I’m French and looking for pen pals to learn Hebrew and help me get to know Israel better. Ideally, I’d like to move there at some point in the future. Happy to help with French in return if needed!

Hello,

We live in Réunion and we're looking for places where we can learn to cook authentic Réunionese Creole cuisine. We're based in Saint-Denis and are searching in that area.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Fredtludo

This isn't an ad! Young Nepalis want to learn French cooking! Fancy helping out? You'll be hosted and fed :)) Thanks and maybe see you soon in Nepal.

Hi, We’re supposed to cross this border at the end of July on our way from Siem Reap, and we just found out it’s closed. Is it easy to find a flight ticket from Siem Reap to Bangkok? Aren’t there really any other options? Thanks

Hi everyone! I’m planning a trip to Latin America starting in November, beginning with Colombia. I’m 35, from Lyon, and I’m looking for someone in the 24–35 age range—location doesn’t matter. I’m open to getting to know each other before we set off. I’ve got travel experience and I’m a seasoned traveler. I’m planning to go for several months, mixing adventure with chill vibes: hiking, mountains, beaches, volcanoes, cities, and even some volunteering through WWOOFing.

Hello,

I’m a 70-year-old retiree looking for two or three travel companions to visit Sicily, which I haven’t been to, in May or June. I’m also planning to visit Vietnam in September. I love exploring, learning, and meeting new people, and I’m adaptable, but it’s not easy to find people with the same interests. Team spirit is important to me. I travel on a mid-range budget. Looking forward to your comments. You can reach me at: maryse.21 @orange.fr Best regards,

Hi there, I have a bit of a crazy dream... I'd love to drop everything and hit the road with my wife and kids in a camper van. I want to visit villages to learn, immerse ourselves in other cultures, and see different perspectives on the world. To teach my kids different values.

Hello my fellow travelers,

I’m leaving for 43 days in India from January 19, 2026, to March 1. How do I handle my e-visa if I don’t necessarily want a one-year visa? The one-month one will be too short... darn it!!

I just found out there’s an additional formality for the visa that came into effect on October 1. Could someone explain to me what it involves and exactly what I need to do? I’d really appreciate it—thank you so much in advance!

Wishing you all wonderful end-of-year celebrations, and may 2026 be filled with love and travels for each of you.

Régine

Hi everyone! 😊 I wanted to share Marie’s story with you—a traveler who chose cultural immersion as her way of discovering the world. In our conversation, she tells us about: ✔ Her 6-month volunteer experience in Cambodia ✔ Her solo trip through the Moroccan desert ✔ Her tips for learning local languages and interacting better with residents ✔ Why writing about your travel experiences is a great trick for remembering them 🎧 Listen to her story here, 📺 Watch on YouTube, or 📖 Read the summary here ➡️ 💬 Have you ever had an immersive travel experience? What are your tips for diving into a local culture and making authentic connections? #SoloTravel #TravelDifferently #ImmersiveTravel #NoirEnVoyage

My passion for travel Travel is an endless source of wonder and discovery for me. It lets me escape the everyday and immerse myself in different cultures, varied landscapes, and unique ways of life. Every destination is an invitation to learn and grow, while fueling an insatiable curiosity.

The types of trips I love I’m especially drawn to trips that combine adventure and cultural immersion. I love discovering places off the beaten path, where authenticity takes precedence over mass tourism. Whether it’s trekking through isolated mountains, exploring historic cities, or staying in remote villages, every trip is a chance to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the world’s diversity.

I also prioritize trips that let me deepen my knowledge in a particular area, like gastronomy, history, or art. Exchanges with locals—whether sharing a meal or taking part in traditional events—are essential to making the experience rich and meaningful.

Trips I’ve taken Among the memorable trips I’ve done, some have been turning points in how I see the world. My journey through the Austrian Alps, for example, didn’t just offer spectacular landscapes—it also let me discover Austrian culture in all its diversity, from festivals to music to cuisine.

I’ve also had the chance to visit more exotic destinations, like Southeast Asia, where I immersed myself in fascinating cultures, learned ancient practices, and met people whose life philosophies really inspired me.

Future travels Looking ahead, I dream of going to Latin America to explore its vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes. A road trip through Peru, Bolivia, and Chile is one of my long-term travel goals. I’d also love to discover the Pacific Islands and maybe even take part in volunteer projects with local communities.

I hope my future travels will keep pushing my limits while letting me meet people who share this passion for travel and connection.

Hi everyone,

So, I’m heading to Bulgaria this September. I’ll be based in Varna and plan to rent a car for a few days. I don’t know Bulgaria at all, so I’ve got everything to learn about this country.

I’m an amateur photographer, so I’d love to take some great landscape shots (sea or mountains) as well as photos of picturesque little villages... I’m open to all kinds of tips, and thanks in advance for reading!

Best regards, Patrice

Hi, I’m leaving on September 4th for Vancouver as a tourist for 6 months. My boyfriend works there, so I’m going to visit him. I’d like to take the opportunity to learn English at a school during October and November.

Could you recommend any schools—price, activities, location, reputation, etc.?

Also, any good health insurance suggestions?

Hello,

I’m an agronomy student specializing in tropical regions, and I need to do my 4-month internship near Tuléar. However, I only found out about it yesterday, and I’m supposed to leave on September 16th. I’ve never done this kind of trip before—neither alone nor with someone else. So, I’m a little lost and, um… panicking! I also need to transport valuable equipment that doesn’t take up too much space!

I’m not sure how to get between the two cities, Antananarivo and Tuléar. I plan to carry my luggage in an 80L hiking backpack to avoid drawing attention in Antananarivo.

Has anyone taken a *taxi-brousse* on this route before? How much time should I allow between the two cities, and what budget should I plan for this trip? Where can I find *taxis-brousses* (TB) in Antananarivo?

Any info will be helpful and reassuring! Thanks!

PS: What do you think about safety in Tuléar?

Hello! We're a family of 4—3 adults and a 14-year-old. We're seasoned travelers with a passion for science, culture, and history. In short, we love discovering and learning. We'll be in India for 3 weeks, from December 11, 2026 (in Goa) to January 3, 2027 (in Thiruvananthapuram). We're looking for one or more drivers to handle the journey and guides who speak clear, fluent English, French, or Spanish. We'd love guides who are knowledgeable, passionate about their region, and able to answer our countless questions while giving us in-depth insights into the places, rituals, culture, and more. Do you know of such guides or drivers, or have any tips on how to find people who can help us create unforgettable memories? Thank you so much in advance! Cat

Returning to Curaçao is a bit like reopening a book whose pages still smell of sun and salt.

As soon as the plane descends toward the island, the familiar colors reappear: the dazzling turquoise of the sea, the pastel facades of Willemstad, and that unique light that seems to soften everything.

For this second trip, we no longer arrive as hesitant explorers, but as confirmed lovers of this warm island.

We already know that the warm wind will welcome us as soon as we step out of the airport, that the beaches will once again offer their infinite shades of blue, and that each day will have that unhurried pace that makes you forget the rest of the world.

Yet, despite this sense of déjà vu, Curaçao always manages to surprise. A new cove to discover, a different sunset, a smile shared with a local...

The island has that rare talent for reinventing itself without ever betraying what makes it so endearing.

This second trip isn’t a repetition, then, but a reunion: a chance to rediscover Curaçao with more attentive, more connected, and perhaps even more amazed eyes.

I invite you to keep reading this travel journal and watch the videos that will help you learn a little more about the island’s different attractions.

Just click on the video image to start watching.

To go to a specific post, here are the appropriate links:

Exploring Willemstad’s colorful neighborhoods The Most Beautiful Beaches in Curaçao Hike at Boka Sint Michiel | Flamingos & panoramic views Climbing Christoffel Mountain Den Dunki & Flamingos of Jan Thiel Must-see spots in Curaçao Snorkeling at Playa Kenepa Chiki: Turquoise Water & Tropical Fish Snorkeling at Porto Mari: One of Curaçao’s Best Spots Snorkeling at Mambo Beach, the Perfect Spot Snorkeling at Daaibooi Beach, a diverse marine world

Hi, this might not be the right section, but I’d like to know if it’s possible to start mountaineering with another person without necessarily hiring a guide. We’ve done quite a bit of hiking but not mountaineering—we’ll just do a half-day glacier course. After that, we were thinking of starting with La Grande Motte and the Pointe de la Traversière, which were recommended to us. Honestly, for things like roping up and knots, I’ll learn at home with lots of videos and a book.

I'm planning a trip to Brazil as winter approaches, around late October to early November 2026. I don’t have exact dates since I recently retired, so I can stay until mid-December if needed. I’m looking for a travel companion (male or female) for this journey—think relaxed mode, pousadas with locals, parks, seaside, culture, and music.

I’ve already explored the north, like Recife and Fortaleza. What I found most challenging was communicating with locals since I don’t speak Portuguese, and not everyone speaks English. I’m trying to learn now, but the accent isn’t easy!!!! This country is huge, and I’d love to discover the south. The idea is to arrive in São Paulo (without staying long—I’m not a big fan of large cities) and take a flight to Iguazu, then a bus to Paraty and Ilha Grande to enjoy the spots. After that, a bit of Rio is unavoidable, but I’d like to explore off-the-beaten-path places with a guide. To finish, Salvador de Bahia, with a focus on Morro de São Paulo and Boipeba. Maybe a return via Salvador—TAP offers that route. Nothing’s set in stone; we can discuss everything together.

I just got back from Madagascar, where I spent the winter (a place I know well), and I’ve got quite a few trips under my belt. Feel free to email me so we can chat, then we can call or meet—I’m based in Toulouse and can host you.

patricia.wagner31@sfr.fr Have a great day! Vejo você em breve

After staying in Aruba in November 2023, we picked up our camper van, which we had left in a hotel parking lot in Miami, Florida.

This isn’t our first road trip across the United States. Since we’re retired, we took the opportunity to travel along the American West Coast, starting with the Everglades in Florida to visit a few parks where we could spot alligators.

We also made a few stops in Mississippi and Texas to explore the most important cities in those states.

Did you know that Austin is home to the world’s largest urban bat colony? It’s truly impressive to see thousands of them take flight at dusk.

I invite you to keep reading this travel journal and watch the videos that’ll give you a little more insight into these different destinations.

Videos are embedded throughout the summary. Just click on the image to start the video.

To jump to a specific post, here are the relevant links:

FLORIDA:

Big Cypress National Preserve - Ochopee Captain Mitch's Everglades Airboat Tours Marco Island

MISSISSIPPI:

Exploring Biloxi

TEXAS:

Downtown Houston Corpus Christi San Antonio Attractions McNutt Sculpture Garden - San Antonio Mission San José - San Antonio Austin Attractions The World’s Largest Urban Bat Colony - Austin Downtown Fort Worth Attractions Downtown Dallas

A real gem for those who want to connect with their roots or discover an African language. The explanations are simple, and I really appreciated the cultural examples included in the book. Highly recommended. (Fatoumata T)

Manual: "Bambara in 30 Days"

Bambara in 30 Days is a manual and conversation guide specifically designed to help learners communicate in many everyday situations. This educational tool is aimed at anyone wanting to learn Bambara (bamanankan), regardless of their level: from beginners to advanced speakers looking to improve.

Several themes are covered: greetings, how to introduce yourself and apologize, family, numbers from 1 to 100, meals, emotions, transportation, currency, shopping, parts of the human body, days of the week, how to ask a question, how to ask for the price or age, how to count money, other types of questions, colors, traveling, blessing formulas for Muslim holidays: e.g., Tabaski (seliba) or Korité (selifiitinin or selidennin), and family events: e.g., birth (bangeli), marriage (furu), death (saya or fatuli)... ultimately, tools needed to communicate in many everyday situations.

The lessons (kalansen) are organized by theme, ranging from the alphabet to common expressions. All lessons include corrections (jaabi) to reinforce learning and correct mistakes. They cover various topics like greetings, numbers, family, etc. (see above) and are designed to be progressive, allowing for skill development. Each lesson is accompanied by practical exercises to apply the knowledge. After every set of 5 lessons, there’s a review (seginkanni) to consolidate what’s been learned.

In summary, the manual consists of...

30 lessons with 6 reviews

Over 50 audio files available online

Over 100 exercises (baarakɛ) with answer keys

A small vocabulary section in each lesson

Blank "notes" page at the end of every lesson

The audio files help facilitate learning. They are accessible via a specific link that should only be used by the manual’s purchaser.

African languages, like Bambara, play a crucial role in the culture and identity of African peoples. Learning them helps preserve traditions and local knowledge. Bambara is the most widely spoken language in Mali and a key lingua franca for communication in West Africa. It’s rich in idiomatic expressions and proverbs, reflecting the wisdom and culture of the Manding peoples. Moreover, it’s taught in schools and used in local media (to learn more, see here). In general, linguistic diversity in Africa is immense, with thousands of languages spoken across the continent.

Malle, Tahirou / Oumou Coulibaly / Issoufou Keïta (authors) Bambara in 30 Days. Conversation Guide 184 pages ISBN 978-2-49304713-7 21.90 €

L'Univers des Langues Africaines 38 rue de Bonneuil 77100 MEAUX/France https://universdeslanguesafricaines.com

hgb

Hi everyone!

I’m currently a student on a gap year, and I don’t plan to go back to school right away. That said, traveling really interests me. But I’ve been wondering: does being a student come with any perks when you decide to go abroad? The real question is whether I should re-enroll in a program just to keep that status without actually attending.

Thanks in advance for your replies,

Axel

Age (80+) is making us stop our 20 years of bike travel (a good part of Europe), so we're selling (together or separately) our two touring bikes and switching to an electric city bike.🤪 They're already listed on a big national multi-product sales site, but potential buyers don't seem to know what a touring bike equipped with a Rohloff is....🙂 So my question: Do you know of a site where I'd have a better chance?😉 They're ROSE VTC bikes, Black Water III models from 2012.

Hi there, I often travel solo, and like many women, I get asked the same questions over and over: “Aren’t you scared?” “Do you feel safe?” “Do you really dare to go that far alone?” Recently, during a trip along the Kenyan coast, I had an experience that made me think differently about solo female travel. At Wasini Kenya, on paper, everything seemed simple: a boat ride, then some snorkeling. But on the boat, the sea was rough. It was rocking hard. And then that familiar little inner voice came back—the one that doubts, that overthinks, that wants to stay in control. Traveling solo is often like that too: being responsible for yourself, your decisions, and your limits. Then, once underwater, everything changed. The noise disappeared. There was nothing left to prove, nothing to control. Just breathing, trusting your body, and letting yourself be carried. That moment reminded me that solo female travel isn’t just about destinations or external safety. It’s also an inner journey: learning to listen to yourself, to recognize your fears, and sometimes to overcome them without forcing it. I took the time to share this experience in more detail here, for anyone it might help or reassure: 👉 https://noirenvoyage.com/wasini-kenya-apprendre-a-faire-confiance-sous-leau/ And I’d love to hear your thoughts: 👉 For those of you who travel solo, has travel ever taught you something about yourself? 👉 And for those who are still hesitant: what’s holding you back the most right now? Looking forward to chatting! 🌊

Hi there,

I’d love to go to Japan to travel, and if things go well, work there too. Has anyone tried finding a job there? Is it even possible without speaking Japanese? I’m thinking of starting out in restaurants (dishwashing or serving) and then moving into my field, IT.

Quentin

Planning Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and Greece for autumn 2025

Hi, I’d like to meet new people in Bordeaux to plan future trips to Japan, Israel, and the United States. I’m also hoping to find opportunities to practice Japanese and English, pick up some basics in Hebrew, and connect with interesting folks.

Hi everyone,

I’m not sure if this is a good idea... but I’m throwing a message in a bottle out there again...

I’m looking for a hotel in New Delhi for the end of the month (just one night—for a layover). I’m wary of scams on the usual sites. You find all sorts of prices and huge discounts... but reviews on other platforms scream "scam" about those same hotels. Not that I’m not up for adventure, but if I can avoid making an avoidable mistake, I’d rather learn and discover with kind people than through unscrupulous tourist touts. At the same time, maybe this’ll be helpful to others too.

Is a budget of 40 € (+/-) doable? 50 € (+/-)? Does that sound reasonable? What do you think? Your experiences would really help me out. Thanks, friends.

Looking forward to reading your replies.

Warm regards to all

All my trips combined, I’ve spent at most the equivalent of a year in Thailand, and I’m not a big expert on it. Still, after many stays, lots of reading on VoyageForum and other sites, conversations with plenty of locals and expats, my view of the country is getting clearer—though it’s always evolving. You never stop discovering and learning.

Hi there,

Just a quick update on the state of this road: the unpaved section has been significantly improved. You can now complete the journey in about 4 to 4.5 hours instead of 6. Great news! For me, the most hazardous part is actually the paved section before and after Sagua. It encourages higher speeds, but there are deep, dangerous potholes that appear without warning. Be careful!

I’d also note that despite occasional power outages—which casas and paladares know how to handle—tourism remains perfectly doable. Cuba is still magical! I was just told, with a touch of humor, that the official German government website suggests bringing your own toilet paper and candles… Hmm, maybe an update on rechargeable gear would be in order…

Best,

renaldito

Hey surfers, hey everyone,

I’m looking for a partner to go surfing and share some great moments. The location doesn’t matter to me, as long as there are uncrowded surf spots. I’m thinking, for example, of the Pacific coast in Colombia or some lesser-known islands in Indonesia. I’ve already visited several quiet spots, but always solo. This time, I’d love to share the experience with someone.

I’m open to any destination and ready to adapt if you have ideas or preferences. Ideally, I’m looking for someone with an intermediate level or higher. I’m not an expert surfer, but I can handle intermediate spots and sometimes more challenging ones. If you’re more experienced, that’d be perfect—I’d love to learn from you and improve.

For languages, I speak English and Spanish, so no problem communicating! I’m keen to leave around mid-January or early February for about 2-3 weeks. A pure surf trip, with lots of fun along the way.

If you’re interested, feel free to suggest ideas or drop me a message. Can’t wait to hear your proposals! !

You can post your personal photos in the following thread: https://voyageforum.com/forum/quelque-part-en-thailande-d10655574/

This travel journal is therefore intended solely for my photos, to present a consistent style. All the shots were taken with a simple Samsung Galaxy smartphone and with whatever was at hand.

All stays combined, I’ve spent the equivalent of three years at most in Thailand, and I’m not a big expert on the country. However, after many trips, lots of reading on VoyageForum and other sites, and conversations with many locals as well as expats, my view of the country is becoming clearer, though it’s constantly evolving. You never stop discovering and learning.

I guess I wanted to piece together a puzzle, mainly for those who want to get an idea of the country here and for those who miss it. I don’t know if this minimalist sharing will interest anyone, but it’ll do me good to put it together. After so many months without traveling and then these other long months with VF closed, there’s plenty of material available.

There’ll be a mix of places, periods, and subjects, but it might well be intentional.



I suspect many Thais have dogs because they make excellent guards for the home. Nothing better to deter burglars or to signal the presence of a snake. You’ll often see Thais tapping the top of their dog’s head, but don’t be fooled: it’s a sign of affection from them. Judging by the dogs’ reactions, they’re used to it.

Thailand is one of the countries on the planet where rabies is still present, so keep that in mind. It’s not just bites that can be dangerous, so don’t let just any dog lick you. Especially on a wound, of course. Even though dogs often fear humans—this dangerous and unpredictable predator—we still need to stay cautious. Be careful when walking into alleys because the dog will defend its master’s big property, be careful at night, and be careful when they’re in packs. It sometimes crosses our minds that Thailand isn’t really made for walking around, and dogs are one of the reasons. That said, it’s not uncommon to see them chasing bikes or scooters. Cars, though, are much rarer—they’re too big.

It seems Thais prefer to give their dogs freedom by not locking them behind gates. Though sometimes the gate is closed, the little side door is wide open. Oh, and sometimes there’s no gate in front of the property, or it’s been broken for years.

You’ll often see dogs sleeping on the side of the road, sometimes right on the road. When you arrive, they move aside nonchalantly—or not at all. It’s less funny when they suddenly appear from thick vegetation, which reminds visitors not to drive too fast. As a result, you’ll notice that dogs with injuries or missing legs aren’t that rare.

Since they believe in reincarnation and respect for all forms of life, they don’t chase dog packs away too much, and they don’t sterilize them enough. Seeing a small pack roaming freely in the countryside, you might think it’s best not to cross paths with them at the edge of a field. A darker side of this is that euthanasia isn’t often practiced. Twice, we saw dogs at temples on the brink of death, enduring terrible suffering. No one did anything about it. The image (and the smell) of one of them, dying and emitting the stench of death, still comes back to me sometimes.

Some of you may have seen the YouTube vlog of a French woman living in Phuket who was given a little pig by her Thai friends. The well-fed animal quickly became a happy, enormous beast with its own garden. Yet, it didn’t take long for it to fall seriously ill and become incurable. In her video, the French woman described how difficult it was to find a vet willing to perform euthanasia.

You’ll often see bowls by the side of the road. Thais leave food and water in them for stray cats and dogs. Overall, they have a big heart for animals.

If you ever pop into a shopping mall, you might see people pushing their small dogs in strollers. It’s not a gimmick—it’s just that these strollers are provided for customers to put their pets in, otherwise you can’t bring them inside. It looks a bit odd when you expect to see a baby.