Plusieurs mois après mon retour, voici un bref compte rendu de mon séjour en République Dominicaine.
1. REMERCIEMENTS
Je tiens à remercier tous ceux qui m'ont répondu, qui ont été disponibles pour me communiquer de bons tuyaux sur place, etc. A citer surtout parmi eux Blopart, très généreux. Gracias de nuevo ;)
2-Santo Domingo (2j 1/2 à l'arrivée)
Logée chez un couple de jeunes en pleine zone coloniale, près de . Le quartier est idéal pour visiter l'essentiel de la capitale.
Ce que j'ai le plus aimé : les marchands de fruits tropicaux ambulants, le musée Colon et surtout les petites ruelles colorées.
Ce que j'ai bcq moins aimé les nbx "harcèlements" de la part de prétendus guides mais rien d'anormal par rapport à d'autres destinations hyper touristiques comme l'est également la RepDom.
3-Las Galeras
Le bus Caribe Tours arrive à Las Terrenas. A la gare routiere, il y a de nombreuses guaguas qui passent tous les 15-30 min. proposant de vous amener pour 100 pesos à las Galeras. Contrairement à ce qui a été dit par je ne sais plus qui sur le site, le sac à dos -petit ou grand- n'est pas du tout facturé. Ni à Las Galeras ni ailleurs dans le pays.
PLUS
Le village est mignon mais est devenu très très touristique. Les commerçants et logeurs sont pour la majorité des européens. Les commerçants surfent sur le tourisme et pratiquent des abus dans les prix.
Playa Rincon est la plus belle plage dans le coin. On y va en motoconcho (taxi moto) mais attention à bien négocier prix et durée avant !
Las Terrenas n'est pas mal mais un AR en guagua (il y en a toutes les 15 minutes et tardent au max 1h pour arriver en ville) dans la journée suffit. Las Terrenas peut être un bon endroit pour aller faire ses courses au marché local ou dans les grands supermarchés sur place avant de rentrer à Las Galeras
MOINS
J'avais réservé un B&B via le site AirBnB. J'avais prévue d'y rester environ 10j mais j'ai été franchement très très déçue.
Tenu par un couple de retraités français qui ne vivent qu'entre français expat à Las Galeras (et je dois avouer que dans le village il y a plus de français et d'européens que de locaux!), assez racistes envers tout ce qui est étranger (un comble!), j'ai finalement tenu 5 jours.
Le petit déjeuner était inclus mais franchement dégueulasse, le prix a priori pas trop cher s'est finalement révélé trop pour le contenu de mon séjour ou sa qualité. Prix total par ailleurs modifié par rapport à ce qui avait été négocié depuis Paris.
Ce couple m'avait négocié un prix pas cher pour aller visiter Parque Nacional Haities + Cayo Levantado : ce fut également une escroquerie. L'agence de voyages -RUBEN- ne prévoit rien et compte sur l'impro ou des annulations de dernière minute de la part d'agences ayant pignon sur rue pour caser ses clients. Ce fut mon cas, mais dans une petite barque de pêcheur sans aucune sécurité et par temps orageux et pluvieux.
Un peu déçue car j'avais prévue de faire plein de randos, d'excursions dans le coin, j'ai plié bagage et filé à l'autre bout de l'île. Sans aucun regret.
4-Paraiso
Bus Caribe Tours depuis Santo Domingo jusqu'à Barahona (4h). Puis guagua de Barahona à Paraiso (1.5h).PLUS
Mon plus beau souvenir du pays. Le village est très très pauvre. Aucun touriste ou presque croisé dans ma route. J'ai pu enfin goûté l'âme dominicaine. J'ai pu me promener dans les ruelles, photographié des gens, des scènes de rue et de vie, des maisons délabrées, etc.
Côté plage, Playa San Rafael est très belle mais souvent très tr��s agitée. La baignade est souvent dangereuse et peu recommandé. Près de Paraiso (1/4 d'heure en motoconcho ou taxi moto) se trouve un point d'eau douce et Playa Los Patos.
A Playa San Rafael, il y a plein de petits kiosques tenus par des locaux et servant à manger et boire pour pas cher. Je n'y ai pas mangé mais j'ai fait pas mal de photos et surtout beaucoup discuté avec les locaux.
J'ai pu à cette occasion trouvé qqun qui m'amène en moto le surlendemain à Bahia de Las Aguilas.
J'étais logée à l'hôtel comedor Kalibe, un établissement confortable, propre et économique tenu par une dame dominicaine vraiment très hospitalière.
MOINS
A Paraiso il existe une agence de voyages tenu par un français : ECO TOUR BARAHONA
Les prix sont exorbitants. 120 euros pour une journée à Bahia de las Aguilas.
Voilà. Bons préparatifs et/ou bon voyage à tous. Profitez bien !
Merci pour ce retour, j'espère que cela motivera les futurs voyageurs à ne pas toujours rechercher les hébergements / restos / agences tenus par des étrangers.
Bon compte rendu et pratiquement tous les points que tu as évoqué je les connaissais.
Vrai que le village de Las Galeras a bien changé avec le temps et se rapproche de plus en plus de Las Terrenas, dommage. Ruben connu et de longue date et ne changera jamais, je n'arrive toujours pas à comprendre comment il continue d'arnaquer des touristes alors que cela se sait.
Pour les vagues dans le sud-ouest ce n'est pas tout le temps.
Cela me ferait plaisir que tu réponde à une enquête générale sur ton séjour. Écris-moi en message privé et je t'enverrai les coordonnées de celle qui s'en occupe.
oui, mais ce n'est pas toujours évident de trouver des établissements tenus par les dominicains, en particulier pour les hôtels et les agences d'excursions (j'ai l'impression qu'il y a un monopole des expats...)
Dans 20 ans vous serez plus déçu par ces choses que vous n’avez pas faites que par celles que vous avez faites. Alors larguez les amarres. Mettez les voiles et sortez du port ô combien sécurisant. Explorez. Rêvez. Découvrez.
Oui mais on trouve tout de même des commerces tenus par des exacts qui donnent un bon service et qui restent correct mais pour cela il faut bien connaître.
Pas forcément! Mon avis est que ce type de business n'est pas trop exploité par les locaux surtout pour manque de maîtrisage des langues étrangères, cultures des touristes et voyageurs, etc.
La plupart des propriétaires dominicains des business touristiques reste avec les compagnies de transport qui est plus facile à gérer avec les clients.
Il y a de tout ici tenu par les expats, de bons et du mauvais c'est pour cela qu'il faut toujours bien se renseigner, regarder les références avant d'acheter les services😉.
La plupart des questions sur le forum sont posés par des gens qui ne font que "prendre" des conseils mais peu reviennent pour montrer de la gratitude et leur vécu.
C'est dommage que las Galeras, ce petit village tranquille devient de plus en plus touristique car il ne restent pas beaucoup d'endroits comme cela en RD et dommage que certains de nos compatriotes ne sont pas à l'hauteur des attentes. J'ai remarqué le même phénomène à las Terrenas, deux mondes séparés: les blancs (français, italiens et allemands) et les Dominicains. Il est vrai qu'au niveau culturel nous sommes très différents mais certains européens sur place ont une mentalité de colons ce qui n'aide pas à la mixité sociale. Autre chose est que les expats veulent gagner de l'argent comme en France et s'enrichir vite d'où des prix 2-3-4 fois plus chers qu'une affaire tenue par des Dominicains. S'ils peuvent se permettre d'être plus cher c'est aussi parque que les étrangers sont quasiment leurs seuls clients (touristes et expats).
S'il est vrai que les restaurants français sont plus raffinés que ce tenus par des locaux, en revanche la qualité de la nourriture n'est pas extraordinaire (manque de fraîcheur, portions mesquines etc...).
Pour ma part j'étais logé à las Terrenas (il y a 1 an) dans un hotel économique (30 euros/nuit) tenu par des Dominicains et le service et les chambres étaient superbes (refaites à neuf avec climatisation dernier cri, écran plat, minibar ...)
J'ai remarqué le même phénomène à las Terrenas, deux mondes séparés: les blancs (français, italiens et allemands) et les Dominicains. Il est vrai qu'au niveau culturel nous sommes très différents mais certains européens sur place ont une mentalité de colons ce qui n'aide pas à la mixité sociale.
Bonjour,
j'ai remarqué - et déploré - ce même phénomène.
A se demander pourquoi les étrangers partent s'installer si loin si c'est pour rester entre eux 😛
j'ai remarqué - et déploré - ce même phénomène.
A se demander pourquoi les étrangers partent s'installer si loin si c'est pour rester entre eux 😛
Bonjour Faby,
je pense qu'en RD déjà entre Dominicains riches et pauvres il n'y a pas énormément de mixité. Le statut social est un vecteur de séparation. Ensuite comme le succès, voire la survie est basé sur le relationnel, entre les "blancs" on s’entraide..La patrone française qui a un restaurant va dans le salon de "peluqueria francesa", et quand la peluquera sors le soir elle va au restaurant de la cliente française, puis le lendemain elle va acheter le pain chez la panaderia francesa car la patrone est une cliente..et ainsi de suite. C'est un eco-syteme, on achète et on vend entre expats, cela les fait travailler et maintient des prix élevé d'expat donc de facto pas de clients dominicains qui a leur tour n'ont pas les moyens d'aller au restaurant français.
Ce comportement est universel.
A la cantine, les ingenieurs dejeunent avec les inge. Les secretaires avec les secretaires etc.
Quand on n a pas le meme pouvoir d achat on n a pas les meme problemes ni les meme sujets de conversation.
Alors autant rester chez sois, où on a tout cela sous la main sans avoir besoin de déménager à 8000km de sa famille, ses amis et ses racines.
Ce comportement est universel.
A la cantine, les ingenieurs dejeunent avec les inge. Les secretaires avec les secretaires etc.
Quand on n a pas le meme pouvoir d achat on n a pas les meme problemes ni les meme sujets de conversation.
Alors autant rester chez sois, où on a tout cela sous la main sans avoir besoin de déménager à 8000km de sa famille, ses amis et ses racines.
Bien d'accord dans l'ensemble et certains cherchent pourquoi il y a des problèmes sur Las Terrenas par exemple. Je dis il ne faut pas chercher très loin et je considère que c'est mes voisins Dominicains qui surveillent ma maison quand je ne suis pas là, mais j'ai de bonnes relations avec eux.
J'essaye plus de comprendre que de juger. Je suis allé 7 fois en RD et côtoyé pas mal de monde.
Le fossé culturel et le niveau de vie limite les relations: par exemple, la plupart des classes pauvres n'ont pas le même niveau culturel et civique que le Français moyen. Les discussions seront limités à des sujets superficiels. Ce n'est pas la peine d'avoir des discussions comptoir, histoire, géographie ou politique. Et c'est pas de leur faute, la pauvreté et le niveau de l'éducation ne fait pas émanciper. Les programmes de l'Université publique en RD ont le niveau des cours de Lycée en France. Une seule fois j'ai connu une fille "intello", elle avait étudié en Espagne.
Egalement le niveau de vie fait que les personnes pauvres seront plus attirés par votre argent et aide quelconque plus que l'amitié pure et désintéressé. Même les Dominicains disent que lorsque vous êtes riche, vous pouvez avoir tous les amis et les femmes que vous voulez. Cela arrive partout dans les pays pauvres.
J'ai des amis smicards voire chômeurs. La différence est qu'en France je suis certain qu'on me fréquente pas pour mon argent (même si je ne suis pas riche). Ceci dit, en France parfois on connait à peine le prénom du voisin, on peut mourir dans son appartement sans que personne s'en apperçoive. En RD, tout le monde salue et tout le monde se connait par coeur.
Différents mondes. il y a du bon et du mal partout. C'est une question de choix de mode de vie.
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!
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!
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
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Peru and have estimated how many days I’ll spend in each place.
Any advice on must-see sights and tourist traps to avoid?
September–October
5 days in Lima
Bus: 07:00→13:30 or 06:00 to 09:30 (express) (3 hr 30 min journey)
3 days in Paracas (beach)
