, tel que les hotels, quoi faire, s'il y en a des familles qui acceillent des vazahas chez eux, etc.
7. à l'hotel Hilton je ne crois pas que le prix comence à 30,000Ar ou 50,000Ar. cela devrait tourner au alentour de 50Euro ou plus. à Colbert c encor beaucoup plus cher.
Désolé, mais vous n'avez pas du séjourner souvent - ou alors il y a très longtemps - au HILTON, qui a d'ailleurs été rebaptisé CARLTON depuis au moins trois ans.
La "première" chambre y est à 160,00 Euros, soit plus de trois fois le prix que vous annoncez.
bonsoir,
lorsque tu voyages plusieurs fois dans ce pays tu crois tout connaitre.aftana en est un exemple. quand aux salaires des serveuses...elles aimeraient bien recevoir 2à3 fois le smic...
I’m traveling solo to Armenia in mid-September for three weeks, and I’ll be using public transport. I have a few questions:
- Does Yandex work everywhere, even in villages?
I’m looking for:
- Nice guesthouse addresses in the north (national park) and the south, including the village of Ararat,
and a simple but clean hotel in Yerevan that’s convenient for getting to the bus stations later.
- Any great tips or advice you can share.
Actually, I’m a bit worried I’ll be stuck only visiting tourist sites without a car. What do you think?
Thanks for your help
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
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 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
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 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! 😉
As I mentioned before, I’m heading to Istanbul next summer, and I’ve heard there have been quite a few attacks by Kurds in Turkey recently, which is making me hesitate about my trip.
What do you all think? :( I’m wondering if it’s really a good idea to go...
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...
