Exploring India by road is all about having a good driver. I highly recommend the one I’ve traveled with for 5 "safe" trips—Rajasthan 3 times over 16 years, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. He’s been driving tourists for 25 years now and is more than just a driver. He knows how to talk about his country, the cities you visit, and suggests alternative routes.

He’s well-connected with real local guides who don’t just ramble (as he puts it himself) or drag you into shops claiming to be run by their "so-called family." Depending on your preferences, he can suggest well-tested itineraries and recommend typical hotels like Havelis.

For dining, he oversees meal prep based on your spice-level preferences. He’s Sikh and deeply respectful of his passengers.

He speaks English better than French, but one of his daughters is studying French at university.

DM me if you’d like his contact details.

Happy travels!

Hi everyone, I’m 66 and just discovered solo travel in Uzbekistan—I loved it! So I’ve decided to explore Africa, starting with Senegal. I’m just beginning my research, but if anyone can give me advice on which month to go, what to see, and whether this destination is safe—or maybe suggest another African country—I’d really appreciate your tips!

Hi, We’d like to spend about twenty days in Albania next July. We’re two women traveling together and we’re thinking of renting a small car. Does that sound reasonable, or should we avoid it? Thanks for your advice.

I just got back from an unforgettable road trip in Madagascar where I drove down the legendary RN7. It connects Tana (the capital) to Tulear. Since we were traveling as a group of girls, we decided to go with a guide. I’d never done an “organized” trip before, but I have to say we loved this first tailor-made travel experience. From the highlands of the Red Island down to the west coast, by the Mozambique Channel. Vast landscapes as far as the eye can see Human encounters Discovering ancestral artisanal know-how Sunsets over the ochre mountains Intense, precious moments with my friends We loved the mountains, visits to artisans, and the parties too ;-) We used local guides to show us specific spots (like Isalo National Park, where we were able to bivouac)

Hi there, Who could recommend a reliable agency for visiting several islands, including the parks around Komodo? I’m traveling solo as a woman. Thanks for your great tips!

Hello everyone! I REALLY need some advice because I’m feeling lost with my choices for my next solo trip—I’d like to book within the month . Just so you know, my trip will be in September 2025 for about 17 days. My top pick is Vietnam; I’ve never been to Asia. I know the rainy season will be in full swing in September, but several reviews seemed to say it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, even though it might affect a few hours each day. PS: I was considering Cambodia, but apparently, the situation isn’t safe for a woman or a tourist right now. I’ve also heard a lot about New Zealand, but I don’t know anyone who’s been there—especially solo. The nature looks amazing, but does 100% nature get boring quickly when you’re alone? Are there meet-up spots or restaurants/cafés in all the must-see places? To give you some background, I’ve traveled solo before: Seville, Sweden (Stockholm and Lapland), and I spent 6 months exploring Marseille on my own. I love discovering places and cultures by myself. Fun fact: my favorite trip was South Africa—for the change of scenery, the people I met, the landscapes, and the nature—but I wasn’t solo there. Do you have any firsthand experience with these two destinations for a solo trip as a woman? Or do you have other ideas that fit a similar budget and are interesting for 15–17 days, with a real sense of adventure? And, of course, safe and not too stressful for a woman! (I’d also love to hear about any custom travel agencies you’ve had good experiences with—I really want to plan this trip as best as I can, but all the agencies I’ve found have mixed reviews.) Thank you so much for your help!! I’ll keep you posted on my choice and I’m happy to answer any questions you might have!

Hi everyone, I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.

From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.

I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.

Here’s the itinerary I’m planning: * UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses) A few days at Lake Khövsgöl * Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses) A few days at the White Lakes * White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver) A few days in the Orkhon Valley + the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide) * Return to UB

From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley. Here are my questions:

-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route: Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.

-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?

Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia: -> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Hi everyone, I wanted to share a few tips that really helped me better prepare my carry-on luggage. After a few trips (and some mistakes too!), I’ve finally found a way to organize myself that makes life a lot easier. Maybe this can help other travelers here. 1. Choose a practical and sturdy bag A good bag is the foundation. I’ve noticed that a model with a solid structure, sturdy wheels, and a well-thought-out interior really changes the experience. Hard-shell suitcases hold up better, especially when you’re hopping between flights. Personally, I use a Lambert suitcase because the interior is super well-divided, but the important thing is to find a model that works for you. 2. Rolling your clothes really works It’s simple, but it saves so much space. Plus, it wrinkles less. I do this now for almost everything, especially lightweight clothes. 3. Keep everything in a small kit 100 ml liquids, toothbrush, cream, mini first-aid kit… Having all of that in one clear toiletry bag makes going through security much easier. It saves you from having to take everything out and put it back in a rush. 4. A pouch for essentials Passport, headphones, charger, phone… I keep all of that in the same pouch. It saves so much stress when you need to find something quickly, especially on the plane. 5. Traveling lighter makes all the difference Since I started choosing versatile clothes that mix and match well, I travel with a lot less. Less weight, fewer decisions to make, fewer things to lug around. It honestly makes traveling so much more enjoyable. From the conversations I’ve had with other travelers (and several customers too), I’ve realized you can really simplify your trip just by organizing a little better and choosing good accessories. If you have other tips or methods that work for you, I’d love to read them. We always learn from others on this forum. Looking forward to exchanging with you all!

Hello everyone, after our trip was canceled due to COVID, I’ve decided to travel alone at 66 since my husband is no longer healthy enough to join me. I speak a little English and, while I’m taking this trip as a challenge, I’ll admit it stresses me out a bit. I’ll be leaving in May for 3 weeks. If it’s easy to plan the route and accommodations with Airbnb, I’m a little worried about transportation. Do you think it’s better to hire a guide for visiting the cities? I’d love all your tips. Corinne

Hello fellow travelers,

I’m considering a road trip (rental car) to explore the Canadian Rockies in September 2026, starting in Calgary and ending with about 10 days in Vancouver and the surrounding area. (Two weeks in the Rockies and a little under two weeks in Vancouver and nearby.)

I’d like to say that being a woman traveling alone doesn’t really bother me. That’s not the issue. Being a woman is just how it is, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but traveling solo is something I could fix by finding travel companions. However, I had a not-so-great experience in India with two girls who were total strangers at first and turned out to be quite annoying, so I’m a bit put off by the idea now.

My question is simple, assuming I do this trip alone: is it worth sticking *only* to driving? I have **zero** sense of direction—with a map, I’m hopeless. So, is it realistic to think, "With my GPS, I’ll just drive from Calgary to Vancouver and see what I see," since I don’t see myself hiking alone? I’m not easily scared, but I wouldn’t feel confident doing that solo. Unless all the sightseeing is done with a guide (but then, hello, the cost—my budget isn’t exactly overflowing).

What do you all think? Thanks for taking the time to read this. Take care and happy travels. Cheers, Régine

Hi there, We’d like to stay in Switzerland for five days. There are two of us (women). We don’t know this country at all. What cities or affordable spots would you recommend for visiting? Cheap accommodation. Looking for community-based options. And being close to public transport. Thanks for your tips and experiences! Best regards.

Hi everyone,

As a senior woman, I’m planning a solo trip to Uzbekistan this time. I arrive in Urgench on April 18 and leave from Tashkent on May 9, so 3 weeks. 1 - Aral Sea: I’d like to start there. Has anyone had a recent experience to share? Depending on your feedback, I’ll decide whether to go or not—my whole itinerary shifts based on that! 2 - What’s the best way to get around between cities? The train seems preferable, but booking and paying from France is complicated… and I’d have to plan everything in advance 😕 3 - Has anyone gone directly from Samarkand to Fergana? If so, by what transport? Or is it mandatory to go through Tashkent? 4 - Any tips for the most frequent and reliable transport in the Fergana Valley? 5 - I’d also love recommendations for accommodations (hostels, guesthouses) and nice restaurants in the country!

Feel free to share whatever advice you can… Thanks so much in advance! 😉

I’ve often been told that traveling alone in Egypt as a woman can be dangerous, and that it’s absolutely necessary to have a companion. Is this really the case? Can I travel there without running into major problems?

Hello, so happy to be back on the forum! I’m heading off alone in mid-January for 5 weeks in Mongolia. I’d love all your tips—transport, accommodation, you name it…

For the cold, I think I’m used to it since I used to travel in Siberia, but that’s over now.

Looking forward to hearing from you! M

Hi everyone, I’m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I’ve decided to explore Indonesia. I’ll be there from September 1st to October 5th, and I’m really struggling to plan my itinerary. I’d love any advice you can share—I’ll read it all carefully. So far, I’ve booked my first two nights with a local host in Jakarta, and then I’m heading to Borobudur. That’s all I’ve got planned for now. Do you think I should book accommodations and transport tickets in advance? It seems really complicated, or could I just decide day by day based on how I feel? Thanks in advance for your replies!

Hi, Can you share some info about Mauritius, since I’m traveling alone and would like a local contact there? Thanks.

Hi there, I’m spending a week in Morocco (Rabat - Meknes - Fes). I’ll be traveling solo—is it safe for a woman over 60? For transportation, I’m planning to take the train. I was thinking of buying my ticket last minute, but it’s around the end-of-year period…? I’ll be in Meknes on December 31st—any suggestions on how they celebrate New Year’s Eve there? Is anyone visiting these destinations? Maybe we could meet up…? Thanks in advance.

Hi, For my husband's 50th birthday, we're going to Mombasa for 10 days and 8 nights in March 2026. I found a hotel, the Kappa Club Crystal Bay Resort, and online reviews for this hotel recommend a guide named Omar. I contacted him via WhatsApp, and he's offering a 2-day, 1-night safari in Tsavo East, a "blue safari," and a Marafa Canyon day trip for 400 € per person. I’m asking for help from people who’ve already done these excursions because I have no idea what these offers entail. Thank you for any advice you can give me about this trip. Caroline

Hi there, I’m starting to look into traveling to Quebec but mostly up North, so I’m looking for info on boat travel and accommodation options. Just doing some trip planning—I’m traveling solo. Best, Marie

Hi, I’m planning to leave around 25/01 for Mexico: Oaxaca first, then Chiapas, and then heading to Guatemala, starting with Panajachel. I’ve read a lot about how borders and transport can be dangerous. So, I’ve decided to travel with assistance and take a shuttle/minivan door-to-door from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Panajachel. There are lots of companies, and many have a bad reputation. Has anyone here had any experience with this? I’d love to hear any tips or advice. Thanks! Ed

Hi, I'm planning a trip to Jamaica. I'd love to hear about experiences traveling solo as a woman... Thanks in advance!

Thanks to everyone!! You’re motivating me even more!! I’m really excited!! A thousand thanks Lau

Hi everyone, Here’s my route—I’d like to stay at least 3 nights in each stop, take Indian dance classes, a cooking class, and any other discoveries you might recommend! I arrive in Delhi in early March 2025, then take a flight to Jaisalmer. Do you know of any charming, well-located hotels along this route? Between buses, trains, or another flight, what would you suggest? Jaisalmer / Jodhpur: Jodhpur / Udaipur Udaipur / Jaipur Jaipur / Agra Agra / Varanasi Maybe head down to Kolkata and then back up to Delhi. I’d love to hear about any firsthand experiences you’ve had!

Best, MurieJeanne

I’d like to visit Malta for the first time as a solo woman, in January 2025 for two weeks from Lille in northern France. Explain everything to me from A to Z, please! Is it possible to go without a guide? What do you recommend? Thanks for your valuable advice

Hi there! I’m in the middle of planning my first solo trip (as a woman). Do you have any ideal destinations with activities like hiking, diving, sightseeing, and easy ways to meet locals—all on a small budget?

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had this experience before! :)

Hi everyone, I’m often in transit in Tokyo and I stay at the hotel because Japanese people speak little English and the signs are almost always in Japanese! Any ideas for getting from Narita to a nice park or an onsen? I wanted to try Hokkaido, but apart from renting a car, it’s all trains! Any suggestions for a car with a driver? Or is it too expensive? Small group tours in Hokkaido? I read about the Explorator group’s offer—way too expensive!!! I’ve got a maximum of 8 days. I’d just like a nice Japanese break. Thanks for any tips you can share!

Hi there, After hearing so much about Djerba, especially the GO clubs, is it risky for a young, pretty newly-retired woman to visit the island alone? Thanks in advance.

Hi there, I was wondering if anyone has taken a Rede Expressos bus from Lisbon Airport to Lagos, and if so, where exactly at the airport you need to board it? I’m worried I’ll get lost and miss my bus...

Hi, I'm planning (in February 2026) a two-week trip to Mumbai and the surrounding area, and I'm wondering if it's possible to include a beach stay (very close to Mumbai), but not Goa or Kerala.

If you have any experiences to share on this, I'd love to hear them.

Thanks so much!

Marsyork

Hi everyone, I’m planning to travel solo to Oman in December 2025, renting a vehicle that allows me to camp in certain areas. For those who’ve already explored the country this way, could you share your experiences or tips? I’d also like to visit the Wahiba Desert, but in that area, I’d prefer a guide for driving and, most importantly, not to sleep in those luxury desert-edge camps but rather have a "wild" escape under the stars. Any guide recommendations? Thanks in advance – Clem