My friend and I are arriving in New Delhi on March 4th at 12:05 AM. Could anyone recommend a decent and affordable hotel? Is 20 € the going rate? Thanks!

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 there, Could you recommend some nice and affordable neighborhoods to book a hotel in for visiting Nice and exploring its surroundings and nearby villages?

I’d like to know if it’s better to book the entire stay in Nice and take day trips to the villages, or if there are villages worth spending at least one night in to really explore them properly?

Since all the villages are stunning and we have to make a choice, which ones are absolutely must-visit?

My 16-year-old daughter and I will be spending a week there at the end of April. We’ll arrive by TGV from Paris and plan to use public transport during our stay. Do you know if there’s a weekly transport pass available and how much it costs?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi, Are there still basic, traditional, and affordable authentic accommodations in Poland? I’ll be traveling in July with my husband and our 2 kids along the Warsaw-Łódź-Toruń-Gdańsk route, and all I can find online are standardized Ikea-style apartments in the cities. When I look for agrotourism, it’s all luxury farms. Can you find farms in the countryside or city lodgings for under 60 euros per night? And if so, how? Is it possible to find accommodations on the spot without internet—like from people who put up signs—even in July?

Thanks for your reply

I’ve got some new questions about Albania!

My boyfriend and I are going there for just 9 days, including the two travel days… It’s not much, but oh well!

Looking at prices online, I get the impression everything’s more expensive than I thought 😅 So, I wanted to get your feedback on a few things:

* Is hitchhiking common, easy, and generally safe in Albania? * Is it possible to find day-to-day accommodations without booking ahead? If so, are they usually cheaper than the ones you find online? * Is wild camping allowed or at least tolerated?

If any of you have traveled there recently, I’d love all the tips and great deals you’ve got!

Thanks ☺️

Hi everyone, I’m planning a trip to Delhi and I’m looking for a very budget-friendly guesthouse for two people in the Majnu-ka-Tilla neighborhood. If anyone knows a nice place with a low budget, I’d love to get the contact info, rates, or any feedback from your experience. Thanks in advance for your help! 😊

We’re planning a week-long trip to southern Tunisia in early September and we’d like to rent a car in Djerba. We don’t have a credit card, only a debit card. Any good tips on rates and reliability?

Bonjour 21 au 29 pour CT et la péninsule... Cela me parait long. C'est quand même 8 jours...Perso, je raccourcirais. D'autant que Gordon's bay est vraiment dans le même coin. Saldanha n'est peut-être pas le plus joli coin... port maritime. Le WCNP est vraiment superbe...mais je chercherais plutôt à Langebaan... touristique mais très sudaf... Sur le chemin il y a une possibilité originale Ikwathu... mais les logements proches des bâtiments principaux donc pas ceux proches de la route et les plus proches de la mer. Encore désolé mais le Sevilla rock art trail est plus beau en photo qu'en réalité... Dans ce coin je préfère le Mount Ceder comme base de logement... balades et à un jet de pierre les Staadsal caves et rock art, pour moi magiques... Je supprimerais la nuit à Tullbagh pour y filer et y passer plus de temps (il y a deux logements simples et efficaces...et un très beau camping...) De là je descendrais jusqu'à Swellendam... pour le Bontebook NP... c'est pas l'extase mais c'est pas mal et pas cher... çà c'est si je respecte votre parcours... Après si je perturbe tout... CT ok mais si Gordon's bay c'est pour aller vers Franschoek (endroits que je connais très mal car la route des vins c'est pas mon truc...)... ben je le ferais à partir de CT... quitte à faire une seule nuit dans ce coin. De là je repars plein Ouest pour Langebaan, Ikwathu ou Paternoster (très très beau site camping à Cape Columbine). De là, Tullbagh ou pas et Mount Ceder ou autres dans ce coin (cf plus haut). De là je ne descends pas aussi bas que vous mais je reste au nord via Anysberg NR, Touwsriver et Prince Albert ce qui me met pile sur la route de la Swartberg...je ne fait que passer à Oudtshoorn pour filer vers Wilderness puis Knysna (Buffelsbay, les maisons "hollandaises" sur le chemin etc... Tistsikamma c'est loin de Knysna...) puis Stormsriver... En descendant plus bas via Montagu Ladysmith Calitzdorp Oudtshoorn il vous faut remonter vers la Swartberg... ceci dit il y a moyen de faire un circuit...et pas un allez retour mais c'est une grosse journée... Logiquement vous filez vers la mer... Vous longez jusqu'à Addo...où je pense qu'il est préférable de loger dans Addo NP. PE Durban en avion... ben oui c'est plus court...on zappe l'Eastern Cape... on ne peut pas tout faire dans la vie. De Durban... Drakensberg, oui... du Kamberg Highmoor (belles balades) et Giants et Cath Peak et Monks cowl, on pourra en reparler... Vous descendez de là vers le Hluhluwe... (essayez de loger DANS le Hluhluwe). St Lucia et Isimangaliso oui et oui et encore oui... Mais possibilité de ne pas revenir sur durban et économiser l'avion... et traversant l'Eswatini avec Hlane ou autre comme pause...A moins que Durban marque la fin en AFS ? Et vous êtes aux portes du Krüger... aroundaboutcars ok pour moi 3 fois... Pour la voiture... j'essayerais de prendre quand même assez gros...vous allez y passer du temps. Dans un pays où les accidents ne sont pas rares. Sur des routes pas toujours au top sur certains secteurs... L'idéal est le genre Hilux 2x4 et deux portes... J'ai fait le tour ? Mon opinion mais VOTRE voyage...

Hi everyone,

We’re a young couple planning our first trip to Albania from June 23, 2026, to July 2, 2026. We have a pretty tight budget and want to make the most of this amazing country without breaking the bank.

We’re looking for all the advice you can give to help us plan our stay:

* What are the must-see places to visit? * Which cities or villages are really worth the detour? * What natural sites, hikes, canyons, springs, or viewpoints do you recommend? * Do you know of any free, uncrowded, or particularly beautiful beaches? * Where can we responsibly observe or swim with sea turtles? * What are the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera that are accessible on a small budget? * What budget-friendly accommodations (hotels, hostels, homestays, campgrounds) do you recommend? * What are the best ways to get around between different regions at a low cost? * Do you know of any reliable and affordable agencies for renting a vehicle (car, scooter, or motorcycle)? What are the average rates at the end of June, and which rental companies do you recommend or advise against? * Is it better to rent a vehicle right when we arrive or stick to local buses and minibuses to keep costs down? * Which restaurants or local specialties offer the best value for money? * Are there any free or low-cost activities we shouldn’t miss? * Which places do you think are overrated or can be skipped when you’re short on time and money? * What practical tips would you have wished you knew before your first trip to Albania?

We’d also love any 10-day itineraries that you particularly enjoyed, along with your budget estimates for accommodation, meals, and transportation.

We’re open to off-the-beaten-path spots and local tips. If you have any secret addresses, hidden beaches, favorite accommodations, or mistakes to avoid, we’d love to hear about them! 😊

Hello,

There are two of us, and we’re spending a few days in Luxor (after a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, likely with Terres d'Égypte). On the way back, we’ve planned: - The evening of April 17th: the Karnak Sound and Light show - April 18th: a hot-air balloon ride - After the balloon ride on April 18th, we’re heading to Marsa Alam to join a group leaving for Sataya; our boat departs on the 19th.

Do you know what the cost of a Luxor to Marsa Alam transfer is? I’ve seen prices that vary wildly—some double what others quote—and I’m not sure what budget to plan for.

Can we organize the Karnak Sound and Light show and the hot-air balloon ride on our own, or is it complicated? If you also know of a reliable local agency for transfers and excursions, I’d love to hear about it.

Thanks for your tips!

Hi everyone, I’m thinking of heading to Southern Africa next autumn for several months. I’d love some advice on my itinerary—I’m looking for authentic spots with cheap accommodation. I know Southern Africa is generally pricier than Asia or Latin America because of the lack of backpacker infrastructure (except maybe Cape Town). I’m planning to visit South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, and maybe Eswatini. My main goal in South Africa is to see the coexistence between white, mixed-race, and Black communities. I think I’ll skip Namibia and Botswana because of the cost of living. Thanks

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, We’re a young couple planning to travel to South Africa after spending about three weeks in Namibia. We’ll arrive in Cape Town around mid-December, with no fixed travel duration (though our budget will eventually set a limit). After browsing through the forum, we’ve realized the country is packed with incredible spots, which makes choosing an itinerary tough. We’re looking for stunning landscapes, hikes, and so on. So, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. When we arrive in Cape Town, we’d like to settle in and take it easy until New Year’s, exploring at a relaxed pace. We know this period coincides with South African holidays—does that make finding accommodations (availability/prices) more difficult? Do you think it’s possible to stay in a nice place for about 15 days without aiming for the most upscale neighborhoods? Maybe somewhere a bit outside Cape Town, like Fish Hoek, and just visit the city occasionally. After that, we’ll have plenty of time (about 2 to 2.5 months) to explore the country. We’d like to take our time. In your opinion, is it better to focus on the Cape Town region, or is it reasonable to consider more distant areas like the Drakensberg or Blyde River Canyon? Can everything be done by car if we take our time, or are domestic flights sometimes more practical? Budget-wise, how much do car rentals cost? For accommodations, we usually look at Airbnb—are they affordable in South Africa? What’s the average nightly rate outside the biggest cities? Are there other platforms you’d recommend for saving on lodging? Finally, regarding safety, are there any regions to avoid besides Johannesburg? We know this is a lot of questions, but we’re still in the early planning stages! Thanks in advance for your advice!

Hi everyone, So great to be back on our forum!...

For the past few years, I’ve been traveling on a budget, especially by sleeping as often as possible in campgrounds or in my car... If I can help, I’d be happy to.

Hi there, we’re heading to the Cyclades from June 23 to July 9. We’ll arrive in Santorini and leave from Mykonos. We’re thinking of visiting these islands: Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Tinos, and Mykonos. Do you think it’s better to book the ferries now (which site do you recommend for booking?) or can we buy the tickets on the spot? Also, do you have any suggestions for accommodation under 100 €/night on each of these islands? Thanks in advance!

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, we’re planning a road trip in northern Algeria at the end of January – early February. Anyone have any tips for a car rental agency that’s both reliable and not too expensive? Thanks in advance!

Hi, I'd like to find a small hotel on the main street, not too far from the beach. Thanks for your help! Fanfancom

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 I’m planning to visit Quebec this summer and I’d love to hear about any great tips for budget accommodations in Quebec City and elsewhere. Thanks in advance to everyone! Danilo

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

hi everyone, here’s the thing I just made a hotel reservation on Agoda through Kayak

I found an interesting hotel in Krabi—booking directly through Agoda was 160 € per night, but when I searched the same hotel and dates on Kayak, it showed 136 € per night... So I went with that option via Kayak, and I landed on Agoda with the original price of 160 € crossed out and the new price at 136 €. I completed the payment and instantly received an email from Agoda confirming the booking.

But why such a discount? I’ve got quite a few more bookings to make, and they’re all cheaper through Kayak. I’ve seen negative reviews about Kayak, but only for flights. Plus, at the bottom of Agoda’s site, it says Kayak and Agoda are partners.

I’d love to know if anyone else has used this method and if they had any bad surprises... Like the site canceling the reservation last minute or the price suddenly going up.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts! :)

La prochaine fois que tu vas à Tirana, tu vas faire des courses pour te faire à manger dans une des superettes de chaîne, type Conad ou Spar, et tu te feras une idée.

Euh non à Tirana je n'ai pas besoin de faire de courses, je vais à l'hotel et je mange au restaurant😏 Idem dans toutes les grandes villes.

Il y a certainement aussi des endroits discount en Albanie, mais les achats sont à faire en plus grande quantité, pas en portions pour deux...

J'ai dû avoir beaucoup de chance, car sans besoin de chercher , dans chaque petit village comme dans des bourgs plus importants je n'ai dû acheter que dans des supérettes discount!😏. Quelle chance, je devrais jouer au loto! Nous avons acheté à plusieurs reprises: charcuteries diverses, fromages, yaourts, biscuits pâtisseries, fruits de saison et même des boîtes de thon et de maquereau le tout à petit prix très doux! Il n'y a que dans les grandes villes comme Tirana où nous n'avons pas fait de courses car on ne randonne pas en ville! Je me demande bien où tu es allé en Albanie?! Tu bouges un peu lors de tes voyages ? Tu as fais Aéroport/ centre ville de Tirana? Où as tu acheté de l'alimentaire à part chez Conad à Tirana? à l'aéroport? PS: Une chose est certaine la différence de prix ( des denrées alimentaires de base) avec la France ne justifie pas de s'enquiquiner à faire des courses; il vaut mieux manger au restaurant c'est certain.Lorsqu'on faisait nos courses ce n'était pas dans un souci d'économies mais pour pouvoir pique niquer dans la nature. Toutefois pour des étudiants ou des jeunes au revenu modeste la meilleure solution n'est pas l'hotel restaurant mais la location d'appartement équipé pour cuisiner...et donc de faire ses courses. Je n'ai pas fait trop attention en Albanie mais en Roumanie les touristes locaux vont dans des "auberges" où ils peuvent se préparer eux mêmes leurs repas. Nous on prenait la demie pension pendant que les roumains eux préparaient leur barbecue dehors...Ils nous invitaient presque tjrs à l'apéro! Il est d'ailleurs très intéressant de trouver ce type d'adresse qui n'apparait pas sur les centrales de réservation style booking.. c'est souvent un peu moins "moderne" mais combien plus chaleureux et toujours bien moins cher!

Hi everyone, I’m looking for info on Canaima, please. I need the cheapest hotel in Canaima and a tour agency that organizes trips and tours at fair and honest prices—or maybe a local guide, please. Also, which website can I use to buy a round-trip flight ticket from Caracas to Canaima? Thanks so much!

Best regards,

Hi everyone,

It’s been ages since I last dropped by here... maybe simply because, apart from Nepal, I haven’t really had the chance to hit the road lately. 😉

This year, I’d love to spend a few days in Lisbon, probably in late May or early June. But with my budget being what it is, I’m looking for great tips to avoid wasting time once I’m there and risk missing out on hidden gems or unusual culinary specialties and/or quirky activities! I’m hoping to find a room in a local’s home where I can stay in a quiet neighborhood near the center, so I can get around without relying too much on public transport—my walking shoes are my best travel buddies. I’d love all your recommendations, especially for parks, small neighborhood markets, casual eateries for a quick bite, your favorite viewpoints to soak in the scenery (I’m bringing my travel journal to sketch my getaway in watercolors), events around traditional art and crafts, and so on. All your advice will definitely help me travel peacefully and come back with my head full of vibrant memories! Thanks in advance, everyone! Isabelle

Hi there, we'd love to visit Barbados in March 2026... or April.... It's quite expensive, so I could really use your advice on hotels, etc. We're a couple in our fifties, laid-back but not too much 😄 We’re skipping all-inclusive places since we don’t have breakfast, so they’re not worth it for us. Any tips are welcome! Thanks

Nous sommes au moins deux ici( sur VF) qui avons fait des courses alimentaires un peu partout dans le pays au nord au sud , sur la côte etc..il en ressort que les prix de l'alimentaire dans n'importe quelle supérette sont au minimum 2 fois moins cher qu'en France..je n'arrive pas à comprendre ton obstination face à un fait indéniable.. Aller au restaurant oui , on y allait tous les soirs ;c'est bien sûr plus pratique et aussi moins cher qu'en France mais il est évident que pour ceux qui ont un budget limité faire ses courses en Albanie et préparer son repas dans son appartement de location est bien plus économique que d'aller au restaurant !

Hi everyone! This is my first time in Spain, and I don’t know it at all. I’m heading to Barcelona for 3 days, but I don’t have any specific plans yet. I’ve heard it can be quite expensive, so I’d love to get some tips on how not to break the bank during these 3 days! 😊

Quel est ton but dans cette discussion ?

La prochaine fois que tu vas à Tirana, tu vas faire des courses pour te faire à manger dans une des superettes de chaîne, type Conad ou Spar, et tu te feras une idée. Il y a plein de facteurs : tout est importé, de pays où c'est déjà cher, comme l'Italie, la lek est forte, ce qui fait que les prix alimentaires en Albanie sont très similaires à ce qu'ils sont ailleurs en Europe, et puis il y a 'effet "petit magasin", "petit volume", et tourisme. Cela n'est d'ailleurs pas un secret : https://www.balkanweb.com/en/Albania-will-become-more-expensive-in-2025--food-prices-will-exceed-the-EU-average-for-the-first-time/#gsc.tab=0

Maintenant tu te fies à ton expérience, et moi à la mienne.

Michel

Hi, I’d like some info on buying flight tickets for 4 people to Guadeloupe. Like many, I’m looking for reasonable prices. Where can I buy tickets and pay in installments so it’s not too much all at once? Best regards,