Hi there,
We’re traveling to Java on October 23, just the two of us.
I’ve read that it’s best to book train tickets in advance on tiket.com.
Is that true, and how far ahead do you recommend?
Are the tickets changeable?
Thanks for your help!
Nicole
811 similar discussions in English
Hello.
At the end of my trip around northern Luzon, I’m thinking of checking out the Taal Volcano site:
- the lake
- the volcano
I plan to arrive in Tagaytay in the morning to explore the lake and volcano.
Should I stay in Talisay or Tagaytay?
And leave the next morning for Manila.
What do you think of this plan—are the lake and volcano worth the detour from Manila?
Is visiting the town of Taal before heading back to Manila of any interest?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Hi everyone,
Even though I come to Morocco four times a year, it’s been a long time since I’ve made the trip by car. I need to refresh my knowledge! I’ll be traveling in early October. I have a car that’s about 20 years old. The plan is to cross via Algeciras/Ceuta.
A few questions:
1) Does this crossing still exist? If so, do I need to buy the ticket in advance or on the spot? From whom? Any advice is welcome!
2) What documents are required for the car?
3) If anyone is making the trip around the same time, it could be fun to drive together 😊
I know there are experts on this forum.
Thanks in advance
Even though I come to Morocco four times a year, it’s been a long time since I’ve made the trip by car. I need to refresh my knowledge! I’ll be traveling in early October. I have a car that’s about 20 years old. The plan is to cross via Algeciras/Ceuta.
A few questions:
1) Does this crossing still exist? If so, do I need to buy the ticket in advance or on the spot? From whom? Any advice is welcome!
2) What documents are required for the car?
3) If anyone is making the trip around the same time, it could be fun to drive together 😊
I know there are experts on this forum.
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
After using this forum a lot to plan several trips, I’m finally writing my own travel journal about South Africa, a trip that took place from May 14 to 31, 2025. I hope to inspire but mostly to share info and details for those like me who need to plan their trip as precisely as possible to make the most of it once there.
This is our first trip to Africa outside the Maghreb for my wife and me. What follows is, of course, just my opinion and very subjective. You’ll easily understand that my goal isn’t to debate my choice of destinations or activities since everyone has their own travel style and beliefs. I just want to share. Thanks in advance.
We booked our tickets with Emirates for the routes: Lyon-Dubai, Dubai-Johannesburg on the way out. For the return, it was Cape Town-Dubai, Dubai-Lyon. The tickets cost us 1400 € for two, booked in December. I monitored prices for several weeks, and they didn’t tend to drop. I think I got the flight tickets at the right time because alerts I set on different sites showed prices only going up.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Johannesburg airport, pick up the rental car, and head to Hartbeespoort (northwest of Pretoria): overnight in Hartbeespoort. Day 2: Visit the Elephant Sanctuary + Monkey Sanctuary + cableway: overnight in Hartbeespoort. Day 3: Head to Ukutula, visit the site. Day 4: Head to Kruger Park, transition day: overnight in Dullstroom. Day 5: Head to Blyde River Canyon, visit the viewpoints (more details in the journal later): overnight in Graskop. Day 6: Hike the Leopard Trail (Blyde River Canyon) then return to Kruger Park: overnight at Pretoriuskop rest camp. Days 7 & 8: Visit Kruger Park: overnights at Lower Sabie rest camp. Days 9 & 10: Visit Kruger Park: overnights at Berg-En-Dal rest camp. Day 11: Visit Kruger Park: overnight in Malelane. Day 12: Domestic flight to Cape Town: overnight in Cape Town (Mouille Point neighborhood). Days 13 to 17: Visit Cape Town and its surroundings (more details in the journal later): overnight in Cape Town (Mouille Point neighborhood).
Before describing our trip in more detail, here’s some practical info about the stay:
For internet, I got Bouygues Telecom’s travel pass for 35 € on top of my regular plan with them. It worked well except in Kruger. Otherwise, I hardly had any network coverage issues. For all accommodations and car rentals, I used Booking.com. No bad surprises.
After using this forum a lot to plan several trips, I’m finally writing my own travel journal about South Africa, a trip that took place from May 14 to 31, 2025. I hope to inspire but mostly to share info and details for those like me who need to plan their trip as precisely as possible to make the most of it once there.
This is our first trip to Africa outside the Maghreb for my wife and me. What follows is, of course, just my opinion and very subjective. You’ll easily understand that my goal isn’t to debate my choice of destinations or activities since everyone has their own travel style and beliefs. I just want to share. Thanks in advance.
We booked our tickets with Emirates for the routes: Lyon-Dubai, Dubai-Johannesburg on the way out. For the return, it was Cape Town-Dubai, Dubai-Lyon. The tickets cost us 1400 € for two, booked in December. I monitored prices for several weeks, and they didn’t tend to drop. I think I got the flight tickets at the right time because alerts I set on different sites showed prices only going up.
Here’s our itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Johannesburg airport, pick up the rental car, and head to Hartbeespoort (northwest of Pretoria): overnight in Hartbeespoort. Day 2: Visit the Elephant Sanctuary + Monkey Sanctuary + cableway: overnight in Hartbeespoort. Day 3: Head to Ukutula, visit the site. Day 4: Head to Kruger Park, transition day: overnight in Dullstroom. Day 5: Head to Blyde River Canyon, visit the viewpoints (more details in the journal later): overnight in Graskop. Day 6: Hike the Leopard Trail (Blyde River Canyon) then return to Kruger Park: overnight at Pretoriuskop rest camp. Days 7 & 8: Visit Kruger Park: overnights at Lower Sabie rest camp. Days 9 & 10: Visit Kruger Park: overnights at Berg-En-Dal rest camp. Day 11: Visit Kruger Park: overnight in Malelane. Day 12: Domestic flight to Cape Town: overnight in Cape Town (Mouille Point neighborhood). Days 13 to 17: Visit Cape Town and its surroundings (more details in the journal later): overnight in Cape Town (Mouille Point neighborhood).
Before describing our trip in more detail, here’s some practical info about the stay:
For internet, I got Bouygues Telecom’s travel pass for 35 € on top of my regular plan with them. It worked well except in Kruger. Otherwise, I hardly had any network coverage issues. For all accommodations and car rentals, I used Booking.com. No bad surprises.
Hello,
We're hitting the road again in 2027 to discover new countries and cultures.
Could anyone give me some tips on driving from Ulaanbaatar to Lake Baikal and the route to take?
Thanks, and safe travels to those who are setting off!
Hi everyone,
Here’s the theme for August... the world’s felines.
Yep, wildlife photography! 😺
Forest cat
So, this theme isn’t exactly a "travel invitation," but coming up with a new one is quite a puzzle 😅. During February’s “white” theme discussion, we had pages of cats, so you should be inspired 😸. I won’t be restrictive—wild felines, domestic cats, and even those in zoos (though I’m not a fan) will be accepted. Plus, engravings, paintings, statues, or any other representations of felines fit the theme. The Sphinx is also welcome ;).

Practical details:
Participation: Each VF member can submit up to 3 photos, until Monday, August 25th at 11:59 PM Paris time. Each photo must be posted in a separate message, with its number (1, 2, or 3). Don’t forget to add a little explanation (comment, location, etc.).
Voting: Each VF member can vote for the 3 photos they consider the best, based on their own criteria and the theme.
Voting will take place from Tuesday, August 26th to Saturday, August 30th at 11:59 PM Paris time.
Selected photos will be ranked in order of preference: - 1st photo: 3 points - 2nd photo: 2 points - 3rd photo: 1 point
The winner is the photographer with the most points.
Results will be published on August 31st. In case of a tie, the number of first-place votes will decide. The winner will have the honor of organizing September 2025’s contest.
Photos that have already been nominated (1st, 2nd, or 3rd place) in another contest are not eligible for this one.
This thread is exclusively for contest submissions. Any discussions or comments should be posted here.
Forest catSo, this theme isn’t exactly a "travel invitation," but coming up with a new one is quite a puzzle 😅. During February’s “white” theme discussion, we had pages of cats, so you should be inspired 😸. I won’t be restrictive—wild felines, domestic cats, and even those in zoos (though I’m not a fan) will be accepted. Plus, engravings, paintings, statues, or any other representations of felines fit the theme. The Sphinx is also welcome ;).

Practical details:
Participation: Each VF member can submit up to 3 photos, until Monday, August 25th at 11:59 PM Paris time. Each photo must be posted in a separate message, with its number (1, 2, or 3). Don’t forget to add a little explanation (comment, location, etc.).
Voting: Each VF member can vote for the 3 photos they consider the best, based on their own criteria and the theme.
Voting will take place from Tuesday, August 26th to Saturday, August 30th at 11:59 PM Paris time.
Selected photos will be ranked in order of preference: - 1st photo: 3 points - 2nd photo: 2 points - 3rd photo: 1 point
The winner is the photographer with the most points.
Results will be published on August 31st. In case of a tie, the number of first-place votes will decide. The winner will have the honor of organizing September 2025’s contest.
Photos that have already been nominated (1st, 2nd, or 3rd place) in another contest are not eligible for this one.
This thread is exclusively for contest submissions. Any discussions or comments should be posted here.
Hi everyone,
I’d love to get your thoughts on these two routes I’ve planned to see the highlights of Paris in two days.
I don’t want to take any transportation.
I’ll arrive at the hotel by car on Saturday around noon and won’t pick it up again until the next evening to leave.
**First day:** I’m thinking of starting from the hotel, then heading to the Eiffel Tower - Trocadéro - Galeries Lafayette - Élysée Palace - Tuileries Garden - the Louvre (outside only) and finishing at Les Invalides.
12 km

(The route on the map is just for reference to show the places we’ll visit—it might vary by a hundred meters or so.)
**Second day:** Starting from the hotel, we’ll go to Montmartre - Sacré-Cœur Basilica - Pigalle - Notre-Dame Cathedral - Panthéon - Luxembourg Garden.

What do you think? Am I missing out on anything great with this route?
Since I’m traveling with two kids, do you see any spots on these routes that might be a bit risky safety-wise? 🏴☠️
We’re not big museum fans, so we’re not planning to visit any—unless it rains, of course! 😄
One last little question: are there any protests planned in Paris on the weekend of August 16-17? 🙂 Thanks for reading! 😎
I’d love to get your thoughts on these two routes I’ve planned to see the highlights of Paris in two days.
I don’t want to take any transportation.
I’ll arrive at the hotel by car on Saturday around noon and won’t pick it up again until the next evening to leave.
**First day:** I’m thinking of starting from the hotel, then heading to the Eiffel Tower - Trocadéro - Galeries Lafayette - Élysée Palace - Tuileries Garden - the Louvre (outside only) and finishing at Les Invalides.
12 km

(The route on the map is just for reference to show the places we’ll visit—it might vary by a hundred meters or so.)
**Second day:** Starting from the hotel, we’ll go to Montmartre - Sacré-Cœur Basilica - Pigalle - Notre-Dame Cathedral - Panthéon - Luxembourg Garden.

What do you think? Am I missing out on anything great with this route?
Since I’m traveling with two kids, do you see any spots on these routes that might be a bit risky safety-wise? 🏴☠️
We’re not big museum fans, so we’re not planning to visit any—unless it rains, of course! 😄
One last little question: are there any protests planned in Paris on the weekend of August 16-17? 🙂 Thanks for reading! 😎
Hi everyone,
I’m planning my trip to Madagascar for the fall and starting to think about getting my visa. After reading through different posts, I’m a bit unsure about the best way to go about it. Is it better to apply for an e-visa (and if so, which official website?) or just queue up on arrival? It seems there are "unofficial"—and therefore fraudulent—sites out there, and that you’ll have to queue either way (which I’m not thrilled about since I’m arriving at 11 PM). What do you think?
Hi there.
I’m heading to the US in September and stopping in Boston. I’ve got a baseball game booked for Sunday afternoon. Is Monday enough to soak up the highlights of the city, including Harvard?
Thanks for your tips!
I’m heading to the US in September and stopping in Boston. I’ve got a baseball game booked for Sunday afternoon. Is Monday enough to soak up the highlights of the city, including Harvard?
Thanks for your tips!
Hi everyone,
I’m back from my 10-day cruise to Japan and South Korea and wanted to share my experience. Before leaving, I searched the forums but found very few firsthand accounts of this kind of trip.
Just so you know, a cruise isn’t some slow, easy trip—every port stop is an adventure!
We flew from Marseille with Lufthansa via Frankfurt, with a short 1.5-hour layover that was just enough, though we still had to sprint to make our connection. We’d booked seats with extra legroom, which was great—we were next to premium economy, so we had a good spot. The airline hadn’t sold all the premium seats and kept making announcements to attract takers, but no discounts!
After about 12 hours, we arrived at Tokyo Haneda feeling pretty wiped since we hadn’t slept. The time difference is 7 hours, so we landed in late morning in Japan. We took the free rail shuttle to central Tokyo. The entry process went smoothly thanks to the Japan web app. For the subway, we’d registered our Suica card, but we hadn’t anticipated how tricky transfers could be when stations don’t always have elevators—bit of a hassle, but still cheap! Navigating the subway is super easy, though. We’d bought a SIM card on Amazon beforehand, so everything was smooth.
We’d booked a room at the Grand Hazelmon Hotel, which is near the Imperial Palace. It’s a quiet business district in the evenings and well-connected by subway.
I’d opted for a half-room, so I was worried about space, but it was fine—no smaller than a London or Paris hotel room! Breakfast was included and really good.
We even had dinner there one night—dishes were around 9 € at a 4- or 5-star hotel, so we didn’t hold back.
In the afternoon, we visited the Imperial Palace. You can’t go inside, but it’s a green oasis—surprisingly peaceful despite Tokyo’s 36 million people—and very secure.
I’ll share more of my adventures later!
Just so you know, a cruise isn’t some slow, easy trip—every port stop is an adventure!
We flew from Marseille with Lufthansa via Frankfurt, with a short 1.5-hour layover that was just enough, though we still had to sprint to make our connection. We’d booked seats with extra legroom, which was great—we were next to premium economy, so we had a good spot. The airline hadn’t sold all the premium seats and kept making announcements to attract takers, but no discounts!
After about 12 hours, we arrived at Tokyo Haneda feeling pretty wiped since we hadn’t slept. The time difference is 7 hours, so we landed in late morning in Japan. We took the free rail shuttle to central Tokyo. The entry process went smoothly thanks to the Japan web app. For the subway, we’d registered our Suica card, but we hadn’t anticipated how tricky transfers could be when stations don’t always have elevators—bit of a hassle, but still cheap! Navigating the subway is super easy, though. We’d bought a SIM card on Amazon beforehand, so everything was smooth.
We’d booked a room at the Grand Hazelmon Hotel, which is near the Imperial Palace. It’s a quiet business district in the evenings and well-connected by subway.
I’d opted for a half-room, so I was worried about space, but it was fine—no smaller than a London or Paris hotel room! Breakfast was included and really good.
We even had dinner there one night—dishes were around 9 € at a 4- or 5-star hotel, so we didn’t hold back.
In the afternoon, we visited the Imperial Palace. You can’t go inside, but it’s a green oasis—surprisingly peaceful despite Tokyo’s 36 million people—and very secure.
I’ll share more of my adventures later!
hi everyone,
I’d like to do the Shikoku pilgrimage in spring 2026—the full circuit (88 temples) with a mix of walking and buses. Buses for the long, straight stretches on busy roads. You’ll need to be able to carry your own bag, so pack light like for a multi-day hike, and have some experience with long-distance walking. Who’s in? A small group of 3 or 4 would be perfect. If there are takers, we’ve got 6 months ahead of us to organize and fine-tune the trip. I’m 73 and used to traveling—I’m not a travel agency, so if you’re interested, at least get the basic info on the route and other useful details first… A trip like this is a group effort. Have a great day, everyone! 😉
Hi,
My friend is supposed to leave on June 26th for Philadelphia. American Airlines called him last night to ask him to cancel or postpone his flight because they’re canceling around a hundred flights from Europe, mainly due to fears of retaliatory attacks after the bombings in Iran. Their offer is either to postpone with compensation (the amount would be known once he accepts) or to cancel completely with a refund and the standard compensation for flights departing from Europe. The airline gave him until 24 hours before departure to decide. Otherwise, he can still go to the airport for now with no obligation to board since he’s traveling alone—they’re prioritizing families in case of overbooking due to some flight cancellations. The same goes for the return flight. In short, it’s total chaos. We’re waiting until tonight or tomorrow to decide whether to cancel outright.
My friend is supposed to leave on June 26th for Philadelphia. American Airlines called him last night to ask him to cancel or postpone his flight because they’re canceling around a hundred flights from Europe, mainly due to fears of retaliatory attacks after the bombings in Iran. Their offer is either to postpone with compensation (the amount would be known once he accepts) or to cancel completely with a refund and the standard compensation for flights departing from Europe. The airline gave him until 24 hours before departure to decide. Otherwise, he can still go to the airport for now with no obligation to board since he’s traveling alone—they’re prioritizing families in case of overbooking due to some flight cancellations. The same goes for the return flight. In short, it’s total chaos. We’re waiting until tonight or tomorrow to decide whether to cancel outright.
Hi,
How do you prepare for a trip in Northern European countries when you own a 2000-model motorhome?
Hi everyone,
Our travel plans to Brazil in October are moving forward. Now we're looking for the best way to put it all together. Starting from Montpellier, probably connecting through CDG, arriving in Salvador de Bahia, stopping in Belo Horizonte, then a flight to Rio, and the return trip. How can we manage to finalize such a circular flight? Thanks in advance for your tips.
Best,
Serge
Hi everyone!
Blue skies (lots of them), whitewashed villages with steep alleyways, hundreds of churches, and... thousands of stairs? Welcome to the Cyclades! 🙂
We’d been dreaming about this for a while, but in July-August—with the crowds—no way! Now that I can travel outside school holidays, the Cyclades are back on the agenda. And so begins a loooong period of planning and second-guessing, with countless itinerary changes: the Cyclades, yes, but which ones? I was fixated on Folegandros (we won’t be going after all) and really wanted to visit Delos. So, for this first trip, it’ll be: Mykonos (and Delos)-Naxos-Amorgos-Santorini.
Saturday 24/05: Departure from Orly on a Transavia flight, arriving in Mykonos in the late afternoon. We found a hotel that offers free transfers (pretty rare and not insignificant—it’s 25 € each way for just a few kilometers 😠) and at a reasonable price (83 € per night for B&B). Time for dinner already: Greek salad and souvlaki (we’re in Greece, right?)
(Okay, this is actually a dakos with Naxos cheese, but I don’t have a photo of a Greek salad 😏).
Blue skies (lots of them), whitewashed villages with steep alleyways, hundreds of churches, and... thousands of stairs? Welcome to the Cyclades! 🙂
We’d been dreaming about this for a while, but in July-August—with the crowds—no way! Now that I can travel outside school holidays, the Cyclades are back on the agenda. And so begins a loooong period of planning and second-guessing, with countless itinerary changes: the Cyclades, yes, but which ones? I was fixated on Folegandros (we won’t be going after all) and really wanted to visit Delos. So, for this first trip, it’ll be: Mykonos (and Delos)-Naxos-Amorgos-Santorini.
Saturday 24/05: Departure from Orly on a Transavia flight, arriving in Mykonos in the late afternoon. We found a hotel that offers free transfers (pretty rare and not insignificant—it’s 25 € each way for just a few kilometers 😠) and at a reasonable price (83 € per night for B&B). Time for dinner already: Greek salad and souvlaki (we’re in Greece, right?)
(Okay, this is actually a dakos with Naxos cheese, but I don’t have a photo of a Greek salad 😏).Hi there. I hold a 60-day C1 visa obtained online in early April, and I’ve been in Indonesia since April 14th.
I’d like to extend my visa, something I thought was possible online under the same conditions as when I got the visa—but oh no! I realize first that I can’t find my visa on the immigration website with the requested details (passport number, date of birth, nationality)... and also that it seems a sponsor is required for the C1 visa, not only for the extension but even for the initial visa application, which wasn’t asked of me before!!!!
So, I’m wondering how I should go about getting this extension... Has anyone gone through this experience? What solutions might there be, given I only have two weeks left to sort this out...
Thanks for your helpful feedback
Hi there,
I hit my photo limit on the other post, so I’m forced to start a new one to continue this travel journal.
Victoria / Mahé continued:
After Anse Intendance, we head to Police Bay, located at the very southern tip of Mahé. Swimming and snorkeling aren’t ideal there (lots of waves)—just for the view!




On the way back, we stopped to visit some "typical" Seychellois houses, including one of the oldest.



We got back to the port around 6:30 PM, with memories filling our heads.
We were really happy with this day, and our guide/driver was exceptional! We even gave him a nice tip.
Dinner at the restaurant:



To be continued: Day at sea and Nosy Be
I hit my photo limit on the other post, so I’m forced to start a new one to continue this travel journal.
Victoria / Mahé continued:
After Anse Intendance, we head to Police Bay, located at the very southern tip of Mahé. Swimming and snorkeling aren’t ideal there (lots of waves)—just for the view!




On the way back, we stopped to visit some "typical" Seychellois houses, including one of the oldest.



We got back to the port around 6:30 PM, with memories filling our heads.
We were really happy with this day, and our guide/driver was exceptional! We even gave him a nice tip.
Dinner at the restaurant:



To be continued: Day at sea and Nosy Be
Hi there,
I’m heading back to Egypt for the first time in 30 years this July. Last time, I was 20, and we spent two weeks traveling on a shoestring as backpackers.
I’m wondering about a "cruise" on a felucca from Aswan—mainly to avoid being stuck in an air-conditioned tourist bubble (we’re already spending our first week in that setting with our diving club). We’d like to explore the most interesting stretch of the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. Do you have any thoughts on this option, tips, or maybe some contacts?
Thanks in advance!
Mathieu
I’m heading back to Egypt for the first time in 30 years this July. Last time, I was 20, and we spent two weeks traveling on a shoestring as backpackers.
I’m wondering about a "cruise" on a felucca from Aswan—mainly to avoid being stuck in an air-conditioned tourist bubble (we’re already spending our first week in that setting with our diving club). We’d like to explore the most interesting stretch of the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. Do you have any thoughts on this option, tips, or maybe some contacts?
Thanks in advance!
Mathieu
Hi,
If you take the bus from Bangkok Ekkamai to Pattaya, foreigners will be asked to pay an extra 20k for checked baggage, even though it’s already been paid for and listed on the ticket. They don’t even weigh it—a woman just demands you pay again, and if you refuse, she goes to get security colleagues who yell at you and threaten not to let you board. We later found out at the hotel that this is a well-known organized scam. The company is ROONG REUANG COACH, and we were about fifteen people—all foreign tourists—in the same situation. For Thai passengers, they didn’t ask for anything.
Then in Pattaya, violence and corruption rule. The next day, we learned the city is classified as "scarlet" (high-risk). A hotel guest was attacked with a knife by four Thais on a scooter—they stole his bag with his bank card and cash inside, luckily not his passport. A large hotel near ours was just shut down administratively for pedophilia. On Apple Maps, many reviews warn about how dangerous the city is. I’ve been coming to Thailand regularly for over 30 years, but I barely recognize the country since COVID. The "Land of Smiles" is turning into the "Land of Scowls," and a form of racism is emerging. For us, this will be the last time—next stop, Vietnam, and even China, which pleasantly surprised us.
Finally, China and the U.S. are advising their citizens against traveling to Thailand due to violence. Right now, most tourists here are Indians and Russians—together, they make up the majority—along with some from the Gulf (Qatar, Dubai, Oman).
If you take the bus from Bangkok Ekkamai to Pattaya, foreigners will be asked to pay an extra 20k for checked baggage, even though it’s already been paid for and listed on the ticket. They don’t even weigh it—a woman just demands you pay again, and if you refuse, she goes to get security colleagues who yell at you and threaten not to let you board. We later found out at the hotel that this is a well-known organized scam. The company is ROONG REUANG COACH, and we were about fifteen people—all foreign tourists—in the same situation. For Thai passengers, they didn’t ask for anything.
Then in Pattaya, violence and corruption rule. The next day, we learned the city is classified as "scarlet" (high-risk). A hotel guest was attacked with a knife by four Thais on a scooter—they stole his bag with his bank card and cash inside, luckily not his passport. A large hotel near ours was just shut down administratively for pedophilia. On Apple Maps, many reviews warn about how dangerous the city is. I’ve been coming to Thailand regularly for over 30 years, but I barely recognize the country since COVID. The "Land of Smiles" is turning into the "Land of Scowls," and a form of racism is emerging. For us, this will be the last time—next stop, Vietnam, and even China, which pleasantly surprised us.
Finally, China and the U.S. are advising their citizens against traveling to Thailand due to violence. Right now, most tourists here are Indians and Russians—together, they make up the majority—along with some from the Gulf (Qatar, Dubai, Oman).
Preamble:
.
This isn’t about drumming up business for a new professional venture—just sharing, under pressure from eager Vf members hungry for juicy anecdotes, my 10-day trip to Marrakech with 10 friends.
I’d mentioned during the planning discussion for this trip ((https://voyageforum.com/forum/questions-excursions-autour-marrakech-d10685703/)) that there wouldn’t be a travel journal... And since I’m a man of my word—but also stuck with a nasty calf muscle tear at the end of the trip that’s keeping me immobile for 15 days (more on that later)—I’ve got some time to dedicate to this. So, after this preamble, off we go to the Medina!
.
Day 1: Friday, May 2nd – The Day the Group Split
Before we dive in, let’s talk about the trip prep. Among my friends, I’ve got a rep as the go-to independent travel expert (thanks to a few trips, some with this same crew). So, naturally, the task of planning this one fell to me—and I took it on gladly (you’re never better served than by yourself, right?). The prep and itinerary were hashed out over multiple meet-ups (excuses?) during shared meals at one another’s places, guided by yours truly. Travel style, accommodation, sightseeing—all decisions were made together, trying to balance everyone’s wishes over a good bottle (generic term, not numerical!)
So, a group of five—including me and my girlfriend—set off for Geneva at 3 AM that Friday, while the rest would join us on Sunday due to family or work commitments. We’ll skip the EasyJet flight—it was nothing special, just a means to get us there safely (which, in itself, is already a win). We landed in Marrakech at 9 AM local time. There, a spotless Dacia Logan was waiting for us, chartered by MEDLOC, whose impeccable service I’ll praise here (thanks, friends, for the tip!). My first challenge, after loading the suitcases into the trunk: reaching the riad booked for our first two nights as the advance team. https://www.astradamusmarrakesh.top/fr/
I was a little nervous about driving here—Marrakech’s driving reputation precedes it. The hiccup? While setting up Google Maps for the route, I accidentally added a level-5 difficulty and enabled pedestrian mode... Imagine a rental car stubbornly trying for over half an hour to navigate the Medina (the riad was in the north), cursing all the pedestrians in streets too narrow for the car, and having to reverse multiple times because “it won’t fit,” ignoring the many Marrakechis waving to signal the street was impassable (but what are they trying to sell me now? 🤪)... Until my co-pilot, holding my phone, asked if it was “normal for the route to be dotted on Google Maps?” Yes, it’s normal—pedestrian mode was on.... We’ll still be laughing about this in the nursing home in 40 years, but at the time, I was genuinely surprised by what driving in Morocco had in store for me—and for good reason! After fixing the Google Maps settings, we arrived more calmly at the private parking lot (90 dirhams per night) and then at the riad, where we received a warm welcome while our rooms were being prepared.
After freshening up, we crossed the souks for the first time to have lunch at Jemaa el-Fna Square, at Zeitoun Café, where we enjoyed our first couscous or tagine on its terrace. We’d return to Jemaa el-Fna that evening after a restorative nap at the riad, another late afternoon in the souk, and an evening at this famous UNESCO World Heritage site. This time, it was the restaurant Lafarmacie (you can’t make this up!) that won us over, despite the lack of a rooftop. I recommend this place to everyone—the prices are great, the welcome is extraordinary, and the food is excellent...



Returning after 11 PM, we learned the hard way that the souk has its own entry points and hours, and the path to our beds was full of detours and closed doors. Fortunately, we were guided by friendly locals who showed us the right way (in exchange for a fiercely negotiated tip each time...)
.Day 1: Friday, May 2nd – The Day the Group Split
Before we dive in, let’s talk about the trip prep. Among my friends, I’ve got a rep as the go-to independent travel expert (thanks to a few trips, some with this same crew). So, naturally, the task of planning this one fell to me—and I took it on gladly (you’re never better served than by yourself, right?). The prep and itinerary were hashed out over multiple meet-ups (excuses?) during shared meals at one another’s places, guided by yours truly. Travel style, accommodation, sightseeing—all decisions were made together, trying to balance everyone’s wishes over a good bottle (generic term, not numerical!)
So, a group of five—including me and my girlfriend—set off for Geneva at 3 AM that Friday, while the rest would join us on Sunday due to family or work commitments. We’ll skip the EasyJet flight—it was nothing special, just a means to get us there safely (which, in itself, is already a win). We landed in Marrakech at 9 AM local time. There, a spotless Dacia Logan was waiting for us, chartered by MEDLOC, whose impeccable service I’ll praise here (thanks, friends, for the tip!). My first challenge, after loading the suitcases into the trunk: reaching the riad booked for our first two nights as the advance team. https://www.astradamusmarrakesh.top/fr/
I was a little nervous about driving here—Marrakech’s driving reputation precedes it. The hiccup? While setting up Google Maps for the route, I accidentally added a level-5 difficulty and enabled pedestrian mode... Imagine a rental car stubbornly trying for over half an hour to navigate the Medina (the riad was in the north), cursing all the pedestrians in streets too narrow for the car, and having to reverse multiple times because “it won’t fit,” ignoring the many Marrakechis waving to signal the street was impassable (but what are they trying to sell me now? 🤪)... Until my co-pilot, holding my phone, asked if it was “normal for the route to be dotted on Google Maps?” Yes, it’s normal—pedestrian mode was on.... We’ll still be laughing about this in the nursing home in 40 years, but at the time, I was genuinely surprised by what driving in Morocco had in store for me—and for good reason! After fixing the Google Maps settings, we arrived more calmly at the private parking lot (90 dirhams per night) and then at the riad, where we received a warm welcome while our rooms were being prepared.
After freshening up, we crossed the souks for the first time to have lunch at Jemaa el-Fna Square, at Zeitoun Café, where we enjoyed our first couscous or tagine on its terrace. We’d return to Jemaa el-Fna that evening after a restorative nap at the riad, another late afternoon in the souk, and an evening at this famous UNESCO World Heritage site. This time, it was the restaurant Lafarmacie (you can’t make this up!) that won us over, despite the lack of a rooftop. I recommend this place to everyone—the prices are great, the welcome is extraordinary, and the food is excellent...



Returning after 11 PM, we learned the hard way that the souk has its own entry points and hours, and the path to our beds was full of detours and closed doors. Fortunately, we were guided by friendly locals who showed us the right way (in exchange for a fiercely negotiated tip each time...)
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?
Before I begin, I’d like to thank Michèle Buisson and her "Misha’s travel journals," which really helped me plan this trip. It’s tough to find information about this part of India, which is quite different from the "more traditional India." I’m so grateful to her for introducing me to a family who hosted me for 4 nights and 3 days. I can’t wait to return the favor and welcome you all to my place in early July!
Thursday, March 20th. The alarm goes off super early, but I’m already awake—I was too worried I’d sleep through it. I leave the house at 4:00 AM. The rain has stopped, and at this hour, there aren’t many trucks on the road. I arrive at Barcelona Airport easily by 6:20 AM, let the valet know I’m there, and he quickly picks up my car. This time, I’m flying with Etihad Airways again. I booked the ticket during my trip to Cambodia: Barcelona/Kolkata, Delhi/Barcelona for 567 €. At that price, I didn’t hesitate for long—I knew I had to take it. And I’m glad I did because, by the time I returned, the price had gone up to 700 €. I can already hear the reactions: "Wow, how’d you get a ticket for that price? What site did you use? You’re amazing, MarieJo!" One thing’s for sure—I’m really happy with this deal. The flights from Barcelona to Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi to Kolkata go smoothly, and we arrive on time at 2:55 AM. There aren’t many people at immigration, so I get through quickly. My luggage isn’t on the carousel yet. After collecting my bag, I check in for my next flight with IndiGo, a 5:40 AM flight to Guwahati, arriving at 7:00 AM. I’m starting to feel pretty tired, so I take a taxi from the airport to Gruham Sojourn Homestay. The house is upstairs, and the neighborhood seems quiet, with restaurants lining the street. The room won’t be ready until 10:00 AM, so I rest on the bench in the meantime. Once in the room, I take a shower—it really helps me feel refreshed. I need to exchange some euros, so I look up a nearby exchange bureau on Google and head out to find it. I locate it easily, and the staff are super friendly. I get a great rate (1 € = 90 INR). I wander around the neighborhood. The train station isn’t far, and small markets line the streets. I head back to my area, walking along the main avenue. About 500 meters from my street, I discover a museum. The visit is fascinating—I see the famous Majuli masks, among other things.

I’m not far from the Brahmaputra River, and the temptation to visit is too strong to resist. I’d hoped to find a promenade along the river, but that doesn’t exist here. I walk back calmly and notice several restaurants in my street. On the doorstep of my accommodation, I spot a pastry shop with cakes that look more like the ones we have in France than the typical ones here in India. A visit is a must, and I’m not disappointed!

Tonight, I’m dining at a restaurant in the street. The menu is a bit disappointing—burgers, pizzas, pasta—nothing very Indian. So, I’ll go with tomato pasta.
Thursday, March 20th. The alarm goes off super early, but I’m already awake—I was too worried I’d sleep through it. I leave the house at 4:00 AM. The rain has stopped, and at this hour, there aren’t many trucks on the road. I arrive at Barcelona Airport easily by 6:20 AM, let the valet know I’m there, and he quickly picks up my car. This time, I’m flying with Etihad Airways again. I booked the ticket during my trip to Cambodia: Barcelona/Kolkata, Delhi/Barcelona for 567 €. At that price, I didn’t hesitate for long—I knew I had to take it. And I’m glad I did because, by the time I returned, the price had gone up to 700 €. I can already hear the reactions: "Wow, how’d you get a ticket for that price? What site did you use? You’re amazing, MarieJo!" One thing’s for sure—I’m really happy with this deal. The flights from Barcelona to Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi to Kolkata go smoothly, and we arrive on time at 2:55 AM. There aren’t many people at immigration, so I get through quickly. My luggage isn’t on the carousel yet. After collecting my bag, I check in for my next flight with IndiGo, a 5:40 AM flight to Guwahati, arriving at 7:00 AM. I’m starting to feel pretty tired, so I take a taxi from the airport to Gruham Sojourn Homestay. The house is upstairs, and the neighborhood seems quiet, with restaurants lining the street. The room won’t be ready until 10:00 AM, so I rest on the bench in the meantime. Once in the room, I take a shower—it really helps me feel refreshed. I need to exchange some euros, so I look up a nearby exchange bureau on Google and head out to find it. I locate it easily, and the staff are super friendly. I get a great rate (1 € = 90 INR). I wander around the neighborhood. The train station isn’t far, and small markets line the streets. I head back to my area, walking along the main avenue. About 500 meters from my street, I discover a museum. The visit is fascinating—I see the famous Majuli masks, among other things.


I’m not far from the Brahmaputra River, and the temptation to visit is too strong to resist. I’d hoped to find a promenade along the river, but that doesn’t exist here. I walk back calmly and notice several restaurants in my street. On the doorstep of my accommodation, I spot a pastry shop with cakes that look more like the ones we have in France than the typical ones here in India. A visit is a must, and I’m not disappointed!

Tonight, I’m dining at a restaurant in the street. The menu is a bit disappointing—burgers, pizzas, pasta—nothing very Indian. So, I’ll go with tomato pasta.
Hi everyone,
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025. It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border. We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
You’ve been warned.
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025. It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border. We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
You’ve been warned.
Hello everyone!
Booked the cruise a year in advance for a departure from Rio on April 5th.
Air France flight to Rio on April 3rd, arriving at the Windsor Plaza hotel, very well located just 300 meters from Copacabana Beach, with a pool on the 15th floor offering a view of Rio.
The next morning, a behind-the-scenes visit to Rio’s Carnival—there were still some floats not yet dismantled and a little samba session. At noon, lunch on Copacabana Beach, which was deserted due to rain and gray skies all day.
Saturday, April 5th, boarding the *Marina*—still raining :( To get around Rio, we used Uber, which was really cheap—5 euros for a 15-minute ride, while taxis cost double... Arrived at the cruise terminal, boarding was very quick as usual with Oceania. The cabins would be ready around 3 PM, with luggage at the cabin door. We had booked an inside cabin. Despite numerous offers from Oceania to upgrade (with a supplement, of course), we stuck with our first choice. It’s worth noting that at least 200 cabins remained unoccupied—about 800 passengers for this transatlantic crossing... Last September, since the cruise wasn’t filling up well, Oceania lowered the price by 1,000 euros per person for an inside cabin—a great deal for us, as they adjusted the rate downward when we asked.
For this cruise, weekends and drinks at the table were included—champagne, wine, beer...—plus an onboard credit that’s now only for excursions (before, it was more flexible—another downgrade, lol).
Headed to the Terrace Café for our first meal, and what a surprise when we saw the changes... No more staff mixing your chosen salad, and way fewer options: big bowls of salad, trays of potato salad, beets, lentils—I don’t remember seeing that before—thin slices of cold cuts and cheese. On the meat side, not much choice and lower quality. Desserts also had fewer options. Well, we’ll make up for it at Jacques on the first night ;) The menu hasn’t changed much—it’s still top-notch. The seasoning is average, but it’s a safe bet.
A little note on the 15-day cruise: we ate at 11 different restaurants—3 at Jacques, 3 at Polo Grill, 3 at Toscana, and 2 at Red Ginger. Not bad for two weeks ;) A French officer invited us to Toscana, which was really nice of her. Polo Grill is still amazing—I’d rank it second after Jacques, with Toscana third and Red Ginger last. I think since the ship wasn’t full, it was easier to get into these restaurants ;)
The staff was, as always, excellent. There were 3 French employees on the *Marina*: 1 waiter at Jacques, 1 manager at Wave, and 1 officer in the offices.
In the afternoon, Tea Time had way fewer pastry choices than before... Cost-cutting seems to be happening at every level. We met people who used to stay in Penthouse Suites—before, they got a bottle of champagne in their suite every night, but since January, it’s been Prosecco instead... Just a small example of Oceania’s cost reductions. At the Terrace Café in the evening, there was no more lobster on this cruise :(
Still, the value for money on this cruise was excellent given the price we paid per person. This transatlantic crossing had 4 stops in Brazil, 1 in the Cape Verde Islands, then Dakar in Senegal, and ended in the Canary Islands.
Mich74
Saturday, April 5th, boarding the *Marina*—still raining :( To get around Rio, we used Uber, which was really cheap—5 euros for a 15-minute ride, while taxis cost double... Arrived at the cruise terminal, boarding was very quick as usual with Oceania. The cabins would be ready around 3 PM, with luggage at the cabin door. We had booked an inside cabin. Despite numerous offers from Oceania to upgrade (with a supplement, of course), we stuck with our first choice. It’s worth noting that at least 200 cabins remained unoccupied—about 800 passengers for this transatlantic crossing... Last September, since the cruise wasn’t filling up well, Oceania lowered the price by 1,000 euros per person for an inside cabin—a great deal for us, as they adjusted the rate downward when we asked.
For this cruise, weekends and drinks at the table were included—champagne, wine, beer...—plus an onboard credit that’s now only for excursions (before, it was more flexible—another downgrade, lol).
Headed to the Terrace Café for our first meal, and what a surprise when we saw the changes... No more staff mixing your chosen salad, and way fewer options: big bowls of salad, trays of potato salad, beets, lentils—I don’t remember seeing that before—thin slices of cold cuts and cheese. On the meat side, not much choice and lower quality. Desserts also had fewer options. Well, we’ll make up for it at Jacques on the first night ;) The menu hasn’t changed much—it’s still top-notch. The seasoning is average, but it’s a safe bet.
A little note on the 15-day cruise: we ate at 11 different restaurants—3 at Jacques, 3 at Polo Grill, 3 at Toscana, and 2 at Red Ginger. Not bad for two weeks ;) A French officer invited us to Toscana, which was really nice of her. Polo Grill is still amazing—I’d rank it second after Jacques, with Toscana third and Red Ginger last. I think since the ship wasn’t full, it was easier to get into these restaurants ;)
The staff was, as always, excellent. There were 3 French employees on the *Marina*: 1 waiter at Jacques, 1 manager at Wave, and 1 officer in the offices.
In the afternoon, Tea Time had way fewer pastry choices than before... Cost-cutting seems to be happening at every level. We met people who used to stay in Penthouse Suites—before, they got a bottle of champagne in their suite every night, but since January, it’s been Prosecco instead... Just a small example of Oceania’s cost reductions. At the Terrace Café in the evening, there was no more lobster on this cruise :(
Still, the value for money on this cruise was excellent given the price we paid per person. This transatlantic crossing had 4 stops in Brazil, 1 in the Cape Verde Islands, then Dakar in Senegal, and ended in the Canary Islands.
Mich74
Hi there, my partner and I did a road trip in Oman in January 2025 with a 4x4 and a rooftop tent. We only slept in free spots out in nature. It’s essential to have a 4x4 to experience this. The *Oman Off Road* book was a huge help—we bought it locally. I’ve written up our whole adventure and shared all our tips on my blog, including GPS coordinates to help you find campsites or even cross the desert on your own. Here’s the link: https://worldseenbymathilde.blogspot.com/2025/02/notre-itineraire-de-10-jours-oman-en.html
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to spend two years in Quebec and have secured a visa that allows me to live there for that long. I’m currently looking for a job. Would anyone have any leads on how to approach companies from France? I’m based in Paris and am looking for work in IT (Data Analyst, etc.). For example, could the Canadian embassy in Paris connect me with companies? Do you think it’s possible to move to Canada and find a job once I’m there?
Thanks! Have a great day
I’m planning to spend two years in Quebec and have secured a visa that allows me to live there for that long. I’m currently looking for a job. Would anyone have any leads on how to approach companies from France? I’m based in Paris and am looking for work in IT (Data Analyst, etc.). For example, could the Canadian embassy in Paris connect me with companies? Do you think it’s possible to move to Canada and find a job once I’m there?
Thanks! Have a great day
Hi there,
We’re leaving from Montreal and planning to bike the Petit Train du Nord route.
Any ideas for loops so we don’t have to return the same way?
We’re thinking of a one-week trip.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Rachel
Hi there!
I’m heading to Casablanca for 15 days in October 2025—what do you recommend?
Rabat sounds interesting—what about Rabat? Fez?
I’m also really into nature—what are the closest gorges?
Is train travel easy?
I’ll be staying with a friend but I’d love to explore solo. I’m 61, blonde with blue eyes—is that an issue?
Thanks!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi fellow travelers,
I’m an old-school cycle tourist, traveling by bike... and I’ll be heading to England, Scotland, and Ireland in September. I was wondering if cash is still used in supermarkets, grocery stores, and generally—do people still use cash in the UK?
Thanks for your replies, happy travels!
I’m an old-school cycle tourist, traveling by bike... and I’ll be heading to England, Scotland, and Ireland in September. I was wondering if cash is still used in supermarkets, grocery stores, and generally—do people still use cash in the UK?
Thanks for your replies, happy travels!
My Montpellier-Fez flight was canceled by Air Arabia and rescheduled with only 1 day on site instead of 4, making the trip pointless. Customer service is unresponsive. If you’re also affected by this flight (or a similar one), join me to consider a group action. Contact me here or via DM! #AirArabia #PassengerRights











