Hi there, I’m planning a trip to Rwanda with a focus on hiking and using local transport. Could anyone share or confirm the entrance fees for the national parks? - Volcanoes National Park: Is it possible to visit without the $1,500 gorilla trek? - Nyungwe Forest National Park - Akagera National Park: $100 per person per day + $40 for a car

Is there an entrance fee for the Congo Nile Trail? If anyone has great tips or recommendations for this trail and other hikes in the country, I’d love to hear them. Thanks so much!

Hi, I'd love to know where we can observe wildlife, birds, and nature in Colombia... Like going on a hike without a guide, immersing ourselves in the forest, far from tourist spots. I want to avoid places that are specially set up, since you usually don’t see much there. Thanks in advance! Bernard

Hello,

We’re really keen on ecosystems and want to hike in "natural" ancient forests—not planted woods or areas heavily degraded by human activity. Travel guides (like Lonely Planet) don’t provide much info on this. Could you point us to the most interesting spots? Thanks in advance for your tips. We wish you happy holidays and a fantastic 2026, full of discoveries! Claire and Albert

Hi there, I’d love some tips for visiting the Chocó region near the Pacific in Colombia. I’m assuming I’ll fly in... Where should I stay? Where can I walk in the forest (without a guide)? Where can I see wildlife, go diving, hiking, and what are the best places to stay? Also, how do I get around, etc.? Thanks in advance! Bernard

Hi everyone. I’m planning a trip to Thailand for November. We loved the treks we did in Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar so much that we’d like to repeat the experience in Northern Thailand. Most travelers who go trekking do it around Chiang Mai. But wouldn’t it be better to do it somewhere else (Chiang Rai?) to get a bit more authenticity? Any tips would be welcome (agency, guide, route, etc.). Thanks for your feedback!

Hello, We’re heading to Laos in December 2025, and we want to do a multi-day trek—maybe even a week—to really take our time and make stops in villages since we’ll have our 3-year-old daughter with us.

We’re torn between the Luang Namtha region or Phongsaly for our big trek. We’re looking for the least touristy spot possible, we love mountains, so we’d like an area with varied landscapes, including rice paddies, and a chance to really connect with local ethnic groups. We’re after authenticity and only want to stay with locals. Which of the two should we prioritize? Any advice would be welcome to help us decide—it’s tough when you don’t know the area! Maybe there are other spots in the north worth considering for a beautiful week-long trek.

Thanks, fellow travelers

Hello, I’d like to embark on a little trip in my home country, Switzerland. I’ll start walking from La Cure, heading toward Le Noirmont first, then I’ll improvise my route—but it’ll probably follow the French border... at least as far as Lac de Joux.

I’ll decide day by day how much farther to go after that. My goal is to stay in nature as much as possible, wander around for as long as I can, and restock food in villages or towns along the way.

I’m thinking of mostly camping, but we’ll see if I end up in a hotel or another campsite depending on my route.

I’d love to reach La Chaux-de-Fonds on foot... maybe even Delémont. The whole thing should take about a week, give or take.

I’ll be bringing my dog, and I’m preparing for this as soon as I’m ready.

Any tips to make sure everything goes smoothly for us? Things I should know—or avoid? What about shepherds with their flocks of sheep? And isn’t hunting season open right now?

I’m not sure if what I’m planning is even doable, which is why I’m asking around.

This’ll be my first time doing something like this—wandering in nature *and* with a dog. I’m really excited for this adventure... and I need it. Thanks!

Is wild camping possible? Are there campsites and places to restock along the way, and is water available? Thanks for your answers! Pierrick

I’m heading to Nepal at the end of April 2026 with my brother, the two kids, and my mom. My mom is 75, in good shape, she walks but isn’t a big sports enthusiast. My daughter is 16, she’s not really into hiking but with the right vibe, she’ll step up. I’m looking for a 5-6 day trek that’s not too difficult—around 4-5 hours of walking and 500-600m of elevation gain per day. What’s our goal? Well, like everyone, we’d love something not too crowded. We want to experience Nepali village life away from the main routes—terraced fields, all that. Some encounters, authenticity, sharing... And if we can catch a glimpse of some high peaks, even better. Any suggestions?

Hi there, I’m traveling to Quebec with my husband and our 20-year-old son for 15 days in August. To finalize our itinerary, I’d love to know the differences between La Mauricie Park and Jacques Cartier Park. We have two days to dedicate to one of the two parks. Thanks so much for your feedback!

Hi there,

I’m planning to do the Mercantour crossing following the Randoxygène route in mid-July. I’m used to hiking in the mountains, but I sometimes get vertigo, for example on ridges with drops on both sides. I wanted to check if there are any T4 or T3-T4 sections and find out if there are any very exposed passages—and if so, where—so I can plan an alternative route. Can anyone give me some info on this? Thanks!

Hi there, We’re flying from Montreal to Lyon this August to go hiking in the French Alps. We’ve rented a car and will be staying at campgrounds. We’re planning to do day hikes and want to stay a few days in one spot, do a few hikes, then move on to our next camping spot. Could you share your favorite spots or any recommendations for places to spend a few days with great hikes?

A few details: We arrive in early August and leave in early September. We’re looking for day hikes (or shorter), moderate difficulty, with a cumulative elevation gain of no more than 1000m, and of course, beautiful scenery! We’d prefer not to drive too much—maybe it’s best not to head too far south and deal with unnecessary heat? Along the same lines, if you know of any great campgrounds where we can start our hike directly without needing the car, we’d love to hear your suggestions!

Thanks! :-)

I'd like to do all or part of the GR 11 in June or July. Spain.

What shoes would you recommend, given it'll be hot and it's a mountain hike?

Regular hiking shoes or sandals?

Thanks

Hi everyone,

I’ve planned a little day trip with my kids (12 and 16 years old) to Venice. The goal is to go for a walk through the city’s streets rather than visiting museums, which would take way too much time. We’d like to pass by the main landmarks, so I’ve put together a small 15 km hike... (thanks to Komoot and visioRando). Could you take a quick look and let me know if I’ve missed anything or made any mistakes?

1. Start at Santa Lucia Train Station 2. Ponte Degli Scalzi 3. Ponte dei Pugni 4. squero de San Trovaso 5 Le rio della Salute 6. Accademia Bridge 7. St. Mark’s Square 8. St. Mark’s Basilica 9. Ponte de la Canonica 10. Ponte de la Pietà 11. Ponte de la Tana 12. The Arsenale 13. Bridge of Sighs 14. Doge’s Palace Then return to the Rialto Bridge via Marzaria dell’Orologio

Also, could you tell me if the Doge’s Palace courtyard is paid entry? Thanks for your help and feedback!

Stéphane.

Hi there, I’d like to spend a week in the Dolomites (4 days of trekking and a few day hikes). Unfortunately, it’ll be in August (no choice). My questions are: - For a first time in the Dolomites, which 4-day trek should I pick? I’d love the most spectacular and varied landscapes possible. Around 1,000m elevation gain per day. - Is it busier the first or last week of August? - Will it still feel "quiet" while hiking? Not like a conga line in August...?

Thanks so much for your help! !

Hi there, Apart from the few short hikes I’ve ticked off around Ampefy (Lily Falls to the Third Falls, geysers), do you have any must-do recommendations for a day hike between Ampefy and Antsirabe or around Antsirabe itself? I’m looking for a big, full-day trek, even if there’s a lot of elevation gain. P.S.: I’ll have a private driver. Thanks in advance! !

I wanted to share an incredible experience I had recently that really left an impression on me: hiking the Mercantour independently. It’s an absolutely stunning mountain range, with varied landscapes that go from lush forests to rocky ridges, passing through high-altitude lakes with unbelievable colors. I chose a one-week route, sleeping under the stars in a bivouac.

It was a pretty demanding adventure, with significant elevation changes and sometimes unpredictable weather. But every effort was rewarded with breathtaking views. I was lucky enough to spot marmots, chamois, and even ibex in the distance. It’s truly a total immersion in nature!

A little tip for those tempted by the adventure: plan your route and gear carefully. Independence requires good preparation. I particularly appreciated having a good water filtration system and lightweight cookware. And for safety, aside from a map and compass (or GPS), I never leave without my two-way radio. In these remote areas where there’s no mobile signal, it’s a real safety net in case of trouble or just to communicate with other hikers if you’re in a group. It can really make a difference!

If any of you have already hiked in the Mercantour or have questions about my experience, don’t hesitate to ask. I’d love to chat with you about this beautiful range or other hiking destinations.

See you on the trails! 🙂

Hi, I’ll be arriving in Nice from Quebec on June 20th. I’m planning to rent a car for 7 days to do day hikes in Mercantour Park. Which village would be best to stay in? Saint-Martin-Vésubie? Barcelonnette? Or split my time between both to access different areas of the park and avoid too much driving? Also, are there hikes in lush, flower-filled valleys (like alpine meadows)? Thanks, Sylvie

Hi everyone,

I’m just at the very beginning of my research, so I’m coming straight to you for some info. I’d like to visit Morocco to discover a bit of the country. I’ve just found out about the Toubkal circuit, which I’d love to do in January/February. I’m open to going independently with a tent, food, etc., and also open to whatever other possibilities this circuit offers that I don’t know about yet... Could you share any random tips or info? I’d also love to hear your opinions? What I like about this circuit is that it’s fairly accessible and seems interesting for many reasons. I’ll leave it to you to share your thoughts—thanks in advance for your help! 🙂 Wishing you all lots of exciting plans for the new year ahead!

Nicolas

Hi there. I’ve hiked the GR trail mentioned in the title from Wissembourg all the way to Menton. Now I’ve got the section from Wissembourg to Rotterdam left. But I can’t find any maps for this route—I’m looking for someone who’s done this part of the trail. Thanks in advance! 😊

Hi everyone,

I’m finalizing my trip plans for Sumatra in June. I’m trying to lock in a trek (around 5 days), but I’m not really finding what I’m looking for.

The idea is to really go "off the beaten path" (I’m not a fan of the phrase since it’s lost all meaning, but anyway...). However, I’m struggling to find destinations or programs that are even slightly original.

We’re leaning toward a jungle trek starting from Ketambe—it seems nice in itself, but it feels a bit repetitive. All the guides offer the same packages: stops at fixed camps, you settle in, walk around the camp, eat, sleep, then move on the next day for 2-3 hours with the same routine. After all my research, I feel like I’ve already seen it all because every guide and tourist posts the same photos (hollow tree, hot springs, etc.).

Anyway, do you know of a guide or agency that offers a *real* trek (meaning you walk all day until you find a spot for the night, from a starting point A to an endpoint B) in an area that’s a little different from where everyone else goes? (Gunung Leuser or similar, though for transport and time reasons, I’d ideally like to stay in northern Sumatra.)

Thanks, and if you have any good tips about anything related to Sumatra, I’m all ears.

Have a great day,

Hi there, I’m planning to stay in Mae Hong Son for 4 days and Pai for 3 or 4 days to explore both towns and their surroundings. I’m not renting a car or scooter—I like to travel at a relaxed pace...

I’d love to know if it’s possible to do quite a few walks on foot from both towns and if it’s easy to find a tuk-tuk for the day to go a bit further.

I’ve heard that biking is really only for brave cyclists, which definitely isn’t me!

Thanks for your tips

Hi there, I’d like to hike The Narrows in mid-June. Has anyone done this hike and can share their feedback? I’ll be hiking up to the narrowing, and I saw there’s an outfitter that rents the right gear—I plan to get equipped. Though it depends on a lot of factors, what’s the average water level like at that time of year? Thanks

Hi there,

This summer, my sister and I would like to do part of the tour of old Chaillol. We’re thinking of leaving our car at Chapelle en Valgaudemar and going hiking for three days with two nights in a mountain refuge. At the end of the third day, do you know if it’s possible to take a bus or coach to get back to Chapelle en Valgaudemar? From Pont du Fossé or Chabottes. If not, would you have another more suitable route to suggest?

Thanks in advance.

Hi there, we're heading to Nepal in a few weeks and planning a relaxed trek from Jomsom to Tatopani along the left bank of the Kali Gandaki. Starting from Kokhetanti, we'd like to do a day loop to Sekong Lake, then head to Naurikot and return (possibly by road). We’ve found—well, *found* might be a strong word—a path to the lake, but we can’t see any route continuing to Naurikot. Can anyone help us out? Thanks so much! !

Hi there, This August, I hiked the Vosges section (Vosges massif) of the GR5 (Lauterbourg-Wissembourg-gr53-gr5-Belfort) using the TopoGuide "Traversée du Massif des Vosges" (ref 502, April 2024 edition). My experience was partly ruined by a few things I feel I should share here to help others avoid the same pitfalls—or at least disappointments.

Having used "TopoGuide" books before, I’d always trusted them for organizing treks lasting several weeks, or even months.

Beyond the satisfactory mapping (reproductions of IGN 1:25,000 maps), these guides include route descriptions that are usually enough to find your way. On that point, I have no serious criticism of the Vosges crossing guide.

In addition to the route details, the guide provides "average" time estimates for traveling from point A to point B—useful info for gauging effort and planning likely stages. However, I eventually realized I couldn’t rely on these time estimates. I’d assumed they were calculated by the FFRP, considering that 100m of positive elevation gain roughly equals 1km on flat terrain, with an average walking speed of 4km/h. So, I’d recommend anyone using this guide to recalculate all the time estimates to avoid nasty surprises on tight stages. 🤪

Another key feature of the guide, in my opinion, is its info on accommodation options—especially budget-friendly ones suited for long-distance hikers on a tight budget. A section called "préparation des étapes" includes a table with a column meant to highlight "refuges" and "gîtes d'étapes." That column had me feeling optimistic: these budget accommodations were listed as plentiful along the route. After all, we were in the territory of the famous Club Vosgien—it made sense there’d be plenty of hiker-friendly lodging options. The reality on the ground was quite different. The TopoGuide wasn’t really to blame here, except that a serious warning wouldn’t have hurt. First, regarding the "refuges," most were run by associations. With rare exceptions, the volunteers only opened them on weekends. You can’t really blame people for not volunteering on weekdays, but it makes things tricky when the info about weekend-only openings often turns out to be wrong. As for the "gîtes d'étape," I was mostly disappointed when I was told that a place was booked for weeks: the vast majority of what was listed as a "gîte d'étape" turned out to be "gîtes ruraux." The advice here? If you don’t want to—or can’t—camp, double-check all the accommodation details before you set off. It’s time-consuming and tedious, but if you can, camping is still the best option. 😐 On a brighter note, during the first part of my trip, I came across several cabins that offered alternatives to camping. 🙂

P.S.: Even the youth hostel in Saverne was closed in the middle of August... 😕

Hello, I’m heading to Réunion in early October with my girlfriend for two weeks. Out of the 15 days, we’d like to do about 5 days of hiking—maybe a 3-day/2-night trek and two day hikes.

I’ve seen tons of hiking options online, but I’m a bit overwhelmed when it comes to choosing. Hikes like the Tour de Mafate trek, Piton des Neiges, Piton de la Fournaise… we’d love to do those too.

We’ll have a rental car if needed. No problem walking for 6 hours a day (we’re pretty active).

Which hikes would you recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Hello, A few years ago, I visited Nepal. I have wonderful memories of it. My friend (77) and I (73) would like to go back. We’re still in good shape! But let’s not exaggerate either. So, we’re looking for a relaxed trek in the mid-mountains, in touch with the local people, passing near monasteries, and with beautiful views of the peaks. And no agencies! Can you give us some tips? Thanks a million

I’m traveling solo by plane to Catania in May and plan to hike the northern side of Etna, starting from Linguaglossa where I’ll arrive by bus. After that, I’d love some info on how to get up to Piano Provenzana (shuttles or hitchhiking), since it seems there’s no public transport except in the summer. Can you sleep there in a free or cheap refuge, or camp? And how far up can you go without having to hire a guide? Thanks in advance. Bernard.

I want to do sections of the Collioure-Cadaqués trail. I plan to stay in Collioure first to hike the paths on the French side using the bus. Speaking of which, I’m wondering if it’ll be easy to find a seat on the buses at the end of April, beginning of May.

After that, I’ll head to Figueres to do sections of the trail on the Spanish side. I’m worried the buses might not be too crowded at the end of April.

Here’s what I’m interested in: Llanca - Port de la Selva: Figueres - Llanca by train in the morning and Port de la Selva - Figueres on the way back Port de la Selva - Cadaqués: Figueres - Port de la Selva in the morning and Cadaqués - Figueres on the return trip

I’d also like to go to Cadaqués from Figueres as a day trip. I’m concerned about how busy this route might be at the end of April.

I’m wondering if I need to get tickets in advance and where to buy them.