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!

Hi there, I’m planning a trip to Namibia in 2026. I’m torn between visiting the Fish River Canyon and the Caprivi Strip / Victoria Falls. I’d also love your advice on the best time to travel for wildlife viewing and pleasant weather. I haven’t chosen a tour operator yet... since I’m traveling solo, I’d prefer a small-group escorted trip. Has anyone traveled with a local agency and what’s your feedback or advice? Thanks so much!

Hey everyone!

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! 😊 I’d love to take my two kids (12 and 14) away in July. We’ve never traveled all three of us together before. My son would like to go to Italy, but nothing’s set in stone… We’d like to go abroad, but I have two tricky conditions: - Budget max 1000 € all-in, I’ve tried but I can’t save any more than that 😅 - I have some health issues, so… I can’t drive for more than 2-3 hours. No way we can go by car. Also, once we’re there, I can’t do long hikes or sports (short walks and swimming are fine).

Any ideas, please?

I’ve started looking at Airbnbs and the prices are reasonable, but as soon as I check flight tickets 😵💸🔥

Maybe it’s better to go for an all-inclusive place like Booking.com?

Thanks so much to anyone who can help! 😊

Hi there, I’m planning to travel by bus during my stay in Greece, mainly in November. Since I’ll be spending a few days in Nafplio, is it easy to get to Olympia by bus, or is it better to take a guided tour from Nafplio? It’s not ideal, but it would be my only option to see the site. Also, since I want to go to Delphi, is it possible to take public transport, staying one night in Olympia and leaving from there the next day for Delphi? That would save me from having to go back to Athens. If anyone has already done this route, I’d love to hear about your experience. Thanks!

Hi there, I’d love to spend two weeks with my partner in Kerala (arriving and departing from Kochi), and I’m currently looking for info to help build an itinerary. We’re more into hiking/nature and cultural discoveries, staying in youth hostels or simple accommodations. If you’ve got any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Thanks in advance

Hi there, I’m planning a trip to Thailand from October 16 to 29, 2025, with my two teens. We’d love to explore Southern Thailand (for the beaches...). I’ve read that it’s the end of the rainy season—do you think it’s a bad idea or not? Also, I’m familiar with traffic in Asian countries—it’s pretty challenging. Do you think I should go through an agency for a well-defined itinerary? Or do you have any tips for hotels and getting around? Looking forward to hearing from you, and thanks in advance! 😊 Mylène

Hi there, I’m looking to travel outside Europe in September, and my first thought was to return to Thailand. Unfortunately, what I’m reading about the weather isn’t encouraging—Indonesia seems like the better option this season. Sulawesi is really tempting, but the budget is higher. Since I’ve already been to Thailand in July a few years ago (it was overcast but with little rain), this time I’d love to explore Isan and then do some volunteering at Elephant Nature Park before ending with a few days by the sea. Do you think this is a good idea, or should I postpone it? I love sunshine, even if it’s not constant, and I’ve had enough of rain and gray skies back in Belgium 😅 Thanks so much! 🙏

Hi there,

I’m planning a trip to Lindos with my 15-year-old son for a week in July.

I’m looking for a 3-star hotel with breakfast and, if possible, half-board. Or any other affordable accommodation (up to 700 € for the week) that isn’t too far from the center of Lindos, since I won’t be renting a car. However, we do want to do some activities (visit to Lymos, etc.).

Thanks in advance.

Hi there, I’m planning to spend two months in Mongolia, and I’d love to be welcomed by a nomadic or semi-nomadic family in the Altai Mountains. I can work and, of course, contribute money for my stay! Has anyone already had this experience? Also, is it still possible today to take the Trans-Siberian to Novosibirsk and then cross the Russia-Mongolia border at Tashanta? Looking forward to your replies! Thanks

Hi, We’re planning a trip to Bali for the second half of March, staying 15 days: 5 days in Ubud, 5 days in Nusa Dua, and 5 days in Lombok. I know it’s not the ideal season, but can anyone tell me if it rains a lot in March, and whether the sea is too rough for swimming in Lombok and Nusa Dua? Thanks in advance, Corinne

Hello, We’re planning to travel at the beginning of 2026 (a couple) to visit these two countries (Laos and Cambodia). We’re looking for local travel agencies to organize our trip with a driver and vehicle. For accommodation, staying with locals suits us just fine. If any seasoned travelers have reliable recommendations, we’d love to hear them. Thanks! Best regards, Lionel 1946

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)

3 days in Nazca

3 days in Arequipa

3 days in Puno (Lake Titicaca)

5 days in Cusco

Thanks in advance

Hello fellow travelers, I’m planning to go to Thailand with my two teenagers during the upcoming All Saints' Day break—that’s the second half of October—and I see it’s the bad season. Should I give up and pick another destination? Or is there a region, north or south, that I should avoid? Those of you who know this country well, could you please give me some advice? I don’t want to put my kids at risk. Otherwise, I might head to Mauritius or... I don’t know! Thanks, friends, for your help. Looking forward to reading your replies,

Hello, I’m planning a trip to Brazil in July/August. The thing is, I don’t know where I could find a beach with high temperatures (24 °C / 27 °C) and a favorable climate (not too much rain) during that time. I’d like to enjoy the beach and maybe spot some marine wildlife. I don’t surf. Any ideas or personal experiences you can share?

I'm planning a 10-day trip to Tenerife to go hiking in February. Is the weather decent without too much fog at this time of year? Is an excursion to Teide National Park doable? Thanks for your replies.

I'd love some destination suggestions for a road trip from Nice to Livorno by car, including the routes, tolls to cross, distance, and estimated travel time. We're planning a 5-day trip, with 2 nights near Nice, 1 night along the way, and finally 2 nights in Livorno. There are 4 of us in a rental car, and we'd like to stay in either an apartment, a mobile home near the sea, or a campsite. Our budget isn't too extravagant!!!! We want to visit the Promenade des Anglais, and I've heard Menton is really interesting. Once we reach Livorno, we'll take the ferry to Corsica for 12 days with the same rental car. We're planning to leave the last week of May and the first two weeks of June 2026, so around 17-18 days total. Thanks

Hi there, I’m heading to Chile for 3 weeks starting May 1st.

I can’t seem to find reliable info about the weather in May in the southern areas (Lake District and Patagonia).

Do you think some sites are still doable without too much rain at that time?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help! 😊

Ludo

Hello, My wife and I are planning a 15-day trip to Cambodia. Could you share some itinerary ideas with us? Thanks

Hi there,

Could anyone tell me how to connect Central America (starting from which country and with which airline) to Martinique in the most budget-friendly way, please?

Flight duration and number of stopovers don’t matter.

Thanks!

Claire

Hey everyone! 🙂 Just giving you the quick context: A group of friends and I are planning a trip to South Korea (Seoul/Busan) at the end of June/July next year. It falls right in the middle of the monsoon season, but we don’t really have other availability options.😕 I’d love to hear from people who’ve visited the country and these cities during this period—basically, is it not as bad as it sounds, or should we just cancel our tickets (we don’t mind the heat, it’s mostly the rain that scares us). I know there are plenty of indoor activities, but do you think we’ll still manage to get a few sunny days, or will it be torrential rain for our entire 2-week trip? The only other country we’ve visited during the rainy season is Brazil (in the northeast) around the same time, and honestly, aside from a few really annoying downpours, we had sunshine most of the time and it was awesome. That said, the climate is totally different, so I’m not sure how relevant the comparison is. Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to read or reply to this post! 🙂

Hi, We’re planning a trip to Nosy Be from March 14th to 29th. I saw on the "Where and When to Go" site that the weather isn’t great then—has anyone been to this part of Madagascar during this period? Does it rain a lot? Thanks so much for your help!

Hi there, We’re heading to Argentina and Chile next February and really want to do the Carretera Austral starting from Coyhaique.

We’d love some info and feedback on bus routes to get to Coyhaique: Buenos Aires to Comodoro (which we’ve found pretty easily so far), or Buenos Aires to Bariloche (same, there are buses).

The tricky part is getting to Coyhaique in Chile, the starting point for the Carretera Austral. We can’t find any routes! Has anyone done this trip before and could share some tips?

Thanks in advance

Hi everyone,

Need some fresh advice, please.

I’m planning a trip to Japan for late February/early March 2025.

A friend who usually travels there often used to fly from Marseille (yes, really) with round-trip tickets for around 500-odd euros to Tokyo—something that’s impossible to find now. Her last trip was just two months ago.

Any tips, please?

I already know flights magically get more expensive on weekends, but I’m looking for tips to find fares under 900 € per person...

Thanks in advance!

"By the time a man realizes his father was probably right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong." 😛 — Charles Wadsworth

😉

Hi everyone, We’d love to return to India next year for 3 weeks (we visited Rajasthan about fifteen years ago). Unfortunately, we’re tied to traveling in September, and our initial plan was to explore Himachal Pradesh. However, it seems like that might not be the best month for this region. Could you share your experiences from that time of year in Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala, or even the Spiti Valley—in short, anywhere in Himachal Pradesh? Otherwise, which region of India would you recommend for a September trip? Thanks so much!

hi It seems that in recent years, January and February in Bohol have seen an increase in rainy periods. Have any of you noticed this? Thanks in advance for your replies

Hi everyone, Next year I’d love to spend some time in the Dolomites and do a few nice hikes—not too difficult. Can anyone give me some tips? I’ve read that it gets super crowded, you have to start really early, and everything’s pretty expensive. Anyone familiar with the area? Thanks for your help

Hi, we’re planning to travel through Patagonia (Chile and Argentina) in February and March 2027. From a seasonal and weather perspective, at that time of year and with hiking as our main activity, is it better to explore Patagonia from south to north or the other way around? Thanks in advance. Anne Marie

hi After reading quite a few posts and buying a guidebook, I’m still struggling to finalize my suitcase. Given that we’ll be visiting both islands during our road trip and suitcases aren’t exactly expandable, I’ve noted that temperatures can be changeable—but should I pack more winter clothes than summer ones? Thanks for your help

Hi there. On my itinerary from São Luís to Jericoacoara, I’ll be passing through the Lençóis. Is there any point stopping there this time of year? Apparently, the lagoons are dry, but aside from the lagoons, is the surrounding landscape still interesting enough to warrant a 1- or 2-day stop? Thanks in advance for your help.