Discussions started by VoyageForum

The last travel journal about Turkmenistan was from 2019. So here’s a quick update on this vast desert country, which is now a bit easier to visit than before. In 5 days, I saw 2 Hongkongers, a few Germans, and a Chilean at the crater, 10 Chinese people in a capital bazaar, and that’s it!

After visiting Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, and Poland in recent years, I’ve fallen in love with Eastern European countries. I adore the Slavic soul, its Austro-Hungarian villages, the gentle landscapes, the Carpathian mountains, and that slightly mysterious atmosphere. Slovakia evokes a certain imagination with its deep forests, medieval castles, and cobbled villages.

I’d already spent 3 days in Tokyo a few years ago on a business trip, which left me with a great impression. Y, my Thai partner, had never been there. That’s why we opted for a pretty classic itinerary, including a few castles and Kyoto among other things.

In the summer of 2026, we packed our backpacks again to wander around Jotunheimen National Park in Norway. We hadn’t heard of this park just a few months earlier—we discovered it by following threads online. Described as the most mountainous in the country, it really appealed to us after scrapping our initial plan further north.

When talking about the Caribbean island of Saint-Martin, it’s customary to praise its coastline and dreamy beaches—they truly deserve it. But in this story, I’d like to highlight other memories, aspects, and impressions for a slightly different kind of change of scenery.

My first trip to Morocco was in the early 90s. Four more followed... I had never been further north than Casablanca, Volubilis, or Fez—it was time to fix that oversight!

In the end, we wanted to go to Flores for its lush nature (and also because it’s reputed to be the most breathtaking), to São Jorge for its natural/rural vibe, and to Terceira for its cultural side and its *impérios*.

Dreaming of exploring Argentina? For a departure on January 17, 2027, the specialist AmériGo still has 3 spots available on its guided tour "Land of Contrasts," with an exclusive 200 € discount per person reserved for VoyageForum readers.

Dreaming of discovering Argentina? For a departure on January 17, 2027, the specialist AmériGo still has 3 spots left on its guided tour "Land of Contrasts," with an exclusive 200 € discount per person for VoyageForum readers.

In 14 days, this small-group trip lets you explore radically different landscapes, from the glaciers of Patagonia to the Iguazú Falls, passing through the mountains of northwestern Argentina and Buenos Aires.

From Tierra del Fuego to the glaciers of Patagonia The tour starts in Ushuaia, at the southern tip of the American continent. On the agenda: discovering Tierra del Fuego National Park and sailing on the Beagle Channel, between mountains, bird-filled islets, and sea lions. Next up is El Calafate to explore one of Argentina’s most impressive natural sites: the Perito Moreno Glacier. The trip also includes a boat ride on Lake Argentino to admire other glaciers, as well as an evening at a traditional Patagonian *estancia*, complete with a grilled lamb *asado*.

From Iguazú Falls to the colorful mountains of Salta A complete change of scenery in Iguazú, where the tropical forest is home to nearly 275 waterfalls. The itinerary lets you see the falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides, offering two complementary views of this incredible natural site. Further west, in the Salta region, the landscapes turn Andean. Travelers cross the Quebrada de las Conchas and its reddish rock formations, discover the Hill of Seven Colors in Purmamarca, and visit the vineyards of Cafayate, with a tasting of local wines. The trip wraps up in Buenos Aires, with a tour of its iconic neighborhoods, from La Boca to San Telmo, and an evening dedicated to tango.

A guided small-group tour

This 14-day, 12-night tour is limited to a maximum of 16 participants. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore several major regions of Argentina in one trip without having to organize all the necessary travel themselves. International and domestic flights, accommodations, local transportation, scheduled visits, and many meals are included. AmériGo, a Latin America specialist for over 20 years, handles the trip’s organization and all the tour’s stages.

Last 3 spots and a 200 € discount for VoyageForum readers

The next departure is scheduled for January 17, 2027, in the middle of the southern summer. There are currently only 3 spots left for this tour, priced at 7,295 € per person. For this occasion, AmériGo is offering a 200 € discount per person to VoyageForum readers, valid until October 17, 2027. To take advantage of it:

Check out the program on AmériGo’s website. Click on "Book." Enter the code in the "Advantage Code" field.

Discover the tour and take advantage of the offer for VoyageForum readers →

Offer valid until October 17, 2027, for the January 17, 2027 departure, subject to availability and AmériGo’s terms. Article created in partnership with AmériGo.

Having your own car to escape for a weekend in Marseille offers unbeatable freedom. You can already picture driving along the magnificent Corniche Kennedy, admiring the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, or enjoying a wild getaway to the Calanques. However, Marseille’s traffic and its reputation for traffic jams might make visitors think twice.

Having your own car to escape for a weekend in Marseille offers unbeatable freedom. You can already picture driving along the stunning Corniche Kennedy, admiring the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, or enjoying a wild getaway to the Calanques. However, Marseille’s traffic and its reputation for traffic jams might make visitors hesitate. Don’t worry—the Mediterranean city is easy to navigate by car when you plan your trip with a little strategy. With a bit of anticipation and the right digital tools, your stay can become a smooth and 100% enjoyable experience.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Traffic Headaches

Getting around a big city requires a small strategy, especially during rush hours. To avoid wasting precious time stuck in traffic on Avenue du Prado or around the Vieux-Port, opt for off-peak hours. Arriving early on Friday morning or in the early afternoon will help you steer clear of the office rush. To drive with peace of mind from the very first kilometers, here are some useful habits:

• Use a real-time GPS app: essential for bypassing unexpected roadworks and quickly spotting clear routes; • Identify pedestrian zones: the historic center has several areas closed to vehicles, so it’s best to know this to adjust your route; • Drive smoothly: anticipate lane changes and stay relaxed—the Southern driving rhythm just takes a little getting used to.

Book Your Parking: The Key to a Relaxing and Budget-Friendly Stay

Once you arrive in the city, the biggest challenge is often finding a place to leave your vehicle. Circling narrow streets in search of a free spot quickly ruins the magic of the trip. Plus, parking meter rates in popular areas can heavily impact your vacation budget. To avoid disappointments and keep costs under control, booking in advance is your best ally. Using intuitive platforms like Parclick, you can quickly compare rates for covered and monitored garages in the city. This lets you reserve a parking spot in Marseille at the best price, ideally located just steps from your hotel or the neighborhood you want to explore. You’ll secure a guaranteed spot before even hitting the road, with no surprises upon arrival.

Combine Car and Soft Mobility to Explore the Historic Heart The best way to soak up the unique atmosphere of Marseille is to mix transportation modes. Once your car is parked in a secure spot for the weekend, let yourself wander through the charming streets of the city. Iconic neighborhoods like Le Panier, Cours Julien, or the Vieux-Port are infinitely more enjoyable on foot. To reach the Mucem or cross the harbor in peace, the public transport network and maritime shuttles add a delightful, picturesque touch. You’ll save on fuel, avoid the hassle of finding parking in the city center, and fully enjoy the Mediterranean landscape. Hitting the road to discover Marseille is a great way to travel independently. By combining a well-thought-out itinerary, handy digital tools, and reserved parking, your Marseille getaway will go off without a hitch. All that’s left is to pack your bags and enjoy the sunshine.

Looking for a travel destination close to home that’s refreshing and combines sea and mountains? The beauty of Corsica awaits you after a short flight with Air Corsica. You can relax in the morning on Palombaggia Beach, with its crystal-clear waters, and explore the Aiguilles de Bavella in the afternoon, accessible via various hiking trails.

Numerous flights to and from Corsica Whether you're looking for a flight ticket to Ajaccio to mainland France, Belgium, Italy, Germany, Austria, or other European countries, visit Air Corsica’s website. This airline, a specialist in air transport to and from Corsica, offers year-round and seasonal connections from and to four major cities on the island: Ajaccio (southwest), Bastia (north), Calvi (northwest), and Figari (south).

For example, you can book an Ajaccio-Brussels Charleroi flight or a flight to Corsica from the mainland, such as Ajaccio-Lyon.

Packages that include vehicle and hotel reservations Air Corsica’s "Drive + Auto" option lets you book your rental car at the same time as your flight ticket. Once you’ve paid for your Ajaccio-Nice flight, for instance, just contact the customer service team—available 7 days a week—to add the "Drive + Auto" service, available on the island and the mainland through partnerships with Hertz Corsica and Europcar France.

If you’d like to explore Corsica by motorcycle or scooter, Air Corsica has partnered with envie2rouler. You’ll get preferential rates with the "Drive + Moto" service.

With Air Corsica, you can also choose your hotel when booking your flight. On the Corsican airline’s website, you can view accommodations offered by Air Corsica’s partner, the world’s leading hotel booking platform, Booking.com.

Free services and Air Corsica’s unique features Several routes operated by Air Corsica are part of its public service mission, connecting Corsica to mainland France. The flights in question are those between Ajaccio, Bastia, Figari, Calvi, and Nice, Marseille, or Paris-Orly. On these routes, complimentary drinks (hot and cold) and snacks are offered. Enjoy some *canistrelli*, small Corsican biscuits, while you’re at it.

Since January 2024, as part of Air Corsica’s public service activities, a special fare for Corsican residents has been introduced. There’s also a dedicated fare for students living in Corsica.

Starting in September 2026, Air Corsica will expand its international network through code-sharing agreements with airlines French Bee and Air Caraïbes. This means passengers traveling from Corsica to France, particularly on an Ajaccio-Orly flight, can book a single journey that takes them from the *Île de Beauté* all the way to the United States.

The Desert of Agriates, the citadels of Calvi and Porto-Vecchio, Mont Gozzi, the cliffs of Bonifacio... there are so many natural landscapes and historical sites to see in Corsica that you’ll quickly want to go—and return.

Hello,

AI, social media, YouTube, etc... In an era where information is easily accessible with just one click, we’d love to hear more about your travel experiences and how we can improve Voyage Forum for you.

A trip often gets complicated because of small details: a passport about to expire, a low bank limit, or documents that aren’t accessible offline. A checklist a few days before departure helps eliminate most avoidable risks.

1. Check passport, visa, and entry requirements Passport validity requirements vary by destination, as do visa or electronic authorization rules. Service-Public.fr recommends planning ahead for ID renewals. Before booking anything non-refundable, verify the country’s requirements and those of any layovers.

2. Consult official destination information France Diplomatie’s Travel Advice provides country-by-country security information, entry conditions, health recommendations, and recent alerts. Checking before departure—and again closer to the trip—helps avoid outdated information.

3. Register for Fil d’Ariane for short stays For tourist or business trips under six months, Fil d’Ariane lets you receive security alerts in case of major events in your destination country. The service is free. It doesn’t replace insurance or geolocation services but is a simple way to stay reachable during a crisis.

4. Plan multiple payment methods A blocked or lost card can quickly strand a traveler. Two separate payment methods, a small cash reserve, and verified withdrawal limits reduce this risk. Also, save emergency contact numbers before departure.

5. Know how to activate your medical coverage Before leaving, travelers should identify coverage suited to their trip and understand how to use it: who to contact, which documents to keep, which expenses require approval, and how to request reimbursement. This practical info is often more useful when a problem arises than just a list of limits.

6. Keep documents in duplicate Passports, tickets, certificates, prescriptions, and reservations should be stored as secure digital copies—and mostly offline. Avoid keeping all originals and copies in the same place.

7. Download essentials before takeoff Offline maps, tickets, your first accommodation address, booking confirmations, and emergency contacts can all be downloaded before departure. This habit is still useful even with an international plan—a dead battery, no signal, or a finicky local connection can make a document inaccessible at the worst time.

A short checklist for peace of mind The goal isn’t to plan everything but to secure the things that are hard to fix once abroad. Documents, official info, payments, medical coverage, and offline access form a simple foundation. The rest of the trip can stay unpredictable—in the best way.

Verified sources: France Diplomatie – Travel Advice | France Diplomatie – Fil d’Ariane | Service-Public.fr – Travel Documents

Booking a flight and accommodation is often the first step in planning a trip abroad. However, thorough preparation isn’t just about these reservations. Administrative formalities, health, safety, and anticipating the unexpected are all aspects worth considering before departure to minimize hassles and fully enjoy your stay.

Researching entry requirements for the country Before any trip abroad, it’s essential to check the entry conditions for the destination. Passport validity, visa requirements, potential health regulations, and permitted length of stay can vary from one country to another. In some places, an international driver’s permit may also be required.

It’s best to handle these administrative formalities as early as possible, as some documents or authorizations may take several weeks or even months to process. Doing these checks ahead of time helps avoid last-minute surprises and lets you approach your trip with greater peace of mind.

Planning for health considerations before traveling Preparing for an international trip also means thinking about health. Depending on the destination, certain vaccinations may be recommended or mandatory. It’s also a good idea to pack your usual medications, assemble a travel first-aid kit, and research the quality of local medical facilities.

Medical costs can add up quickly in some countries, so it’s useful to assess your travel insurance needs and verify your coverage for medical expenses during the trip to ensure you have protection tailored to your stay.

Preparing for the unexpected Taking out travel insurance is one of the recommended steps before departure. Even with careful planning, unexpected events can disrupt a trip: health issues, hospitalization, lost luggage, or trip cancellations. Before purchasing, it’s important to compare travel insurance policies carefully: the coverage offered, reimbursement limits, exclusions, and assistance services. A good travel insurance policy (also called international travel insurance or overseas travel insurance) will cover various types of unforeseen events based on the traveler’s needs.

Thinking about the little details that make travel easier Other simple precautions can also contribute to a successful trip: • Informing your bank of your travel plans; • Bringing multiple payment methods; • Keeping digital copies of important documents; • Saving emergency contacts; • Checking your mobile plan’s international usage. These small checks, combined with the right travel insurance, often help you travel with greater peace of mind.

Conclusion A trip abroad isn’t just about booking transportation and accommodation. Anticipating administrative formalities, health considerations, and potential unexpected events well before departure is a key part of planning. Taking the time to assess your travel insurance needs is part of this preparation and helps you fully enjoy your trip, no matter the destination.

Luko by Allianz Direct is the next-generation online insurance: 100% digital, fast, and transparent. A subsidiary of Europe’s leading insurer, Luko by Allianz Direct simplifies every step—from signing up to claims—to offer straightforward, clear travel insurance without the jargon. Luko by Allianz Direct provides international travel insurance with comprehensive coverage, including repatriation and medical expenses for over 150 countries.

Africa has been calling me, so a year ago, with our usual travel companions, we decided to return to the continent we love so much. Where to go? Uganda quickly caught our attention—wildlife we’re used to, plus gorillas and the shoebill we missed in Zambia. We got in touch with Paul, who’s been mentioned several times on the forum in September, booked our flight tickets, secured the gorilla permits, and by early October, the most important parts were done.

I love staying a long time in the places I visit, giving myself time to discover the spots and meet locals. So no island-hopping this time—just the south. But when I say "just," it’s not limiting at all, since this island is so rich in landscapes, little encounters, and magical moments.

No wild adventures, no risks, no sleeping under the stars, no self-drive, no venturing off the beaten path, no incidents, and not even any delays in the pre-planned itinerary...

But don’t think we’re disappointed! The whole family (there were six of us) came home with big smiles and memories of some really great moments spent together.

Hello and welcome aboard this new travel journal! We’re heading to Ireland together—a country I’ve wanted to visit for a very, very long time.